Bull Soc Pathol Exot Filiales, 1987, 80(1), 105 - 11 {Method of biological control of Triatominae, vectors of Chagas disease, using entomopathogenic Hyphomycetes . Preliminary study}; Romana CA et al.; Bioassays determined the pathogenic activity of 14 strains of 5 entomopathogenic hyphomycetous species (Fungi imperfecti), Beauveria bassiana, Beauveria brongniartii, Metarhizium anisopliae, Nomuraea rileyi and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus to Rhodnius prolixus . Treatments consisted of direct spraying with conidial titrated suspensions on first instar larvae . When tested at 3 X 10(5) conidia/cm2, only 2 strains, B . bassiana n . 297 and B . bassiana n . 326 killed 100% of larvae at 10 days post-exposure . In the same time their LD50 and their LD90 did not differ significantly . After 3 weeks, the mortality caused by either dose of spores of B . bassiana n . 297 was very high . In contrast, in the case of B . bassiana n . 326 mortality due to reduced doses remained at low rates . This laboratory study demonstrated that the isolate, B . bassiana n . 297 might have potential as microbial control agent against the assassin bugs. C R Acad Sci III, 1987, 304(10), 265 - 8 {Effect of the nature of carbohydrates in pig diets on the intestinal absorption of volatile fatty acids}; Giusi A et al.; The appearance of nutrients (amino nitrogen and reducing sugars) and microbial metabolites (volatile fatty acids, VFA) was measured quantitatively in five pigs . After ingestion of a semi-synthetic diet (RFL) containing 22% lucerne meal (6% crude fibre), the absorption of reducing sugars (RS) in the small intestine was high (97.8%) and that of VFA low (880 +/- mmoles/24 hrs.) . Ingestion of a semi-synthetic diet (RLa) containing 22% lactose and 6% purified cellulose led to lower absorption of RS (85.2%) and a higher absorption of VFA (1,180 +/- mmoles/24 hrs). Arch Surg, 1987 Jan, 122(1), 74 - 6 Comparison of quantitative microbiology and histopathology in divided burn-wound biopsy specimens; McManus AT et al.; We examined the association between quantitative microbiologic results and histopathologic findings in divided biopsy specimens from 200 burned patients . Microbiologic counts were determined as log10 colony-forming units per gram of disrupted tissue . Histopathologic results were scored on a scale of 1 to 6, values of 4 or greater indicating microbial invasion of viable tissue . Agreement of 96.1% was found between negative cultures, arbitrarily identified as those with fewer than 5 logs/g, and histologic absence of invasive infection . In sharp contrast, however, histologic invasion occurred in only 36% of specimens with positive cultures . Though low tissue counts are essentially synonymous with negative histologic findings, quantitative microbiology is not a diagnostic substitute for histologic examination, since high tissue counts quite commonly do not indicate invasion . The principal value of quantitative burn-wound biopsies is the demonstration of predominant burn-wound flora. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1987, 496, 264 - 70 Neuropeptides modulating macrophage function; Peck R; The immune system and the neuroendocrine system affect each other via molecules and receptors shared by both systems . Neuroendocrine hormones may act either positively or negatively in regulating the activities of a key cell of the immune system, the macrophage . For example, adenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), somatostatin, and substance P are all capable of increasing the cytotoxicity of macrophages against tumor cells . However, ACTH and somatostatin, but not substance P, can also block the tumoricidal activity of macrophages induced by recombinant gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), a non-neuroendocrine immunomodulating hormone . In contrast, substance P increased tumoricidal activity, both independent of IFN-gamma and in addition to IFN-gamma . Neurotensin, alpha-endorphin, beta-endorphin, met-enkephalin, vasopressin, and substance K did not affect tumoricidal function, either alone or in combination with IFN-gamma . Substance P, but not the other neuropeptides, increased substantially the proportion of macrophages able to secrete superoxide ions, suggesting a possible influence on macrophage capacity to deal with microbial infection . Such positive and negative modulation of macrophage effector functions could contribute to the influence of cognitive stimuli in infection and neoplasia. J Wildl Dis, 1987 Jan, 23(1), 77 - 85 Serologic survey for selected microbial pathogens of wolves in Alaska, 1975-1982; Zarnke RL et al.; Serum samples were collected from 116 wolves which were captured in southcentral Alaska during 1975 through 1982 . Antibodies to the following infectious disease agents were found: infectious canine hepatitis virus-72 of 87 (81%), canine parvovirus type 2-0 of 55 (0%) through 1979 and 10 of 32 (31%) after 1979, Francisella tularensis-16 of 67 (25%), canine distemper virus-10 of 83 (12%), Coxiella burnetti-5 of 95 (5%), rabies virus-1 of 88 (1%), Brucella spp.-1 of 67 (1%), Leptospira interrogans-1 of 82 (1%) . Apparently rabies, brucellosis, and leptospirosis were rare and had little effect on the wolf population . Conversely, the other five infections were comparatively common and may have had a negative impact on the health of specific individual wolves, but did not appear to influence the health of the population. Am J Surg Pathol, 1987, 11 Suppl 1, 16 - 24 Surgical pathology of the infected gut; Abrams GD; In the normal digestive tract, interaction of the mucosa with a large and varied microbial flora is inevitable . In fact, the "normal" state of the digestive tract reflects the impact of the resident flora to a significant degree . The pathogenesis of various infectious conditions encountered by the surgical pathologist in the gut is understood more readily when the gastrointestinal tract is viewed as a complex ecosystem . Significant disease may result from perturbation of the normal flora, as well as from exogenous infection, and susceptibility of the host may vary with disturbances of the digestive ecosystem . An ecologic perspective is essential in the consideration not only of the "infected" gut, but of conditions as diverse as ischemia or even carcinogenesis in the gastrointestinal mucosa. Experientia Suppl, 1987, 51, 297 - 301 Bioaerosols and office building ventilation systems; Pitkanen E et al.; Becterial and fungal spore samples were collected from twelve office building ventilation systems . Measurements were done both with and without humidification . Ventilation or humidification systems were not found to act as bioaerosol sources in any case . No difference was observed between bioaerosol counts in offices with and without humidification . The microbial levels decreased in all ventilation systems. Acta Biochim Pol, 1987, 34(4), 451 - 9 Two molecular forms of penicillin amidase synthesized by Escherichia coli; Szewczuk A et al.; The Swatek's method was further simplified for the assay of penicillin amidase activity . The absorbance of colour obtained during determination of 6-aminopenicillanic acid was dependent on concentration of 4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde and on temperature . Antiodies induced in rabbits with one molecular form of penicillin amidase from E . coli PCM 271 (PA-1 or PA-2) did not cross-react with the other amidase form . No differences in substrate specificity on inactivation with SDS and in alkaline medium between the two amidase forms were observed . Concentrated urea inactivated PA-2 irreversibly and PA-1 reversibly . N-Bromosuccinimide inactivated almost completely only PA-1 . Two E . coli PCM 271 strain variants were separated by microbial selection . Each of them produced only one amidase form . Also two amidase forms were found in cells of E . coli ATCC 11105, whereas E . coli ATCC 9636 and ATCC 9637 synthesize only PA-1. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1987, 895(1), 1 - 10 The proton pump ATPase of lysosomes and related organelles of the vacuolar apparatus; Schneider DL; In this review, I hope to achieve the following: (a) to document the presence of a lysosome-like proton pump ATPase in many different membrane systems of animal, plant and microbial origin; (b) to glean from the diverse data common characteristics of these ATPases, especially as regards their similarities and differences with mitochondrial-type F1F0 proton pump ATPases; and (c) to consider questions of synthesis and regulation of a cellular proton pump system with such a widespread distribution. J Anim Sci, 1986 Dec, 63(6), 2013 - 7 Short-term effect of antibiotic feeding on site and extent of digestion of growing and finishing diets in feedlot cattle; Zinn RA; Two metabolism trials were conducted to evaluate the influence of therapeutic antibiotic supplementation on characteristics of digestion of growing and finishing diets . Treatments consisted of a basal diet supplemented with: no antibiotics, 350 mg chlortetracycline and 350 mg sulfamethazine and 700 mg chlortetracycline and 700 mg sulfamethazine . In trial 1, treatment effects were evaluated in a replicated 3 X 3 Latin-square design experiment involving six crossbred steers (462 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum . The basal diet contained (dry matter basis) 16.1% alfalfa hay, 72% steam flaked corn, 3.3% molasses, 5.8% fat, .96% urea, .79% limestone, .50% trace mineral salt, 33 mg/kg lasalocid, 2,200 IU/kg vitamin A and .44% chromic oxide . Dry matter intake was limited to 1.4% of body weight . In trial 2, treatment effects were evaluated in a 3 X 3 Latin-square design experiment involving three steers (399 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum . The basal diet contained (dry matter basis) 10.1% sudangrass hay, 34.9% alfalfa hay, 43.9% steam flaked corn, 6.1% molasses, 4.0% fat, .46% urea, .49% trace mineral salt, 33 mg/kg lasalocid and 2,200 IU/kg vitamin A . Dry matter intake was limited to 1.65% of body weight . Antibiotic supplementation did not influence microbial efficiency, passage of microbial and feed N to the small intestine, or either ruminal or total tract digestion of organic matter and acid detergent fiber in either growing or finishing diets (P greater than .20).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) J Anim Sci, 1986 Dec, 63(6), 2005 - 12 Influence of forage level on response of feedlot steers to salinomycin supplementation; Zinn RA; Two trials were conducted to evaluate the influence of forage level on the response of feedlot cattle to salinomycin . Diets containing 10, 15 and 20% forage were compared with 0 or 11 mg/kg salinomycin . In trial 1, treatment effects on feedlot performance were evaluated using 108 crossbred steers (295 kg) in a crossover design experiment . There were no salinomycin X forage level interactions (P greater than .20) . Weight gain response to salinomycin supplementation averaged 5.4, 5.3 and 6.9%, respectively, for diets containing 10, 15 and 20% forage . Corresponding values for feed conversion response to salinomycin supplementation were 5.1, 3.9 and 5.9% . Averaged across forage level, salinomycin supplementation improved rate of weight gain and feed conversion by 5.9 and 5.2%, respectively (P less than .01) . In trial 2, treatment effects on characteristics of ruminal and total tract digestion were evaluated in a 6 X 6 Latin-square design trial involving six crossbred steers (191 kg) with cannulae in the rumen and proximal duodenum . There were no interactions between salinomycin supplementation and forage level on characteristics of ruminal digestion (P greater than .20) . Salinomycin supplementation did not influence synthesis of microbial N, ruminal digestion of organic matter, acid detergent fiber and starch, or molar proportions of acetate, propionate and butyrate (P greater than .20) . Salinomycin supplementation increased passage of non-ammonia N to the small intestine (5.4%, P less than .10) and increased ruminal escape of feed N (24%, P less than .01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) J Anim Sci, 1986 Dec, 63(6), 1996 - 2004 Effect of salinomycin supplementation on characteristics of digestion and feedlot performance of cattle; Zinn RA; One hundred fifty large-frame British-cross calves, 75 heifers and 75 steers averaging 220 kg, were used in a 187-d growing-finishing trial to study the influence of dietary salinomycin levels of 0, 5.5, 11, 16.5 and 22 mg/kg on rate and efficiency of gain . The basal diet to which the ionophore was added was composed largely to steam processed grains, and contained 3% supplemental fat . Performance responses to salinomycin supplementation were similar for steers and heifers . Rate of gain was not influenced (P greater than .20); however, feed conversion was improved by an average of 5% at the 11- to 22-mg/kg levels of salinomycin supplementation (P less than .05) . Although not necessarily mutually exclusive, this improvement in feed conversion could be accounted for as either a 5% increase in the net energy value of the diet (P less than .05) or a 10% reduction in maintenance requirement (P less than .10) . Four steer calves (234 kg) with cannulae in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a 4 X 4 Latin-square design trial to determine the influence of salinomycin supplementation on characteristics of digestion . Four levels of supplementation (0, 55, 11 and 16.5 mg/kg) were evaluated using the same basal diet as in the performance trial . Total tract digestion of organic matter, acid detergent fiber, starch and protein was not significantly altered by salinomycin supplementation . However, ruminal digestion of organic matter was reduced 6.2% (P less than .05) . Neither ruminal degradation of feed protein nor net microbial synthesis was significantly altered.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) J Anim Sci, 1986 Dec, 63(6), 1990 - 5 Changes in ruminal concentrations of microbial ammonia and amino acids due to monensin and time; Rodriguez SL et al.; The effect of monensin (33 mg/kg) and no monensin on distribution of ammonia and free amino acids in fluid and particulate phases of ruminal contents was studied . Two Jersey cows and two Angus-Hereford steers, weighing approximately 350 kg and each containing a ruminal cannula were meal fed a 65% concentrate diet for two periods . Feed was available for 30 min; any feed not eaten was removed after this time . Whole ruminal contents were sampled before feeding, immediately after feed removal and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h after feed removal . A crossover design with split-plot in time was used with four observations per time point per treatment . Extracellular (E) ammonia and amino acids were determined on high speed supernatants of strained ruminal fluid . Total (T) ammonia and amino acids were obtained by lysing microbial cells with 1% cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and one freeze treatment before centrifugation . Intracellular (I) amino acids and ammonia were determined as T minus E . Squeezed particles were suspended in .1 N HCl containing 1% CTAB . Total and E ammonia were higher throughout the study for no monensin vs monensin (P less than .05) . Intracellular ammonia was low (.03 to 1 mM) and did not change (P greater than .10) across time for either dietary treatment . Intracellular amino acids ranged from 1.2 to 4.5 mM and were higher (P less than .05) than E amino acids (.9 to 2.2 mM) for both diets immediately after feeding . Monensin did not significantly lower (P greater than .10) T amino acids compared with no monensin throughout sampling (2.6 and 3.1 mM, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) J Helminthol, 1986 Dec, 60(4), 307 - 12 Physiological responses of rats to primary infection with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis; Ovington KS; The physiological responses of well-nourished rats to primary infection with the intestinal nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis were examined . Infected rats fed ad libitum were compared with uninfected control rats fed ad lib . and with uninfected rats which were pair-fed to the infected rats . Following infection with N . brasiliensis rat food intake was reduced from day 2 post infection (pi) and there were two periods of minimal food intake (days 2 to 3 and 8 to 9 pi) . The water intake of infected rats was only reduced on days 2, 3 and 9 pi and not to the same extent as food intake . Muscle catabolism in infected rats was more severe than could be explained on the basis of their food intake reduction . The rectal temperature and rate of oxygen consumption per g body-weight of rats was not significantly altered by the infection . Host responses to N . brasiliensis are compared with those seen in microbial infections and some of them are found to be considerably different. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1986 Dec, 52(6), 1331 - 9 Effect of phenolic monomers on ruminal bacteria; Borneman WS et al.; Ruminal bacteria were subjected to a series of phenolic compounds in various concentrations to acquire fundamental information on the influence on growth and the potential limits to forage utilization by phenolic monomers . Ruminococcus albus 7, Ruminococcus flavefaciens FD-1, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens 49, and Lachnospira multiparus D-32 were tested against 1, 5, and 10 mM concentrations of sinapic acid, syringaldehyde, syringic acid, ferulic acid, vanillin, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and hydrocinnamic acid . Responses were variable and dependent on the phenolic compound and microbial species . Compounds especially toxic (i.e., resulting in poor growth, effect on several species, dose-related response) were p-coumaric acid and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and adaptation to the toxins did not occur after three 24-h periods . Syringic, p-hydroxybenzoic, and hydrocinnamic acids stimulated growth of all four species and also stimulated filter paper degradation by R . flavefaciens . None of the stimulatory compounds supported microbial growth in the absence of carbohydrates . In vitro dry matter digestibility of cellulose (Solka-Floc) was not stimulated by any of the phenolic compounds (10 mM), but the cinnamic acids and benzoic aldehydes (10 mM) reduced (P less than 0.05) digestion by the mixed population in ruminal fluid . Growth of R . flavefaciens in the presence of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (10 mM) or p-coumaric acid (5 mM) resulted in recognizable alterations in cell ultrastructure . Both phenolics caused a reduction in cell size (P less than 0.05), and p-coumaric acid caused a reduction in capsular size (P less than 0.05) and produced occasional pleomorphic cells. Cancer Res, 1986 Dec, 46(12 Pt 1), 6364 - 8 Culture of squamous head and neck cancer on 3T3 fibroblasts following isokinetic velocity sedimentation; Cobleigh MA et al.; Growth in culture of squamous head and neck cancer is hampered by microbial contamination, low plating efficiency, and cellular heterogeneity within tumors . Furthermore, clumps of cells must be removed if plating efficiency is to be accurately determined . Isokinetic velocity sedimentation was applied to 44 primary tumor specimens in an effort to minimize these problems . Seven fractions were evaluated for cell number, clump number, cell viability, clonogenic growth, plating efficiency, and microbial overgrowth . Unseparated specimens were simultaneously cultured . Microbial growth was significantly associated with the highest gradient fraction . Clumps were significantly associated with the lowest gradient fraction . Colony formation was significantly associated with middle gradient isokinetic velocity sedimentation, although seven specimens grew only when fractionated, suggesting the possibility of inhibitor cells within the tumor specimen. An Acad Bras Cienc, 1986 Dec, 58(4), 561 - 8 {Degradation of the insecticide parathion in soil}; Hirata R et al.; Degradation of the insecticide Parathion in four types of soil from the Northeast of Brazil has been studied using radiometric techniques . In all the soil samples, sterilized or not, metabolites were detected with Rf values of 0.00 and 0.17 respectively--Silica Gel 60 F254 tlc plates (Merck); solvent system: hexane-acetone (4:1, v/v)-- . However, 14CO2 was formed only with the non-sterilized soils and this was independent of the use or not of organic fertilizer . These results suggest that the two metabolites, mentioned above, are formed by a predominantly non-biological pathway, where as the formation of carbon dioxide requires the participation of the microbial flora of the soil . Analysis of the interaction of 14C-Parathion with soils shows that the extent of degradation of this insecticide is modified by adsorption on the soil particles. Eur J Epidemiol, 1986 Dec, 2(4), 243 - 51 Hyalohyphomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis: two global disease entities of public health importance; Ajello L; Two relatively new opportunistic diseases--hyalohyphomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis--are the byproduct, in most cases, of the progress being made in combating microbial and non-microbial diseases . Immunologically impaired hosts have become vulnerable to infection by fungi that were long considered to be innocuous . The currently known etiologic agents of these two diseases are listed and pertinent literature references are cited . The basic histologic differences between phaeohyphomycosis and chromoblastomycosis was emphasized and illustrated. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1986 Dec, 52(6), 1433 - 5 Chlorpromazine as permeabilizer and reagent for detection of microbial peroxidase and peroxidaselike activities; Galeazzi L et al.; Chlorpromazine was used to perform a test for the detection of microbial peroxidase activities . The compound acts as both a cell permeabilizer and a reagent in the procedure developed which allows the detection of peroxidase and peroxidase like reactions both semiquantitatively in whole cell determinations and quantitatively in cell-free supernatants. Am J Infect Control, 1986 Dec, 14(6), 250 - 6 Microbial growth in clinically used enteral delivery systems; Crocker KS et al.; Potential contamination of enteral formulas has led to the development of policies limiting formula hangtimes . However, enteral administration bags can easily become contaminated during formula refilling . We prospectively studied enteral formula contamination when the hangtime of a prefilled 1000 ml pouch was compared with the standard 4-hour hangtime of a refilled enteral administration bag . Samples of formula collected from different locations along the enteral delivery system were cultured during 57 days of enteral hyperalimentation in 19 patients . The overall enteral formula contamination rate was 61%, where the greatest microbial growth occurred in reconstituted enteral formulas . The presence of microbial growth did not differ between canned formulas administered according to a 4-hour hangtime and the prefilled pouch . Greatest growth in all cases was at the distal tubing hub, where contamination during system manipulation or from the patient probably occurred . Use of prefilled enteral administration bags may delay formula contamination in the administration reservoir . A change in equipment design that would decrease the need to manipulate feeding sets or feeding tube connections should be further investigated. Wien Klin Wochenschr, 1986 Nov 21, 98(22), 754 - 8 {Etiology and pathogenesis of Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis}; Knoflach P; The aetiology and pathogenesis of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis have not yet been clarified . None of the many investigations on the involvement of genetic, microbial, psychological, immunological and environmental factors have been able to identify a single aetiological agent . Nevertheless, all of these factors could play a role in a multifactorial model of the aetiology and pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Biochemistry, 1986 Nov 4, 25(22), 7186 - 92 Bacterial organomercurial lyase: overproduction, isolation, and characterization; Begley TP et al.; Organomercurial lyase mediates the first of two steps in the microbial detoxification of organomercurial salts . This enzyme encoded on the plasmid R831 obtained from Escherichia coli J53-1 has been overproduced to the level of 3% of the soluble cell protein in E . coli by a construction using the T7 promoter . The enzyme has been purified to homogeneity in quantity in three steps . It is a monomer of Mr 22,400 with no detectable cofactors or metal ions . It catalyzes the protonolysis of the C-Hg bond in a wide range of organomercurial salts (primary, secondary, tertiary, alkyl, vinyl, allyl, and aryl) to the hydrocarbon and mercuric ion with turnover rates in the range of 1-240 min-1. Eur J Biochem, 1986 Nov 3, 160(3), 605 - 13 Characterization of two carnosine-degrading enzymes from rat brain . Partial purification and characterization of a carnosinase and a beta-alanyl-arginine hydrolase; Kunze N et al.; From rat brain extracts, two carnosine-degrading enzymes have been identified and partially purified by ion-exchange chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography on phenyl-Sepharose CL-4B and gel filtration . These enzymes exhibit distinct differences in their chemical characteristics and substrate specificities . One enzyme, designated carnosinase, preferentially hydrolyzes carnosine and exhibits a low Km value (0.02 mM) towards this substrate . Carnosinase also degrades anserine but not homocarnosine or homoanserine . The other carnosine-degrading enzyme hydrolyzes beta Ala-Arg considerably faster than carnosine and, therefore, has been tentatively designated beta Ala-Arg hydrolase . This enzyme exhibits high Km values with carnosine (Km = 25 mM) and beta Ala-Arg (Km = 2 mM) . Homocarnosine and gamma-aminobutyryl-arginine are not degraded by beta Ala-Arg hydrolase . Neither enzyme is inhibited by agents reactive on activated hydroxyl groups, such as diisopropyl fluorophosphate, and also not by a variety of peptidase inhibitors of microbial origin or from other sources . Carnosinase is also not inhibited by bestatin but beta Ala-Arg hydrolase, although not an aminopeptidase, is strongly inhibited by this aminopeptidase inhibitor (IC50 = 50 nM) . While carnosinase is strongly inhibited by thiol-reducing agents such as dithioerythritol and 2-mercaptoethanol, beta Ala-Arg hydrolase is stabilized and activated by these substances . Both enzymes are strongly inhibited by metal-chelating agents . Carnosinase, however, is not dependent on exogeneously added metal ions and is strongly inhibited by Mn2+ as well as by heavy metal ions . In contrast, beta Ala-Arg hydrolase requires Mn2+ ions for full enzymatic activity . Based on these differences, selective incubation conditions could be evaluated in order to determine specifically both enzyme activities in crude tissue extracts . In rat, both enzymes are present in all tissues tested, except skeletal muscles, but considerable differences in their relative distribution among different tissues are also observed. J Toxicol Sci, 1986 Nov, 11(4), 237 - 77 An evaluation of the safety of cefuroxime axetil during six months oral administration to beagle dogs; Spurling NW et al.; The effects of repeated oral administration of cefuroxime axetil were assessed in Beagles . The test material, an ester, is hydrolysed following absorption from the intestine to yield the therapeutically active moiety, cefuroxime, together with acetic acid and acetaldehyde; in this study cefuroxime and unhydrolyzed cefuroxime axetil were detected in the blood . Cefuroxime axetil was administered twice daily during 27 weeks by gavage of aqueous, suspensions, total daily doses were equivalent to 100, 400 or 1600 mg cefuroxime/kg/day . Apart from three cases of intercurrent illness, unrelated to treatment, the dogs remained in good health . Effects observed in the 1600 mg/kg group included vomiting and slight suppression of body weight gain . Minor variations in haematological measurements included rather low haemoglobin levels, packed cell volumes and erythrocyte counts . Slightly smaller numbers of neutrophils were thought to reflect reduced demand on normal defensive mechanisms due to continued antibiotic treatment . Prolongation of prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time is attributed to disturbance of the intestinal microbial flora and reduced synthesis of vitamin K, on which the dog is highly dependent . Cefuroxime does not have the N-methylthiotetrazole side chain thought to be responsible for inhibition by other cephalosporins of the vitamin K-dependent step in the synthesis of clotting factors . Variations in plasma chemistry included rather low levels of plasma protein . Electrophoresis showed this to be a generalised reduction; only gamma globulins were proportionally decreased and this finding, like the low neutrophil counts, is attributed to the protective action of the antibiotic . Minor metabolic adjustments to the compound are reflected in plasma levels of cholesterol and triglycerides . This spectrum of findings was seen only to a very limited extent in the 400 mg/kg group; the 100 mg/kg group was, with very few exceptions, unaffected by the treatment . Macroscopic post mortem examination and microscopic examination of tissues revealed no treatment-related features indicative of toxicity . Cefuroxime axetil was thus shown to possess very little toxicity when administered repeatedly in large doses to Beagles . The lowest dose level in this study was ten times the proposed daily clinical dose in man. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1986 Nov, 39(11), 1574 - 7 Microbial conversion of compactin (ML-236B) to ML-236A; Komagata D et al.; Approximately 1,600 fungal strains were tested for ability to convert compactin (ML-236B) to ML-236A and Emericella unguis IFO 8087 was found to be the most active . E . unguis converted ML-236B to ML-236A with a yield of over 90%. J Clin Periodontol, 1986 Nov, 13(10), 982 - 6 Chemotherapy in juvenile periodontitis; Gjermo P; Juvenile periodontitis has been described as a separate entity among the human periodontal diseases . Several forms of the disease based on the number and types of involved teeth as well as the age of the patient have been reported . The present review deals with the "classical" localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) . The etiology of LJP has been explained according to 3 theories: (1) a genetic (hereditary) defect in the host defense mechanism; (2) a specific infection; (3) a combination of 1 and 2 . In all 3 alternatives, bacterial infection is the direct cause of the breakdown of the tissues . This is supported by reports of success following therapy aimed at eliminating the microbial challenge . Arguments favoring the use of chemotherapeutic agents as an adjunct to mechanical debridement, or instead of it, as well as arguments against such use are discussed . The conclusion seems to be dependent on which of the 3 theories of etiology the arguments are related to . If antibiotics are to be used, the choice of drug would depend on the sensitivity of the suspected pathogen(s) . At present tetracycline seems to be the one suggested by most authors, but routine use of antibiotics in the treatment of LJP does not seem necessary and is not recommended. Mutat Res, 1986 Nov, 175(3), 133 - 7 Genotoxic activity of m-nitrobenzaldehyde; Sargent EV et al.; m-Nitrobenzaldehyde (MNB) was evaluated for mutagenic activity using the Ames microbial mutagenicity test and for its ability to induce DNA single-strand breaks in rat hepatocytes as measured by alkaline elution . MNB was tested in S . typhimurium strains TA1535, TA1537, TA1538, TA98, and TA100, both with and without pretreatment with liver microsomes (S9) isolated from rats pretreated with Aroclor 1254 . MNB produced 2-fold or greater increases in revertants in TA1538, both with and without S9, and in TA100 with S9 only . A 2-fold increase in revertants was seen in TA98, but only at the highest dose tested which did not produce inhibition of background growth . MNB caused a greater than 3-fold increase in elution slope, with DNA alkaline elution assay, but only at highly cytotoxic doses and, therefore, is not considered genotoxic in this system . It is concluded that MNB possesses weak genotoxic activity. J Neurol Sci, 1986 Nov, 76(1), 13 - 21 Sex distribution, age of onset and HLA profiles in two types of multiple sclerosis . A role for sex hormones and microbial infections in the development of autoimmunity? Van Lambalgen R, Sanders EA, D'Amaro J. Fifty-four patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis were typed for HLA-A, B, C, DR and DQ antigens . HLA-DQ was not a better disease marker than the previously described HLA-DR and B markers . The patients were subdivided according to the clinical evolution of their disease, age at onset and sex . HLA-DR2 was significantly associated with females having a relapsing-remitting course of the disease and HLA-B8 and B35 were significantly associated with males having a chronic-progressive course of the disease . A role is postulated for defects in the sex hormone balance in females and for microbial infections in males as dominant environmental triggers in the development of autoreactivity. J Dairy Sci, 1986 Nov, 69(11), 2785 - 90 Effect of various conditions on the formation of oligosaccharides in milk treated with beta-galactosidase; Kwak HS et al.; Fresh pasteurized milk was inoculated with beta-galactosidase from two different microbial sources at three levels and analyzed for oligosaccharides by high performance liquid chromatography . Five oligosaccharides were observed in the course of hydrolysis . However, only two of these showed measurable increases in concentration . Rate of oligosaccharide formation during hydrolysis was influenced by source and amount of enzymes, reaction time, and temperature . Maximum concentrations of the two oligosaccharides occurred between .5 and 3 d at 7 degrees C and between 1 and 3 d at 1 degrees C, depending on the level of the enzyme used . The higher level of enzyme formed a higher concentration of oligosaccharides than the low level, except at 37 degrees C . After maximum concentration was reached, the two oligosaccharides decreased following hydrolysis, but rate of decrease was dependent upon time, temperature, and enzyme concentration . Hydrolysis of the oligosaccharide was faster at 7 degrees C and at the higher enzyme concentration . Maximum concentration of oligosaccharides was .374 g/100 g milk but was negligible after 7 d, except when the low level of enzyme was used . The total concentration of the oligosaccharides formed in enzyme-treated milk was insignificant. J Clin Pathol, 1986 Nov, 39(11), 1259 - 63 Novel method for detecting micro-organisms in blood cultures; Sawhney D et al.; A method for detecting the growth of micro-organisms in blood culture by a visual signal is described . The system utilises a single blood culture medium that has been specifically formulated to support growth of aerobic, anaerobic, and microaerophilic micro-organisms . The system is based on the principle that when micro-organisms grow in the medium in a sealed bottle their metabolic products create positive pressure . This positive pressure displaces the infected blood and broth into an upper chamber, which acts as a visual signal of microbial activity . All the test micro-organisms, when inoculated at less than 20 colony forming units into simulated human blood cultures, gave a positive signal. Infect Immun, 1986 Nov, 54(2), 500 - 6 Cloning and expression of the major 47-kilodalton surface immunogen of Treponema pallidum in Escherichia coli; Norgard MV et al.; Monoclonal antibodies directed against the 47-kilodalton (kDa) major outer membrane surface immunogen of virulent Treponema pallidum subsp . pallidum were used to select Escherichia coli recombinant clones expressing the 47-kDa immunogen . The phenotype of the clones was dependent on the presence of recombinant plasmid in the host cell . Southern hybridization revealed that the cloned T . pallidum subsp . pallidum DNA sequence was an accurate representation of the T . pallidum subsp . pallidum genomic DNA arrangement . Purified immunoglobulin G from rabbits experimentally infected with T . pallidum subsp . pallidum and human secondary syphilitic sera specifically reacted with the clones, while normal human serum or immunoglobulin G from normal rabbit serum did not . Results of Southern hybridization indicated that a homologous 47-kDa immunogen gene was absent in at least four species of nonpathogenic treponemes tested, as well as from total rabbit genomic DNA . Rabbit anti-T . phagedenis biotype Reiter (treponemal nonpathogen) antiserum and a monoclonal antibody directed against a common treponemal determinant were unreactive with the clones . Western blotting and radioimmunoprecipitation experiments with specific monoclonal antibodies revealed that the recombinant (E . coli) and native (T . pallidum subsp . pallidum) forms of the antigen had identical electrophoretic mobilities . The availability of recombinant 47-kDa immunogen provides a new opportunity for biochemical analysis of the protein, structure-function studies, examination of its role in microbial pathogenesis, and assessment of its diagnostic and vaccinogenic potentials. JAMA, 1986 Oct 10, 256(14), 1899 - 903 Independent associations of bacterial vaginosis and Chlamydia trachomatis infection with adverse pregnancy outcome; Gravett MG et al.; We prospectively studied the relationship of pregnancy outcome to bacterial vaginosis, an anaerobic vaginal condition, and to other selected genital pathogens among 534 gravid women . Bacterial vaginosis was presumptively diagnosed by gas-liquid chromatographic identification of microbial organic acid metabolites in 102 women (19%), and cervical infection with Chlamydia trachomatis was found in 47 (9%) of the women . Although women with and without bacterial vaginosis had similar demographic and obstetric factors, neonates born to women with bacterial vaginosis had lower mean birth weight than did neonates born to women without bacterial vaginosis (2960 +/- 847 g vs 3184 +/- 758 g) . Bacterial vaginosis was significantly associated with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (odds ratio {OR}, 2.0; 95% confidence interval {Cl}, 1.1 to 3.7), preterm labor (OR, 2.0; Cl, 1.1 to 3.5), and amniotic fluid infection (OR, 2.7; Cl, 1.1 to 6.1), but not with birth weight below 2500 g (OR, 1.5; Cl, 0.8 to 2.0) . Cervical infection with C trachomatis was independently associated with preterm premature rupture of the membranes, preterm labor, and low birth weight (OR, 1.5; Cl, 0.8 to 2.0). J Dairy Sci, 1986 Oct, 69(10), 2734 - 49 Protein supply from undegraded dietary protein; Satter LD; A summary of in vivo estimates of the amount of dietary protein from individual feedstuffs that escapes microbial degradation in the rumen is presented . Values range from approximately 20% for protein in barley, oats, wheat, and alfalfa silage to 65 to 70% for protein in fish meal and animal by-products . In vitro or in situ methods for estimating protein degradation can be used, but at this stage of development, the methodology is more useful in providing a relative ranking of feedstuffs on the basis of protein degradation than in providing absolute estimates of protein degradation . A number of factors influence protein breakdown in the rumen, including extent of crosslinking in the protein (disulfide bonds), retention time in the rumen, protein solubility, and processing and storage effects on protein . It is important to consider the amino acid content of the undegraded dietary protein, particularly lysine and methionine, two amino acids likely to be limiting for milk production . Strategies for using protected proteins in dairy cattle diets are discussed. Health Phys, 1986 Oct, 51(4), 509 - 18 Leaching of 226Ra from U mill tailings by sulfate-reducing bacteria; Landa ER et al.; Relatively insoluble sulfate precipitates appear to be a major host for Ra in sulfuric acid-treated, U mill tailings . The dissolution of such precipitates by natural processes, such as metabolism by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), creates the potential for release of Ra to contacting waters . Significant leaching of Ra by SRB was achieved in the laboratory during the anaerobic incubation (1 to 119 days) of U mill tailings with pure cultures of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans and mixed cultures containing SRB isolated from the tailings, all grown on a lactate medium at room temperature . While the maximum 226Ra concentration reached in a sterile media control was 0.44 Bq/L (12 pCi/L), that in the SRB systems was 61 Bq/L (1640 pCi/L) or about 20% of the total Ra inventory in the original tailings sample . The leaching of Ra in SRB systems was accompanied by a decrease in soluble sulfate concentration, an increase in total sulfide concentration, and an increase in the number of SRB . The observed leaching effect does not appear to be due to the action of microbial chelates or to binding to cell walls . Potential implications of these findings to the management of U mill tailings and other radioactive wastes are discussed. Pediatr Clin North Am, 1986 Oct, 33(5), 1151 - 75 Kawasaki syndrome; Hicks RV et al.; Kawasaki's syndrome is an acute, largely self-limited multisystem vasculitis of childhood with prominent rheumatic complaints, involving both the heart and the joints . Although the etiologic agent has not been discovered, the evidence appears overwhelming that a microbial agent is the responsible trigger for this multisystem disease . Immunologically mediated phenomena appear to be important in the development of the significant complications of KS carditis, coronary vasculitis, and arthritis . Although truly effective therapy is not yet available, there is an exciting possibility that immunologic treatment may have beneficial effect . More effective preventive and therapeutic methods will become available when the elusive agent is discovered. J Steroid Biochem, 1986 Oct, 25(4), 555 - 60 Purification and properties of testicular 3 beta-hydroxy-5-ene-steroid dehydrogenase and 5-ene-4-ene isomerase; Ishii-Ohba H et al.; Through the treatment of rat testicular microsomes with sodium cholate, 3 beta-hydroxy-5-ene-steroid dehydrogenase and 5-ene-4-ene isomerase (abbreviated as the 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and isomerase, respectively) were solubilized, and then purified by DEAE and hydroxylapatite column chromatographies . The findings were as follows: With this purification procedure, the 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity could not be separated from the isomerase . For 3-oxo-4-ene-steroid formation from 3 beta-hydroxy-5-ene-steroids, NAD+ was required as a cofactor . While the 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase required NAD+, the isomerase also required NAD+ or its reduced form, in contrast to the microbial enzyme . On treatment of the purified enzyme with 5'-p-fluorosulfonyl-benzoyladenosine (FSBA), both enzyme activities were markedly reduced . The enzyme, affinity labeled with {adenine-8-14C}FSBA, showed a mol . wt of 46.8 K . During 4-androstenedione production from DHA, 5-androstenedione was detected as an intermediate. Biotechnol Appl Biochem, 1986 Oct, 8(5), 459 - 64 Assay of the glutathione-synthesizing enzymes by high-performance liquid chromatography; Dennda G et al.; We report a new convenient assay of the activity of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (EC 6.3.2.2) and glutathione synthetase (EC 6.3.2.3) in crude microbial extracts as well as in purified enzyme preparations . The assay is based on the quantitative analysis of the reaction products by high-performance liquid chromatography after derivatization of the thiol group with 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) as described by J . Reeve, J . Kuhlenkamp, and N . Kaplowitz {(1980) J . Chromatogr . 194, 424-428} . In addition, the procedure yields information on basal levels of gamma-glutamylcysteine and glutathione in crude microbial extracts . The two enzymes responsible for glutathione biosynthesis can be determined in parallel under the same chromatographic conditions . No prior separation from substrates and by-products is necessary . Product formation is linear with time for at least 30 min between 0.03 and 12 mU for both enzymes . Even in crude extracts 0.2-0.5 nmol of products formed can be detected with certainty . The method was found to be sensitive and highly reproducible. J Interferon Res, 1986 Oct, 6(5), 591 - 602 Benzo{a}pyrene metabolites: effects on viral interferon induction; Hahon N et al.; Benzo{a}pyrene (BaP) metabolites were assessed, with and without enzymatic activation by rat liver S9, for their inhibitory activities on influenza virus induction of interferon-alpha/beta (IFN-alpha/beta) in mammalian (LLC-MK2) cell cultures . Although BaP per se was inactive, metabolized BaP reduced viral IFN induction by approximately 80% . BaP metabolites (phenols, diols, 6-substituted derivatives) exhibited significant inhibitory activity (50% or greater) only when they were activated enzymatically . Although not significant, the diol metabolites without activation mildly reduced IFN induction on the average of 32% . The quinones did not adversely affect the IFN induction process, but three of the seven metabolites tested showed approximately 30% inhibitory activity in the presence of S9 . BaP diol epoxides were direct inhibitors of viral IFN induction while derivatives of these epoxides, tetrols and triols, showed negligible inhibition even with S9 . In general, the reported microbial mutagenicities of BaP metabolites could be correlated with their abilities to inhibit IFN induction . That activation-dependent hydrocarbons can be metabolized by S9 added to mammalian cell cultures resulting in the inhibition of viral IFN induction extends the capability and credibility for assessing suspect mutacarcinogens on this basis. Biochemistry, 1986 Sep 23, 25(19), 5492 - 9 Structure of pseudobactin A214, a siderophore from a bean-deleterious Pseudomonas; Buyer JS et al.; Bean-deleterious Pseudomonas A214 produced the extracellular yellow-green, fluorescent siderophore {microbial iron(III) transport agent} pseudobactin A214 under iron-limiting conditions . Pseudobactin A214 has a molecular formula of C46H64N13O22 and a molecular mass of 1151 g/mol . Pseudobactin A214 contained an N-blocked linear octapeptide with the amino acid sequence Ser-Ala-Gly-Ser-Ala-threo-beta-OH-Asp-L-allo-Thr-N delta-OH-Orn with a yellow-green, fluorescent quinoline derivative attached via an amide bond to the amino terminus . A succinamide group was linked to carbon 3 of the quinoline derivative . Sequencing was accomplished by two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and by Edman degradation of smaller peptides obtained from partial acid hydrolysis . Since pseudobactin A214 was not affected by nonspecific proteolytic enzymes, it might contain D-amino acids . The three bidentate iron-(III)-chelating groups consisted of a 1,2-dihydroxy aromatic group in the quinoline chromophore, an alpha-hydroxy acid group present as beta-hydroxyaspartic acid, and a hydroxamate group derived from N delta-acetyl-N delta-hydroxyornithine . The chemical structure of pseudobactin A214 is remarkably similar to those of pseudobactin and pseudobactin 7SR1, the siderophores of plant growth promoting and plant-deleterious Pseudomonas B10 and Pseudomonas 7SR1, respectively. Pharmazie, 1986 Sep, 41(9), 627 - 30 {Bovine serum albumin conjugates of the new progestagen dienogest, synthesis and immunogenic properties}; Hobe G et al.; In order to develop a radioimmunoassay for the new progestagen dienogest (STS 557, 17 alpha-cyanomethyl-17 beta-hydroxy-estra-4,9-dien-3-one), bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugates of STS 557-3-carboxymethyloxime and of STS 557-11-hemisuccinate were synthesized as antigens for the production of antisera . It was proved that an excess of isobutylchlorocarbonate in the coupling reaction using the "mixed anhydride method" results in an acylation of free NH2-groups in the BSA . By the immunization of rabbits with the STS 557-antigen-antisera of high specificity and affinity to STS 557 were produced . Endogenous steroids show no cross reaction with the STS 557-antisera . Steroids with a 17 alpha-CH2CN-group, being obtained by chemical synthesis or microbial transformation, compete with STS 557 for the binding positions of the antibodies to a different extent. Clin Allergy, 1986 Sep, 16(5), 459 - 67 Significance of IgG antibodies against environmental microbial antigens in a farming population; Katila ML et al.; A group of dairy farmers studied 6 years earlier in a field survey was re-surveyed for respiratory symptoms, occupational capability and the presence of antibodies against environmental micro-organisms . Specific IgG antibodies to Micropolyspora faeni, Thermoactinomyces vulgaris, Aspergillus umbrosus and Aspergillus fumigatus were measured by ELISA from the serum samples obtained in the two surveys . Antibody titres remained constant in 70% of both farmers and controls, but where changes took place, the titres against the actinomycete antigens tended to rise, whereas both increases and decreases were detected equally against the Aspergillus antigens . The titre of specific antibody to any of the four micro-organisms, when measured from a single serum specimen, seemed to be of little diagnostic value . Observed changes however, were more diagnostic, in that a fall in titre, especially against the Aspergillus antigens, was closely associated with a definite decrease in exposure, such as after retirement . Increased titres occurred in farmers with continued exposure, and those against the actinomycetes were associated with the appearance of symptoms in previously symptom-free individuals . In a case of farmer's lung which developed in this population during the follow-up period, significant increases were detectable against T . vulgaris and M . faeni. J Cataract Refract Surg, 1986 Sep, 12(5), 485 - 8 Particulate and microbial contamination of intraocular irrigation solutions; Neumann AC; The risk of anterior chamber microbial or particulate contamination or both during extracapsular cataract extraction has increased because of the need for large volumes of irrigating solution during the procedure . I performed a clinical trial using an in-line microfiltration apparatus fitted with a 0.8 micron filter . After passing 500 ml volume bottles of each of six manufacturers' irrigating solutions through individual filters, a variety of particulate matter was observed to be trapped by the filter . In addition, I had samples of 500 ml bottles from each of seven manufacturers' irrigating solutions analyzed independently . This independent analysis involved the determination of particulate counts by Coulter counter analysis and photographic documentation of the particulate matter found in the samples . All the solutions were found to contain some particulate matter . The quantity found ranged from as few as 20 particles per ml to as many as 2,400 particles per ml . The results of this study support the use of an in-line microfiltration apparatus during planned extracapsular and phacoemulsification cataract surgery. J Am Acad Dermatol, 1986 Sep, 15(3), 559 - 63 Autointoxication revisited; Person JR et al.; The pustular dermatitis associated with small bowel bypass surgery and the cutaneous manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease are well known and generally assumed to be due to the absorption of microbial antigens from the bowel . Monomeric serum IgA is assumed to originate in the gastrointestinal tract, and circulating IgA immune complexes, as seen in dermatitis herpetiformis, should make us suspicious of a gastrointestinal tract source . These circulating immune complexes and perhaps polyclonal increases in serum IgA may be the result of minor perturbations of mucosal permeability or the failure of locally produced dimeric serum IgA to inactivate bacterial or dietary antigens . Such disparate entities as Reiter's syndrome, psoriasis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and ankylosing spondylitis, as well as the pustular eruptions of Behcet's syndrome, pustular psoriasis, and lithium therapy, may share this common pathogenesis. J Comp Pathol, 1986 Sep, 96(5), 551 - 6 The use of three esterase kits to measure plasma cholesterol concentration in the rat and three other species; Evans GO; Three enzymatic methods for the determination of cholesterol and its esters were applied to plasma samples obtained from normocholesterolaemic rats, dogs, rabbits and man . A major difference was observed for rat plasma values, where the results obtained with a microbial esterase for the hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters were much lower than those obtained with mammalian esterases . This difference was greater for rats than for the other three species studied and is probably related to the plasma distribution of lipoproteins in the rat. J Anim Sci, 1986 Sep, 63(3), 868 - 78 Effects of alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatment of wheat straw on site and extent of digestion in sheep; Kerley MS et al.; Two experiments (4 X 4 Latin squares) were conducted, using four multiple-cannulated wethers (mean body weight, 65 kg), to determine effects of treating wheat straw (WS) with alkaline solutions (pH 11.5) of hydrogen peroxide (AHP; .26 g hydrogen peroxide/g WS) on site and extent of nutrient digestion in sheep . Diets contained either 33 to 37% (low WS) or 70 to 72% (high WS) AHP-treated (T) or non-treated (C) WS . Treatment of WS with AHP resulted in increased acid detergent fiber and cellulose concentrations and decreased acid detergent lignin (ADL) concentrations compared with non-treated WS . In Exp . 1, intakes were held constant at approximately 1,044 g dry matter (DM)/d . When fed AHP-treated WS diets, wethers digested more (P less than .05) DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and cellulose in the stomach (54.8, 47.4, 51.6 and 20.0%; 65.6, 68.8, 51.5 and 37.2%; 66.6, 74.2, 45.2 and 40.7% of intake, respectively, for low WS-T, high WS-T, low WS-C and high WS-C diets) and in the total tract (83.0, 74.8, 68.4 and 50.0%; 81.8, 81.0, 53.9 and 42.1%; 85.2, 86.9, 50.2 and 47.6%, respectively, for the low WS-T, high WS-T, low WS-C and high WS-C diets), and had lower (P less than .05) ruminal pH than when fed the non-treated WS diets . In Exp . 2, the same wethers were fed diets similar to those fed in Exp . 1, but at ad libitum intake . Wethers consumed less (P less than .05) feed when fed the high WS-C diet than when fed the other three diets (2,234, 2,526, 2,271 and 1,297 g/d for the low WS-T, high WS-T, low WS-C and high WS-C diets, respectively) . Digestibilities of DM, NDF and cellulose were higher (P less than .05) when sheep were fed the treated WS diets than when fed the non-treated WS diets (82.7, 70.7, 68.4 and 58.0%; 78.6, 72.9, 49.4 and 51.6%; 78.0, 84.0, 53.8 and 37.5%, respectively, for the low WS-T, high WS-T, low WS-C and high WS-C diets) . Fluid and particulate dilution rates in the rumen were higher (P less than .08) when wethers consumed AHP-treated WS diets compared with non-treated WS diets (8.21, 8.56, 6.96 and 6.81%/h; 6.06, 6.73, 4.05 and 3.15%/h, respectively, for the low WS-T, high WS-T, low WS-C and high WS-C diets) . The AHP treatment was successful in overcoming the major barriers to microbial degradation of WS in the gastrointestinal tract of wethers. Br J Nutr, 1986 Sep, 56(2), 455 - 62 Dynamics of large ciliate protozoa in the rumen of cattle fed on diets of freshly cut grass; Leng RA et al.; 1 . The dynamics of large ciliate (holotrich) protozoa (Isotricha and Dasytricha spp.) in the rumen of cattle given cut, fresh ryegrass (Lolium multiflorium Lam) were studied by means of a single intrarumen injection of 14C-labelled protozoa prepared in vitro by adding {Me14C}choline to rumen fluid containing protozoa and incubating at 39 degrees for 2 h . 2 . An indication of the lysis rate of protozoa in the rumen was obtained from the radioactivity apparently lost through the methane pool . 3 . The turnover time of the holotrich protozoa indicates that these protozoa were extensively retained in the rumen and that only a small proportion of those produced in the rumen flowed out in the digesta . This was supported by the estimation of the rate of lysis which was approximately 85% of the turnover rate in the rumen . 4 . The apparent production rate of the larger protozoa indicates that they contribute only about 9% of the predicted net microbial protein synthesis in the rumen. Br J Nutr, 1986 Sep, 56(2), 407 - 19 Role of rumen protozoa in nitrogen digestion in sheep given two isonitrogenous diets; Ushida K et al.; 1 . The effect of protozoa on digestion in the rumen was studied using either defaunated or faunated sheep . 2 . Six wethers, each fitted with rumen and simple duodenal cannulas, were given two isonitrogenous diets containing either lucerne (Medicago sativa) hay (diet L) or sodium hydroxide-treated wheat straw (diet S) . The diets were given in eight equal portions per day at 3-h intervals . The mean intake of dry matter, 53 g/kg body-weight0.75 per d, was similar for the two diets and each diet had a similar digestible organic matter content . Diet L promoted a large protozoal population and was rich in nitrogen sources of low rumen-degradability, while diet S supported a smaller protozoal population and was rich in rumen-degradable N . 3 . Digesta flow at the duodenum was estimated by means of a dual-marker technique using chromium-mordanted lucerne hay and polyethylene glycol as markers . The microbial flow at the duodenum was estimated using diaminopimelic acid (DAPA), nucleic-acid purine bases (PB) and 35S incorporation simultaneously . The different microbial markers were compared in the defaunated sheep . Protozoal N contribution was estimated in faunated sheep . 4 . Defaunated sheep had lower rumen ammonia concentrations and molar proportions of butyric acid than faunated sheep, but they had higher molar proportions of propionic acid . 5 . Rumen organic matter digestion was reduced by defaunation, but this decrease was compensated for by increased intestinal digestion . 6 . There was a net increase of N flow (approximately 10 g/d) between mouth and duodenum in defaunated sheep . This was explained by increases in both microbial and dietary N flows from the rumen compared with faunated sheep . 7 . The influence of protozoa on solid- and liquid-phase retention times in the rumen is discussed, as well as the protozoal contribution to microbial N flow in the duodenum of faunated sheep. Biochem Pharmacol, 1986 Sep 1, 35(17), 2917 - 21 In vitro inhibition of the classical pathway of human complement by a natural microbial product, colistin sulphate; Asghar SS et al.; Colistin sulphate was found to be an inhibitor of the classical pathway of the complement system . The main sites of inhibition were the interaction of EAC14 with C2 and EAC142 with C3 . It also inhibited EAC14 formation from EA and C2-deficient serum, EAC1-7 formation from EAC1-3, C5, C6 and C7 and the interaction of EAC1-7 with C8 and C9, though less efficiently . It did not inhibit formation of C3/C5 convertase of the alternative pathway . The inhibition of the classical pathway was reversible since hemolytic activity was completely restored after dialysis. Arch Latinoam Nutr, 1986 Sep, 36(3), 522 - 35 {Processing and evaluation of fish silage from accompanying fauna of shrimps}; Cordova E et al.; Fish silage for animal feed was produced from a mixture of several fish species belonging to the shrimp by catch . All of them were ground and mixed with formic and sulfuric acids, 3.5% w/w at 1:2; 1:3 and 1:4, respectively, and stored at room temperature for 15 days, to complete liquefaction . The pH, exuded liquid, consistency, soluble nitrogen, total volatile bases, trimethylamine, lipid oxidation by thiobarbituric acid test and microbial count were measured during the 60 days of the storage period . Fish silage was dried and used for biological tests in chicken fed a diet with 6% of silage as a substitute of fish meal . Results of proximal analysis, amino acid profile and mineral content, as well as of the biological test with the dried product, indicated the feasibility of using fish silage as a substitute of traditional fish meal for the chicks included in the trial . This fact, coupled to its simple processing technology, make fish silage adequate for utilization as animal feed. Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1986 Sep, 102(9), 324 - 7 {Effect of microbial sensitization and delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction on interleukin-1 production and the generation of monocyte and natural killer cytotoxicity}; Gordienko SM; Injection of tuberculin PPD or BCG vaccine to tuberculin-positive (Tb+) healthy persons resulted in delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction, and obvious monocyte and large granular lymphocyte (LGL) cytotoxicity activation, while the injection of the preparations to tuberculin-negative (Tb-) donors failed to influence the effector activity . Monocytes and LGL produced higher levels of interleukin-I (IL-I) in Tb+ than in Tb- persons . Blockade of Ia-structures with monoclonal antibodies or UV-radiation eliminated the stimulating effect of DTH reaction on monocyte and LGL cytotoxicity and IL-I production . The interaction with monocytes, possessing unaffected Ia-structures, is necessary for LGL activation in Tb+ persons treated with PPD. Am J Hematol, 1986 Sep, 23(1), 1 - 7 Studies of the effects of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole on human granulopoiesis; Bjornson BH et al.; Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim r) is a widely used antibiotic combination effective against a broad spectrum of microbial organisms . There are reports of neutropenia developing during even brief periods of oral therapy, particularly in individuals with either folate deficiency or increased folate requirements . We have investigated the effects of these drugs on circulating granulocyte precursors (CFU-C) from normal donors and the mechanism of inhibition on granulopoiesis using an in vitro CFU-C assay . In 12 healthy adults, the number of circulating granulocytes and granulocyte progenitors was not significantly altered by a 5-day course of therapy . However, in experiments that simulated the in vivo condition of folate deficiency (folate-free cultures were prepared with cells harvested from normal donors), trimethoprim (8 micrograms/ml) resulted in a 47% decrease in the total number of colonies; this inhibitory effect was prevented when 100 ng of folinic acid was also added to the culture . Sulfamethoxazole (40 micrograms/ml) had no discernible effect on granulopoiesis . The combination of 8 micrograms/ml of trimethoprim and 40 micrograms/ml of sulfamethoxazole resulted in a 52% decrease in the number of colonies generated and this inhibition was again prevented by folinic acid . Our results suggest that the neutropenia occasionally observed in patients treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is due to the inhibitory effects on granulopoiesis by trimethoprim, namely its antifolate action, which is reversed by folinic acid . Based on these studies, in patients with either folate deficiency or increased folate requirements, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole should be used with caution. J Clin Periodontol, 1986 Sep, 13(8), 768 - 73 Failure of a microbial assay to reliably predict disease recurrence in a treated periodontitis population receiving regularly scheduled prophylaxes; Listgarten MA et al.; The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of differential dark-field microscopy (DDFM) of subgingival bacteria to correctly predict the recurrence of periodontitis in treated patients on 2 different recall schemes . The results are based on data from 51 patients on 3-month recalls (C group) and 39 patients (T group) who received periodontal prophylaxes according to a customized regimen based on DDFM of subgingival bacterial morphotypes . No significant differences were detected in the rate of recurrence of periodontitis between the 2 groups, although the incidence of disease recurrence tended to be greater in the C group . The proportions of spirochetes and motile rods observed at base line, or the average of the values observed at base line, 3 months and 6 months, were compared between subjects with and without disease recurrences . Significantly elevated proportions of these bacterial morphotypes were observed in patients of the T group who demonstrated evidence of disease recurrence during the first year as compared to subjects without disease recurrence . No significant differences could be detected in bacterial morphotypes between patients resistant to disease recurrence and those who developed recurrences at some time during the 3-year period covered by this report . The ability of DDFM of subgingival bacterial morphotypes to predict future disease occurrence was tested for 1- and 3-year periods, in both the C and T groups . The test appears to be reliable only for subjects on the experimental maintenance regimen (group T) and for prediction of disease recurrence for the initial 1-year period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Int Dent J, 1986 Sep, 36(3), 146 - 52 Periodontal health and periodontal disease in young people: global epidemiology; Cutress TW; A review of epidemiological surveys of the periodontal conditions of young people has shown that chronic marginal gingivitis associated primarily with plaque, is global, very common and even endemic in some population groups . Data on the prevalence of transient gingival conditions associated with tooth eruption, puberty and systemic factors are lacking and therefore their contribution to the prevalence of periodontal disease is unknown . Reports of periodontitis in young people are relatively uncommon except in a few populations where it appears as an adult-type of chronic marginal periodontitis . Juvenile periodontitis and other more destructive forms of periodontitis are not common . However, problems in epidemiological methodology and clinical differential diagnosis make comparative evaluation of survey data difficult and subjective . Two epidemiological indices, the Periodontal Index and the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) have been used for many surveys in varied population groups . They provide data which agree on the ubiquity of gingivitis, whether identified visually or by bleeding-on-probing, and the low frequency of periodontitis . Data from CPITN surveys reveal a higher prevalence of calculus (sub-gingival) associated with gingivitis in young people than previously reported . All the epidemiological data reviewed point to plaque as the primary aetiological agent in gingivitis . There is little evidence of the involvement of other factors except that host resistance/susceptibility in this age group may modify the microbial effect. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1986 Sep, 52(3), 515 - 9 Conversion of zearalenone to zearalenone glycoside by Rhizopus sp; Kamimura H; The microbial conversion of zearalenone by various species of fungi was studied . Among them, Rhizopus sp . was the sole fungus which produced a new metabolite from zearalenone in addition to alpha- and beta-zearalenol . The structure of the new metabolite was determined to be zearalenone 4-beta-D-glucopyranoside on the basis of mass, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies . The results suggest that the mycelium of Rhizopus sp . catalyzes the glycosidation at the C-4 position of zearalenone. Gastroenterology, 1986 Sep, 91(3), 581 - 9 Cancer family syndrome: marker studies; Markowitz JF et al.; Individuals from kindreds with the cancer family syndrome (CFS) have an increased hereditary risk for the development of adenocarcinoma of the colon in childhood and early adulthood . Previous studies have suggested that this high occurrence of adenocarcinoma may be due to a genetic defect in the control of colonic epithelial proliferation . Others have suggested that these families may have an underlying abnormality in immunologic tumor surveillance . We have investigated these possibilities in 15 cancer-free, at-risk individuals (10 children, ages 3-15 yr, and 5 adults) from two unrelated CFS kindreds . Colonic mucosal proliferative activity was studied by in vitro autoradiography after tritiated thymidine labeling in 7 subjects . The mean labeling index (12.7 +/- 0.9%) was comparable to that in controls, as was the distribution of thymidine labeling . Immunologic evaluation revealed depressed lymphocyte culture responses to stimulation by microbial antigens, but not to that by mitogens . Mixed lymphocyte culture responses were depressed in 4 of 8 subjects, but became normal in 2 of these after filtration through a Sephadex G10 column . Natural killer cell cytotoxicity was significantly depressed in 5 of 13 subjects, and borderline normal in another 3 subjects . These data suggest that many cancer-free members of CFS kindreds have a spectrum of in vitro cell-mediated immunologic defects that might interfere in vivo with the recognition or killing of incipient tumor cells. Mol Biol Evol, 1986 Sep, 3(5), 389 - 402 Maintenance of the cellobiose utilization genes of Escherichia coli in a cryptic state; Hall BG et al.; The genes for cellobiose utilization are normally cryptic in Escherichia coli . The cellobiose system was used as a model to understand the process by which silent genes are maintained in microbial populations . Previously reported was (1) the isolation of a mutant strain that expresses the cellobiose-utilization (Cel) genes and (2) that expression of those genes allows utilization of three beta-glucoside sugars: cellobiose, arbutin, and salicin . The Cel gene cluster has now been cloned from that mutant strain . In the course of locating the Cel genes within the cloned DNA segment, it was discovered that inactivation of the Cel-encoded hydrolase rendered the host strain sensitive to all three beta-glucosides as potent inhibitors . This sensitivity arises from the accumulation of the phosphorylated beta-glucosides . Because even the fully active genes conferred some degree of beta-glucoside sensitivity, the effects of cellobiose on a series of five Cel+ mutants of independent origin were investigated . Although each of those strains utilizes cellobiose as a sole carbon and energy source, cellobiose also acts as a potent inhibitor that reduces the growth rate on glycerol 2.5-16.5-fold . On the other hand, wild-type strains that cannot utilize cellobiose are not inhibited . The observation that the same compound can serve either as a nutrient or as an inhibitor suggests that, under most conditions in which cellobiose will be present together with other resources, there is a strong selective advantage to having the cryptic (Cel0) allele . In those environments in which cellobiose is the sole, or the best, resource, mutants that express the genes (Cel+) will have a strong selective advantage . It is suggested that temporal alternation between these two conditions is a major factor in the maintenance of these genes in E . coli populations . This alternation of environments and fitnesses was predicted by the model for cryptic-gene maintenance that was previously published. Br J Nutr, 1986 Sep, 56(2), 497 - 507 Kinetics of nitrogen transfer across the rumen wall of sheep given a low-protein roughage; Neutze SA et al.; 1 . The significance of blood urea-nitrogen transfer to the rumen was examined in sheep given alkali-treated wheat straw supplemented with 3.5 (diet A), 5.9 (diet B) and 11.6 (diet C) g urea-N/kg dry matter (DM) . 2 . Mean voluntary intakes of DM (g/d) were 897, 1149 and 1225 for diets A, B and C respectively, indicating significant (P less than 0.05) intake responses to urea supplementation . Digestion studies were conducted at 90% of voluntary intake . Dietary N intakes (g/d) were 7.1, 11.5 and 18.6 for diets A, B and C respectively . 3 . Absorption of ammonia-N from the rumen (g/d) was 3.5, 6.7 and 8.9 for diets A, B and C respectively, with all dietary differences being significantly different (P less than 0.05) . 4 . Non-ammonia-N (NAN) leaving the abomasum (g/d) was 9.6, 12.7 and 14.8 for diets A, B and C respectively . Microbial N leaving the abomasum (g/d) was 6.8, 9.6 and 10.7 for diets A, B and C respectively . Hence, significantly (P less than 0.05) more N was provided to the intestines with increased urea supplementation . Net efficiencies of microbial protein synthesis (g N/kg organic matter apparently digested in the rumen), estimated from 15N incorporation, were 24.2, 23.7 and 25.3 for diets A, B and C respectively, and were not significantly different (P greater than 0.05) . 5 . Calculated proportions of microbial N derived from rumen NH3-N were 1.05, 0.95 and 0.91 for diets A, B and C respectively, reflecting the high proportion of total N as urea-N in the diets . Proportions of microbial N derived from blood urea-N were 0.31, 0.21 and 0.12 for diets A, B and C respectively, indicating a decreasing significance of blood urea as a source of microbial N as dietary urea increased (P less than 0.05) . 6 . Transfer of blood urea-N to the rumen (g/d) was 3.8, 4.7 and 2.6 for diets A, B and C respectively, being significantly (P less than 0.05) lower on diet C . Using an estimate of the salivary contribution of urea-N to the rumen, it was concluded that there was a significant though not large transfer of blood urea-N across the rumen wall on all diets . 7 . Net transfer of blood urea-N to the rumen was estimated from a two-pool model and was +0.4 g/d for diet A, though this was not significantly different from zero.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1986 Aug 29, 139(1), 71 - 8 Crystalline serine hydroxymethyltransferase from an obligate methylotroph, Hyphomicrobium methylovorum; Miyazaki SS et al.; Optimal culture conditions of a methylotrophic Hyphomicrobium methylovorum and improved purification of serine hydroxymethyltransferase from the bacterium were established for the large-scale preparation of the enzyme . The first crystalline serine hydroxymethyltransferase from the microbial source was obtained in the apo form and found to be homogeneous . Amino acid analysis revealed that the enzyme had higher value per subunit for acidic and neutral amino acids than that from rabbit liver . The carboxy-terminal amino acid analysis suggested the sequence -Ile-Ala-Tyr. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1986 Aug, 30(2), 234 - 7 Novel sulfur-containing microbial metabolite of primaquine; Hufford CD et al.; Microbial metabolism studies of the antimalarial drug primaquine, using Streptomyces roseochromogenus (ATCC 13400) have produced an N-acetylated metabolite and a methylene-linked dimeric product, both of which have been previously reported, and a novel sulfur-containing microbial metabolite . The structure of the metabolite as a sulfur-linked dimer was proposed on the basis of spectral and chemical data . The molecular formula C34H44N6O4S was established from field-desorption mass spectroscopy and analytical data . The 1H- and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data firmly established that the novel metabolite was a symmetrically substituted dimer of primaquine N-acetate with a sulfur atom linking the two units at C-5 . The metabolite has been shown to be a mixture of stereoisomers which can equilibrate in solution . This observation was confirmed by microbial synthesis of the metabolite from optically active primaquine. J Anim Sci, 1986 Aug, 63(2), 603 - 12 Comparison of various amino acids for estimation of microbial nitrogen in digesta; Rahnema SH et al.; Methods of estimating microbial N in digesta were compared, and two simplified methods were described for separation of diaminopimelic acid (DAP) from methionine in acid hydrolysates of biological samples using an automated amino acid analyzer . Recoveries of DAP when added to bacterial, abomasal and feed samples were 92 to 98% . All samples analyzed (bacteria, protozoa and several feedstuffs) contained detectable DAP (or another amino acid with similar elution time) . Apparent DAP-N (percentage of total sample N) in feeds ranged from 12 to 78% of bacterial DAP-N concentration . These values are greater than can be accounted for by bacterial contamination . Correction for apparent dietary DAP was appropriate when using this microbial marker . Reasonable estimation of bacterial N was made in abomasal digesta of steers fed high-grain diets using DAP, lysine or combinations of DAP and leucine or lysine and leucine . There was excellent agreement among these marker methods in ranking dietary treatment regimens with respect to bacterial N present in the abomasum . The use of leucine alone, or the combination of DAP and lysine, gave nonrealistic values . Two-amino-ethylphosphonic acid (AEP) was not detected in acid hydrolysates of mixed ruminal protozoa or abomasal digesta . Two other ninhydrin-reactive compounds with elution times close to AEP were detected in all samples analyzed, which may have been identified as AEP in other studies . It was concluded that corrected DAP and lysine were the best estimates of bacterial N and AEP was precluded as a marker of protozoal N. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1986 Aug, 39(8), 1072 - 8 The structures of the novel protein kinase C inhibitors K-252a, b, c and d; Yasuzawa T et al.; The structures of four new protein kinase C inhibitors of microbial origin, K-252a, b, c and d were determined by spectral studies and chemical conversion. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1986 Aug, 39(8), 1066 - 71 K-252b, c and d, potent inhibitors of protein kinase C from microbial origin; Nakanishi S et al.; Nocardiopsis sp . K-290 was found to produce novel metabolites, designated K-252b, c and d, which were structurally related to K-252a . These compounds were isolated from the culture broth and the physico-chemical and biochemical properties were examined . The compounds strongly inhibited protein kinase C . IC50 values (the concentrations causing 50% inhibition) for the effects of K-252b, c and d on the rat brain enzyme were 38.3, 214, and 337 nM, respectively. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1986 Aug, 39(8), 1059 - 65 K-252a, a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C from microbial origin; Kase H et al.; K-252a, a metabolite isolated from the culture broth of Nocardiopsis sp . K-252a, was found to exhibit an extremely potent inhibitory activity on protein kinase C . The IC50 value was 32.9 nM. Biochem J, 1986 Aug 1, 237(3), 899 - 906 A systematic series of synthetic chromophoric substrates for aspartic proteinases; Dunn BM et al.; The hydrolysis of the chromogenic peptide Pro-Thr-Glu-Phe-Phe(4-NO2)-Arg-Leu at the Phe-Phe(4-NO2) bond by nine aspartic proteinases of animal origin and seven enzymes from micro-organisms is described {Phe(4-NO2) is p-nitro-L-phenylalanine} . A further series of six peptides was synthesized in which the residue in the P3 position was systematically varied from hydrophobic to hydrophilic . The Phe-Phe(4-NO2) bond was established as the only peptide bond cleaved, and kinetic constants were obtained for the hydrolysis of these peptide substrates by a representative selection of aspartic proteinases of animal and microbial origin . The value of these water-soluble substrates for structure-function investigations is discussed. Am J Pathol, 1986 Aug, 124(2), 179 - 85 Endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor induce interleukin-1 gene expression in adult human vascular endothelial cells; Libby P et al.; Interleukin 1 (IL-1) can induce potentially pathogenic functions of vascular endothelial cells . This mediator was formerly thought to be produced primarily by activated macrophages . We report here that bacterial endotoxin and recombinant human tumor necrosis factor cause accumulation of IL-1 beta mRNA in adult human vascular endothelial cells . IL-1 alpha mRNA was also detected when endothelial cells were exposed to endotoxin under "superinduction" conditions in the presence of cycloheximide . Metabolic labeling of these cells during endotoxin stimulation demonstrated increased synthesis and secretion of immunoprecipitable IL-1 protein that comigrated electrophoretically with the predominant monocyte species . In parallel with increased IL-1 mRNA and protein, endothelial cells exposed to endotoxin also release biologically active IL-1 that was neutralized by anti-IL-1-antibody . Because bloodborne agents must traverse the endothelium before entering tissues, endothelial IL-1 production induced by microbial products or other injurious stimuli could initiate local responses to invasion . Endothelial cells are both a source of and target for IL-1; accordingly, this novel autocrine mechanism might play an early role in the pathogenesis of vasculitis, allograft rejection, and arteriosclerosis. J Immunol, 1986 Aug 1, 137(3), 1017 - 21 B lymphocytes are required for the generation of T cells that mediate healing of cutaneous leishmaniasis; Scott P et al.; The role that B lymphocytes and/or antibodies play in the healing of Leishmania major infections in genetically resistant C3H/HeN mice was investigated by monitoring the course of infection in animals that had been B cell depleted by treatment from birth with anti-IgM sera (mu-suppressed) . L . major infection of mu-suppressed C3H/HeN mice produced lesions that were significantly larger than those induced in control animals, and failed to heal . Moreover, vaccinated mu-suppressed mice also developed chronic nonhealing infections, although their lesions were initially smaller than those developed by nonvaccinated mu-suppressed controls . The enhanced susceptibility of mu-suppressed mice could be completely overcome by adoptive transfer of T lymphocytes from mice that had spontaneously healed their lesions, and to a lesser extent by T lymphocytes from normal animals . Anti-leishmanial antibody responses were completely absent in mu-suppressed mice, regardless of whether they were lymphocyte reconstituted, whereas delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) to leishmanial antigens was present in normal and mu-suppressed animals . The ability of immune T cells to protect mu-suppressed mice without restoring humoral responsiveness clearly indicates that antibodies are not necessary for healing leishmanial infections . Instead, the observed effect of mu-suppression argues that B lymphocytes are required for the generation of an effector T cell population, apparently unrelated to DTH, which mediates the healing of cutaneous lesions . These results thus provide the first evidence for the B cell and/or Ig dependency of a T cell population that is critical for the development of immunity against a microbial agent. Med Hypotheses, 1986 Aug, 20(4), 407 - 20 Are some major in vivo effects of gold related to microenvironments of decreased selenium? Dillard CJ, Tappel AL. Gold interacts with selenium in vivo, and the normal distribution of selenium among tissues and subcellular compartments changes . Literature evidence shows that many of the effects of gold compounds on the polymorphonuclear neutrophil, macrophage, and lymphocyte cellular components of the immune system are similar to effects observed in these cellular components in selenium-deficient animals . Affected by these two metals are immune functions related to phagocytic cell migration, phagocytosis, microbial killing, lymphocyte mitogenesis/DNA synthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism/prostaglandin synthesis, and immunoglobulin production . The interaction of gold with selenium in vivo may be responsible for some of the multiparameter-based actions of gold compounds used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis . One mechanism by which gold exerts its clinical effects may be related to its interaction with selenium to produce, in specific microenvironments, decreased levels of this essential trace element. Infect Immun, 1986 Aug, 53(2), 252 - 6 Oxidative inactivation of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin by the neutrophil myeloperoxidase system; Clark RA et al.; The leukotoxin of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory periodontal disease . We examined a potential mechanism for detoxification of this microbial product by the neutrophil myeloperoxidase system . Exposure to myeloperoxidase, H2O2, and a halide resulted in marked inactivation of leukotoxin, an effect which required each component of the myeloperoxidase system . Toxin inactivation was blocked by agents which inhibit heme enzymes (azide, cyanide) or degrade H2O2 (catalase) . Reagent H2O2 could be replaced by the peroxide-generating enzyme system glucose oxidase plus glucose . The latter system, in fact, was more potent than reagent H2O2 in terms of the capacity to inactivate high concentrations of toxin . Toxin inactivation was complete within 1 to 2 min at 37 degrees C . These observations suggest a possible role for oxidative inactivation of leukotoxin by secretory products of neutrophils. J Nat Prod, 1986 Jul-Aug, 49(4), 576 - 82 High field and 2D-nmr studies with the aporphine alkaloid glaucine; Kerr KM et al.; The aporphine alkaloid glaucine (1) was examined by comparison of the high field (600 MHz) 1H-nmr spectra of 1 vs . racemic 6a,7,7-trideutereoglaucine (4,5), by computer-simulated 1H-nmr spectra at 600 MHz, by using decoupled proton spectra, and two-dimensional COSY and HETCOR experiments with 1 at 500 and 360 MHz, respectively, and using high field (90 MHZ) 13C-nmr of S-(+)-glaucine (1) . Emphasis was placed on the resolution of the chemical shifts and coupling constants for the H-4 alpha, H-4 beta, H-5 alpha, H-5 beta, H-6 alpha, H-7 alpha, and H-7 beta alicyclic protons of the molecule, which were previously unassigned . The complete assignment of the alicyclic protons of 1 by 1H-nmr was required for the structural elucidation of deuterated analogs of glaucine, which will be used in microbial transformation studies to determine the stereochemical course of aporphine dehydrogenation by the fungi Fusarium solani (ATCC 12823) and Aspergillus flavipes (ATCC 1030). Arch Microbiol, 1986 Jul, 145(2), 123 - 5 Microbial metabolism of chlorosalicylates: effect of prolonged subcultivation on constructed strains; Rubio MA et al.; The hybrid strain Pseudomonas sp . WR4016 was subcultivated with increasing concentrations of 5-chlorosalicylate (5----10 mM) as sole carbon source over a period of 9 months . At intervals of approximately 3 months derivative strains WR4017, WR4018 and WR4019 were isolated which exhibited higher growth rates and increased substrate tolerance . Comparative analysis of the turnover rates of the key enzymes in chlorosalicylate degradation showed that the adaptation process did not result from structural modifications of these proteins . Instead, balanced overproduction of the salicylate hydroxylase and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase prevented the accumulation of toxic chlorocatechols and accounted for the reduction of the doubling times with 4- or 5-chlorosalicylate . A comparative analysis of a genetically engineered chlorosalicylate degrader PL300-1 showed similar regulatory patterns as the most advanced isolate WR4019 from the adaptation series. Arch Microbiol, 1986 Jul, 145(2), 116 - 22 Microbial metabolism of chlorosalicylates: accelerated evolution by natural genetic exchange; Rubio MA et al.; Methylsalicylate-grown cells of Pseudomonas sp . WR401 cometabolized 3-, 4- and 5-substituted halosalicylates to the corresponding halocatechols . Further degradation was unproductive due to the presence of high levels of catechol 2,3-dioxygenase . This strain acquired the ability to utilize 3-chlorobenzoate following acquisition of genes from Pseudomonas sp . B13 which are necessary for the assimilation of chlorocatechols . This derivative (WR4011) was unable to use 4- or 5-chlorosalicylates . Derivatives able to use these compounds were obtained by plating WR4011 on 5-chlorosalicylate minimal medium; one such derivative was designated WR4016 . The acquisition of this property was accompanied by concomitant loss of the methylsalicylate phenotype . During growth on 4- or 5-chlorosalicylate the typical enzymes of chlorocatechol assimilation were detected in cell free extracts, whereas catechol 2,3-dioxygenase activity was not induced . Repeated subcultivation of WR4016 in the presence of 3-chlorosalicylate produced variants (WR4016-1) which grew on all three isomers. J Surg Res, 1986 Jul, 41(1), 75 - 80 The effect of microbial contamination on musculocutaneous and random flaps; Murphy RC et al.; Although musculocutaneous flaps have been shown to have the ability to withstand a greater inoculum of bacteria than random flaps, it has not been shown that the musculocutaneous flap has any greater ability to decrease the bacterial population in a contaminated wound . In this series of experiments, granulating wounds were developed containing 10(4), 10(5), or 10(6) bacteria per gram of tissue . These contaminated wounds were then covered either with musculocutaneous flaps, random flaps, or left uncovered as a control . In the heavily contaminated wounds containing 10(6) bacteria per gram of tissue, neither type of flap was able to prevent bacterial proliferation and all flaps dehisced . In the minimally contaminated wounds containing 10(4) bacteria per gram of tissue, both the musculocutaneous and random flaps achieved wound healing and decreased the bacterial level in the wound . However, in the intermediate group containing 10(5) bacteria per gram of tissue, musculocutaneous flaps lowered the bacterial count and allowed wound closure, whereas the random flaps did not control the bacterial growth and failed . Therefore, in the moderately contaminated wound, musculocutaneous flaps are advantageous and can decrease bacterial counts and obtain successful closure when random flaps cannot. Eur J Respir Dis, 1986 Jul, 69(1), 36 - 45 Effects of Histoplasma capsulatum products on the functional activity of alveolar macrophages; Carvajal RE et al.; The possibility that Histoplasma capsulatum may affect the activities of alveolar macrophages through products of either secretion or lysis was examined . Varying amounts of histoplasmin (HP), the filtrate of cultures of H . capsulatum, were added to monolayer cultures of alveolar macrophages of Wistar rats, and the effects of the filtrate on viability, ingestion rate, random migration, adhesive properties and microbial killing capacity were evaluated . No clear cytotoxic or cytopathogenic effects were produced at any dose tested . The endocytic rate was enhanced when HP (0.2 micrograms) was added, the effect being due to the recruitment of non-phagocytosing cells . Alveolar macrophages that had remained nonadherent after 3 h of incubation adhered to glass slides after HP was added . Dose-dependent inhibition of random migration of macrophages was produced with the addition of HP . However, the microbial killing capacity was not modified significantly at any dose of the H . capsulatum product. Br J Nutr, 1986 Jul, 56(1), 131 - 40 Microbially corrected amino acid composition of rumen-undegraded feed protein and amino acid degradability in the rumen of feeds enclosed in nylon bags; Varvikko T; 1 . In the previous work (Varvikko & Lindberg, 1985), 15N-labelled rapeseed (Brassica napus), barley, ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and barley straw were incubated in the rumen in nylon bags for 5, 12 and 24 h and microbial nitrogen in the residues was quantified using the feed 15N-dilution method . In the present study, residual amino acids (AA) of these feeds were analysed, and microbially corrected AA of feed origin (feed AA) were estimated as the difference between total residual AA and respective microbial AA, assuming a constant AA composition for the microbial protein . 2 . In barley and barley-straw residues, and also in ryegrass incubated in the rumen for 24 h, very large enrichment by microbial N and AA-N was found . The microbial enrichment was rather small in rapeseed residues and ryegrass incubated for 5 or 12 h . During the rumen incubation, feed N and AA-N (g/kg feed dry matter (DM} decreased very clearly in all the feeds, and feed and incubation time effects were always statistically significant (P less than 0.001) . 3 . The slow degradation of essential (E) feed AA compared with the respective non-essential (NE) AA degradation increased the proportion of feed EAA (g/kg determined feed AA) in barley and barley-straw residues . In rapeseed and ryegrass, residual feed EAA:NEAA remained very similar to the original . Branched-chain (Br) AA tended to increase proportionally in all the feed residues, suggesting these AA to be, on average, more resistant against microbial degradation in the rumen than other AA . Similarly, lysine was clearly increased in barley residues . A rumen degradation faster than the average rate caused decreased residual feed glutamic acid in rapeseed; methionine, alanine and glycine in barley; arginine and alanine in ryegrass; and methionine, asparagine and tyrosine in barley straw . Feed and incubation time effects were significant (P less than 0.05-0.001) for feed AA (g/kg determined feed AA) grouped as EAA, BrAA or NEAA, and for most individual AA, as well as for feed AA disappearance (%) and relative amounts (%) of feed AA in the respective residual AA . 4 . According to present findings, AA composition of the rumen-degraded vegetable feed residues may markedly differ, either quantitatively or qualitatively (or both), from their original AA composition . When determining the feed AA composition of nylon-bag residues, the microbial error may be very large with starchy or fibrous feeds of low protein content . The microbial AA do not, however, considerably confuse the AA determination of protein-rich feeds. J Clin Microbiol, 1986 Jul, 24(1), 52 - 5 Associated mortality and clinical characteristics of nosocomial Pseudomonas maltophilia in a university hospital; Morrison AJ Jr et al.; We studied the spectrum of clinical disease in 99 patients with nosocomial Pseudomonas maltophilia isolates at the University of Virginia Hospital from 1981 through 1984 . The annual rate of isolation increased from 7.1 to 14.1 per 10,000 patient discharges . A crude mortality rate of 43% was documented in all patients from whom the organism was cultured, and the data include 12 patients with nosocomial bacteremia (four deaths) . Risk factors associated with death for patients having a P . maltophilia isolate included the following: requirement for care in any intensive care unit during hospitalization (P = 0.0001), patient age over 40 years (P = 0.002), and a pulmonary source for the P . maltophilia isolate (P = 0.003) . All P . maltophilia isolates were susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 60% of the isolates were resistant to all aminoglycosides (amikacin, tobramycin, and gentamicin), and more than 75% of the isolates were resistant to all beta-lactam antibiotics . The antibiotic susceptibility pattern allows for a niche exploitable in the hospital microbial environment by an organism with a marked associated mortality. Am J Clin Pathol, 1986 Jul, 86(1), 19 - 24 Chronic idiopathic vitritis . Ultrastructural properties of bacteria-like bodies within vitreous leukocyte phagolysosomes; Johnson LA et al.; In chronic idiopathic vitritis (CIV) corticosteroid treatment failures, vitrectomy is beneficial . Searching for vitreous microbial agents, 14 vitrectomy specimens from 11 corticosteroid-failing CIV patients were inoculated into numerous in vitro cultural systems; Gram's-, Giemsa-, periodic acid-Schiff- (PAS), and Dieterle-stained centrifuged sediment smears were studied with the light microscope; and the sediment was examined electron microscopically . None of the specimens demonstrated in vitro growth . However, by light microscopy the smears of ten specimens from 8 of the 11 patients demonstrated, in a background of predominantly mononuclear leukocytes, a few polymorphonuclear leukocytes with minute cytoplasmic Gram's variable coccal bodies . By electron microscopy those ten specimens showed morphologically similar 0.5-0.7-micron, thick-walled, coccal-shaped, bacteria-like bodies and 0.03-micron electron-dense spheric particles within polymorphonuclear leukocyte phagolysosomes . The results suggest that CIV vitreous, sterile by contemporary laboratory technics, commonly demonstrates these phagolysosomal bacteria-like bodies . Innovative attempts should be made to cultivate these bacteria-like bodies . Animal pathogenicity studies, using these vitreous specimens as inocula, have been conducted . The results of that investigation will be the subject of another report. G Batteriol Virol Immunol, 1986 Jul-Dec, 79(7-12), 250 - 7 {Teicoplanin in otorhinolaryngology}; Cavallo GP et al.; In this study the clinical microbiologic efficacy of a new antibiotic, Teicoplanin, has been reported . Teicoplanin was given to both male and female patients (200 or 400 mg/die doses) suffering from ORL infections . The microbial flora of the inflammatory focus was checked before and after antibiotic administration . Complete microbiologic eradication occurred in 13 cases of the 18 examined; in 3 cases was observed reinfection and in 2 cases the isolates were not sensitive to the antibiotic tested. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr), 1986 Jul-Aug, 14(4), 311 - 7 Delayed type hypersensitivity induced by LPF from Bordetella pertussis; Guadalupe Cortes JM et al.; Lymphocytosis Promoting Factor (LPF) obtained from Bordetella pertussis, has the capacity to induce peripheral lymphocytosis in mice and blastogenesis of human lymphocytes in vitro . When this Factor is injected intracutaneously in animals and in humans, it was shown to induce local inflammatory reactions with histological, morphological and chronological characteristics of delayed hypersensitivity . LPF and conventional microbial antigens were tested intracutaneously in 35 patients with carcinoma undergoing immunotherapy and in 15 normal individuals . The results showed that the cutaneous reactions induced by LPF were similar to those of the conventional antigens routinely used to asses cell-mediated immunity . LPF via intracutaneous route did not show any adverse reactions . Histological studies were carried out in mice receiving intracutaneous injections of LPF . The immunological mechanisms involved in the induction of delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity by LPF are discussed. Food Chem Toxicol, 1986 Jun-Jul, 24(6-7), 675 - 9 Genotoxicity of chemical and physical agents in cultured human tissues and cells; Weston A et al.; In vitro model systems have recently been developed to investigate the toxicity of chemical, microbial and physical agents in normal human tissues and cells from many of the major tissue sites of high cancer incidence . Pathobiological endpoints used in these studies include alterations in incorporation rates of precursors into DNA, RNA and protein, in the clonal growth rate of cultured cells and in DNA structure (e.g . single-strand breaks, DNA-protein crosslinks and chemical-DNA adducts) and the induction of differentiation, chromosomal and karyotypic abnormalities, mutations and neoplastic transformation . These systems have been used to study a variety of complex mixtures and individual substances, including cigarette smoke components such as benzo{a}pyrene and N-nitrosamines, formaldehyde, fecapentaenes, asbestos, and nickel and chromium ions . In addition, increasing awareness of the role of oncogenes in human carcinogenesis has led to studies involving transfection experiments with oncogenes and hepatitis B viral genes in normal human cells. Arch Tierernahr, 1986 Jun, 36(6), 499 - 507 {Use of sugar beet in porcine nutrition . 1 . Effect of various methods of treatment on the gastrointestinal tract}; Kesting U et al.; The influence of the size of particles, of steaming and preserving (formic acid) of the sugar beet 'Rosamona' was studied with respect to apparent digestibility and tract parameters . Digestibility measuring only resulted in an improvement for crude protein due to the cutting up into small pieces . Tract measures and fillings, microbial activity and an estimate of the absorption rates of nutrients indicate that the bigger part of fresh and silaged coarse particles is digested in the colon but that the nutrients of steamed (and partly mashed) beets are predominantly pre-caecally digested. J Pharm Sci, 1986 Jun, 75(6), 614 - 8 Microbial metabolism of bornaprine, 3-(diethylamino)propyl 2-phenylbicyclo{2.2.1}heptane-2-carboxylate; Elmarakby SA et al.; Metabolism studies of the anticholinergic drug, bornaprine {3-(diethylamino)propyl 2-phenylbicyclo{2.2.1}heptane-2-carboxylate, an epimeric mixture}, in rats, dogs, and humans have been conducted previously, but the identities of the metabolites were not established . Using an in vitro microbial system to study the metabolism of bornaprine resulted in the isolation of four metabolites whose structures were rigorously established using spectroscopic techniques, especially 13C NMR . The four metabolites found were hydroxylated at C-5 or C-6 in the bicyclic ring. Am J Hosp Pharm, 1986 Jun, 43(6), 1492 - 5 Stability of propranolol hydrochloride suspension compounded from tablets; Henry DW et al.; The stability of a propranolol hydrochloride suspension compounded from commercially available tablets was studied . Propranolol hydrochloride 10-mg tablets were triturated to a powder and incorporated into a commercially available suspension vehicle to yield a suspension with a theoretical propranolol hydrochloride concentration of 1 mg/mL . The suspension was divided into portions and stored in amber glass bottles at either room (25 degrees C) or refrigerated (2 degrees C) temperature for four months . The concentration of propranolol hydrochloride in the samples was determined by a stability-indicating, high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days . Also at these times, the pH of the samples was measured, and the samples were inspected visually for evidence of microbial growth and ease of resuspension . The concentration of propranolol hydrochloride in the samples remained within 90% of the initial concentration throughout the study period . No important changes in the pH of the samples and no visible evidence of microbial growth were noted . This extemporaneous suspension of propranolol hydrochloride compounded from commercially available tablets is stable for at least four months when stored at room or refrigerated temperature. Scand J Clin Lab Invest, 1986 Jun, 46(4), 341 - 4 Intestinal deconjugation of bilirubin in germfree and conventional rats; Saxerholt H et al.; The content of conjugated bilirubin (CB) was about the same in small intestinal contents from germfree (GF) and conventional (CONV) rats . Caecal contents from GF rats contained considerably more CB than from CONV rats . The results indicated that the caecum is the major site of microbial deconjugation of CB in the CONV rat . Separation of azopigments prepared from small intestinal contents of GF and CONV rats revealed similar patterns . Similar separation patterns were also observed with azopigments prepared from caecal contents and faeces of GF rats . Some chemical properties of CB prepared from GF rat faeces were studied. Pathol Biol (Paris), 1986 Jun, 34(5 Pt 2), 694 - 8 {Proposal for a method of studying the activity of soap or antiseptic against the microbial flora of the hands after a single surgical scrub}; Bartoli M et al.; The authors, all members of the Antiseptics group of the Societe Francaise de Microbiologie, propose a standardised method for the evaluation of the activity of antiseptics on the microbial flora of the hands in the context of surgical scrubbing . This paper defines the aims of the method, its field of application and describes the media and materials required . The various phases of the preliminary study and the definitive trial also described. Int J Pept Protein Res, 1986 Jun, 27(6), 659 - 65 Synthesis of alpha-thiophenylglycine peptides . Novel peptide substrates useful in the study of microbial peptide transport; Kingsbury WD et al.; The synthesis of peptides useful for the investigation of microbial peptide transport is reported . These peptides, L-alanyl-L-2-thiophenylglycine (Ala-alpha-TPG), L-alanyl-L-2-thiophenylglycyl-L-alanine (Ala-alpha-TPG-Ala) and L-alanyl-L-alanyl-L-2-thiophenylglycine (Ala-Ala-alpha-TPG), contain a phenylthio group attached to the alpha carbon of glycine. Adv Colloid Interface Sci, 1986 Jun, 25(1), 59 - 86 Adsorption and adhesion processes in microbial growth at interfaces; Marshall KC; By considering bacteria as living colloidal particles it is possible to define, at least in part, the physicochemical and biological factors involved in the adhesion of bacteria to apparently inert surfaces . Adhesion is considered in terms of the attraction and repulsion forces operative as the organism approaches a substratum surface, as well as in terms of the surface free energies of the bacterium, the substratum and the liquid phase . Bacterial adhesion at a surface is preceded by molecular adsorption, a process that may alter the substratum surface properties and may provide a concentrated source of nutrients allowing limited growth of the bacteria at the surface. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1986 Jun, 51(6), 1350 - 1 Contribution of protozoa to lysine synthesis in the in vitro rumen microbial ecosystem; Onodera R; Isotopic tracer experiments were conducted in vitro to determine contribution of protozoa toward the biosynthesis of lysine in the rumen microbial ecosystem . The presence of protozoa in a rumen microbial suspension always increased lysine synthesis from aspartate . Rumen contents from a faunated goat produced a higher amount of lysine than did those from a defaunated one. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1986 Jun, 51(6), 1332 - 42 Microbial transformation of quinoline by a Pseudomonas sp; Shukla OP; A Pseudomonas sp . isolated from sewage by enrichment culture on quinoline metabolized this substrate by a novel pathway involving 8-hydroxycoumarin . During early growth of the organism on quinoline, 2-hydroxyquinoline accumulated as the intermediate; 8-hydroxycoumarin accumulated as the major metabolite on further incubation . 2,8-Dihydroxyquinoline and 2,3-dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid were identified as the other intermediates . Inhibition of quinoline metabolism by 1 mM sodium arsenite led to the accumulation of pyruvate, whereas inhibition by 5 mM arsenite resulted in the accumulation of 2-hydroxyquinoline as the major metabolite and 2,8-dihydroxyquinoline as the minor metabolite . Coumarin was not utilized as a growth substrate by this bacterium, but quinoline-grown cells converted it to 2-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid, which was not further metabolized . Quinoline, 2-hydroxyquinoline, 8-hydroxycoumarin, and 2,3-dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid were rapidly oxidized by quinoline-adapted cells, whereas 2,8-dihydroxyquinoline was oxidized very slowly . Quinoline catabolism in this Pseudomonas sp . is therefore initiated by hydroxylation(s) of the molecule followed by cleavage of the pyridine ring to yield 8-hydroxycoumarin, which is further metabolized via 2,3-dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid. Vet Microbiol, 1986 Jun, 12(1), 65 - 75 Effect of EDTA-tris on an Escherichia coli isolate containing R plasmids; Wooley RE et al.; Solutions of ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA)-tris combined with antibiotics have been shown to be effective in treating selected cases of persistent bacterial infections . Basic techniques in microbial genetics, including mating frequencies, chemical elimination of R plasmids, isolation of plasmid DNA and agarose gel electrophoresis, were used to determine if EDTA-tris has a curing effect on an R plasmid as part of its clinical action . Results of this study indicated that EDTA-tris by itself eliminated an antibiotic resistance marker from a clinical isolate of Escherichia coli and when combined with another chemical curing agent altered the isolate's mating frequency. J Chromatogr, 1986 May 28, 378(1), 9 - 16 Simplified methods for preparation of microbial fatty acids for analysis by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection; Rosenfeld JM et al.; Analysis of bacterial metabolites and constituents by gas chromatography (GC) with frequency-pulsed electron-capture detection (FPECD) has been suggested as an approach to rapid identification of infection in man . In such methods conversion of analytes to electrophoric derivatives is obligatory . Present methods for analysis of microbial carboxylic acids by GC-FPECD use trichloroethylation . In order to simplify and possibly automate such sample preparation procedures, we investigated pentafluorobenzylation via extractive alkylation and via solid-supported reagents . The sensitivity in terms of minimum amounts of bacteria detectable were determined for the trichloroethyl and pentafluorobenzyl derivatives and results from solid-supported reagents were compared to extractive alkylation. Cent Afr J Med, 1986 May, 32(5), 118 - 23 Microbial pathogens associated with diarrhoea in children admitted to Harare Hospital for rehydration therapy; Nathoo KJ et al.; PIP: Stool speciment from 236 children admitted to Harare Hospital with acute diarrhea were examined for bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens . Results were compared with specimens from 192 control patients admitted to the same hospital for other reasons . C . jejuni (13,6% diarrhea, 2,1% controls) and E . coli (10,3% diarrhea, 2,6% controls) were the most common pathogens isolated, and were isolated only from children under 2 years of age . Other bacterial pathogens were isolated from older children as well as infants, while parasites were isolated mainly from children 2 years of age . Virus particles were detected by electron microscopy in only 2 patients, both with diarrhea . Of the E . coli strains isolated from children with diarrhea, the majority belonged to 5 serotypes and these serotypes were uncommon in controls . The significance of C . jejuni as a major cause of summer diarrhea in infants in Zimbabwe is demonstrated, but further studies are recommended to investigate microbial pathogens in older children and in winter months .