Science, 1976 Oct 8, 194(4261), 183 - 4 Histologic structures preserved for 21,300 years; Zimmerman MR et al.; Histologic examination of rehydrated tissue samples from late Pleistocene (Alaskan) mammal mummies demonstrates that the preservative effect of freezing and drying extends to remains 15,000 to 25,000 years old . Some muscle and liver tissue retained identifiable histologic structures . Most tissues were completely disintegrated and partly replaced by masses of bacteria, an indication of considerable postmortem decay before the remains were entombed beneath the permafrost zone. Med J Aust, 1976 Oct 2, 2(14), 529, 532 - 3 Problems associated with the use of drugs administered by intermittent positive pressure ventilation; Engel G; There has been an increase in the use of drugs administered by intermittent positive pressure ventilation over recent years . There are a number of problems association with this type of therapy including variable and inadequate absorption of drugs and the possibility of nosocomial infections . A number of precautionary measures are suggested to minimize these problems. Dev Biol Stand, 1976 Oct, 36, 335 - 41 Methods for determining favorable conditions for freeze-drying biological reference materials; Barbaree JM; By predetermining favorable conditions for freeze-drying samples through pilot runs, one can gain more assurance that relatively large batches of lyophilized biological reference materials produced have the desired characteristics . Included in the pilot studies are the determination of the characteristics of the lyophilizer with a specific freeze-drying cycle, simulation of the water load expected for the production run, residual moisture analyses of the lyophilized samples, and biological activity of the samples before lyophilization and after exposure to elevated temperatures . Various reference materials have been lyophilized by these procedures . Among them are clinical chemistry reference samples, bacterial suspensions, and candidate serum-protein reference immunological standards . A batch of 6,300 vials of the latter was successfully freeze-dried and showed less than 0.1% residual moisture; different proteins (including complement) were both functionally (enzymatically) and antigenically active. Biokhimiia, 1976 Oct, 41(10), 1903 - 4 {Isotopic effect in enzymatic oxidation of methane}; Belova VS et al.; The isotopic effect during oxidation of methane and deuteromethane by a suspension of Methylomonas rubrum cells, for which methane is the only source of carbon, was observed . The rate of CH4 oxidation is 12.5 times higher than that of CH4 oxidation . It is demonstrated that CD4 is a competitive inhibitor of CH4 oxidation . The results obtained suggest that the disruption of the C-H bond is the limiting step of enzymatic oxidation of methane. Scott Med J, 1976 Oct, 21(4), 197 - 9 The penetration of minocycline into human sinus secretions; Worgan D et al.; The mean minocycline content of sinus secretions aspirated during antral wash-out in 8 patients sinusitis was found to be 1.06 mug . per ml . (SD.1.03) . This exceeds the M.I.C . for most strains of bacteria likely to be found in sinusitis . The mean minocycline serum level in these 8 patients was 3.16 mug . per ml . (S.D . 1.64) . The sinus secretion to serum level ratio was therefore 0.34:1 . No correlation was found between serum level and sinus secretion level, nor could any of the factors looked at in this study be correlated with the degree to which minocycline penetrated the sinus secretion. Jpn J Microbiol, 1976 Oct, 20(5), 385 - 96 Temperate coliphage HK022 . Clear plaque mutants and preliminary vegetative map; Dhillon TS et al.; Wild type phage HK022 was mutagenized by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine to induce clear plaque mutants . A total of 225 clear plaque mutants were isolated and 198 of these were assignable to one or the other of two complementation groups of the corresponding cistrons which have been designated as cI and cII, respectively . Approximately 25% of the c mutants were found to be temperature-sensitive (cts); producing turbid plaques at 32 C and clear plaques at 38 C and above . From complementation tests involving cI and cII mutants, bacteria lysogenic for cII prophage were frequently obtained . Double lysogens harboring a CI and a cII prophage were infrequently found and single lysogens harboring only a cI prophage have not been recovered . Bacterial lysogens harboring a prophage carrying a cts mutation in the cI cistron were readily obtainable . However, such lysogens show a lethal phenotype at 40 C and above, although they appear to be fully viable at 32 C . It is shown that by incubation of lysogens harboring a cts mutant of the cI cistron at 42 C, it is possible to isolate cryptic lysogens which are non-immune but harbor at least one of the phage sus+ alleles . Genetic data involving cI, cII, and two complementing sus mutants of essential genes are presented . From these data the following vegetative map is deduced: sus4--cII-cI-sus3. Can J Biochem, 1976 Oct, 54(10), 835 - 42 The amino acid sequence of wheat beta-purothionin; Mak AS et al.; The complete amino acid sequence of beta-purothionin, a low molecular weight, very basic, protein isolated from wheat endosperm material, has been determined . beta-purothionin is toxic to some bacteria, to yeasts, and to animals when injected . The protein contains 45 amino acid residues and has a molecular weight of 4913 . The 8 cysteine and 10 basic residues are distributed throughout the molecule . The primary structure of the protein shows considerable homology to those of the viscotoxins, which are toxic, small, basic proteins found in the leaves and stems of European mistletoe (Viscum album L.). Appl Environ Microbiol, 1976 Oct, 32(4), 635 - 7 Isolation of strains of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum capable of growing after a single passage in axenic medium; Williams KL; Wild-type strains of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum grow on bacteria . Axenic strains of D . discoideum capable of growing in a simple salts-yeast extract-proteose peptone-glucose medium have been isolated from wild-type strains fo both mating types after a single passage in this medium . This result is consistent with the theory that the axenic phenotype has a simple genetic basis. Mikrobiyol Bul, 1976 Oct, 10(4), 501 - 8 {Identification of mycobacteria strains isolated in our laboratory 1972-1975}; Kilicturgay K et al.; 111 (3,34%) acid-fast bacteria were found by direct, and 128 (3.86%) acid-fast bacteria by homogenisation methods, in 3315 specimens sent to the tuberculosis laboratory of our institute from various clinics of Gulhane Military Medical Academy, between October 11, 1972 and December 31, 1975 . It was found that there was no great difference between the direct and the homogenisation methods, provided that these tests are carried out with great care . After the isolation of 128 mycobacteria from 3315 specimens by culturing in Lowenstein-Jensen medium they were typed by niacin, nitrate reduction, catalase, and peroxydase reactions . It was found that 124 out of 128 strains were M . tuberculosis var . bovis, atypical and saprophytic mycobacteria (3.125%). J Cell Physiol, 1976 Oct, 89(2), 337 - 44 Endosymbiosis in amoebae: recently established endosymbionts have become required cytoplasmic components; Jeon KW et al.; A strain of large, free-living amoeba that became dependent on bacterial endosymbionts which had infected the amoebae initially as intracellular parasites, was studied by micrurgy and electron microscopy . The results show that the infected host cells require the presence of live endosymbionts for their survival.Thus, the nucleus of an infected amoeba can form a viable cell with the cytoplasm of a noninfected amoeba only when live endosymbionts are present . The endosymbiotic bacteria are not digested by the host amoebae and are not themselves used as nutritional supplement . While the host amoebae are dependent specifically on the endosymbionts, the latter can live inside amoebae of different strains, indicating that their dependence on the host cells is not yet strain specific. J Clin Invest, 1976 Oct, 58(4), 871 - 9 The effect of D-penicillamine on polymorphonuclear leukocyte function; Chwalinska-Sadowska H et al.; D-Penicillamine, a reducing and chelating agent used in the treating of rheumatoid arthritis, was tested for its effects of polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and lysosomal enzymes . beta-Glucuronidase release from polymorphonuclear leukocytes after phagocytosis of latex particles was not affected by D-penicillamine at concentrations ranging from 25 to 400 mg/liter . No direct effect was seen on enzyme activity at the maximum concentration of the drug . There was no inhibition of latex particle ingestion . No cell damage was found at 400 mg/liter penicillamine as measured by lactic dehydrogenase release . At this drug concentration there was only a 15% reduction in hemolytic complement levels . Chemotaxis was significantly decreased at concentrations of 50 mg/liter with a dose-dependent effect at higher concentrations which showed a plateau from 200 to 400 mg/liter . The parent compound D-cysteine was also tested in these systems . The same lack of effect of phagocytosis and enzyme release was found . D-Cysteine did inhibit chemotaxis but to a lesser degree than D-penicillamine . This dicotomy of drug effect may indicate that the beneficial action of D-penicillamine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is due to the decreased chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes into the joint, while the absence of an effect of phagocytosis and lysosomal enzymes shows the cells can still function to ingest and destroy bacteria . This latter effect correlates with the absence of infection in patients treated with this compound. Surg Gynecol Obstet, 1976 Oct, 143(4), 587 - 91 Risk factors in local surgical procedures for diabetic gangrene; Goodman J et al.; One hundred and seventy-two diabetic patients undergoing local operations of the foot distal to the ankle joint were reviewed to explore the preoperative prognostic indicators of operative failure . Severity of infection, as measured by preoperative temperature and white blood count, correlated with that of failure . Subcutaneous gas, as seen roentgenographically, was associated with failure in five of six patients . No particular operation or type of wound and no general or specific medical or laboratory parameter correlated with failure . In the four and one-half years of the study, an improved operative success rate could only be correlated with improved preoperative management of infection, as reflected in a declining yearly preoperative white blood count and temperature . Delay of the operation until maximum medical control of the infection has occurred should improve the initial success rate in these patients. Dev Biol Stand, 1976 Oct, 36, 313 - 22 Freeze-drying of brucella vaccine strain B 19; Valette L et al.; The B 19 brucellosis strain has been widely used in the production of live vaccine against Bovine Brucellosis in the field for the last 30 years . Many attempts have been made to stabilize this vaccine but it remains a problem for laboratories which prepare this vaccine . In order to improve our knowledge of the influence of residual moisture and the nature of the conditioning atomosphere, several batches of vaccine were prepared in the same freeze-drying apparatus, either with a different atmosphere, or with a different level of residual moisture . After freeze-drying, the percentage of live bacteria and the stability of the vaccine at 37 degrees and 4 degrees C were investigated . It is thus possible to determine under specific conditions the level of residual moisture which gives: a) the best stability and b) the correct percentage of live bacteria after freeze-drying . Furthermore, by using nitrogen, argon, or a vacuum in the freeze-drying procedure, it was possible to select the most favourable atmosphere for conditioning the vaccine. J Bacteriol, 1976 Oct, 128(1), 435 - 44 Physical characterization of Caulobacter crescentus flagella; Lagenaur C et al.; Preparations of intact flagella isolated from Caulobacter crescentus CB13B1a were found to contain two protein species of apparent molecular weights 28,000 and 25,000 . Both proteins cross-reacted completely with each other and with purified flagella in Ouchterlony double-immunodiffusion assays . The amino acid compositions of the isolated proteins were similar to one another but precluded any precursor-product relationship . Absence of both the 25,000- and 28,000-molecular-weight proteins from a number of nonmotile mutants and the simultaneous reappearance of these proteins in a motile revertant provide further evidence of the relationship of these two proteins to flagellar structure. J Otolaryngol, 1976 Oct, 5(5), 386 - 90 {Benign, diffuse external otitis}; Poliquin J et al.; A review of the literature on benign diffuse external otitis was done to throw light on the problems of pathogenesis, etiological factors, and various forms of treatment . A prospective study done on normal adult ear canals and a prospective study of 26 new cases of benign external otitis was done according to clinical criteria elaborated by Senturia to show that Coly-Mycin Otic is a drug to be recommended in the treatment of this disease. Prakt Anaesth, 1976 Oct, 11(5), 333 - 8 {Disinfection of the inspired and expired air during artificial respiration with humified gases}; Grun L et al.; The water in the nebulizer of respirators is a potential source of infection for patients receiving artificial respiration . Interposition of a special equipment that will produce ozone-free ultraviolet radiation will prevent infection of the patient by the inspired humidified air, even if the bacterial count in the nebulizer fluid is very high . Interposition of the same equipment on the expiratory side is also recommended to minimize the risk of infection of the environment by bacteria in the expired air. J Exp Med, 1976 Oct 1, 144(4), 906 - 19 Normal rabbit alveolar macrophages . I . The phagocytosis of tubular myelin; Nichols BA; Normal rabbit alveolar macrophages are engorged with large, dense inclusions which contain whorls of myelin figures, suggesting an exogenous source of polar lipids in their diet . One contributory source of such lipids is surfactant, since macrophages were seen ingesting tubular myelin and vacuoles containing remnants of it were found in the cytoplasm . Thus, as indicated previously in kinetic studies, it appears that alveolar macrophages participate in the turnover of surfactant . However, the relative importance of the macrophage in comparison to other pathways of surfactant removal remains to be determined . It is also noteworthy that although tubular myelin and myelin figures were abundant in the fixative used to wash out the lungs, bacteria were not found in it or in the macrophages . Thus, removal of obsolete surfactant may prove to be one of the mojor endocytic functions of alveolar macrophages. Boll Ist Sieroter Milan, 1976 Sep 30, 55(4), 317 - 22 {Demonstration of a granulocyte defect in aged persons correlated with the presence of autoantibodies}; Moroni M et al.; Assessment of PMN leukocyte function and search for autoantibodies were performed in 36 aged human subjects (more than 60 years of age) and in 15 younger controls (40 to 60 years of age) . Autoantibodies were found in 15 of the 36 aged subjects, and in none of the controls . Leukocyte function defects were therefore correlated to old age and to markers of autoimmunity . Phagocytosis of bacteria was significantly impaired in both groups of old-aged subjects, irrespective to the presence or absence of autoimmunity . Intracellular killing of bacteria was shown to be normal in all the examined subjects . Nitroblue tetrazolium reduction by resting and latex-stimulated leukocytes was significantly impaired only in the group of old-aged subjects with autoimmunity . These leukocyte function defects are similar to those already described in human autoimmune diseases -- particularly S.I.E . -- and confirm the possible association between P.M.N . dysfunction and autoimmunity. Biomedicine, 1976 Sep 30, 25(8), 275 - 6 A possible physiological function of lysozyme; Jolles P; A possible physiological function of lysozyme might consist of an indirect effect arising in the course of its action on bacteria, as some of the bacterial reaction products behave as adjuvants or immunostimulating substances. Mol Gen Genet, 1976 Sep 23, 147(3), 283 - 9 Lethal and mutagenic effects of nitrosoguanidine on synchronized Chlamydomonas; Lee RW et al.; The lethal and mutagenic effects of 5 mug/ml N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) were maximal during the nuclear S-period of synchronously grown Chlamydomonas reinhardtii . This was revealed by a 50% drop in survival and a 50- to 100-fold increase in the recovery of slow-growth mutants (up to 40% of the survivors) which were first recognized as small colonies on agar medium . Partial characterization of these isolates revealed about 50% to be stable on subculture, and several were demonstrated to be either acetate-dependent, dark-lethal (light-dependent), or acetate-sensitive mutants . There was no significant increase of lethality or of slow-growth mutants correlated with treatment during the chloroplast DNA replication phase of the cell-cycle . The results of genetic analysis with 13 mutants induced during the nuclear S-period were consistent with their nuclear origin . These analyses were hampered by the high proportion of lethality among the progeny of most crosses . It is concluded that the enhanced mutant induction among nuclear S-phase cells may indicate preferential mutagenesis of replication fork DNA and induction of multiple-closely-linked mutations, as in some bacteria . Consequently, for C . reinhardtii, caution should be exercised in drawing relationships between abnormal behavioral and biochemical phenotypes in MNNG-induced mutants. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1976 Sep 13, 440(3), 637 - 60 Generation of electric current by chromatophores of Rhodospirillum rubrum and reconstitution of electrogenic function in subchromatophore pigment-protein complexes; Drachev LA et al.; Lipoprotein complexes, containing (1) bacteriochlorophyll reaction centers, (2) bacteriochlorophyll light-harvesting antenna or (3) both reaction centers and antenna, have been isolated from chromatophores of non-sulphur purple bacteria Rhodospirillum rubrum by detergent treatments . The method of reconstituting the proteoliposomes containing these complexes is described . Being associtated with planas azolectin membrane, ptoteoliposomes as well as intact chromatophores were found to generate a light-dependent transmembrane electric potential difference measured by Ag/AgC1 electrodes and voltmeter . The direction of the electric field inproteoliposomes can be regulated by the addition of antenna complexes to the reconstitution mixture . The reaction center complex proteoliposomes generate an electric field of a direction opposite to that in chromatophores, whereas proteoliposomes containing reaction center complexes and a sufficient amount of antenna complexes produce a potential difference as in chromatophores . ATP and inorganic pyrophosphate, besides light, were shown to be usable as energy sources for electric generation in chromatophores associated with planar membrane. Can Anaesth Soc J, 1976 Sep, 23(5), 545 - 9 Contamination and resterilization of the Bain circuit; Enright AC et al.; Fifty Bain circuits were tested for contamination following single patient use . A contamination rate of 8 per cent was found . Two methods of resterilization were examined . Sterilization by activated glutaraldehyde proved unsatisfactory, while ethylene oxide sterilization was found to be an effective method which produced no detectable adverse physical or chemical alterations of the circuits. Med Tekh, 1976 Sep-Oct, (5), 35 - 7 {Presterilization treatment of medical instruments for the purpose of lowering the sterilizing dose of gamma irradiation}; Gareishina AZ et al.; Preliminary treatment of medical instruments with a 1% sulphochlorantine solution for a period of 3 hours helps greatly reduce their initial contamination, permits it to lower the sterilizing irradiation dose down to 1.5 Mrad and to manufacture radiationally-sterilized medical instruments at any medical instruments plant . The instruments subjected to presterilization treatment in conjunction with radio-resistent irradiation are non-toxic, apyrogenic and free from any functional changes. Mikrobiologiia, 1976 Sep-Oct, 45(5), 920 - 2 {Connection of thylakoids with plasmalemma in the Synechococcus cyanobacterium}; Gromov BV et al.; The edges of the thylakoids are connected with the plasmalemma in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp., strain 715, this leading to partial compartmentalization of the cytoplasm in the cell. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1976 Sep, 32(3), 451 - 4 Computer-assisted analysis of adenosine triphosphate data; Erkenbrecher CW et al.; A computer program has been written to assist in the analysis of adenosine 5'-triphosphate data . The program is designed to calculate a dilution curve and to correct sample and adenosine 5'-triphosphate standard data for background and dilution effects . In addition, basic statistical parameters and estimates of biomass carbon are also calculated for each group of samples and printed in a convenient format . The versatility of the program to analyze data from both qauatic and terrestrial samples is noted as well as its potential use with various types of instrumentation and extraction techniques. Z Rheumatol, 1976 Sep-Oct, 35(9-10), 315 - 23 {Significance of coagulation disorders and inflammatory immune reaction in an infectious model of rheumatoid arthritis . I . Systemic, shock-like coagulopathy and fibrin incorporation as indicators of rheumatoid manifestations in the erysipelas model}; Schulz LC et al.; A combined study employing plethysmographical, scintillation counting and coagulation methods indicates that a coagulation crisis in combination with fibrin overproduction may be an indicator of a beginning arthritis of rheumatoid character . Rats which received a single subcutaneous infection with erysipelas bacteria exhibit a shock resembling crisis two days post inoculation as substantiated by the consumption of coagulation factors II, V, VIII, XII and decrease of platelets . This consumption of coagulation factors is characterized by a rapid compensatory increase of platelets, antihaemophilic factor VIII and fibrin, 5 times more in the pig and 3 1/2 times more in the rat than in control animals . In adult rats the overproduction of fibrin is combined with an intense concealed consumption of fibrin in all organs of manifestation . Only in young rats an absolute consumption of fibrin is observed . The incorporation of fibrin into connective tissue is accompanied by fibrin consumption as demonstrated by immunofluorescence, by oedema of the paw, and by mesenchymal proliferation as substantiated by scintillation counting of incorporated 35SO4 and 3H-Proline, as markers for the beginning synthesis of ground substances and collagen . This model supports the importance of an initial vascular phase for the subsequent phase of manifestation in chronic rheumatoid diseases . It is discussed whether the organ specific permeability of the affected organs (joints, heart, arteries and eyes) may be a localizing factor of organ manifestation, parallel to the hormonal mesenchymal reaction. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd, 1976 Sep, 36(9), 778 - 9 {Investigations on the occurrence of mycoplasma in the amniotic fluid (author's transl)}; Weissenbacher ER et al.; In order to elucidate the pathogenetic importance of mycoplasma in amnionitis and in infectious syndrome of the amnion, the amniotic fluid of 185 healthy pregnant women was investigated for mycoplasma, bacteria and fungi . In no case mycoplasma were detected . This means that amniotic fluid is normally free of mycoplasma . If mycoplasma occurs in the amniotic fluid it has to be considered as a possible cause of amnionitis and infectious syndrome of the amnion. Infect Immun, 1976 Sep, 14(3), 816 - 25 Reovirus-like agent associated with fatal diarrhea in neonatal pigs; Lecce JG et al.; Large numbers of a reovirus-like agent were visualized with electron microscopy in bacteria-free gut homogenates obtained from piglets with a fatal diarrhea resembling transmissible gastroenteritis . The syndrome, of vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and death, was reproduced in piglets artificially infected with these bacteria-free gut homogenates . Reovirus-like particles persisted in serial piglet passage and none was seen in uninfected, asymptomatic controls . Hyperimmune sera (made in recovered piglets) aggregated the reovirus-like particles, as judged by immunoelectron microscopy, and neutralized the infectious agent . The cytoplasm in enterocytes on infected intestinal epithelium fluoresced when this hyperimmune sera was used in an indirect fluorescent antibody test . Feeding cow colostrum or diets containing porcine gamma globulin protected infected piglets . No cytopathogenic effect was noted in infected tissue cultures, nor did this agent affect neonatal guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, and rats . The agent did not agglutinate human O or A erythrocytes. Z Immunitatsforsch Immunobiol, 1976 Sep, 152(1), 1 - 9 Factors influencing the phagocytosis-stimulated glucose oxidation in porcine leukocytes; Buschmann H et al.; The stimulation of the D-(1-14C)glucose and D-(6-14C)glucose metabolism in pig leucocytes during the phagocytosis of bacteria and inert particles was studied . The following results were obtained: 1 . The magnitude of phagocytosis-stimulated glucose oxidation is directly related to the nature and number of particles added . 2 . Live bacteria stimulate the glucose metabolism to a greater extent than do a similar number of heat-killed organisms . As to the extent of the stimulation the species of bacteria offered for phagocytosis is crucial . 3 . After in vitro addition of a lipopolysaccharide a stimulating effect is observed, a depression has been shown after the addition of hydrocortisone. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 1976 Sep, 58(6), 749 - 53 Geometric total knee arthroplasty . A two-year follow-up study; Skolnick MD et al.; In a study of our experience with the first 119 geometric arthroplasties of the knee done at the Mayo Clinic, reported after a minimum follow-up period of two years, we noted that relief of pain was the primary goal in 84 per cent of the cases and this was achieved in the majority . The average total motion was relatively unchanged but it became more useful postoperatively. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 1976 Sep, 58(6), 743 - 8 Polycentric total knee arthroplasty . A two-year follow-up study; Skollnick MD et al.; Polycentric total knee arthroplasty provided significant relief of pain in 86 per cent of 500 knees . The independence and activity levels of the patients increased dramatically . The frequency of major complications as reflected by reoperation was 10 per cent in this series . There was a 2.8 per cent deep infection rate . One-third of the infected knees were salvaged and two-thirds required arthrodesis . Loosening of a component was noted in 2.4 per cent . After operation the average range of motion was from 6 to 101 degrees of flexion, for a range of 95 degrees; this was a 5-degree increase over average preoperative motion . Ninety-six per cent of the patients expressed satisfaction with the surgical result. Am J Clin Nutr, 1976 Sep, 29(9), 1035 - 47 Diet, nutrition, and cancer; Alcantara EN et al.; As the second leading cause of death in the United States, cancer is a major public health problem today . Cancer incidence varies worldwide and tends to change with migration . These epidemiological observations have led to the concept that environmental factors may be important in carcinogenesis . Diet and nutrition are receiving increased attention and the National Cancer Institute, as mandated by the Nation Cancer Act Amendments of 1974, is playing a major leadership role in expanding research efforts in the areas of environmental carcinogenesis, and nutrition in relation to cancer . The subject of diet, nutrition, and cancer is complex . Different types of cancer are not necessarily affected by dietary components in the same manner . Although the development of certain neoplasms may be repressed by specific dietary deficiencies, other types, particularly those of the liver and upper gastrointestinal tract, are actually augmented or potentiated by such deficienceis . In extrapolating results from animal experiments to humans, caution must be exercised because of possible differences in species response to the same dietary stimulus and because spontaneous tumors may react differently from experimentally-induced tumors . Diet and nutrition are viewed more appropriately as modifiers, rather than initiators, of tumorigenesis . Caloric intake, type and amount of fat, protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other dietary constituents have been studied in regard to their influence on the development of neoplasms . Dietary components may have opposing effects on tumorigenesis, i.e., protective and predisposing, and the consequence to the host will depend on the balance between these opposing forces . Studies conducted to date indicate that the modifying effect of diet and nutrition may be exerted through specific effects on 1) intestinal bacteria and substrates for bacterial metabolism, 2) microsomal mixed-function oxidase system, 3) endocrine system, 4) immunological system, 5) availability of metabolites for cell proliferations, and 6) rate of carcinogen transfer and duration of exposure to the carcinogen . More research is needed to elucidate the interaction between diet and each of these factors and to test the validity of the mechanisms proposed to explain such interactions . These studies will lead not only to a better understanding of carcinogenesis itself but also to a new understanding of the influence of diet on human physiology and metabolism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1976 Sep, 73(9), 3303 - 7 Effect of 3':5'-cyclic GMP derivatives on the formation of Caulobacter surface structures; Kurn N et al.; Exogenous derivatives of 3':5'-cyclic GMP, 8-bromo- and N2,O2'-dibutyryl cyclic GMP, coordinately repress surface structure differentiation in Caulobacter crescentus . Growth in the presence of cyclic GMP derivatives resulted in the loss of flagella and pili formation and concomitant resistance to both DNA phage phiCbK and RNA phage phiCb5 infection without affecting growth rate, stalk formation, and equatorial cell division . The effect of cyclic GMP derivatives was shown to be the repression of synthesis of specific structural proteins . This effect could be reversed by exogenous N6,O2'-dibutyryl 3':5'-cyclic AMP, and mutants resistant to repression by cyclic GMP derivatives exhibited a pleiotropic phenotype affecting a cyclic AMP-mediated event. J Bacteriol, 1976 Sep, 127(3), 1382 - 8 Membrane-associated, energy-linked reactions in Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus; Friedberg D et al.; Disrupted cells of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus exhibited adenosine triphosphatase activity, 60 to 80% of which was in the soluble fraction . Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide did not inhibit the adenosine triphosphatase activity in membrane particles . The particles did not show energy-linked transhydrogenase activity . The activity of non-energy-linked transhydrogenase as well as the rate of oxygen consumption were higher in membrane particles of the host-independent strain than in the host-dependent strains . The uptake of amino acid uptake was inhibited by cyanide and by carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenyl hydrazone . Valinomycin, in the presence of K+, did not inhibit the uptake, and only partial inhibition was exerted by arsenate and dicyclohexylarbodiimide . Sulfhydryl reagents inhibited amino acid uptake. Ultramicroscopy, 1976 Sep-Oct, 1(4), 341 - 57 High-resolution metal replication of macromolecules; Slayter HS; By adjustment of various parameters affecting crystallite size in thin metal replica films used for contrasting biological macromolecules for electron microscopy, improvements in the level of image information retrieved are demonstrated . Mass thickness, replica metal type, substrate temperature and composition are found to be important determinants of replica quality and conditions are discussed and tabulated for optimizing these . Typical correction curves for replicas are given for platinum and tungsten, from which approximate true dimensions may be calculated from measurements of unknown replicas . Deviation of evaporant sources from ideality are quantitated for both heated filament and electron gun sources . Metal replicas exposed to 80 kV electron beams long enough receive 10(6)e/nm2 show no observable changes other than those attributable to contamination as a function of time after the first few seconds . A variety of artifacts occasionally produced in replicas are discussed in relation to image interpretation. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1976 Sep, 32(3), 368 - 75 Influences of soil acidity on Streptomyces populations inhabiting forest soils; Hagedorn C; The Streptomyces populations inhabiting five acidic forest soils were examined . It was found that lowering the pH of a medium selective for streptomycetes (starch-casein agar) to the pH of the particular soil horizon being plated influenced both the total numbers and types of streptomycetes that were isolated from the soils examined in this study . On the acidified medium both the numbers of streptomycetes and the percentage of total bacteria on the plates represented by streptomycetes increased (as compared with the same medium with a pH of 7.2) . These differences were greatest on the isolations from the most acid soils . The largest concentrations of streptomycetes were found in the surface horizon (0 to 15 cm) and the litter layer immediately over the surface mineral horizon . Acidity tolerance tests demonstrated that random samplings of isolates contained acidophilic, neutrophilic, and acidoduric strains, with the largest numbers of acidophiles being found on the acidified media from the most acid soils . There were no differences between overall utilization of selected carbohydrates among the isolates taken from either the neutral or acidic media, although a larger proportion of the acid media isolates produced acid from the carbohydrates . Evidence is presented which indicates that different types of streptomycetes were isolated on the acid media, and possible reasons for the presence of these acid-tolerant populations are discussed. J Gen Microbiol, 1976 Sep, 96(1), 125 - 36 Factors affecting the uptake and metabolism of soluble carbohydrates by the rumen ciliate Dasytricha ruminantium isolated from ovine rumen contents by filtration; Williams AG et al.; A filtration technique is described whereby metabolically-active suspensions of Dasytricha ruminantium can be isolated from rumen contents with negligible contamination by bacteria or other protozoa . The effects of environmental factors and of the diurnal cycle of the rumen on the uptake and metabolism of soluble carbohydrates by these isolated cells were examined . The principal contribution of the protozoan metabolic end-products to the host ruminant is the supply of lactic, acetic and butyric acids during periods when soluble sugars are in excess. J Biochem (Tokyo), 1976 Sep, 80(3), 497 - 506 The structure and function of acid proteases . V . Comparative studies on the specific inhibition of acid proteases by diazoacetyl-DL-norleucine methyl ester, 1,2-epoxy-3-(p-nitrophenoxy) propane and pepstatin; Takahashi K et al.; Comparative studies have been made on the effects of diazoacetyl-DL-norleucine methyl ester (DAN), 1,2-epoxy-3-(p-nitrophenoxy)propane (EPNP) and pepstatin on acid proteases, including those from Acrocylindrium sp., Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus saitoi, Mucor pusillus, Paecilomyces varioti, Rhizopus chinensis, and Trametes sanguinea, and also porcine pepsin {EC 3.4.23.1} and calf rennin {EC 3.4.23.4} for comparative purposes . These enzymes were rapidly inactivated at similar rates and in 1:1 stiochiometry by reaction with DAN in the presence of cupric ions . The pH profiles of inactivation of these enzymes were similar and had optima at pH 5.5 to 6 . They were also inactivated at similar rates by reaction with EPNP, with concomitant incorporation of nearly 2 EPNP molecules per molecule of enzyme . The pH profiles of inactivation were again similar and maximal inactivation was observed at around pH 3 to 4 . Some of the EPNP-inactivated enzymes were treated with DAN and shown still to retain reactivity toward DAN . All these enzymes were inhibited strongly by pepstatin, and the reactions of DAN and EPNP with them were also markedly inhibited by prior treatment with pepstatin . These results indicate that the active sites of these enzymes are quite similar and that they presumably have at least two essential carboxyl groups at the active site in common, one reactive with DAN in the presence of cupric ions and the other reactive with EPNP, as has already been demonstrated for porcine pepsin and calf rennin . Pepstatin appears to bind at least part of the active site of each enzyme in a simmilar manner. Can J Microbiol, 1976 Sep, 22(9), 1312 - 9 Factors affecting rate of methane formation from acetic acid by enriched methanogenic cultures; van den Berg L et al.; A stable enrichment culture converting acetic acid to methane was successfully obtained from a pear waste digester, using a synthetic substrate solution with acetic acid as the main carbon source . This enrichment culture converted up to 10 mmol of acetic acid per litre per day at 35 degrees C and did not use hydrogen or formic acid in appreciable amounts as substrate for methane production instead of, or in addition to, acetic acid . The rate of conversion of acetic acid to methane was maximum at temperature of 40-45 degrees C, at a pH of 6.5 to 7.1, and was adversely affected by exposure to air, reducing agents, and high salt concentrations . The rate of conversion was independent of acetic acid concentration between 0.2 and 100 mM, but dropped markedly at concentrations below 0.2 mM. Dtsch Med Wochenschr, 1976 Aug 20, 101(34), 1257 - 8 {Demonstration of mycoplasma by direct fluorochromation with acridine derivatives (author's transl)}; Stubner G; Vital fluorochromation of mycoplasmas can be obtained with acridine derivatives . Stained with acridine-orange und 9-aminoacridine chloride-1-hydrate mycoplasmas appear as yellow (green) fluorescing homogeneous spots or discs under the fluorescence microscope, the exact appearance depending on the concentration of the fluorochrome and the absorption by nucleic acids . Non-specific supplements and undermixed bacteria have significantly different fluorescence . Depending on the metachromasia of acridine-orange and on double-fluorescing with acridine-orange and 9-aminoacridine chloride-1-hydrate, the bacterial cell wall is green, the protoplasma red . The method is suitable as a screening test for mycoplasma. Eur J Biochem, 1976 Aug 16, 67(2), 323 - 33 Localization and possible role of an adenosine triphosphatase in Chlorobium thiosulfatophilum; Burns DD et al.; 1 . Evidence is presented that the ATPase activity detected in cell extracts of Chlorobium thiosulfatophilum is bound to the cytoplasmic membrane rather than to the chlorobium vesicles . 2 . The activity of this ATPase is inhibited in vitro by various carbodiimides, phloridzin and sodium azide . 3 . The apparent Km for ATP is approximately 0.2 mM and the enzyme shows product inhibition by ADP . 4 . Photophosphorylation, characterized in vivo, is inhibited by many of the compounds that inhibit the ATPase. Ann Microbiol (Paris), 1976 Aug-Sep, 127B(2), 177 - 87 {The role of the different immunoglobulins in the milk ring test used for the detection of brucellosis (author's transl)}; Collin JC; The serum immunoglobulins obtained from one heifer vaccinated against brucellosis, and milk immunoglobulins from a cow suffering from a natural udder infection, were purified . The preparations were more than 99.5 per cent pure . The role of each immunoglobulin in the milk ring test was determined . Fractions sIgA and IgM induce the formation of a broad coloured ring after 1 hour's incubation at 37 degrees C . Under these same conditions, no ring was observed with IgG1 or IgG2 but the coloured agglutinated bacteria were visible at the bottom of the tube . The maintenance of the tubes at 4 degrees for 18 hours increased the sensitivity of the milk ring test, with all immunoglobulins . When the four immunoglobulins were simultaneously present in milk, the formation of the coloured ring prevented the formation of a deposit of agglutinated bacteria on the bottom of the tube . In this case, agglutination at the bottom of the tube occured only at dilutions above that giving the coloured ring . Addition of IgG1 and IgG2 to the mild containing sIgA or IgM slightly increased the title of the milk ring test: one part of the deposit of agglutinated bacteria rose to the surface with the fat globules. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1976 Aug, 29(8), 818 - 23 1-methylpseudouridine, a metabolite of Streptomyces platensis; Argoudelis AD et al.; 1-Methylpseudouridine is a new metabolite isolated from culture filtrates of Streptomyces platensis . The structure of this compound was determined from its physical and spectral properties. Ann Allergy, 1976 Aug, 37(2), 91 - 100 Serum IgE levels in white and metis communities in Saskatchewan; Gerrard JW et al.; Serum IgE levels and the prevalence of certain atopic diseases have been studied in 819 individuals in 176 white families living in central Saskatchewan and in 275 individuals in 58 Metis families living in northern Saskatchewan . The geometric mean serum IgE level in the white community (81.3) u/ml) was lower than that in the Metis community (275.4 u/ml) . The prevalence of asthma, eczema and urticaria was greater in the white than in the Metis community and contrasted with the increased prevalence of helminth infestation as well as of other untreated viral and bacterial diseases in the Metis community . It is suggested that atopic disease is the price paid by some members of the white community for their relative freedom from diseases due to viruses, bacteria and helminths. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1976 Aug 1, 169(3), 295 - 303 Noninfectious canine arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis; Pedersen NC et al.; Chronic unremitting, generally symmetric, erosive polyarthritis was studied in 8 dogs . The disease had clinical, serologic, radiographic, and pathologic changes similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis of man . The condition occurred mainly in smaller breeds of dogs, with time of onset from 8 months to 8 years of age, Characteristic radiographic changes were seen in the joints several weeks to several months after the appearance of the initial lameness . Synovial fluid contained an increased number of neutrophils, and synovial fluid and synovial tissues were sterile for anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, mycoplasma, chlamydia, and viruses . Corticosteroids were therapeutically ineffective in all of the cases; however, corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, and azathioprine were effective when used in combination in several dogs. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd, 1976 Aug, 124(8), 590 - 5 {Dysfunction of Granulocytes in Children with Frequent Infections}; Niethammer D et al.; Eight children with various diseases, who has frequent infections were examined for abnormalities of serum proteins and leucocyte function . Inborn or secondary defects could be recognized by the tests for chemotaxis, the intracellular killing of bacteria as well as yeast and the oxydative metabolism of the granulocytes . The defects were serum- or cell-dependent and they could be detected alone or in combination with other dysfunctions . Three children showed a reduced stimulation of the lymphocytes in addition to the impairment of chemotactic activity or fungicidal cavity. Prakt Anaesth, 1976 Aug, 10(4), 213 - 21 Hygienic problems in anaesthesia and intensive care therapy}; Von Scheven E et al.; Cross infection has become a serious risk to hospitalized patients . Potential sources of infection by anaesthetic apparatus and equipment and the danger arising from disregard of proper asepsis are discussed . Prophylactic and hygienic measures to minimize these hazards are reviewed . Since patients receiving intensive therapy are particularly are risk very high hygienic standards are a "must" in these units . The need for thoroughly and regularly checking all equipment for contamination is emphasized. Biochem J, 1976 Aug 1, 157(2), 495 - 7 Some properties of a soluble methane mono-oxygenase from Methylococcus capsulatus strain Bath; Colby J et al.; Soluble extracts of Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath), obtained by centrifugation of crude extracts at 160000g for 1h, catalyse the NAD(P)H- and O2-dependent disappearance of bromomethane, and also the formation of methanol from methane . Soluble methane mono-oxygenase is not inhibited by chelating agents or by most electron-transport inhibitors, and is a multicomponent enzyme. Can J Microbiol, 1976 Aug, 22(8), 1181 - 5 Speculations on a possible essential function of the gelatinous sheath of blue-green algae; Lange W; Voluminous and often fluffy sheaths surrounding blue-green algal cells are observed (a) in productive natural waters, (b) in bacteria-containing laboratory cultures growing in inorganic nutrient media with added bacteria-assimilable organic matter, and (c) in axenic cultures in the same inorganic media even without added organic matter . The sheaths of bacteria-associated species in inorganic media without added organic matter are, by comparison, thin, and growth is meager . Repeated observations show that voluminous sheaths and vigorous growth of algal species are associated . It is suggested that formation and retention of a voluminous shealth provide a microenvironment around the algal cell where essential nutrients, present at only submarginal levels in the surrounding water, are concentrated and become readily available to the cell . The increase in nutrient concentration above a critical level, in turn, leads to vigorous algal growth . The voluminous sheath produced by the alga is not attacked by alga-associated bacteria when other assimilable organic matter is available; but in the absence of a more suitalble food, the bacteria feed on the less desirable gelatinous sheath, markedly reducing its thickness and causing meager algal growth. J Gen Microbiol, 1976 Aug, 96(2), 364 - 74 The uptake and metabolism of glucose, maltose and starch by the rumen ciliate Epidinium ecaudatum caudatum; Coleman GS et al.; {14C}Glucose taken up by Epidinium ecaudatum caudatum was found in the pool, in the protozoal polysaccharide and in the bacteria associated with the protozoa . The amount incorporated into the polysaccharide depended on the square of the glucose concentration . Evidence was obtained that glucose was probably taken up initially into the pool unchanged, and then rapidly converted into glucose 6-phosphate and maltose which were subsequently hydrolysed to glucose . {14C}-Maltose was taken up at 20 to 30% of the rate of {14C}glucose, with 14C appearing initially in maltose and glucose 6-phosphate . 14C from 14C-labelled soluble starch appeared in the pool as maltose, glucose 6-phosphate and glucose in that order, but incorporation into protozoal polysaccaride was poor . Hexokinase, phosphoglucomutase, alpha-glucan and maltose phosphorylases, glucose 6-phosphatase and maltase activities were found in the protozoa. J Gen Microbiol, 1976 Aug, 96(2), 277 - 86 Metabolism of L-rhamnose in Arthrobacter pyridinolis; Levinson SL et al.; In Arthrobacter pyridinolis, a respiration-coupled transport system for L-rhamnose caused accumulation of free L-rhamnose, while a phosphoenolpyruvate: L-rhamnose phosphotransferase system caused accumulation of L-rhamnose I-phosphate (Levinson & Krulwich, 1974) . The pathways for subsequent metabolism of L-rhamnose and L-rhamose I-phosphate have now been investigated . Arthrobacter pyridinolis contains an inducible L-rhamnose isomerase and L-rhamnulokinase, as well as a constitutive L-rhamnulose I-phosphate aldolase . Results with mutants which are unable to metabolize L-rhamnose suggest the presence of an L-rhamnose I-phosphate phosphatase, which forms free L-rhamnose by hydrolysis of L-rhamnose I-phosphate produced by the phosphotransferase system . Mutants which lack this enzyme exhibited severe inhibition of growth in the presence of L-rhamnose plus any of a variety of carbon sources . There is some evidence that this inhibition was due to accumulation of L-rhamnose I-phosphate at toxic concentrations within the bacteria . The metabolism of L-rhamnose transported by the phosphotransferase system therefore appears to occur by hydrolysis of L-rhamnose I-phosphate to free L-rhamnose by a phosphatase . Metabolism of the L-rhamnose thus produced, and of that accumulated by the respiration-coupled transport system, the proceeds by the sequence of reactions: L-rhamnose leads to L-rhamnulose leads to L=rhamnulose I-phosphate leads to dihydroxyacetone phosphate plus L-lactaldehyde. Fed Proc, 1976 Aug, 35(10), 2174 - 9 Speculations on the evolution of ion transport mechanisms; Wilson TH et al.; Primate cells evolved a plasma membrane to restrict the loss of important molecules . The osmotic problems that then arose were solved in one of several ways . Of major importance was the evolution of specific ion pumps, to actively extrude those salts whose inward diffusion would have led to swelling and lysis . In addition, these pumps allowed the cell to store energy in the form of ion gradients across the membrane . Thus, even in the earliest stages, the evolution of ion transport systems coincided with the development of mechanisms which catalyzes the energy transformations . It is postulated that an "ATP"-driven proton pump was one of the first ion transport systems . Such a proton pump would extrude hydrogen ions from the cell, establishing both a transmembrane pH gradient (alkaline inside) and a membrane potential (negative inside) . This difference in electrochemical potential for protons (the proton-motive force) could then drive a variety of essential membrane functions, such as the active transport of ions and nutrients . A second major advance was the evolution of an ion transport system that converted light energy into a form which could be used by the cell . The modern model for this is the "purple membrane" of Halobacterium halobium, which catalyzes the extrusion of protons after the capture of light . The protonmotive force generated by such a light-driven proton pump could then power net synthesis of ATP by a reversal of the ATP-driven proton pump . A third important evolutionary step associated with ion transport was the development of a system to harness energy released by biological oxidations . Again, the solution of this problem was to conserve energy as a protonmotive force by coupling the activity of a respiratory chain to the extrusion of protons . Finally, with the development of animal cells a more careful regulation of internal and external pH was required . Thus, an ATP-driven Na+-K+ pump replaced the proton-translocating ATPase as the major ion pump found in plasma membranes. Aust N Z J Med, 1976 Aug, 6(4), 292 - 7 Clinical evaluation of a dialysate regeneration system for maintenance haemodialysis; Farrell PC et al.; A commercially available sorbent-based dialysate regeneration system has been compared to conventional single-pass dialysate delivery systems for treatment periods of six weeks in 13 patients on maintenance dialysis . The results of treatment were virtually identical in comparing sorbent and conventional systems except that seven of the eight patients using 2-5 M2 dialysers for 3--4 hours thrice per week developed asymptomatic metabolic acidosis with the dialysate regeneration system . This complication was not seen in the five patients using 1-3 M2 dialysers and having a 6--7 hour treatment thrice weekly . Dialysate regeneration systems are particularly suited for use when water supplies are limited or of insufficient purity for single-pass dialysis, and when a portable artificial kidney is required . To avoid metabolic acidosis with this system, using currently available disposable cartridges, each dialysis treatment should be of at least 4-5 hours duration. Xenobiotica, 1976 Aug, 6(8), 457 - 64 Metronidazole (Flagyl): degradation by the intestinal flora; Searle AJ et al.; 1 . Metronidazole (Flagyl) is reduced exponentially by the contents of the rat caecum in the absence of oxygen . The rate of removal is highest at pH 7 and 37 degrees . 2 . Reduction of the drug is inhibited by boiling of the caecal contents, CHCl3, Cu2+, Ag+, azodicarboxylic acid bis-dimethylamide, p-chloromercuric benzoate, N-ethylmaleimide and 4,4,4-trifluoro-1,2-thienyl-1,3-butanedione . Nitrate, ethanol (3%), CO, phenol and amytal did not affect the rate of reduction . 3 . It is concluded that iron-sulphur systems are involved in degradation of the drug. J Dent Res, 1976 Jul-Aug, 55(4), 580 - 3 Epithelial cells associated with the development of dental plaque; Tinanoff N et al.; Transmission and scanning electron microscopy were used to study desquamated epithelial cells in the developing and mature dental plaque . Epithelial cells were found attached to enamel as early as one hour after clean enamel cylinders were placed in the mouth, and they were seen in great numbers after two days . These cells generally had bacteria attached to their surfaces . Epithelial cells adsorbed to the surface of the enamel appeared to alter their morphology, and mineralization of these structures was also observed . Desquamated epithelial cells could play a role in the initial bacterial colonization of tooth enamel since it is known that bacteria selectively adsorb onto their surfaces . Hydroxyapatite may affect the morphologic alteration of epithelial cells adsorbed to tooth enamel . From the observation of developing and mature plaque samples, it seems that certain suprasurface pelliclelike structures might be epithelial cells. Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig B}, 1976 Jul, 162(1-2), 188 - 97 {Residues of chlorinated hydrocarbons in milk and milk products - situation and evaluation (author's transl)}; Heeschen W et al.; Residues of the most varied chemical substances can be found in milk and in milk products . For the transfer into milk such factors as fat solubility, persistance with respect to metabolic processes and accumulation capacity in certain organic systems are of particular importance . For the description of the situation with respect to residues of chlorinated insectides the results of analyses obtained in 20 supply areas of the German Federal Republic are presented and interpreted . In 1974 the following mean values were found (fat basis): alpha-HCH 0.04, gamma-HCH 0.072, heptachloro-epoxide 0.024, dieldrin 0.021 and DDT 0.20 ppm . These mean values are far below the max . quantities legally permissible and in no way constitute a toxicological risk (referred to ADI) . In the German Federal Republic the concentrations of hexachlorobenzene in some cases reach the permissible max . quantity of 0.5 ppm on a fat basis . There is reason to assume that this substance finds its way into the milk not only via its application as a fungicide but probably also via a number of other, in part unknown, sources of contamination in or on vegetable products . With PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) average concentrations from 0.2 to 0.3 ppm must be expected to be present in milk and milk products (fat basis) . At present a toxicological interpretation of the values found is hardly possible. Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig B}, 1976 Jul, 162(1-2), 198 - 200 {Effects produced by insecticides on micro-organisms growing on harvest crops (vegetable foodstuff) (author's transl)}; Senser F; Micro-organisms were isolated from several harvest crops and identified . Their capacity of breaking down pesticides frequently applied over large areas was investigated . It was found that some types of molds regularly found on untreated foodstuffs of vegetable origin have changed in composition and germ density during the last 5 to 10 years and that they are capable of more or less breaking down pesticides only to a limited extent . The particularly great increase of F . oxysporum in maize (corn) and corn flour can, accordingly, be caused by the application of herbicides. Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig B}, 1976 Jul, 162(1-2), 145 - 8 {Breakdown of the herbicide pyramin by micro-organisms of the soil (author's transl)}; Eberspacher J et al.; The herbicide Pyramin, which is employed in the cultivation of beets to combat broad-leaf weeds, contains the herbicidal substance 5-amino-4-chloro-2-phenyl-3 (2H) pyridazinone, abbreviated pyrazone . The breakdown of pyrazone in the soil was investigated and it was found that this substance disappears relatively quickly and that the dephenylated heterocycle of pyrazone 5-amino-4-chloro-3 (2H) pyridazinone is obtained as transformation product . It was possible to isolate bacteria, which grow on pyrazone as the only carbon source, from soil samples originating from different parts of the world . Four compounds are excreted during the cultivation of pyrazone-degrading bacteria in a pyrazone mineral salt medium . With the aid of the structure of these metabolites and enzymatic tests, a scheme for the bacterial breakdown of pyrazone is proposed. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1976 Jul, 32(1), 108 - 13 Acetylene reduction (nitrogen fixation) associated with corn inoculated with Spirillum; Barber LE et al.; Sorghum and corn breeding lines were grown in soil in field and greenhouse experiments with and without an inoculum of N2-fixing in Spirillum strains from Brazil . Estimated rates of N2 fixation associated with field-grown corn and sorghum plants were less than 4 g of N2/ha per day . The mean estimated N2-fixation rates determined on segments of roots from corn inoculated with Spirillum and grown in the greenhouse at 24 to 27 degrees C were 15 g of N2/ha per day (16 inbreds), 25 g of N2/ha per day (six hybrids), and 165 g of N2/ha per day for one hybird which was heavily inoculated . The corresponding mean rates determined from measurements of in situ cultures of the same series of corn plants (i.e., 16 inbreds, six hybrids, and one heavily inoculated hybrid) were 0.4, 2.3, and 1.1 g of N2/ha per day, respectively . Lower rates of C2H2 reduction were associated with control corn cultures which had been treated with autoclaved Spirillum than with cultures inoculated with live Spirillum . No C2H2 reduction was detected in plant cultures treated with ammonium nitrate . Numbers of nitrogen-fixing bacteria on excised roots of corn plants increased an average of about 30-fold during an overnight preincubation period, and as a result acetylene reduction assays of root samples after preincubation failed to serve as a valid basis for estimating N2 fixation by corn in pot cultures . Plants grown without added nitrogen either with or without inoculum exhibited severe symptoms of nitrogen deficiency and in most cases produced significantly less dry weight than those supplied with fixed nitrogen . Although substantial rates of C2H2 reduction by excised corn roots were observed after preincubation under limited oxygen, the yield and nitrogen content of inoculated plants and the C2H2-reduction rates by inoculated pot cultures of corn, in situ, provided no evidence of appreciable N2 fixation. J Toxicol Environ Health, 1976 Jul, 1(6), 977 - 80 DNA damage produced by povidone-iodine in cultured human diploid cells; Speck WT et al.; Povidone-iodine is capable of selective altering the DNA of human diploid cells growing in culture . This finding extends to eukaryotic cells, the previously reported DNA-modifying activity of this agent for bacteria . In view of the known relationship between DNA-modifying activity and potential carcinogenicity, the results suggest that the potential hazards posed by the widespread use of this agent be evaluated. Carbohydr Res, 1976 Jul, 49, 141 - 51 A synthesis of 3',4'-dideoxykanamycin B; Miyake T et al.; 3',4',-Dideoxykanamycin B, the kanamycin B derivative that is active against resistant bacteria, was prepared from kanamycin B via N-tosylation, 3',4'-O-sulphonylation, 3',4'-unsaturation, and hydrogenation . The unsaturated intermediate was obtained from the 3',4'-di-O-sulphonyl derivatives by the action of sodium iodide in N,N-dimethylformamide; if zinc dust was added in this reaction, aziridine derivatives were formed . Removal of the tosyl group was successfully performed by using sodium in ammonia-ethylamine. Am J Trop Med Hyg, 1976 Jul, 25(4), 630 - 2 Experimental alimentary infection of anole lizards (Anolis carolinensis) with Mycobacterium ulcerans; Marcus LC et al.; Pathogenic Mycobacterium ulcerans were recovered from the stool of anole lizards up to 11 days after inoculation by stomach tube . M . ulcerans was isolated from the liver of 3 of 20 lizards and acid fast bacteria were seen in the mucosa of intrahepatic bile ducts in 2 of these 10 weeks post-inoculation . These results provide equivocal support for our hypothesis that herpetofauna are a reservoir of infection with M . ulcerans. Neurol Neurochir Pol, 1976 Jul-Aug, 10(4), 527 - 34 {Hospital infections and their control in neurology departments}; Nielubowiczowa H et al.; The authors discuss briefly the problem of hospital infection, its nature, routes of spread and types of causative bacteria . A particular emphasis is laid on the problem of high risk neurological patients . Discussing the methods of hospital infection control in neurological departments the authors stress the importance of the room for minor diagnostic and therapeutic procedures since a real danger to the neurological patients is the possibility of infection during lumbar tap. Pediatr Res, 1976 Jul, 10(7), 650 - 6 Hypophosphatasia: a developmental anomaly of alkaline phosphatase? Gorodischer R, Davidson RG, Mosovich LL, Yaffe SJ. This report deals with quantitative and qualitative investigations of alkaline phosphatase in two unrelated infants with the severe infantile form of hypophosphatasia . Both affected infants had no detectable leukocyte alkaline phosphatase activities and both sets of parents and one sibling tended to have low but variable leukocyte enzyme activities . Normal duodenal juice alkaline phosphatase activity was present in the one patient in whom it was measured and a wide range of variation in enzymic activity was observed in the stools . There was no significant difference in the stool enzyme activity between both patients with hypophosphatasia (42.01 +/- 9.77 U) and control infants (40.55 +/- 6.29 U) . However, the heterozygous parents had values significantly lower than the control adults (2.10 +/- 0.47 as compared with 19.10 +/- 4.44 U) . Intestinal bacteria did not contribute significantly to the stool alkaline phosphatase activity . Enzyme activity was present in the bile of one of the patients and nearly absent in that of the other . Three "inducers" of alkaline phosphatase were given to both patients (phenobarbital, vitamin A, and corticosteroid) . No clinical improvement or rise in serum alkaline phosphatase activity was observed during the trial of therapy with these agents . However, a significant increase in the activity of serum acid phosphatase was demonstrated during the course of vitamin A administration, suggesting an in vivo action of vitamin A on the lysosomes through decreasing the stability of the membrane and releasing acid phosphatase to the serum . Quantitative determination of tissue alkaline phosphatases from autopsy tissues was highly variable: no activity was found in bone, lungs, or spleen of either infant; there was a discrepancy in liver and kidney alkaline phosphatase values (zero in one patient and present in the other) and activity was present in the intestinal mucosa of both . Qualitative analysis of kidney, liver, and intestinal alkaline phosphatase revealed some differences between the patients and control subjects in heat inactivation and phenylalanine inhibition (Table 3) . Starch gel electrophoresis of the liver preparation of one patient disclosed a single band which had greater mobility than that of six control subjects matched for age . Liver extracts from a premature and from full term newborns showed two bands . The single band of the patient's liver enzyme corresponded to the newborn's fast moving component . In addition, the intestinal enzyme prepared from the same patient had an extra band when compared with age-matched control subjects. Urology, 1976 Jul, 8(1), 1 - 4 Hydronephrosis of pregnancy; Roberts JA; This review was done because most texts and some recent reviews do not recognize the obstructive cause . It is important only because of the high incidence of acute pyelonephritis during pregnancy . This is so common that it has been given a special name, "pyelitis of pregnancy" . We have shown in the monkey that bacteria when introduced into the ureter under low pressure does not often cause pyelonephritis unless associated with ureteral obstruction . The presence of bacteria even with partial ureteral obstruction increases the chances of acute pyelonephritis . Care must thus be taken to eradicate bacteriuria during pregnancy to prevent acute pyelonephritis as has been shown by Kass, especially since vesicoureteral reflux occurs more frequently in the pregnant than nonpregnant primate . When we understand the obstructive cause of hydronephrosis of pregnancy and the effect of positional change, therapy will be more effective . The left lateral position then will not only relieve the pain of acute hydronephrosis of pregnancy but will also greatly assist in the therapy of acute pyelonephritis of pregnancy since it will relieve the associated ureteral obstruction. Infect Immun, 1976 Jul, 14(1), 129 - 34 Chemiluminescence response of phagocytizing human monocytes; Nelson RD et al.; Chemiluminescence (CL) occurs as a consequence of phagocytosis of bacteria or inert particles by human polymorphonuclear neutrophils . This phenomenon appears to be related to the production of singlet oxygen and/or electronically excited carbonyl groups which relax with light emission . We report that human monocytes also produce CL after phagocytosis of opsonized bacteria, fungi, or zymosan particles . Monocytes produce approximately one-third of the CL produced by polymorphonuclear neutrophils for all three particles, reflecting possible metabolic differences between cells of these types . Addition of exogenous superoxide dismutase reduced the peak production of CL by 65% for cells of both types, whereas raising the temperature of the cultures from 25 to 37 C approximately doubled the peak CL responses. Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig B}, 1976 Jul, 162(3-4), 320 - 9 {Studies on virus inactivation by chlorine during water disinfection (author's transl)}; Carlson S et al.; The studies described indicate a potential for water-borne transmission of viral diseases and the problems involved in virus inactivation by means of water chlorination . In contrast to the amount of free chlorine, the value of the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) was found to be a criterion of virus inactivation . For virus inactivation, higher ORP values and longer periods of contact than for the killing of bacteria, respectively, were found to be necessary . To ensure the inactivation of poliovirus in water contaminated with organic substances, an ORP of + 780 mV (0.3-0.6 mg/l free chlorine) should be maintained for 15-30 min . Adenovirus has shown an almost identical resistance to inactivation . Possibilities for utilizing the mechanism of virus inactivation by the action of chemical disinfectants are discussed. Am J Epidemiol, 1976 Jul, 104(1), 47 - 59 Comparative trial of influenza vaccines . II . Adverse reactions in children and adults; Barry DW et al.; Commercially prepared zonally and chromatographically purified bivalent (A/England-B/Mass) and monovalent (B/Hong Kong) inactivated influenza vaccines were given to 438 individuals 6-33 years old . The vaccines had been examined for antigen content by chick cell agglutination (CCA) tests and electron microscopic particle count determinations . Endotoxin and pyrogen content were determined by limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) and rabbit pyrogenicity assays; and egg-associated protein contamination was estimated by total protein and single radial immunodiffusion assays . Although great differences (10-200-fold) were found in the amount of endotoxin or pyrogen in the vaccines, no significant differences were found in the febrile responses they induced . Both bivalent and monovalent vaccines induced fever of greater than or equal to 38 C at a rate of approximately 3 1/2-4% above background . The febrile responses were most frequent at 24 hours after inoculation and a higher rate was observed in children than adults . Local reactions consisting of tenderness, erythema or induration were seen in from 20-57% of the recipients and also were unrelated to the pyrogenic or host-derived materials in the vaccines . Adults had higher local reaction rates than children and some vaccines containing larger amounts of viral antigen induced significantly higher rates of reactivity than did vaccines containing smaller amounts of antigen . Although 37-51% of all recipients experienced either a local and/or febrile reaction to influenza immunization, the reactions were in general mild and would not consitute a significant disadvantage in the immunization of children over 6 years and adults to prevent influenza infection and its sequelae. Ann Microbiol (Paris), 1976 Jul, 127(1), 41 - 55 {Use of two dimensional immunoelectrophoretic method in the study of the antigenic relationships of "Mycobacterium simiae" and "M . habana" (author's transl)}; Thorel MF; Following the cultural, biochemical and serologic studies reported elsewhere, it was thought of interest to investigate the antigenic structure of these strains . In the present work, sonicated suspensions of the bacteria were used as antigens, together with rabbit immune serum antibodies . The optimal conditions to obtain the largest number and the sharpest lines possible, were established . In this manner, we were able to obtain on two dimensional electrophoresis patterns were obtained . Using an anti-M . habana 4238 antiserum, 36 lines of precipitation were obtained with M . habana 4238, 41 lines with M . simiae 29 and 29 lines with for M . simiae 59-IX-7 . Subsequently, identity tests were performed to verify the occurrence of were common antigens . These tests revealed such commons antigens in all the three strains . The comparison between M . habana and M . simiae 29 showed the occurence of at least one Precipitation line, that is characteristic of M . habana . These results appear to agree with those of Meissner, who obtained a small amount of anti-M . habana specific agglutinins . However, this worker did not believe that this was sufficient evidence to separate M . simiae 29 from M . habana . The antigenic differences between M . habana and M . simiae 59-IX-7 are more significant and appear to justify their differentiation into 2 serotypes: M . habana 4238 and M . simiae 29 being of serotype 1, M . simiae 59-IX-7 of serotype 2 . The difficulties experienced in the separation of the antigenic fractions in the immunoelectrophoretic diagrams, led to consider the purification of the antigens and then to attempt to isolate the specific antigenic fractions. Am J Clin Pathol, 1976 Jul, 66(1), 22 - 30 Pancarditis in Whipple's disease: electronmicroscopic demonstration of intracardiac bacillary bodies; Lie JT et al.; The advent of electron microscopy has repeatedly confirmed Whipple's original postulate that bacterial infestation might be the cause of intestinal lipodystrophy (Whipple's disease) . We have recently studied two patients, a 67-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman, who died of untreated Whipple's disease, and both were found to have clinically unrecognized pancarditis . Histologically, PAS-positive histiocytes in foci of chronic inflammation were demonstrable in several organs, including the heart . Electron microscopy of autopsy tissues showed numerous intracellular and extracellular rod-shaped bacillary bodies and serpiginous membranes . The bacillary bodies, some sectioned transversely and others longitudinally, were about 0.2 mum wide and 2 mum long; each had a double-layered cell wall . These bacillary bodies have not been previously identified in the heart, and may be casually related to cardiac lesions occurring in many untreated cases of Whipple's disease. J Dent Res, 1976 Jul-Aug, 55(4), 678 - 83 Removal of dentin by fuchsin staining; Sato Y et al.; A 0.5% basic fuchsin-propylene glycol solution was applied to the carious dentin of extracted and vital human teeth, and the depths of the fuchsin-stained dentin and the bacterial invasion were compared on histological sections . Excavation guided by this staining method was always deeper than the bacterial invasion, with differences between the depths being greater in acute decay than in chronic decay . This staining is considered to be a reliable clinical guide for the complete removal of deteriorated dentin without causing failure to remove the infection completely . The depths of the images of dentin caries on the radiographs before treatment and after excavation guided by the fuchsin staining method were also compared . The image on the radiograph was always shallower than the excavated cavity . Dentists must expect to excavate caries cavities somewhat deeper than radiographic images. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1976 Jul, 32(1), 7 - 13 Enzymatic hydrolysis of organophosphate insecticides, a possible pesticide disposal method; Munnecke DM; A crude cell extract from a mixed bacterial culture growing on parathion, an organophosphate insecticide, hydrolyzed parathion (21 C) at a rate of 416 nmol/min per mg of protein . This rate of enzymatic hydrolysis, when compared with chemical hydrolysis by 0.1 N sodium hydroxide at 40 C, was 2, 450 times faster . Eight of 12 commonly used organophosphate insecticides were enzymatically hydrolyzed with this enzyme preparation at rates ranging from 12 to 1,360 nmol/min per mg of protein . Seven pesticides were hydrolyzed at rates significantly higher (40 to 1,005 times faster) than chemical hydrolysis . The pH optimum for enzymatic hydrolysis of the eight pesticides ranged from 8.5 to 9.5, with less than 50% of maximal activity expressed at pH 7.0 . Maximal enzyme activity occurred at 35 C . The crude extract lost its activity at the rate of only 0.75%/day when stored at 6 C . Eight organic solvents, ranging from methanol to hexane, at low concentrations stimulated enzymatic hydrolysis by 3 to 20%, whereas at higher concentrations (1,000 mg/liter) they inhibited the reaction (9 to 50%) . Parathion metabolites p-nitrophenol, hydroquinone, and diethylthiophosphoric acid, at up to 100-mg/liter concentrations, did not significantly influence enzyme activity. Histochemistry, 1976 Jun 28, 47(3), 219 - 38 The histochemistry of mucosaccharides in some organs of germfree rats; Yamada K et al.; In order to study the histochemical nature of mucosaccharides in germfree animals, the organs in natural contact with bacteria (stomach, small and large intestine) and those naturally remote from bacteria (tracheal and ear cartilage and aorta) were studied by means of light microscopic methods for mucosaccharides in germfree and conventional rats . In the stomach (surface and foveolar cells) of germfree rats the histochemical reactions for acid and neutral mucosaccharides were apparently less intense than in that of conventional rats, whereas in the small and large intestine (goblet cells) of germfree rats the reactions were significantly more intense than in those of conventional rats . In the cartilage (intercellular matrix, lacunar border and chondrocyte cytoplasm) and aorta (interelastic spaces) of germfree animals the reactions were less intense than in those of conventional animals . In addition, some differences in the histochemical nature of mucosaccharides between the organs of germfree and conventional rats were noted, as revealed by the effects of chemical modifications and digestions with enzymes upon the histochemical reactions studied. Biochem J, 1976 Jun 15, 156(3), 569 - 75 Evidence for the lack of deoxyribonucleic acid dark-repair in Halobacterium cutirubrum; Grey VL et al.; 1 . Halobacterium cutirubrum does not perform dark-repair of DNA either after u.v . irradiation or during normal growth . 2 . Cultures irradiated with u.v . are readily photoreactivated, but do not recover viability in the dark . 3 . No increase in the rate of DNA synthesis is observed in the surviving cells after u.v . irradiation . 4 . At early times during normal semiconservative replication, newly incorporated thymidine is found only in the hybrid DNA . 5 . It is suggested that these bacteria may be useful in the study of DNA replication and photoreactivation. Blood, 1976 Jun, 47(6), 931 - 9 Complement-mediated granulocyte dysfunction in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria; Craddock PR et al.; In paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), infection, both viral and bacterial, disproportionate to the mild neutropenia seen in many such patients is responsible for significant morbidity . We report impaired granulocyte chemotaxis efficiency which may contribute to the problems induced by bacterial infections . PNH (but not normal) granulocytes, after exposure to very small concentrations of activated serum complement components, migrate poorly, as documented by their inhibited chemotaxis toward bacterial products or activated complement components in Boyden chambers . The granulocytes remain intact, excluding trypan blue, phagocytosing, and killing bacteria, despite this activated complement exposure . It is also suggested that this chemotactic defect may involve only a clone of cells, analogous to the clonal lysis of PNH erythrocytes; those few granulocytes capable of migration after exposure to activated complement contain normal quantities of leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP), in contrast to the LAP deficiency of the overall PNH granulocyte population . Since bacterial infection may initiate or potentiate hemolysis, one of the major symptoms of the disease, these results could explain much of the morbidity of PNH. Arch Microbiol, 1976 Jun, 108(2), 167 - 74 Unusual cell structures in tumor-like formations of Gracilaria (Rhodophyta); Tripodi G; This paper deals with electron microscopic observations on cultivated plants of the marine red alga Gracilaria verrucosa which developed simple galla; also sea collected material, without galls, had been studied . The galls showed unusual but characteristic cell structured, caterpillar-like bodies, containing rows of fusiform bodies . These were found mostly in the cytoplasm near the plastids, in one case connected with the endoplasmic reticulum, occasionally even inside the nucleus, and are described here, as far as we know, for the first time . It does not seem probably that the caterpillar-like bodies represent mitochondria or bacteria, but the hypothesis that fusiform bodies are related to virus-like structures is discussed . The normal tissues as well as the gall tissue of the laboratory plants contained, besides plastids typical for the red algae, another type of plastids characterized by tubular thylakoids. Tubercle, 1976 Jun, 57(2), 145 - 50 Biochemical background of some enzymatic tests used for the differentiation of mycobacteria; Tarnok I et al.; The break-down of benzamide, acetamide, malonamide and allantoin in M . smegmatis was investigated . It has been stated that the uptake of liberated NH3 into the cells, favoured by the presence of an organic acid, occasionally results in a negative NH3 determination . This difficulty can be overcome by an increase of the substrate concentration from 0.8 up to 4 mM . All antoinase activity in mycobacteria can be demonstrated only by an NH3 determination, when all the enzymes necessary for the complete break-down of allantoin are present . Bacteria containing allantoinase but not urease will be negative in this test . Using high amide concentrations (4 mM) some doubtful results concerning the degradation of acetamide, benzamide, nicotinamide and pyrazinamide can be eliminated as could be demonstrated for different strains of mycobacteria. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1976 Jun, (6), 104 - 8 {Pathogenicity of K . ozaenae for mice and chick embryos}; Krasil'nikov AP et al.; The authors tested the virulence of K . ozaenae--its old museum strains, the freshly isolated ones and those passaged on meat-peptone agar; experiments were carried out on mice and chick embryos . To mice the culture was administered intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, intranasally, and to embryos--into the allantoic cavity and on the chorioallantoic membrane . Irrespective of the method of administration, the freshly isolated strains were highly virulent both for mice and for chick embryos . The virulence of such strains decreased in the process of passaging on the nutrient medium . Old museum strains were of low virulence for albino mice and avirulent for chick embryos . In comparing the virulent and avirulent strains there were found no differences in the antigenic structure and toxicity of the Boiven complex, cytoplasm, membrane, capsular polysaccharide or whole virulent and avirulent bacteria killed by heating. J Clin Pathol, 1976 Jun, 29(6), 530 - 3 Comparative study of two systems for detecting becteraemia and septicaemia; Wood NG; Two blood culturing systems were compared in parallel-a semi-automated radiometric method, BACTEC1, and the conventional method used in our laboratory . BACTEC contains radioactive 14C labelled substrates and monitors the level of 14CO2 evolved by actively metabolizing bacteria . BACTEC was as efficient as the conventional method in detecting positive cultures and indicated that it was superior in detecting positive cultures earlier than the conventional system. J Clin Pathol, 1976 Jun, 29(6), 534 - 6 Tests of performance of anaerobic jars; Watt B et al.; This paper briefly reviews methods of assessing the in-use performance of anaerobic jars and outlines a simple system combining a rapid test of catalytic activity with a biological indicator that can detect defects in the jars after incubation. J Fam Pract, 1976 Jun, 3(3), 309 - 12 Diagnostic procedures of the skin . Part one: Wood's light, KOH slide, Gram's stain, and cultures; Krull EA et al.; The diagnosis of skin lesions involves the same priniciples and methodology required in other medical problems . Visual recognition alone and "shotgun" therapy is not a satisfactory clinical approach . A disciplined and careful examination of lesions, establishment of a differential diagnosis, and selection of appropriate procedures are frequently necessary for cutaneous diseases . The indications, limitations, interpretation, and techniques of diagnostic procedures must be well understoood to obtain reliable information . Not all tinea capitis will reveal fluorescence with Wood's light examination, but the Wood's light may be particularly helpful in the diagnosis of tinea versicolor, erythrasma, porphyria, and tuberous sclerosis . Bacterial growth on cultures taken from the skin does not necessarily mean infection . Because the eczematous skin teems with bacteria, there must be a careful interpretation of the cultures results within the context of the clinical situation . This paper is the first in a two-part series dealing with selected cutaneous procedures which are useful to the family physician in everyday practice. J Gen Microbiol, 1976 Jun, 94(2), 270 - 80 Studies on the rumen flagellate Sphaeromonas communis; Orpin CG; The rumen flagellate Sphaeromonas communis showed a significant increase in population density 1 to 2 h after the host sheep commenced feeding, followed by a reduction in numbers to the pre-feeding level after a further 2 to 3 h . The life-history of the organism was shown to consist of a motile flagellate which germinated to produce a vegetative stage comprising a limited rhizoidal system on which up to three reproductive bodies were borne together with (in vitro) other spherical bodies of unknown function; in vivo, the reproductive bodies were stimulated to liberate flagellates by a component of the diet of the host . The vegetative stage strongly resembled that of certain species of aquatic phycomycete fungi, and the flagellates may therefore by zoospores . Flagellates liberated in vivo lost their motility within 2 to 3 h and developed into the reproductive vegetative phase, producing a rapid decrease in numbers of flagellates . Conditions of maximum flagellate production (pH 6.5, 39 degrees C, presence of CO2, absnece of oxygen) approximated to those found in the rumen . The organism was cultured in vitro in an undefined medium in the absnece of bacteria and other flagellates. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1976 Jun, 31(6), 942 - 8 Influence of sewage discharge on nitrogen fixation and nitrogen flux from coral reefs in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; Hanson RB et al.; Nitrogen fixation was investigated in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, a subtropical eutrophic estuary, by using the acetylene reduction technique on algal samples . No active, planktonic, N2-fixing blue-green algae or bacteria were observed . However, Calothrix and Nostoc capable of fixing N2 were cultured from navigational buoys and dead coral heads . Nitrogen fixation associated with these structures was greater in the middle sector than in the south and north sectors of the estuary . Experiments demonstrated that the fixation was photosynthetically dependent . Examination of the data showed that there was no significant correlation between rates of nitrogen fixation and concentration of combined nitrogen compounds in the Bay water . Fixation was significantly correlated to the inorganic N/P (atomic) ratio in the south and middle sectors but not in the north sector . The nutrient data indicate there was a flux of combined nitrogen, but not phosphate, from the reef flats. Nature, 1976 May 20, 261(5557), 195 - 200 Short term screening tests for carcinogens; Bridges BA; There are now short term tests with a high predictive value for mammalian carcinogens . Many of them are based on the ability to detect damage to DNA in bacteria or mammalian cells after metabolic activation by microsomal enzymes . Their introduction will enable provisional safety assessments to be made for the many thousands of industrial and environmental chemicals for which long-term animal testing cannot at present be considered. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1976 May 14, 430(2), 253 - 64 A 4-vinylprotochlorophyllide complex accumulated by "phofil" mutant of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides . An authentic intermediate in the development of the photosynthetic apparatus; Pradel J et al.; A photosynthetically competent mutant strain of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides was isolated . In addition to bacteriochlorophyll, this organism produced particle-bound precursor 4-vinylprotochlorophyllide . The spectral characteristics of the pigment complexes(es) accumulated in the culture medium were very variable . The spectral form occurring within the bacteria was characterized from fluorescence data . Its particle weight, 130 000, was determined by Sephadex G200 filtration . The main components of the complex were protein, lipid and pigment (6.8:61, w/w) . As indicated by qualitative analysis, the lipid components were characteristic constituents of the photosynthetic membrane . Kinetics of pigments synthesis showed that the total pigment synthesis was not affected by the mutation; bacteriochlorophyll content was always lower in the mutant than in the parent strain . The repigmentation process was followed by fluorescence emission . The results indicated that the mutation affected membrane component synthesis required for the bacteriochlorophyll(ide) incorporation . The pigment complex was concluded to be an authentic intermediate in photosynthetic apparatus morphogenesis . The reasons for its excretion are discussed. Fortschr Med, 1976 May 13, 94(14), 793 - 800 {Levamisole, a chemically defined substance with immunostimulating potential--a review}; Staber GF; In contrast to immunosuppression, immunostimulation is still at an early stage of development . Levamisole is the first chemically defined substance with immunostimulating potential which can be applied systemically . After a short consideration of the chemistry and pharmacology of Levamisole, its effect in different animal experimental models of humoral and cell-mediated immunity are discussed in detail . Moreover, the following review deals with the influence of Levamisole on several immunological parameters in man . Finally, the therapeutical results achieved up to now by different clinical indications are reported. Minerva Med, 1976 May 5, 67(22), 1436 - 45 {Physiopathology and clinical aspects of respiratory tract infections . Review}; Miti L et al.; A topographical account is given of the (mostly viral) infections that strike the upper airways and the lung parenchyma sites caused by bacteria, Mycoplasma, Rickettsiae and fungi . The different features of the three main syndromes that ensue: obstructive and restrictive ventilatory insufficiency, and alveolo-capillary block, are examined . The need for care in the administration of antibiotics is stressed, since germ resistance must be restricted as far as possible . In the case of chronic forms of lung disease, careful clinical surveillance and active therapeutic management are mandatory to prevent the establishment of irreversible, incapacitating consequences. Am J Surg, 1976 May, 131(5), 533 - 5 The continuing challenge of acute and perforated appendicitis; Law D et al.; A two year review of 216 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of appendicitis is used to help clarify the continuing points of controversy concerning appendicitis . Morbidity of perforated appendicitis by far exceeds that of nonperforated cases . Twenty-nine per cent of patients had perforation with a postoperative complication rate of 33 per cent . Rate of wound infection after perforation was 15 per cent despite antibiotics and delayed wound closure . Pediatric patients in this study did not experience a higher incidence of perforation or complication . A decision tree for management of acute appendicitis is presented. J Cell Sci, 1976 May, 20(3), 619 - 38 Rotary movements and fluid membranes in termite flagellates; Tamm SL et al.; We previously described a remarkable type of cell motility that provided direct, visual evidence for the fluid nature of cell membranes . The movement involved continual, unidirectional rotation of one part of a protozoan, including the plasma membrane and cytoplasmic organelles, in relation to a neighbouring part . The cell membrane in the 'shear zone' appeared continuous with that of the rest of the cell . The rotary motor consisted, at least in part, of a non-contractile, microtubular axostyle which extended centrally through the cell . The protozoan was a devescovinid flagellate found in the hindgut of a Florida termite . In this paper, we have confirmed earlier reports of this type of motility in other kinds of devescovinids from Australian termites . By demonstrating continuity of the plasma membrane in the shear zone of the Australian devescovinids as well, we have obtained additional examples that provide direct, visual evidence for fluid membranes . A comparative analysis of rotational motility in various devescovinids revealed 2 different kinds of rotary mechanisms . Hyperdevescovina probably have an internal motor, in which one part of the cell exerts forces against another part, as in the Florida termite devescovinid . Devescovina species, on the other hand, have an external motor, in which flagellar and/or papillar movements exert forces against the surrounding medium . The structure of the axostyle in different devescovinids was compared, and its role in rotational motility discussed with respect to the behavioural data. Gastroenterology, 1976 May, 70(5 PT.1), 704 - 6 Free intrinsic factor in the small intestine in man; Kapadia CR et al.; Human jejunal and ileal contents and ileostomy effluents were examined for the presence of free intrinsic factor . This was detected in 9 out of 10 jejunal and three out of five ileal aspirates and in one of three ileostomy effluents studied . The intrinsic factor in the ileal effluent was shown to be physiologically active . The presence of free intrinsic factor in the small intestine has considerable physiological significance in maintaining the enterophepatic circulation of vitamin B12 . It would also permit the absorption of any free vitamin B12 produced by ileal bacteria. Scand J Dent Res, 1976 May, 84(3), 142 - 9 The occlusal fissure of unerupted third molars as an experimental caries model in man; Fejerskov O et al.; The aim of the present investigation was to establish an experimental model for the study of fissure caries development under conditions as similar as possible to the in vivo situation . Twenty-one blocks (2 X 2 X 3 mm) constituting part of the occlusal fissure were made from unerupted human third molars, and implanted for 60 or 90 d in mandibular molars of students . One milliliter of a 50% sucrose solution was applied to the fissures twice a day . After removal, sections were examined microradiographically in polarized light and in the electron microscope . As a control, the morphology and enamel structure of fissures from 10 unerupted third molars were studied . After 90 d a subsurface, radiolucent caries-like lesion was observed in two specimens only . When examined in air in polarized light, however, all sections exhibited caries-like lesions symmetrically located around the fissures . The 60-d material showed similar lesions, but not as frequently as the 90-d specimens . In the experimental material processed for electron microscopy revealed that the fissure plaque mainly consisted of cocci and small rods . Most often the bacteria were separated from the enamel surface by a pellicle. Z Gastroenterol, 1976 May, 14(3), 420 - 33 {Adaptive changes in intestinal mucosa of the small intestine as a result of intraluminal stress}; Menge H et al.; Under physiological conditions, the intestinal mucosa is the site of a delicate balance between cell proliferation in the crypt region and cell desquamation at the villus tips . This balance can be deranged by a number of endogenous or exogenous factors, oneof which is the intraluminal contents . This review discusses the effects of different modifications of the luminal milieu on the structure and function of the mucosa . Following intestinal resection or loop transposition, the contents reaching the remnant or the transposed loop differ markedly from those with which they come into contact under normal conditions . Hyperplasia without zonal transformation then develops in the experimental loop . The villi do not become wider, and changes in the strucutre of the epithelium are not observed . There are conflicting resutls in the literature concerning the enzyme activities in the individual enterocytes resulting from this hyperplasia . However, the epithelium its functionally immature, since transport capacities measured in vitro are reduced . On the other hand, the hyperplasia of the mucosa is such that absorptive capacities in vivo, when expressed in terms of intestinal length, are larger than normal . When the intestine is subjected to prolonged infusion of lactic acid, the enterocytes are damaged and increased exfoliation results . A similar result is obtained in the blind-loop syndrome, where the accumulation of bile acids and bacteria provides the stress responsible for the destruction of the enterocytes, and in non-tropical spure, where the epithelium is attacked by noxious peptides in the diet . The first consequence of the accelerated desquamation is epithelial hyperplasia without zonal transformation, though the enterocytes are damaged - in contrast to those of the resected intestine - and apparently possess reduced enzyme activities . If the application of the stress is continued, a stage is reached in which the cell proliferation does not suffice to counteract the cell loss at the villus tips . Then a zonal transformation occurs whereby, despite the lengthened crypts, the villi become shorter and wider until, in extreme cases, the mucosa is completely devoid of villi . The transport capacity in vitro and in vivo - even when expressed in terms of unit-length is reduced, and good correlations exist between the reduction in function and the diminution in surface area of the intestine . In a self-emptying blind loop, the intestine is devoid of all contact with nutritional material . Under these circumstances, hypoplasia of the mucosa develops in which the enterocytes appear unchanged, though in extreme cases they may possess reduced enzyme levels, and the absorption capacity in vivo is consequently reduced. Biofizika, 1976 May-Jun, 21(3), 434 - 8 {Oxidation-reduction potentials of chlorophyll pigments in photosynthesizing organisms on different levels of evolutionary development}; Kazakova AA et al.; According to polarographically measured EOred of bacteriochlorophyll "a", chlorobium chlorophyll "660", "b" and "a" chlorophylls (-0.67 V, -0.73 V, -0.79 V, -0.86 V-n.h.e.) and literature data about Eoox of these pigments (+/-0.62 V, + 0.62 V, + 0.78 V, +0.77 V correspondingly) it has been shown that chemical energy stored in the singular photochemical set is increased in the evolution of the photosynthetic apparatus . It has apparently resulted in the possibility of evolutionary approach to utilization of more inert and more accessible (water) electron donors and favoured further development of photosynthesizing organisms. Z Rheumatol, 1976 May-Jun, 35(5-6), 217 - 39 {Immunopathology and pathogenesis of chronic erysipelas polyarthritis of swine}; Trautwein G et al.; Several immuno-pathological aspects of polyarthritis following experimental infection with erysipelas in pigs were studied for two years . Aseptic and specifically pathogenfree animals were infected subcutaneously and intravenously-intraarticularly with living erysipeals bacteria (erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae) of serotype B . After an initial febrile phase a progressive polyarthritis and disco-spondylitis developed . Some animals also developed thrombo-endocarditis . Hypergammaglobulinemia and high titers of specific antibodies were observed during the whole experimental period . Antiglobulin factors, however, were not detected in the serum or the synovium . In some animals collagen antibodies were demonstrated in synovial tissue . Bacterial examination of the synovium showed that erysipelas bacteria were present in arthritic joints for months . Living erysipelas bacteria were isolated 24 months after the experimental infection from synovial tissue of two pigs . The polyarthritis was characterised by exudates rich in fibrin, villous proliferation, pannus formation, cartilage erosions, and peri-articular fibrosis . IgG and specific erysipelas antibodies were demonstrated in plasma cells from synovial tissue by immuno-histological methods . The findings emphasize the morphological resemblance of the erysipelas induced chronic polyarthritis in pigs to human rheumatoid arthritis. J Gen Microbiol, 1976 May, 94(1), 159 - 66 Chloramphenicol acetylation in Streptomyces; Shaw WV et al.; Twenty-one strains of actinomycetes were screened for the presence of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, the enzyme responsible for chloramphenicol resistance in many species of bacteria . Only five strains, belonging to three species, yielded mycelial lysates which catalysed the formation of chloramphenicol acetates in the presence of acetyl-coenzyme A: Streptomyces coelicolor Muller, S . acrimycini, and S . griseus . A mutant of S . acrimycini selected for an increase in resistance to chloramphenicol had a higher specific activity for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase than that found in the parental strain; the enzyme was not inducible in the mutant, the parental strain, or any other strain tested . Chloramphenicol was not acetylated by lysates of a strain of S . venezuelae, the organism known to produce it. Mikrobiologiia, 1976 May-Jun, 45, 389 - 93 {Autotrophic growth of Hydrogenomonas eutropha during optimal gas supply}; Shmelev-Shampanov OA et al.; Growth of hydrogen bacteria was studied in conditions of continuous cultivation at concentrations of 4 and 8 gram/litre . Growth characteristics were plotted as a function of cell concentration and oxygen partial pressure in the gas phase . The cells were also cultivated in periodic conditions to a concentration of 51 gram/litre at a productivity of 2.0--4.5 gram/litre per hours. J Gen Microbiol, 1976 May, 94(1), 173 - 9 Phototactic response of aerobically cultivated Rhodospirillum rubrum; Harayama S et al.; Motile cells of aerobically cultivated Rhodospirillum rubrum, containing no detectable bacteriochlorophyll, assembled at a spot of strong light projected through a dark-field condenser . Far-red light was not effective, indicating that bacteriochlorophyll and thus photosynthetic metabolism was not responsible for the phenomenon . Bacteria moving towards the centre of the light spot changed direction less frequently than those moving towards the margin . They also responded to temporal changes in the intensity of light, altering their swimming direction more frequently after a sudden decrease in light intensity than after an abrupt increase. Rev Cubana Med Trop, 1976 May-Aug, 28(2), 105 - 10 {Is moss and foot an entity or a syndrome? Report of a case}; Alvarez Mesa M et al.; Dermatological lesions of a patient are studied and investigated . It is suggested that they belong to a syndrome rather than to an entity . The following etiological classification of the mossy syndrome is proposed: due to bacteria, fungi and viruses, and secondary to other dermatopathies . Bibliography is reviewed. Arthritis Rheum, 1976 May-Jun, 19(3), 618 - 22 Effect of prophylactic colchicine therapy on leukocyte function in patients with familial Mediterranean fever; Dinarello CA et al.; Patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) who were part of a double-blind trial of daily colchicine as prophylaxis for their disease had leukocyte functions studied while receiving colchicine or placebo . Leukocytes taken from these patients while on prophylactic doses of colchicine produced normal quantities of leukocytic pyrogen, ingested bacteria normally, and migrated normally in chemotatic chambers . In addition these patients had normal numbers of circulating T and B lymphocytes as well as normal blastogenic reponses of their peripheral lymphocytes to mitogenic stimuli . The patients on colchicine, however, had significantly fewer neutrophils and monocytes accumulating at skin-window sites 24 hours after the initial abrasion . Because the early phase of the skin-window response was normal in these patients, the decreased late response may be related to a failure to amplify the initial inflammatory reaction . The reduced capacity to generate a normal inflammatory response may account for the failure of these patients to develop full attacks while taking colchicine. Mikrobiologiia, 1976 May-Jun, 45, 526 - 30 {Biological activity and mobilization of nitrogen in dark gray soil of the Chimkent Region}; Ilialetdinov A et al.; Considerable amounts of easily hydrolysable nitrogen were found in the subarable layer of the dark gray soil of the Chimkent Region . The biological activity of the subarable layer was close to that of the arable layer. Ann Microbiol (Paris), 1976 May-Jun, 127(4), 515 - 20 {On the ecology of marine chromatiaceae and chlorobiaceae (author's transl)}; Matheron R et al.; Number and genera (types) of phototrophic red and green sulfur bacteria have been determined in the upper layer of eleven marine sediment samples from the euphotic zone in the Mediterranean Sea . Origin and nature of the sediment samples are given as well as their pH, total nitrogen and sulfide content . The results show that the sediments studied did not provide good growth conditions for Chromatiaceae (Chromatium, Thiocystis, Thiocapsa) and Chlorobiaceae (Prosthecochloris) . The total number of these bacteria varied in agreement with the total nitrogen content (organic matter) of the samples; the organic matter content is, therefore, of primary importance for the occurrence of the red and green sulfur bacteria in the samples. J Biol Chem, 1976 Apr 25, 251(8), 2241 - 7 Biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids . Hydrogenation by cell-free preparations of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens; Hunter WJ et al.; Hydrogenation of cis-9,trans-11-octadecadienoic acid to yield trans-11-octadecenoic acid by cell-free preparations of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens has been obtained under strictly anaerobic conditions . Reduced methyl viologen, NADH, and an endogenous electron donor each can serve as a reductant . Inhibition studies and gel filtration patterns reveal the presence of at least two hydrogenation systems, one of which is coupled through a flavin, possibly FMN . Although the enzymes comprising the biohydrogenation pathway, the fatty acid reductases and linoleic acid isomerase, are part of the bacterial membrane, they do not appear to be constituted as a multienzyme complex. Histochemistry, 1976 Apr 21, 47(1), 23 - 9 Uptake and localization of mercury in the brain of rats after prolonged oral feeding with mercuric chloride; Brun A et al.; Uptake and localization of mercury was studied in rats orally intoxicated with inorganic mercury . By atomic absorption spectrophotometry large quantitative differences were found between test and control animals, particularly relating to blood, kidney and brain . By histochemical demonstration of heavy metals the uptake in the CNS was shown to occur particularly within the cytoplasm of large neurons in the cortex, pons and basal ganglia but also in other neurons, to some extent in the choroid plexus and the vessel walls, and least in the white matter . No lesions were detectable by light microscopy . The mercury was mostly in the methylated form, something that may be explained by gastrointestinal methylation by bacteria . A similar mechanism can be expected in human chronic inorganic mercury poisoning. Blood, 1976 Apr, 47(4), 545 - 54 Effect of phorbol myristate acetate on the oxidative metabolism of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes; DeChatelet LR et al.; The addition of 0.1 mug/ml of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) to a suspension of resting human neutrophils causes a marked stimulation of all aspects of cellular oxidative metabolism normally associated with phagocytosis . PMA induces a greatly increased rate of glucose oxidation via the hexose monophosphate shunt, increased production of superoxide anion and of hydrogen peroxide, increased cellular chemiluminescence, and increased iodination of protein material . The time course of hexose monophosphate shunt activation and of chemiluminescence are similar to those observed following phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan; the levels of activation achieved in all cases approximate those seen following phagocytosis . These phenomena are not simply reflections of altered cellular permeability, since PMA actually inhibits the uptake of radioactive 2-deoxyglucose and of uniformly labeled amino acids . The addition of PMA similarly inhibits the uptake of 14C-labeled bacteria, suggesting a competition between the effect of the chemical and the process of phagocytosis . These results suggest that PMA activates the cell in the same manner as does phagocytosis . This compound should provide a useful tool for elucidating the metabolic events underlying the phenomena of phagocytosis and bacterial killing by polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Fortschr Med, 1976 Apr 8, 94(10), 531 - 4 {Epithelial barriers of the intestine . Significance and function in defense against infection}; Ruchti C et al.; The epithelial surface of the intestinal tract provides for an important barrier between the organism and its environment . However, it permits the passage into the tissues of limited amounts of macromolecules and/or particles, especially bacteria . These functions are age- and species-dependent, and they are closely related to nonspecific and specific immune reactions . Continuous and intimate contact between antigenic material from the gut lumen and immunocompetent cells takes place in gut-associated lymphoid tissues. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1976 Apr 5, 426(4), 703 - 10 Comparison of purple membrane from Halobacterium cutirubrum and Halobacterium halabium; Kushwaha SC et al.; Direct comparison of purple membrane preparations from Halobacterium cutirubrum and Halobacterium halobium was carried out . Both preparations were found to be essentially identical with respect to their molecular weight, retinal content, lipid composition, fingerprinting of peptides from peptide digestion, electron micrographs and X-ray diffraction patterns, and behaviour as a light-activated proton pump . Thus, there would appear to be no species differences in the purple membranes from these two bacteria. Anaesthesia, 1976 Apr, 31(3), 421 - 9 Centralised system of humidification for respiratory treatment; Benveniste D et al.; A centralised system of hot water humidifiers for an intensive therapy unit has been described and its performance examined. J Clin Microbiol, 1976 Apr, 3(4), 406 - 13 Application of a gloved-hand model for multiparameter measurements of skin-degerming activity; Michaud RN et al.; The application of an established gloved-hand model to multiparameter measurements of skin-degerming activity is described . In particular, appropriate experimental designs are illustrated which allow characterization of performance of topical skin-cleansing preparations in terms of rapid, sustained, cummulative, and persistent skin-degerming effects on the hand . Single-contact studies were used to define the degerming activity profiles of selected commercial surgical scrub preparations, and to establish the optimal post-treatment sampling interval for individual preparations . Rapid and sustained skin-degerming effects were measured and contrasted . Rapid skin-degerming activity, iodophor preparation . Sustained skin-degerming activity, namely, that occurring on the gloved hand during a postcontact interval, was shown and characterized for two hexachlorophene preparations . Multiple-contact studies with a 3% hexachlorophene preparations were used to illustrate cummulative and persistent skin-degerming effects . Cummulative skin-degerming activity was demonstrated in terms of progressive bacterial reductions after repeated contacts within a single day . Presistent skin-degerming activity was shown in terms of the profile of daily pretreatment bacterial counts after multiple contacts over successive days . Uniformity of treatment response was established for a broad range of pretreatment bacterial counts extending from approximatley log 4 to log 7 per hand . Th