Infect Immun, 1975 Nov, 12(5), 951 - 7 Stimulation of human lymphocytes by a vaccine strain of Francisella tularensis; Tarnvik A et al.; An immune response to Francisella tularensis was demonstrated in man by the lymphocyte stimulation test . Peripheral blood lymphocytes were obtained from 26 individuals vaccinated with a viable tularemia vaccine, from 29 unvaccinated individuals, and from two patients who had recently undergone tularemia . The lymphocytes were incubated in the presence of various dilutions of heat-killed bacteria of the vaccine strain . The bacteria induced a deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in the lymphocytes from 18 of the vaccinated individuals and from the two patients which was higher than that in the lymphocytes from any of the unvaccinated individuals . The deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis was maximal after about 6 days of incubation irrespective of concentration of bacteria . Lymphocytes from vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals were stimulated by two unrelated agents, tuberculin purified protein derivative and pokeweed mitogen . Lymphocytes from the vaccinated individuals did not show a higher response to these agents than did those of the unvaccinated . This suggests that the lymphocyte response to the Francisella bacteria was not due to a nonspecific activation . The vaccine-induced lymphocyte stimulation did not correlate with serum antibodies agglutinating F . tularensis antigen. Am J Clin Nutr, 1975 Nov, 28(11), 1277 - 83 Endogenous ethanol production and hepatic disease following jejunoileal bypass for morbid obesity; Mezey E et al.; In this study, we sought to determine whether or not elevated levels of ethanol were present in the systemic circulation, resulting from endogenous ethanol production, which might contribute to the hepatic damage following jejunoileal bypass for morbid obesity . Venous serum samples for assay of ethanol by gas-liquid chromatography were obtained in 8 normal subjects, 9 obese patients prior to surgery, 20 obese patients 2 weeks to 40 months after jejunoileal bypass, and in 2 dogs before and after jejunoileal bypass . Ethanol was detected after jejunoileal bypass in only 7 of the 20 patients and in the 2 dogs . Serum ethanol concentrations ranged from 0.15 to 4.12 mg/100 ml with a mean of 1.18 +/- 1.59 (SD)( mg/100 ml in the 7 patients and ranged from 0.20 to 2.23 mg/100 ml in the dogs . Incubation of the contents of the bypassed intestine of a dog with dextrose resulted in the production of significant amounts of ethanol . However, there was no correlation between the presence of ethanol in the serum and liver histology, when liver biopsy was obtained, postoperatively . Since ethanol was detected in the serum in only small concentrations and in only one-third of the patients, it is unlikely that ethanol production by bacteria in the intestine is of significance in the pathogenesis of liver disease following jejunoileal bypass. ASDC J Dent Child, 1975 Nov-Dec, 42(6), 460 - 6 Attitudes toward and use of pit and fissure sealants; Gift HC et al.; The results indicate that attitudes toward and use of sealants are generally low . There are, however, some dentists who use sealants proportionately more than other dentists, these being less recent graduates, dentists who practice in the northeast, and those dentists who are oriented generally more toward preventive procedures . The reasons selected by dentists for not using pit-and-fissure sealants were surprising . Despite considerable published evidence to the contrary and the provisional acceptance of two by the American Dental Association, Council on Dental Materials and Devices, most dentists are not yet convinced of the effectiveness of the procedure in preventing caries . In addition, many dentists were concerned that the material did not last long in the mouth, although high retention rates for periods in excess of one to three years had been reported . Also, a great concern for the possible sealing in of decay seems unsubstantiated by either clinical experience or reports from studies designed to monitor the activity of bacteria sealed in pits and fissures of teeth . Conversely, dentists infrequently selected either the cost of equipment and material or the time required for the procedure as reasons for not using pit-and-fissure sealants . The demanding technical requirements for proper application of the sealant, however, especially the avoidance of any moisture contamination, does require skilled personnel and substantial chair time . These factors are important considerations in the determination of the cost-effectiveness of this procedure in comparison to other preventive procedures for pit-and-fissure caries . These inconsistencies indicate a problem in the transmission of knowledge regarding sealants . Increased use of sealants, then, seems to be dependent on improving communication regarding their function and value to the dental profession . Data on the effectiveness of sealants over periods of three or more years have recently been reported and additional evaluations of this procedure are being reported . It would be expected that reports published since this research during the winter of 1974 will have an effect on both attitudes toward and use of sealants. J Exp Med, 1975 Nov 1, 142(5), 1180 - 99 Identification and characterization of the monoblast in mononuclear phagocyte colonies grown in vitro; Goud TJ et al.; A liquid culture technique for growing mononuclear phagocyte colonies on a glass surface is described . This useful and reliable technique made it possible to study immature mononuclear phagocytes . In the mononuclear phagocyte colonies the cells grow separate from each other in a single layer . Three types of cells are recognized in these colonies, namely nondividing macrophages, and proliferating promonocytes and monoblasts . The macrophage and the promonocyte exhibit the typical characteristics previously demonstrated by the other methods, whereas the monoblast could only be fully characterized by the present liquid culture method . This proliferating cell (labeling index with {3H}thymidine, 92-96%) is almost round (diameters, 10 X 10 mum), has only a small rim of strongly basophilic cytoplasm, almost devoid of granules, and shows a certain degree of ruffling of the cell surface . The monoblast is positive for esterase with alpha-naphthyl butyrate as substrate (91%), for peroxidase (78% in the peroxidase-positive colonies), and lysozyme (43%) . The monoblast is able to pinocytize dextran sulphate (15-20%) and to phagocytize opsonized bacteria (20-30%), latex particles (47%), and IgG-coated red cells (96%) . IgG receptors (94%) and complement receptors (16%) are present at the cell surface . In these respects the monoblast has the typical characteristics of the mononuclear phagocytes, but its properties show it to be a more immature cell type than the promonocyte . On the basis of these criteria and the sequence of appearance of the different cell types during incubation and during the development of the individual mononuclear phagocyte colony, monoblasts being present before promonocytes appear in the colony, it is concluded that the monoblast is the precursor of the promonocyte . In these cultures granulocyte colonies are also formed, consisting of myeloblasts, (pro)myelocytes, stabs, and polymorphonuclear neutrophils . Besides the typically tight structure of this kind of colony, the granulocytic cells themselves are quite distinct from the mononuclear phagocytes by their morphology, cytochemical characteristics (e.g . all negative for esterase with alpha-naphthyl butyrate, but 96% positive with N-acetyl DL-alanyl 1-naphthylester), functional characteristics (pinocytic index 13-21%; phagocytic index; for opsonized bacteria 15-36%, for latex particles 10%, and for IgG-coated red cells 0%), and their very small number of IgG receptors and lack of complement receptors . On the basis of these criteria, these granulocytic cells are easily distinguished from the immature cells of the mononuclear phagocyte colonies . The present study confirms the conclusion that the mononuclear phagocytes are a separate cell line, quite distinct from the granulocytic series, since even the most immature cells so far identified--the monoblast and the myeloblast--have quite different characteristics. J Bacteriol, 1975 Nov, 124(2), 969 - 76 Selective release of a deoxyribonucleic acid-binding factor from the surface of competent pneumococci; Seto H et al.; Methods are described that resulted in the selective release of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-binding factor from the surface of competent pneumococci . The same methods caused a parallel inactivation of the DNA-binding capacity of the extracted bacteria . Genetically or physiologically incompetent pneumococci did not yield binding factor upon exposure to the same methods . The solubilized binding factor appeared to be a protein; it could be assayed by a membrane filter binding procedure . The binding factor had properties reminiscent of those of the DNA receptors of transformable pneumococci (Seto et al., 1975). Arch Dis Child, 1975 Nov, 50(11), 871 - 4 Generalized seborrhoeic dermatitis . Clinical and therapeutic data of 25 patients; Messaritakis J et al.; Twenty-five infants with generalized seborrhoeic dermatitis have been studied with reference to the provision of optimum treatment . Leucocyte counts and chest x-ray examination are recommended in every case . Irrespective of clinical findings, antibiotics should be given to patients with overt bacterial infection and those with leucocytosis, shift to the left, and toxic granulation . One group of infants was treated with vitamin B complex plus biotin given slowly intravenously over 24 hours; a second group was given only biotin intravenously over 2-3 hours; and a third group only biotin over 1-2 minutes . A fourth group was treated with both biotin and antibiotics for confirmed or suspected superimposed bacterial infection . The results were excellent in all groups . Skin lesions improved within 4-8 days and cleared completely within 15-30 days . Intravenous administration of biotin is recommended as less painful and less dangerous than multiple intramuscular injections. Cancer Res, 1975 Nov, 35(11 Pt . 2), 3427 - 31 Dietary effects on chemical carcinogenesis in animal models for colon and liver tumors; Rogers AE et al.; Studies of dietary effects on chemical carcinogenesis in rats have demonstrated that colon tumor induction is enhanced by increased dietary fat intake or dietary deficiency of vitamin A in some but not all cases . The enhancing effect of a high-fat diet is augmented by lipotrope deficiency . Induction of hepatic tumors by several different carcinogens also is enhanced in rats fed a high-fat diet marginally deficient in lipotropes . The dietary effects may be exerted through alteration of metabolism of carcinogens, which has been demonstrated in lipotrope-deficient rats, through immunological mechanisms, which influence induction of colon tumors, or through effects on gastrointestinal bacteria and bile acid metabolism . Demonstration of dietary effects on carcinogenesis may require utilization of combined dietary stresses that alter metabolic loads but do not seriously impair growth. Surgery, 1975 Oct, 78(4), 485 - 91 Quantitative tracheal cultures in surgical patients requiring mechanical ventilatory assistance; Polk HC Jr; The efficacy of respiratory support devices has been compromised by respiratory infection possibly related to the support mechanism itself . Differentiation between airway contamination (tracheobronchitis) and parenchymal infection (pneumonitis) is clinically significant, as is the differentiation of respiratory infection from other foci of sepsis in the complicated surgical patient . Serial quantitative tracheal cultures provide excellent objective measures of the presence, progression, and/or resolution of respiratory infection with few false positive or negative observations . Indeed, such observations often allow earlier definitive diagnosis of infection than can be achieved with conventional clinical, chemical, or roentgenographic studies . The method represents a useful supplement to the care of the patient requiring respiratory support when infection is a realistic possibility. Med Klin, 1975 Oct 10, 70(41), 1651 - 4 {Spontaneous peripheral proteolysis as a disturbing factor (author's transl)}; Greuer W et al.; With a modification of the Astrup - fibrin - plate method about 300 patients were investigated . In chronic infections of the skin and mucous membranes a spontaneous peripheral proteolysis was found . There is a connection between infections, proteolysis and chronic continuance. C R Acad Sci Hebd Seances Acad Sci D, 1975 Oct 6, 281(14), 1031 - 4 {Evidence of benzo-3, 4-pyrene in the water and organic sediments of briny pools of polynesian atolls . Biotic and abiotic factors}; Niaussat PM et al.; The presence of 3,4-benzopyrene is reported in samples of water and sediments from three briny ponds free from pollution of exogenous origin belonging to three different atolls of Polynesia . The synthesis of this hydrocarbon seems to be dependent on the presence of abundant phytoplancton and of bacterial flora. Radiat Environ Biophys, 1975 Oct 2, 12(3), 253 - 6 Rdiasensitivity and radiation-induced mutability: an empirical relationship; Trujillo R et al.; The total genome size of various species can apparently define the radiation-induced mutability and radiosensitivity for these species . An empirical expression has been derived which relates the radiation-induced mutation rates of different species to their total DNA content and radiation-induced inactivation rates. Arzneimittelforschung, 1975 Oct, 25(10), 1567 - 70 {Studies on the pharmacokinetics of hexobendine in rats / 2nd communication: Elimination following i.v . administration (author's transl)}; Kolassa N et al.; The elimination of 14C and of 3H was studied in rats after i.v . administration of 0.22--0.33 mg/kg of 14C- or 0.67 mg/kg of 3H-labelled N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-bis-{3-(3',4',5'-trimethoxy-benzoxy)-propyl}-ethylenediamine-dihydrochloride (hexobendine, Ustimon, Reoxyl), respectively . Regarding the obtained results shortcomings in methods are discussed which may falsify the elimination pattern of radioactively labelled substances . Under certain experimental conditions (closed metabolism chamber with absorption of CO2 or H2O, respectively) 99-100% of the administered radioactivity were detected in the excretion products . The appearance of 14CO2 in the expired air was prevented when the bile duct was cannulated and the bile was drained to the outside before reaching the gut with its probably decarboxylating bacteria. Cell, 1975 Oct, 6(2), 161 - 9 Characterization of the DNA from the dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium cohnii and implications for nuclear organization; Allen JR et al.; Although dinoflagellates are eucaryotes, they possess many bacterial nuclear traits . For this reason they are thought by some to be evolutionary intermediates . Dinoflagellates also possess some unusual nuclear traits not seen in either bacteria or higher eucaryotes, such as a very large number of identical appearing, permanently condensed chromosomes suggesting polyteny or polyploidy . We have studied the DNA of the dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium cohnii with respect to DNA per cell, chromosome counts, and renaturation kinetics . The renaturation kinetic results tend to refute extreme polyteny and polyploidy as the mode of nuclear organization . This organism contains 55-60% repeated, interspersed DNA typical of higher eucaryotes . These results, along with the fact that dinoflagellate chromatin contains practically no basic protein, indicate that dinoflagellates may be organisms with a combination of both bacterial and eucaryotic traits. J Bacteriol, 1975 Oct, 124(1), 62 - 4 Mutants of Dictyostelium discoideum defective in spore germination; Ennis HL et al.; After activation, wild-type Dictyostelium discoideum spores germinate rapidly and synchronously in phosphate buffer as well as in complex medium . Mutants defective in spore germination were isolated and characterized . These mutants (called grm) did not germinate normally in buffer but did germinate in complex medium in the presence of bacteria . One mutant (grm B) swelled normally, but amoebae were not formed . Another mutant (grm F) swelled and germinated poorly in buffer . The members of the third group of mutants (A, C, D, and E) did not swell or give rise to amoebae in buffer. J Immunol Methods, 1975 Oct, 8(4), 373 - 82 Electro-immunoabsorption in gel, application to enzyme studies (alpha- and beta-amylases from barley); Daussant J et al.; A technique combining immunoabsorption, electrophoresis and enzymatic characterization reactions in the same gel medium is described using alpha- and beta-amylases from barley seeds, their corresponding immune sera, and alpha-amylases from bacteria . The sensitivity and the specificity of the technique have been determined for alpha-amylase . Two applications of this technique are presented: 1) in physiological studies to ascertain whether an anti-enzyme immune serum reacts with all the forms of the enzyme under study and, 2) for detecting, among antigenically characterized enzymes, proteins which have the same enzymatic activity but are antigenically different . The possibility of applying this technique to other enzymes is discussed. Appl Microbiol, 1975 Oct, 30(4), 694 - 6 Specificity of Ustilago maydis killer proteins; Koltin Y et al.; Bacteria and fungi were tested for sensitivity to Ustilago maydis killer strains carrying virus-like particles . Various species taxonomically related to U . maydis were sensitive. Appl Microbiol, 1975 Oct, 30(4), 602 - 8 Methane production in shallow-water, tropical marine sediments; Oremland RS; The in situ production of methane was monitored in several types of tropical benthic communities . A bed of Thalassia testudinum located in Caesar Creek (Florida Keys) exhibited the highest methanogenic activity (initial rates = 1.81 to 1.86 mumol CH4/m2 per h) as compared with another seagrass (Syringodium sp., 0.15 to 0.33 mumol/m2 per h) and two coral reef environments (Hydro-Lab, 0.016 to 0.10 mumol/m2 per h; Curacao, 0.14 to 0.47 mumol/m2 per h) . The results suggest that a wide variety of benthic metabolic processes (e.g., photosynthetic oxygen production) influences methane production rates. Am J Gastroenterol, 1975 Oct, 64(4), 286 - 91 Bile reflux gastritis . Analysis of fasting and postprandial gastric aspirates; Brooks WS et al.; Gastric aspirates from 11 patients with bile reflux gastritis were studied for pH, bacterial cultures, proteolytic acitivity and bile salt pattern . Hypochlorhydria, significant bacterial overgrowth and unconjugated bile salts were found in all gastric specimens tested . The presence of unconjugated bile salts may account for the severity of the gastritis seen in these patients. J Exp Zool, 1975 Oct, 194(1), 175 - 88 Temperature as a selective factor in protein evolution: the adaptational strategy of "compromise"; Somero GN; Most of the important functional and structural properties of enzymes are affected by temperature . In order to maintain critical enzymic properties such as regulatory sensitivity, catalytic potential and structural stability, significant changes have been made in enzymes during evolution in different thermal regimes . Regulatory function, as typified by substrate binding ability, has been especially conservative . For a given enzyme, substrate binding ability is maintained at a relatively stable level over the entire temperature range experienced by the organism (enzyme), in spite of wide variation in substrate affinity at temperatures outside the biological range . Similarities in substrate affinity among homologues and analogues of enzymes from bacteria, invertebrates, fishes and mammals, at respective physiological temperatures for the enzymes, demonstrate the crucial importance of regulatory abilities in enzymes . Two facts, (a) that enzymes function at sub-maximal rates, and (b) that low temperature compensation is not effected by wholesale reductions in apparent Km values, argue that regulation outweighs sheer catalytic potential in enzymic function . The efficiency of an enzyme to catalyze a reaction at a rapid rate appears highest in low cell-temperature forms . The finding that catalytic efficiency is inversely correlated with enzymic heat stability suggests that enzymes with relatively great abilities to undergo conformational changes during catalysis are capable of supplying the most energy for activation events, this energy arising in part from the exergonic formation of weak bonds during the activation step in catalysis . Energy changes due to conformational changes may also be used to reduce the net enthalpy change which occurs during ligand binding, a mechanism we refer to as "coupled-compensating enthalpy changes." Comparisons of amino acid compositions of enzyme homologues and analogues from differently thermally adapted species do not reveal major differences, for example, in the overall hydrophobicity of enzymes . We propose that observed differences in enzyme thermal stability derive more from quantitative differences, i.e., differences in total numbers of secondary interactions, than from quilitative differences, i.e., differences in the relative importance of different classes of weak bonds. J Periodontol, 1975 Oct, 46(10), 614 - 24 Ultrastructural gingival reactions to gold foil restorations; Frank RM et al.; In the case of class-V gold foil restorations prepared below the gingival sulcus in beagle dogs after elevation of a flap, chronic inflammatory changes were observed after 3 weeks in the adjacent epithelium and connective tissue of the gingiva with the presence of dental plaque between the gold restorations and sulcular epithelium . However no inflammation was observed in the junctional epithelium and the subjacent connective tissue 3 weeks after implantation of a gold strip burnished and bounded to the root surface after elevation of a flap . The cell membranes of the superficial epithelial cells were either directly applied to the gold surface or were separated from the latter by an extracellular space about 200 to 500 A in width . No hemidesmosomes were seen . The different responses noted in the two experiments are related to the presence or absence of dental plaque and probably to the surface difference of the gold restorations. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1975 Oct 1, 167(7), 592 - 7 Wildlife and environmental health: raccoons as indicators of zoonoses and pollutants in southeastern United States; Bigler WJ et al.; Inasmuch as terrestrial fauna are an integral part of our natural environment and are directly exposed to disease and pollutants, it follows that certain wild populations could serve to detect subtle alterations within ecosystems . A collection of studies on raccoons is presented to stimulate other researchers to develop the potential of our wildlife resources as monitors of environmental health . Raccoons have been used as serologic sentinels for St Louis encephalitis and Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis . Studies suggest that the raccoon may be used as an indicator of leptospirosis, tularemia, and some enteric bacteria and viruses . Base line surveys have defined (1) residue levels of organochlorine and organophosphate compounds and (2) body burdens of mercury, cesium-137, and strontium-90 . Physiologic responses, parasite burdens, and reproductive processes are also considered as measures that may reflect pertinent information about environmental health. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 1975 Oct, 70(4), 739 - 46 Prosthetic replacement of the esophagus; Salama FD; A tubular prosthesis was initially made of silicone rubber, spot-bonded on the inside and outside to a layer of knitted Dacron . This was covered on the outside by a loose layer of knitted Dacron, attached to the rubber only at the two ends, to allow incorporation by fibrous tissue and fixation of the prosthesis . Anastomoses were made with one layer of continuous sutures . There was initial incorporation of the graft . After 29 to 44 days the tube became loose and migrated, leaving a stricture . The prosthesis was redesigned with two loose layers of wider mesh . Incorporation occurred early with abundant fibrous reaction . Separation of the tube started at 40 days and was complete within 72 to 152 days . When the sutures became disengaged, bacteria entered the space between rubber and incorporated fabric, resulting in collagen lysis and separation of the tube . There were no anastomotic leaks in the entire series. Aust Dent J, 1975 Oct, 20(5), 283 - 6 Eugenol improvement due to aging . A laboratory appraisal; Nahas MS et al.; The characteristics of eugenol for dental use appear to improve with age . Exposure to air and light causes certain chemical and physical changes, but the exact nature of the age improvement requires further elucidation. Eur J Biochem, 1975 Sep 15, 57(2), 579 - 85 GTP degradation to guanine catalyzed by ribosomal subunits and microsomal-wash factors; Grummt R et al.; Ribosomes from stringent strains of bacteria generate (p)ppGpp if incubated with uncharged tRNA, a ribosomal wash fraction, GTP and ATP . By contrast, an analogous system from rat liver does not transform GTP to (p)ppGpp but degrades it to guanine . The reaction requires the ribosomal subunits, a 40 000-Mr and a 60 000-Mr microsomal wash protein factor and is inhibited if the ribosomal A-site is charged with aminoacyl tRNA . The degradation of GTP to guanine occurs in the following four distinct reaction steps: (a) hydrolysis of GTP to GDP plus Pi, (b) hydrolysis of GDP to GMP plus Pi, (c) hydrolysis of GMP to guanosine plus Pi, (d) hydrolysis of guanosine to guanine plus ribose . The reaction step (a) is inhibited by fusidic acid, cycloheximide, emetine, tetracycline and puromycin . The hydrolysis of GDP is inhibited strongly by fusidic acid, emetine and tetracycline . A putative physiological significance of this ribosome-dependent pathway in the processes of growth control of animal cells under conditions of amino acid deprivation is discussed. Z Parasitenkd, 1975 Sep 12, 47(2), 119 - 29 Monoxenic and axenic cultivation of carrier and patient strains of Entamoeba histolytica; Bos HJ; All of five strains of Entamoeba histolytica, isolated from symptomatic cases of amoebiasis, could be adapted to axenic growth on the TP-S-1 medium of Diamond (1968) . Four axenic strains were started from amoeba-Crithidia cultures; one could be axenized directly after isolation from a case of cutaneous amoebiasis . Attempts to monoxenize, resp . axenize strains, isolated from Dutch, asymptomatic carriers, were less successful . Only three out of ten strains could be submitted to bacteria-free growth . These three strains, however, originated probably from a recent case of intestinal amoebiasis . The results, suggesting that highly virulent strains can be easier cultivated bacteria-free than those with low or no virulence, are further discussed . The yield of axenic amoebae per tube fluctuates largely depending on many factors such as the strain, the number of transfers (i.e . degree of establishment), the quality of Panmede liver digest and serum in the TP-S-1 medium, and the care of manipulating the cultures . For optimal growth, a more acid medium was required in an amoeba-Crithidia culture than in an axenic culture . Multinucleated, giant amoebae were frequently observed in axenic cultures. Inhaled Part, 1975 Sep, 4 Pt 2, 543 - 50 Investigation of alveolar macrophages from rats exposed to coal dust; Bingham E et al.; Rats were exposed to the inhalation of coal dust from either Utah (low prevalence coalworkers' pneumoconiosis (CWP)) or Pennsylvania (high prevalence CWP) . Rats were sacrificed, the lungs removed and lavaged to obtain free cells . The number of alveolar macrophages recovered from rats inhaling these two coal dusts (exposures up to 4 months) was not remarkably different from the number recovered from rats inhaling filtered room air . This is in contrast to results obtained after intratracheal intubation of the dust . The capacity of the lavaged cells to phagocytize and kill bacteria decreased after exposure to either dust . The activity of certain enzymes also decreased. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 1975 Sep, 6(3), 305 - 7 Absence of detectable hepatitis B antigen (HBAg) in the commercial oyster, Crassostrea gigas Thunberg, in Hong Kong; Shortridge KF et al.; The locally grown commercial oyster in Hong Kong, Crassostrea gigas Thunberg, is faecally polluted particularly in the summer months at a time when oyster consumption and the incidence of viral hepatitis similarly increase . Whole oysters and isolates of tissues including the digestive diverticula and mantle fluids, in unconcentrated or concentrated forms were examined by counterimmunoelectrophoresis for the presence of the hepatitis-B antigen (HBAg); No antigen was detected in samples examined on a monthly basis over a one year period nor those examined hourly for one day in mid-summer . HBAg may not have been detected since the pollution of the oyster beds was considered to be predominantly of animal rather than human origin. Biochem J, 1975 Sep, 150(3), 521 - 5 Intermolecular transacylation of phosphatidylethanolamine by a Butyrivibrio sp; Hazlewood GP et al.; 1 . Washed cells and supernatant from a culture of a Butyrivibrio sp . carry out the intermolecular transacylation reaction 2 phosphatidylethanolamine leads to N-acylphosphatidyl-ethanolamine+lysophosphatidylethanolamine . 2 . Washed cells can catalyse the intramolecular transacylation of N-(acyl)glycerylphosphorylethanolamine to lysophosphatidylethanolamine; the culture supernatant is largely devoid of activity. Biochem J, 1975 Sep, 150(3), 357 - 72 Amino acid biosynthesis in mixed rumen cultures; Sauer FD et al.; Mixed rumen micro-organisms, maintained in continuous culture readily incorporated labelled HCO3- and acetate into amino acids . Labelled propionate, in contrast, was utilized only for isoleucine biosynthesis, but failed to label other amino acids to any significant extent . Evidence was obtained showing that in these mixed, i.e . symbiotic, cultures foward tricarboxylic acid-cycle reactions only proceed to 2-oxoglutarate . 14C distribution in amino acids clearly shows that 2-oxoglutarate is not oxidized further by tricarboxylic acid-cycle enzymes . Instead, acetate is carboxylated to pyruvate which is then carboxylated to oxaloacetate . Oxaloacetate equilibrates with fumarate and thereby carbon atoms 1 and 4 as well as carbon atoms 2 and 3 are randomized . Evidence was also obtained for the carboxylation of propionate to 2-oxobutyrate, isovalerate to 4-methyl-2-oxopentanoate, phenylacetate and hydroxyphentlacetate to the corresponding phenyl- and hydroxyphenyl-pyruvic acids and succinate to 2-oxoglutarate . Of the amino acid precursors investigated, only 3-hydroxypyruvate, the precursor of serine, appeared to be synthesized via an oxidative step, i.e . 3-phosphoglyceric acid to 3-phosphohydroxypyruvic acid . Most 2-oxo precursors of amino acids in these organisms appear to be formed via reductive carboxylation of the precursor acid. In Vitro, 1975 Sep-Oct, 11(5), 255 - 63 Establishment of heteroploid cell lines from mouse peritoneal exudate cells; Tolbert WR et al.; Proliferation was observed during in vitro cultivation of peritoneal exudate cells that had been educed from a C3H mouse with Freund's incomplete adjuvant . These cells were successfully subcultured by release with trypsin-EDTA solution and are now at passage 108 after 22 months in culture . Using this technique, 12 other rapidly growing peritoneal exudate cultures were obtained, whereas 10 cultures not educed with adjuvant did not proliferate . Characteristics of four adjuvant-induced cell lines established in culture include: rapid attachment to glass, doubling time in culture of 18 to 19 hr, phagocytosis of colloidal carbon, enhanced phagocytosis of specifically sensitized bacteria, epithelium-like morphology, and retention of C3H histocompatible specificities . These cell lines had widely varying chromosome distributions with modes from 37.3 +/- 2.4 to 82.6 +/- 2.30, but inoculation of 10(7) cultured cells into syngeneic animals did not produce tumors . Procedures described for the reproducible establishment of peritoneal exudate cell lines did not require use of conditioned media or exogenous viral infection. Antibiotiki, 1975 Sep, (9), 779 - 83 {Experiment to study some suspension media for the lyophilization of actinomycetes}; Semenov SM; Viability and cultural properties of 59 actinomycetes and 17 bacteria lyophilized in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), sodium glutamate, their combinations and horse serum were studied after storage for 2 years at a temperature of 4-10 degrees . A 5 per cent solution of sodium glutamate had a high protective effect on viability of the above organisms . The solution containing 3 per cent of sodium glutamate and 3 per cent of PVP was somewhat less effective . The cultures lyophilized in 5 per cent solution of sodium glutamate had the same viability levels as those lyophilized in horse serum, while the latter had better growth rates on their plating out on nutrient media . A 5 per cent solution of PVP had no advantages over sodium glutamate or horse serum with respect to preservation of the organism viability . No significant differences in the cultural properties: colour of the aerial and substrate mycelium and pigment production were noted in the actinomycetes lyophilized in various protective media and the analogous control cultures maintained by means of passages on fresh nutrient media. J Gen Microbiol, 1975 Sep, 90(1), 169 - 77 Assimilation of exogenous fructose, aspartate and some organic acids during the growth of methylotrophs; Colby J et al.; The percentage of bacterial carbon that was derived from exogenous labelled compounds present in the medium during the growth of some methylotrophs on trimethylamine or on non-C1 compounds was determined . Less than 10% of bacterial carbon was derived from acetate during the growth of the obligate methylotrophs 4B6 and C2A1, and of the restricted facultative methylotroph PM6; the other restricted facultative methylotroph W3A1 gave a value of 18% . Corresponding values for three typical facultative methylotrophs growing on trimethylamine were 41, 42 and 52% . Aspartate, fructose, pyruvate and succinate made only a small percentage contribution (0-4 to 12%) to bacterial carbon in 4B6, C2A1, W3A1 and PM6 . Washed suspensions of 4B6, C2A1, W3A1 and PM6, all grown on trimethylamine, assimilated labelled acetate only in the presence of trimethylamine and there was a linear relationship between the amount of acetate assimilated and the amount of trimethylamine oxidized . Organisms 4B6, C2A1, W3A1 and PM6 assimilated 14C from labelled acetate predominantly into lipid (except PM6), glutamate, arginine, proline and leucine, whereas the typical facultative methylotrophs assimilated 14C from acetate into lipid, nucleic acid and all the protein amino acids . These results are consistent with the presence of a deficient tricarboxylic acid cycle in the obligate methylotrophs and in the restricted facultative methylotrophs. Clin Chim Acta, 1975 Sep 1, 63(2), 121 - 8 The sialic acid and carbohydrate content and the synthesis of glycoprotein from radioactive precursors by tissues of the normal and diseases upper intestinal tract; Roberts SH et al.; The sialic acid and total hexose content of perorally obtained mucosal biopsies have been determined . Gastric mucosa has a higher content of sialic acid/mg protein and a lower content of total hexoses/mg protein than does jejunal mucosa . There were no differences chemically between gastric biopsies from subjects with or without peptic ulcers . Neither were there any differences between normal jejunal mucosa and jejunal mucosa from patients with untreated or treated coeliac disease . The studies of the incorporation of radioactive glucose into glycoprotein using all these tissues indicate that bacteria make a major in vitro contribution . This method is not suitable for study of de novo synthesis in either gastric or jejunal mucosa . Results are presented which suggest that bacteria may normally be present within the mucous layer of the stomach. Am J Epidemiol, 1975 Sep, 102(3), 251 - 6 Epidemic acute infectious nonbacterial gastroenteritis at the Children's Asthma Research Institute and Hospital; Judson FN et al.; During the period from September 8 to October 2, 1970, 44 of the 120 children and 78 of 141 adults questioned at the Children's Asthma Research Institute and Hospital experienced gastroenteritis characterized by nausea, vomiting, and fever and/or chills . Diarrhea was rare in children (4.5%) and common in adults (74%) . The median duration of illness for children, 18 hours, was significantly shorter than the 48 hours for adults . All viral and bacterial cultures of 30 stool specimens were negative for viruses and bacterial pathogens . A retrospective survey of 28 ill employees revealed a secondary attach rate of 46% of 76 family contacts . A bacteria-free filtrate prepared from stool swab specimens of 2 ill adults by a team at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases was administered orally to 3 adult volunteers . One of the 3 vomited and had 4 watery diarrheal stools on the third post-inoculation day . Diarrheal stool filtrates from this person were then given orally to 8 others; 1 became ill . Although the epidemiologic features point to the respiratory route of infection, the probably successful serial transmission of disease via bacteria-free stool filtrates through 2 generations of volunteers also suggests that the "Denver agent" is a virus-sized particle that replicates in the gastrointestinal tract. Am J Clin Nutr, 1975 Sep, 28(9), 947 - 9 Addition of leucine precursors to the diet of leucine-starved mice; Trigg ME et al.; Leucine-starved mice placed on a diet supplemented with the immediate precursor of leucine, alpha-ketoisocaproic acid, regain lost weight . This weight gain is similar to that observed when the leucine-starved mice are provided with leucine in their diet . Mice on a leucine-free diet supplemented with alpha-ketoisovaleric acid, the first compound in the leucine biosynthetic pathway, continued to lose weight as quickly as mice on leucine-deficient diets. Mikrobiologiia, 1975 Sep-Oct, 44(5), 844 - 50 {Isolation of pure methanotrophic cultures and their properties}; Galchenko VF et al.; Pure cultures of obligate methanotrophic bacteria were isolated from natural habitats and cultivated on media containing silica gel which provided more elective conditions than media with agar . According to their morphology, fine structure, cultural, physiological and biochemical properties, the bacteria were identified as Methylosinus trichosporium, Methylosinus trichosporium var . methanolicum, Methylocystis parvus, Methylocytis parvus var . fuscus, Methylomonas methanica. Can J Microbiol, 1975 Sep, 21(9), 1348 - 56 Nitrogen fixation in the Rhode River estuary of Chesapeake Bay; Marsho TV et al.; The distribution, seasonal variation, origin, and significance of biological nitrogen fixation has been determined for a Chesapeake Bay estuary using the acetylene reduction technique . Studies over a 15-month period have shown that nitrogen fixation occurs predominantly in the surface intertidal (marsh) and subtidal sediments . Negligible activity was found in surface waters . A marked seasonal variation in nitrogen fixation was observed for intertidal sediments incubated at a standard 20 degrees C . Average rates of about 37 and 12 ng N/g dry sediment per hour were observed in the late fall months of 1972 and 1973, respectively, and less than or equal to 5 ng N/g dry sediment per hour during other seaons . Peaks of activity were lowered considerably when samples were incubated at ambient temperatures (in situ) . Activity in the subtidal sediments was low (less than or equal to 6.8 ng N/g dry sediment per hour but showed a similar (approximately twofold) seasonal variation in nitrogen fixation potential . Light-dark and substrate addition experiments suggest that heterotrophic bacteria are the principal agents for nitrogen fixation in sediments . Integrated estimates of nitrogen fixation in the estuary indicate that biological fixation probably accounts for less than 5% of the total influx of nitrogen into the system . Rates of activity in the intertidal sediments are insufficient to account for the high productivity of marine angiosperms found in the marsh. Ann Surg, 1975 Sep, 182(3), 183 - 97 Immunosuppression and temporary skin transplantation in the treatment of massive third degree burns; Burke JF et al.; A method of burn treatment (immunosuppression and temporary skin transplantation) for patients suffering from massive third degree burns is evaluated . The method is based on the prompt excision of all dead tissue (burn eschar) and immediate closure of the wound by skin grafts . Total wound closure is achieved before bacterial infection or organ failure takes place by carrying out all initial excision and grafting procedures within the first ten days post burn and supplementing the limited amount of autograft with allograft . Continuous wound closure is maintained for up to 50 days through immunosuppression . Both azathioprine and ATG have been used but ATG is preferred . During the period of immunosuppression, allograft is stepwise excised and replaced with autograft donor sites regenerate for recropping . Bacterial complications are minimized by housing the patient in the protected environment of the Bacteria Controlled Nursing Unit . Intensive protein and calorie alimentation are provided, and 0.5% aqueous AgNO3 dressings are used . A swinging febrile illness has been associated with large areas of allograft rejection . Eleven children have been treated and seven have been returned to normal, productive schooling. Surg Gynecol Obstet, 1975 Sep, 141(3), 357 - 62 Wound cleansing by high pressure irrigation; Rodeheaver GT et al.; All traumatic wounds are contaminated to some degree by both soil and bacteria . Specific infection potentiating factors in soil impair the defenses of the tissue and invite infection . These factors are small in size and resist removal by low pressure irrigation . The efficiency of wound irrigation is markedly improved by delivering the irrigant to the wound under continuous high pressure . Irrigation of the wound with saline solution delivered at 15 pounds per square inch removed 84.8 per cent of the soil infection potentiating factors from the wound . The residual infection potentiating factors remaining in the wound did not significantly impair tissue defenses . On the basis of these experimental studies, clinical studies are now being initiated to test the therapeutic value of high pressure irrigation in traumatic wounds in humans. Can J Biochem, 1975 Sep, 53(9), 975 - 88 Amino acid transport in a water-mould: the possible regulatory roles of calcium and N6-(delta2-isopentenyl)adenine; Singh DP et al.; Transport of amino acids in the water-mould Achlya is an energy-dependent process . Based on competition kinetics and studies involving the influence of pH and temperature on the initial transport rates, it was concluded that the 20 amino acids (L-isomers) commonly found in proteins were transported by more than one, possibly nine, uptake systems . This is similar to the pattern elucidated for some bacteria but unlike those uncovered for all fungi studied to date . The nine different systems elucidated are: (i) methionine, (ii) cysteine . (iii) proline, (iv) serine-threonine, (v) aspartic and glutamic acids, (vi) glutamine and asparagine, (vii) glycine and alanine, (viii) histidine, lysine, and arginine, and (ix) phenylalanine-tyrosine-tryptophan and leucine-isoleucine-valine as two overlapping groups . Transport of all of these amino acids was inhibited by azide, cyanide, and its derivatives and 2,4-dinitrophenol . These agents normally interfere with metabolism at the level of the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation . Osmotic shock treatment of the cells released, into the shock fluid, a glycopeptide that binds calcium as well as tryptophan but no other amino acid . The shocked cells are incapable of concentrating amino acids, but remain viable and reacquire this capacity when the glycopeptide is resynthesized. Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1975 Aug 30, 105(35), 1116 - 23 {Spectinomycin . Indications and undesirable effects}; Raab W; Modern chemotherapy postulates highly active drugs without unwanted side effects . In the treatment of gonorrhea spectinomycin meets even the strictest requirements: maximal obtainable cure rates, no masking of concomitant syphilitic infections, and excellent tolerance . In animal experiments no sensitizing effect of spectinomycin was found even when maximation procedures were applied . Anaphylactoid activity of spectinomycin is low, as has been documented by personal investigational series. Science, 1975 Aug 15, 189(4202), 550 - 1 Origin of life: clues from relations between chemical compositions of living organisms and natural environments; Banin A et al.; When elemental enrichment factors in living organisms are plotted against the ionic potential of the elements, a strikingly similar pattern is found for different groups of organisms; the pattern is also similar, in its general features, to that found in seawater . These relationships support the idea that life began in a water-rich environment interfacing with the primitive atmosphere of the earth. J Biol Chem, 1975 Aug 10, 250(15), 6072 - 6 Specific recognition of choline residues in the cell wall teichoic acid by the N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanine amidase of Pneumococcus; Holtje JV et al.; Pneumococci growing on choline-containing medium are known to incorporate this amino alcohol into the wall teichoic acid and produce autolysin-sensitive cell walls . In contrast, bacteria grown on the choline analogue, ethanolamine, incorporate ethanolamine into the teichoic acid and synthesize cell walls that are resistant to the homologous autolysin . In this communication, we report experiments aimed at understanding the biochemical mechanism of this phenomenon . Ethanolamine-containing (autolysin-resistant) cell walls were methylated in vitro with methyl iodide . Under appropriate conditions, virtually all of the ethanolamine residues could be converted to choline . After methylation, the formerly autolysin-resistant walls could be quantitatively hydrolyzed by the pneumococcal autolysin . Methylated walls also recovered another property typical of cell walls isolated from choline-grown bacteria: they could induce the in vitro "conversion" of an inactive form of autolysin to the catalytically active form (Tomasz, A., and Westphal, M . (1971) Proc . Natl . Acad . Sci . U.S.A . 68, 2627-2630) . The results suggest that the autolysin-catalyzed hydrolysis of amide bonds in the peptidoglycan requires an additional interaction between the enzyme protein and choline residues in the teichoric acid portion of the cell wall. Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1975 Aug 2, 105(31), 979 - 84 {Therapeutic procedure in acute pulmonary and pleuropulmonary diseases}; Gartmann J; The treatment of acute infections of the lung tissue, of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema and of large pleural effusions and pneumothorax is discused . At the onset of these acute situations, the therapeutic decision has sometimes to be made before a definite diagnosis is available . Clinical, radiological and statistical factors often condition the first steps of treatment . Once the definite diagnosis has been established it is usually possible to adapt the treatment to accepted principles, which are dwelt on in detail. Rhinology, 1975 Aug, 13(2), 57 - 75 Scanning electron microscopy of the human nasal mucosa; Mygind N; Nasal biopsies are taken from normals and from patients suffering from perennial rhinitis, nasal polyps, hay fever or atrophic rhinitis . The biopsies from the inferior nasal turbinate are studied in a scanning electron microscope . In conclusion, allergic reactions have only a slight, direct influence on the ultrastructure of the mucous membrane . Contrary to this, the surface of the nasal mucosa is characteristically altered in atrophic rhinitis . By chance it was observed how flagellated bacteria invades the mucous membrane by fastening to the epithelial cells, which consequently are expelled. Aust Vet J, 1975 Aug, 51(8), 389 - 91 The use of fluff counts in a study of hygiene in Queensland hatcheries; McGaw JE et al.; During 1972, 333 fluff samples were tested from 13 Queensland hatcheries and assessed according to the English standards for total count, coliforms and fungi . They were also assessed as being "standard" or "substandard", using a combination of the criteria of the English system . All hatcheries had at least 2 substandard samples and all the samples from 2 hatcheries were substandard. Ann Rheum Dis, 1975 Aug, 34(4), 369 - 72 Failure to show mycoplasmas and cytopathogenic virus in rheumatoid arthritis; Middleton PJ et al.; Synovial needle biopsies, joint aspirates, and joint tissue obtained at open operation from 41 cases of rheumatoid arthritis were inoculated onto PPLO media, L-form medium, and cell cultures for the isolation of mycoplasmas, L-form bacteria, and viruses . Medium suitable for the isolation of 'T' strain mycoplasmas was not employed . No mycoplasmas, L-form bacteria, or cytopathogenic viruses were shown . Similar specimens from nine patients diagnosed as having Reiter's disease were examined in a like manner and yielded only one Mycoplasma hominis type 1 isolate from a knee joint biopsy . It is concluded that known strains of mycoplasma and bacterial L-forms do not play a direct role in early and established cases of rheumatoid arthritis . Some of the cell cultures used in this study contained mycoplasma contaminants . Bacterial contaminants were also encountered in occasional batches of L-form medium. Biochem J, 1975 Aug, 149(2), 489 - 92 The identification of a peptide in human parotid saliva particularly active in enhancing the glycolytic activity of the salivary micro-organisms; Holbrook IB et al.; A factor in saliva responsible for markedly activating the glycolytic activity of micro-organisms was isolated from parotid secretions and identified as a small basic peptide . Analysis of the peptide showed a high proportion of histidine, lysine and arginine . Its minimum molecular weight was calculated to be between 2500 and 3000. Can J Microbiol, 1975 Aug, 21(8), 1160 - 5 Interactions between Azotobacter and "phosphobacteria" and their establishment in the rhizosphere as affected by soil fertility; Ocampo JA et al.; The effects on plant growth of "bacterial fertilizers" prepared from Azotobacter spp . and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria ("phosphobacteria") have been the subject of much controversy . Cases where no plant-growth stimulation occurred may often be accounted for by the failure to establish the bacterial inocula in the rhizosphere . Three factors that may influence inocula establishment, i.e . soil fertility, manuring, and interactions between Azotobacter and "phosphobacteria," were examined in pot experiments, designed for statistical analysis, in two neutral-alkaline soils, using lavender plants (Lavandula spica L.) . During the experiments the numbers of Azotobacter and "phosphobacteria" were counted . Dry weights of roots and shoots were recorded after 16 weeks of growth . At the end of the experiments there were always more Azotobacter and "phosphobacteria" in the rhizospheres when plants were inoculated with both groups of organisms together than when they were inoculated singly . Addition of 2% farmyard manure to the richer soil enhanced this effect . Plant growth was greatest when seedlings were inoculated with both Azotobacter and the "phosphobacteria". Lab Anim Sci, 1975 Aug, 25(4), 465 - 73 Experimental transmission of atypical ileal hyperplasia of hamsters; Jacoby RO et al.; Conditions for oral transmission of atypical ileal hyperplasia (AIH) in weanling hamsters were established and 22 passages were made . AIH was transmitted by feeding whole cell-free supernatants of ileal homogenates . The etiologic agent(s) was retained by 0.22 mum pore-size filters and was inactivated by chloroform treatment or by heating at 56 degrees C for 30 min . Enteric bacteria from affected animals also induced AIH, but with a lower morbidity and mortality than following inoculation with ileal extracts . Experimentally induced lesions progressed from marked segmental hyperplasia of ileal mucosa to granulomatous inflammation in underlying connective tissue and muscle tunics . Hyperplastic mucosal epithelium penetrated the muscularis mucosa, but metastases were not detected . Serum antibody from exposed animals reacted specifically, by indirect immunofluorescence, with an intracytoplasmic mucosal cell antigen(s) of autologous and homogolous ileal lesions, but antibody did not react with normal ileal mucosa or with unaffected portions of intestine from animals bearing ileal lesions. J Periodontol, 1975 Aug, 46(8), 465 - 8 A chlorhexidine-containing methacrylic gel as a periodontal dressing; Addy M et al.; The modification of a methacrylic gel for use as a periodontal dressing was attempted . The increased adhesion and rigidity of the resultant material appeared consistent with the clinical findings . Satisfactory retention of the dressing was found in 85% of those placed on a group of patients attending for periodontal surgery . The potential value of the methacrylic gel for carrying and releasing pharmacological agents useful in the management of lesions of the oral mucosa was assessed by incorporating chlorhexidine acetate into the dressing . In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated effective release of the chlorhexidine from the dressing throughout the period of time a periodontal dressing is normally in situ . In conclusion the results suggested that the modified methacrylic gel fulfills the requirements of a periodontal dressing . Study to assess further the potential for this material to carry other pharmacological agents used in the topical treatment of lesions of the oral mucosa is indicated. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1975 Aug, (8), 71 - 6 {Immunogenic properties of the cellular components of Brucella}; Baeva AA et al.; A study was made of immunogenic properties of the cell wall and other cellular components of brucellae obtained by mechanical disntegration of bacteria . The greatest immunogenic properties proved to be possessed by the cell walls . In using the vaccine consisting o the living vaccine of the Br . abortus strain 19 and the cell walls of brucellae the efficacy of the preparation was not reduced in experiments on guinea pigs and mice. J Pediatr, 1975 Aug, 87(2), 276 - 9 Nasojejunal feedings in low-birth-weight infants; Wells DH et al.; Continuous nasojejunal and intermittent nasogastric feedings were compared in a controlled prospective study in 21 low-birth-weight infants . The groups were comparable in regard to period of gestation, birth weight, head circumference, and clinical findings . Cumulative weight gain, caloric and fluid intake, percent weight lost, blood chemistry values, and complications were used in evaluating the two groups . Upon completion of the 21-day study, N/J infants were found to have had statistically better weight gain, caloric intake, and fluid intake (p = 0.05-0.001) during the early part of the study . Weight loss was less in the N/J group (p less than 0.01) . Neither group had abnormalities of blood chemistry or significant complications . It is concluded that N/J feeding in the low-birth-weight neonate is a safe, effective means of early nutritional intake, with advantages most pronounced during the first two weeks of life. Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig A}, 1975 Aug, 232(4), 539 - 44 {Duration of possible detection of cysts of Entamoeba histolytica in stool samples (author's transl)}; Aspock H et al.; Stool samples containing large numbers of cysts of Entamoeba histolytica were stored at room temperature (+22 degrees C - +25 degrees C) and at +4 degrees C respectively . After 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, 20 h, 36 h, 5 d, 7 d, 10 d, 15 d, 20 d, and 30 d smears were performed and stained according to the method of HEIDENHAIN . In both groups cysts remained easily detectable for about one week; after that time, however, distinct changes of the morphology of the cysts occurred and the number of detectable individuals decreased rapidly . After 30 days storage of the stool cysts could be recognized only exceptionally and only in samples stored at 4 degrees C . At that time the microscopic picture of the smears had undergone heavy changes; yeasts predominated over bacteria . In addition it was shown, that freezing of stoll samples (at - 20 degrees C and -80 degrees C) destroyed practically all cysts. Am J Vet Res, 1975 Aug, 36(08), 1221 - 4 A herpesvirus-type agent associated with skin lesions of green sea turtles in aquaculture; Rebell G et al.; Nine successive groups of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) were observed in aquaculture during the posthatchling period . During the first 6 months of growth, each group underwent an epizootic of skin lesions, named gray-patch disease . Two types of skin lesions are associated with gray-patch disease: papules and, more characteristically, spreading gray patches which appear 7 to 8 weeks after hatching . In both types of lesions, intranuclear inclusions are found in keratinocytes in the malpighian layer of the epidermis . Electron microscopic examination of scrapings from lesions and biopsies revealed many viral particles, with features characteristic of the herpesvirus group . Transmission of gray-patch disease is possible with bacteria-free preparations of viral particles. Am J Physiol, 1975 Aug, 229(2), 479 - 83 Induced metabolic sequelae of tularemia in the rat: correlation with tissue damage; Powanda MC et al.; Serum and liver zinc concentration, amino acid uptake by liver, seromucoid content, and alpha2-macrofetoprotein production were measured in vaccinated as well as nonimmune rats exposed to either virulent (SCHU S4) or attenuated (LVS) strains of Francisella tularensi . It appears that liver damage (pyogranulomatous lesions) must occur before there is any alteration in the above variables . The presence of bacteria in the liver is not of itself sufficient to lead to the onset of systemic, induced metabolic sequelae (IMS) . The occurrence of zinc redistribution in all instances of increased serum protein synthesis may imply a necessary relationship between these two sequelae . Amino acid redistribution does not appear to be linked to serum protein synthesis . An endogenous mediator of systemic IMS can be detected in tularemic rats by injection of the serum of these animals into healthy recipients . The occurrence of zinc redistribution and increased serum protein synthesis in some groups of rats in the absence of amino acids uptake by liver, as well as the apparent differential dose responsiveness of these responses, are suggestive of a multiplicity of endogenous mediators. Lancet, 1975 Jul 26, 2(7926), 153 - 6 Gloved hand as applicator of antiseptic to operation sites; Lowbury EJ et al.; A 95% ethanol solution containing 0-5% chlorhexidine digluconate caused a significantly greater mean reduction in skin bacteria (99-9% plus or minus 0-024) when rubbed by a gloved hand on to the skin of one hand for two minutes than when applied to the same area for the same time with the traditional gauze applicator for operation sites (90-7% plus or minus 2-12) . The latter reduction, however, was greater than that reported in five previous experiments in which application of the same solution for the same time to two hands gave mean reductions varying from 79% to 84% . An aqueous solution and a 70% alcoholic solution of chlorhexidine also gave significantly greater reduction (and alcoholic povidone iodine almost significantly greater reduction) when applied by a gloved hand than on gauze . It is inferred that the effectiveness of skin disinfection depends both on the antiseptic used and on the manner of application, and varies with the amount of friction used in applying the antiseptic . Further studies on disinfection of the surgeon's hands with 0-5% chlorhexidine in 95% alcohol rubbed on and allowed to dry have supported its value and acceptability; the mean bacterial counts of washings from gloves of surgeons after operations were lower after the use of this method than after other preoperative preparations of the hands. Lancet, 1975 Jul 26, 2(7926), 150 - 3 Infusion thrombophlebitis and infection with various cannulas; Collin J et al.; A prospective study was carried out of the frequency of thrombophlebitis and bacterial contamination of cannulas associated with four commonly used intravenous cannulas of differing length and chemical composition . For all cannulas the frequency of thrombophlebitis increased significantly with time . Long 'Teflon' cannulas were significantly more likely to be contaminated with bacteria and associated with thrombophlebitis than all other cannulas, while the low frequency of thrombophlebitis with butterfly stainless steel cannulas was shown to be due to their short duration of use . It is suggested that long teflon cannulas should be avoided and that infusion thrombophlebitis could be eliminated as a clinical problem by the use of intermittent short duration intravenous infusions. Klin Wochenschr, 1975 Jul 15, 53(14), 643 - 52 {Granulocyte dysfunction . I . Inborn defects (author's transl)}; Niethammer D et al.; The insight in the function and dysfunction of granulocytes lately arouses more and more interest . This report summarises our present knowledge . In the first of two chapters the authors review the molecular basis of granulocyte function and the inborn defects of chemotaxis, opsonisation, phagocytosis and intracellular killing of bacteria and fungi. Lancet, 1975 Jul 12, 2(7924), 58 - 60 A model for gastric cancer epidemiology; Correa P et al.; It is postulated that one major subtype of gastric carcinoma ("intestinal type") is the end- result of a series of mutations and cell transformation begun in the first decade of life . The mutagen could be a nitroso compound synthesised in the upper gastrointestinal tract by the action of nitrite (i.e., from food or saliva) on naturally occurring nitrogen compounds . Under normal conditions these nitroso compounds do not reach the gastric epithelial cell, presumably because their synthesis is inhibited by antioxidants present in food or because of their inability to pass the mucous barrier . The barrier may be overcome by abrasives or irritants such as hard grains, food with high sodium-chloride concentration, or surfactants . Once the first mutation occurs, the glandular gastric epithelium is gradually changed to intestinal-type epithelium, the mucous barrier altered, and the pH elevated . Under these conditions, bacteria proliferate in the gastric cavity and facilitate the conversion of nitrates to nitrites, thereby increasing the nitrite pool and the probability of formation of mutagenic-carcinogenic nitroso compounds . This process of gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia goes on for 30 to 50 years until some of the individuals affected have the final mutation or cell transformation which allows the cell to become autonomous and invade other tissues. J Biol Chem, 1975 Jul 10, 250(13), 4955 - 8 The formation of hydrogen peroxide during the oxidation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide by cytochrome o from Vitreoscilla; Webster DA; The formation of hydrogen peroxide during the oxidation of NADH by purified preparations of cytochrome o has been demonstrated by employing three independent methods: polarographic, colorimetric, and fluorometric . The first two methods were used to assay for the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and showed that hydrogen peroxide did accumulate as a product, but only about 30% of the oxygen consumed or 15 to 20% of the NADH oxidized was recoverable as hydrogen peroxide . This lack of 1:1 stoichiometry was not due to residual catalase activity in these preparations which could be eliminated by freeze-thawing . Thus, hydrogen peroxide may not be the sole or primary product of the NADH-cytochrome o oxidase reaction . The fluorometric assay could be coupled directly to the NADH-cytochrome o oxidase reaction in one medium, and this method showed that hydrogen peroxide was generated continuously from the beginning of the reaction in a 1:1 stoichiometry, hydrogen peroxide generated to NADH oxidized . This result suggests that hydrogen peroxide is an intermediate that can be trapped efficiently under the conditions of the fluorometric assay, whereas under the conditions of the first two assays most of the hydrogen peroxide generated undergoes further reaction . Exogenously added FAD or FMN increased the percentage of hydrogen peroxide that accumulated in the NADHcytochrome o oxidase reaction . Flavin is believed to act on the reductase side of cytochrome o so the increased percentage of hydrogen peroxide is not likely to result from the direct reaction of reduced flavin with oxygen. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd, 1975 Jul, 167(1), 34 - 45 {Soft contactlenses in general practice (author's transl)}; Miller B; In contrast to the hard lenses the soft lens has enough permeability for oxygen and water-soluble substances, whereas high molecular substances, bacteria and virus cannot penetrate the soft lenses, so long as their surfaces are intact . The two principal production methods, the spin cast method and the lathe-turned method are compared . The duration of wearing of the soft lens depends on the deposits of proteins from the tears on the surface of the lens and the desinfection method . The daily boiling of the lenses shortens their useful life, while chemical desinfection causes besides bacteriolysis, damage of the corneal cell protein . The new cleaners on the base of proteolytic plant enzymes promise good results . For the optical correction of astigmatism with more than 1 cyl, soft lenses with conic outer surface are used or combinations of a soft and a hard lens (Duosystem) . The therapeutic use of soft lenses has as aim: protection of the cornea against mechanical irritation, release of pain, protracted administration output of medicaments . Further indications for use: aseptic corneal inflammation and corneal defects. Br J Nutr, 1975 Jul, 34(1), 25 - 44 Changes in the rumen metabolism of sheep given increasing amounts of linseed oil in their diet; Czerkawski JW et al.; 1 . Linseed oil was incorporated gradually into the diet of four sheep until the animals received 90 g additional fat/d . Attempts were made to measure changes in concentration of substances and rates of synthesis in the rumen directly, and by incubation of rumen contents in vitro (zero-time technique) . 2 . The high-fat diet increased the dilution rate and the volume of rumen contents and decreased the synthesis of diaminopimelic acid in the rumen . The number of protozoa decreased and the number of bacteria increased in the rumen of animals receiving the high-fat diet . 3 . The concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the rumen decreased for sheep given the high-fat diet, but the capacity of rumen contents to produce VFA in vitro increased . 4 . The incorporation of radioactivity from {14C}acetate into lipids during incubation of rumen contents vitro increased with the amount of linseed oil in the diet . The greatest proportional increase was with the bacterial fraction of rumen contents . 5 . In the group of four animals used, one animal showed consistent differences in the magnitude of the measured varibles . This animal appeared to have a smaller rumen, a lower dilution rate and larger concentrations of some substances in the rumen . A higher proportion of fatty acids appeared to be synthsized by the micro-organisms from this animal. Tsitologiia, 1975 Jul, 17(7), 846 - 53 {Quantitative description of the process of radiation inactivation of cells . VII . Nature of primary radiation lesions leading to reproductive cell death}; Barsukov VS; The entity of radiation damage of viruses, bacteria and cells is defined by the organization of genetic structures . Asimmetrical chromosome exchanges have been proposed as the main reason of inactivation of di- and polyploid eukaryotic cells . If a single molecule of DNA is taken for the core of chromosome, the exchange is believed to be a consequence of cross-polymerization of two polypeptid strands of the single DNA molecule . Thus, the double strand break of DNA is necessary to produce aberration . A hypothesis is put forward on the identity of primary lesion of chromosome with the double strand break . The experimental survival curve is approximated according to the formula derived from the model . The yield of primary lesions of chromosomes is proposed to be equal to that of double strand breaks of chromosomes in order to examine the validity of the hypothesis . The optimal interaction distance of primary lesions in correspondence with parameters of the survival curve is equal to 0.8 mkm . This estimation is in good agreement with the microdosimetrical data, and the proposed hypothesis is not contradicted. Equine Vet J, 1975 Jul, 7(3), 155 - 9 The relation of infection to infertility in the mare and stallion; Hughes JP et al.; Many normally fertile stallions harbour bacteria in and on the genital organs . Many mares served by such stallions are unaffected by the bacteria to which they are thus exposed; however, some mares so exposed will become infected and diseased . Presumably, the genital defenses of such mares had been compromised . Strain differences in pathogenicity of bacteria do exist . Some mares affected with pyometra had irregular ovarian activity and some had normal ovarian cycles . In the former group, destruction of the endometrium many have prevented the production of endogenous luteolysin . The leukopenia which occurs in both groups is due to neurtropenia. Can J Microbiol, 1975 Jul, 21(7), 1025 - 31 Enhancement of adhesion of the marine Chlorella vulgaris to glass; Tosteson TR et al.; The adhesion of washed cells of a marine Chlorella vulgaris to solid surfaces was enhanced by non-diffusible material recovered from Chlorella exudate, marine bacterial cultures, natural seawater, and fouled marine surfaces . Materials isolated from certain bacterial cultures and from particulate materials filtered from seawater were three orders of magnitude more active than Chlorella exudate per unit weight . Active polymer materials from several sources were chromatographed on DEAE cellulose . The major fraction eluted with dilute base contained both protein and carbohydrate and enhanced adhesion more than the unchromatographed material. Appl Microbiol, 1975 Jul, 30(1), 79 - 81 Degradation of petroleum by an alga, Prototheca zopfii; Walker JD et al.; Prototheca zopfii is an achlorophyllous alga which degrades oil . It has been found to degrade 10 and 40% of a motor oil and crude oil, respectively, when tested under appropriate conditions . Degradation of the crude oil observed in this study compares well with the amount of degradation accomplished by bacteria . P . zopfii was found to degrade a greater percentage of the aromatic hydrocarbons in motor oil than of the saturated hydrocarbons and a greater percentage of saturated hydrocarbons in crude oil than of aromatic hydrocarbons . Resins and asphaltens were produced during degradation of motor oil, whereas these fractions in crude oil were degraded . P . zopfii did not demonstrate preferential utilization of lower homologues of cycloalkanes and aromatics as has been observed with bacteria. Can J Comp Med, 1975 Jul, 39(3), 349 - 53 A simple method for rapid identification of Sphaerophorus necrophorus isolates; Simon PC; A hemagglutination inhibition test for the rapid identification of Sphaerophorus necrophorus is described . Erythrocytes from six species of animals were tested and human cells were found to be the best agglutination indicators . Antiserum prepared in rabbits was found to be specific for S . necrophorus hemagglutinins when tested against 20 isolates of S . necrophorus and 117 other bacteria belonging to 22 genera . The possibility of using a hemagglutination inhibition test for the detection of bovine necrobacillosis was explored. Sci Total Environ, 1975 Jul, 4(2), 185 - 92 Toxicity and pollution potential of thallium; Zitko V; Toxicity and pollution potential of thallium are reviewed . Thallium is slightly more acutely toxic to mammals than mercury, and as acutely toxic as copper to fish . Its present industrial uses are too limited to generate pollution, but thallium, discharged in wastes from mines, ore-processing, and coal-burning plants, is contaminating the environment. Cell, 1975 Jul, 5(3), 263 - 9 Temporal order in yeast chromosome replication; Burke W et al.; Previous work with bacteria has shown that a gene is maximally sensitive to mutagenesis by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NG) at the time it is being replicated . NG was used to test for temporal order in the replication of the genome of the unicellular eucaryote, Saccaromyces cerevisiae . Yeast cells growing exponentially were more sensitive to mutagenesis by NG than cells in which DNA synthesis had been inhibited . Further, in a synchronized population of cells, individual genetic markers exhibited maximum sensitivity to muta-genesis at distinct limited intervals within the DNA synthesis period . The peaks of sensitivity are interpreted as reflecting the times of replication of different genes . Since markers for five genes on four different chromosomes showed discrete periods of maximum sensitivity, it is likely that temporal ordering of replication exists for most genes in the yeast genome . These results imply that sites for initiation of DNA replication occur at fairly specific regions along yeast chromosomal DNA moleucles, and are activated at predetermined times in the DNA synthesis period. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1975 Jul, 72(7), 2719 - 23 Biosynthesis of delta-aminolevulinic acid from the intact carbon skeleton of glutamic acid in greening barley; Beale SI et al.; The customary route in animals and bacteria for delta-aminolevulinic acid biosynthesis is from glycine and succinyl CoA, catalyzed by the enzyme delta-aminolevulinic acid synthetase {succinyl-CoA:glycine C-succinyltransferase (decarboxylating), EC 2.3.1.37} . Attempts to demonstrate this route in plants have been unsuccessful . Evidence is given for a new enzymic route of synthesis of delta-aminolevulinic acid in plants . This route involves the incorporation of the intact five-carbon skeleton of glutamic acid into delta-aminolevulinic acid . Demonstration of the new pathway in plants has been made by feeding specifically labeled {14C}glutamic acid to etiolated barley shoots greening in the light . In the presence of levulinate, a competitive inhibitor of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydrastase {porphobilinogen synthase; delta-aminolevulinate hydro-lyase (adding delta-aminolevulinate and cyclizing); EC 4.2.1.24}, delta-aminolevulinate accumulates . The delta-aminolevulinate formed was chemically degraded by periodate to formaldehyde and succinic acid . The C5 (formaldehyde) fragment was separated, as the 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione (dimedone) derivative, from the C1-C4 (succinic acid) fragment . The C5 atom contained radioactivity predominantly derived from C1 of glutamic acid . Conversely, the labeled C3 and C4 atoms of glutamic acid were found primarily in the succinic acid (C1-C4) fragment of delta-aminolevulinate . This labeling pattern for delta-aminolevulinic acid is consistent with a biosynthetic route utilizing the intact five-carbon skeleton of alpha-ketoglutarate, glutamate, or glutamine, and is inconsistent with the delta-aminolevulinic acid synthetase pathway utilizing glycine and succinyl CoA as precursors. J Periodontol, 1975 Jul, 46(7), 409 - 14 Chemotactic ability of dental plaque upon autologous or heterologous human polymorphonuclear leukocytes; Miller RL et al.; The chemotactic effect of pooled human plaque suspension, supernatant, and ultrafiltrate upon heterologous human PMNs was investigated using the Boyden chamber technique . It was observed that pooled plaque suspensions (20 mg/ml) were consistently chemotactic for heterologous human PMN cells . Whole plaque suspensions were most chemotactic, and the supernatant was approximately half as active, while the bacteria-free ultrafiltrate induced a negligible chemotactic response . Chemotactic assays of individual plaque suspensions were also performed . Twelve male subjects were paired according to age and PDI scores to assess whether the PMN cells of certain individuals responded differently to their autologous plaque . When comparing subjects with high or low PDI scores, there were no significant differences in the chemotactic responses . However, a trend of reduced chemotaxis was observed in most subjects with a high PDI . When the subjects were arbitrarily divided into groups with high and low plaque indices, a greater overall chemotactic response was generated by the higher plaque formers . The differences between the two groups, however, were not statistically significant. Blood, 1975 Jul, 46(1), 17 - 26 Functional and morphologic characteristics of the leukemic cells of a patient with acute monocytic leukemia: correlation with clinical features; Schiffer CA et al.; The clinical course of a patient with acute monocytic leukemia and prominent infiltration of the skin and testes is described . In vitro studies demonstrated that the circulating monocyte precursors were capable of adherence to nylon fibers, and phagocytosis of bacteria and latex particles . In vivo, migration of leukemic cells to skin windows was observed . Extreme nuclear folding, marked surface activity, and morphologic features suggesting nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation were seen by light and electron microscopy . The presence of morphologically and functionally more differentiated monocytic cells may account for the marked tiuuse invasion in this patient and, possibly, in other patients with monocytic leukemia. Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig B}, 1975 Jul, 160(4-5), 473 - 98 {Transfer of organisms during exchange of heat and moisture in air conditioning installations (author's transl)}; Beckert J et al.; With the exhaust air from ventilation and air conditioning installations escaping into the open, the heat content is also lost which fresh air from outside obtains at considerable expense of energy and technical equipment . The heat content, on the other hand, consists of about equal proportions of sensible heat and latent heat which is associated with the moisture content of the air . In order to regain the heat content of the escaping air so as to be able to use it again - and this is becoming increasingly important with rising energy costs - heat exchangers are necessary which remove the heat content from the exhaust air and transfer it to the fresh air from outside . With the high proportion of latent heat, this energy exchange is only effective if the latent heat can also be regained . For this purpose it is essential to have exchange surfaces which store and transfer both heat and moisture . To achieve this they must come into contact with the exhaust air stream and the fresh air stream alternately . Technically, this is done in a simple way by resolving rotor-like storage material . But a rigid separation of the air streams is no longer possible . Even if it is known that there are very highly developed sealing elements between the fixed and moving parts, the question whether particles from the exhaust air can get into the newly introduced outside air through the rotating storage material still gains in importance in certain types of usuage . For example, this is of importance for hospitals, especially in the operation areas in which air conditioning is desirable for 24 hours daily on hygienic grounds, but also in schools and offices where the present normal practice, for economic reasons, of recirculating air is to be avoided to stop the transference of infections pathogens and odours . In various places, experiments have been carried out earlier with heat exchangers consisting of asbestos board and with rotating storage material coated with lithium chloride and a particularly high degree of exchange achieved . The experiments are published and had the result that nothing was transferred which could give rise to objection . Yet these experiments have been criticised from various points of view. Scand J Dent Res, 1975 Jul, 83(1), 193 - 201 Presence or absence of plaque on subgingival restorations; Waerhaug J; One hundred and eight extracted teeth with restorations placed below the gingival margin were stained and examined under the stereomicroscope with the aim of scoring presence or absence of subgingival plaque . Individual observations showed that a subgingival restoration can be completely covered with plaque in as short a time as 6 weeks and it can be free of plaque for as long as 2 years . In the material as a whole about 9 out of 10 of the restorations were covered with plaque subgingivally . Since the material is selected, these proportions cannot be claimed to be valid for the population as a whole, but the observations suggest that plaque sooner or later will accumulate on most if not all subgingival restorations . Rough surfaces and or inadequate marginal adaptation are likely to facilitate a more rapid adherence of bacteria to the restorations than to the smooth tooth surface . It is concluded that restorations placed below the gingival margin indirectly are stongly involved in the etiology of destructive periodontal disease and the cause of many extractions. Biochem J, 1975 Jul, 150(1), 141 - 4 Regulation of citrate synthase activity in methylotrophs by reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide, adenine nucleotides and 2-oxoglutarate; Colby J et al.; Citrate synthase from two typical facultative methylotrophs, but not from four obligate methylotrophs or from two restricted facultative methylotrophs, is inhibited by 0.1 mM-NADH . ATP or ADP (both at 10mM) inhibits all the citrate synthases, whereas 2-oxoglutarate (10mM) inhibits those from only three of the eight methylotrophs. Tsitologiia, 1975 Jul, 17(7), 739 - 47 {Ultrastructure of the cytoplasm of the lower holotrichous infusorian Tracheloraphis prenanti}; Raikov IB; The ciliature of T . prenanti Dragesco 1960 (forma oligocineta Raikov et Kovaleva, 1968) consists of 14-18 ventral and lateral longitudinal kineties with paired kinetosomes, carrying either two cilia or one cilium per kinetosome pair (in the latter case, the nonciliated kinetosome is always the posterior one) . The ectoplasmic fibrillar system belongs to the postciliary type . A pair of kinetosomes shares a common basal plate . The anterior kinetosome gives rise to a short ribbon of transverse microtubules, the posterior one, to a poorly developed kinetodesmal filament and to a strong ribbon of postciliary microtubules . The latter proceeds backwards along 8 to 12 kinetosome pairs, being incorporated into a laminated postciliodesma which accompanies each kinety on its right side . Rows of Golgi elements, sending secretory vesicles and channels towards the body surface, exist beneath the kinetosome bases . Each kinety is accompanied on its left by a microfibrillar myoneme, surrounded by perimyary vesicles and underlain by a row of mitochondria . The median part of the dorsal surface is nonciliated; the cytoplasm here is rich of membrane systems, contains peripheral, electron-dense, extrusible inclusions and sometimes also bacteria . The electron-dense inclusions develop in the endoplasm, in close contact with mitochondria . The endoplasm contains also large microfibrillar spheres of unknown nature. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1975 Jul, 40(1), 56 - 60 Peritonsillolith; Samant HC et al.; Peritonsillolith appears to be an unknown entity . Two cases of lithiasis in the peritonsillar region following spontaneous rupture of peritonsillar abscesses have been reported . The authors have speculated concerning the cause of stone formation in the peritonsillar region, which has been designated "peritonsillolith," on the basis of lithiasis in other regions of the body, such as gallbladder, kidneys, and salivary glands . Peritonsilloliths most likely form as a result of incomplete evacuation of pus, the dead bacteria and the pus cells providing the nidus for their formation . The salts of these stones are undoubtedly derived from the inflammatory exudates and saliva. Z Immunitatsforsch Exp Klin Immunol, 1975 Jul, 149(2-4), 341 - 8 Peptidoglycan adjuvants: minimal structure required for activity; Adam A et al.; The chemical structure of the adjuvant active fraction of mycobacterial cell walls has been investigated . It had been shown previously that soluble peptidoglycan fragments obtained from cell walls of Mycobacteria by lysozyme digestion or by other treatments act as adjuvants for increasing both humoral and cellular immunity . We then found that even the monomer subunit of the peptidoglycan of Mycobacteria (i.e . a disaccharide-tetrapeptide) is adjuvant active; then, similar compounds from other strains of bacteria were tested; the monomeric subunits of meso-diaminopimelic acid as well as L-lysine containing peptidoglycans were found to be adjuvant active . The smallest active compound studied so far is N-acetyl-muramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine synthesized for us by SINAY et al . (1975). Z Immunitatsforsch Exp Klin Immunol, 1975 Jul, 149(2-4), 214 - 29 Physical state and biological activity of lipopolysaccharides . Toxicity and immunogenicity of the lipid A component; Galanos C; Bacterial lipopolysaccharides are negatively charged macromolecules due to the presence of phosphate, pyrophosphate and carboxyl groups . When isolated from bacteria, they are obtained in salt form with metal cations and basic amines . Removal of these ionically bound substances by electrodialysis leads to acidic lipopolysaccharides which on neutralizing with different bases, preparations are obtained which show distinct differences in their physico-chemical properties and in their biological activity . Soluble lipopolysaccharides interact with complement leading to loss of hemolytic activity . This property is embedded in the lipid A part of the molecule and is expressed only when the lipopolysaccharide is present in a favourable particle size . Nevertheless, a number of lipopolysaccharides exists, which, regardless of their particle size do not interact with complement . Lipid A is the part of the molecule responsible for endotoxicity . This was demonstrated by employing solubilized lipid A in complex form with BSA . Soluble lipid A/BSA complexes proved highly toxic for mice and pyrogenic in rabbits, and express many biological activities exhibited by intact lipopolysaccharides . Lipid A, when exposed on the bacterial cell-surface acts as a powerful immunogen, giving rise to the production of specific anti-lipid A antibodies that interact with the lipid A obtained from lipopolysaccharides that are otherwise distinct in their O-serological specificity . Anti-lipid A antibodies occur naturally in the serum of many animals and humans . The biological significance of anti-lipid A antibodies is discussed. J Periodontol, 1975 Jul, 46(7), 415 - 20 Histochemistry and scanning electron microscopy of tooth integumental material in humans; Galil KA; Plaque material on human teeth was investigated using histochemical techniques and scanning electron microscopy . A positive reaction for protein, cargohydrate, and lipids was seen around the fissures and in a well-defined band around the sides of the tooth corresponding to the highest contour . These regions are the location of dense aggregates of bacteria as seen with scanning electron microscopy . This study emphasizes the fact that considerable attention should be given to the cleaning of not only the occlusal surfaces but also the highest contour of the tooth. Hum Pathol, 1975 Jul, 6(4), 443 - 54 Whipple's disease . An example of the value of the electron microscope in diagnosis, follow-up, and correlation of a pathologic process; Morningstar WA; Two cases of Whipple's disease were followed by electron microscopic study of periodic peroral suction biopsy specimens of small intestine to show the presence and disappearance of the interstitial lamina proprial organisms, the sequential changes of the macrophages, and the return to normal leukocytic population of the lamina propria following prolonged treatment with tetracycline . The value of electron microscopy in the detection of small numbers of micro-organisms is demonstrated . Ultrastructural study is the most efficient method of demonstrating the presence of diagnostic micro-organisms, measuring the adequacy of treatment, and identifying possible early reactivation of infection. Circulation, 1975 Jul, 52(1), 152 - 6 Cardiac involvement in Whipple's disease; McAllister HA Jr et al.; Although cardiac involvement in Whipple's disease has been reported previously, the extent and significance of such involvement has not been stressed . In our series of 19 patients, 58% had clinical cardiac findings and 79% had gross cardiac lesions at autopsy . Histologically there were PAS-positive macrophages in the pericardium, myocardium, and valves of each of these patients . These collections of macrophages were associated with chronic inflammatory cells and foci of fibrosis with resultant adhesive pericarditis, focal myocardial fibrosis similar to the fibrosis of idiopathic cardiomyopathy, and valvular fibrosis with deformity grossly resembling the valvular lesions of chronic rheumatic heart disease . Four of the patients with mitral valvular deformity had cardiac murmurs, and ECG changes were noted in six patients with mitral myocardial fibrosis . In addition, pericardial friction rubs were heard in two patients . By electron microscopy rod-shaped bodies, presumably bacteria, were noted in the mitral valve and myocardium . The structures are identical to those described in the small intestinal mucosa of patients with Whipple's disease and presumably are the causative agent of the pancardiopathy. JAMA, 1975 Jun 30, 232(13), 1337 - 8 High incidence of precipitins in sera of heroin addicts; Smith WR et al.; We analyzed sera of 50 consecutively hospitalized heroin-abuse patients for precipitins against several antigens . Forty-seven addicts had precipitins against extracts from moldy hay, and 34 against extracts from bagasse . Thirty-six showed precipitin bands against extracts from one or more of the following: Aspergillus, Micropolyspora faeni, and Thermoactinomyces vulgaris . These findings were significantly different from those of a control population (P less than .0001 for all antigens tested) . The recent culture identification of bacteria and fungi from street heroin suggests that the addicted population may be injecting antigenic material intravenously, with subsequent antibody formation. Lancet, 1975 Jun 21, 1(7921), 1353 - 5 Effect of intravenous B.C.G . in guineapigs and pertinence to cancer immunotherapy in man; Muggleton PW et al.; Intravenous injection of heat-killed or irradiated B.C.G into tuberculin-positive guineapigs produced macroscopic lesions in the lung when examined 10 days or 4 or 6 weeks later . Microscopically, granulomas typical of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction were seen . Intravenous B.C.G . in normal guineapigs did not produce lesions . At equivalent doses to the killed vaccine, viable vaccine caused only mild lesions . Liver lesions were also found on early examination but by 4 weeks had almost resolved . Acid/alcohol-fast bacteria were only rarely detected . Purified portein derivative did not produce lesions, and antihistamine treatment did not modify the results . These results suggest that B.C.G . should be given by the intravenous route for cancer immunotherapy in man with great caution, especially in tuberculin-sensitive persons . The guineapig observations stress that hypersensitisation is a potential complicating feature of cancer immunotherapy, and this is discussed in the light of published clinical experience of B.C.G . by various routes . It is concluded that B.C.G . vaccines with a high proportion of viable organisms are to be preferred. Dtsch Med Wochenschr, 1975 Jun 20, 100(25), 1390 - 2 {Whipple's disease}; Franken FH et al.; Whipple's disease is characterized morphologically by macrophages in the small intestine which store PAS-postive material, as well as coarsening and atrophy of the intestinal villi, with pseudocystic cavitations . Without treatment it ends fatally due to irreversible diarrhoea and cachexia . Until 1963, only 90 cases had been diagnosed, most of them at autopsy . Intestinal biopsy has facilitated the diagnosis in life . Treatment with antibiotics results in dramitic improvement and remission for many years . From this an at least partial bacterial cause of the disease has been deducted, but it has not been possible so far to identigy more precisely any causative bacteria . Two cases of Whple's disease with some special features are reported . Both occurred in women (previous reports were almost entirely of men) . The severely ill patients were cured by tetracycline within a few weeks and have remained completely well at follow-up examinations . The morphological changes in the intestinal mucosa had partially regressed. Radiat Environ Biophys, 1975 Jun 18, 12(2), 85 - 99 Biological damage from the Auger effect, possible benefits; Feinendegen LE; Decay of radioactive isotopes by K-capture leads to the Auger effect and results in the loss of several orbital electrons and the emission of X-rays . Whereas radiation effects are produced from the emitted electrons, the consequences of the Auger effect are strictly localized to the site of the decaying nuclide . The paper reviews the biological consequences of the decay of 125I which produces the Auger effect . Nearly all data were obtained from DNA labeled with 125I-5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IUdR) in bacteria and mammalian cells . Parameters of effects were cell death, DNA strand breaks, and mutation induction . In order to recognize in a cell the contribution from the Auger effect and that of absorbed radiation, experimental data are analysed in terms of the specific energy for the nuclear volume which contains the isotope . The data indicate that decay of 125I is far more toxic than is expected on the basis of absorbed dose to the labeled nucleus . Moreover, it is emphasized that the toxicity of the 125I decay is largely determined by events immediately localized to the site of decay . Because the consequences of the Auger effect are stricly localized to the molecular site of the decay, 125I and perhaps other nuclides decaying by K-capture promise to be interesting tools in cell biology and molecular biology . First data on the Auger effect as a tool are summarized . It appears that recognizable biological damage is only observed when the Auger effect takes place in vitally important molecules, an example of which is DNA. Can Med Assoc J, 1975 Jun 14, 112(13 Spec No), 89 - 90 Use of high-dosage trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in sinusitis; Whitehead E; The combination trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was given in high dosage (four tablets twice daily) for either 2 or 5 days to 20 patients with sinusitis diagnosed on clinical grounds . In 11 the infection was improved or cured . Swabs cultured from 18 patients of the series produced no growth in 8 . The organisms most likely to be isolated are Hemophilus influenzae and Diplococcus pneumoniae. MMW Munch Med Wochenschr, 1975 Jun 13, 117(24), 1033 - 6 {Possibilities of differenciating mycoplasma serologically and by protein analysis (author's transl)}; Blenk H et al.; The problem of serological differentiation of the various mycoplasma strains and their demarcation from the L-phase variants of bacteria are based on the fact that it is difficult to obtain highly purified antisera which are only directed towards the cell membrane . For this reason an attempt was made by means of diselectrophoresis to determine the plasma and membrane proteins of various mycoplasma strains and L-phase variants and to evaluate them from differential diagnostic point of view . The results suggest that an unequivocal and rational differentiation is possible by this method of examination. J Biol Chem, 1975 Jun 10, 250(11), 4113 - 9 Thyroid hormone receptors . Binding characteristics and lack of hormonal dependency for nuclear localization; Spindler BJ et al.; Thyroid hormones have diverse effects on growth and metabolism . Specific "receptor" proteins which bind triiodothyronine and other biologically active analogs and which may be involved in thyroid hormone action have been recently found in nuclei of responsive tissues . This report presents studies of these receptors in rat liver nuclei . Confirming previous reports, a Scatchard analysis of the binding data suggests the reaction, triiodothyronine + specific receptor in equilibrium with triiodothyronine-receptor complex, with an apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) at 22 degrees of about 190 pM and a capacity of about 1 pmol of triiodothyronine-binding sites per mg of DNA . The kinetics of the binding were also examined . Triiodothyronine-receptor complex formation is second order and dissociation is first order . The apparent association (k+1) and dissociation (k minus 1) rate constants at 22 degrees are, respectively, 4.7 times 10-7 m-minus 1 min-minus 1 and 7.6 times 10-minus 3 min-minus 1 . The apparent Kd, estimated from the ratio of the rate constants (k minus 1:k+1), was about 150 pM, similar to that determined from the equilibrium data . These data support the expression written above for the interaction of thyroid hormone with its receptor . Additional kinetic experiments indicate that some of the triiodothyronine binding by cell-free nuclei is to sites previously occupied by hormone in the intact animal, providing further evidence that the intact cell and cell-free reactions are the same . It was previously found that nuclear-bound triiodothyronine is localized in chromatin . We found that isolated chromatin retains specific binding activity similar to that of isolated nuclei . Thus, binding may not require cytoplasmic, nucleoplasmic, or nuclear membrane factors . These findings may imply that chromatin localization of the receptor does not depend on the hormone . This idea is supported by an earlier finding that binding activity is present in nuclei from thyroidectomized animals . However, many stimuli such as steroid hormones, bacterial inducers, and cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate in bacteria influence regulatory proteins at the gene level by promoting the protein's addition to or removal from chromatin . Thus, we studied the effect of thyroid hormone on the nuclear content of receptors under assay conditions of receptor stability and reversible binding . Receptor levels in hypothyroid animals are identical with those in euthyroid animals . These data suggest that the hormone does not influence the nuclear localization of receptors . Thus, the basis for thyroid hormone action may be to regulate the activity of receptors resident in chromatin rather than to promote receptor addition to or removal from chromatin. Lancet, 1975 Jun 7, 1(7919), 1272 - 4 Possible pathogenic role of endotoxin in Reye's syndrome; Cooperstock MS et al.; Evidence of circulating endotoxin was sought in children with Reye's syndrome, on the thesis that severe hepatic failure is likely to result in loss of capacity to detoxify intestinal endotoxins entering the circulation . A modification of the Limulus assay was used to demonstrate high levels of endotoxin-like activity (E.L.A.) in nine comatose patients with Reye's syndrome and in one of the two non-comatose patients . The symptom-free sibling of one patient had raised liver enzymes and a negative Limulus test . Plasma E.L.A . correlated significantly with degree of electroencephalographic disturbance early in the course of the illness . E.L.A . was also found in both of two cerebrospinal fluids evaluated . Preliminary in-vitro characterisation of this substance indicated that it resembled endotoxin derived from anaerobic intestinal bacteria . Intestinally derived endotoxin could be one factor in the pathogenesis of encephalopathy and other features of Reye's syndrome. N Engl J Med, 1975 Jun 5, 292(23), 1199 - 205 Etiology of nongonococcal urethritis; Holmes KK et al.; PIP: Chlamydia trachomartis was isolated from the urethra from 48 (42%) of 113 men with nongonococcal uethritis (NGU), 4 (7%) of 58 without overt urethritis, and 13 (19%) of 69 with gonorrhea . Postonococcal urethritis (PGU) developed in 11 of 11 men who had C . trachomatis . In 9 of 17 culture-positive seronegative patients with NGU or PGU, serum antibody to C . trachomatis developed . The immunotype specificity of chlamydial antibody corresponded to the immunotype isolated . Among culture-negative patients, chlamydial antibody prevalence correlated with the number of past sex partners and with previous NGU . Herpesvirus hominis, cytomegalovirus, T-mycoplasma, mycolpasma hominis, other bacteria, and Trichomanas vaginalis were not implicated in NGU or PGU . Thus, the cause of chlamydia-negative NGU and PGU remains obscure . Endocervical chlamydia were found in sex partners of 15 of 22 NGU patients with and 2 of 24 without urethral chlamydial infection (p0.001) . Tetracycline treatment of both sex partners appears advisable . Z Erkr Atmungsorgane, 1975 Jun, 143(3), 203 - 11 {Differentiation and identification of mycobacteria by means of thin-layer chromatography of their lipids . I . Application for the classification of rapidly growing mycobacteria (author's transl)}; Sehrt I et al.; Experiences with the analysis of mycobacterial lipids by means of thin-layer chromatography are described . The influence of different media used for the cultivation of the strains, the age of cultures and heating of the bacteria on the lipid patterns was investigated . 25 strains of rapid growers belonging to various species were examined by a definite procedure . As the results indicate the lipid analysis allows a differentiation of more species than with the usual culture and enzymatic methods . The conclusions especially for taxonomic problems are discussed. Biken J, 1975 Jun, 18(2), 105 - 11 Immunoadjuvant activities of synthetic N-acetyl-muramyl-peptides or -amino acids; Kotani S et al.; A variety of N-acetylmuramyl-peptides (or -amino acids) were prepared by condensation of benzyl N-acetyl-4, 6-O-brnzylidene-alpha-muramide with various peptide (or amino acid) benzyl esters by the dicyclohexylcarbodiimide--N-hydroxysuccinimide or ethylchlorocarbonate--N-methylmorpholine method and removal of the protecting groups by hyderogenolysis . N-Acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine was identified as the minimum structural entity essential for the immunoadjuvant activities characteristic of bacterial cell walls . Consequently N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanine was not adjuvant active . The tetrapeptide portion of adjuvant-active N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutaminyl-L-lysyl-D-alanine proved to be inert, at least in induction of delayed-type hypersensitivity . The possible adjuvant activities of various analogues or diastereomers of the above N-acetylmuramyl-dipeptide and related compounds were studied . N-Acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-glutamic acid exhibited weak, but definite adjuvancy, but none of the others, including N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-L-isoglutamine, N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-glutamine and N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoasparagine, had any adjuvant activity . This clearly indicated the importance of the configuration of the glutamic acid residue or its amides, i.e . the presence of the D-isoglutamine residue in the N-acetylmuramyl-dipeptide, for manifestation of adjuvant activities in stimulation of both antibody-mediated and cell-mediated immune responses . Neither N-acetylmuramyl-D-isoglutamine nor N-acetylmuramyl-D-alanine had any adjuvancy. Acta Pathol Microbiol Scand {B}, 1975 Jun, 83(3), 187 - 90 On twitching motility and its mechanism; Henrichsen J; Previously published reports have established a correlation between twitching motility and the possession of polar fimbriae in all cases examined . Twitching motility was shown to be highly dependent on the availability of liquid at the agar surface . In the present paper experiments are reported that establish: 1) the dependence of twitching on the existence of a layer of liquid of a particular thickness, 2) the production of such a liquid layer surrounding areas of growing organisms, and 3) the affinity of twitching bacteria for the air-water interface . Reasoning from these facts, it is postulated that the demonstrated affinity for the air-water interface is conferred upon the cells by the polar fimbriae . It is also suggested how the movements might be generated. Genetics, 1975 Jun, 79 Suppl, 359 - 72 Mutagenesis of haploid cultured frog cells; Mezger-Freed L; Haploid cells afford an opportunity to test some of the assumptions from bacterial genetics which have been adopted by somatic cell geneticists . Haploid cultured cell lines derived from the grass frog Rana pipiens were compared to diploid cell lines in order to test a model which predicts that recessive mutations will be expressed in diploid cells with a frequency equal to the square of that in haploid cells . Haploid and diploid monolayer cultures were compared for (1) survival after exposure to compounds known to be mutagenic for bacteria (a measure of the frequency with which lethal mutations are expressed), and (2) the induction of drug-resistant variants (putative mutants) by such compounds . The proportion of cells which survived from diploid cultures was no more than ten times that from haploid cultures, a much smaller difference than predicted . Furthermore, the frequency of drug-resistant variants was independent of polidy . Therefore, the validity of the following assumptions is in question: (1) Haploid eukaryotic cells express mutations with a frequency comparable to that in bacteria; (2) molecules which increase the frequency of stable phenotypic variants in culture do so by inducing gene mutations; (3) stable phenotypic variants whose frequency in culture is increased by putative mutagens arise as the result of gene mutation. Am J Surg, 1975 Jun, 129(6), 716 - 7 A new filtered sump tube for wound drainage; Golden GT et al.; A new filtered sump tube has been designed for drainage of collections of fluids from wounds without the danger of infection by airborne contaminants . A two-staged filter has been attached to the vent lumen that removes particulate matter and bacteria from the air that passes through the filter . A clinical evaluation of this tube confirms the superiority of sump drainage as compared with closed suction drainage in the removal of fluids from wounds or cavities. Ann Surg, 1975 Jun, 181(6), 857 - 62 Strike-through of moist contamination by woven and nonwoven surgical materials; Laufman H et al.; A test is described which correlates the stress of stretching surgical gown and drape material with moist bacterial strike-through . By application of this test to a number of woven and nonwoven surgical gown and drape materials, it was found that not all of these materials, either woven or nonwoven, are impermeable to moist contamination for equal periods of time . Nonwoven disposable materials now in use range from those which remain impermeable to moist bacterial permeation through all tests while some remain impermeable for limited periods of time, and others almost immediately permeable to moist bacterial penetration . The same situation holds for woven materials . Under conditions of our test, Quarpel treated Pima tight-woven cotton cloth was impermeable to moist bacterial strike-through, through up to 75 washing and sterilizing cyclings, while ordinary linen and untreated Pima cloth permitted bacterial permeation almost immediately . These results have significance in lengthy wet surgical operations. J Bacteriol, 1975 Jun, 122(3), 976 - 86 Prosthecae of Asticcacaulis biprosthecum: system for the study of membrane transport; Porter JS et al.; Prosthecae removed from cells of Asticcacaulis biprosthecum were examined for their ability to accumulate proline, alanine, aspartate, glutamate, and glucose against a concentration gradient . The transport of all of these compounds into prosthecae was stimulated by the nonphysiological electron donors phenazine methosulfate and N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylene diamine dihydrochloride . Reduced pyridine nucleotides caused very slight stimulation of transport of proline and glucose . Other physiological electron donors did not stimulate uptake . Evidence is presented indicating that the failure of certain potential electron donors to drive respiratory chain-linked transport is due to the inabilityof these compounds to enter prosthecae rather than to the absence of enzymes for their oxidation in prosthecae . Inhibition of respiration and uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation, with the exception of arsenate, inhibit active transport systems of prosthecae. Ann Trop Med Parasitol, 1975 Jun, 69(2), 197 - 202 Fine structural changes at Entamoeba histolytica rabbit kidney cell (RK 13) interface; Knight R et al.; When bacteria-free trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica were added to a monolayer of rabbit kidney cells, cellular injury occurred at the sites of contact . Changes appeared within the cell cytoplasm before there was any generalized cell membrane damage . At some points of contact there was apparent fusion of amoebic and cell cytoplasm . Electron-dense bodies, here interpreted as liposomes, were present in the amoebic cytoplasm and beneath the surface membrane . No surface lysosomes were seen . Various modes of cell damage and enzyme transfer from amoeba to cell are suggested, together with the possibility that cytopathic amoebae are infected with virus particles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1975 Jun, 72(6), 2032 - 6 Mucopolysaccharides associated with nuclei of cultured mammalian cells; Bhavanandan VP et al.; Mucopolysaccharides have been isolated, fractionated, and characterized from the nuclei of cultured B16 mouse melanoma cells grown in the presence of (3-H)-glucosamine and (35-S)sulfate . Digestion of the nuclei with DNase followed by Pronase gave a mixture of complex carbohydrates from which the mucopolysaccharides were isolated by precipitation with cetylpyridinium chloride . After fractionation by differential salt extraction and chromatography on controlled pore glass bead columns, the components were identified by chemical and enzymatic methods . The major polysaccharide components were a family of high-molecular-weight chondroitin sulfates with different degrees of sulfation; a minor component has been characterized as heparan sulfate. Am J Clin Pathol, 1975 Jun, 63(6), 876 - 85 Hematoxylin substitutes . A study of phenocyanin TC and the use of afterchrome mordanting in histology; Lillie RD et al.; A practical, simple synthesis of the obsolete mordant dye, phenocyanin, was devised, proceding from gallocyanin and resorcinol with acid and heat . The dye gave promise of good performance in metachrome iron mixtures, but because of excessive precipitation, the practice of afterchroming was taken from textile dyeing usage, and proved very successful . Of a number of metallic salts tried, Fe II proved to be the best, then Cu II and Fe III . The stai