Infect Immun, 1985 Jul, 49(1), 72 - 5 Enhanced superoxide release and tumoricidal activity by a postlavage, in situ pulmonary macrophage population in response to activation by Mycobacterium bovis BCG exposure; Drath DB; The monocytic phagocyte population of rat lungs is heterogeneous . In addition to the freely lavagable alveolar macrophages, there is a fixed in situ tissue-associated subpopulation of pulmonary macrophages . The response of this subpopulation to classical macrophage activation by Mycobacterium bovis BCG exposure was monitored . Results indicate that this population can be activated both metabolically and functionally, as evidenced by enhanced release of superoxide anions and demonstrable tumoricidal activity against syngeneic and xenogeneic target cells . The pattern of metabolic activation of in situ tissue-associated macrophages differed somewhat from that of alveolar macrophages and was observed only after subsequent exposure of the cells to either zymosan particles or phorbol myristate acetate . Upon such exposure, the activated zymosan-treated tissue macrophages released approximately twice as much superoxide as the nonactivated cells and amounts comparable to the amounts released by activated alveolar macrophages . The tissue macrophages also displayed greater levels of cytotoxicity toward xenogenic targets than the alveolar cells and may have an important role in preventing microbial or tumor cell colonization of respiratory systems. Hum Pathol, 1985 Jul, 16(7), 654 - 8 DNA hybridization in diagnostic pathology; Sklar J; DNA hybridization is becoming an important new adjunct to conventional methods for the diagnosis of infectious diseases, inherited conditions, and neoplasia . Applications of this technology require very small quantities of tissue or body fluids because the DNA probes used in the hybridization assays detect minute amounts of homologous DNA sequence in the test material . Under the proper conditions, these DNA probes are absolutely specific for the pathogen or gene being examined, and hybridization with them usually yields objective answers that require little interpretation . The relatively minor inconveniences currently associated with DNA hybridization are related to the use of radioactivity as a detection signal and the time and labor required to obtain diagnostic data . In the future, technical improvements currently being developed and the preparation of new probes for additional human and microbial genes are likely to create an increasingly larger role for DNA hybridization in diagnostic pathology. Ann Intern Med, 1985 Jul, 103(1), 37 - 42 Exposure to human T-lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus and immunologic abnormalities in asymptomatic homosexual men; Nicholson JK et al.; Immunologic and serologic studies were done in 120 homosexual men who reportedly had no symptoms related to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome . Forty-nine men (41%) had antibody to the retrovirus human T-lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus (HTLV-III/LAV), and 37 (31%) had an abnormal T-cell subset ratio and other immunologic abnormalities . These abnormalities were almost exclusively confined to men seropositive for the retrovirus . Multivariate statistical analysis showed that exposure to HTLV-III/LAV was the single best predictor of T-cell (and other) immunologic abnormalities . Sexual practice, particularly receptive anal intercourse, predicted exposure to HTLV-III/LAV but was not independently related to T-cell abnormalities . The association of other microbial serologic findings with HTLV-III/LAV seropositivity or T-cell changes was a coincidental function of sexual activity . Immunologic abnormalities in asymptomatic homosexual men are mostly related to exposure to HTLV-III/LAV. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract, 1985 Jul, 1(2), 347 - 66 Defense mechanisms in the bovine lung; Liggitt HD; The purpose of this article is to examine factors contributing to defense of the bovine lung from microbial infection . Appropriate physical, cellular, and secretory defense components are assessed . Attention is paid to the thin line separating host-mediated defense from host-mediated injury of the lung. Arch Microbiol, 1985 Jul, 142(2), 164 - 7 Heliothrix oregonensis, gen . nov., sp . nov., a phototrophic filamentous gliding bacterium containing bacteriochlorophyll a; Pierson BK et al.; An unusual filamentous, gliding bacterium was found in a few hot springs in Oregon where it formed a nearly unispecific top layer of microbial mats . It contained a bacteriochlorophyll a-like pigment and an abundance of carotenoids . There were no chlorosomes or additional chlorophylls . The organism was aerotolerant and appeared to be photoheterotrophic . It was successfully co-cultured with an aerobic chemoheterotroph in a medium containing glucose and casamino acids . Although it has many characteristics in common with the genus Chloroflexus, the lack of chlorosomes and bacteriochlorophyll c and the aerobic nature of this organism indicate that it should be placed in a new genus . This conclusion is supported by 5S rRNA nucleotide sequence data. Am J Med, 1985 Jun 28, 78(6B), 8 - 16 The clinical microbiology laboratory . Utilization and cost-effectiveness; Washington JA 2nd; Utilization of the microbiology laboratory is subject to limitations posed by the diversity of microbial agents causing infection, multiple and often poorly accessible sites of infection, contamination of specimens with indigenous flora, and failure of communication between clinician and microbiologist . Cost constraints increasingly limit the extent of microbiologic services available on-site and lead to decentralization of laboratory services and possible loss of quality control . Increased attention is being paid to process control of cultures, rapid screening and diagnostic tests as culture substitutes, and limitations on antibiotic susceptibility testing. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1985 Jun 18, 840(2), 204 - 10 Comparative reactivities of various biological compounds with myeloperoxidase-hydrogen peroxide-chloride, and similarity of the oxidant to hypochlorite; Winterbourn CC; The reactivities of myeloperoxidase-H2O2-Cl- and sodium hypochlorite with amino acids, uric acid, NADH, ascorbic acid, ADP, albumin, haemoglobin, alpha 1-antitrypsin and some hydroxyl radical scavengers have been compared . The ability of each compound to inhibit chlorination of monochlorodimedon by both oxidants was measured . Relative reaction rates varied over a range of 10(5), but the reactivities of the two oxidants with each compound were very similar, from which it is concluded that the reactions of hypochlorite accurately reflect those of the myeloperoxidase system . Thiol compounds (cysteine and GSH) and methionine were more than 100-times more reactive than other amino acids, which had comparable reactivity to NADH and uric acid . Benzoate, dimethylsulphoxide and formate were very much less reactive . The significance of these reactions of myeloperoxidase in microbial killing and inflammation is discussed. J Steroid Biochem, 1985 Jun, 22(6), 781 - 8 Intestinal absorption of oestrone, oestrone glucuronide and oestrone sulphate in the rat in situ--I . Importance of hydrolytic enzymes on conjugate absorption; Sim SM et al.; The biliary excretion of steroid after administration of {3H}oestrone ({3H}E1), {3H}oestrone glucuronide ({3H}E1G) and {3H}oestrone sulphate ({3H}E1S) into the hepatic portal vein of anaesthetized rats was very rapid with more than 70% of E1S and greater than 80% of E1 and E1G excreted in the first 30 min . There was a lag period in the biliary excretion of E1S, this was less apparent with E1 and absent with E1G . Biliary excretion accurately reflects the amount of steroid in the portal circulation and was therefore used as an assessment of absorption from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract . Absorption (as judged by excretion in bile) was least after administration of each steroid into the stomach . The extent of absorption correlated well with the lipophilicity of the steroids as shown by their relative partition coefficients between n-octanol and pH 6.5 phosphate-buffered saline (E1 greater than or equal to E1S greater than or equal to E1G) . There was no significant difference in excretion profile when the steroids were given into the caecum (at 5 h, E1, 46.3 +/- 9.1%; E1G, 42.2 +/- 14.5%; E1S, 39.9 +/- 7.1%) . The similarity, despite marked differences in physicochemical properties, suggested conjugate hydrolysis to the parent steroid . In contrast, after administration into the small intestine, excretion of E1 was very rapid and was maximal at 1 h (72.5 +/- 8.0%); E1G showed a near-linear excretion rate (1 h, 14.4 +/- 3.0%; 5 h, 80.0 +/- 11.7%), whereas in comparison E1S excretion was low (1 h, 12.1 +/- 2.4%; 5 h, 36.9 +/- 2.7%) . The involvement of hydrolytic enzymes in conjugate absorption was assessed . Ampicillin pretreatment (200 mg/kg/day for 2 days) reduced the absorption of E1G from both the proximal and distal small intestine (by approximately 50%) but had no effect on the absorption of E1S . There was, therefore, evidence that quantitative absorption of E1G requires prior hydrolysis (by mammalian and/or microbial enzymes) but intact absorption of E1S from this region of the tract was implicated . Ampicillin pretreatment reduced the absorption of both conjugates (greater with E1S) from the caecum; hydrolysis clearly precedes absorption from the caecum . The above findings were supported by an in vitro study which showed that ampicillin pretreatment abolished the hydrolysis of E1S by caecal contents but only partially reduced the hydrolysis of E1G . The presence of mammalian glucuronidase enzyme may account for this difference. J Dairy Sci, 1985 Jun, 68(6), 1376 - 89 Characterization of limestones and their effects in vitro and in vivo in dairy cattle; Keyser RB et al.; Capacities of limestones of differing particle size to neutralize acid in vitro and to modify pH and utilization of feedstuffs in vivo were compared . Acid neutralization during pH-stat titrations was faster for fine than for coarse limestone, and mixed microbial cultures were more resistant to pH change when they contained fine calcium carbonate . Diets containing 25:75 corn silage to concentrates and .95% calcium from either coarse or fine limestone were fed to rumen-fistulated heifers . Total ruminal volatile fatty acid concentrations were higher for the fine limestone treatment . Ruminal volumes, dry matter disappearance, and ruminal fluid pH and dilution rate did not differ between fine and coarse limestone treatments . Ruminal fluid volume, osmolality, ratios of acetate to propionate, and concentrations of total volatile fatty acids were unaffected in rumen-fistulated Holstein cows fed 60:40 corn silage to concentrates and either .5% calcium (control) or 1.0% calcium from either coarse or fine limestone . Ruminal pH increased .07 to .10 units with limestone supplementation . Ruminal fluid dilution and particulate turnover rates were slower for the coarse limestone than the control treatment . Differences between coarse and fine limestones in vitro were observed under some conditions in vivo, but they were not consistent. J Am Dent Assoc, 1985 Jun, 110(6), 915 - 7 Periodontal restorative interrelationships: the isolated restoration; Fugazzotto PA; Only by controlling plaque early and consistently, before periodontal and restorative problems require intervention in the form of a full prosthetic and periodontal reconstruction, the continued maintenance of a full dentition is assured . Plaque control is not merely continued prophylaxes, but a striving for a healthy biologic situation with the placement of every restoration . This is attainable only through ensuring a normal attachment apparatus and establishing that all restorative margins be accessible to plaque control measures . Deep, subgingival restorations are not only difficult to place and finish correctly, but, by providing an environment conducive to microbial plaque retention and proliferation, also lead to inflammatory periodontal destruction and recurrent carious lesions . Early detection, although difficult, is essential to avoid excessive destruction of the tooth and its supporting structures . A deterrent to early detection may be the response of the patient's tissue . Paradoxically, if the patient's periodontal tissues respond in a fibrotic manner to early gingival inflammation, rather than in a dramatic, edematous manner, the situation may appear clinically healthy . Waerhaug discussed "submarginal gingivitis," a situation in which the tissue will appear pink and firm, elicit to exudate or bleeding on probing, and mimic healthy to the casual examiner . When this is coupled with the difficulty inherent in detecting early recurrent carious lesions, resulting from the radiographic superimposition of the existing restoration or the deep subgingival extent of the restoration, the situation becomes all the more demanding of the practitioner's efforts. J Dairy Sci, 1985 Jun, 68(6), 1416 - 24 Protein sources evaluated for ruminating Holstein calves; Zerbini E et al.; Fifty calves were fed a basal diet of 11.6% crude protein or one of four diets (15.5% crude protein) containing added soybean meal, corn gluten meal, cottonseed meal, or fish meal . Diets were calculated 75% total digestible nutrients . Body weight gain increased an average of 17% with added protein . Fish meal and soybean meal generated highest rates of gain . Ruminal ammonia-nitrogen was higher for soybean meal and cottonseed meal than other diets, indicating greater rates of degradability . Molar proportions of rumen volatile fatty acids were not different among diets, but concentration was lower for fish meal . Serum urea nitrogen was lowest for the basal and fish meal diets . Microbial nitrogen in the abomasum was 33.6% of total nitrogen for corn gluten meal and 42.8% for soybean meal . Apparent dry matter and nitrogen digestibilities were greater for corn gluten meal and fish meal diets than for soybean meal or cottonseed meal diets . Rumen degradability of feedstuffs, as determined by dacron bag technique, ranged from 38.1% for corn gluten meal to 71.3% for soybean meal . Degradability of mixed diets reflected those of the protein supplement present in each diet except for diet containing cottonseed meal . Fish meal and soybean meal were better protein sources for growth of ruminating calves than were corn gluten meal or cottonseed meal. Tokai J Exp Clin Med, 1985 Jun, 10(2-3), 175 - 9 Protected environment and its utility in experimental allogeneic and xenogeneic bone marrow transplantation; Pollard M; Allogeneic bone marrow (BM) chimerism can be established in germfree (GF) rats and mice without the manifestations of graft vs host (GvH) disease that develop in conventional counterpart animals . This procedure has been applied with prophylactic and therapeutic benefits in mice predestined to develop leukemia and reticulum cell sarcoma . Xenogeneic BM chimerism has been accomplished in rats with mouse bone marrow cells, without evidence of GvH disease; and over long periods they produce blood cells with characteristics of mouse species . A critical factor in allogeneic and xenogeneic BM chimerism is the microbial status of the animals. Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1985 Jun, 99(6), 723 - 5 {Action of hydrocortisone on the cytotoxic reactions in delayed hypersensitivity to microbial antigens}; Bazanova EA et al.; A study was made of the effect of hydrocortisone (HC) injected to animals with delayed hypersensitivity (DH) to BCG antigens on the cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes and production of lympho- and macrophage toxins . The cytotoxic test with the use of sensitized lymphocytes and preparation of lympho- and macrophage toxins were performed in vitro in the presence of specific microbial antigens . It was shown that HC exerts the most intense inhibitory action on the production of macrophage toxin . High doses of the hormone also inhibited the production of lymphotoxin . At the same time the cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes of the lymph nodes in DH was not inhibited by the employed doses of HC . No reduction was seen either in the sensitivity of autologous adhesive cells (macrophages) used as target cells for studying the cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1985 May 30, 845(2), 196 - 203 Binding and endocytosis of heparin by human endothelial cells in culture; Barzu T et al.; Binding of heparin and low molecular weight heparin fragments (CY 222, Mr range 1500-8000) to human vascular endothelial cells was studied . Primary culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and either 125I or 3H-labeled heparin or {125I}CY 222 were used . Slow, saturable and specific binding was found . No other tested glycosaminoglycan, excepting a highly sulfated heparan fraction, was able to compete for heparin binding . Two groups of binding sites for {3H}heparin could be distinguished: one with high affinity (Kd = 0.12 microM) and another with lower affinity (Kd = 1.37 microM) and a relative large capacity of binding (1.16 X 10(7) molecules/cell) was calculated . The Kd for unlabeled heparin, as calculated from competition experiments, was 0.23 microM . Much lower affinity was calculated for unlabeled low molecular weight heparin fragments CY 222 (Kd = 4.3 microM) from competition experiments with {125I}CY 222 . The binding reversibility was only partial for unfractionated heparin . Even by chasing with unlabeled compound, a fraction of 25-30% was not dissociable from endothelial cells . This fraction was much lower if incubation was carried out at 4 degrees C . The addition of basic proteins (histones) to the incubation medium greatly enhanced the undissociable binding at 37 degrees C, but not at 4 degrees C . The undissociable fraction of heparin was not available to degradation by purified microbial heparinase . These results suggest that a fraction of bound heparin is internalized by the vascular endothelium. J Biol Chem, 1985 May 25, 260(10), 6373 - 7 Cell wall lytic enzyme released by mating gametes of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a metalloprotease and digests the sodium perchlorate-insoluble component of cell wall; Matsuda Y et al.; Chlamydomonas lytic enzyme of the cell wall, which is released during agglutination of gametes of opposite mating types, has been characterized as a metalloprotease . The purified enzyme contains zinc . Removal of zinc with EDTA results in an inactive, metal-free apoenzyme, and Co2+ restores the activity most effectively . Among various protease inhibitors of microbial origin, pepstatin A, chymostatin, antipain, leupeptin, and E-64 do not inactivate the enzyme, whereas phosphoramidon causes a complete loss of lytic activity . Cysteine, histidine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid also inhibit the activity . The lytic enzyme splits casein and RNase A into several polypeptides of lower molecular masses . To determine which polypeptides of the cell wall are sensitive to the lytic enzyme, we first separated the intact cell walls into sodium perchlorate-soluble and -insoluble components, treated them with enzyme, and then analyzed them by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining . We conclude that only 2 of 16 polypeptides are digested by exposure to the enzyme and that the sensitive polypeptides belong to the salt-insoluble component of the cell wall . The mechanism of cell wall digestion with the lytic enzyme is discussed. Biochem J, 1985 May 15, 228(1), 161 - 70 Purification and characterization of a multicatalytic high-molecular-mass proteinase from rat skeletal muscle; Dahlmann B et al.; A proteolytic enzyme was purified from the post-myofibrillar fraction of rat skeletal muscle . The purification procedure consisted of fractionation of the muscle extract by (NH4)2SO4, chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel, fast protein liquid chromatography on Mono Q and gel filtration on Sepharose 6B . The enzyme preparation appeared to be homogeneous as judged by disc electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels and by immunoelectrophoresis . The isoelectric point of the proteinase is at 5.1-5.2 . The enzyme has an Mr of about 650 000 and dissociates into eight subunits of Mr 25 000-32 000 when subjected to electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gels . The proteinase contains hydrolytic activity against N-blocked tripeptide 4-methyl-7-coumarylamide substrates with an arginine or phenylalanine residue adjacent to the leaving group . Maximum activity with the first group of substrates was at pH 10.5, and this activity was inhibited by leupeptin, chymostatin and Ca2+ . Maximum activity with the latter group of substrates was at pH 7.5, and was also inhibited by the two microbial inhibitors, but was activated by Ca2+ ions . By using {14C}methylcasein as a substrate, maximum activity was observed at pH9.0, and this proteolytic activity was not affected by leupeptin, was enhanced by chymostatin and inhibited by Ca2+ . Similar effects were observed when benzyloxycarbonyl-Leu-Leu-Glu 2-naphthylamide was used as a substrate . These enzymic activities were abolished by p-hydroxymercuribenzenesulphonic acid or mersalyl acid, whereas a small activation was observed with cysteine or dithiothreitol. J Sterile Serv Manage, 1985 Jun, 3(1), 15, 17 - 8 Detergents and detergency; Dumpleton C; A simple definition of a "clean" surface is one which is "free from any residual film or soil which is visible or can be felt by touch", ie it should not contaminate food or other consumable items with odour, microbial spoilage or chemical residue. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1985 May, 38(5), 605 - 9 Microbial hydroxylation of compactin (ML-236B) and monacolin K; Yamashita H et al.; The Basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune was found to transform compactin (ML-236B) to 8a-hydroxycompactin . This compound was isolated by solvent extraction and column chromatography, and its structure was determined by a combination of IR, UV, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy . Monacolin K was also converted to the corresponding hydroxylated analogue . Data on the inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl co-enzyme A reductase and sterol biosynthesis in vitro are presented for these hydroxylated compounds. Vestn Khir Im I I Grek, 1985 May, 134(5), 119 - 22 {Use of propolis in the treatment of local suppurative infection}; Tsarev NI et al.; Experience with the treatment of 460 patients with panaritium, abscesses, phlegmons, infectious wounds have shown that propolis is an expedient remedy (in additional to the the routine treatment) . They have shown the stimulating, antiinflammatory and anti-microbial action of propolis. Arch Environ Health, 1985 May-Jun, 40(3), 165 - 9 Byssinosis: thromboxane release from human platelets by cotton dust and bract extracts; Mundie TG et al.; Extracts of cotton dust and bract induced in vitro release of arachidonic acid metabolite thromboxane A2 (TxA2), a potent bronchoconstricting agent, from human platelets . TxA2 release, determined by radioimmunoassay of the stabile metabolite TxB2, was both time- and dose-dependent . Cotton green bract extract was significantly more potent in releasing TxA2 from human platelets than cotton dust extract or cotton brown bract (field-dried bract) extract, while brown bract extract was least active, which suggests that the etiological agent(s) is of plant origin and not microbial in nature . TxA2 release was shown to be enzyme-dependent by inhibition of the reaction by indomethacin (cyclooxygenase inhibitor) and 7-(1-imidazolyl) heptanoic acid (thromboxane synthetase inhibitor) . This study is the first to show in vitro platelet TxA2 release by cotton extracts and may provide an explanation for increased concentrations of TxB2, a metabolite of TxA2, in the bronchoalveolar spaces of rabbits exposed to aerosolized cotton dust extract . Platelet aggregation and production of TxA2 may prove to be an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of bronchoconstriction in byssinosis. Scand J Gastroenterol, 1985 May, 20(4), 492 - 9 Short-chain fatty acids in the small-bowel bacterial overgrowth syndrome; Hoverstad T et al.; The short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have been measured by gas chromatography in fasting jejunal secretions, saliva, and feces from 8 patients with the small-bowel bacterial overgrowth syndrome (BO) and 9 control patients; in jejunal secretions and saliva from 6 healthy subjects; and in feces from 20 healthy subjects . The concentrations of SCFAs (median (range), mumol/l) in jejunal secretions of BO patients were as follows: total, 990 (210-12,370); acetic acid, 650 (170-6770); propionic acid, 110 (16-3070); isobutyric acid, 26 (1-310); n-butyric acid, 90 (12-1340); isovaleric acid, 35 (2-680); n-valeric acid, 7 (3-200) . In BO patients the total concentration of SCFAs in jejunal secretions was approximately four times higher than in control patients (p less than 0.01) and in healthy subjects (p less than 0.025) . The relative distribution of the acids resembled the distribution found in feces more than that of saliva or the normal jejunal secretions . These findings indicate that patients with BO have a colon-like flora in the small intestine and that the main part of the SCFAs in the jejunal secretions of these patients is produced by the altered microbial flora in the jejunum . Combined with other tests, analyses of intestinal SCFAs may prove to be valuable in the diagnosis of small-bowel bacterial overgrowth. J Anim Sci, 1985 May, 60(5), 1324 - 9 Influence of protein degradability in range supplements on abomasal nitrogen flow, nitrogen balance and nutrient digestibility; Petersen MK et al.; Two metabolism trials were conducted with yearling steers fed mature native forage to measure the effect of supplemental protein degradability on selected metabolic variables . Supplements contained 40% crude protein equivalence . In Trial 1, four abomasal-cannulated steers weighing 290 to 379 kg were fed supplements containing the following N sources: (1) 15% corn, 85% urea (U); (2) 100% soybean meal (SBM); (3) 10% corn, 40% soybean meal, 50% urea (SBM-U) and (4) 14% corn, 36% blood meal, 50% urea (BM-U) . Equal portions of the daily diet (2.2% of body weight) were fed every 2 h . Treatment differences were not significant for organic matter digestibility, abomasal organic matter flow, nonammonia N flow, feed N flow, bacterial N flow and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis . There was a positive (P less than .05) relationship between quantity of slowly degraded protein fed and nonammonia N flow (r = .97) or feed N flow (r = .98) . Escape N was determined to be 21.5, 16.5 and 54.2% in SBM, SBM-U and BM-U supplements, respectively . In the second trial, no supplement, SBM, SBM-U and BM-U were fed in a N balance trial . Dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber digestibilities were higher (P less than .05) for steers fed supplemented diets . Acid detergent fiber digestibility was higher (P less than .05) for steers supplemented with SBM than steers fed the unsupplemented diets . Nitrogen retention was greater (P less than .05) for cattle fed SBM and BM-U than for cattle fed SBM-U or no supplement.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Appl Environ Microbiol, 1985 May, 49(5), 1067 - 71 Evaluation of nongermicidal handwashing protocols for removal of transient microbial flora; Vesley D et al.; A method has been described which can compare the efficacy of different nongermicidal handwashing protocols for removal of transient microbial flora without the necessity of establishing or relying on a previously determined baseline for an individual subject . The wash effluent is collected, and colony counts for the effluent reflect the number removed by the wash protocol . A second standard wash in a handwashing machine is performed, and the test criterion is the percent removed in the test wash based on the sum of total CFU recovered from the two washes . The method was used to compare an 8-s cycle for a newly developed handwashing machine with a conventional 15-s Ivory soap wash . When machine pressure was adequate (42 lb/in2), there was no statistically significant difference in the percent removal of transient flora by the two methods (48.8% from the machine versus 45.1% from the Ivory soap wash) . At 32 lb/in2, the Ivory soap wash recovered 60.3%, whereas the machine recovered 45.1%. J Clin Microbiol, 1985 May, 21(5), 730 - 3 Detection of adenovirus in nasopharyngeal specimens by radioactive and nonradioactive DNA probes; Hyypia T; The presence of adenovirus DNA in clinical specimens was analyzed by nucleic acid hybridization assays by both radioactive and enzymatic detection systems . The sensitivity of the hybridization tests was in the range of 10 to 100 pg of homologous adenovirus DNA . Minimal background was noticed with unrelated viral and nonviral DNA . Twenty-four nasopharyngeal mucus aspirate specimens, collected from children with acute respiratory infection, were assayed in the hybridization tests and also by an enzyme immunoassay for adenovirus hexon antigen which was used as a reference test . Sixteen specimens positive by the enzyme immunoassay also were positive in the two nucleic acid hybridization tests, and the remaining eight specimens were negative in all of the tests . The results indicate that nucleid acid hybridization tests with both radioactive and nonradioactive probes can be used for diagnosis of microbial infections. Arch Biochem Biophys, 1985 May 1, 238(2), 435 - 46 Identification of mammalian aspartate-4-decarboxylase; Rathod PK et al.; Several animal tissues were examined for aspartate-4-decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.12) activity . Highest activity was seen in murine livers, in rodent livers, and in rodent kidneys . The rat liver enzyme was membrane associated and could be solubilized and partially purified with the aid of detergents . The purification studies, and studies on the stoichiometry and kinetics of the reaction, showed that aspartate is directly converted to alanine . Such a metabolic reaction had not been reported before in animals . The rat liver enzyme differed significantly from the microbial aspartate-4-decarboxylases . Among other things, the rat liver beta-decarboxylase could be purified away from a cysteine sulfinate desulfinase activity . Also, unlike the bacterial enzymes, the mammalian beta-decarboxylase could not be inactivated by preincubation with aspartate or cysteine sulfinate . These later observations strongly suggest that the mammalian aspartate-4-decarboxylase does not have an inherent transaminase activity . Like many decarboxylases, rat liver aspartate-4-decarboxylase could be inhibited by reagents which react with carbonyl groups; however, the enzyme showed no dependence on pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1985 May-Jun, 21(3), 378 - 81 {Changes in the structural function of the membrane of M . lysodeikticus as affected by preparations of the bacterial autoregulatory factors D1}; Kaprel'iants AS et al.; Introduction of factors D1 isolated from the culture fluids of B . cereus and Ps . carboxydoflava into cytoplasmic membranes of M . lysodeikticus resulted in a higher microviscosity of the lipid phase . Factor d1 changes the ion permeability of an artificial bilayer membrane as well as reduces the content of free water in the bacterial paste . It is assumed that registered structural changes may result from the interaction of the factor molecules with membrane lipids and be the main reason of changes in the functioning of membrane-bound enzymes and dehydration of the microbial cell as well. J Pharmacobiodyn, 1985 May, 8(5), 344 - 51 Effect of an N-succinyl-L-trialanine p-nitroanilide-hydrolyzing protease from pronase on glucose metabolism in mice; Ueki H et al.; Effect of an N-succinyl-L-trialanine p-nitroanilide-hydrolyzing protease (STA-protease) purified from Pronase on glucose metabolism was investigated by an intravenous injection into fasted mice . The maximum decrease in blood sugar level by STA-protease was observed 2 h after the injection of a dose of 5.0 mg/kg . The hypoglycemic activity was observed with other microbial proteases, such as Pronase E and subtilisin BPN', whereas no activity was found with the modified enzymes which almost wholly lost their proteolytic activities by the treatment with diisopropyl fluorophosphate or guanidine HCl . The increase in blood sugar level by epinephrine and the conversion of {1-14C} pyruvate into blood glucose were distinctly suppressed with STA-protease as well as 5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (MICA), an inhibitor of gluconeogenesis . A slight increase in glycogen content in diaphragm of mice was observed during 2-4 h after the injection of STA-protease, though it was markedly increased by insulin . In test of glucose tolerance, the increase in blood sugar was distinctly suppressed by insulin but not by STA-protease . Blood lactate level was not subjected to change by STA-protease, in Therefore, STA-protease may affect the in vivo metabolism of glucose in a different way from the in vitro action which has been reported to react with cell surface and consequently to mimic the actions of insulin. Biofizika, 1985 May-Jun, 30(3), 460 - 3 {Evaluation of the dynamic ratio of Escherichia coli cell loss from the coefficient of ultrasound relaxation in a suspension}; Kol'tsova IS et al.; A method for measuring the microbial cell dynamic loss modulus has been developed . The acoustic wave relaxation coefficient in the suspension of Escherichia coli cells was measured in relation to ultra-sound frequency and cell concentration . Using these data and proceeding from the ideas on acoustic and viscous properties of suspensions the volume dynamic loss modulus of cells was calculated . The obtained results were compared with the data on the loss modulus of albumin globules aggregates. J Periodontol, 1985 May, 56(5), 281 - 4 Microbial interpretation of plaque relative to the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease; Wolff LF et al.; It has been suggested that monitoring microbial forms in plaque with the microscope may prove useful to the clinician in assessing periodontal status . In this regard, the microbial interpretation of plaque relative to the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease has recently received considerable attention . However, questions remain to be answered before the microscope is accepted for routine use in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease . This report addresses a number of these questions surrounding the use of the microscope in evaluating plaque and its role in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Br J Nutr, 1985 May, 53(3), 691 - 708 The digestion by cattle of silage-containing diets fed at two dry matter intakes . 1 . Digestion of organic matter and nitrogen; Rooke JA et al.; In a 4 X 4 Latin square experiment four cattle were given in two meals per d diets consisting of (g/kg dry matter (DM)) 500 barley, 400 grass silage and 100 soya-bean meal . The diets were given at either 1.15 (L) or 2.3 times (H) maintenance energy requirements and the soya-bean meal was either untreated (U) or formaldehyde-treated (T) . A 24 h collection of duodenal digesta and a 7 d collection of faeces were made using chromium sesquioxide for flow estimation and 35S as a marker of microbial nitrogen entering the small intestine . Samples of rumen fluid were also taken for estimation of rumen pH, ammonia and volatile fatty acid concentrations . Spot samples of duodenal digesta were obtained after administration of Cr2O3-mordanted silage-fibre and soya-bean meal, to determine the rates of outflow of these markers from the rumen . Similar samples were also obtained after cessation of a continuous intraruminal infusion of ruthenium phenanthroline, 35S and CoEDTA . Incubations of each feedingstuff in porous synthetic fibre (psf) bags were carried out in the rumen and the rates of N disappearance from the bags determined . Increasing DM intake significantly (P less than 0.001) increased the quantities of organic matter (OM), total N and amino acid-N entering the small intestine and amounts subsequently voided in the faeces . Apparent digestibilities of OM and N were unaffected by DM intake; the proportions of total digestible OM digested in the rumen were significantly lower (P less than 0.01) at the higher level of DM intake . Formaldehyde treatment of the soya-bean meal increased the quantities of N entering the small intestine; these increases were not significant . Increased DM intake increased the quantities of both microbial N (P less than 0.001) and undegraded feed N (P less than 0.01) entering the small intestine; HCHO-treatment also significantly (P less than 0.05) increased the quantities of undegraded feed N entering the small intestine . The efficiency of microbial N synthesis within the rumen was not significantly affected by dietary treatments whereas apparent feed N degradability was reduced significantly (P less than 0.05) both by increasing DM intake and by HCHO-treatment of the soya-bean meal . Rates of disappearance of N from psf bags in the rumen were different for different feedingstuffs . However, for a given feedingstuff, the rate of N disappearance was not affected by the diets fed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Experientia, 1985 Apr 15, 41(4), 434 - 41 Etiology of rheumatoid arthritis; Kouri T; Definite genetic associations with immunological cooperative HLA-D(R) antigens have been demonstrated for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) . Microbial etiology has not been proven, but some hope for the supporters of this view is still given by small viruses, plasmids of enteric bacteria or perhaps oncogen-like DNA-sequences . Yet, electrophoretical analysis of membrane proteins or surface glycoproteins of RA synovial cells does not show any differences compared to reference cells . Autoimmunity to several tissue elements has been demonstrated, but most of it is of secondary nature . Antigenicities of type II and III collagens are probably only contributory factors for HLA-DR4 positive individuals . Proteoglycans or minor cartilage collagens have not been extensively studied, so far . Endocrine, dietary or psychological influences might be triggering events for otherwise 'preloaded' individuals. Bull Narc, 1985 Apr-Sep, 37(2-3), 149 - 56 Risks incurred by children of drug-addicted women: some medical and legal aspects; Vaille C; A review of recent literature shows a dramatic increase in the number of drug-addicted pregnant women, which increases the number of infants susceptible to the adverse effects of such addiction . The majority of new-born infants born to mothers addicted to opiates show a narcotic withdrawal syndrome . The risk of prematurity and other health disorders occurring in a new-born infant is substantially increased by the mother's abuse of narcotics during pregnancy . The microbial infection of children by a contaminated drug abused in the family, and accidental poisoning of children by drugs, have also been reported . The treatment of drug-addicted pregnant women has raised certain medical and legal questions, such as the breach of confidentiality of medical information and the criminal failure to report offences, as well as the failure to render assistance . The promotion of information and education about drug abuse during pregnancy, and the effects of such abuse on the pregnant women, her foetus and the future of a new-born infant is an urgent necessity. Can J Biochem Cell Biol, 1985 Apr, 63(4), 263 - 7 Cone-shaped lipids increase the susceptibility of phospholipids in bilayers to the action of phospholipases; Buckley JT; Addition of cardiolipin or diacylglycerol to dispersions of phosphatidylcholine greatly increased hydrolysis by snake venom or pancreatic phospholipase A2, as well as by a microbial phospholipase . Monogalactosyl diglyceride which, like cardiolipin and diacylglycerol, will form nonbilayer hexagonal II structures also caused an increase in the breakdown of phosphatidylcholine . Addition of digalactosyl diglyceride, a bilayer lipid from the same source, had a much smaller effect on the three phospholipases, indicating that stimulation by the nonbilayer lipids was not due to their fatty acid compositions . Stimulation of the microbial phospholipase by cardiolipin did not require the presence of calcium, leading to the conclusion that the formation of nonbilayer structures was not necessary . The results suggest that cone-shaped lipids increase the accessibility of lipids in bilayers to phospholipases by decreasing the packing of the polar head groups. Acta Pathol Microbiol Immunol Scand {C}, 1985 Apr, 93(2), 65 - 70 Age-related changes of human serum antibodies to dietary and colonic bacterial antigens measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; Scott H et al.; IgG, IgA and IgM antibody activities in human serum to six dietary and eight gut-related microbial antigens were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . IgG activities to five of the dietary antigens decreased with age; IgM activities to four of them were weaker in old people than in children . Old people showed weaker IgM but stronger IgG activities to some of the microbial antigens than children did . A decline in IgG and IgM antibody titres to most dietary antigens with increasing age is consistent with the development of systemic hyporesponsiveness due to continuous antigenic stimulation of the intestinal immune system . Persistence of microbial antigens in the gut, moreover, may lead to systemic hyporesponsiveness of IgM-producing cells . Concurrently raised IgG titres to three of the bacteria might be explained by antigenic stimulation outside the intestinal immune system. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1985 Apr, (4), 6 - 11 {Fatty acid composition of Leptospira lipids as a taxonomic criterion}; Vasiurenko ZP et al.; The fatty-acid composition of microbial cells in 17 pathogenic and saprophytic Leptospira strains, comprising 14 serovars and 10 serogroups, has been studied . The strains under investigation have proved to fall into 3 groups differing by this characteristic . The group of saprophytic strains is characterized by a comparatively high level of myristic acid and, consequently, by the ratio of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids with 14 carbon atoms approaching 1:1; besides, it is also characterized by a lower, in comparison with the pathogenic Leptospira strains belonging to the serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae, Canicola, Ballum has a higher level of unsaturated fatty acids . The second group of pathogenic Leptospira strains including the serogroups Grippotyphosa, Hebdomadis, Pomona, Tarassovi, Pyrogenes, Australia has been found to occupy an intermediate position between the first group of pathogenic Leptospira strains and the group of saprophytic ones . As the difference in the content of myristic acid in pathogenic and saprophytic Leptospira strains is a stable characteristic, it can be used for the differentiation of these strains . The present investigation has revealed that the distribution of the main fatty acids in Leptospira phospholipids is similar to their distribution in Leptospira neutral lipids with the exception of unsaturated fatty acid with 14 carbon atoms, occurring mainly in phospholipids. Br Poult Sci, 1985 Apr, 26(2), 171 - 7 Effect of dietary copper on litter microbial population and broiler performance; Johnson EL et al.; Proprietary broiler diets, containing added copper (125 mg/kg) as sulphate, were fed to broilers in 4 trials (32 pens each) over a one year period without a change of litter . Mould counts in the litter of pens containing birds fed the standard diets decreased to 2 X 10(3) propagules per g in trial 4 . Those in the pens with birds fed the diets containing supplemental copper decreased to 6 X 10(2) propagules per g . Litter bacterial counts (10(7) organisms/g) were not affected by dietary copper . Litter copper concentrations in pens where the birds were fed supplemented diets increased significantly to more than 600 mg/kg in trial 4 . Dietary copper sulphate addition significantly increased broiler weight gains at 7 weeks in trials 3 and 4 (P less than 0.05) and the efficiency of food utilisation was significantly improved in trial 4 . The copper content of the chicks' livers remained unchanged . It is suggested that broiler performance may be independent of dietary copper content . Litter copper concentrations and litter microbial alterations may be important factors. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1985 Apr, 49(4), 756 - 60 Plasmid-mediated degradation of dibenzothiophene by Pseudomonas species; Monticello DJ et al.; The microbial transformation of dibenzothiophene (DBT) is of interest in the potential desulfurization of oil . We isolated three soil Pseudomonas species which oxidized DBT to characteristic water-soluble, sulfur-containing products . Two of our isolates harbored a 55-megadalton plasmid; growth in the presence of novobiocin resulted in both loss of the plasmid and loss of the ability to oxidize DBT . Reintroduction of the plasmid restored the ability to oxidize DBT to water-soluble products . The products resulting from the oxidation of DBT were characterized and included 3-hydroxy-2-formyl benzothiophene, 3-oxo-{3'-hydroxy-thionaphthenyl-(2)-methylene}-dihydrothionaph thene, and the hemiacetal and trans forms of 4-{2-(3-hydroxy)-thianaphthenyl}-2-oxo-3-butenoic acid . The products of DBT oxidation were inhibitory to cell growth and further DBT oxidation . DBT oxidation in our soil isolates was induced by naphthalene or salicylate and to a much lesser extent by DBT and was repressed by succinate. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1985 Apr, 27(4), 663 - 5 Comparative in vitro activity of sanguinarine against oral microbial isolates; Dzink JL et al.; MICs of sanguinarine were determined for 52 oral reference strains and 129 fresh isolates from human dental plaque . Sanguinarine was found to completely inhibit the growth of 98% of the isolates at a concentration of 16 micrograms/ml. Mutat Res, 1985 Apr, 149(2), 159 - 70 Genotoxicity studies with mineral oils; effects of oils on the microbial mutagenicity of precursor mutagens and genotoxic metabolites; Watson WP et al.; In vitro genotoxicity assays are extensively used to predict carcinogenic activity in vivo . The standard microbial mutagenicity assays however often fail to yield positive results with mineral oils which are carcinogenic to mice in long-term skin-cancer studies . A comprehensive programme of studies has therefore investigated the basis of this apparently anomalous behaviour . This investigation has addressed the possible effects of oils on the bioactivation of precursor mutagens and the disposition of mutagenic metabolites by studying the microbial mutagenicity of selected precursor mutagens (benzo{a}pyrene, benzo{a}anthracene, 2-aminoanthracene and 2-naphthylamine) and intrinsically reactive mutagens {+/- )-benzo{a}pyrene-4,5-oxide and (+/-)-7 beta,8 alpha-dihydroxy-9 alpha,10 alpha-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo{a}pyrene) in the presence and absence of mineral oils . Notably the mutagenicity associated with the deliberate additions of these mutagens or precursor mutagens to oils was readily detected by the microbial assays . The mutagenicity of only one of the precursor mutagens, benzo{a}pyrene, was significantly reduced by the oils, and then only in the standard plate-incorporation assay . Interestingly the degree of suppression appeared to be related to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content of the oils . In the case of 2-aminoanthracene large enhancements in its mutagenicity were observed in the presence of oils . These latter findings appear to be due to effects of oils on the bioactivation of precursor mutagens rather than on the disposition of their bioactivation products . The mutagenicity of intrinsically reactive mutagens, of a type generated by bioactivation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, was not significantly reduced in the presence of mineral oils . This indicates that it is unlikely that components in oils trap or facilitate the deactivation of ultimate mutagens whether these pre-exist in the oil or are formed from precursors by bioactivation in the in vitro test system . Viewed overall these results suggest that mineral oils judged to be carcinogenic on the basis of in vivo studies in mouse skin may possess only very weak genotoxic potential . While this potential is likely to be a prerequisite for carcinogenic action, the current results cause attention to be focussed on other factors, e.g . promotion, as potentially important determinants of the carcinogenic potencies of mineral oils in mouse skin. J Appl Toxicol, 1985 Apr, 5(2), 80 - 8 Comparative chemical and biological analysis of coal tar-based therapeutic agents to other coal-derived materials; Wright CW et al.; In this study, methodologies developed for the analysis of synthetic fuel products were applied to the coal tar fractions isolated from coal tar-based pharmaceutical products . A pharmaceutical stock solution of 20% coal tar in alcohol, a 50% coal tar bath emulsion and a 4.3% coal tar shampoo were studied . The toxicology and chemical composition of the coal tar fractions isolated from these materials were compared with an industrial coal tar and with a direct-liquefaction coal liquid product . The coal tars and coal liquid product were fractionated into chemical classes by alumina column chromatography and individual components were identified and quantitated by high-resolution gas chromatography . The microbial mutagenicity of these materials was measured against S . typhimurium, TA 98 . In addition, the industrial coal tar, coal-liquid product, and coal tar isolate from the 20% coal tar in alcohol solution were tested for initiating activity in an initiation/promotion mouse skin painting assay for carcinogenicity . The chemical compositions of the coal tar-based therapeutic agents, the industrial coal tar and direct-liquefaction coal liquid were similar . With the exception of the 50% bath emulsion, the microbial mutagenicity and tumor-initiating activity in mouse skin for those materials tested were also similar. J Immunol, 1985 Apr, 134(4), 2536 - 43 Antigen-specific anti-phosphocholine antibodies: binding site studies; Claflin JL et al.; The present investigation extends our initial evaluation of the evolution of antigen selection mechanisms for antibodies of a "single" specificity . The binding sites of 11 mouse anti-PC antibodies produced in response to the bacterium P . morganii or the nematode A . suum were characterized for both hapten and hapten plus carrier specificity . All of the anti-P . morganii HP belonged to the M603 anti-PC antibody family, whereas all the A . suum HP belonged to the M511 family . Of the eight anti-P . morganii HP, six exhibited a fine specificity profile for PC and choline analogues only slightly different from M603 Id+ HP induced by S . pneumoniae and PC-protein . These six and a seventh HP, whose hapten binding profile was unique, were also unusual in showing strong reactivity for a soluble PC containing extract from P . morganii . All three anti-A . suum-specific HP studied in detail had hapten-binding profiles remarkably similar to each other, a finding that is in contrast to M511 Id+ HP to S . pneumoniae and PC-protein . All three HP also showed evidence for preferential binding activity for A . suum, although this was not as dramatic as that seen with the anti-P . morganii HP . These data support our hypothesis that antigen selection of anti-PC antibodies occurs not so much for PC itself as it does for the carrier (microbial) determinants to which PC is attached. Br J Nutr, 1985 Mar, 53(2), 311 - 22 The effect of lumen conditions on oxygen uptake in perfused omasal laminae; Lozeman FJ et al.; The vascular anatomy of the bovine omasal lamina permitted perfusion of a discrete area of the tissue . As occurs in vivo, oxygen was provided through the vascular system, while the luminal sides of the tissue could be kept in an anaerobic environment, thus allowing study of foregut tissue metabolism under physiologically realistic conditions . O2 consumption of perfused leaves in the presence of anaerobic buffer was 64.9 and 73.5 nmol O2/mg dry weight per h in Expts 1 and 2 respectively, and was elevated (P less than 0.05) when the lumen side of the tissue was exposed to an atmosphere of nitrogen gas . In Expt 1, the rate of O2 consumption was increased (P less than 0.01) by 35% as a result of suspension of a boiled preparation of rumen micro-organisms and particles (less than 1 mm) in the anaerobic lumen buffer . Replacement of the boiled preparation with an unboiled suspension increased O2 consumption further by 11%, but this was not statistically significant (P greater than 0.05) . In Expt 2, sequential addition of the following substrates or preparations to the lumen chambers all resulted in stepwise increases (P less than 0.05) in O2 consumption; 8 mM-butyrate, boiled rumen micro-organisms and particles and, finally, unboiled rumen micro-organisms and particles . Identities of the heat-labile and heat-stable components of the microbial and particle suspensions that caused enhancement of O2 removal across the perfused tissue are discussed. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1985 Mar, 38(3), 328 - 32 Microbial phosphorylation of compactin (ML-236B) and related compounds; Endo A et al.; Several fungal strains were found to convert compactin (ML-236B) to 5'-phosphocompactic acid . The product was isolated by solvent extraction and column chromatography, and identified by IR, UV, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 31P NMR spectroscopy . Related structures (monacolin K, L and X) were also transformed to their corresponding phosphorylated analogues . The products were re-converted back to respective parental compounds by treatment with alkaline phosphatase of calf intestine. Arch Tierernahr, 1985 Mar, 35(3), 183 - 96 {Effect of mixed protein silage in feed on the digestive tract and metabolism parameters in swine}; Bolduan G et al.; With a view to studying the effect of acid addition, weaned piglets and fattening pigs were fed graduated amounts of protein mixed silage (pH-value 3.15 by adding 20 g H2SO4/kg) in rations of equal energy and protein levels . On average, the fattening pigs were taking in 0.26 g H2SO4/kg, whilst the amounts for piglets were 0.60 and 0.72 g H2SO4/kg . Higher acid intakes had a negative effect of energy expenditure, weight gains and feed intake . The experimental animals had significantly longer small intestines, whilst the intestine's wall was found thinner and the amount of digesta reduced and with a higher water content . The microbial activity in the stomach proved significantly inhibited . However, it was higher in the caecum as compared to the control animals . Metabolic parameters suggest that water and mineral balances are under stress . The significance of acid addition for tract flora and its metabolites is discussed . Protein mixed silage is regarded a dietetically favourable feed when given at a maximum daily amount of 25 g/kg LW or 1 kg/animal . The recommendation for dosing the daily administration of inorganic acids is as follows: max . 0.5 g acid/kg LW or 20 g/animal. Arch Environ Health, 1985 Mar-Apr, 40(2), 96 - 101 Pulmonary disease associated with cafeteria flooding; Hodgson MJ et al.; An illness among office workers, consisting of cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, and chest tightness was associated with water leaks from a cafeteria . Mean single breath carbon-monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) of cases differed significantly from that of non-cases . There was a significant decrease in the percent of predicted DLCO with increasing number of symptoms . Testing for precipitating antibodies to microbial agents found in the building revealed no differences between cases and non-cases . DLCO is an appropriate cross-sectional instrument for field investigations of building-associated respiratory disease. J Biochem Biophys Methods, 1985 Mar, 10(5-6), 341 - 50 pH, urea and substrate gradients for the optimization of ultrathin polyacrylamide gel zymograms; Gorg A et al.; The preparation of ultrathin polyacrylamide gels with different kinds of gradients (pH, substrates, inhibitors) is described . By using these gels for contact printing after isoelectric focusing with Ampholines or Immobilines and for diffusion tests, the influence of pH or increasing amounts of substrates or inhibitors on enzyme and isoenzyme activities is studied . These methods are successfully applied for the optimization of zymogram techniques and for the easy characterization of industrial microbial enzyme preparations for technological purposes . With buffer-generated pH gradient gels, the pH optimum of all isoenzyme activities is demonstrated by contact printing; the total amount of isoenzyme activities dependent on pH is determined by a diffusion test . Gels with a linear gradient between 0 and 8 M urea are used for isoelectric focusing, diffusion tests and contact printing in order to differentiate the unfolding and denaturing effects of urea on isoenzymes . Alterations in polygalacturonase isoenzyme patterns dependent on urea concentration are not caused by inhibition or denaturation but by the change of charges . In respect to band sharpness and straightness urea can be added advantageously up to 2 M without changing the isoelectric points or activities of the isoenzymes . For the reproducibility of zymograms it is interesting to see that different substrate concentrations reveal different isoenzyme patterns. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1985 Mar, 49(3), 593 - 8 Novel microbial screen for detection of 1,4-butanediol, ethylene glycol, and adipic acid; Stieglitz B et al.; A novel microbial-screening procedure was developed for separate detection of 1,4-butanediol, ethylene glycol, and adipic acid, three commercially important oxychemicals potentially derivable from bacterial omega-oxidation of n-butanol, ethanol, and hexanoic acid, respectively . The screening method involved postproduction addition of one of several specific Pseudomonas strains which produce a soluble fluorescent pigment during growth on the product of interest . A mutation and selection procedure was developed for isolation of specific strains with phenotypes for growth and pigment production on the desired product (e.g., 1,4-butanediol), but not on its bioconversion substrate (e.g., n-butanol), common by-products (e.g., n-butyrate), or product isomers . Pigment production was growth associated and required cultivation of the screening strains under limiting Fe3+ concentrations . The pigments resembled well-characterized, iron-chelating siderophores produced by other fluorescent pseudomonads . The sensitivity of the assay for product accumulation was enhanced by (i) conducting the screening in microtiter dishes to permit examination of individual isolates of putative producers and to control product diffusion, (ii) using a wavelength cutoff filter to reduce background source light, and (iii) using adapted screening strains which grew at lower (0.3 mM) concentrations of test compounds . The potential utility of the method for detecting a variety of oxidative catabolic products is discussed. Med Clin North Am, 1985 Mar, 69(2), 297 - 314 Infections of central nervous system shunts; Gardner P et al.; Approximately 1 out of every 10 ventricular shunts for hydrocephalus will become infected . This represents a three- to fivefold increase in infection rate compared with other neurosurgical procedures . Most often, the infection results from colonization of the shunt device by normally nonpathogenic skin flora at the time of surgery . Properties of the foreign body itself may contribute to this increased risk of infection, and most infections are clinically apparent within the first 6 months following surgery . Meticulous surgical technique remains one of the most important variables in reducing shunt infection while the role of prophylactic antibiotics is still unclear . When a shunt infection is suspected, percutaneous needle aspiration of the shunt reservoir is most always diagnostic . Fluid specimens should be sent for Gram smear, culture, and susceptibility testing . Appropriate systemic antibiotics should be started . In most instances, the infected patient should be treated by external ventricular drainage and intraventricular antibiotics until the CSF is sterilized . The drain should then be removed and a new shunt placed . Immediate removal of the infected shunt with simultaneous replacement by a new shunt in a different location also has a high cure rate but carries an increased risk of subsequent infection . With few exceptions, antibiotic therapy alone or partial shunt revision will be unsuccessful, and these therapies carry increased morbidity and mortality rates due to prolonged shunt infection . Despite the frequency of shunt surgery and its high rate of infection, a well-organized investigational approach to this problem has been lacking . Both laboratory and clinical investigation needs to explore new shunting techniques, biomaterials, the role of antibiotics, and microbial factors involving host defenses and the shunt apparatus itself. Cancer Treat Rep, 1985 Mar, 69(3), 285 - 91 Effect of forphenicinol, a small molecular immunomodifier, in combination with cyclophosphamide on growth of and immunity to syngeneic murine tumors; Nitta K et al.; Forphenicinol (FPL) is a low molecular immunomodifier derived from forphenicine, a microbial product found by Umezawa and co-workers . We studied the antitumor effect of FPL, cyclophosphamide (CY), and the combination of the two on several syngeneic murine tumors . The tumors used were mammary carcinoma, L1210 leukemia, B16 melanoma, Lewis lung carcinoma, and glioblastoma . A single ip injection of CY on Day 1 followed by eight consecutive daily oral doses of FPL beginning 6 days after tumor inoculation showed strong cooperation in curing syngeneic mammary carcinoma inoculated intradermally in C3H/HeN mice, most mice being cured of the tumor by the combination therapy and subsequently having acquired strong specific immunity . Treatment with FPL alone (either pre- or post-treatment) also significantly inhibited the growth of the mammary tumor . FPL and CY also showed cooperation in inhibiting the growth of L1210 leukemia transplanted intradermally into CDF1 (BALB/c X DBA/2) mice and markedly prolonged the survival time but FPL treatment alone had no effect . The FPL-CY treatment also affected Lewis lung carcinoma and glioblastoma in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice and produced therapeutic synergism . FPL alone significantly inhibited the growth of B16 melanoma in C57BL/6 mice as well as the syngeneic mammary carcinoma in C3H/HeN mice . These findings suggest that oral administration of FPL in combination with chemotherapeutic agents can be used for treating cancer without causing toxicity, because of the synergistic efficacy of the combination. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1985 Mar 1, 151(5), 679 - 81 Antibodies to the neutral glycolipid asialo ganglio-N-tetraosylceramide: association with gynecologic cancers; Witkin SS et al.; As part of our efforts to define subpopulations at increased risk for gynecologic malignancies, sera from 145 women were obtained prior to diagnosis and analyzed for antibody to asialo ganglio-N-tetraosylceramide . This neutral glycolipid is present on the surface of thymocytes and natural killer cells, and asialo ganglio-N-tetraosylceramide antibody has been shown in animals to block natural killer cell activity and promote tumor cell proliferation . With the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and with a value of 2 SD above the mean for healthy women designated as the boundary for a positive response, antibody to asialo ganglio-N-tetraosylceramide was detected in only one of 30 (3%) healthy women, none of 16 pregnant women, none of 18 women with benign masses, and two of 24 (8%) women with microbial infections . All of the above samples that contained antibodies were barely over the 2 SD limit . In marked contrast, 19 of 35 (54%) women with gynecologic malignancies had asialo ganglio-N-tetraosylceramide antibodies, with positive values ranging to greater than 10 SD above the control mean . Asialo ganglio-N-tetraosylceramide antibody was found in six of eight (75%) patients with cervical cancer, five of eight (63%) with endometrial cancer, and seven of 15 (47%) with ovarian cancer . Of the eight patients with Stage I gynecologic cancer at any site, five (62%) had asialo ganglio-N-tetraosylceramide antibodies . Four of 22 (18%) women with Hodgkin's disease also had antibodies, with values just exceeding 2 SD above control levels . The presence of these antibodies may contribute to an impaired immune surveillance system in these women and so increase their susceptibility to malignancy. J Clin Pathol, 1985 Mar, 38(3), 336 - 40 Effects of media, working practice, and automation on the rapid detection of bacteraemia; Corkill JE; Advances in the treatment of disease have resulted in an increasing number of blood cultures being processed by microbiology departments . The effect of media, revision of working hours, and automation on the time taken to detect positive cultures are reported . A 9.5% detection rate at 24 h with broth systems examined manually increased to 76.0% with a semi-automated radiometric technique (BACTEC) . The use of radiometry in a restructured working day--that is, 9.00 am to 7.00 pm--resulted in optimum conditions for reducing the reporting time . The efficacy of modern equipment, designed to detect micro-organisms rapidly, can be considerably enhanced by reorganisation of traditional working hours to suit microbial growth rather than the current availability of staff. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1985 Mar, 49(3), 711 - 3 Modification of the 14C most-probable-number method for use with nonpolar and volatile substrates; Somerville CC et al.; A method was developed to allow the use of volatile and nonpolar substrates in 14C most-probable-number tests . Naphthalene or hexadecane was sorbed to filter paper disks and submerged in minimal medium . The procedure reduced the volatilization of the substrates while allowing them to remain available for microbial degradation. Antibiot Med Biotekhnol, 1985 Mar, 30(3), 208 - 12 {A spectroturbidimetric method of rapid evaluation of microbial sensitivity to antibiotics}; Iosipenko AD et al.; A rapid spectroturbidimetric method for estimation of the microbial sensitivity to antibiotics is described . It provides quantitative determination of significant structural parameters of bacterial suspensions, such as the average values of the cell radius or the radius of the cell conglomerates r lambda, their numerical concentration N and the concentration of the intact cells by the dry weight C . The relative changing of the biomass during the culture growth is a reliable index of the microbial sensitivity to the antibiotic effect . The changing of the biomass is determined by direct estimation of C, but not by the suspension turbidity measured at one light wavelength . The collection strains E . coli M-17 and S . aureus 209P were used . The spectra of the optical density were measured with the use of the apparatus made in the USSR . It was noted that the resolving capacity and realization rate of the spectroturbidimetric method wee higher than those of the routine agar diffusion method . The spectroturbidimetric method provides determination of the culture sensitivity to several antibiotics for 4 hours. Int Dent J, 1985 Mar, 35(1), 36 - 42 The cariogenic potential of foods--a critical review of current methods; Krasse B; Current methods used in examining the cariogenic potential of foods are plaque pH measurements, measurements of adhesiveness of foods, experimental caries models and animal tests . pH measurements can be used for separating the non-acidogenic foods from the acidogenic ones but they are not suitable for separating foods with different levels of caries inducing potential . This is illustrated by the fact that virtually all foods which contain carbohydrates cause the pH of human plaque to fall below 5.5 . Cooked rice and beans also give such a pH drop but these foods have a very low caries-inducing potential, as shown in studies of persons with hereditary fructose intolerance . Furthermore, experimentation has shown that acid formation and enamel dissolution are not directly correlated . Animal models exist in which various test foods can be examined under identical conditions . By using the same microbial challenge and a reference food, for example sucrose, the relative cariogenic potential of a test food can be calculated . One limitation with these animal models is that the foods have to be given in powdered form and not in the physical form in which they are consumed by humans . The main objection against most of the current methods is that they reflect important factors in our concept of the pathogenesis of dental caries only to a limited extent . For example, only the animal tests can be used to illustrate the extent to which foods support the colonization of S . mutans on teeth . The qualitative composition of the plaque is practically never considered . A series of tests can, however, be combined to give more relevant information about the caries-inducing potential of foods.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis, 1985 Mar, 3(2), 167 - 74 Comparison of the Isolator 1.5 Microbial Tube with a conventional blood culture broth system for detection of bacteremia in children; Campos JM et al.; A lysis direct plating technique, utilizing the Isolator 1.5 Microbial Tube (Du Pont Company) was compared to a conventional two-bottle culture system during a prospective study conducted in a children's hospital . Specimens were processed so that the amounts of blood allocated to each conventional blood culture bottle and the Isolator tube were as equivalent as possible . Of the 1,823 specimens enrolled, 93 (5.1%) yielded growth of 102 clinically significant isolates . Lysis direct plating and conventional blood culture bottles detected 85 and 89 of the isolates, respectively . No statistically significant differences were observed between the two methods in the overall efficiency of organism recovery or in the detection of any specific organism . Contamination rates during the entire study were 14.1% and 3.6% for lysis direct plating and conventional blood culture bottles, respectively . The mean time to availability of colonies of clinically significant isolates from specimens positive by both methods was 29 hr and 35 hr for lysis direct plating and conventional blood culture bottles, respectively . We conclude that lysis direct plating offers an attractive alternative to conventional blood culture bottles for the processing of blood cultures from pediatric patients. Yale J Biol Med, 1985 Mar-Apr, 58(2), 153 - 63 The search for an endogenous activator; Gekowski KM et al.; Certain febrile diseases are unaccompanied by infection or apparent hypersensitivity . In myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism, for example, fever has been attributed to inflammation and/or tissue necrosis . Exogenous (microbial) pyrogens stimulate both human and animal monocytes/macrophages to produce endogenous pyrogen (EP) in vitro . To determine if plasma and cellular endogeneous mediators (EMs) of inflammation induced EP production, human mononuclear cells (M/L) were incubated for 18 hours with varying amounts of EM and the supernates assayed for EP in rabbits . Neutrophils (PMNs), which do not generate EP and yet are a feature of acute inflammation, were tested . Neither viable, phorbol myristic acetate-stimulated PMNs nor sonicated PMNs, red blood cells, or M/L stimulated human monocytes to produce EP . Human C3b and C5a, which mediate phagocytosis and chemotaxis, respectively, were also inactive . Despite its chemoattractant properties, the synthetic peptide FMLP failed to induce EP release . Since Poly I:Poly C (PIC: a synthetic, double-stranded RNA) is a potent pyrogen in rabbits, we investigated PIC, as well as a native, single-stranded RNA (from E . coli) and DNA (from calf thymus) . None was active in vitro, and only PIC caused fever when given to rabbits intravenously . In summary, we have been unable to find an endogenous activator of EP from human monocytes to explain fevers associated with inflammation alone. J Reprod Fertil, 1985 Mar, 73(2), 385 - 90 Effects of proteinase inhibitors on preimplantation embryos in the rat; Ichikawa S et al.; Proteinase inhibitors of microbial origin were injected into the uterine horns of mated rats at 14:00 h on Day 5 of pregnancy (spermatozoa in vaginal smear = Day 1), and 5 or 6 h later the embryos were flushed from the horns and examined . Chymostatin and alpha-MAPI, inhibitors of chymotrypsin-like serine proteinase and thiol proteinases, as well as thiolstatin, an inhibitor of thiol proteinases, significantly inhibited embryo growth . The inhibitory activity of alpha-MAPI on embryonic growth was distinctly greater than that of thiolstatin, although the ID50 values of the two inhibitors to papain are similar . Antipain and leupeptin which are inhibitors of trypsin-like and thiol proteinases, and talopeptin, an inhibitor of metal proteinases, significantly interrupted the removal of the zona pellucida from expanding blastocysts . These results suggest that (1) a chymotrypsin-like proteinase seems to be important to the growth of the embryo, (2) a thiol proteinase may participate in embryonic growth, and (3) a trypsin-like proteinase and a metal proteinase are likely to participate in zonalysis. J Med Chem, 1985 Mar, 28(3), 317 - 23 Artificial siderophores . 1 . Synthesis and microbial iron transport capabilities; Lee BH et al.; Several di- and trihydroxamate analogues of natural microbial iron chelators have been prepared . The syntheses involved linkage of core structural units, including pyridinedicarboxylic acid, benzenetricarboxylic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, and tricarballylic acid, by amide bonds to 1-amino-omega-(hydroxyamino)alkanes to provide the polyhydroxamates 1-5 . The required protected (hydroxyamino)alkanes 8, 16, and 21 were prepared by different routes . 1-Amino-3-{(benzyloxy)amino}propane di-p-toluenesulfonate (8) was prepared from the N-protected aminopropanol 6 by oxidation to the aldehyde, formation of the substituted oxime, and reduction with NaBH3CN followed by deprotection of the Boc group . The pentyl derivatives 16 and 21 were made by direct alkylation with either benzyl acetohydroxamate or N-carbobenzoxy-O-benzylhydroxylamine . In Escherichia coli RW193 most of the analogues behaved nutritionally as ferrichrome . However, in E . coli AN193, a mutant lacking the ferrichrome receptor, capacity to use other natural siderophores was retained while response to all analogues was lost. Ann Trop Paediatr, 1985 Mar, 5(1), 11 - 4 Transitional diarrhoea in newborn infants; Maiya PP et al.; A self-limited acute fluid diarrhoea was seen in 80 of 3550 (2.2%) live-born infants not kept in a nursery in this hospital . Rotavirus and enteropathogenic serotypes of E . coli were detected with equal frequency with and without diarrhoea . It is suggested that this self-limited episode of diarrhoea occurring soon after birth is not necessarily due to rotavirus infection but could also be due to failure of adaptation to enteral feeding and microbial colonization during this transitional period. J Biol Chem, 1985 Feb 25, 260(4), 2268 - 73 Inhibition of lipases by proteins . A kinetic study with dicaprin monolayers; Gargouri Y et al.; We report further investigations on protein inhibition of pancreatic and microbial lipases carried out with the monolayer technique . When beta-lactoglobulin A, melittin, serum albumin, myoglobin, and a protein inhibiting lipase from soybean were preincubated with a dicaprin film at a surface pressure of 35 dynes/cm, no activity was detected with horse pancreatic or Rhizopus delemar lipases . By contrast, Rhizopus arrhizus and Geotrichum candidum lipase activities were not impaired under the same conditions . Experiments using mixed lipid-protein film transfer clearly show that the inhibition of pancreatic lipase is due to the protein associated with lipid and not caused by direct protein-enzyme interaction in the aqueous phase . Three parameters were used to determine the surface properties of the various proteins at the dicaprin/water interface; namely, the initial rate of surface pressure increase, (delta pi/delta t)t = 0, the maximal surface pressure increase, delta pi max, and the critical surface pressure, pi c . A positive correlation was observed between values of (delta pi/delta t)t = 0 of proteins and their respective capacity to inhibit pancreatic and R . delemar lipases . By contrast, there was no apparent correlation with the two other parameters, delta pi max or pi c. Life Sci, 1985 Feb 11, 36(6), 549 - 55 Various proteinase inhibitors decrease prolactin and growth hormone release by anterior pituitary cells; Rappay G et al.; Proteinase inhibitors were tested for their ability to inhibit prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) release by cultured anterior pituitary cells of the rat . Inhibitors of microbial origin (chymostatin, elastatinal, leupeptin) had either no or a moderate effect on hormone release while some tripeptide aldehydes, especially those with lysine at their C terminus, inhibited markedly PRL and to a lesser extent GH release . Boc-DPhe-Phe-lysinal was the most effective on lactotrophs inhibiting PRL release more than 50% at 10(-4) M . The site(s) of action of tripeptide aldehydes remain to be elucidated. Aust N Z J Med, 1985 Feb, 15(1), 93 - 7 New concepts in management of neutropenia; Firkin FC; Neutropenia is a life-threatening sequel of hematological disorders and a dominant factor limiting the dosage of cytotoxic chemotherapy . The role of the neutrophil is of such importance in defence against microbial invasion that measures that modify the behaviour of residual hemopoietic tissue to promote a modest increase in neutrophils, can confer considerable benefit by reducing the frequency and severity of infection . Such a change can be mediated in bone marrow depression by diversion of more progeny of immature precursors into the neutrophil series, or by enhancement of the stimulatory drive operating on neutrophil production . The former effect can be achieved by hypertransfusion of red cells to reduce the demand on the limited precursor population for cells of the erythroid series . The latter effect can be achieved by administration of lithium carbonate . Neutropenia caused by autoimmune injury to the neutrophil series can also be successfully modified by measures which suppress the underlying immune dyscrasia or the function of the reticulo-endothelial system . Corticosteroid administration and splenectomy can be helpful in certain specific types of neutropenia . Administration of cyclophosphamide and azathioprine has both mutagenic and marrow suppressive potential, but can induce remissions in severe chronic isolated neutropenia and in systemic lupus erythematosis. Cancer, 1985 Jan 15, 55(2), 453 - 9 Value of open-lung biopsy in 87 immunocompromised patients with pulmonary infiltrates; Cheson BD et al.; The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 87 consecutive immunocompromised patients who underwent open-lung biopsy at the University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, from January 1971 to June 1982 . A specific histologic diagnosis was obtained in 62 (71%) of the patients, 33 of whom had infections . Pneumocystis carinii was the most common microbial pathogen (16 patients), but no cases have been observed since 1980 when the routine use of prophylactic trimethoprim/sulfa began . The other specific diagnoses included malignancy or drug-induced lung disease . Specific therapy was available for 52 patients, and in 33 cases, a change in therapy was necessary to treat according to the lung biopsy diagnosis . Forty-one patients received an adequate course of therapy and 27 (66%) of these improved clinically, including 16 of 26 patients with infections, 11 of 14 with malignancies, and 1 of 2 with a vasculitis . Among the subgroup of 33 patients for whom a new, specific therapeutic option was available as a result of the biopsy diagnosis 21 (64%) responded to the treatment . Eleven significant operative complications were encountered, but no deaths were attributable to the biopsy . An open-lung biopsy in immunocompromised patients is a relatively safe, accurate diagnostic procedure which frequently facilitates appropriate therapy and clinical improvement. Ann Biol Clin (Paris), 1985, 43(4), 397 - 405 {Diagnostic technics in infective pathology}; Comparative toxicity studies between bacterial lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) and N-formyl methionyl peptide as factors in the pathogenesis of byssinosis; Comparative in vivo and in vitro studies were made on bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the chemotactic peptide NF-Met-Leu-Phe with a view toward studying their possible role in the pathophysiology of byssinosis . In contrast to LPS, chemotactic peptides did not cause Limulus amebocyte lysate gelation, nor did they induce the release of endogenous pyrogen . Inhalation of LPS caused a peripheral leukocytosis in rabbits 30 min after aerosol administration, whereas peptide inhalation caused a significant leukopenia in the same period . Cellular analysis of guinea pig bronchial lavages after LPS aerosol challenge revealed immediate decreases in all cell types, with subsequent, large increases of macrophages and granulocytes 4-24 h after aerosolization . Inhalation challenge with NF-Met-Leu-Phe induced no significant cellular changes . It was concluded that it is unlikely that these microbial products could be confused with each other when administered in pure form by the inhalation route. Acta Paediatr Hung, 1985, 26(3), 175 - 85 Evaluation of counselling for pregnant women exposed to potentially hazardous environmental factors; Czeizel A et al.; Pregnancy outcomes of 546 women seeking advice for exposure to suspected dangerous environmental factors during pregnancy were analysed . Induced abortion was recommended to 58 women, and this advice was followed by 55 of them . An additional 24 pregnancies were interrupted . The rates of fetal death (spontaneous abortion, stillbirth and infant death) in the non-terminated pregnancies corresponded to national figures . The proportion of birth defects among the liveborn infants of women exposed to hazardous physical, chemical, microbial and maternal factors was 5/67 (7.5%), 11/120 (9.2%), 6/158 (3.8%) and 1/22 (4.5%), respectively . These figures did not differ significantly from the expected ones based on the Hungarian registered and estimated figures . Furthermore, a causal relation between the environmental factors and the defects could be excluded in all but one case in which there was exposure to a high dose of oestrogen. Nahrung, 1985, 29(10), 979 - 92 {Importance of peptides from enzymatically degraded proteins as components of foodstuffs}; Behnke U; In comparison with proteins, peptides occur only in very small amounts in foods . An exception are peptides, which result from proteins to a higher or lower extent in the course of natural or microbial disintegration or ripening processes . Recently, proteinases are used for process optimization or quality improvement in the production or processing of foods . Usually, the protein degradation in these cases is only small, but functional properties may be improved . Peptides frequently show a bitter taste and may limit the sensory value of foods . Sources and possibilities to remove the bitter taste are discussed . In dietetics protein-free peptide diets are introduced for special indications . They contain oligopeptides which are produced by intensive hydrolysis of proteins . The intestinal absorption of small peptides is different from that of free amino acids . Finally, physiological effects of some dietary peptides are discussed (e.g . peptides as enzyme inhibitors, coeliac disease as a gliadine-peptide induced enteropathy, exorphines as neurotransmitters). Rheumatol Int, 1985, 5(5), 221 - 7 Borderline-tissues as sites of antigen deposition and persistence--a unifying concept of rheumatoid inflammation? Schulz LC, Schaening U, Pena M, Hermanns W. In organs of rheumatoid inflammation avascular tissue is nourished by perfusion either directly from the blood stream or by neighbouring blood vessels (borderline-tissue) . An open question remains whether this borderline-tissue promotes only the known antigen persistence, or also the first deposition of the pathogenetically important microbial antigen, and subsequently a deposition of immune complexes . The three markers (carbon, latex, and living bacteria) used in this study led to nearly the same pattern of deposition in two groups of organ systems: Organs with clearance function belonging to the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS); organs with borderline-tissues: joint, kidney, artery, heart valve, and eye . This deposition at the borderline can be observed best in areas of the joint where highly vascularized tissues are adjacent to avascular tissues nourished via perfusion: perichondrium, peritendineum, periosteum, and endo- and perimysium . These localisations of particle deposition correspond exactly with the intraarticular predilection sites of chronic rheumatoid inflammation in man and animals . Our results indicate an easier settlement of corpuscular material in these localisations, which at the same time are unable to eliminate such substances, unlike the organs of the MPS . Our studies seem to support the theory of pathogenetic importance of the borderline-tissues as a localizing factor in the perpetuating rheumatoid inflammation. J Dairy Sci, 1985 Jan, 68(1), 45 - 56 Protein degradation in rumen and amino acid absorption in small intestine of lactating dairy cattle fed heat-treated whole soybeans; Stern MD et al.; Four lactating Holstein cows fitted with rumen cannulae and T-type cannulae in proximal duodenum and terminal ileum were used to measure protein degradation in the rumen and amino acid flow and absorption in the small intestine . Soybean meal, whole soybeans, and whole soybeans extruded at 132 and 149 degrees C provided 50% of the protein in diets that contained 51% grain, 36% corn silage, and 13% alfalfa hay (dry matter) . Spot samples of digesta were collected from duodenum and ileum during 96 h, and lanthanum was an indigestible marker to estimate flow and digestibility of nutrients . With diaminopimelic acid as a microbial marker, apparent degradations of dietary crude protein in the rumen were 73, 80, 66, and 60% for diets containing soybean meal, whole soybeans, and whole soybeans extruded at 132 and 149 degrees C . Because of the extensive degradation of protein with the raw soybean diet, less total amino acids reached the duodenum, and because of decrease of availability, absorption from the small intestine (g/day) was lowest with this diet . Feeding diets containing extruded whole soybeans increased availability of total essential amino acids in the small intestine compared with diets containing soybean meal and whole soybeans . Absorption from the small intestine (g/day and percent entering) of individual amino acids was generally higher for extruded whole soybean diets. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J, 1985 Jan, 46(1), 28 - 33 Variation of composition with particle size in coal liquid aerosols generated for inhalation toxicology studies; Schirmer RE et al.; The chemical composition and microbial mutagenicity of aerosols generated by nebulizing two coal oils (solvent refined coal {SRC}-I process solvent {PS} and SRC-II heavy distillate) were found to vary with particle size . Significant quantities of the most volatile components of PS were also present as vapors . Evaporation and condensation processes in oil deposited on surfaces as well as in the aerosol are believed to be important in determining the observed composition changes . Complete physical and chemical characterization of the aerosol should be included in inhalation studies of complex materials since the animals may be exposed to material of quite different composition than that placed in the generator initially. Z Rechtsmed, 1985, 94(3), 227 - 35 {Effects of fauna on cadavers and microbial saprophytes on blood group findings on human tissues}; Bertozzi-Sussmann B et al.; The investigation of postmortem human tissue, exposed to the influence of flies and their maggots, has shown in general that there is a drop in ABO blood-group activity due to the secretive action of the anterior intestinal gland of the larva . In addition, the phenomenon of acquired heterogeneous blood-group-specific substances was observed . By analogy with the findings in mummy tissues, the postmortal invasion of foreign bacterial and fungal blood-group-active material is discussed as a cause of erroneous serological diagnosis in bones . Acquisition of foreign serological activity through plant saprophytes was detected in a bone sample infested with algae . In different subfossil bone samples, blood-group activity was evident in the more decomposed areas, while in the better preserved parts of the bony substance, negative reactions were obtained. Vet Med Nauki, 1985, 22(4), 22 - 30 {Clinical, radiotelemetric and x-ray research on erythematous polyarthritis in lambs}; Borisov I et al.; Experimental investigations were carried out with 6 lambs each infected i/v with 2 cm3 of a 24-hour broth culture of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae rated at 10(8) microbial cells per cu . cm . The clinical state of the animals was followed up in the course of 60 days, the changes in the cardiovascular system and those in the movements of the rumen being recorded radiotelemetrically, while the changes taking place in the joints were studied roentgenographically . It was found that the causative agent of swine erysipelas was strongly pathogenic for the lambs following a hematogenic infection, causing polyarthritis with concurrent changes in the general state--rise of temperature and higher respiration and pulse rates . The electrocardiograms of the affected animals showed sinus tachycardia, participation of Q waves, and changes in the R and T waves, while the graphic records of the rumen showed a drop in the number of rumen contractions and decrease in the amplitude . Roentgenographically, there were periostitis and osteoarthritis of the carpal and tarsal joints. Rev Infect Dis, 1985 Jan-Feb, 7(1), 1 - 9 Frequency and characteristics of hyperbilirubinemia associated with bacteremia; Franson TR et al.; One hundred consecutive patients with blood cultures positive for microbial growth were prospectively surveyed for the presence of hepatic abnormalities and clinical evidence of infection . Complete data for 82 patients were available for analysis . Fifty-four percent had elevated bilirubin levels, and 34% had total bilirubin values of greater than or equal to 2.0 mg/dl . The levels of total bilirubin were disproportionately elevated compared with those of aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and cholesterol . Nine of the 23 patients with elevated bilirubin levels had an increase in serum bilirubin one to nine days before their initial positive blood culture . Disproportionate elevations of direct and total serum bilirubin values compared with values for other liver-function tests appear to be associated with bacteremia in adults more frequently than previously recognized and may have some predictive value in such patients. Infect Immun, 1985 Jan, 47(1), 149 - 56 Suppression of in vitro lymphocyte proliferation in C57BL/10 ScN mice vaccinated with phase I Coxiella burnetii; Damrow TA et al.; The effect of inactivated phase I and phase II Coxiella burnetii whole cell vaccine (WCV) on the response of murine spleen cells to mitogenic and antigenic stimuli was evaluated in C57BL/10 ScN endotoxin nonresponder mice with an in vitro lymphocyte proliferation assay . Intraperitoneal injection of phase I WCV into mice resulted in marked and persistent suppression of the proliferative response of spleen cells to concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin, and pokeweed mitogen . This response was time and dose dependent and was not associated with decreased lymphocyte viability . By using a standard dose of 100 micrograms of phase I WCV, suppression of mitogenic responsiveness was first detected 3 days postinjection, attained maximum levels by day 14, and persisted for longer than 5 weeks . Suppression of mitogenic lymphocyte proliferation also was demonstrated after inoculation of animals with viable phase I organisms . The observed hyporesponsiveness of spleen cells from phase I WCV-injected animals was not either the result of a shift in the mitogenic dose optimum or due to a change in the day of in vitro peak response . Spleen cells from phase I WCV-injected mice were negatively regulated with homologous antigen . Investigation of the mechanism of action of phase I WCV, with a 51Cr-release assay, and trypan blue dye exclusion showed that phase I WCV was not directly cytolytic or cytotoxic to spleen cells from normal or vaccinated mice . Phase II WCV did not induce significant mitogenic hyporesponsiveness or negative modulation of spleen cells . These findings extend the observations of adverse host responses associated with the phase I WCV and underscore the need to develop a microbial fraction which possesses protective potency but which lacks the propensity to induce deleterious tissue reactions and immunosuppression. Microbiol Sci, 1985, 2(3), 86 - 90 Temperature as a factor regulating the synthesis of microbial enzymes; Chaloupka J; Temperature affects the formation of several enzymes permanently during long-term growth (e.g . penicillinases, proteases, respiratory enzymes) or transiently immediately after a heat or cold shock (RNA polymerase, aminoacyl-t-RNA synthetases, ribonucleases and others) . The synthesis of developmentally regulated enzymes may be suppressed by temperatures permissive for growth but not for differentiation (e.g . sporulation) . The control of enzyme formation by temperature may be operating at the level of template multiplication (plasmid DNA), transcription, translation or formation of low-molecular-weight effectors. Nahrung, 1985, 29(2), 125 - 31 {The enzymatic decomposition of DDT . 2 . Enzymatic secondary reactions}; Kujawa M et al.; Besides alterations of the DDT molecule by enzymatic reactions on its skeleton, modifications of the phenylic rings were noted recently . Especially DDE which has been considered very stable up to now is subject to an enzymatic hydroxylation with forming some isomers . Furthermore, the isolation of methylsulfonyl derivatives of DDE succeeded . Cleavages of the phenylic ring by microbial influences and its metabolization are described too. Biosystems, 1985, 18(1), 47 - 63 Estimating the mode of growth of individual microbial cells from cell volume distributions; Bugeja VC et al.; Two new methods are derived for inferring the mode of growth of individual microbial cells from measurements made of the volume distributions of populations . One is based on statistics of the observed distribution and has the particular advantage that it is very easy to use . The second, which requires gradient centrifugation, yields the mode of growth directly, rather than by comparison with theoretically derived distributions . Both methods have been found to be more sensitive than those previously suggested. J Basic Microbiol, 1985, 25(7), 461 - 74 Microbial side-chain degradation of sterols; Kieslich K; Apart from the broadly used diosgenin and some further natural compounds sterols gained an increasing importance as raw material for the synthesis of steroid drugs . Parallel to the elucidation of the pathways of the enzymatic degradation of sterols technical processes were developed for a specific degradation of the side-chain to useful primary products . A review is given on the present state of this field and the trends to further improvements. Ciba Found Symp, 1985, 112, 1 - 13 Microbial toxins and diarrhoeal diseases: introduction and overview; Guerrant RL; Without question, diarrhoeal diseases constitute one of the greatest causes of morbidity and death on a global scale . To an increasingly recognized extent, they are caused by an expanding array of microbial products or "toxins' . The symposium focuses on microbial products that alter normal bowel function either by augmenting secretory pathways or by selectively destroying mucosal cells or pathways, thus leading to an imbalance in the concert of normal absorptive function that results in diarrhoea . An understanding of normal intestinal physiology is thus the key to unraveling the specific actions of microbial toxins . In many instances, the microbial toxins are themselves providing unique pharmacological tools with which to dissect normal intestinal function . Specifically, families of enterotoxins are reviewed that appear to cause secretion through the recognized second messengers of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP as well as cyclic nucleotide-independent and calcium-dependent pathways . Potential "third messengers' such as the protein kinases, through which one or more of the second messengers may act, are also considered . We examine cytotoxins that alter the orchestrated function of specialized regions of intact intestinal mucosa by selectively impeding or killing certain cells, so leading to small intestinal or colonic pathology and contributing to diarrhoea . We also consider a wide range of recognized bacterial and parasitic agents and their enterotoxic products . In some instances, these toxins may strikingly resemble our own endogenous humoral regulators or hormones . At this point, the possible roles of viruses or other transmissible genome products in this area await further clarification . Finally, we examine pharmacological and immunological approaches to attacking the toxins themselves or the deranged physiology they cause, in order to approach the control of the potentially devastating diseases of diarrhoea. Biomed Biochim Acta, 1985, 44(2), 175 - 83 {The kinetics of hydrolysis of alanine peptide esters and -p-nitroanilides by thermitase, a thermostable serine protease from Thermoactinomyces vulgaris: secondary specificity, influence of temperature and solute}; Rothe U et al.; The kinetic parameters Km and kcat and the resulting proteolytic coefficients kcat/Km for the hydrolysis of blocked alanine peptide esters (X(Ala)nOMe) and -p-nitroanilides (X(Ala)n-pNA) of variable length (n = 1 to 5 alanine residues) by the cationic, microbial serine protease thermitase are determined in order to delineate the number of subsites involved in catalysis . Thermitase has at least five secondary subsites (S1 to S5) being hydrophobic in S1 to S4 . Arrhenius plots for both, esterase and amidase activity were biphasic with a break at 30 degrees C, followed by a downward bend . The influence of dimethylformamide, solute for many substrates, on the thermitase-catalyzed esterolysis of Z(Ala)2OMe was also investigated . In contrast to the kcat values being unaffected by 5 to 30% dimethylformamide, the Km values increased logarithmically with enhancing its concentration. Rev Argent Microbiol, 1985, 17(2), 103 - 8 {Survival of Azospirillum in the rhizosphere of Festuca arundinacea}; Perotti E et al.; In two experiments Festuca seeds (4 or 20 seeds/pot in first or second experiment respectively) were inoculated with Azospirillum strains (sp 7, mutant streptomycin resistant and G strain) in controlled laboratory conditions . Two illumination regimes were employed (197 and 274 microE . m-2.s-1, respectively) . sp 7 cell number was determined during both experiments . The total number of diazotrophic bacteria was also determined on different dates . In both experiments the control pots received the same number of autoclaving bacteria . The results suggested that: (i) sp 7 number decreased in both experiments to 4 - 5% from initial number in 22 and 23 day after inoculation . This suggests that the plant density and illumination range employed did not affect the inoculum survival; (ii) the evolution of the number of different native diazotrophics strains, along the experiment, showed that this microbial number decrease in inoculated and control pots was related to the initial number. Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac, 1985, 86(6), 398 - 403 {Prevention of bacterial endocarditis in heart patients during dental procedures}; Ninoret P et al.; Better understanding of the mechanisms of the development of subacute bacterial endocarditis following stomatological procedures in the patient with heart disease implies the more rational use of prophylactic measures . Preventive antibiotics, often given empirically, decrease the unavoidable bacteremia threshold and hence the threat of endocarditis . After reviewing the risks factors linked with the cardiac problem and with the stomatological procedure, the authors justify the choice of a simple prophylactic protocol, linked both to the microbial types encountered as well as to commonly used effective antibiotics. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1985, 447, 202 - 11 Biotin-binding proteins and biotin transport to oocytes; White HB 3rd; The eggs of chickens and other birds contain two proteins that bind biotin . Both are homotetrameric proteins of similar size . In contrast to the well-characterized egg white avidin, egg yolk biotin-binding protein has a very acidic isoelectric point, binds biotin with lower affinity, and is usually saturated with biotin . Like other egg yolk proteins, biotin-binding protein appears to be synthesized in the liver, transported by the blood stream to the ovary and deposited in the developing oocyte . Since the yolk of a chicken egg contains over 90% of the biotin in an egg and all of the biotin is bound to biotin-binding protein, the function of biotin-binding protein is undoubtedly to transport biotin to the egg for future use by the developing embryo . Avidin is produced by the oviduct and in the egg it is presumed to deter microbial growth around the oocyte by sequestering biotin . Among the eggs examined, those from turkeys have the lowest amount of biotin-binding protein and the highest amount of avidin . Furthermore, the majority of the biotin in turkey eggs can be bound to avidin in the egg white, suggesting a nutritional role for avidin in turkeys . An assay has been developed to conveniently measure apo- and holobiotin-binding proteins. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl, 1985, 111, 1 - 6 Normal and pathological microbial flora of the upper gastrointestinal tract; Hill M; The resting gastric juice of normal adults in north-western Europe usually contains less than 10(3) micro-organisms/ml . Gastric sterility in such individuals is based on acidity . During meals or after an H2-receptor antagonist, gastric pH levels favour microbial growth but gastric emptying and recurrence of acid conditions resterilizes the stomach . If gastric pH remains above 4, colonization takes place . Studies suggest that gastric pH is normally high, with resultant bacterial colonization, in most of Asia, Africa, south and central America and, possibly, southern and eastern Europe . The biochemical activity of the gastric flora is also pH-dependent . Mucosal colonization occurs only if gastric pH is high . The small intestine is normally sterile because bacteria are killed by bile or pancreatic enzymes . Overgrowth can occur if there are areas inaccessible to these and may have severe metabolic consequences. J Am Dent Assoc, 1985 Jan, 110(1), 43 - 7 An oral disease prevention program for patients receiving radiation and chemotherapy; Wright WE et al.; Thirteen years of treating more than 2,950 patients at the National Institute of Dental Research clinic have shown that a variety of potential oral sequelae associated with cancer therapy can be prevented, reduced in severity, or palliatively alleviated when the dental team has an opportunity to participate in the patient's care . The keystone of this success is based on early referral of the patient for dental consultation, treatment before the initiation of cancer therapy, and a well-defined orientation program to inform patients and their families about the difficulties they may experience . Meticulous attention to oral microbial control, prophylactic use of fluoride gels, and palliative treatment of soft tissue lesions may significantly reduce the oral morbidity associated with radiation and cytotoxic chemotherapy . Diligent personal oral health care and frequent dental recall appointments are recommended for the remainder of the patient's life . It has been our experience that patients who are not followed closely after irradiation therapy have an increased incidence of caries as a result of noncompliance with preventive regimens . The ethical and medicolegal responsibility to fully inform the patient of these recommendations lies with both the medical and dental personnel at the facility providing the radiation-chemotherapy service . The general dentist shares the responsibility for continuity of long-term oral health care. Eksp Onkol, 1985, 7(4), 53 - 7 {Change in the activity of tumor cell antigens as affected by treatment of the cells with the metabolic products of Bac . mesentericus AB-56}; Zatula DG et al.; Tumour cells (ascitic A/Sn mouse lymphosarcoma ON-2), treated by the Bac . mesentericus AB-56 metabolism products used for the production of antitumour autovaccines were analyzed for their antigenic properties . The reactions of precipitation in gel, zonal and oncoming immunoelectrophoresis, passive hemagglutination as well as cytotoxic, absorption and transplantation tests were used . A considerable number of soluble and insoluble antigens inherent in intact tumour cells were inactivated by the products of microbial metabolism in the process of antitumour vaccine production, and modified antigens which induce synthesis of humoral antibodies in the syngenic system appeared. Tierarztl Prax, 1985, 13(4), 471 - 7 {Toxicologic evaluation of nitrofuran derivatives}; Schmid A; The most important side effects of numerous nitrofuran derivatives are their mutagenicity and carcinogenicity . They are due to metabolites of this group of substances in the microbial and animal metabolism . The mutagenic or carcinogenic metabolites are either excreted or covalently bound in the animal organism and may then form persistent residues in the slaughtered animal . If active at all, such residues are toxicologically less active than free metabolites . To determine their bioavailability and to exclude any risk to the consumer, their relay-toxicity should be tested using suitable experimental animals. Arch Fr Pediatr, 1985 Jan, 42(1), 29 - 31 {Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection}; Cochat P et al.; On the occasion of a new case and review of 9 others in the literature, the authors seek to establish the hallmarks of the nephritis occurring after M . pneumoniae infection . It often consists of an acute nephritic syndrome, 10 to 40 days after a respiratory tract infection; hematological abnormalities are not constant . Histological examination of the kidney shows a type I membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in 2, dense deposit disease in 2 and tubulo-interstitial nephritis in one . Immunofluorescence studies have shown the microbial antigen 3 times out of 4 . Specific antibiotherapy does not charge the prognosis of the extrarespiratory manifestations, for which an immunologic mechanism is likely. Reprod Nutr Dev, 1985, 25(6), 1037 - 46 Determination of assay parameters for RNA analysis in bacterial and duodenal samples by spectrophotometry . Influence of sample treatment and preservation; Ushida K et al.; A simple analytical procedure derived from that described by Zinn and Owens (1980), based on the determination of nucleic purine bases (RNA eq), was carried out to measure microbial nitrogen flow in the ruminant duodenum . Several procedures for sample preservation were tested; the efficiency of each step of the analytical method was also determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) . The proposed method (RNA eq) was compared with two other methods considered as references (2-6 diaminopimelic acid and 35S incorporation) and microbial nitrogen flow was measured in defaunated sheep . The recovery of purine bases analysed by the Zinn and Owens method was generally good (101% pure bases; 90% when bases were added to bacterial samples; 96% when added to yeast RNA) . The HPLC measurements allowed us to conclude that this spectrophotometric method is specific for purine bases, all pyrimidine bases being eliminated . Moreover, it was found that the method must be used on freeze-dried samples; storage at + 4 degrees C, defatting or freezing gave incorrect results . Using the described assay, we observed that microbial nitrogen flow at the duodenum of defaunated sheep was not significantly different from that obtained using more traditional markers such as sulphur-35 incorporation or diaminopimelic acid. Infection, 1985, 13 Suppl 2, S241 - 50 The experimental and clinical use of immune-modulating drugs in the prophylaxis and treatment of infections; Drews J; Therapeutic agents capable of stimulating immune responses could be of great value in the prophylaxis and treatment of infectious diseases . Three classes of compounds, each representing a separate approach to the goal of immune stimulation, are discussed with respect to recent experimental and clinical findings . The action of microbial structures and their derivatives can be understood on the basis of "acquired cellular immunity", a phenomenon first described in connection with infections by mycobacteria and other intracellular organisms . In contrast, there is hardly a common denominator for synthetic compounds which are currently used as immune-stimulatory agents . Substances which influence purine metabolism in lymphocytes on the one hand and histamine H2 blockers such as cimetidine on the other hand seem to represent the most promising developments in this field to date . Products of immune cells such as transfer factor and lymphokines form the third and possibly most important group of immune-stimulating agents . Current experimental and clinical trends in this field are briefly described . It is suggested that the delineation of the mechanism of action of lymphokines will open the door to the identification or synthesis of artificial agonists and antagonists as has been the case in the pharmacology of the endocrine and nervous systems. J Chromatogr, 1984 Dec 21, 316, 487 - 94 Screening for new microbial products