Lancet, 1977 Oct 29, 2(8044), 892 - 5 An experiment to determine the active therapeutic moiety of sulphasalazine; Azad Khan AK et al.; Sulphasalazine (S.A.S.P.) is of proven value in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, but its mode of action is unknown . When it is taken by mouth, nearly all the dose reaches the colon intact, where it is split by bacteria into sulphapyridine (S.P.) and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-A.S.A.) . An experiment was devised to determine whether the therapeutic property of S.A.S.P . is a function of the parent molecule or of these two principal metabolites . Retention enemas of S.A.S.P., S.P., and 5-A.S.A . were administered to volunteer patients with sigmoidoscopic evidence of active ulcerative colitis . The experiment was conducted as a blind controlled therapeutic trial, each patient having one of the test enemas daily for two weeks . Pronounced histological improvement was observed in approximately 30% of the patients receiving S.A.S.P . or 5-A.S.A., and in only 5% of those receiving S.P . It is concluded that the active therapeutic moiety of S.A.S.P . IS 5-A.S.A . and that the S.P . functions as a carrier ensuring that the 5-A.S.A . is liberated within the colon. N Z Med J, 1977 Oct 26, 86(598), 385 - 6 The use of triacetyloleandomycin in skin and soft tissue infections: results of a New Zealand general-practitioner multi-centre trial; Vaughan GP et al.; Fifty-one New Zealand general practitioners observed the treatment of 137 cases of skin and soft tissue infections with triacetyloleandomycin (TAO, Pfizer) over a five-month period . Nearly a third of these lesions occurred in children aged 10 years or less . "Excellent" or "good" results in 129 cases (94.2 percent) confirmed triacetyloleandomycin to be generally effective in these conditions . Twice-daily (12-hourly) oral administration proved as effective as more frequent dosage regimens and no major side-effects were encountered . Twenty cases with associated minor surgery are discussed separately. Arch Microbiol, 1977 Oct 24, 115(1), 13 - 7 Influence of sulfide compounds on the metabolism of Methanobacterium strain AZ; Wellinger A et al.; Various organic sulfides and inorganic sulfide were studied in respect to their effect on growth and methane production of Methanobacterium strain AZ . In mineral, sulfide-free medium, cysteine regulated the specific rate of methane production (optimum concentration = 5-10(-4) mole/1) . A supplement of sulfide (10(-4) mole/1) caused an additional stimulation . Coenzyme M** or glutathione could be substituted for cysteine when sulfide was present . Growth was stimulated by CoM and glutathione to the same extent as with cysteine in sulfide-containing media . The concentration of sulfide in cysteine-containing media affected the excretion of amino acids. Med J Aust, 1977 Oct 15, 2(16), 528 - 31 Complications of intravenous therapy: reduction by buffering of intravenous fluid preparation; Eremin O et al.; Local complicationn of intravenous infusions have become a common cause of morbidity in hospitals . Two consecutive groups of patients were studied: the patients in the first group had received standard non-buffered intravenous fluid preparations with pH from 3.6 to 6.0; the second group of patients received fluids which were buffered to a neutral pH . The incidence of local complications in the first group was high (58%), with phlebitis being the most common complication which occurred in 43% of patients . The addition of a buffer to the fluids just before the infusion reduced the incidence of all complications in the second group of patients to 28%, and that of phlebitis to 19% . It will be shown that the complications can be significantly reduced by buffering the infusion fluids. Cell, 1977 Oct, 12(2), 393 - 400 Regulation of flagellin synthesis in the cell cycle of caulobacter: dependence on DNA replication; Osley MA et al.; Synthesis of the two filament proteins (flagellin A and flagellin B) of the Caulobacter creascentus flagellum was measured during the cell cycle . Synchronous cells were pulse-labeled with 36S-methionine, and flagellin proteins were isolated from crude extracts by radioimmune precipitation . The results showed that both proteins are maximally induced during the G2 period and that their induction requires de novo transcription . Flagellin A, however, continues to be made in the progeny swarmer cells after flagellin B synthesis has stopped . This discoordination in flagellin A and B synthesis and the relative abundance of the two proteins may result in part from the longer functional half-life of the flagellin A messenger RNA . Analysis of temperature-sensitive DNA chain elongation mutants suggests that the periodicity of flagellin A and B synthesis in the cell cycle is controlled by a late cell cycle event, presumably the completion of chromosome replication. Clin Orthop, 1977 Oct, (128), 354 - 9 The effect of methylmethacrylate on complement activity; Petty W et al.; The effect of methylmethacrylate on the activity of the complement sequence has been investigated in vitro by standard hemolysis techniques . It was demonstrated that concentrations of methylmethacrylate monomer as low as .25% inhibit the reactions of the complement sequence by 50% . Methylmethacrylate concentrations of 2.5 to 5.0% abolished all complement activity . This effect is on the late-acting components of the complement sequence which are important for chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, immune adherence of bacteria to polymorphonuclear leukocytes, phagocytosos of bacteria by polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and bacteriolysis. Thorax, 1977 Oct, 32(5), 539 - 45 Diagnostic fibreoptic bronchoscopy in the immunocompromised host with pulmonary infiltrates; Matthay RA et al.; Nineteen immunocompromised patients with pulmonary infiltrates underwent diagnostic fibreoptic bronchoscopy with transbronchial forceps and brush biopsy . A specific diagnosis was obtained in 21/25 procedures (10/11 focal lesions and 11/14 diffuse legions) . The most common diagnosis was infection, and organisms isolated included bacteria, fungi, Pneumocystis carinii, and herpes simplex . A pneumothroax requiring tube drainage occurred in two cases and mild lung parenchymal bleeding was noted in two others . It is concluded that fibreoptic bronchoscopy with forceps and brush biopsy can be performed safely with an excellent diagnostic yield in immunocompromised hosts with lung lesions . Supplemental oxygen should be administered during fibreoptic procedures in these patients and platelet transfusions should be given when thrombocytopenia is present. Arch Pathol Lab Med, 1977 Oct, 101(10), 545 - 9 Acute lung lesions due to zirconium and aluminum compounds in hamsters; Leininger JR et al.; The lung lesions produced by multiple short-term intratracheal instillations of saline solutions of sodium zirconium lactate (NaZL), zirconium-aluminum-glycine hydroxychloride complex (ZAG), and aluminum chlorhydrate (ACH) in hamsters were studied by light and electron microscopy . These solutions produced lesions beginning with exudative pneumonia followed by pneumonitis (interstitial pneumonia) and foreign body granulomas . Electron microscopic microprobe analysis demonstrated the metallic component of the instilled compounds in membrane-bound cytoplasmic inclusions of macrophages . The lesions produced by NaZL and ZAG were similar to those produced by ACH . These lesions were also similar to those in previous reports of aerosol exposure of animals to zirconium or aluminum, or to other unrelated compounds. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1977 Oct, 34(4), 371 - 6 Nutritional and biochemical characterization of Methanospirillum hungatii; Ferry JG et al.; To ascertain its physiological similarity to other methanogenic bacteria, Methanospirillum hungatii, the type species of the genus, was characterized nutritionally and biochemically . Good growth occurred in a medium consisting of mineral salts, cysteine sulfide reducing buffer, and an H2-CO2 (80:20) atmosphere . Addition of amino acids and B vitamins stimulated growth . Cell-free extracts contained methylcobalamin-coenzyme M methyltransferase, methylreductase, and formate hydrogenlyase . Cells contained coenzyme M and coenzyme F420 . Coenzyme F420 was required for formate hydrogenlyase activity . Coenzyme F420 purified from M . hungatii had identical properties to that purified from species of Methanobacterium . The physiological basis of the family Methanobacteriaceae is strengthened by these findings. Ann Intern Med, 1977 Oct, 87(4), 466 - 74 Respiratory aspiration of stomach contents; Wynne JW et al.; The aspiration of stomach contents is a common clinical problem of concern to all physicians . Its consequences are varied, depending on the amount and distribution of the aspirate, its pH, and the presence or absence of food, particulate matter, and bacteria . Because multiple factors are involved, aspiration of stomach contents can lead to several distinct syndromes of pulmonary injury, all of which unfortunately have been labeled "aspiration pneumonitis." We review the pathophysiology of each of these syndromes and discuss important diagnostic and therapeutic consequences. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1977 Oct, 44(4), 626 - 7 Focal infection in perspective; Hunter N; In this article some of the theoretical possibilities arising as a result of focal infection are discussed . Rheumatic fever is discussed as an example of a disease in which a number of possible mechanisms may act to produce tissue damage at a target area . The mechanisms examined are direct dissemination of organisms from the focus to the target area, the induction of L-phase bacteria, and toxic damage to target tissue . Host-mediated tissue damage by hypersensitivity or auto-immune mechanisms is considered as well. Can J Microbiol, 1977 Oct, 23(10), 1404 - 14 Epitheliocystis disease in the striped bass Morone saxatilis from the Chesapeake Bay; Zachary A et al.; Epitheliocystis disease in the gills of the striped bass Morone saxatilis from Chesapeake Bay was studied using light and electron microscopy . The epitheliocystis infection appeared synchronous in that all capsules on a single host were at the same stage of development . The disease appeared to begin in a single cell on the gill lamella, which gradually enlarged to form a large cyst, encapsulated by a thick cellular capsule of epithelial origin . The epitheliocystis inclusion was filled with cells of the general morphology and size of rickettsiae; however, the infection was atypical for rickettsiae in that the cells had a dense central nucleoid region and they developed within an inclusion separated from the host cytoplasm. Can J Microbiol, 1977 Oct, 23(10), 1426 - 32 Physiological and biochemical studies on senescing tap root nodules of soybeans; Klucas RV et al.; Senescence of soybean (Glycine max L . Merr.) tap root nodules was investigated by comparing changes in various physiological and biochemical activities with changes in capacity to fix nitrogen . Field-grown Beeson and Calland varieties of soybeans of various ages were sources of tap root nodules . With both varieties, the number of tap root nodules per plant remained constant between 56 and 86 days after planting but fresh weight, dry weight, and mass of tap root nodules increased duing this period . Nitrogen (C2H2)fixation by attached tap root nodules was maximum on a fresh weight, dry weight, or nitrogen basis about 56 days after planting for either variety . Metabolic activities of bacteroids as measured by carbon dioxide evolution from glucose and succinate did not appear to vary among nodules of different ages . There was also no indication of mobilization or deposition or deposition of iron, molybdenum, calcium, zinc, and nitrate in aging tap root nodules . Nitrate levels in the aerial portion of the plants decreased significantly after the initial decline in acetylene reduction . Nicotinamide deamidase activity in the cytosol and in extracts of bacteroids did not change significantly as tap root nodules aged . However, significant and consistent changes were observed in initial pH values of nodule breis and the initial decline occurred before (Calland) or concurrently (Beeson) with the initial decline of nitrogen fixation. J Membr Biol, 1977 Sep 14, 36(2-3), 115 - 35 Structural and spectroscopic characteristics of bacteriorhodopsin in air-water interface films; Hwang SB et al.; A suspension of purple membrane fragments in a solution of soya phosphatidyl-choline in hexane is spread at an air-water interface . Surface pressure and surface potential measurements indicate that the membrane fragments and lipids organize at the interface as an insoluble film . Electron microscopy of shadow-cast replicas of the film reveal that in the bacteriorhodopsin to soya PC weight ratio range of 2:1 to 10:1, these films consist of nonoverlapping membrane fragments which occupy approximately 35% of the surface area and are separated by a lipid monolayer . Furthermore, the membrane fragments are oriented with their intracellular surface towards the aqueous subphase . Nearly all the bacteriorhodopsin molecules at the interface are spectroscopically intact and exhibit visible spectral characteristics identical to those in aqueous suspensions of purple membrane and in intact bacteria . In addition, bacteriorhodopsin in air-dried interface films show spectral changes upon dark-adaptation and upon flash illumination similar to those observed in aqueous suspensions of purple membrane, but with slower kinetics . The kinetics of the spectral changes in interface films can be made nearly the same as in aqueous suspension by immersing the films in water. Lancet, 1977 Sep 3, 2(8036), 481 - 3 Breath-methane in patients with cancer of the large bowel; Haines A et al.; In 30 patients with cancer of the large bowel, 24 (80%) had detectable levels of methane in their breath, compared with 25 (39%) of 64 patients with non-malignant large-bowel disease and 83 (40%) of 208 subjects without large-bowel disease . These findings suggest that there may be a difference in anaerobic intestinal flora between patients with cancer of the large bowel and those without the disease . This difference may antedate the development of the tumour or, alternatively, result from the tumour. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1977 Sep, 30(9), 720 - 3 Ribostamycin, as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of neomycin; Baud H et al.; A mutant of a neomycin-producting Streptomyces fradiae was found which synthesizes ribostamycin instead of neomycin . After a reverse mutation new colonies were obtained producting neomycin again . Ribostamycin might thus be considered as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of neomycin. Bol Med Hosp Infant Mex, 1977 Sep-Oct, 34(5), 1117 - 29 {Usefulness of bone-marrow culture in the etiological diagnosis of septicemia}; Larracilla Alegre MSP J et al.; Considerations are made on the importance of septicemia and the difficulty for an early diagnosis in most patients . The great usefulness shown by bone-marrow culture in the diagnosis of typhoid fever is pointed out and it is considered that this procedure may lend great help in the etiologic diagnosis of general infections . Twenty patients with septicemia are analyzed and the frequency of bone-marrow culture and of blood culture positiveness are compared and it is found that the percentage is greater for the first than for the second. Transfusion, 1977 Sep-Oct, 17(5), 431 - 7 Evaluation of a large-scale frozen blood program; Szymanski IO et al.; The characteristics of previously frozen red blood cells, prepared in a large-scale frozen blood program using the Red Cross method were evaluated . The use of the method as originally described resulted in approximately 91 per cent freeze-thaw-wash recovery of red blood cells . When the glycerolization step was modified by adding the partially glycerolized erythrocytes into 300 ml of 6.2M glycerol, freeze-thaw-wash recoveries were decreased . However, gradient addition of glycerol to the red blood cells without the use of stylet, resulted in acceptable in vitro recoveries . Thawing frozen units in waterbath, to which no antiseptic was added, could introduce bacteria into units of previously frozen red blood cells . Therefore, it seems advisable to use dry heat thawing procedures . Previously frozen red blood cells prepared in the large scale maintained normal levels of ATP and 2,3 DPG . Therapeutic transfusions had acceptable 24-hour survival in vivo. Can J Microbiol, 1977 Sep, 23(9), 1232 - 6 A procaryotic intracellular symbiont of the Great Salt Lake brine shrimp Artemia salina (L.); Post FJ et al.; Individuals of Artemia salina, the brine shrimp, were captured from the Great Salt Lake, a highly saline (330--340 g (see formula: solids content) terminal lake in Utah . Electron microscopy revealed the presence of intracellular procaryotic symbionts in the epithelial lining of the midgut . Fine structure and possible role of the symbiont are discussed. Q Rev Biol, 1977 Sep, 52(3), 249 - 62 Origins of the nucleate organisms; McQuade AB; A theory regarding the early evolution of the eukaryotes is presented . It is proposed that the eukaryotes evolved through the successive stages: amoeba, flagellate, sexual flagellate . It postulated that sexuality emerged only once . A scheme relating evolution of the whiplash and tinsel forms of the flagellum to the evolution of sexuality is presented . It is suggested that sexuality first appeared in organisms capable of producing both forms of the flagellum . The phylogeny supports the hypotheses that the flagellum developed from the spindle system, and that the nucleate algae evolved from protozao through symbiosis with photosynthetic organisms related to the blue-green bacteria . It is consistent with the hypothesis that the mitochondrion was acquired by symbiosis . The phylogeny provides clearer definitions for kingdoms, and indicates the separation into seven kingdoms, as follows: Monera, Protozoa, Algae, Fungi, Porifera, Plantae, Animalia. Mikrobiologiia, 1977 Sep-Oct, 46(5), 890 - 7 {Isolation and properties of new strains of obligate methanotrophs}; Gal'chenko VF et al.; New strains of obligate methanotrophic bacteria which assimilate only methane or methanol as the source of carbon and energy have been isolated . According to their morphology, ultrastructure, cultural and physiologo-biochemical characteristics, the bacteria were classed as Methylobacter vinelandii, Methylobacter bovis, Methylobacter chroococcum and Mehylosinus sporium . A new species Methylocystis echinoides sp . nov . is described; it differs from other methanotrophs in certain morphological and physiological properties . The subspecies Methylosinus trichosporium var . methanolicum is recommended to be termed as Methylocytis methanolicus sp . nov. J Trop Med Hyg, 1977 Sep, 80(9), 192 - 6 Surgical wound infection: a comparison between dressed and undressed wounds; Ajao OG; At the University College Hospital, Ibadan, the conventional method of surgical wound dressing is the use of air-tight and relatively water-tight cotton-gauze-elastoplast dressing . This is usually left in place for seven to ten days unless there is evidence of wound infection, in which case the wound is inspected and redressed using the time-consuming sterile technique, in which a box of sterile instruments may have to be shared amongst about 25 surgical patients . A group of 100 patients was randomly selected and this group divided into two . In the first group, A, the surgical wounds were dressed in the usual manner and dressings left for seven to ten days unless there was any evidence of infection . In the second group, B, the wound was left undressed and "uncared" for 24 to 36 hours after surgery . The comparison of the two groups shows that the time-consuming aseptic method of changing and dressing surgically incised wounds 24 to 36 hours after surgery, does not cut down on the rate of wound infection and is probably unnecessary . This may be due to early formation of fibrin at the wound site which offers a protection against invasion of the wound by bacteria . Typhoid perforation of the terminal ileum gave rise to wound infection in all the cases (100%) in the two groups. Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig A}, 1977 Sep, 239(1), 87 - 94 {On the possibility of a rapid method for sensitivity testing of mycobacteria by determination of H3-uracil incorporation (author's transl)}; Kunze M et al.; Dubos-Tween Albumin cultures (8.0 ml) were set up with 10(6) viable bacteria per ml . After incubation for 48 hours 0.25 muC H3-uracil per ml was added . At the same time the antituberculoticum was introduced . The final concentrations were 1 microgram, 0.25 microgram and 0.025 microgram for INH; 4.0 microgram for SM; 32 microgram and 0.32 microgram for RMP; 2.0 microgram and 1.0 microgram for ETH; 0.5 microgram and 0.25 microgram for PAS . The incorporation rate clearly depended on the degree of sensitivity of the bacteria . Determing the incorporation rate of H3-uracil allowed the result to be read after only one week (fig . 1 and fig . 2) instead of 4 to 6 weeks using the conventional method on solid media . It was also found that turbidity measurements of the cultures (fig . 2) gave an equaly reliable result enabling this latter method to be performed in less well equipped laboratories. Rev Can Biol, 1977 Sep, 36(3), 239 - 43 Enhancement activity of anti-brucella sera in experimental Brucella abortus infection in mice; Forget A et al.; The passive transfer of rabbit anti-brucella sera promotes the multiplication of Brucella abortus in the spleen of mice infected intravenously with a low dose of this bacteria . The enhancement activity of the anti-brucella sera is related to their modes of preparation in rabbits . The agglutinin titers of all these antisera were relatively high, while there was some discrepancies in their content in haemagglutinating, immune adherence and complement fixing antibodies. Int Dent J, 1977 Sep, 27(3), 217 - 51 Corticosteroids in dentistry; Langeland K et al.; The application of corticosteroids to cut dentine following cavity preparation, to carious dentine in indirect pulp capping, to the exposed pulp or to pulp remnants and periapical tissues during root canal therapy has been claimed to eliminate post operative pain and inflammation . Other investigators have thrown doubt on the validity of these claims and have reported continued inflammation progressing to necrosis following such applications . This paper reports detailed clinical and histological findings in a series of over 500 teeth some of which received conventional treatment while others were treated with various corticosteroids including Mosteller's solution, tritiated prednisolone, and Ledermix paste and cement . The results confirm the fact that no clear correlation exists between symptoms and histological findings in pulp disease . The absence of pain following application of corticosteroids cannot therefore be taken as evidence of a specific therapeutic effect . In some cases pain returned after a period and histologic examination showed the slow development of inflammatory changes coupled with calcification in pulp tissue and on the walls of the canal . Further investigation is needed to clarify the relative contribution of the removal of toxic products by instrumentation and the anti-inflammatory properties of corticosteroids in the reduction of pain of pulpal origin. Hautarzt, 1977 Sep, 28(9), 469 - 74 {Clinical picture of erythema neonatorum}; Pohlandt F et al.; Erythema neonatorum is the most common exanthematous eruption in neonates, which is always associated with an eosinophilic infiltration of the skin . Erythema neonatorum can be present at birth . It is of great importance in the differential diagnosis of pustular eruptions in newborns due to virus or bacteria, of miliaria pustulosa, and of incontinentia pigmenti. Jpn J Antibiot, 1977 Sep, 30(9), 662 - 6 {Basic and clinical studies on AMPC (amoxicillin) in the field of surgery (author's transl)}; Kato S et al.; In the present study, amoxicillin was compared with other antibiotics with respect to sensitivity, levels achieved in the blood and various organs and clinical results . We would like to make further studies accumulated number of cases. J Biol Buccale, 1977 Sep, 5(3), 239 - 44 Prevention of denture plaque formation by an enzyme denture cleanser; Budtz-Jorgensen E; It was the purpose of the study to test the efficacy of dissolvent tablets containing mutanase and protease in preventing formation of plaque on the fitting surface of complete dentures . The study group consisted of 60 denture wearers with denture stomatitis who were assigned randomly into an enzyme group, a placebo group, or a Steradent group . After denture treatment was completed the patients were instructed to immerse the new dentures for 15 min once daily for one month in the denture cleanser . The amount of denture plaque, the clinical condition of the palatal mucosa, and the concentration of yeasts in mucosal and denture smears were recorded while the patients used their original dentures and after the experimental period . The study was designed and carried out as a double-blind study . New denture plaque had formed in all patients; however in the enzyme group significantly reduced plaque scores were recorded as compared with the plaque scores recorded on the original dentures . The Steradent tablets or the placebo tablets had no apparent effect. Vet Rec, 1977 Aug 27, 101(9), 168 - 70 A method for the collection of nasal epithelial cells and secretion from domestic animals; Baskerville A et al.; A method for aspirating nasal and genital epithelial cells and secretion using a vacuum pump is described . The samples obtained are suitable for diagnosis of infectious diseases by isolation of bacteria and viruses and by demonstration of the organisms by immunofluorescent techniques. Fortschr Med, 1977 Aug 25, 95(32), 1937 - 41 {Therapy of hepatic insufficiency}; Muting D; Hepatic insufficiency is generally caused by active liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension . The final stage is the exogenous hepatic coma . Much rarer is the endogenous hepatic coma caused by fulminant acute hepatitis or severe intoxications . In the treatment of hepatic insufficiency it is first necessary to eliminate all exacerbating factors such as too high protein-intake, gastrointestinal bleedings, abuse of alcohol and diuretics . Because hepatic encephalopathy is mainly produced by toxic intestinal protein metabolites no protein should be adminstered at the beginining of the disease . The production of toxic protein metabolites in the gut can be diminished as well by enemas with sodium acetate buffer (pH 4, 5) as by neomycin (6-8 gm daily) . Because long-term treatment with neomycin reduces also the physiological intestinal bacteria combination with lactulose (70-100 gm daily) is better . Treatment with lactulose reduces not only significantly hyperammoniemia but also increases serum phenols . The same effect have so-called ammonia reducing amino acids such as arginine, ornithine and glutamic acid . In endogenous hepatic coma blood exchange transfusions, liver perfusions and charcoal perfusions are necessary . Nevertheless, the prognosis of hepatic insufficiency caused by fulminant hepatitis is very poor in the final stage of the disease . Therefore early diagnosis and treatment in special departments with intensive care is necessary. J Cell Sci, 1977 Aug, 26, 359 - 71 5-Bromodeoxyuridine-induced formation of virus-like particles in Naegleria gruberi EGs; Schuster FL et al.; Exposure of axenic cultures of the amoeboflagellate Naegleria gruberi EGs to the thymidine analogue 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) resulted in the induction of virus-like particles (VLP) and various structures associated with their development and presumed transmission . Previously, VLP induction could be accomplished only by growing amoebae in the presence of living bacteria as a food source . Addition of excess thymidine along with BrdU did not block induction of particles . This account demonstrates that the EGs-VLP system responded to BrdU as do a number of mammalian cell lines harbouring latent viruses, and provides the basis for future work on the infectivity of the VLPs for other amoebae as well as tissue culture cells. J Protozool, 1977 Aug, 24(3), 463 - 70 Identification of Leishmania spp . by radiorespirometry; Decker JE et al.; Preliminary investigation of the application of radiorespirometric technic to protozoan parasites of man indicates a potential for rapid identification . This technic, developed for identification of bacteria, was modified for use with culture forms of Leishmania . Five strains of Leishmania were compared: 2 of L . donovani, 2S and K; L . brasilensis, 2936 and B; and 1 of L . tropica, A . Consisent and rapid (approximately 2 hr) identification was obtained by the radiorespirometric procedure . A computer-type analysis of the radiorespirometric profiles of the 5 strains permitted correct identification of each isolate at the strain level 100% of the time . This technic offers several advantages over many current procedures for identification of protozoan parasites: (A) It is simple, rapid and highly reproducible, (B) Since it does not rely on visual or spectrophotometric determination, it may be conducted in the presence of optically complex substances . (C) It requires relatively low numbers of organisms (approximately 2 x 10(5)/14C-labeled substrate) . (D) It is based on differential enzymic activity between species and strains of organisms and therefore, ultimately, on inherent genetic determinates of the parasites . (E) Further development of the procedure and accumulation of a data reference "bank" would allow automation of most of the identification process. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1977 Aug, 30(8), 635 - 8 Biotransformation of antitumor agents by a strain of Whetzelinia sclerotiorum; Schmitz H et al.; Antitumor antibiotics of the olivomycin and chromomycin class were transformed when incubated with a culture of Whetzelinia sclerotiorum . The products, when purified by counter-current distribution and column chromatography, were shown, by their physical properties, to be the deacylated analogues. Environ Health Perspect, 1977 Aug, 19, 43 - 6 Recent studies on biomethylation and demethylation of toxic elements; Ridley WP et al.; Methylcobalamin (methyl-B12) has been implicated in the biomethylation of the heavy metals (mercury, tin, platinum, gold, and thallium) as well as the metalloids (arsenic, selenium, tellurium and sulfur) . In addition, methylcobalamin has been shown to react with lead, but the lead-alkyl product is unstable in water . Details of the kinetics and mechanisms for biomethylation of arsenic are presented, with special emphasis on synergistic reactions between metal and metalloids in different oxidation states . This study explains why synergistic, or antagonistic, processes can occur when one toxic element reacts in the presence of another . The relative importance of biomethylation reactions involving methylcobalamin will be compared to those reactions where S-adenosylmethionine is involved. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1977 Aug, 34(2), 120 - 4 Seasonal distribution of vitamin B12 in Lake Kinneret; Cavari B et al.; Vitamin B12 is formed in Lake Kinneret in the hypolimnion and in the sediment . The highest value of B12 recorded in the lake water was about 100 ng/liter in November and December of 1975 at a 40-m depth . The vitamin was liberated from the hypolimnion during the turnover period . This supply of the vitamin to the photic zone was accompanied by increasing biomass of Dinoflagellates, Bacillariophyta, and Chlorophyta . The decrease in the vitamin concentration, followed by an increase, is correlated with a decline and subsequent rise in the algal biomass, respectively . Cyanophyta biomass, on the other hand, increased when the vitamin concentration in the photic zone was at its lowest level. Pediatr Ann, 1977 Aug, 6(8), 500 - 13 Evaluation fo recurrent respiratory tract infections; Huang NN; We have outlined the appropriate study of patients with recurrent respiratory tract infections . A detailed history and a complete physical examination, together with a chest roentgenogram, will, in most instances, give clues to a possible diagnosis . Among the laboratory studies listed in Table 2, the easily available and relatively informative tests consist of routine hemoglobin, white blood cell and differential count, sputum and throat culture for bacteria isolation, screening pulmonary function tests . Most of the other laboratory tests (including sweat tests) and diagnostic procedures require experienced and trained personnel and special facilities and equipment that are available in pediatric pulmonary centers . Any patient suspected of having a complicated or serious pulmonary disease or a congenital anomaly that is correctable by surgery should be referred to a pediatric pulmonary center for a complete diagnostic evaluation . It is important that this be done as soon as possible so that early institution of appropriate therapy may lead to a cure of the pulmonary disorder. J Clin Microbiol, 1977 Aug, 6(2), 140 - 3 Cellular fatty acid composition of isolates from Legionnaires disease; Moss CW et al.; The cellular fatty acids of four isolates from Legionnaires disease and two antigenically related isolates were identified by gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and associated techniques . The six isolates had essentially the same fatty acid composition, which was characterized by large amounts (greater than 80%) of branched-chain acids. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1977 Aug 1, 171(3), 267 - 8 Prevalence of seropositive reactions to Brucella canis in a limited survey of domestic cats; Randhawa AS et al.; The prevalence of Brucella canis agglutinins was determined in 170 cats (114 from animal shelters in California and 56 from an animal hospital in Texas) . Seropositive reactions in the cats from animal shelters were 5.3, 11.4, and 0%, respectively, the the rapid slide agglutination test, salt 2-mercaptoethanol tube agglutination test, salt 2-mercaptoethanol tube agglutination test, and brucellosis card test . For hospitalized cats, the respective percentages were 7.1, 8.9, and 0% . One (0.9%) of 114 cats from the animal shelters and 5 (8.9%) of 56 hospitalized cats were seropositive by the salt 2-mercaptoethanol tube agglutination test at titers greater than or equal to 1:200 . Isolation of bacteria was not attempted; thus, the findings of this study may need cautious interpretation. Vet Med (Praha), 1977 Aug, 22(8), 475 - 86 {Effect of various breeding conditions on the development of respiratory syndrome in calves}; Mensik J et al.; In two experimental rearing houses with new-born non-colostral calves, separated from their mothers at birth and artificially fed colostrum or colostral whey, the epizootological situation was very favourable throughout the time of observation . The respiratory syndrome occurred in both cases as a result of the long-term worsening of microclimatic conditions and failure to adhere to the principle of the all-in all-out system . The etiology of the disease was of a complex character, involving virus PI-3, IBR, and bacteria, and its arising reminded of the exacerbation of latent virus infection . The primary role of the PI-3 virus in the arising of the disease was documented by complex laboratory examination . As distinct from the large-capacity calf-house with continual operation where the PI-3 virus and the same bacteria participated in the arising of the respiratory syndrome, which was not controlled, in the experimental calf-houses it was sufficient to adjust the microclimatic conditions, to disinfect the stables, and to adhere strictly to the priniciple of the all-in all-out system . The proposed method of the rearing of "minimum-morbidity calves" appears to be promising for use in the prevention of respiratory infections in calves and its further testing in large-capacity calf-houses is considered as desirable. J Gen Microbiol, 1977 Aug, 101(2), 253 - 8 The cultivation of the rumen ciliate Entodinium bursa in the presence of Entodinium caudatum; Coleman GS et al.; The rumen ciliate protozoon Entodinium bursa has been grown in vitro in the presence of bacteria and Entodinium caudatum for over a year at population densities of 100 to 200 ml-1 . The medium contained potassium phosphate, prepared fresh rumen fluid, cysteine, wholemeal flour (or rice starch), dried grass and a culture of the spineless form of Entodinium caudatum . Entodinium bursa has an obligate requirement for this protozoon and died within 48 h in its absence . During growth from a 2% inoculum, the mean generation time of E . bursa was 6 h . Entodinium bursa engulfed 1-5 to 2-5 E . caudatum organisms h-1, and when E . caudatum was in excess it developed caudal spines for the first time in 17 years; these spined forms were engulfed much less readily than the spineless organisms. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1977 Aug, 34(2), 129 - 34 Surface-decontaminating action of glutaraldehyde in the gas-aerosol phase; Bovallius A et al.; The surface disinfectant effect of glutaraldehyde in the gas-aerosol phase was investigated at different relative humidities and temperatures . At a gas-aerosol concentration of 15 to 20 mg/m3 and a relative humidity of about 80%, glutaraldehyde had a good disinfectant effect against both vegetative bacteria (decimal reduction time, less than 5 min) and bacterial spores (decimal reduction time, less than 45 min) . In spite of its low volatility, glutaraldehyde was more effective than formaldehyde when the two substances were compared on an "added amount" basis. Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig B}, 1977 Aug, 164(5-6), 559 - 66 {Examination of the growth of pathogenic organisms on the elastic joints made of plastic material in swimming baths (author's transl)}; Simmann J et al.; Roughly three months after a swimming bath had been put into operation a growth was observed on the permanently elastic joints made of plastic material at the bottom of the pool . Samples were taken and examined and bacteria, fungi, green algae as well as many monocellular organisms were found . The repeated identification of a pathogenic dermatophyte and of P . aeruginosa was of hygienic significance. Can J Microbiol, 1977 Aug, 23(8), 1080 - 3 Isolation of sporopollenin from four myxobacteria; Strohl WR et al.; Sporopollenin, a resistance material previously found only in algae, fungi, pollen grains, and in some plant spores, has been found in four species of Myxococcus . Sporopollenin was isolated from vegetative cells and myxospores of the myxobacteria tested but it was not detected in any of the other bacteria tested. J Immunol, 1977 Aug, 119(2), 722 - 5 Receptors for C3 on rat peritoneal mast cells; Sher A et al.; Purified rat peritoneal mast cells adhere to schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni which have been pre-incubated in fresh normal rat serum . This cytoadherence reaction is dependent on complement and in particular on components of the alternative pathway . Since antibodies to rat C3 but not IgG block the attachment of the cells to the complement-treated larvae, it appears that C3-specific receptors on the mast cell surface are responsible for the adherence phenomenon . These receptors can also be demonstrated by the rosetting of mast cells with rat complement-treated zymosan particles or fluoresceinated bacteria . The key properties of the receptors are their specificity for homologous (rat) complement, their sensitivity to digestion with trypsin, and their functional dependence on Mg++ ions . Thus, the rat mast cell receptors share many of the characteristics of the C3 receptors previously identified on monocytes, macrophages, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Orig Life, 1977 Aug, 8(2), 91 - 144 A critical evaluation of the application of amino acid racemization to geochronology and geothermometry; Williams KM et al.; In this review we have critically evaluated the application of the diagenetic racemization of amino acids to geochronology and geothermometry . Although there has been enthusiastic support given to this new method, it is our opinion that recent developments suggest a more cautious approach . We have discussed the pitfalls and inhereent complications, while outlining the advances which have been accomplished . We conclude that this is an innovative approach which will add valuable information to the scientific literature . However, since our fundamental understanding of diagnetic racemization is still limited, many of the age and paleotemperature estimates which have been assigned to fossil specimens may be unreliable. J Dent Res, 1977 Aug, 56(8), 895 - 9 Investigations into black extrinsic tooth stain; Reid JS et al.; An investigation has been carried out into the nature of the black pigment in black extrinsic tooth stain . The results suggest that the black material is a ferric salt, probably ferric sulfide, formed by the reaction between hydrogen sulfide produced by bacterial action and iron in the saliva or gingival exudate. Can J Microbiol, 1977 Aug, 23(8), 1059 - 61 The effect of the antiherpesvirus drug 5-methoxymethyl-2'-deoxyuridine on the humoral immune response in vivo; Rouse BT et al.; 5-Methoxymethyl-2'-deoxyuridine (MMUdR), a drug with potent antiviral activity in vitro against Herpes simplex virus, was investigated for its immunosuppressive effects . Doses as high as 2000mg/kg given daily for 9 days were not immunosupporessive as judged by the fact that treated animals produced normal immune responses to sheep erythrocytes, Brucella bacteria, and Herpes simplex virus. Am J Dis Child, 1977 Aug, 131(8), 902 - 7 Percutaneous transthoracic needle aspiration of the lung . Diagnosing Pneumocystis carinii pneumonitis; Chaudhary S et al.; Percutaneous transthoracic needle aspiration was performed on 228 occasions to obtain lung specimens from 202 patients with suspected Pneumocystis carinii pneumonitis . In 121 patients the diagnosis was established by identifying P carinii organisms in lung aspirates . Six patients whose aspirates did not contain P carinii were found to have the organism at autopsy . Findings from toluidine blue O and Gomori methenamine silver nitrate stains were equally satisfactory for detecting P carinii, but the percentage of specific diagnosis was higher when specimens were stained with both . Pneumothorax that required a thoracotomy tube occurred in 39 patients . Other infectious agents, either bacteria or fungi, were found in only four patients . Percutaneous pulmonary needle aspiration--when performed under fluoroscopic guidance--is a rapid and effective method for the diagnosis of P carinii pneumonitis. Vet Rec, 1977 Jul 2, 101(1), 7 - 10 Terminal disinfection of calf houses by formaldehyde fumigation; Scarlett CM et al.; Trials were carried out to investigate the effectiveness of various methods of formaldehyde fumigation as a means of disinfecting calf houses . Houses were cleaned by the farmer, sealed and then fumigated . A significant reduction in bacterial numbers was obtained when the gas was produced by heating paraformaldehyde, mixing formalin with potassium permanganate or boiling formalin in calf houses that could be effectively sealed . Aerosol generators did not give satisfactory results . Efficient pre-cleaning and sealing of the houses were of paramount importance; relative humidity and temperature were less important. Can J Microbiol, 1977 Jul, 23(7), 898 - 902 Effect of temperature on growth and activity of a methanogenic culture utilising acetate; van den Berg L; Studies with a methanogenic culture enriched for use of acetic acid showed that this culture had an optimum growth temperature of 35 degrees C, with only small differences for other temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees C . The optimum temperature was the same when determined on the basis of biomass production rate during the exponential (log) phase of growth (0.08-0.09 day-1, at 35 degrees C), amount of biomass present at the end of the log phase (100 mg/l), activity of the biomass (rate of conversion in millimoles per day per milligram (dry wt.) biomass present, 0.08 at end of log phase), or biomass yield (mg (dry wt.) biomass produced per millimole acetic acid converted, 1.0-1.1) . Temperatures outside the range 30 to 40 degrees C caused marked reductions in the above parameters . The maximum temperature for growth was 42-44 degrees C; the minimum, below 15 degrees C, the lowest temperature studied . Acetic acid conversion to methane was 0.8-1.0 mol/mol, and was independent of temperature. Can J Microbiol, 1977 Jul, 23(7), 893 - 7 Effect of sodium chloride on growth and methane production of methanogens; Patel GB et al.; The effect of up to 263.7 mM sodium chloride on the growth and methane production by pure cultures of Methanospirillum hungatii GP1, Methanobacterium MOH, Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum, and an unidentified methanogen was studied . Growth and methane production by M . hungatii GP1 were not affected up to 97.3 mM NaCl but there was some inhibition of growth at higher concentrations . Growth of Methanobacterium MOH was independent of sodium chloride concentration within the range investigated . For the unidentified methanogen, optimum growth and methane production occurred at 15.2 mM NaCl, while growth of M . thermoautotrophicum was not affected by sodium chloride concentrations up to 15.2 mM . Concentrations over 15.2 mM were inhibitory to these two organisms . The 15 mM sodium chloride concentration used by some investigators appears suitable for isolation and cultivation of methanogens since all the organisms tested in this study exhibited good growth and methane production at this salt concentration. Mutat Res, 1977 Jul, 48(3-4), 337 - 53 Chromosome tests with 134 compounds on Chinese hamster cells in vitro--a screening for chemical carcinogens; Ishidate M Jr et al.; Chromosomal aberration tests in vitro were carried out on Chinese hamster cells grown in culture with various chemicals, including carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds and their related derivatives, food additives, medical drugs, pesticides and other chemicals commonly used in laboratories or industries . Sixty-three of the 134 chemicals gave negative results in our test system even with doses at which the cell growth was markedly inhibited . Nearly all compounds known to be mutagenic in bacteria were also positive in our tests . Both urethane and diethylstilbestrol were positive, even though they are known to be carcinogenic but not mutagenic in bacteria . Compounds such as N-alkyl-N'-nitroguanidines, barbital, sodium benzoate, saccharin sodium, sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate and 4-aminoquinoline-1-oxide were positive in our chromosome tests, but they have not been conclusively tested for their carcinogenicity. J Med Chem, 1977 Jul, 20(7), 965 - 7 3-hydroxyisoxazole-5-hydroxamic acid; Hines JW Jr et al.; The synthesis of the title compound, 3-hydroxyisoxazole-5-hydroxamic acid (4b), by two procedures is described . The first, involving the treatment of dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate with hydroxylamine, had previously been reported to give the 3-hydroxyisoxazole-5-carboxylic acid (4a) . In the second, treatment of chlorofumaroyl dichloride with hydroxylamine also gave the intermediate chlorofumarodihydroxamic acid (6) . Compound 6 was found to have some activity against P388 lymphocytic leukemia. J Med Chem, 1977 Jul, 20(7), 961 - 3 Hydrolysis of 3-chloro-3-cephems . Intramolecular nucleophilic attack in cefaclor; Indelicato JM et al.; The chemical reactivity of 3-chloro-3-cephems was found to be similar to that of the correspondingly substituted 7-aminocephalosporanic acids and 12-13 times greater than that of the correspondingly substituted 7-aminode-acetoxycephalosporanic acids . Cefaclor, 7-(D-2-amino-2-phenylacetamido)-3-chloro-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid, was found to undergo intramolecular nucleophilic attack at the beta-lactam . Loss of chlorine from 3-chloro-3-cephem may be a general reaction subsequent to beta-lactam opening. J Bacteriol, 1977 Jul, 131(1), 369 - 71 Gamma-ray sensitivity during synchronous cell differentiation in Caulobacter crescentus; Iba H et al.; Gamma-ray sensitivity of Caulobacter crescentus during its cell cycle was examined . Survival curves of the swarmer and stalked cells were similar and exponential in shape, whereas that of the predivisional cell was sigmoidal, with an extrapolation number of 1.8. J Bacteriol, 1977 Jul, 131(1), 323 - 30 Ultrastructural changes during encystment and germination of Bdellovibrio sp; Tudor JJ et al.; Under proper conditions, Bdellovibrio sp . strain W cells develop into bdellocysts in appropriate prey bacteria . After attachment and penetration of the prey cell, the encysting bdellovibrio began to accumulate inclusion material and increase in size, and was surrounded by an outer layer of amorphous electrondense material . The cytoplasm of the encysting cell appeared more electron dense, and nuclear areas appeared more compact . During germination of bdellocysts, the outer wall was uniformly broken down the inclusion material changed shape and affinity for the heavy metal stain, and the nuclear areas expanded . As the outer wall was dissolved, outgrowth began with the elongation of the germinant as it emerged from the prey ghost as an actively motile cell. J Bacteriol, 1977 Jul, 131(1), 280 - 7 Stalkless mutants of Caulobacter crescentus; Fukuda A et al.; A stalk, a single falgellum, several pili, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) phage receptors are polar surface structures expressed at a defined time in the Caulobacter crescentus cell cycle . When mutants were isolated as DNA phage phiCbK-resistant or ribonucleic acid (RNA) phage phiCp2-resistant, as well as nonmotile, strains, 5 out of 30 such mutant isolates were found not to possess stalks, but did possess inactive flagella . These stalkless mutants were resistant simultaneously to both DNA and RNA phages and did not possess pili and DNA pendent stalkless mutants . All motile revertants simultaneously regained the capacity to form stalks and susceptibility to DNA and RNA phages . It is suggested that a single mutation pleiotropically affects stalk formation, flagella motility, and coordinate polar morphogenesis of pili and DNA phage receptors . The stalkless mutants grew at a generation time similar to that of the wild-type strain at 30 degrees C . Cell size and morphology of a stalkless mutant, C . crescentus CB13 pdr-819, were also similar to those of the wild-type strain, except for the absence of a stalk . In addition, the CB13 pdr-819 predivisional cells were partitioned into smaller and larger portions, indicating asymmetrical cell division, as in the wild-type strain . From these results, it is suggested that swarmer cells undergo transition to cells of a stalked-cell nature without stalk formation and that the cell cycle of the stalkless mutant proceeds in an ordered sequence similar to that defining the wild-type cell cycle. Ann Sclavo, 1977 Jul-Aug, 19(4), 917 - 23 {Results and consideration on blood cultures activity in a great children Hospital (author's transl)}; Somenzi M et al.; This paper reports the results of blood cultures of a great children Hospital during the last three years . It regards 2164 blood cultures, 140 of which positive, and analyses the reasons that probably determinate the detected deficencies and defects. J Dent Res, 1977 Jul, 56(7), 822 - 6 Effectiveness of glutaraldehyde as a chemosterilizer used in a wrapping technique on simulated metal instruments; Christensen RP; Chemosterilization utilizing glutaraldehyde-moistened gauze as a wrap on simulated metal instruments was evaluated . Non-sporeforming test organisms were killed within five minutes . Two sporeforming test organisms were killed in six hours . The sporicidal effect obtained would indicate that glutaraldehyde used in a wrap technique could sterilize objects. Scand J Dent Res, 1977 Jul, 85(5), 305 - 12 Marginal leakage along Concise in relation to filling procedure; Qvist V et al.; Bacteria beneath 58 class V Concise restorations on permanent molars in vivo were registered . After an observation period of 1-4 months bacteria were found in all 13 cavities filled with Concise only, in 14 out of 15 cavities filled with resin and Concise, in 12 out of 15 acid-etched cavities with Concise only and in 8 out of 15 acid-etched cavities filled with resin and Concise . Only the difference between the two procedures: Concise only and acid + resin + Concise, was significant . The occurrence of bacteria in the dentinal tubules beneath the cavities was greatest when the cavities had been etched. J Oral Rehabil, 1977 Jul, 4(3), 247 - 54 Dentine/pulp reactions to full crown preparation procedures; Dahl BL; Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the formation of a dentine smear in ten premolars ground with a water-cooled diamond in an air turbine . In another ten teeth the pulp reaction in full crown preparation with the same armamentarium was investigated by histological techniques . The findings revealed the formation of a dentine smear which was easily removed by light polishing with wet pumice, leaving plugs of debris in the tubule apertures . The clinical significance of these findings needs further investigation . No bacteria were demonstrated on the prepared surfaces either in the scanning electron micrographs or histologically when stained with Brown & Brenn stain . Severe, acute pulp reactions were observed subjacent to the dentinal tubules cut in full crown preparation . This technique should therefore be limited to superficial use only. Cancer, 1977 Jul, 40(1 Suppl), 509 - 18 The mechanisms of lethal action of arabinosyl cytosine (araC) and arabinosyl adenine (araA); Cohen SS; Certain D-arabinosyl nucleosides, notably arabinosyl cytosine (araC) and arabinosyl adenine (araA), are useful in the treatment of certain leukemias and some DNA virus infections, respectively . The compounds are lethal to animal cells and some bacteria . Despite extensive deamination, the parent nucleosides are transported within sensitive cells and phosphorylated to the mono-, di- and triphosphates . AraCTP and araATP are good specific competitive inhibitors of tumor cell of virus-induced DNA polymerases, competing with dCTP and dATP respectively . In addition to markedly inhibiting DNA synthesis, the aranucleotides enter newly formed DNA in internucleotide linkage . Sensitivity to the nucleosides appears to correlate with the relative ratio of formation of the triphosphate via a nucleoside kinase to degradation of the nucleoside via a nucleoside deaminase . Inhibition of the deaminase increases formation of the aranucleoside triphosphate in leukemic or virus-infected cells and markedly increases the toxicity of the nucleosides . Combinations of inhibitors of the deaminases and of the aranucleoside are being explored in clinical situations . In addition, the slow penetration of aranucleotides into cells has been observed and some of these 5'-phosphates are useful antiviral agents, e.g., against herpes virus in herpetic kiratitis. J Dent Res, 1977 Jul, 56(7), 768 - 76 An evaluation of porous alumina ceramic dental implants; Klawitter JJ et al.; The fabrication, characterization, and clinical results of porous rooted alumina dental implants in animals are presented . Failures of all implants occurred in less than six months and were attributed to the presence of microporosity on the crown and cervical portion of the implant which prevented the establishment of an effective biological seal between the oral cavity and the alveolus. J Am Dent Assoc, 1977 Jul, 95(1), 90 - 5 Endodontic perforations: their prognosis and treatment; Sinai IH; Causes of tooth perforation include resorption, caries, and operator performance . The prognosis for a tooth with a perforation is related to the location of the perforation, negotiability of the canal, contamination, and treatment . Alternative treatment approaches include routine endodontic treatment, correction via the chamber, surgical correction, and stimulation of calcification . In most instances, a perforation can be treated so that satisfactory healing will occur. J Biochem (Tokyo), 1977 Jul, 82(1), 157 - 63 Oxidative pathway of choline to betaine in the soluble fraction prepared from Arthrobacter globiformis; Ikuta S et al.; One strain of bacteria which showed high H2O2-generating activity was isolated from soil and characterized as Arthrobacter globiformis based on its morphological, nutritional, and physiological characteristics . The activities of H2O2 generation, NAD reduction and oxygen consumption in the bacterial cells were examined using choline, betaine aldehyde or betaine as substrate . Choline was oxidized to betaine aldehyde under aerobic conditions in a reaction coupled with H2O2 generation and oxygen consumption . On the other hand, betaine aldehyde seemed to be oxidized to betaine through two distinct oxidative reactions, H2O2 generation (oxygen consumption) under aerobic conditions and NAD reduction under either aerobic or anaerobic conditions . These enzyme activities were found in the supernatant fraction of the sonicated cell preparation. Arch Microbiol, 1977 Jun 20, 113(3), 205 - 7 Deoxyribonucleic acid base composition of Simonsiellaceae; Kuhn DA et al.; The molar percentages of guanine plus cytosine in the DNA of 51 strains of Simonsiellaceae were determined by buoyant density ultracentrifugation of cell lysates in CsCl . The DNA base ratios ranged from 41-55 mole-% guanine plus cytosine . These values fall within the range known for the Order Cytophagales, the non-fruiting gliding bacteria, and are outside the range of the Order Myxobacterales, the fruiting myxobacteria . Among the strains of the genus Simonsiella, four distinct group can be delineated on the basis of source of origin (sheep, dog, cat, human) and GC content . The neotype of Alysiella filiformis has a GC content of 45.4 mole-%. Science, 1977 Jun 3, 196(4294), 1055 - 63 A response regulator model in a simple sensory system; Koshland DE Jr; Bacterial behavior is shown to be modulated through a simple on-off switching device which directs migration toward favorable conditions and away from unfavorable ones . The behavioral response is controlled by a rudimentary memory which allows the bacteria to sense gradients over time . The memory can be explained by a biochemical system involving a response regulator whose level relative to a threshold controls flagellar function . The level of the response regulator is itself controlled by factors such as enzyme levels and environmental stimuli . The molecular basis of the model appears to be relevant to more complex hormonal and neural signaling systems. Med J Zambia, 1977 Jun-Jul, 11(3), 71 - 3 Normal values for the nitroblue tetrazolium test (NBT . test); Okong'o O et al.; The mean count of positive neutrophils in the NBT test was found to be 10.9 + 1.2 SE (29) . The mean count for neutrophils stimulated with heat killed bacteria was 51.6 + 2.2 SE (29) . The values are essentially the same as those reported for other populations and laboratories . The number of positive cells was found to decrease logarithmically with time . This relationship forms a basis for the development of a normogram which can be used to interpret NBT test results obtained from blood which has been stored for several hours. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1977 Jun, 33(6), 1244 - 6 Spoilage association of chicken leg muscle; McMeekin TA; The ability of pure cultures of bacteria isolated from spoiling chicken leg muscle to produce strong off-odors was tested by using sterile leg muscle sections . Changes in the flora during storage and the incidence and identity of organisms capable of producing strong off-odors were noted. Clin Chem, 1977 Jun, 23(6), 929 - 37 Calorimetry, a time-honored technique with a potential in analytical work and cellular biology; Levin K; Different types of calorimeters are briefly reviewed, stressing those instruments likely to be of interest in the clinical chemistry laboratory . The unspecific nature of the measuring procedure is emphasized and various pitfalls likely to cause analytical errors are pointed out . Recent work is reviewed where calorimeters have been used as analytical tools for the determination of glucose, protein, enzymes, and other substances . The results generally compared favorably with those obtained by conventional analytical procedures . In recent reports the time per analysis has been brought down to 2 min, with sample volumes in the micro range . Valuable information on the coagulation process has been obtained by use of calorimetry . I also review studies showing that intact cellular elements such as human blood cells, bacteria, and spermatozoa can successfully be investigated with calorimetric techniques . In particular, studies on human blood cells stimulated with various agents appear to be able to give valuable diagnostic information . I believe that new designs of microcalorimeters have placed an easily handled tool at the disposal of the worker in a clinical laboratory and that use of this tool can contribute to the development of our discipline. J Bacteriol, 1977 Jun, 130(3), 1326 - 32 Comparative lipid composition of heterotrophically and autotrophically grown Sulfolobus acidocaldarius; Langworthy TA; Complex lipids from the thermoacidophilic facultative autotroph Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, as well as a strictly autotrophic isolate, were compared between cells grown on yeast extract and elemental sulfur . Lipids from both organisms grown autotrophically were nearly identical . Each contained about 15% neutral lipids, 35% glycolipids, and 50% acidic lipids . Glycolipids and acidic lipids contained C40H82-76-derived glycerol ether residues . Major glycolipids included the glycerol ether analogues of glucosyl galactosyl diglyceride (5%) and glucosyl polyol diglyceride (75%) . Acidic lipids were comprised mainly of the glycerol ether analogues of phosphatidyl inositol (7%), inositolphosphoryl glucosyl polyol diglyceride (72%), and a partially characterized sulfate- and phosphate-containing derivative of glucosyl polyol diglyceride (13%) . The lipids from cells grown heterotrophically were similar to those from autotrophically grown cells, except that the partially characterized acidic lipid was absent . In addition, the two glycolipids as well as the respective inositolphosphoryl derivatives were each present in nearly equal proportions. Jpn J Surg, 1977 Jun, 7(2), 73 - 81 Bile acid deconjugation in intestinal obstruction studied by breath test; Fukushima T et al.; Bile acid deconjugation was assessed by measuring specific activity of expired 14CO2 after the oral administration of cholyl-glycine-1-14C in 17 cases of intestinal obstruction, i.e . 15 mechanical and two paralytic . In the former, nine cases were operated and the remaining six cases were managed by the conservative treatment . Cumulative output of 14CO2 in breath for six hours before the treatment was 40.20=11.30 (mean+/-SEM) (control 2.96+/-1.16) but decreased to 6.86+/-3.64 after the treatment . Enteric bacteria capable of splitting amino moiety of the conjugated bile acid were found to be present more than 10(5)/ml . in the obstructed bowel content . Cumulative output of 14CO2 in breath for six hours in two paralytic ileus was lower than in controls . Deconjugated bile acid reported to inhibited water and electrolytes absorption in the small intestine may play an important role in fluid retention in intestinal obstruction. J Cell Sci, 1977 Jun, 25, 173 - 8 A quantitative assay to study cell movement in the myxobacteria; Lonski J et al.; A simple quantitative assay has been developed to test the rate of cell movement of myxobacteria . The assay employs an agar surface and at no time are the cells cultured in a liquid environment . Isolation of a rate-increasing substance(s) from fruiting Myxococcus xanthus is reported . The understanding of the aggregative process in these bacteria will be aided by characterization of the chemotactic system. Immun Infekt, 1977 Jun, 5(3), 89 - 94 {Delayed type hypersensitivity and Immunity (author's transl)}; Hahn H et al.; Delayed type hypersensitivity is a T-cell-mediated phenomenon . It is characterized by the following features: a) development within 24-72 h after antigen challenge in sensitized individuals, b) perivascular infiltration by mononuclear cells at the inflammatory site, c) transfer by lymphocytes, but not by serum . Delayed type hypersensitivity occurs during infections with facultatively intracellular bacteria and certain viruses, tumor diseases and rejection of transplanted foreign tissue . This article samples evidence that delayed type hypersensitivity is an outward phenomenon indicating the presence of specific T-cells and mononuclear phagocytes, both acting together to produce local immunity which results in the elimination or containment of the noxious agent. J Bacteriol, 1977 Jun, 130(3), 1404 - 6 Methanococcus vannielii: culture and effects of selenium and tungsten on growth; Jones JB et al.; The reisolation, culture, and method of preservation of the methane-producing organism Methanococcus vannielii are described . Growth of the organism on formate is markedly stimulated by selenium and tungsten. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1977 Jun, 43(6), 910 - 28 Correlation of scanning electron microscope and light microscope findings in uninflamed and pathologically involved human pulps; Seltzer S et al.; The use of the scanning electron microscope has been investigated as a modality for pulpal diagnosis . Findings in ten normal, inflamed, and necrotic human pulps were correlated with light microscope findings . Inflammatory cell identification by SEM was found to be difficult . The inflammatory cells, especially lymphocytes, appeared in varying forms in SEM . Polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages had similar surface structure . Degenerative changes of cells and fibers and dystrophic mineralizations were graphically depicted by SEM. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1977 Jun, 43(6), 902 - 9 Abnormal immune response to infection of the dental pulp . Report of a case; Trowbridge H et al.; The following case illustrates an unusual response by the dental pulp to caries in an immunodeficient patient . The patient, a 14-year-old boy, suffered from thymic dysplasia and IgA deficiency . Deep dentinal caries produced relatively little destruction of the pulp and only a mild inflammatory response, in spite of the presence of a large number of bacteria in the pulp chamber . The patient's immunologic disorder was diagnosed as hereditary combined immunodeficiency of unknown type . However, it may have been a variant of Nezelof's syndrome. Am Rev Respir Dis, 1977 Jun, 115(6), 915 - 27 Respiratory abnormalities among grain handlers: a clinical, physiologic, and immunologic study; DoPico GA et al.; A survey of 300 grain elevator workers revealed that 77 per cent complained of eye symptoms; 64 per cent, of nasal symptoms; and 88 per cent, of one or more respiratory symptoms on exposure to airborne grain dust . Symptoms on exposure were independent of age and length of employment . Cough and wheezing on exposure were more common among smokers than nonsmokers (P less than 0.025) . Nineteen per cent of the workers had had episodes of grain fever . The prevalence of chronic bronchitis was 37 per cent (42 per cent of smokers and 30 per cent of nonsmokers) . Wheezes on auscultation were found in 23 per cent . Measurements of lung ventilatory function, as well as diffusing capacity, correlated significantly with age and smoking habits, but not with length of employment . Thirty-seven per cent of the workers had an abnormal mean forced expiratory flow during the middle half of the forced vital capacity (47 per cent of smokers and 13 per cent of nonsmokers), and 34 per cent had an abnormal maximal expiratory flow after exhalation of 50 per cent of the forced vital capacity (40 per cent of smokers and 13 per cent of nonsmokers), whereas only 13 per cent had an abnormal ratio of 1-sec forced expiratory volume to forced vital capacity . There was no correlation between precipitins to fungi, bacteria, grain, or grain dust antigens and acute or chronic respiratory symptoms, lung function, or grain fever . There was, however, a significant correlation between cutaneous reactivity to grain dust and wheezing on exposure (P less than 0.02) . Abnormal flows at low lung volumes were more common among cutaneous reactors to common allergens . We concluded that exposure to airborne grain dust can cause acute inflammatory reaction to the exposed mucosa, and it is highly probable that grain dust contributes and, in some cases, causes chronic airway disease. J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris), 1977 Jun, 6(4), 451 - 88 {Cervical mucus . III . Physiological roles}; Chretien FC; The first part of this large review on the bibliography of cervical mucus was concerned both with the mechanism and the determinism ensuring its secretion . A second paper reviewed the present knowledge on chemical, physical ultrastructural characteristics of cervical mucus . This paper, the last part of the review, will be concerned with the different functions of the mucus ensuring synchronisation and encounter of the germ cells . From a physiological point of view, the following properties may be ascribed to the cervical secretion: - protection of sperm from the hostile environment of the vagina, and from being phagocytized along the cervical canal ; - cyclic receptivity to sperm penetration at or near ovulation and interference with entry at other periods ; - filtering effect on sperm cells; - possible intracervical sperm storage ; - supplementing the energy requirements of sperm ; - protection of the uterine cavity against bacteria. Biochem J, 1977 Jun 1, 163(3), 495 - 501 Purification and properties of urease from bovine rumen; Mahadevan S et al.; Urease (urea amidohydrolase, EC 3.5.1.5) was extracted from the mixed rumen bacterial fraction of bovine rumen contents and purified 60-fold by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, calcium phosphate-gel adsorption and chromatography on hydroxyapatite . The purified enzyme had maximum activity at pH 8.0 . The molecular weight was estimated to be 120000-130000 . The Km for urea was 8.3 X 10(-4) M+/-1.7 X 10(-4) M . The maximum velocity was 3.2+/-0.25 mmol of urea hydrolysed/h per mg of protein . The enzyme was stabilized by 50 mM-dithiothreitol . The enzyme was not inhibited by high concentrations of EDTA or phosphate but was inhibited by Mn2+, Mg2+, Ba2+, Hg2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Ni2+ and Co2+ . p-Chloromercuribenzenesulfphonate and N-ethylmaleimide inhibited the enzyme almost completely at 0.1 mM . Hydroxyurea and acetohydroxamate reversibly inhibited the enzyme . Polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis showed that the mixed rumen bacteria produce ureases which have identical molecular weights and electrophoretic mobility . No multiple forms of urease were detected. Z Rechtsmed, 1977 May 27, 79(4), 245 - 56 The feasibility of demonstration of GM- and InV-systems in decaying organs; Tausch D et al.; Gamma-globulin factors (Gm and InV-systems) were determined in 12 cadavers in blood and various organ exprimates (kidney, liver, spleen and muscle) . Also checked was the time interval up to which these factors could still be demonstrated in decaying organs . For this purpose blood and portions of the organs were left to decay in plastic containers at an average temperature of 19.1 degree C . Examinations were done with the agglutination-inhibition-test . The exprimates were employed in dilutions 1:10 and 1:20 . The serum factors Gm (1), (2), (4), (10) and InV (1) could be demonstrated for varying periods of time . In organs they could be demonstrated for between one and eight weeks . Only factors Gm(1) and Gm(2) could be demonstrated beyond this time . As a rule these serum factors were demonstrable in blood for a longer period of time than in organs; Factor Gm(4) proved to be the most stable one, as it could be demonstrated up to 11 weeks in decaying serum . In 2200 individuals tests with a dilution 1:20 no false positive results were obtained, with the dilution 1:10, however, 5 false positive tests were found . No explanation can be given for the different periods of time for which these factors can be demonstrated under conditions of decay. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1977 May 15, 170(10 Pt 2), 1150 - 4 Effects of physical characteristics of milking machines on teats and udders; Thompson PD; A milking machine must remove milk from a cow thoroughly and rapidly but not impose excessive stress or contaminate teats with bacteria . The machine removes milk by applying vacuum to the exterior of the teat until it stretches sufficiently to open the streak canal . Periodic collapse of the teat cup liner relieves tension on the teat sphincter and aids circulation of blood through the teat . The milking machine may affect the likelihood of mastitis by directly implanting pathogenic organisms into the streak canal, by engendering long-term deterioration of the teats, and by serving as a reservoir of pathogens. Arch Microbiol, 1977 May 13, 113(1-2), 57 - 60 Lack of peptidoglycan in the cell walls of Methanosarcina barkeri; Kandler O et al.; Neither muramic acid and glucosamine nor D-glutamic acid or other amino acids typical of peptidoglycan were found in cell walls of two strains of Methanosarcina barkeri . The main components are galactosamine, neutral sugars and uronic acids . Therefore, the structural component of the cell wall most likely consists of an acid heteropolysaccharide, resembling that of Halococcus morrhuae . It is, however, not sulfated. Q Rev Biophys, 1977 May, 10(2), 99 - 111 A focus for biophysical research in energy problems; Moss TH; There is widespread agreement that solar energy is the most promising long-range energy source . However, contemporary technology for bulk energy storage is so primitive that full use of the inevitably erratic solar energy flux is severely limited . Biological systems have perfected methods of storing solar energy for later use in periods of darkness, and it is argued in this symposium presentation that there are many frontiers in biophysics related to the solar energy storage problem . Moreover, the conceivable biological storage systems span a wide range of technology, with appropriate applications in societies of widely varying degrees of industrial development . Use of biological systems to produce hydrogen from solar energy may be among the most versatile of these applications . The entire problem of bioconversion of solar energy presents an excellent example of how the needs for basic scientific understanding and application engineering can be very tightly interwoven. Am J Gastroenterol, 1977 May, 67(5), 456 - 62 The influence of biliary infection on the postoperative course after biliary tract surgery; Wolloch Y et al.; A prospective clinicobacteriological study was undertaken in 167 patients undergoing biliary surgery so as to assess the possible influence of the endogenous preoperative biliary infection on postoperative morbidity . Bile cultures were positive in 33% (55 patients); in those undergoing cholecystectomy alone this finding was present in 23% while in those in whom a choledochotomy was also performed cultures were positive in 65% . The incidence of wound infection was found to be twice as high in those undergoin choledochotomy as in those undergoing cholecystectomy alone--37.8% vs . 18.5% . There was no appreciable difference in the rate of wound infection when a routine appendectomy was performed during biliary tract surgery . Among the 38 patients with wound infection, bile cultures were positive in 16 . In 13 cases the offending organism in the wound was identical with that recovered from the bile coulture . This finding suggests an endogenous source for the wound infection . This study further indicated that wound infection is most likely to be encountered in patients with pathogenic organisms in the bile, in the aged and in those whose resistance to infection has been lowered by concomitant disease. Mikrobiologiia, 1977 May-Jun, 46(3), 478 - 81 {Degradation of cellulose by micromonospores}; Sandrak NA; Sodium benzoate is suggested as an inhibitor of cellulose decomposing bacteria and fungi for detecting and counting micromonospores . Cellulose decomposing micromonospores were found in the zone adjacent to the roots of winter wheat and maize; their number, cellulose decomposing activity, morphological, physiological, and antagonistic properties were determined . Pasteurization of the material taken from colonies grown on cellulose is recommended for isolation of pure cultures. Lipids, 1977 May, 12(5), 414 - 7 Fatty acid compositions of lipid fractions from vegetative cells and mature sorocarps of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum; Long BH et al.; A wild-type strain of Dictyostelium discoideum was grown upon Aerobacter aerogenes . Fatty acid compositions of lipid fractions and of total lipids obtained from vegetative amoebae and mature sorocarps were compared . Fatty acids isolated from vegetative cells were found to include large quantities of 17- and 19-carbon cyclopropane fatty acids while straight-chain, saturated fatty acids represented only 10% (w/w) of total fatty acids . These cyclopropane fatty acids appear to be derived from ingested bacteria and are preferentially incorporated into neutral lipids of the slime mold . Development of amoebae to mature sorocarps is accompanied by a substantial decrease in cyclopropane fatty acid content and a concomitant increase in unsaturated fatty acids, mostly as octadeca-5,11-dienoic acid . The delta-22 stigmastenyl ester fraction is the richest source of this acid . Fully 65% of the fatty acids in this fraction are the octadecadienoate. J Protozool, 1977 May, 24(2), 299 - 303 Correlation of encystment and Division in Schizopyrenus russelli; Rastogi AK et al.; Schizopyrenus russelli, a free-living soil ameba, grows and encysts in the presence of bacteria . The encystment occurs with decline in the division rate . This is accompanied by incorporation of {U-14C} glucose into cyst cellulose . The degree of multiplication (but not of encystment) is a function of bacterial concentration . Berenil, a trypanocidal drug, while allowing excystment, completely inhibited multiplication of emerged amebae and their encystment . Addition of this drug after 24 hr, when amebae had gone into a phase of active division failed to check encystment, although it still inhibited further multiplication of the amebae . The findings suggest that a phase of cell division may be a prerequisite for encystment. Genetics, 1977 May, 86(1), 149 - 60 Maternal inheritance of enzymes in the mealybug Pseudococcus obscurus (Homoptera); Nur U; In the mealybug Pseudococcus obscurus Essig (Pseudococcidae) two esterases, a tyrosinase and a mannosephosphate isomerase, exhibited an unusual type of maternal inheritance . Electromorphs (alleles) were transmitted by both parent but segregation was delayed by one generation and full sisters always had the same phenotype . Moreover, for esterase-1, in which three alleles were present, some of the females exhibited all three alleles . Several other polymorphic loci exhibited normal transmission and segregation . This mode of inheritance can be readily explained by assuming that most or all of the enzymes coded for by these loci are produced by the mycetocytes . The mycetocytes house intracellular bacteria-like symbionts and are usually formed by the fusion ofthe polar bodies and one or more cleavage nuclei . For a locus with two alleles exhibiting this type of inheritance, the expected frequencies of the three phenotypes are p3, 3pq an equation is presented for estimating the frequency of alleles from the frequencies of the phenotypes and it is shown that for three samples from wild populations there is a good agreement between the expected and observed frequencies of the phenotypes. Scand J Dent Res, 1977 May, 85(4), 217 - 31 Scanning and transmission electron microscope study of pellicle morphogenesis; Lie T; The morphology of pellicle formation was studied using correlated transmission and scanning electron microscopy . Pellicle developed on hydroxyapatite/epoxy resin splints attached to the buccal surfaces of molars and premolars in six young individuals . Splint segments were removed at intervals of 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h . Measurements of pellicle thickness revealed that during the first 12 h considerably more material formed on the apatite surfaces than on the epoxy resin areas of the splints . This difference was equalized in 24- and 48-h specimens . Three types of pellicles could be distinguished on the basis of morphologic criteria . A globular pellicle, characterized by a consistent presence of globules of varying size and configuration, seemed to predominate in most subjects . These globules could not be mistaken for bacteria due to their dimensions, contour, and lack of cell walls . A fibrillar pellicle consisted of 3- to 7-nm-wide fibrils and frequently included some finely globular particles . A granular pellicle displayed a relatively even surface contour and did not exhibit globular or fibrillar structures . In contrast to the two other types, the granular pellicle contained distinct laminations . Apparently, the varying morphology of the early pellicle is a reflection of its complex chemical composition. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1977 May, 33(5), 1156 - 61 Purification and characteristics of an alginase from Alginovibrio aquatilis; Stevens RA et al.; An exocellular inducible alginase from a strain of Alginovibrio aquatilis was purified 61-fold by ammonium sulfate precipitation and column chromatography on Sephadex G-150 and diethylaminoethyl-cellulose . The purified enzyme was more resistant than the crude enzyme to elevated temperatures . The monovalent cations Cs+, Rb+, K+, Na+, and Li+, in order of decreasing enzyme activation, were required for activity . The pH optimum of the purified alginase was 8.0 and its molecular weight from exclusion chromatography on Sephadex G-150 was 110,000. S Afr Med J, 1977 Apr 30, 51(18), 621 - 3 The perinatal infective environment and infants of very low birth weight; Higgs SC et al.; Evidence of an infective environment was frequently found in infants weighing less than 1 500 g at birth . Bacterial cultures from multiple sites bore no correlation to pus cells in the gastric aspirate or to placental histology . Positive cultures of ear swabs correlated with mortality, as did placental infection . The presence of pus cells in the gastric aspirate was related to histological evidence of placental infection . The duration or rupture of membranes and the serum IgM levels were not significantly associated with other findings. Langenbecks Arch Chir, 1977 Apr 22, 343(4), 267 - 74 {Cholecystectomy and experimental coloncarcinoma (author's transl)}; Werner B et al.; The influence of cholecystectomy on the development of carcinoma of the colon is investigated . The experimental results show a significant high rate of carcinoma of the colon induced by subcutaneous injection of 1,2-Dimethylhydrazin (DMH) in the mouse after cholecystectomy . After 10 weekly injections of 15 mg/kg DMH 70% of the animals with cholecystectomy developed carcinoma . Only 16% of the mice with similar treatment but without cholecystectomy had carcinoma . The cocarcinogenic effect of cholecystectomy is assumed to be due to the increased production of secondary bile salts by the colonic bacteria and the lacking of the resorptive function of the gall bladder for some carcinogenic substances passing through the liver . The background of this experimental studies is the clinical findings that 10% of patients with carcinoma of the large bowels had a cholecystectomy previously. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1977 Apr 19, 475(4), 589 - 600 Genetic effects of photoadducts and photocross-links in the DNA of phage lambda exposed to 360 nm light and tri-methylpsoralen or khellin; Cassuto E et al.; The furocoumarin, 4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen, sensitizes cells and viruses to 360 nm light, producing cross-links and monoadducts in their DNA . The furanochromone khellin is a less effective sensitizing agent than psoralen, but has been found to induce cross-links and adducts in DNA also . The number of cross-links increases as the square of the time of exposure to light . We found that greater fluences were required for khellin than for psoralen, possibly because of the less favorable angle of the distal unsaturated bonds for corss-linking pyrimidines in adjacent base pairs . By adjusting the time of exposure to 360 nm light, lambda phages were damaged with {3H}psoralen and {3H}khellin so as to produce equal numbers of cross-links . These exposures were found to produce 8-times more {3H}khellin than {3H}psoralen adducts in the DNA of the phages . Similar exposures were made with nonradioactive photosensitizers to determine the effectiveness of lambda phages carrying cross-links and monoadducts in producing genetic recombinants . Lambda phage-prophage genetic corsses were performed with psoralen and khellin-damaged phages under repressed conditions in which replication of the damaged DNA was blocked . It was estimated from the results that cross-links were about 20-times more effective than monoadducts for inducing recombination under repressed conditions . In tests on the survival of plaque forming ability on wild type bacteria, it was estimated that cross-links were about 15-times more effective than the adducts . The results support the conclusion that, in homoimmune crosses with psoralen-damaged lambda phages infecting wild type lysogens, more than three-quarters of the induced recombination can be attributed to cross-links rather than to monoadducts. Med J Aust, 1977 Apr 16, 1(16), 582 - 6 A hospital study of a new absorbent bed pad for incontinent patients; Silberberg FG; The benefits of a unique washable and reusable absorbent bed pad (Kylie) present significant advantages over drawsheets . In a crossover study on incontinent geriatric patients, those on the new bed pads required less than half the bed changes needed by patients who were lying on drawsheets . The patients benefited by having longer periods when their skin was dry, so that the incidence of erythema was reduced . The new bed pads also demonstrated other advantages, such as less wrinkling and creasing and a reduction in the level of odour, which resulted in patients being more restful . The subsequent need for less linen meant a reduced workload for nurses and cost savings to hospitals and laundries . This bed pad represents a significant advance in the management of incontinent patients. Eur J Biochem, 1977 Apr 15, 74(3), 463 - 9 Properties of ATPase activity in coupling factor from Chromatium strain D chromatophores; Gepshtein A et al.; Coupling factor extracted from chromatophores of the photosynthetic bacteria Chromatium strain D was partially purified . The enzyme catalyzed ATPase activity in the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions . Higher Vapp values were obtained when the activity was measured as a function of the divalent cation-ATP complex rather than as a function of either the divalent cation or ATP because the free components competitively inhibited the activity in the presence of the cation-ATP complex . The Km values were lower than or equal to the Ki values for free ATP indicating that the cation-ATP complex is bound tighter than the free ATP to the enzyme . Based on these results a possible mode of binding of substrate to the active site of the enzyme was suggested . A comparative study indicated no changes in the temperature dependance of ATPase activity when the enzyme was solubilized . However, possible conformation changes could have caused a decrease in the Km values for the (Ca-ATP)2- and (Mg-ATP)2- and in the Ki for free Mg2+ ions and ATP . The Ki for free Ca2+ ions increased on solubilization of the coupling factor . ATPase activity was inhibited by dicyclohexylcarbodiimide both in the soluble and in the membrane-bound coupling factor. Dev Biol Stand, 1977 Apr 13-15, 38, 153 - 8 Enhancement of the antibody response in vitro by BCG; Brown CA et al.; The addition of heat-killed BCG to mouse spleen cells in Marbrook cultures causes an enhanced in vitro antibody response against sheep red blood cells, the extent depending on BCG concentration and on whether the spleen cells have been previously primed with BCG in vivo . Moreover, a factor is produced by spleen cells incubated in vitro with BCG which enhances the antibody response of spleen cells from normal untreated mice, the extent of enhancement again depending on BCG concentration and the origin of the spleen cells producing the factor . Filtration through a 0.22 mu filter removes the enhancing activity of the bacteria but not of the factor produced by spleen cultures in the presence of the bacteria . The cellular basis of the enhancement of the antibody response will be discussed. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1977 Apr 11, 460(1), 47 - 57 Further evidence for dissipative energy migration via triplet states in photosynthesis . The protective mechanism of carotenoids in Rhodopseudomonas spheroides chromatophores; Renger G et al.; The protection action of carotenoids against irreversible photodestruction was discovered in photosynthetic bacteria by Stanieda and coworkers . In green plant material it was found by Wolff and Witt (1969) Z . Naturforsch, 24b, 1031-1037 and (1972) Proc . 2nd . Int . Congr . Photosynthesis Res . Stresa (Forti, G., Avron, M . and Melandri, A., eds.), Vol . 2, pp . 931-936, Dr . W . Junk, N . V . Publ . The Hague) that the formation of special carotenoid triplet states (via very rapid energy transfer from excited chlorophylls) and their fast radiationless decay in tau1/2 approximately 3 microns is at least one mechanism for the protective action of carotenoids to irreversible photooxidation of the chlorophylls . Hence, it is anticipated that the same mechanism might be realized also in bacteria . The present study gives evidence for such a "triplet valve" to be established also in bacteria . This conclusion was derived from the following observations: 1 . The light-induced difference spectrum shows a bleaching of a carotenoid at three characteristic wavelength between 400 and 500 nm . A positive peak around 533 nm indicates the formation of a carotenoid triplet state . 2 . The absorption changes can be induced by red light which excites only bacteriochlorophyll . This indicates an energy transfer from bacteriochlorophyll to carotenoids . 3 . The light-induced carotenoid triplets decay radiationless in 3 microns in air-saturated aqueous suspensions of the chromatophores . 4 . The carotenoid triplet formation occurs only at actinic flash intensities where the photosynthesis becomes saturated . 5 . Addition of dithionite, which blocks photosynthesis, markedly increases the extent of carotenoid triplet formation . The different types of exciton migration within the photosynthetic unit are discussed, especially the routes leading to the dissipation of excess excitation energy. Can Med Assoc J, 1977 Apr 9, 116(7), 748 - 50 Symposium on diarrhea . 5 . Postoperative diarrhea; Loudon JL; Under normal circumstances many physiologic mechanisms prevent diarrhea . The most important are the normal processes of gastric emptying, digestion and absorption, the functioning of the ileocecal valve and elimination of bacteria from the small bowel . A surgical procedure may disrupt any of these mechanisms or may unmask a previously asymptomatic disorder that now requires appropriate treatment . Treatment of diarrhea related to surgery may be directed toward the diarrhea itself with such agents as tranquilizers and opiates but if these are not soon effective any disrupted functions must be analysed and specific measures taken to correct or compensate for these disruptions . The most useful measures in appropriate cases are the prevention of the dumping syndrome and the administration of pancreatic enzymes, cholestyramine, hydrophilic stool thickeners and broad-spectrum antibiotics . These measures may be ineffective or inadequate and surgical revision may be necessary. Nuklearmedizin, 1977 Apr, 16(2), 79 - 82 {Performance and clinical usefulness of the 14CO2-glycocholate-breath-test}; Pancho W et al.; 14C-glycocholate breath-tests were performed in 22 clinical patients without gastointestinal disorders, in 11 cases with M . Crohn of the ileum and in 8 patients, in whom an intestinal overgrowth with bacteria was suspected . Additional to the usual discontinuous measurement of the specific activity of 14CO2 the exhaled amount of CO2 and 14CO2 and 14C-serum activity were determined . No advantage was found in the determination of the latter; for 1 . discontinuous measurement of the specific activity of 14CO2 was sufficient for detecting disturbed enterohepatic bile-salt circulation; and 2 . measurement of 14C-serum-activity or 14C-activity in cholic acids or protein were of no help in differentiating between bacterial overgrowth and diseases of the ileum . There remained doubts regarding the clinical usefulness of the test . Low specificity and many positive tests in patients without corresponding symptoms require that therapeutical procedures in such patients are initiated with some reserve. Arch Microbiol, 1977 Apr 1, 112(3), 315 - 6 A method for the determination of confidence limits for the P/2e- ratio for chosen values of ymaxatp form the results of continuous culture experiments; Boender RJ et al.; A model is described, which allows the determination of 95% confidence limits for the maintenance coefficient and the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation for chosen values of the growth yield for ATP corrected for energy maintenace (YmaxATP) . As experimental data the specific rates of substrate consumption, product formation and oxygen uptake in chemostat cultures at various growth rates are use. Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig A}, 1977 Apr, 237(4), 523 - 9 {Investigations of amino acid metabolism by thin layer chromatography for differentiation of Brucella (author's transl)}; Balke E et al.; The amino acid metabolism of 23 different Brucella strains was investigated for differentiation purposes . The results were evaluated by thin layer chromatography, after enzymatic incubation . The organisms (Tab . 1) were grown on Tryptose blood agar at 37 degree C for 24 or 48h . Two mg wet weight of bacteria in 0.2 ml PBS, 0.01 M, were incubated with 12.5 microng (0.025 ml) amino acid in small tubes for 16h at 37 degree C, and centrifuged for 15 min at 7500 X g . For controls, bacterial suspensions were heated for 15 min at 100 degree C to destroy enzymatic activity, and also contrifuged for 15 min at 7500 X g . Usually 4 micronl of the supernatant fluids (6 micronl for L-asparagine, and 10 micronl for L-proline) were pipetted on the thin layer plate . The tests were run in n-butanol acetic acid water, 20:5:5, with a distance of 8 cm . Amino acids were stained with ninhydrine . The tests were repeated 3-5 times with identical results . Amino acid metabolism was indicated by different staining intesities (+ to ++) in comparison to control preparations . All species could be exactly differentiated from each other, with the exception of B . suis, biotype 2, and B canis, which could not be differentiated by their amino acid metabolism . Biotyps of the same species were mostly identical . The results of these investigations could be reproduced qualitatively as well as quantitatively . The method described is recommended for routine investigations. Nucleic Acids Res, 1977 Apr, 4(4), 969 - 87 Selective breakage of DNA alongside 5-bromodeoxyuridine nucleotide residues by high temperature hydrolysis; Grigg GW; The substitution of thymine mucleotides (pT) in oligodeoxynucleotides by bromouracil nucleotides (pBU) changes the properties of the oligonucleotides in two ways: (1) It alters their mobility during DEAE-Cellulose homochromatography1 . (2) It substantially enhances their sensitivity to high temperature hydrolysis under mildly alkaline conditions (pH 8.9) . The resultant breaks occur adjacent to pBU residues and leave terminal phosphates on the breakage products . With more extreme conditions some loss of terminal phosphates can occur . Heating at 100 degrees for 16 hr at pH 8.9 produces cleavage at about half of the pBU residues with minimal loss of terminal phosphates . The properties described here may explain the thermal sensitivity of bacteria grown in 5BU2 and may have a use in DNA sequencing technology. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1977 Apr 1, 170(7), 722 - 7 Cytology of normal and inflamed conjunctivas in dogs and cats; Lavach JD et al.; Conjunctival scrapings from normal dogs and cats were compared with conjunctival scrapings from dogs and cats with conjunctivitis . Normal scrapings usually contained sheets of epithelial cells and small numbers of bacteria . Goblet cells were not seen unless the scraping was made from the fornix . In the absence of other signs of ocular disease, an occasional leukocyte was considered normal . The changes in scrapings from inflamed conjunctivas included increased numbers of degenerating epithelial cells, fibrin, inflammatory cells, bacteria, and inclusion bodies. J Bacteriol, 1977 Apr, 130(1), 82 - 91 Occurrence and nature of chromatic adaptation in cyanobacteria; Tandeau de Marsac N; Forty-four axenic strains of cyanobacteria that synthesize phycoerythrin were screened to ascertain the effect of light quality on pigment synthesis . Cellular pigment compositions were determined after photoautotrophic growth with low light fluxes (7.0 X 10(2) ergs/cm2 per s) of green, red, and white light, and in the case of facultative heterotrophs, after dark growth at the expense of sugars . Twelve strains did not adapt chromatically: the cells contained fixed proportions of phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, and allophycocyanin under the growth conditions used . In the remaining strains, the cellular ratio of phycoerythrin to phycocyanin was much higher after growth in green than in red light . Quantitative data on the cellular pigment contents, supplemented by measurements of the differential rates of pigment synthesis on representative strains, show that chromatic adaptation may involve a light-induced modulation either of phycoerythrin synthesis alone (7 strains) or of both phycoerythrin and phycocyanin synthesis (25 strains) . Facultative hetrotrophs able to adapt chromatically have a phycobiliprotein composition after dark growth which closely resembles that after growth in red light . Light quality does not affect the differential rate of chlorophyll synthesis . The physiological and taxonomic implications of these findings are discussed. J Med Chem, 1977 Apr, 20(4), 551 - 6 Total syntheses of (+/-)-1-carbacefoxitin and -cefamandole and (+/-)-1-oxacefamandole; Firestone RA et al.; The total syntheses of the (+/-)-1-carba analogues of cefoxitin (11), 7 alpha-methoxydeacetylcephalothin (5) and cefamandole (31) and the (+/-)-1-oxa analogue of cefamandole (43) are described . Their bioactivity spectra against 14 typical organisms are similar to those of their natural 1-thia counterparts, with the 1-carba compounds somewhat less active and the 1-oxa compound more active than the natural ones. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1977 Apr 1, 102(7), 437 - 47 {Disease and causes of death in birds (authors transl)}; Dorrestein GM et al.; In 1975, post-mortem studies were done on 745 birds . The findings are tabulated . The most important problems are evaluated . The most striking finding is the very large proportion (46.0 per cent) of birds which died from infectious disease caused either by bacteria, viruses, protozoa or parasites . Hygiene is stressed as a valuable preventive measure. Infusionsther Klin Ernahr, 1977 Apr, 4(2), 84 - 6 {Risks to donor and recipient in blood collection and blood transfusion}; Bergmann H; A summary is given on the local and general risks of blood donation for the donor and especially on the recipient's risks to blood transfusion itself, including massive transfusion . The transfusion reactions are grouped in (1) risks in connection with the technique and physics of transfusion (cooling, air embolism, microaggregation, circulatory overload), (2) biochemical-metabolic risks (citrate intoxication, acidity, coagulation deficiencies), (3) immunological-serological risks (allergic and hemolytic reaction, addendum: pyrogenic reaction), (4) dangers of infection (bacteria: septic-toxic reaction, protozoae: malaria, viruses: herpes group, cytomegaly, hepatitis) . In order to cut down the overall frequency of transfusion reactions, the use of blood derivatives instead of whole blood has been described. Mikrobiyol Bul, 1977 Apr, 11(2), 211 - 21 {Comparison of various aspects of normal and filamentous forms of S . enteritidis}; Baykal M; For more detailed information on filamentous and normal forms of S . enteritidis, electronmicrographic studies and slide cultures were carried out . The filaments show similarity to normal forms of S . entertidis except for their length . They produce the normal forms of bacteria when transferred to suitable media . Some of the filaments exhibited various degrees of degeneration in their walls . Some of them consist of only a collapsed cell wall, because they lose their cell content . We think those are the filaments which are irreversible and not able to produce the normal forms of bacteria. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1977 Mar 11, 459(3), 442 - 50 The kinetic behavior of P-700 during the induction of photosynthesis in algae; Maxwell PC et al.; The kinetics of P-700 were examined spectrophotometrically during the induction of photosynthesis in algae . A pronounced oscillation was observed in the redox level of P-700 upon illumination of dark-adapted cells . The dark adaptation required approximately 1 min . The oscillation may be described as an initial rapid oxidation reaching a peak at approx . 50 ms followed by complete reduction of the pool of P-700 . A subsequent slower oxidation resulted in attainment of the final state around 1 s . The main features of the oscillation were qualitatively the same in a wide variety of algae . The modulation in redox level of P-700 required high intensity activation of both photosystems and was eliminated by pre-illumination of the cells with weak short wavelength light but not by longer wavelengths absorbed primarily by Photosystem I . We propose that the P-700 modulation is directly related to the fast redox changes in Photosystem II which occur during the induction of photosynthesis . Cells incubated with methyl viologen did not show the P-700 oscillation confirming the suggestion previously advanced that exhaustion of Photosystem I acceptor and kinetic limitations in the carbon reduction cycle partially control the fast phase of photosynthetic induction. Biochemistry, 1977 Mar 8, 16(5), 877 - 85 Isolation and characterization of an organic solvent soluble polypeptide component from photoreceptor complexes of Rhodospirillum rubrum; Tonn SJ et al.; An organic solvent soluble polypeptide has been isolated from photoreceptor complexes and chromatophores of Rhodospirillum rubrum . After extraction of the protein from lyophilized samples with 1:1 chloroform-methanol, it was purified by column chromatography . Its isoelectric point determined by isoelectric focusing was 7.10 . When analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the purified polypeptide ran as a single band of an apparent molecular weight of 12 000 . However, according to amino acid analysis, the minimal molecular weight based on one histidine residue per polypeptide is 19 000 . The polypeptide contains no cysteine and no tyrosine . Amino acid analysis indicated that three methionines were present per histidine residue and cyanogen bromide cleavage gave four smaller peptides which were isolated by two-dimensional electrophoresis and chromatography . Spectroscopic analysis indicated the presence of three tryptophan residues per histidine and N-bromosuccinamide cleavage also gave four smaller peptides which could be isolated by two-dimensional electrophoresis and chromatography . The C-terminal amino acid was shown to be glycine by two methods, while the N-terminal amino acid appears to be blocked . The organic solvent soluble polypeptide accounts for approximately 50% of the chromatophore protein and seems to bind the antenna bacteriochlorophyll and carotenoid molecules . Using this procedure, organic solvent soluble polypeptides were isolated from several photosynthetic bacteria and were found to have substantially different amino acid contents. Trop Geogr Med, 1977 Mar, 29(1), 65 - 73 The combined effect of a cutaneo-lymphatic fungus, Sporothrix schenckii and a lymphatic-dwelling nematode, Brugia Malayi; Barbee WC et al.; Domestic cats were infected with third-stage Brugia malayi in such a way that the parasites were restricted to the regional lymphatics of one hind limb . Later, these cats were exposed on the same leg to the yeast phase of Sporothrix schenckii . Edema and fibrosis were more extensive in cats infected with both Brugia and Sporothrix than in cats with either of these organisms alone . Lesions tended to appear earlier, more consistently and progressed more rapidly in cats with dual infections than in Sporothrix controls . No septic lesions were seen in any Brugia controls . Dissemination of the organism was also greater in animals with dual infections than in those infected only with Sporothrix . On the basis of this study, it appears probable that in certain istances fungi, as well as bacteria, may play an important role in transforming a mild subclinical case of lymphatic filariasis into a serious medical problem and that a filarial infection may greatly exacerbate an existing Sporothrix infection. Mikrobiologiia, 1977 Mar-Apr, 46(2), 352 - 7 {Intensity of the process of sulfate reduction in the Sea of Azov}; Tolokonnikova LI; The distribution of sulphate reducing bacteria, sulphides and the rate of sulphate reduction were studied in the water and ground of the Azov Sea during different seasons . The rate of sulphate reduction was found to be 0.10--68.62 mg S per litre per day . The highest rate of sulphate reduction in the surface layer of bottom deposits was observed in summer; it depended on the content of easily destructed organic matter in the ground . The rate of sulphate reduction decreased by 2--5 times at a depth of 5--10 cm from the surface ground . A direct correlation was established between the number of sulphate reducing bacteria and the rate of sulphate reduction. Biken J, 1977 Mar, 20(1), 1 - 4 Inabilities as an immunoadjuvant of cell walls of the group B peptidoglycan types and those of arthrobacters; Kotani S et al.; The cell walls from several bacterial species whose peptidoglycans are the group B types (Schleifer and Kandler) and those of two arthrobacters were shown to be inactive or only weakly active as an immunoadjuvant in both induction of delayed-type hypersensitivity and stimulation of circulating antibody levels to ovalbumin when administered to guinea pigs as a water-in-oil emulsion, in sharp contrast to the adjuvant-active cell walls of the group A peptidoglycan types which were previously studied . The possible reason for the inabilities as an adjuvant of these cell walls was discussed in relation to the chemical structures of peptidoglycans. Biokhimiia, 1977 Mar, 42(3), 519 - 30 {Photoreduction of bacteriophenophytin b in the primary light reaction of Rhodopseudomonas viridis chromatophores}; Klimov VV et al.; Photoconversions of the reaction center pigments in chromatophores of nonsulfur purple bacteria Rhodopseudomonas viridis have been studied as a function of redox potential of medium (Eh) . It has been shown that at a decrease in the Eh values from +400 mV to--100 divided by--600 mV a photo-induced accumulation of P980+ (oxidized primary electron donor in R . viridis) is replaced by the photoaccumulation of a reduced pigment complex P800 (bleaching of bacteriopheophytin b absorption bands at 545 and 800 nm, a development of broad bands at 680 and 430 nm and a blue shift of the bacteriochlorophyll band at 830 nm) . The P800 photoreduction is observed under illumination by light with lambda greater than 900 nm between +20 divided by--196 degrees C at pH 3,5--12,5 and is accompanied by oxidation of the cytochrome and an increase in fluorescence yield of bacteriochlorophyll . It is suggested that P800 accepts an electron from the P980 in the primary photoreaction, which preceeds ubiquinone reduction . A midpoint redox potential (Em) is found to be of --620(+/- 20) mV for the P800/P800- and +515 (+/-20) mV for the P980/+P980 . At a decrease in the Eh value down to -400 mV luminescence has been detected with T1/2 8 nsec, an activation energy of 0,065 +/- 0,02 ev and quantum yield being close to the fluorescence yield . It is assumed that this luminescence is a result of charge recombination in the biradical P980+ -- P800-. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1977 Mar, (3), 42 - 6 {Unusual small forms in the growth cycle of halprowia (chlamydia) and their possible relation to manifestations of L-transformation}; Popov VL et al.; The authors carried out a comparative electron-microscopic study of the ultrastructure and the developmental cycle of 15 Halprowiae (chlamydiae) strains isolated in different pathology from man and animals . Halprowiae were cultivated in the yolk sac epithelium of the developing chick embryos and in the L-cell monolayer cultures without any special action of the antibiotics and medicines . Formation of minute round structures ("minute forms"), 50--120 nm in diameter, separating from the protoplast into the periplasmic space and surrounded with cytoplasmic membrane by the vegetative forms of a number of strains (MP, AP-23, 25-SM, LB-1, MyB), is described . Along with minute forms, Halprowiae formed polymorphous giant bodies with long protrusions into the inclusion cavity; there was also a separation of vesicles of the cell wall membrane . This apparently indicated a structural derangement of the cell wall in these vegetative forms of Halprowiae . On the basis of similarity of the mentioned structures detected in Halprowiae reproduction to the known morphological characteristics of the L-form bacteria a possibility of L-transformation in Halprowiae during the normal developmental cycle as a peculiar compensatory adaptation to the action of host cell is supposed. Can J Microbiol, 1977 Mar, 23(3), 306 - 10 Nitrate reduction nitrogenase activity in Spirillum lipoferum1; Neyra CA et al.; Nitrate and nitrite reduction under aerobic, microaerophillic, and anaerobic conditions was demonstrated in Spirillum lipoferum (ATCC 29145) . Nitrite did not accumulated during assimilatory nitrate reduction in air . The nitrite produced during dissimilatory nitrate reduction accumulated in the medium but not in the cells . On exposure of the bacteria to nitrate and anaerobiosis, a low initial rate (lag) was followed by accelerated rates of nitrite accumulation . A 3-h anaerobic pretreatment, in the absence of nitrate, did not a void the lag phase . No nitrate reductase activity (NRA) developed in the presence of chloramphenicol . The data suggest that induction of anaerobic NRA in S . lipoferum required nitrate and protein synthesis . Anaerobic N2-ase by S . lipoferum was greatly stimulated in the presence of nitrate . The time course of nitrate reduction was coincidental with the pattern of nitrate-stimulated N2-ase activity inidcating that a relationship exists between these two processes. J Infect Di