Microorganisms

Phytochemistry, 2003 Aug, 63(8), 959 - 64
Glucosides from Vitex agnus-castus; Kuruuzum-Uz A et al.; The methanolic extract of the flowering stems of Vitex agnus-castus yielded three new iridoids: 6'-O-foliamenthoylmussaenosidic acid (agnucastoside A), 6'-O-(6,7-dihydrofoliamenthoyl)mussaenosidic acid (agnucastoside B) and 7-O-trans-p-coumaroyl-6'-O-trans-caffeoyl-8-epiloganic acid (agnucastoside C) in addition to four known iridoids (aucubin, agnuside, mussaenosidic acid and 6'-O-p-hydroxybenzoylmussaenosidic acid) and one known phenylbutanone glucoside (myzodendrone) . The structure elucidations were mainly done by spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR spectra) and MS data interpretation . The purified compounds were tested for biological activities against various microorganisms and cancer cell lines.

Nitric Oxide, 2003 Jun, 8(4), 222 - 30
Cell density-enhanced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in murine macrophages mediated by interferon-beta; Jacobs AT et al.; Nitric oxide (NO) has an important cytotoxic role in host defense processes against invading microorganisms and neoplastic cells . Here we demonstrate the effect of culture density on the expression of NO synthase and NO production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages . At high cell densities, the LPS-induced expression of iNOS message, protein, and activity is markedly enhanced . We demonstrate the effects to be mediated by a diffusible macrophage product . Increasing cell density correlates with activation of IFN-dependent signaling pathways . We observe enhanced phosphorylation of STAT-1 on tyrosine 701 and serine 727, and an increase in STAT-1 DNA binding . Expression of the IFN-stimulated transcription factor IRF-1 is also enhanced . The data are consistent with the reported involvement of IFN-beta as an autocrine co-activator of iNOS expression . Considering the importance of NO as a cytotoxic mediator of host immunity, the data suggest that macrophage density is important in regulating the magnitude of NO production, and thus, the host response to infection.

Bioelectrochemistry, 2003 Aug, 60(1-2), 29 - 36
Electrochemical study of heavy metals and metallothionein in yeast Yarrowia lipolytica; Strouhal M et al.; The bioaccumulation of heavy metals (cadmium, nickel, cobalt and zinc) and the effect of these metals on the production of metallothionein and metallothionein-like proteins (MT) in Yarrowia lipolytica was studied by electrochemical methods . The concentrations of heavy metals were determined by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) . A combination of the constant current chronopotentiometric stripping analysis (CPSA) and adsorptive transfer stripping technique (AdTS) was used to determine the content of MT in cells . Both the bioaccumulation of heavy metals and the production of MT in different cell compartments of Y . lipolytica exposed to heavy metals were monitored . The LD(50) of each metal was determined from the number of viable cells in yeast cultures: LD(50)Cd (37.5 microM), LD(50)Ni (570 microM), LD(50)Co (700 microM), and LD(50)Zn (1800 microM) . The highest concentrations of heavy metals were found in the cell wall and membrane debris while the lowest concentrations were detected in the cytoplasm . Cadmium and nickel showed the most significant effect on the production of MT . This study provides new insights into the ecophysiology of microorganisms and demonstrates the potential use of these electrochemical methods in biotechnology.

Biotechnol Lett, 2003 Jun, 25(11), 883 - 6
A peptide antibody for rapid screening of Streptomyces species producing phospholipase D; Uhm TB et al.; By examining the conserved regions in the protein sequences of eight different Streptomyces phospholipase Ds (PLD) reported so far and the X-ray crystallographic structure of a Streptomyces PLD, we designed a peptide sequence, DPANRGAVGSGGYSQIKSL, for the screening of microorganisms producing PLD . In the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a mouse antibody raised against the designed peptide, we recovered seven producing strains out of 128 soil isolates.

J Nutr, 2003 Aug, 133(8), 2635 - 8
Iron-deficient mice fail to develop autoimmune encephalomyelitis; Grant SM et al.; Determinations of the effects of iron status on the immune system are complicated by the fact that microorganisms and immune cells both utilize iron . To determine the role of iron in immune function, we utilized a model {experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)} in which a strong antigen-specific CD4+ T-cell response develops in the absence of infection . EAE is an autoimmune disease frequently used as a model for the human disease multiple sclerosis (MS) . EAE was induced in B10.PL mice fed low iron (1 mg/kg), normal iron (10 mg/kg) or high iron (160 mg/kg) diets that were replete in all other nutrients . Liver iron measurements verified iron status, i.e., low iron mice had 1.9 micro mol/g tissue, normal iron mice, 3.27 micro mol/g tissue and high iron mice, 5.35 micro mol/g tissue . EAE symptoms were most severe in normal iron mice, and EAE did not develop in low iron mice . The incidence of EAE was 71% in normal iron mice, 62% in iron-overloaded mice and 0% in iron-deficient mice . Two of seven mice in the normal iron group developed severe EAE and were euthanized . None of the iron-overloaded mice developed severe EAE . Other measures of EAE severity were similar in the normal and iron-overloaded mice . The data suggest that iron deficiency provides protection from the development of EAE and that iron excess with its potential contribution to free radical formation was not an important factor . The mechanism of EAE inhibition in iron-deficient mice likely involves the delivery and metabolism of iron for optimal CD4+ T-cell development.

Zhonghua Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi, 2003 May, 38(3), 206 - 9
{Effect of spirochetes and porphyromonus gingivalis on oral malodor}; Zhu WD et al.; OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of Spirochetes and Porphyromonus gingivalis (Pg) on the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) and oral malodor, respectively . METHODS: 117 systemically healthy periodontitis patients were divided into two groups according to organoleptic rating (OR) by organoleptic method: 85 subjects with oral malodor (halitosis group, HG) and 32 cases without oral malodor (no-halitosis group, NHG) . VSCs measurements were made with halimeter . Subgingival plaques and tongue coating were taken to calculate the proportion of Spirochetes (with 2% Congo Red Smears, S%) and the amounts of Pg (with indirect immunofluorescence method) . The examination will be repeated in 46 HG cases after periodontal therapy . RESULTS: S% in PD < 4 mm sites of HG was significantly higher than that in NHG (P < 0.01) . S% in PD >or= 4 mm sites and tongue coating, Pg in all three sites were not different between two groups . In HG, OR and VSCs levels were correlated with S% in tongue coating (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) and PD < 4 mm sites (P < 0.05), and not correlated with S% in PD >or= 4 mm sites . OR was related to Pg in PD >or= 4 mm sites (P < 0.05) and there was no relationship between OR and Pg in tongue coating and PD < 4 mm sites . VSCs levels was not correlated with Pg in all three sites . S% in tongue coating and subgingival plaque, Pg in subgingival plaque, OR and VSCs levels were significantly reduced after periodontal therapy (P < 0.01) . CONCLUSIONS: The direct relationship of Spirochetes and Pg respectively to bad breath was not found obviously . But Spirochetes is one of the microorganism on oral malodor . Periodontal therapy can improve oral malodor.

Braz J Med Biol Res, 2003 Aug, 36(8), 987 - 91 Epub 2003 Jul 23.
Endothelial cells, tissue factor and infectious diseases; Lopes-Bezerra LM et al.; Tissue factor is a transmembrane procoagulant glycoprotein and a member of the cytokine receptor superfamily . It activates the extrinsic coagulation pathway, and induces the formation of a fibrin clot . Tissue factor is important for both normal homeostasis and the development of many thrombotic diseases . A wide variety of cells are able to synthesize and express tissue factor, including monocytes, granulocytes, platelets and endothelial cells . Tissue factor expression can be induced by cell surface components of pathogenic microorganisms, proinflammatory cytokines and membrane microparticles released from activated host cells . Tissue factor plays an important role in initiating thrombosis associated with inflammation during infection, sepsis, and organ transplant rejection . Recent findings suggest that tissue factor can also function as a receptor and thus may be important in cell signaling . The present minireview will focus on the role of tissue factor in the pathogenesis of septic shock, infectious endocarditis and invasive aspergillosis, as determined by both in vivo and in vitro models.

Nippon Geka Gakkai Zasshi, 2003 Jul, 104(7), 518 - 22
{Molecular diagnosis of infectious disease}; Fukushima R et al.; With the development of molecular biology over the decades, molecular technologies have become available for clinical diagnosis of infectious disease . The principle of the technique is to detect specific genes of microorganisms . Compared with the traditional culturing techniques, molecular technologies have several advantages: 1) direct detection and rapid identification of organisms that are slow growing or those currently lacking a system for in vitro cultivation; 2) nucleic acid-based methods for epidemiologic typing of microorganisms; and 3) identification of genotypic markers of microbial resistance to specific antibiotics . When sufficient amounts of nucleic acid can be obtained, direct probe tests (simple molecular hybridization-based techniques) may be performed . In many instances with small amounts of sample nucleic acids, amplification techniques(e.g., polymerase chain reaction{PCR}) are extremely useful . However, the application of PCR to clinical specimens has potential pitfalls due to the susceptibility of PCR to inhibitors, contamination, and experimental conditions . In some cases, DNA fingerprinting or restriction fragment-length polymorphism analysis is used and it has become the method of choice for epidemiologic analysis . The major disadvantage of the molecular method is that we cannot differentiate whether the microorganisms identified are alive or dead and chemosensitivity testing cannot be performed.

Semin Pediatr Infect Dis, 2003 Apr, 14(2), 90 - 5
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis; Dale RC; Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a monophasic inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) . Unlike viral encephalitis, microorganisms do not invade the CNS . Instead, ADEM is a postinfectious disease mediated by auto-reactive cells or molecules . Clinical characteristics of ADEM are consistent with disseminated involvement of the CNS, including encephalopathy and pyramidal, cerebellar, and brainstem signs . Bilateral optic neuritis and transverse myelitis are particularly suggestive of demyelinating diseases such as ADEM . Unlike viral encephalitis, seizures rarely are a prominent symptom . The most useful diagnostic investigation is magnetic resonance neuroimaging that commonly shows multifocal lesions throughout the brain and spinal cord . As ADEM is an immune-mediated disorder, treatment includes immunomodulatory therapies (particularly steroids), although no clinical trials have been performed to define the most efficacious agent . In view of the treatment differences between ADEM and viral encephalitis, being familiar with ADEM is essential for pediatricians managing acute neurological disorders .

Science, 2003 Aug 15, 301(5635), 976 - 8 Epub 2003 Jul 24.
Geographic barriers isolate endemic populations of hyperthermophilic archaea; Whitaker RJ et al.; Barriers to dispersal between populations allow them to diverge through local adaptation or random genetic drift . High-resolution multilocus sequence analysis revealed that, on a global scale, populations of hyperthermophilic microorganisms are isolated from one another by geographic barriers and have diverged over the course of their recent evolutionary history . The identification of a biogeographic pattern in the archaeon Sulfolobus challenges the current model of microbial biodiversity in which unrestricted dispersal constrains the development of global species richness.

Protein Expr Purif, 2003 Aug, 30(2), 210 - 8
Expression and purification of Arg196 and Lys272 mutants of mevalonate kinase from Methanococcus jannaschii; Chu X et al.; In microorganisms and plants, mevalonate kinase is involved in the biosynthesis of isoprenoid derivatives, one of the largest groups of natural products . We subcloned the gene of mevalonate kinase from Methanococcus jannaschii into a bacterial expression vector pLM1 with six continuous histidine codons attached to the 5' end of the gene . A variety of mutant expression plasmids including pMMK(R196K), pMMK(R196Q), pMMK(R196V), pMMK(K272R), and pMMK(K272A) have been constructed using site-directed mutagenesis . The wild-type protein and mutants were overexpressed and purified with a nickel HiTrap chelating metal affinity column to homogeneity . CD spectroscopy of wild-type protein and mutants indicates that none of the above mutations induces significant secondary structural changes . The results from kinetic studies showed that Arg196 is an essential residue for the function of the enzyme . Kinetic studies of Lys272 mutants indicate that salt bridge Lys272-Glu14 plays an important role in maintaining the active site microenvironment that is essential for catalytic activity of the enzyme.

J Oral Rehabil, 2003 Aug, 30(8), 790 - 5
Confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis of early plaque formed on resin composite and human enamel; Konishi N et al.; The purpose of this study was to analyse quantitatively the early bacterial plaque formed on resin composite and human enamel in vivo, using a confocal laser scanning microscope . Test pieces of resin composite and human enamel were retained at the buccal surfaces of the upper first molars of three volunteers for 4, 8 and 24 h to allow plaque formation . Then, the specimens were immersed in propidium iodide in phosphate-buffered saline to stain adherent bacteria and observed with a confocal laser scanning microscope . The ratios of the area occupied by microorganisms to the whole area of the optical field were calculated using a photo-image analysis system . The thickness of the plaque was also measured . Quantitative analysis revealed that the resin composite showed significantly higher bacterial adherence than human enamel throughout the test period . A difference was noticed in the morphology of the bacteria between the two groups . Our findings suggest that resin composite shows higher bacteria adherence during early plaque formation compared with human enamel . In addition, the present findings may suggest a presence of the difference in bacterial composition of plaque in both specimens.

Ceska Gynekol, 2003 May, 68(3), 206 - 9
{Specific mucosal immunity in the female reproductive tract: general introduction (part 1)}; Zivny J et al.; Immune mediated defense against pathogenic microorganisms and maintenance of immune tolerance to allogeneic antigens of sperm and fetus are main function of female reproductive tract mucosal immune system . Basic mechanisms of mucosal immune system and the unique features of female reproductive tract immune system are reviewed in this article.

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2004 Jan, 63(4), 445 - 51 Epub 2003 Jul 15.
Inorganic tin and organotin interactions with Candida maltosa; White JS et al.; As a consequence of the widespread industrial and agricultural applications of organotins, contamination of various ecosystems has occurred in recent decades . Understanding how these compounds interact with microorganisms is important in assessing the risks of organotin pollution . The organotins, tributyltin (TBT), trimethyltin (TMT) and inorganic tin, Sn(IV), were investigated for their physical interactions with non-metabolising cells and protoplasts of the yeast Candida maltosa, an organism that is often associated with contaminated environments . Uptake, toxicity and membrane-acting effects of these compounds, at concentrations approximating those found in polluted environments, were assessed . Sn(IV) and TBT uptake occurred by different mechanisms . Uptake of Sn(IV) was 2-fold greater in intact cells than protoplasts, underlining the importance of cell wall binding, whereas TBT uptake levels by both cell types were similar . TBT uptake resulted in cell death and extensive K+ leakage, while Sn(IV) uptake had no effect . TMT did not interact with cells . Of the three compounds, TBT alone altered membrane fluidity, as measured by the fluorescence anisotropy of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene incorporated into cells . Anisotropy of 1-(4-trimethylaminophenyl-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene) was not affected, implying that TBT is not confined to the surface of the cytoplasmic membrane, but acts within membrane lipids . These results indicate that the cell wall is the dominant site of Sn(IV) interactions with yeast, while lipophilic interactions play an important role in uptake and toxicity of TBT.

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2003 Oct, 62(5-6), 517 - 22 Epub 2003 Jul 16.
Vesicular transport route of horseradish C1a peroxidase is regulated by N- and C-terminal propeptides in tobacco cells; Matsui T et al.; Peroxidases (PRX, EC 1.11.1.7) are widely distributed across microorganisms, plants, and animals; and, in plants, they have been implicated in a variety of secondary metabolic reactions . In particular, horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) root represents the main source of commercial PRX production . The prxC1a gene, which encodes horseradish PRX (HRP) C, is expressed mainly in the roots and stems of the horseradish plant . HRP C1a protein is shown to be synthesized as a preprotein with both a N-terminal (NTPP) and a C-terminal propeptide (CTPP) . These propeptides, which might be responsible for intracellular localization or secretion, are removed before or concomitant with production of the mature protein . We investigated the functional role of HRP C1a NTPP and CTPP in the determination of the vesicular transport route, using an analytical system of transgenically cultured tobacco cells (Nicotiana tabacum, BY2) . Here, we report that NTPP and CTPP are necessary and sufficient for accurate localization of mature HRP C1a protein to vacuoles of the vesicular transport system . We also demonstrate that HRP C1a derived from a preprotein lacking CTPP is shunted into the secretory pathway.

Med Wieku Rozwoj, 2003 Apr-Jun, 7(2), 271 - 7
{Role of mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in aetiopathogenesis of juvenile idiopatic arthritis}; Postepski J et al.; Although more and more is known about chronic autoimmune diseases, attempts to establish one trigger factor have been unsuccessful . The role of endogenic factors is beyond doubt . But it is emphasized that environmental factors are necessary to cause the disease . Infections are taken under consideration as trigger mechanism in the development of autoimmune diseases including chronic arthritis . Both numerous viruses and bacteria are among the microorganism mentioned . We considered it sensible to conduct research on Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in a group of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) . MATERIALS: 19 patients diagnosed with JIA aged between 6-17 were investigated for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection whose blood was examined for antibodies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae in class IgG and IgM . The control group comprised 20 children of similar age admitted to hospital with digestive tract complaints . Methods: Serologic tests were made in serum . Marking of antigens of class IgM and IgG were made by Elisa method using commercial kits produced by Scientific Point . Quantitative calculations of a level of antigens were done using appropriate standards, positive and negative serum of reference standard and calibration curve . RESULTS: In 11 patients positive reaction for Mycoplasma pneumoniae in class IgG was observed and only in 2 in class IgM with low titer . In the control group positive reaction was observed in 3 children (15%) . The fact that 58% of patients were infected (contact either with Mycoplasma pneumoniae) indicates that in the group of our patients with JIA, infections with these bacteria might have had a role in triggering the disease.

Expert Opin Pharmacother, 2003 Aug, 4(8), 1345 - 54
Antibiotic prophylaxis strategies in the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia; Sirvent JM et al.; Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is defined as a nosocomial pneumonia occurring > 48 h after endotracheal intubation . VAP may occur very early after intubation and it is usually defined as early-onset pneumonia, which occurs during the first 4 days . The occurrence of VAP is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality . The pathogenesis of VAP often results from aspiration of colonised secretions in injured patients and this colonisation of the upper airway acts as a main risk factor in the development of pneumonia . It has been hypothesised that the bacterial inoculum may be decreased through the administration of systemic antibiotic prophylaxis . Antibiotic prophylaxis strategies to prevent VAP can be administered over an extended period to cover all microorganisms using selective digestive decontamination regimens, or in a short-term course of no more than 24 h . Probably, the second strategy is the most useful in the prevention of VAP because it has a lower impact on the emergence of bacterial resistance . This manuscript aims to review current opinions regarding antibiotic prophylaxis strategies in the prevention of VAP.

PDA J Pharm Sci Technol, 2003 May-Jun, 57(3), 160 - 85
Measuring the thermal resistance of microorganisms: selecting an appropriate test system, correcting for heat-transfer lags, and determining minimum heating times; Pflug IJ; Errors that occur in physical systems used to evaluate the heat resistance of microorganisms are discussed: namely, (a) not knowing the test heating-medium temperature accurately, (b) using heating times that are so short that the maximum temperature reached in the test unit is significantly below the test heating-medium temperature, and (c) ignoring significant heat-transfer lags, first in the heating and later in the cooling of the test units . Procedures and methods that can be used to minimize the effect of potential test-system errors on microbial resistance data are reported . Examples are included regarding the treatment of the different types of errors . Heating and cooling lag-correction values for several commonly-used testing systems, gleaned from the published literature and from the author's experience, are listed . A method is described and illustrated regarding how we may determine (in advance of carrying out an experiment to gather enumeration or survivor-curve data), the shortest heating time--highest temperature that should be used with a specific test-unit system and microbial DT -value.

Cell Physiol Biochem, 2003, 13(3), 165 - 72
Involvement of phosphatidic acid in both degranulation and oxidative activity in fMet-Leu-Phe stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes; Vocks A et al.; BACKGROUND/AIM: Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils) release a variety of toxic agents--proteins and reactive oxygen species (ROS)--that are used to inactivate foreign microorganisms in the non-specific immune response . This study was undertaken to compare intracellular signalling pathways that lead to the ROS production as well as degranulation of azurophilic granules of human fMet-Leu-Phe/cytochalasin B stimulated neutrophils . METHODS: Luminol-amplified chemiluminescence was used for monitoring the oxidative activity of human neutrophils in the presence of various inhibitors . The elastase activity was assessed in the neutrophil supernatant as a marker for degranulation of azurophilic granules . RESULTS: Tested inhibitors of enzymes of signalling cascades showed the same effect on the ROS production and on the activity of elastase released from neutrophils . The only difference was obtained with staurosporine: it inhibited the chemiluminescence response, but increased the elastase release . CONCLUSION: Early signalling pathways leading to the ROS production and the degranulation are ubiquitous in human neutrophils . They are branching most probably at the point of the phosphatidic acid production by phospholipase D . A protein kinase activated by this lipid second messenger might play a central regulatory role in human neutrophils .

Int Dent J, 2003, 53 Suppl 3, 200 - 7
Update on general health risk of periodontal disease; Slots J; OBJECTIVES: To review the potential of periodontal infections to cause nonoral diseases . Therapeutic recommendations are provided to help patients and dental practitioners prevent systemic complications from periodontal infections . FINDINGS: Systemic diseases from oral bacteria are mostly caused by transient bacteraemias, which can occur spontaneously from dental foci of infection, from mastication, brushing, flossing or other daily manipulations, or from dental treatments . Examples of systemic infections that may involve oral microorganisms include infective endocarditis, aspiration pneumonia, HIV-related disseminated candidiasis and cancrum oris, septicaemia associated with cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy, necrotising faciitis and various other life-threatening infections . Inflamed gingiva constitutes a significant reservoir for herpes viruses, which have the potential to cause serious systemic diseases in immunocompromised patients . Periodontal disease may also aggravate chronic insulin insensitivity and thus interfere with glycaemic control in diabetic patients . Controversy surrounds the involvement of periodontal infections in coronary heart disease . CONCLUSIONS: Cumulative evidence suggests that periodontal disease can be an important cause of morbidity and mortality of various systemic diseases, especially in individuals exhibiting compromised host defence . Maintaining a healthy dentition and periodontium by means of daily oral hygiene practice and regular professional care is the most effective way of preventing systemic diseases from oral infections.

Cardiol Clin, 2003 May, 21(2), 147 - 58
Progress toward a global understanding of infective endocarditis . Lessons from the International Collaboration on Endocarditis; Cabell CH et al.; In the century and a quarter since William Osler delivered his famed Gulstonian lectures on endocarditis, continual advancements have been made in understanding and treating this disease . Here we have reviewed some key aspects of current knowledge in the areas of population epidemiology, host factors, microorganisms, and diagnosis . The advent of the ICE investigation provides the opportunity to further expand our understanding of IE by developing a very large, global database of IE patients whose clinical, echocardiographic, and microbiologic findings have been characterized with standard methodology . Further, ICE may serve as a rich source of material for investigators seeking to perform specific studies . Finally, the ICE infrastructure creates the opportunity for performing randomized trials to test therapeutic strategies . Although many obstacles remain to be overcome, ICE has created the opportunity for a quantum leap in our knowledge of IE over the next 25 years.

Infect Immun, 2003 Aug, 71(8), 4375 - 81
Transfected Plasmodium knowlesi produces bioactive host gamma interferon: a new perspective for modulating immune responses to malaria parasites; Ozwara H et al.; Transgenic pathogenic microorganisms expressing host cytokines such as gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) have been shown to manipulate host-pathogen interaction, leading to immunomodulation and enhanced protection . Expression of host cytokines in malaria parasites offers the opportunity to investigate the potential of an immunomodulatory approach by generating immunopotentiated parasites . Using the primate malaria parasite Plasmodium knowlesi, we explored the conditions for expressing host cytokines in malaria parasites . P . knowlesi parasites transfected with DNA constructs for expressing rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) IFN-gamma under the control of the heterologous P . berghei apical membrane antigen 1 promoter, produced bioactive IFN-gamma in a developmentally regulated manner . IFN-gamma expression had no marked effect on in vitro parasite development . Bioactivity of the parasite-produced IFN-gamma was shown through inhibition of virus cytopathic effect and confirmed by using M . mulatta peripheral blood cells in vitro . These data indicate for the first time that it is feasible to generate malaria parasites expressing bioactive host immunomodulatory cytokines . Furthermore, cytokine-expressing malaria parasites offer the opportunity to analyze cytokine-mediated modulation of malaria during the blood and liver stages of the infection.

Cell Signal, 2003 Oct, 15(10), 901 - 9
Roles played by Ras subfamily proteins in the cell and developmental biology of microorganisms; Weeks G et al.; The Ras subfamily proteins are monomeric GTPases that function as molecular switches in cellular signal transduction pathways . This review describes our current knowledge of the roles that these proteins play in the growth and differentiation of single celled microorganisms.

Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 2003 Jun, 77(6), 443 - 50
{Study of a respiratory syncytial virus diagnostic test kit based on immunochromatography}; Saikusa M et al.; We carried out clinical and basic studies of the Directigen Lateral Flow RSV (Becton, Dickinson and Company, USA), a rapid test kit that detects respiratory syncytial virus (hereinafter referred to as "RSV") antigens based on immunochromatography . For the clinical study, 103 nasopharyngeal aspirates from patients with acute respiratory infections were used to evaluate the kit . Compared to the cell culture method, the Directigen Lateral Flow RSV showed a sensitivity of 100% (16/16) and a specificity of 94.3% (82/87), and an agreement rate of 95.1% (98/103) . When compared to conventional testing kits, we found that the total agreement rate with the Directigen RS (Nippon Becton Dickinson and Company) was 88.3% (91/103) and with RSV TestPack (Dainabot Co., Ltd.) was 91.3% (94/103) . The detection limit of the Directigen Lateral Flow RSV was 2 x 10(3) PFU/ml for both RSV subgroups A and B . In the crossreactivity test, only RSV was found positive . No other microorganisms were crossreactive . We also studied storage stability of nasopharyngeal aspirates and found that stability was not affected by storage at room and refrigerator temperatures for 14 days . Taken all together, the Directigen Lateral Flow RSV is useful for the diagnosis of RSV infection in a clinical setting because its performance is equivalent to conventional testing kits and is easy to use.

Biomedica, 2003 Jun, 23(2), 213 - 24
{New fungal classification and their applications in medicine}; Montes B et al.; Fungi are gaining importance with the increased incidence of invasive, often fatal mycoses, in immunocompromised patients . In addition, the increased number of emerging opportunistic pathogens has prompted interest in studies pertaining to fungal classification . The traditional methods of identification and classification of these microorganisms are based on the morphology of the sexual and asexual reproductive structures . Recently, this system of classification has been shown incongruent with approaches that better establish phylogenetic relationships among these organisms . Novel aspects of fungal reclassification are described as follows: 1) the position of fungi in the historical classification systems, 2) the recognition of their polyphyly, based on comparative studies of nucleic acid sequences and on analysis of descent lines and, 3) the contribution of molecular phylogeny to medical mycology, including identification of mycotic agents, their molecular epidemiology, prevention of infection and methods of diagnosis.

Genetics, 2003 Jul, 164(3), 1221 - 8
Scaling of mutational effects in models for pleiotropy; Wingreen NS et al.; Mutation-selection models provide a framework to relate the parameters of microevolution to properties of populations . Like all models, these must be subject to test and refinement in light of experiments . The standard mutation-selection model assumes that the effects of a pleiotropic mutation on different characters are uncorrelated . As a consequence of this assumption, mutations of small overall effect are suppressed . For strong enough pleiotropy, the result is a nonvanishing fraction of a population with the "perfect" phenotype . However, experiments on microorganisms and experiments on protein structure and function contradict the assumptions of the standard model, and Kimura's observations of heterogeneity within populations contradict its conclusions . Guided by these observations, we present an alternative model for pleiotropic mutations . The new model allows mutations of small overall effect and thus eliminates the finite fraction of the population with the perfect phenotype.

Curr Opin Mol Ther, 2003 Jun, 5(3), 278 - 84
Protein microarray technology for unraveling the antibody specificity repertoire against microbial proteomes; Bacarese-Hamilton T et al.; The genomes of microorganisms responsible for diseases of worldwide medical importance have been sequenced or will be available in the near future . Combinatorial cloning technologies for producing large numbers of proteins have been developed and high-throughput assays such as protein microarrays have been clinically validated for detecting the presence of antibodies directed against microbial antigens in human serum . These scientific and technical achievements offer the opportunity to investigate the natural immune response against the whole proteome of a variety of microorganisms . A powerful combination of genomic information, molecular tools and immunological assays are potentially available to identify the antigens that, either alone or in combination, function as targets of protective immunity, or could be used as markers for serodiagnosis.

Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig, 2003, 54(1), 119 - 27
{Fungi growth in buildings}; Nabrdalik M et al.; The results of research into occurrence of fungi in buildings are hereby presented . Indoor air pollution balanced between 10(2)-10(3) cfu/m3 . Examined building surfaces have been found significantly mouldy . Total number of fungi ranged from 3.28 x 10(5) to 9.75 x 10(10) cfu/100 cm2 . The results of the research show the active development of this group of microorganisms . In rooms, over 30 fungi species belonging to 11 genera have been detected . The most frequently occurring ones were fungi genera: Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Acremonium . Among those, potentially toxinogenic species have been separated (Aspergillus ochraceus, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium notatum) . Apart from micotoxins they have been found to produce huge amounts of conidia which can cause allergy in sensitive people . Hence, people should definitely avoid fungi in their environment.

Eur J Biochem, 2003 Aug, 270(15), 3214 - 22
Transglutaminase from Streptomyces mobaraensis is activated by an endogenous metalloprotease; Zotzel J et al.; Streptomyces mobaraensis secretes a Ca2+-independent transglutaminase (TGase) that is activated by removing an N-terminal peptide from a precursor protein during submerged culture in a complex medium {Pasternack, R., Dorsch, S., Otterbach, J . T., Robenek, I . R., Wolf, S . & Fuchsbauer, H.-L . (1998) Eur . J . Biochem . 257, 570-576} . However, an activating protease could not be identified, probably because of the presence of a 14-kDa protein (P14) belonging to the Streptomyces subtilisin inhibitor family . In contrast, if the microorganism was allowed to grow on a minimal medium, several soluble proteases were extracted, among them the TGase-activating protease (TAMEP) . TAMEP was purified by sequential chromatography on DEAE- and Arg-Sepharose and used to determine the cleavage site of TGase . It was clearly shown that the peptide bond between Phe(-4) and Ser(-5) was hydrolyzed, indicating that at least one additional peptidase is necessary to complete TGase processing, even if TAMEP cleavage was sufficient to obtain total activity . Sequence analysis from the N-terminus of TAMEP revealed the close relationship to a zinc endo-protease from S . griseus . The S . griseus protease differs from other members of the M4 protease family, such as thermolysin, in that it may be inhibited by the Streptomyces subtilisin inhibitor . P14 likewise inhibits TAMEP in approximately equimolar concentrations, suggesting its important role in regulating TGase activity.

Rhinology, 2003 Jun, 41(2), 76 - 9
Bacteriemia in septoplasty and septorhinoplasty surgery; Kaygusuz I et al.; This study was conducted in an attempt to investigate whether bacteriemia developed in patients with septoplasty and septorhinoplasty in the postoperative period during which an anterior nasal pack was in their nose . Fifty-three patients who went through septoplasty or septorhinoplasty operations were followed in this study . Nasal smear cultures were obtained from all the subjects before the operation . After the packs were retrieved, smears were also obtained from the pack material . Venous blood samples were obtained from the patients immediately before the operation, after the operation and immediately following the retrieval of the pack . When preoperative nasal smear cultures and postoperative pack material cultures of the patients that were obtained at 48 hours were compared, it was seen that different microorganisms were present in 66% of the patients . Bacterial growth was not observed in any of the preoperative blood cultures; whereas 8 patients (15.0%) had bacteriemia in the blood samples obtained immediately after the operation and 9 (16.9%) had growth in the blood samples obtained following the retrieval of the pack . With these results we have seen that bacteriemia can develop in patients with septoplasty and septorhinoplasty . It did not cause serious clinical problems . However, in patients with cardiovascular problems, this possibility should be taken into consideration and relevant preoperative precautions should be implemented.

Arch Latinoam Nutr, 2002 Dec, 52(4), 387 - 92
{Use of nopal dietary fiber in a powder dessert formulation}; Saenz C et al.; The development of diverse types of foods of low caloric value and with high content in dietary fiber have occupied a preponderant place in the food industry in the last years, due to the growing interest of the consumers for a healthy and nutritious diet . Pre-cooked or quick to prepare foods are attractive for the time they save; if to this you add their nutritious value, the attractiveness is even greater . For this reason, this study analyzes different formulations of a powder to prepare a dessert (flan), with different percentages of incorporation of nopal flour, as a source of dietary fiber (16%, 18%, 20%) . Two flavors (melon and banana) were tried . It was observed that the flan flavored with banana and with 16% of nopal flour, reached better sensorial characteristics . Greater percentages of nopal flour negatively affected the sensorial characteristics, mainly flavor, color and texture . The analysis showed that the powder presented 5.7% of moisture, low water activity (0.48) and therefore a low total recount of microorganisms . The content of protein was high (27.2%), the ether extract low (2.0%) similar to the caloric contribution (40 Kcal/portion) . The flan showed a 9.8% of total dietary fiber, being greater the contribution of soluble fiber (6.1%) than that of insoluble fiber (3.7%) . Due to these characteristics this formulation could be considered as a food that provides benefits for the human health.

J Vet Med Sci, 2003 Jun, 65(6), 727 - 9
Evaluation of the polymorphonuclear cell functions of bottlenose dolphins; Noda K et al.; The functions of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) are the important non-specific defense mechanisms in the immune system . Especially marine mammals are protected by these mechanisms from the aquatic environment with a large variety of microorganisms . Therefore, we examined the PMN functions of bottlenose dolphins in order to obtain the normal ranges and to standardize the techniques . PMNs were isolated by using lymphocyte isolate solution whose density was 1.077; superoxide production was assessed by nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test (NBT) and phagocytosis was tested by using polystyrene latex beads . We showed that the optimal incubation time was 30 min in NBT assay and 12 hr in phagocytosis assay for dolphin PMNs.

Chemosphere, 2003 Sep, 52(9), 1489 - 98
Microbial population of spruce soil in Tatachia mountain of Taiwan; Yang SS et al.; To investigate the role of microorganisms in the ecology and the nutrient transformation of forest soil, soil property, microbial population, biomass and organic acid content of Spruce soil in Tatachia mountain were determined during January 1997 to November 1999 . Soil temperatures were between 5.5 and 15.6 degrees C and soil pH ranged from 3.6 to 5.0 . Total organic carbon and nitrogen contents ranged from 5.83% to 34.35% and from 0.90% to 3.19%, respectively . C/N ratio was between 7.07 and 18.24 . Each gram of dry soil contained microbial biomass carbon 308-870 microg, microbial biomass nitrogen 107-240 microg, malic acid 74-211 nM and succinic acid 32-175 nM . In addition, each gram of dry organic layer contained microbial biomass carbon 216-653 microg, microbial biomass nitrogen 10.3-33.8 microg, formic acid 256-421 nM, acetic acid 301-435 nM, malic acid 795-1027 nM and succinic acid 204-670 nM . About 45.5-90.9% of topsoil samples had higher microbial population than those of subsoil especially in actinomycetes, cellulolytic and phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms . Although rhizosphere of Spruce had higher total organic carbon and total nitrogen content than non-rhizosphere and dwarf bamboo areas, the microbial population had no significant difference among them.

Clin Immunol, 2003 Jul, 108(1), 29 - 37
Surfactant protein D (SP-D) serum levels in patients with community-acquired pneumonia small star, filled; Leth-Larsen R et al.; SP-D is a lectin involved in the first line of defense against microorganisms . It is primarily found in the lung but also at extrapulmonary sites and in the circulation . An immunoassay for the quantification of SP-D in serum was established and the SP-D concentration was measured in consecutive blood samples from 61 patients hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia of suspected bacterial origin . On the day of admission to the hospital the serum SP-D concentration was significantly lower than that in healthy subjects . On day 5, the SP-D concentration had increased on average three times the concentration on admission and then slowly declined toward normal levels . CRP was measured simultaneously but no correlation was observed between concentrations of SP-D and CRP . The results show a wide range of serum SP-D concentration in healthy volunteers and indicate that significant changes occur during pulmonary infection.

Cell Microbiol, 2003 Aug, 5(8), 561 - 70
Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 are essential for Aspergillus-induced activation of murine macrophages; Meier A et al.; Aspergillus fumigatius is a ubiquitous saprophytic fungus that has become the most prevalent airborne fungal pathogen for immunocompromised patients during the last two decades . In this report we have analysed how macrophages recognize this microorganism . Using transfected human HEK 293 cells we demonstrate that NF-kappaB-dependent promoter activation triggered by A . fumigatus is mediated by Toll-like receptors TLR2 and TLR4, whereas no activation was observed in cells overexpressing other distinct TLR proteins (TLR1, TLR3, TLR5-10) . Using macrophages derived from mice lacking TLR2 expression, expressing defective TLR4 or both we found that A . fumigatus conidia and hyphae induce NF-kappaB translocation, release of pro-inflammatory molecules, like TNFalpha, and the chemoattractant MIP-2 in a TLR2- and TLR4-dependent manner . Recognition of A . niger and A . fumigatus, was similar in terms of the parameters analysed, suggesting that pathogenic and non-pathogenic aspergilli are sensed by macrophages in a similar fashion . Finally, we found that recruitment of neutrophils is severely impaired in mice lacking both functional TLR2 and TLR4, but is less impaired in single TLR2- or TLR4-deficient mice, providing evidence that both receptors are required for an optimal immune response to Aspergillus in vivo.

Gig Sanit, 2003 Mar-Apr, (2), 34 - 6
{Evaluation of quality of Pacific Ocean squid by biotesting}; Shul'gin IuP; The influence of refrigerator storage on the quality of high-protein raw sea material and its products was studied by using squids as an example . The size of microorganisms in 1 g, the content of nitrogen of volatile bases, that of non-protein nitrogen, and the amount of free amino acids were estimated after cooling and freezing and during storage of frozen squids . In parallel, the relative food value of the cooled and frozen squids and their products were determined by biotesting by means of Tetrachymena pyriformis . Refrigerator storage of squids leads to its muscular tissue degradation whose depth determines the loss of their food value . The results of biotesting of squid meat with the infusoria Tetrachymena pyriformis completely correlate with the data of chemical analysis while assessing the quality.

Nature, 2003 Jul 24, 424(6947), 464 - 8 Epub 2003 Jul 13.
Crystal structure of human cytochrome P450 2C9 with bound warfarin; Williams PA et al.; Cytochrome P450 proteins (CYP450s) are membrane-associated haem proteins that metabolize physiologically important compounds in many species of microorganisms, plants and animals . Mammalian CYP450s recognize and metabolize diverse xenobiotics such as drug molecules, environmental compounds and pollutants . Human CYP450 proteins CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 are the major drug-metabolizing isoforms, and contribute to the oxidative metabolism of more than 90% of the drugs in current clinical use . Polymorphic variants have also been reported for some CYP450 isoforms, which has implications for the efficacy of drugs in individuals, and for the co-administration of drugs . The molecular basis of drug recognition by human CYP450s, however, has remained elusive . Here we describe the crystal structure of a human CYP450, CYP2C9, both unliganded and in complex with the anti-coagulant drug warfarin . The structure defines unanticipated interactions between CYP2C9 and warfarin, and reveals a new binding pocket . The binding mode of warfarin suggests that CYP2C9 may undergo an allosteric mechanism during its function . The newly discovered binding pocket also suggests that CYP2C9 may simultaneously accommodate multiple ligands during its biological function, and provides a possible molecular basis for understanding complex drug-drug interactions.

Ann N Y Acad Sci, 2003 Jun, 990, 12 - 24
Ecology and epidemiology of spotted fever group Rickettsiae and new data from their study in Russia and Kazakhstan; Rudakov NV et al.; Rickettsiae represent a wide range of pathogenicity from classic and new pathogens to endosymbionts of eukaryotic cells . Recent studies of rickettsiae have widened the number of representatives of genus Rickettsia, especially in the spotted fever group (SFG) . Rickettsiae of SFG are tick-borne microorganisms with effective transovarial and transstadial transmission . The main hosts are ticks (Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus, Haemophysalis, Ixodes, and Amlyomma) . Strategy of maintenance of tick microorganisms is vector-type transfer and tropism to endothelial cells or blood cells of animals . The main epidemiological characteristics of SFG rickettsioses are different kinds of anthropogenic activity and connection of morbidity with seasonal tick activity . Two other important characteristics are quantitative and qualitative heterogeneity of its populations (different genotypes of Rickettsia in the same territory and species of ticks, for example) and coexistence of different tick microorganisms (rickettsiae, borreliae, ehrlichiae, tick-borne encephalitis complex viruses, etc.) . The role of new rickettsial genotypes in infectious diseases is poorly understood . Simultaneous study of ticks after bites, blood and skin biopsies of patients may be used for detection of spectrum of tick-borne pathogens in mixed natural foci . Interference between rickettsiae with different virulence may affect its populations and levels of morbidity.

Radiat Res, 2003 Aug, 160(2), 198 - 204
Structure of dried cellular alginate matrix containing fillers provides extra protection for microorganisms against UVC radiation; Zohar-Perez C et al.; Soil microorganisms in general and biocontrol agents in particular are very sensitive to UV light . The packaging of biocontrol microorganisms into cellular solids has been developed as a means of reducing loss caused by exposure to environmental UV radiation . The bacterial and fungal biocontrol agents Pantoea agglomerans and Trichoderma harzianum were immobilized in freeze-dried alginate beads containing fillers and subjected to 254 nm UV radiation (UVC) . Immobilization of cells in freeze-dried alginate-glycerol beads resulted in greater survival after UV irradiation than for a free cell suspension . Adding chitin, bentonite or kaolin as fillers to the alginate-glycerol formulation significantly increased bacterial survival . Immobilization in alginate-glycerol-kaolin beads resulted in the highest levels of survival . The transmissive properties of the dried hydrocolloid cellular solid had a major influence on the amount of protection by the cell carrier . Dried alginate matrix (control) transmitted an average of 7.2% of the radiation . Filler incorporation into the matrix significantly reduced UV transmission: Alginate with kaolin, bentonite and chitin transmitted an average of 0.15, 0.38 and 3.4% of the radiation, respectively . In addition, the filler inclusion had a considerable effect on the bead's average wall thickness, resulting in a approximately 1.5- to threefold increase relative to beads based solely on alginate . These results suggest that the degree of protection of entrapped microorganisms against UVC radiation is determined by the UV-transmission properties of the dried matrix and the cellular solid's structure . It is concluded that for maximum protection against UV-radiation-induced cell loss, biocontrol microorganisms should be immobilized in alginate-glycerol beads containing kaolin.

J Rheumatol, 2003 Jul, 30(7), 1436 - 9
Increased risk of tuberculosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; Carmona L et al.; OBJECTIVE: To quantify the risk of tuberculosis (TB) in an unselected sample of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to the risk in the general population . METHODS: The incidence of TB in the general population of Spain was obtained from the National Network of Epidemiological Surveillance reports . The incidence of TB was ascertained from a cohort of 788 patients with RA selected randomly from the registries of 34 participating centers throughout Spain . A patient was considered a TB case only if information about disease symptoms, microorganism identification, and TB treatment were confirmed in the clinical records . The relative risk of TB in RA was calculated by dividing the standardized mean incidence of TB from 1990 to 2000 in the RA cohort by the mean incidence of TB in Spain during the same years . RESULTS: The mean incidence of TB in the general population of Spain from 1990 to 2000 was 23 cases per 100,000 . Seven cases of TB were identified in the RA cohort, yielding a mean annual incidence (1990-2000) of 134/100,000 patients . The incidence risk ratio of pulmonary TB in patients with RA compared to the general population is 3.68 (95% CI 2.36-5.92) . CONCLUSION: We found a 4-fold increased risk of TB infection in patients diagnosed with RA . These results might help to interpret the magnitude of the problem attributable to the introduction of new therapies in RA.

Skin Therapy Lett, 2003 Mar, 8(3), 1 - 4
Cutaneous cleansers; Kuehl BL et al.; Skin cleansers may be an important adjunct to the regimen of those who use cosmetics, have sensitive or compromised skin, or utilize topical therapies . Cleansers emulsify dirt, oil and microorganisms on the skin surface so that they can be easily removed . During cleansing, there is a complex interaction between the cleanser, the moisture skin barrier, and skin pH . Cleansing, with water soap or a liquid cleanser, will affect the moisture skin barrier . Soap will bring about the greatest changes to the barrier and increase skin pH . Liquid facial cleansers are gentler, effecting less disruption of the barrier, with minimal change to skin pH, and can provide people with a cleanser that is a combination of surfactant classes, moisturizers and acidic pH in order to minimize disruption to the skin barrier.

Plant Physiol, 2003 Jul, 132(3), 1707 - 15
Identification and differential expression of two thioredoxin h isoforms in germinating seeds from pea; Montrichard F et al.; The NADPH/NADP-thioredoxin (Trx) reductase (NTR)/Trx system (NTS) is a redox system that plays a posttranslational regulatory role by reducing protein targets involved in crucial cellular processes in microorganisms and animals . In plants, the system includes several h type Trx isoforms and has been shown to intervene in reserve mobilization during early seedling growth of cereals . To determine whether NTS was operational during germination of legume seeds and which Trx h isoforms could be implicated, Trx h isoforms expression was monitored in germinating pea (Pisum sativum cv Baccara) seeds, together with the amount of NTR and NADPH . Two new isoforms were identified: Trx h3, similar to the two isoforms already described in pea but not expressed in seeds; and the more divergent isoform, Trx h4 . Active recombinant proteins were produced in Escherichia coli and used to raise specific antibodies . The expression of new isoforms was analyzed at both mRNA and protein levels . The lack of correlation between mRNA and protein abundances suggests the occurrence of posttranscriptional regulation . Trx h3 protein amount remained constant in both axes and cotyledons of dry and imbibed seeds but then decreased 2 d after radicle protrusion . In contrast, Trx h4 was only expressed in axes of dry and imbibed seeds but not in germinated seeds or in seedlings, therefore appearing as closely linked to germination . The presence of NTR and NADPH in seeds suggests that NTS could be functional during germination . The possible role of Trx h3 and h4 in this context is discussed.

J Environ Sci Health B, 2003 Jul, 38(4), 479 - 88
Impact of soil management and two botanical insecticides on urease and invertase activity; Antonious GF; Yard waste compost provides an organic amendment useful for improving soil structure and nutrient status . The activities of the enzymes hydrolyzing urea (urease) and sucrose (invertase) in the rhizosphere of potato plants were determined under field conditions . Soil urease and invertase activities were monitored in compost amended soil, grass buffer strips, and in adjacent bare soils during 35 d following soil treatment . Soil urease activity was increased by application of yard waste compost compared to untreated soil which provide evidence of increased soil microbial population following application of compost . Some transitional effects on urease activities were observed following Pyrethrins and Neemix-4E application, these effects were neither drastic nor prolonged enough to be considered deleterious to the soil microorganisms and their activities important to soil fertility . No relationship was found between invertase activity and the three management practices or soil organic matter content . It is suggested that application of botanical insecticides like pyrethrins and Neemix-4E may be useful in delaying urea fertilizer mineralization to maintain N in a form less leachable, so that the duration of N availability to plants is prolonged . The present study may also provide information on urease activity as a sensitive bioindicator of soil quality that reflects the effects of land management on soil quality and may assist land managers in monitoring long-term productivity and sustainability of agricultural lands.

J Environ Sci Health B, 2003 Jul, 38(4), 405 - 16
Experimental study on effect of anion surfactant on degradation rate of aldicarb in soil; Liu G et al.; Degradation kinetics of aldicarb {2-methyl-2-(methylthio) propionaldehyde O-(methyl carbamoyl) oxime} in surface and subsurface soil containing different levels of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) were determined to understand complex effect of SDBS on aldicarb degradation process . The results showed that degradation curves of aldicarb in soil can be described with first order kinetics formula and the degradation rate constant . k (d(-1)), in surface soil was larger than that in subsurface soil . SDBS can accelerate the degradation of aldicarb in soil and there was a good linear relationship between degradation rate constant and the logarithm of SDBS concentration . The possible reasons were that SDBS could change pH value of soil, have solubilization effect on aldicarb, and be used as carbon source of microorganisms . But SDBS had a larger promotion to the degradation of aldicarb in surface than in subsurface soil . When SDBS concentration was 1000 mg/kg of dried soil the first order degradation rate constant of aldicarb could be increased by 56.6 percent in surface soil and by 27.6 percent in subsurface soil, respectively.

Photochem Photobiol, 2003 Jan, 77(1), 34 - 40
Solar UV irradiation conditions on the surface of Mars; Ronto G et al.; The UV radiation environment on planetary surfaces and within atmospheres is of importance in a wide range of scientific disciplines . Solar UV radiation is a driving force of chemical and organic evolution and serves also as a constraint in biological evolution . In this work we modeled the transmission of present and early solar UV radiation from 200 to 400 nm through the present-day and early (3.5 Gyr ago) Martian atmosphere for a variety of possible cases, including dust loading, observed and modeled O3 concentrations . The UV stress on microorganisms and/or molecules essential for life was estimated by using DNA damaging effects (specifically bacteriophage T7 killing and uracil dimerization) for various irradiation conditions on the present and ancient Martian surface . Our study suggests that the UV irradiance on the early Martian surface 3.5 Gyr ago may have been comparable with that of present-day Earth, and though the current Martian UV environment is still quite severe from a biological viewpoint, we show that substantial protection can still be afforded under dust and ice.

Photochem Photobiol Sci, 2002 Jun, 1(6), 431 - 7
A quantitative method for evaluating the photoreactivation of ultraviolet damaged microorganisms; Beggs CB; The lethal effect of ultraviolet (UV) light on microorganisms is well known and many studies have been undertaken into the effects of UV induced damage . Most of this work has been experimental; by comparison relatively little theoretical work has been undertaken to analyse the kinetics of the UV inactivation process, or to develop quantitative methodologies to support the experimental work . This paper presents a new and simple model for quantifying the photolysis rate . A theoretical study is also presented in this paper which quantifies photolysis rates for E . coli O26 and E . coli O157:H7 . This study uses experimental data collected by Tosa and Hirata, and reveals the photolysis rate for E . coil O26 during the UV irradiation process to be 4.69 x 10(-3) m2 J(-1) . By comparison, E . coli O157:H7 is much more susceptible to UV induced damage than E . coli O26, having a photolysis constant of only 2.09 x 10(-3) m2 J(-1).

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 2003 Jul 15, 224(1), 127 - 32
Vitreoscilla hemoglobin promoter is not responsive to nitrosative and oxidative stress in Escherichia coli; Frey AD et al.; The Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene (vhb) is expressed under oxygen-limited conditions via an FNR-dependent mechanism . Furthermore, cAMP-CRP has been implicated in its regulation . Recently, VHb protein has been reported to protect a heterologous host from nitrosative stress . In this study we analyzed the regulation of the Vitreoscilla hemoglobin promoter (Pvhb) in Escherichia coli under nitrosative and oxidative stress conditions . Our results show unambiguously that expression of neither VHb nor chloramphenicol acetyltransferase under the control of Pvhb is induced under the experimental conditions used . Thus, a clear discrepancy between in vivo function, i.e . protection against nitrosative stress, and regulation of gene expression is obvious . The regulation of Pvhb reported here is in clear contrast to the expression pattern of flavohemoglobins from various microorganisms, which are generally induced by nitrosative stress . However, the length of Pvhb is only 146 bp and therefore, we cannot rule out that additional regulatory sequences may be located in the upstream region of Pvhb.

Bull Mem Acad R Med Belg, 2002, 157(10-12), 479 - 84
{Hereditary abnormalities in the immune system: physiology and treatment}; Fischer A; There are multiple genetic abnormalities of the immune system . About one hundred syndromes have been so far described . All of them disturb immune defenses against microorganism invasions and/or the homeostasis of the immune system . Thanks to the advances in genomics, genetic and molecular basis of more than 80 of these conditions, have been unravelled . These achievements provide significant insight into the understanding of many steps of the biology of the immune system, i.e., its development, function and regulation . It is also the basis for the design of molecular diagnostic tools and perhaps for new therapeutics of these severe disorders.

Nucleic Acids Res, 2003 Jul 15, 31(14), 4024 - 30
Processing of DNA lesions by archaeal DNA polymerases from Sulfolobus solfataricus; Gruz P et al.; Spontaneous damage to DNA as a result of deamination, oxidation and depurination is greatly accelerated at high temperatures . Hyperthermophilic microorganisms constantly exposed to temperatures exceeding 80 degrees C are endowed with powerful DNA repair mechanisms to maintain genome stability . Of particular interest is the processing of DNA lesions during replication, which can result in fixed mutations . The hyperthermophilic crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus has two functional DNA polymerases, PolB1 and PolY1 . We have found that the replicative DNA polymerase PolB1 specifically recognizes the presence of the deaminated bases hypoxanthine and uracil in the template by stalling DNA polymerization 3-4 bases upstream of these lesions and strongly associates with oligonucleotides containing them . PolB1 also stops at 8-oxoguanine and is unable to bypass an abasic site in the template . PolY1 belongs to the family of lesion bypass DNA polymerases and readily bypasses hypoxanthine, uracil and 8-oxoguanine, but not an abasic site, in the template . The specific recognition of deaminated bases by PolB1 may represent an initial step in their repair while PolY1 may be involved in damage tolerance at the replication fork . Additionally, we reveal that the deaminated bases can be introduced into DNA enzymatically, since both PolB1 and PolY1 are able to incorporate the aberrant DNA precursors dUTP and dITP.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2003 Jul 22, 100(15), 9061 - 6 Epub 2003 Jul 09.
Identification of histidine kinases that act as sensors in the perception of salt stress in Synechocystis sp . PCC 6803; Marin K et al.; In plants and microorganisms, salt stress regulates the expression of large numbers of genes . However, the machinery that senses salt stress remains to be characterized . In this study we identified sensory histidine kinases that are involved in the perception of salt stress in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp . strain PCC 6803 . A library of strains with mutations in all 43 histidine kinases was screened by DNA microarray analysis of genomewide gene expression under salt stress . The results suggested that four histidine kinases, namely, Hik16, Hik33, Hik34, and Hik41, perceived and transduced salt signals . However, Hik33, Hik34, and Hik16 acting with Hik41 regulated the expression of different sets of genes . These histidine kinases regulated the expression of approximately 20% of the salt-inducible genes, whereas the induction of the remaining salt-inducible genes was unaffected by mutations in any of the histidine kinases, suggesting that additional sensory mechanisms might operate in the perception of salt stress . We also used DNA microarrays to investigate the effect of various salts on gene expression . Our results indicate that Hik33 responds to sodium salts and not to KCl, whereas the Hik16/Hik41 system responds only to NaCl.

Ann Agric Environ Med, 2003, 10(1), 9 - 14
In vitro toxicity of indoor Chaetomium Kunze ex Fr; Pieckova E; Microscopic fungi in the indoor environment present a serious health risk for people living in affected buildings . The potentially toxic ascomycete genus Chaetomium is supposed to be the third most frequent indoor fungal contaminant . Its brief mycological, toxicological and ecological characterization is given . The work was aimed at in vitro study of toxicity of endo- and exometabolites of 14 strains of Chaetomium spp., including 4 strains of Ch . globosum, isolated from mouldy buildings in Slovakia and Denmark, and 3 Ch . globosum strains from the Czechoslovak Collection of Microorganisms (CCM) . The endometabolites of 10 isolates of Chaetomium spp . were active: 7 isolates (41% of total strain number) stopped tracheal ciliary movement of 1-d-old chickens after 24 h, 9 isolates (53%) after 48 h and 10 strains (59%) after 72 h . In the case of exometabolites, the extracts of 6 Chaetomium strains showed some ciliostatic activity: 2 isolates (12% of strains tested) after 24 h, 5 isolates (29%) after 48 h and 6 isolates (35%) after 72 h . In general, 5 isolates of Danish origin (83%) produced ciliostatically active exometabolites and 2 isolates (33%) produced such endometabolites, while only 4 strains isolated in Slovakia (50%) and 3 strains (37%) respectively did the same under experimental conditions . Most toxic metabolites were produced by Chaetomium spp . isolated from dwellings, whereas hospital isolates were not able to produce active compounds . Chaetomia as indoor contaminants can contribute to ill health of occupants of mouldy damp buildings.

Glycobiology, 2003 Oct, 13(10), 93R - 104R Epub 2003 Jul 08.
Glycosidase inhibitors: update and perspectives on practical use; Asano N; About 40 years have passed since the classical glycosidase inhibitor nojirimycin was discovered from the cultured broth of the Streptomyces species . Since then, over 100 glycosidase inhibitors have been isolated from plants and microorganisms . Modifying or blocking biological processes by specific glycosidase inhibitors has revealed the vital functions of glycosidases in living systems . Because enzyme-catalyzed carbohydrate hydrolysis is a biologically widespread process, glycosidase inhibitors have many potential applications as agrochemicals and therapeutic agents . Glycosidases are involved in the biosynthesis of the oligosaccharide chains and quality control mechanisms in the endoplasmic reticulum of the N-linked glycoproteins . Inhibition of these glycosidases can have profound effects on quality control, maturation, transport, and secretion of glycoproteins and can alter cell-cell or cell-virus recognition processes . This principle is the basis for the potential use of glycosidase inhibitors in viral infection, cancer, and genetic disorders . In this review, the past and current applications of glycosidase inhibitors to agricultural and medical fields and the prospect for new therapeutic applications are reconsidered.

Curr Opin Biotechnol, 2003 Jun, 14(3), 303 - 10
Biotechnological prospects from metagenomics; Schloss PD et al.; The recognition that most microorganisms in the environment cannot be cultured by standard methods stimulated the development of metagenomics, which is the genomic analysis of uncultured microorganisms . Two types of analysis have been used to obtain information from metagenomic libraries: a function-driven approach, in which metagenomic libraries are initially screened for an expressed trait, and a sequence-driven approach, in which libraries are initially screened for particular DNA sequences . New antibiotics and enzymes are among the early discoveries from metagenomics . Future refinement of methods that enrich for genes of particular function will accelerate the rate of discovery of useful molecules.

Curr Opin Biotechnol, 2003 Jun, 14(3), 296 - 302
Stable-isotope probing of nucleic acids: a window to the function of uncultured microorganisms; Radajewski S et al.; Phylogeny based on ribosomal RNA sequences alone is rarely a reliable indicator of microbial function . To circumvent this problem, nucleic acid based techniques have been developed that exploit the physical properties of stable isotopes to study microbially mediated processes within complex environmental samples . Investigations using labelled substrates, or which detect variations in the natural abundance of isotopes, have thus revealed the metabolic function of microorganisms without the need to isolate them in culture.

Dent Clin North Am, 2003 Jul, 47(3), 545 - 57
Waterborne pathogens and dental waterlines; Mills SE; Humans, like every other living thing on Earth, have evolved in a world dominated by many billions of microscopic life forms . Most of the time, we live in a state of harmony (or even mutualism) with our invisible coinhabitants . When this balance becomes disturbed however, the consequences can be devastating . Infectious diseases including malaria, tuberculosis, and AIDS remain the world's greatest mass murderers . Dental workers strive to reduce infection risks for their patients through infection control measures that reduce or eliminate potentially pathogenic agents in the clinical environment . As increasing numbers of patients with varying degrees of immune suppression present for dental treatment, the need to ensure an aseptic treatment environment will become a higher priority for the dental profession . The possibility that exposure to aerosols contaminated with endotoxin might exacerbate asthma or cause chronic respiratory problems in dental health care workers should be investigated . Although direct evidence of widespread complications among patients or occupationally acquired illness among dental workers is presently lacking, reducing the numbers of microorganisms present in dental treatment water is consistent with other empiric measures that form the basis of infection-control practice.

Crit Care Med, 2003 Jul, 31(7), 1938 - 46
Fluconazole improves survival in septic shock: a randomized double-blind prospective study; Jacobs S et al.; OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate whether fluconazole reduces multiple organ failure and mortality in early septic shock (<24 hrs) . DESIGN: A prospective randomized double-blind study . SETTING: A medical and surgical adult intensive care unit in a tertiary referral center . PATIENTS: Values were obtained from 71 general adult intensive care unit patients . INTERVENTIONS: During a 2.5-yr period, December 1998-June 2001, 71 patients with septic shock attributed to either nosocomial pneumonia (n = 37) or intra-abdominal sepsis (n = 34) were admitted to our intensive care unit and met the criteria of early septic shock and were entered into this study . All patients were randomized by our clinical pharmacist to receive daily either 200 mg of fluconazole in isotonic saline (fluconazole group = 32) or isotonic saline alone (placebo group = 39) intravenously during the course of their septic shock . MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All patients were closely monitored with pulmonary artery catheters and parameters to calculate daily organ dysfunction and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores . There was a highly significant increase in 30-day survival in the fluconazole-treated patients compared with the placebo patients (78% vs . 46%) . However, fluconazole was found to be more effective in patients with septic shock attributed to intra-abdominal sepsis than to nosocomial pneumonia . Increased survival in the intra-abdominal sepsis clinical category was mirrored by a significantly lower number of organ failures in the treated group compared with the placebo group whereas the number of organ failures in the fluconazole group attributed to nosocomial pneumonia were not significantly increased compared with the control group . The septic shock state was considered in all cases to be attributed to bacterial and not to disseminated yeast infection with the exception of one patient in the control group who was admitted with candidemia . The mechanisms by which fluconazole exerts its protective effect against septic shock in patients is far from clear . However, fluconazole has been shown to enhance bactericidal activity of neutrophils and also to inhibit transmigration and adhesion of neutrophils in capillaries of distant organs . CONCLUSIONS: The development of organ failure and mortality in septic shock was significantly reduced by fluconazole given intravenously . The mechanism of action of fluconazole in reducing multiple organ dysfunction in this group of patients may be attributed to the ability of fluconazole to increase recruitment, improve bactericidal activity of neutrophils, and to contain microorganisms locally.

Curr Treat Options Gastroenterol, 2003 Aug, 6(4), 283 - 288
Probiotics, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease; Floch MH; Probiotics are live, microbial food supplements that benefit the host animal by improving intestinal microbial balance . Their major role in preventing and treating gastrointestinal disease appears to be from their effect on the immune process, protection against abnormal invasive bacteria, and in the production of short-chain fatty acids from starch and non-starch polysaccharides . Probiotic microorganisms are administered in food supplements and yogurts . They are also now sold in the form of capsules and powders . There is great variation in the microorganisms in the various supplements . It is important to understand that all probiotic products are different . Some contain a single organism and others contain multiple organisms . Therapeutic results have been achieved with various probiotics in different diseases . In the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), success has been reported with Escherichia coli Nissle strain in ulcerative colitis, and with a multiple organism product, VSL#3 (VSL Pharmaceuticals, Fort Lauderdale, FL), in Crohn's disease and pouchitis . Initial reports in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have resulted in encouraging results with the use of E . coli Nissle strain, and recently with multiple organism probiotic supplements . However, caution must still apply to the use of probiotics in IBD and IBS because the reports and the number of patients treated are limited.

Kidney Int, 2003 Aug, 64(2), 572 - 8
Effect of iron treatment on circulating cytokine levels in ESRD patients receiving recombinant human erythropoietin; Weiss G et al.; BACKGROUND: Anemia in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is treated with recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) often in combination with iron . However, iron catalyzes the formation of toxic radicals, which might promote vascular damage, is a nutrient for microorganisms, and negatively affects immune pathways, thus increasing the risk for severe infections . METHODS: We investigated 28 patients on chronic hemodialysis who were randomized to receive either rhEPO alone (N = 15) or rhEPO in combination with intravenous iron (N = 13) for a period of 12 weeks . We analyzed iron therapy associated changes in cytokine patterns and endogenous radical formation . RESULTS: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels were increased in ESRD patients at study entry and then decreased significantly over time in subjects receiving additional iron, while they increased with rhEPO alone . In contrast, we found serum concentrations of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-4 to increase with iron therapy . A significant negative correlation between iron availability, as determined by transferrin saturation, and TNF-alpha levels (P = 0.008) and a positive one between transferring saturation and IL-4 (P = 0.02) pointed to the potential role of iron to induce immunologic changes . Interestingly, iron therapy resulted in a slight decrease in the amounts of endogenous peroxides, which may be referred to reduced TNF-alpha concentrations since peroxide concentrations were positively correlated to TNF-alpha levels (P = 0.046) and negatively to transferrin saturation (P = 0.02) . CONCLUSION: Iron supplementation in ESRD patients down-regulates proinflammatory immune effector pathways and stimulates the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 . Such a condition is detrimental for host response toward invading pathogens . However, tissue damage by radicals such as endogenous peroxides may be reduced in this condition due to impaired TNF-alpha formation.

Ann Pharm Fr, 2003 Jul, 61(4), 270 - 5
{Bacterial aggression}; Berche P; In all living species, the first line of defence against microbial aggressions is constituted by innate immunity . During Evolution, it appears in invertebrates and plants, long before adaptive immunity, which appears in vertebrate . Adaptive immunity induces acquired resistance against microorganisms through random somatic rearrangements of genes encoding immunoglobulins and T cell receptors, thus generating a high level of diversity of receptors (>10(9)) in response to microbial aggressions . Acquired resistance is not vertically transmitted and reflects the "infectious history" of every individual . In contrast, innate immunity relies on recognition of antigens by a small number of weakly specific receptors (>10(2)) designated Pattern-Recognition Receptors (PRR) and is vertically transmitted by germinal cells . The PRR are expressed on macrophages dendritic cells and B lymphocytes and recognize antigenic structures highly conserved in the living world, termed Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMP), as lipopolysaccharides peptidoglycanes and lipoteichoic acids . PRR are secreted (complement, lectins), or expressed at the cell surface of cells to induce endocytosis or signaling (Toll-like receptors or TLRs) . The recognition of antigens induces an immediate inflammatory response and triggers adaptive immunity . Among secreted PRR, the system of complement plays a major role in the immediate inflammatory response, controlling infections by its major role in opsonization, chemotactism and activation of leucocytes . TLRs induce the inflammatory response against microorganisms through NF-kB, a cytoplasmic factor controlling transcription of many genes, including cytokines (TNF, INF, IL-1, IL-2, IL-8, IL-12.) and defensines . So, within few minutes following microbial aggression, the inflammatory response is rapidly triggered to destroy infectious agents and to generate a long-term memory against pathogens.

J Neurosci, 2003 Jul 2, 23(13), 5536 - 44
Glucocorticoids play a fundamental role in protecting the brain during innate immune response; Nadeau S et al.; The innate immune system plays a crucial role in protecting the host against infectious microorganisms . An inappropriate control of this system may have profound consequences, because of the maintained production of specific proinflammatory molecules . Glucocorticoids are the most efficient endogenous molecules that provide negative feedback on proinflammatory signaling and gene expression . Here we show that activation of this system is not detrimental for the brain but a profound neurodegeneration takes place in animals treated with the glucocorticoid receptor inhibitor Mifepristone (RU486) . This drug increased the inflammatory reaction induced by a single intracerebral bolus of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) . Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) totally abolished the neurotoxic effect of the endotoxin, and chronic infusion of the cytokine mimicked the treatment combining RU486 and LPS . The neuronal damage caused by TNF-alpha is dependent on both nitric oxide and caspase pathways . In controlling the cerebral innate immunity and microglial TNF-alpha production, glucocorticoids play a major role in protecting the brain against bacterial cell wall components.

Forensic Sci Int, 2003 Jun 24, 134(1), 62 - 71
Microbial degradation of illicit drugs, their precursors, and manufacturing by-products: implications for clandestine drug laboratory investigation and environmental assessment; Janusz A et al.; Chemicals associated with clandestine drug laboratories are often disposed of covertly into soil, sewerage systems, or public waste management facilities . There are two significant issues relating to such dumps of materials; they might contain valuable evidence as to drug manufacture, and they might be a source of pollution . This study presents initial findings in relation to the impact microorganisms from environmental sources have upon drugs, their precursors, and manufacturing by-products . The aim of this study was to identify which chemicals associated with clandestine drug laboratories persist in the environment in order to allow forensic drug chemists to link discarded residues with the method of manufacture, and to allow the environmental impact of clandestine drug laboratories to be assessed accurately . When exposed to soil microorganisms, phenyl-2-propanone (P2P) was rapidly metabolized into mixtures of 1-phenyl-2-propanol, 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione, 1-hydroxy-1-phenyl-2-propanone, 2-hydroxy-1-phenyl-1-propanone, and the two diastereoisomers of 1-phenyl-1,2-propanediol . On the other hand, when exposed under the same conditions, methylamphetamine sulphate (MAS) remained virtually unchanged . Implications relating to evidence gathering for forensic purposes and to environmental assessment of clandestine drug laboratories are discussed.

Semin Respir Infect, 2003 Jun, 18(2), 103 - 11
Evaluation of nonresolving and progressive pneumonia; Menendez R et al.; The concepts of nonresolving and progressive pneumonia are difficult to define: both refer to a failure in the therapeutic response, which in the case of progressive pneumonia may cause a medical emergency even in the first 72 hours after empiric treatment . The incidence of nonresolving pneumonia in community-acquired pneumonia is approximately 10%, and greater than 30% in nosocomial pneumonia . Mortality in nonresponding pneumonia increases 3-fold in community-acquired and 5-fold in nosocomial pneumonia compared with global mortality in hospitalized patients . Factors associated with the resolution of pneumonia are related to the host, the microorganisms, and the cytokine response that modulates the relationship between them . Causes of nonresolving or progressive pneumonia may be infectious or noninfectious . Management of nonresponding patients requires a reevaluation of epidemiologic data, a complete microbiologic investigation, with conventional and invasive respiratory samples, and performance of a new radiographic study . Empiric therapeutic changes are aimed at broadening bacteriologic coverage to treat resistant or unusual microorganisms.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2003 Jul, 69(7), 4249 - 55
Detection and diversity assessment of Xylella fastidiosa in field-collected plant and insect samples by using 16S rRNA and gyrB sequences; Rodrigues JL et al.; The causal agent of diseases in many economically important plants is attributed to the xylem-limited bacterium Xylella fastidiosa . The detection of this plant pathogen has been hampered due to its difficult isolation and slow growth on plates . Nearly complete nucleotide sequences of the 16S rRNA gene and partial sequences of the gyrB gene were determined for 18 strains of X . fastidiosa isolated from different plant hosts . A phylogenetic analysis, based on gyrB, grouped strains in three clusters; grape-isolated strains formed one cluster, citrus-coffee strains formed another cluster, and a third cluster resulted from all other strains . Primer pairs designed for the 16S rRNA and gyrB genes were extensively searched in databases to verify their in silico specificity . Primer pairs were certified with 30 target and 36 nontarget pure cultures of microorganisms, confirming 100% specificity . A multiplex PCR protocol was developed and its sensitivity tested . Sequencing of PCR products confirmed the validity of the multiplex PCR . Xylella fastidiosa was detected in field-collected plants, disease vector insects, and nonsymptomatic but infected plants . Specific detection of X . fastidiosa may facilitate the understanding of its ecological significance and prevention of spread of the disease.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2003 Jul, 69(7), 3858 - 67
Microbial diversity of cryptoendolithic communities from the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica; de la Torre JR et al.; In the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica, microorganisms colonize the pore spaces of exposed rocks and are thereby protected from the desiccating environmental conditions on the surface . These cryptoendolithic communities have received attention in microscopy and culture-based studies but have not been examined by molecular approaches . We surveyed the microbial biodiversity of selected cryptoendolithic communities by analyzing clone libraries of rRNA genes amplified from environmental DNA . Over 1,100 individual clones from two types of cryptoendolithic communities, cyanobacterium dominated and lichen dominated, were analyzed . Clones fell into 51 relatedness groups (phylotypes) with > or =98% rRNA sequence identity (46 bacterial and 5 eucaryal) . No representatives of Archaea were detected . No phylotypes were shared between the two classes of endolithic communities studied . Clone libraries based on both types of communities were dominated by a relatively small number of phylotypes that, because of their relative abundance, presumably represent the main primary producers in these communities . In the lichen-dominated community, three rRNA sequences, from a fungus, a green alga, and a chloroplast, of the types known to be associated with lichens, accounted for over 70% of the clones . This high abundance confirms the dominance of lichens in this community . In contrast, analysis of the supposedly cyanobacterium-dominated community indicated, in addition to cyanobacteria, at least two unsuspected organisms that, because of their abundance, may play important roles in the community . These included a member of the alpha subdivision of the Proteobacteria that potentially is capable of aerobic anoxygenic photosynthesis and a distant relative of Deinococcus that defines, along with other Deinococcus-related sequences from Antarctica, a new clade within the Thermus-Deinococcus bacterial phylogenetic division.

J Invest Dermatol, 2003 Jul, 121(1), 28 - 36
Human glands of Moll: histochemical and ultrastructural characterization of the glands of Moll in the human eyelid; Stoeckelhuber M et al.; The function of the human gland of Moll of the eyelid is not exactly known . We studied the secretory and cytoskeletal components of these apocrine glands in males and females by immunohistochemical methods, and the ultrastructural organization of the glandular cells with an electron microscope . The glands of Moll are exclusively located at the margin of the eyelids and their ducts empty into the lash follicle . Immunohistochemical staining for actin and cytokeratins CK19 and CK7 points to the involvement of actin in the pinching-off mechanism of the apical cell protrusion during apocrine secretion and to a stabilizing role for the cytokeratins in this apical region of the glandular cells . The presence of the bacteriolytic enzyme lysozyme, the membrane-associated mucin 1, and the immunoglobulin A and its secretory component within the gland suggest a function in local immune defense . The presence of a variety of sugar components in the secretory product was verified by lectin histochemistry and periodic acid Schiff and Alcian blue stain . We suppose that these apocrine glands are active from birth in producing agents against pathogenic microorganisms in the eyelid shaft and on the ocular surface.

Res Microbiol, 2003 Jun, 154(5), 315 - 20
Response of terrestrial microorganisms to ultraviolet-B radiation in ecosystems; Johnson D; Recent studies suggest that ultraviolet-B radiation, a major component of global climate change, can affect the community structure, biomass and functioning of terrestrial microorganisms . In this report, these studies are reviewed and gaps in our understanding highlighted so that future research can provide more conclusive evidence on the mechanisms and wider ecological implications of the impacts of elevated ultraviolet-B radiation on terrestrial microorganisms.

J Dairy Sci, 2003 Jun, 86(6), 1932 - 40
Effects of carbon dioxide on bacterial growth parameters in milk as measured by conductivity; Martin JD et al.; Inhibition of bacterial growth by dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) has been well established in many foods including dairy foods . However, the effects of dissolved CO2 on specific growth parameters such as length of lag phase, time to maximum growth rate, and numbers of organisms at the stationary phase have not been quantified for organisms of concern in milk . The effect of dissolved CO2 concentrations of 0.6 to 61.4 mM on specific bacterial growth parameters in raw or single organism inoculated sterile milk was determined at 15 degrees C by conductance . Commingled raw or sterile milks were amended to a final concentration of 0.5 mg/ml each of urea and arginine HCl . Sterile milks were inoculated singly with one of six different microorganisms to a final concentration of approximately 10(2) to 10(3) cfu/ml; raw milk was adjusted to a final indigenous bacterial population of approximately 10(3) cfu/ml . Conductivity of the milk was recorded every 60 s over 4 to 5 d in a circulating apparatus at 15 degrees C . Conductivity values were fit to Gompertz equations and growth parameters calculated . Conductance correlated with plate counts and was satisfactory for monitoring microbial growth . Data fit the Gompertz equation with high correlation (R2 = 0.96 to 1.00) . In all cases, dissolved CO2 significantly inhibited growth of raw milk bacteria, influencing lag, exponential, and stationary growth phases as well as all tested monocultures.

Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao, 2003 Mar, 14(3), 457 - 60
{A review on phytoremediation of organic contaminants}; Xia H et al.; Plants can take up and accumulate most persistant chemicals such as PCBs and PAHs by roots . Some chemicals such as TNT, TCE, and most organic pesticides can be phytodegraded into polar metabolites, or assimilated to CO2 and water by some plants . On the other hand, more microorganisms in rhizosphere can enhance the degradation rate of organic contaminants in environment . The benefits and some issues on phytoremediation are also discussed.

Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao, 2003 Mar, 14(3), 453 - 6
{Advances in extraction and purification of soil microorganism}; Xiang W et al.; For the studies on soil microbial ecology and bio-diversity as well as on the dynamics of C, N, S and P in soil, it is necessary to quantitatively extract microorganism from soil . The recent advances on extraction and purification of microorganism from soil were reviewed in this paper . The procedure for extracting microorganism from soil was comprised of three steps, i.e., soil dispersion, separation and purification . Most bacteria in soil could be successively extracted from soil particles by present techniques such as filtration, centrifugation and elutriation . However, filamentous fungi seem more difficult to be extracted than bacteria, because it is tangled with soil particles . Rotating wire frame, aqueous extraction and membrane filter technique, and low-speed centrifugation were used for extracting filamentous fungi from soil, but the extraction efficiency was rather low and needed to be raised . Aqueous two-phase partitioning system was successfully adopted as a technique for bacteria purification, and it would possibly become a technique suitable for fungi purification . The potential area of research on soil microbial ecology as well as on soil and plant nutrition by using microbial extraction technique was also discussed.

J Orofac Orthop, 2003 May, 64(3), 214 - 27
Movement of periodontally affected teeth after guided tissue regeneration (GTR)--an experimental pilot study in animals; Diedrich P et al.; PURPOSE: The purpose of the present experimental animal study was to examine the relevance of regenerative periodontal therapy (membrane procedure, application of enamel matrix proteins) to subsequent orthodontic tooth movement . MATERIAL AND METHOD: After extraction of the third premolars in four foxhounds, 64 three-wall bony defects were artificially generated at the first and second premolars and colonized by periodontopathogenic microorganisms . After 6 months, regenerative periodontal therapy was performed: scaling, conditioning of the root surfaces with citric acid, combination of enamel matrix protein (Emdogain, Biora, Malmo, Sweden) and resorbable Vicryl membrane (Ethicon, Norderstedt, Germany) . The defects at the first premolars served as the control group . In the test group eight second premolars were intruded 1 month after surgical intervention; in addition eight premolars were translatorily distalized, i.e . moved both into the defect (pressure side) and away from the defect (tension side) . Qualitative histologic analysis was performed on non-decalcified microsection samples using the polychrome sequential labeling and histomorphometry . RESULTS: The histologic findings revealed extensive periodontal regeneration in the control group, at the intruded root segments, and on the tension sides . Cemento- and osseoneogenesis yielded mean values of 70-80%, whereas values for epithelial down-growth were low . The bony regeneration on the pressure side was markedly reduced; however, nearly 70% new formation of root cementum with Sharpey's fibers was also recorded . CONCLUSION: Periodontal regenerative procedures appear to enhance conditions for the movement of teeth with attachment loss; clinical testing is promising.

Rev Argent Microbiol, 2003 Jan-Mar, 35(1), 8 - 18
{Prediction of the bacteriological quality of natural waters in urban environments . Effect of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation}; Emiliani F et al.; At the moment of examination, the bacteriological quality of water is not, to a large extent, more than an a posteriori evaluation: the population is advised afterwards that it had been exposed to a sanitary risk . The ideal situation for managing aquatic environments or recreational use would be to be able to predict at any moment their bacteriological quality . An approach would be to develop predictive models to relate the exceedance (number of days during which the bacteriological indicator exceeds the standards) with environmental variables . Studies were carried out at two beaches with different limnological characteristics, a fluvial beach and a lacustrine beach, from the beginning of 1998 to the end of 2000, so that it was possible to obtain information on the impact of very different hydroclimatic situations on microorganisms of sanitary interest (Escherichia coli and cyanobacteria) . Three variables, maximum concentration of E . coli, rains and water level, justified 92.6% of the exceedance variance in the multiple regression model at the fluvial beach . Other abiotic variables (temperature, pH, conductivity, transparency and dissolved oxygen) showed collinearity problems or did not make statistically significant contributions to the model . During the El Nino event (gauge heights > 5 m) there were no exceedances after the rains, even with precipitations of 200 mm . Moreover, cyanobacteria density remained low (x = 1.191 +/- 0.703 log10 cian./ml) . During the negative pluvial anomalies, although the exceedances of E . coli were not very frequent at both beaches due to the scarce rains, a massive development of cyanobacteria was produced (x = 4.657 +/- 0.578 log10 cian./ml) at the lacustrine beach . At this beach, the mean decay coefficient (K) for E . coli was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that estimated for the fluvial beach (K = -0.682 +/- 0.32 versus K = -0.387 +/- 0.16, respectively), possibly due to the unfavourable environment created by the higher development of photosynthetic organisms . Analizing separately the anomalous period, variables that better explained (98.6%) the exceedances were (in addition to the maximum concentration of E . coli) pH, temperature and days without rains (DWR) before the sampling . The longest exceedances (6 to 8 days) were produced at the end of the negative pluvial anomalies, after prolonged periods (> 30 days) of droughts . Regression models obtained to predict the exceedance of E . coli were simplified using only three abiotic variables (water level, rains and DWR) . Although, in this way, the percentage of explanation of the exceedance is lower (78.5%), the information needed for the model is obtained quickly and preventive measures can be carried out immediately while waiting for more information.

J Gen Appl Microbiol, 2003 Apr, 49(2), 63 - 73
Growth inhibition of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans by cadmium: an antioxidant enzyme approach; Guelfi A et al.; The heavy metal cadmium is very toxic to biological systems . Although its effect on the growth of microorganisms and plants has been investigated, the response of antioxidant enzymes of Aspergillus nidulans to cadmium is not well documented . We have studied the effect of cadmium (supplied as CdCl(2)) on catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) . 0.005 mM CdCl(2) had a very slight stimulatory effect on the growth rate of A . nidulans, but at concentrations above 0.025 mM, growth was totally inhibited . The accumulation of Cd within the mycelium was directly correlated with the increase in the concentration of CdC(2) used in the treatments . Although a cadmium-stimulated increase in SOD activity was observed, there was no change in the relative proportions of the individual Mn-SOD isoenzymes . Higher concentrations of CdCl(2) induced a small increase in total CAT activity, but there was a major increase in one isoenzymic form, that could be separated by gel electrophoresis . GR activity increased significantly following treatment with the highest concentration (0.05 mM) of CdCl(2) . The increases in SOD, CAT, and GR activities suggest that CdCl(2) induces the formation of reactive oxygen species inside the mycelia of A . nidulans.

Mol Biol Evol, 2003 Sep, 20(9), 1545 - 55 Epub 2003 Jun 27.
Increased rates of sequence evolution in endosymbiotic bacteria and fungi with small effective population sizes; Woolfit M et al.; Mutualistic, maternally transmitted endosymbiotic microorganisms undergo severe population bottlenecks at each host generation, resulting in a reduction in effective population size (Ne) . Previous studies of Buchnera, the primary endosymbiont of aphids, and of several other species of endosymbiotic bacteria have shown that these species exhibit an increase in the rate of substitution of slightly deleterious mutations, among other predicted effects of increased drift due to small Ne, such as reduced codon bias . However, these studies have been limited in taxonomic scope, and it was therefore not clear whether the increase in rate is a general feature of endosymbiont lineages . Here, we test the prediction that a long-term reduction in Ne causes an increase in substitution rate using DNA sequences of the 16S rRNA gene from 13 phylogenetically independent comparisons between taxonomically diverse endosymbiotic microorganisms and their free-living relatives . Maximum likelihood and distance-based methods both indicate a significant increase in substitution rate in a wide range of bacterial and fungal endosymbionts compared to closely related free-living lineages . We use the same data set to test whether 16S genes from endosymbionts display increased A + T content, another indicator of increased genetic drift, and find that there is no significant difference in base composition between endosymbiont and nonendosymbiont 16S genes . However, analysis of an additional data set of whole bacterial genomes demonstrates that, while host-dependent bacteria have significantly increased genomic A + T content, the base content of the 16S gene tends to vary less than that of the whole genome . It is possible that selection for stability of rRNA is strong enough to overcome the effects of drift toward increased A + T content in endosymbiont 16S genes, despite the reduced effective population sizes of these organisms.

Curr Opin Microbiol, 2003 Jun, 6(3), 310 - 6
Marker and reporter genes: illuminating tools for environmental microbiologists; Jansson JK; Fluorescent and luminescent marker and reporter genes provide easily detectable phenotypes to microbial cells and are therefore valuable tools for the study of microorganisms in the environment . Although these tools are becoming widely adopted, there are still issues that remain to be solved, such as the dependence of the reporter output on the physiological status of the cell . Eventually it might be the use of marker and reporter genes themselves that will contribute towards better understanding of the physiological status of specific microbial populations in nature.

Curr Opin Microbiol, 2003 Jun, 6(3), 282 - 7
New approaches to analyzing microbial biodiversity data; Bohannan BJ et al.; Modern molecular techniques have revealed an extraordinary diversity of microorganisms, most of which are as yet uncharacterized . This poses a major challenge to microbial ecologists: how can one compare the microbial diversity of different environments when the vast majority of microbial taxa are usually unknown? Three statistical approaches developed by ecologists and evolutionary biologists--parametric estimation, nonparametric estimation and community phylogenetics--are proving to be promising tools to meet this challenge . The combination of these tools with molecular biology techniques allow the rigorous estimation and comparison of microbial diversity in different environments.

Curr Opin Microbiol, 2003 Jun, 6(3), 251 - 60
Bioplastics from microorganisms; Luengo JM et al.; The term 'biomaterials' includes chemically unrelated products that are synthesised by microorganisms (or part of them) under different environmental conditions . One important family of biomaterials is bioplastics . These are polyesters that are widely distributed in nature and accumulate intracellularly in microorganisms in the form of storage granules, with physico-chemical properties resembling petrochemical plastics . These polymers are usually built from hydroxy-acyl-CoA derivatives via different metabolic pathways . Depending on their microbial origin, bioplastics differ in their monomer composition, macromolecular structure and physical properties . Most of them are biodegradable and biocompatible, which makes them extremely interesting from the biotechnological point of view.

Curr Opin Microbiol, 2003 Jun, 6(3), 213 - 8
Extremophiles as a source for novel enzymes; van den Burg B; Microbial life does not seem to be limited to specific environments . During the past few decades it has become clear that microbial communities can be found in the most diverse conditions, including extremes of temperature, pressure, salinity and pH . These microorganisms, called extremophiles, produce biocatalysts that are functional under extreme conditions . Consequently, the unique properties of these biocatalysts have resulted in several novel applications of enzymes in industrial processes . At present, only a minor fraction of the microorganisms on Earth have been exploited . Novel developments in the cultivation and production of extremophiles, but also developments related to the cloning and expression of their genes in heterologous hosts, will increase the number of enzyme-driven transformations in chemical, food, pharmaceutical and other industrial applications.

Curr Opin Microbiol, 2003 Jun, 6(3), 206 - 12
Microbial whole-cell sensing systems of environmental pollutants; Belkin S; The past decade has witnessed the development of a novel class of tools for environmental monitoring: genetically engineered microorganisms 'tailored' to respond in a dose-dependent manner to changes in environmental conditions . Recent advances in the field include the expansion of available reporter functions with multicolored fluorescent proteins, a broadening of the detected chemical effects such as the availability of nutrients and enhancement of the spectrum of reporter microorganisms to include cyanobacteria, yeast and fungi . Most importantly, the stage has been set for the incorporation of such cells into various whole-cell array formats on silicon chips, optic fibres and other configurations . The future of such multiplex detection and analysis systems seems bright.

Nat Prod Rep, 2003 Jun, 20(3), 275 - 87
Nonribosomal peptides: from genes to products; Schwarzer D et al.; The ability to synthesize nonribosomally small bioactive peptides that find application in modern medicine is widely spread among microorganisms . As broad as the spectrum of biological activities is the structural diversity of these peptides, which are mostly cyclic or branched cyclic compounds containing non-proteinogenic amino acids, small heterocyclic rings and other unusual modifications in the peptide backbone . They are synthesized by multimodular enzymes, the so-called nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), from simple building blocks . Biochemical and genetic studies have unveiled the key principles of nonribosomal peptide syntheses, as well as the realization of many structural features of these peptides . This review focuses on recent results in NRPS research and highlights how this knowledge can be exploited for biotechnological purposes . In addition, possibilities and limitations for prediction of structural features of uncharacterized NRPSs and approaches for their engineering are discussed.

Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao, 2003 Feb, 14(2), 293 - 5
{Advances in studies on genetically engineered microorganism ecology}; Jin S et al.; Genetically engineered microorganism ecology has been one of main research contents in microorganism molecular ecology . Along with the introduction of molecular marker and molecular biology, traditional microorganism ecology has been developed; therefore, it is possible to study the relationship between GEM and environment, environmental microorganism under molecular level . The GEM ecology has become a new and intersection borderline discipline, related to molecular biology, microbiology, ecology and so on . Moreover, it brought forward that the prosecution of the research on the transgenic organism ecology and the risk assessment, and the foundation of checking means and valuating standard that adapt to the situation of China could help to the development of GEM ecology in China.

Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao, 2003 Feb, 14(2), 286 - 92
{Introduction and progress of molecular microbial ecology}; Zhang H et al.; Molecular microbial ecology is an interdisciplinary field of molecular biological techniques and microbial ecology, which deals with microbial population, diversity, function, and relationships between microorganisms and biotic and abotic environments in microbial ecosystem . All the progress in molecular microbial ecology, especially in microbial diversity, phylogeny and communities of some microoganisms, indicate the renovation in traditional microbial ecology by the introduction of molecular techniques and strategies . This article reviewed the ideation, development, key domains, main methods and the future hot fields in molecular microbial ecology.

Can J Diet Pract Res, 2003 Summer, 64(2), 59 - 61
Consumer food handling recommendations: is thawing of turkey a food safety issue?
Lacroix BJ, Li KW, Powell DA.
While it is important that dietitians and other health or food professionals provide consistent messages to the public about food safety, it is equally important that the information be evidence-based . Conflicting recommendations are evident when reviewing consumer publications from food safety advisory groups and the scientific literature . In addition, caveats are attached to the various food-handling methods . Pathogens, spoilage microorganisms, and contamination of the work area are the major concerns in thawing turkey . While several methods, including thawing on the counter at ambient temperatures, can be employed for thawing turkey, cooking to an adequate internal temperature, validated with a meat thermometer, is the more critical step . The findings indicate that providing clients or consumers with clear, consistent, evidence-based messages is difficult for food and health professionals . Further research is required to corroborate best practices in a kitchen setting . This paper is of interest to professionals who counsel clients at high risk for foodborne illness, or who counsel consumers about safe preparation of foods such as turkey.

Mycol Res, 2003 Mar, 107(Pt 3), 267 - 76
Use of Coniothyrium minitans transformed with the hygromycin B resistance gene to study survival and infection of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum sclerotia in soil; Jones EE et al.; A Coniothyrium minitans strain (T3) co-transformed with the genes for beta-glucuronidase (uidA) and hygromycin phosphotransferase (hph), the latter providing resistance to the antibiotic hygromycin B, was used to investigate the survival and infection of sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum by C . minitans over time in four different soils . Infection of sclerotia was rapid in all cases, with the behaviour of transformant T3 and wild type parent A69 being similar . Differences were seen between the soils in the rate of infection of sclerotia by C . minitans and in their indigenous fungal populations . Amendment of agar with hygromycin B enabled the quantification of C . minitans in soil by dilution plating where there was a high background of other microorganisms . In Lincoln soil from New Zealand, which had a natural but low population of C . minitans, the hygromycin B resistance marker allowed the umambiguous discrimination of the applied transformed isolate from the indigenous hygromycin B sensitive one . In this soil, although the indigenous C . minitans population was detected from sclerotia, none were recovered on the dilution plates, indicating the increased sensitivity of C . minitans detection from soil using sclerotial baiting . C . minitans was a very efficient parasite, being able to infect a large proportion of sclerotia within a relatively short time from an initially low soil population . The addition of hygromycin B to agar also allowed the detection of C . minitans from decaying sclerotia by inhibiting secondary fungal colonisers . This is the first report to show that fungi colonising sclerotia already infected by C . minitans mask the detection of C . minitans from sclerotia rather than displacing the original parasite.

Oral Microbiol Immunol, 2003 Aug, 18(4), 226 - 33
In vitro environmental regulation of Porphyromonas gingivalis growth and virulence; Kesavalu L et al.; Porphyromonas gingivalis appears to be a major contributor to periodontal disease, especially soft tissue destruction, which is reflected by the ability to cause invasive, spreading lesions, and tissue inflammation in a murine abscess model . This study investigated the role of hemin on the regulation of growth and virulence of P . gingivalis strains . P . gingivalis strains W50, A7A1-28, 3079, 381, W50/BEI, and NG4B19 were grown in broth and on blood agar plates . P . gingivalis cells grown under iron-depleted conditions for multiple passages showed significantly decreased lesion size in mice, in contrast to cells grown under iron-normal (5 microg/ml) and iron-elevated conditions . Statistically significant (P < 0.01) decreases in gingipain enzyme activity were found among the strains grown under iron-depleted conditions . P . gingivalis grown in the presence of blood induced significantly different lesion type, lesion size, lesion onset, and mortality . Elevated hemin resulted in increased cell-associated iron in P . gingivalis, which increased the capacity of the microorganism to survive at times of iron deprivation . These results indicate that hemin or iron availability regulates multiple aspects related to P . gingivalis virulence, including growth, survival, gingipain levels, and iron accumulation.

J Med Primatol, 2003 Apr, 32(2), 111 - 9
Overt fatal and chronic subclinical Encephalitozoon cuniculi microsporidiosis in a colony of captive emperor tamarins (Saguinus imperator); Guscetti F et al.; The course of an infection with the microsporidian Encephalitozoon cuniculi in a colony of captive emperor tamarins (Saguinus imperator) is described . In two litters, the infection was associated with overt disease and death of all infants . Immunohistochemistry for E . cuniculi showed generalized infections, and histopathologic evaluation revealed systemic vasculitis and disseminated mixed inflammatory cell infiltration with and without necrosis in several organs . Serologically, some of the juvenile animals presented with high titres for Encephalitozoon, while the adults had low titres . The E . cuniculi "dog strain" was identified by molecular means for the first time in Europe . The origin of the infection appeared to be a pair of breeding adults that originated from the US . Our data suggest that the organism persisted over years in the colony, and that subclinically infected animals most likely were involved in perpetuating the infection . Efforts should be made to ascertain if this microorganism is present in other captive populations of this endangered monkey species and to prevent its further spreading.

Environ Microbiol, 2003 Jul, 5(7), 539 - 54
Nitrogenase gene diversity and microbial community structure: a cross-system comparison; Zehr JP et al.; Biological nitrogen fixation is an important source of fixed nitrogen for the biosphere . Microorganisms catalyse biological nitrogen fixation with the enzyme nitrogenase, which has been highly conserved through evolution . Cloning and sequencing of one of the nitrogenase structural genes, nifH, has provided a large, rapidly expanding database of sequences from diverse terrestrial and aquatic environments . Comparison of nifH phylogenies to ribosomal RNA phylogenies from cultivated microorganisms shows little conclusive evidence of lateral gene transfer . Sequence diversity far outstrips representation by cultivated representatives . The phylogeny of nitrogenase includes branches that represent phylotypic groupings based on ribosomal RNA phylogeny, but also includes paralogous clades including the alternative, non-molybdenum, non-vanadium containing nitrogenases . Only a few alternative or archaeal nitrogenase sequences have as yet been obtained from the environment . Extensive analysis of the distribution of nifH phylotypes among habitats indicates that there are characteristic patterns of nitrogen fixing microorganisms in termite guts, sediment and soil environments, estuaries and salt marshes, and oligotrophic oceans . The distribution of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, although not entirely dictated by the nitrogen availability in the environment, is non-random and can be predicted on the basis of habitat characteristics . The ability to assay for gene expression and investigate genome arrangements provides the promise of new tools for interrogating natural populations of diazotrophs . The broad analysis of nitrogenase genes provides a basis for developing molecular assays and bioinformatics approaches for the study of nitrogen fixation in the environment.

Ann Med, 2003, 35(3), 164 - 71
Toll-like receptor 4 and atherogenesis; Kiechl S et al.; Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a pattern recognition receptor involved in the innate immune response to various microorganisms and other exogenous and endogenous stress factors . Recently, evidence emerged that important inflammatory processes implicit in human atherogenesis are mediated in part via the TLR4/nuclear factor-kappaB pathway . Polymorphisms of TLR4, which attenuate receptor signalling, enhance the risk of acute severe infections but may have opposite effects on atherogenesis . The aim of this review is to critically discuss current experimental and epidemiological evidence for a role of TLR4 in atherogenesis and to highlight the main controversies and perspectives in this emerging field of vascular biology.

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 2003, 43(3), 265 - 85
Nonthermal preservation of foods using combined processing techniques; Raso J et al.; In the last 2 decades, consumer demand for fresher, higher quality, and safer food has promoted research on nonthermal methods of food preservation for the inactivation of microorganisms and enzymes as an alternative to thermal processes . However, the high resistance of certain enzymes and microorganisms to nonthermal processes, especially bacterial spores, limit their application . To expand the use of nonthermal processes in the food industry, combinations of these technologies with traditional or emerging food preservation techniques are being studied . The use of nonthermal processes in combination with other preservation technologies presents a number of potential benefits to food preservation . The purpose of this article is to review some successful combinations of different nonthermal technologies, such as high hydrostatic pressure, ultrasound, pulsed electric fields, and irradiation, with traditional or emerging food preservation technologies.

Anasthesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther, 2003 Jul, 38(7), 445 - 55
{Small pox--infection, therapy and anaesthesiological management (part 1)}; Langefeld TW et al.; Smallpox is an acute contagious and sometimes fatal infectious disease . It is caused by the variola-virus . Smallpox is characterized by a typical disease form with a progressive distinctive skin rash, especially at face, arms and legs . Smallpox has a fatality rate of about 30 % and the therapy of infected patients is only symptomatically . As prevention the WHO initiated worldwide vaccination programs in the year 1967 . The last naturally occurring case of smallpox in the world was in Somalia in 1977 . Since then the only known cases of smallpox happened from an outbreak in Birmingham, England caused by a laboratory accident in the year of 1979 . On May the 8 th 1980 the disease was declared as eliminated from the world by the WHO (WHO-Resolution 33.33) . A natural occurrence of the variola-virus seems to be not given . Nevertheless the virus exists for research in two laboratories, the American Centers of Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia and in the Russian Research Center for Virology and Biotechnics in Kolzowo, Sibiria . Threatening infections with smallpox or other microorganisms, used as bioweapons, get a new dimension through global terrorism . The variola-virus represents an optimal candidate for bioweapons . It is easy to replicate, it is highly contagious and the transmission over aerosol or direct contact from man to man is easy to handle . After the disease was eliminated from the world, routine vaccination among general public was stopped . Therefore younger people don't possess any vaccination protection . Older formerly vaccinated people probably have only a non-sufficient protection . Because of the smallpox elimination a lot of physicians have no experience with this disease . An outbreak of this smallpox isn't only controlled by new vaccination . In our times we need adapted prevention-standards, pox-alarm plans and quarantine standards.

Drug Discov Today, 2003 Jun 15, 8(12), 536 - 44
Drugs from the deep: marine natural products as drug candidates; Haefner B; In recent years, marine natural product bioprospecting has yielded a considerable number of drug candidates . Most of these molecules are still in preclinical or early clinical development but some are already on the market, such as cytarabine, or are predicted to be approved soon, such as ET743 (Yondelis) . Research into the ecology of marine natural products has shown that many of these compounds function as chemical weapons and have evolved into highly potent inhibitors of physiological processes in the prey, predators or competitors of the marine organisms that use them . Some of the natural products isolated from marine invertebrates have been shown to be, or are suspected to be, of microbial origin and this is now thought to be the case for the majority of such molecules . Marine microorganisms, whose immense genetic and biochemical diversity is only beginning to be appreciated, look likely to become a rich source of novel chemical entities for the discovery of more effective drugs.

Trends Plant Sci, 2003 Jun, 8(6), 245 - 7
Plant recognition of microbial patterns; Parker JE; Animals express an innate immune system against pathogens through receptor-mediated recognition of conserved microbial structures called pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) . In plants, resistance to invading microorganisms is often governed by specific recognition between plant and pathogen proteins . Perception of more broadly conserved 'general' pathogen elicitors constitutes another layer of plant resistance and prompts questions of where, mechanistically and evolutionarily, this mode of non-self discrimination fits within known systems of microbial surveillance in animals and plants.

Dev Comp Immunol, 2003 Oct, 27(9), 749 - 62
Expansion of genes encoding complement components in bony fish: biological implications of the complement diversity; Nakao M et al.; The complement system is a major humoral component of vertebrate defenses for tagging and killing target microorganisms . Recent molecular analyses have uncovered a striking feature of bony fish complement, namely that several complement components are encoded by multiple genes . In this review, the structural diversity of C3, C4, C5, factor B, C2, C1r/s and MASP are discussed with special reference to their functional differentiation, mainly focusing on the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), a tetraploidized teleost . In carp, all the members (C3, C4, C5 and a non-complement protein alpha2-macroglobulin) of the thioester-containing protein family are present in multiple isotypes, differing in the primary structures of various functional sites . Three factor B/C2-like isotypes identified in carp showed distinct expression pattern (sites and inducibility), with one behaving as an acute-phase reactant . Two C1r/C1s/MASP2-like isotypes also contain an amino acid substitution that likely affects their substrate specificity . Overall, the present data suggest that the expanded genes of the carp complement system produce more diversified functional components than are known for mammals . The biological significance of this diversity is discussed.

Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis, 2003 Oct, 26(5-6), 309 - 28
Antigen presentation in vaccine development; Takahashi H; A variety of microorganisms, nutrients or toxins are generally intrude our body through mucosal tissues or skin, where equipment for both preventing their invasions and catching their information to activate internal immune systems for adapting surroundings is arranged . Among the equipment, cells in charge of innate immunity, particularly dendritic cells (DCs), having an excellent capacity for prompt recognition of invaded pathogens via toll-like receptors (TLRs) to alert B and T cells for establishing aquired/adaptive immunity by presenting their processed antigenic fragments, have been paid great attention . These TLR-activated, antigen captured DCs are divided into two groups; one is pathogen-retaining unit and the other is pathogen-controlling unit . The latter DCs present processed antigenic molecules from the pathogens to competent alphabeta T cells together with special containers, such as class I, class II MHC and CD1 to generate specific cellular immunity . The former two MHC molecules can present processed peptide antigens, whereas the last CD1 molecule can present glycolipid/lipid antigens . In contrast, B lymphocytes that captured antigens via their specific immunoglobulin (Ig) receptors present digested peptide fragments with their class II MHC to stimulate suitable CD4(+) helper T cells which in turn secrete various cytokines to efficiently expand and maintain antibody production from that partner B cells to establish humoral immunity . These alphabeta T cells and antibodies, recognize either processed antigenic peptide or glycolipid fragments, and thus, identification of these epitopes enables us to generate artificial pathogen-specific vaccines . Based on the recent findings about precise mechanisms of antigen processing and presentation orchestrated at the surface compartment, future development of vaccines against various pathogens are discussed.

Int J Parasitol, 2003 Jul, 33(7), 663 - 70
An ecto-protein tyrosine phosphatase of Entamoeba histolytica induces cellular detachment by disruption of actin filaments in HeLa cells; Anaya-Ruiz M et al.; Actin cytoskeleton disruption in host cells has been demonstrated for PTPases from pathogenic microorganisms . In this work, we analysed whether the secreted acid phosphatase from Entamoeba histolytica has phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity and the possibility that this activity may participate in damaging host cells . The secreted acid phosphatase of E . histolytica, which catalyses p-nitrophenyl phosphate hydrolysis at acid pH values, was found to have phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity . The enzymatic properties of phosphotyrosine phosphatase and acid phosphatase were virtually identical and included: Km values of 10 x 10(-4) M, no requirement for divalent cations, and sensitivity to molybdate, vanadate, and tungstate . The phosphotyrosyl phosphatase activity caused significant levels of cell rounding and detachment correlating with disruption of the actin stress fibres in HeLa cells . Thus, our data suggest that secreted phosphotyrosine phosphatase could play a cytotoxic role during amoebic infection.

Sci Total Environ, 2003 Jul 1, 310(1-3), 73 - 85
Long-term studies (1871-2000) on acidification and recovery of lakes in the Bohemian Forest (central Europe); Vrba J et al.; This paper evaluates long-term changes in the atmospheric depositions of S and N compounds, lake water quality, and biodiversity at eight glacial lakes in the Bohemian Forest over the past 130 years . This time interval covers (i) the 'background' pre-acidification status of the lakes, (ii) a period of changes in the communities that can be partly explained by introduction of fish, (iii) a period of strong lake acidification with its adverse impacts on the communities, (iv) the lake reversal from acidity, which includes the recent status of the lakes . The lake water chemistry has followed-with a characteristic hysteresis-both the sharp increase and decline in the deposition trends of strong anions . Remarkable changes in biota have mirrored the changing water quality . Fish became extinct and most species of zooplankton (Crustacea) and benthos (Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera) retreated due to the lake water acidification . Independent of ongoing chemical reversal, microorganisms remain dominant in the recent plankton biomass as well as in controlling the pelagic food webs . The first signs of the forthcoming biological recovery have already been evidenced in some lakes, such as the population of Ceriodaphnia quadrangula (Cladocera) returning into the pelagial of one lake or the increase in both phytoplankton biomass and rotifer numbers in another lake.

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2004 Jan, 63(4), 373 - 7 Epub 2003 Jun 17.
Reductive dehalogenation of tetrachloroethylene by microorganisms: current knowledge and application strategies; Chen G; Reductive anaerobic dehalogenation is a useful method for remediation of sites contaminated by chlorinated ethylenes, where hydrogen concentration plays the key role . Under anaerobic conditions, dehalogenating bacteria compete best against methanogenic consortia when the hydrogen level is low; and methanogenic consortia outplay dehalogenating bacteria when the hydrogen level is high . Thus, in an anaerobic mixed culture, efficient use of hydrogen for dehalogenation can be achieved by strategies that maintain hydrogen at a certain low concentration . However, due to the role of acetate, expected dehalogenating results cannot be obtained and unexpected methane formation can be encountered in practice.

Biol Pharm Bull, 2003 Jun, 26(6), 799 - 802
Increased expression of Hsp70 for resistance to deuterium oxide in a yeast mutant cell line; Unno K et al.; Labeling with stable isotopes, typically deuterium (D), is powerful tool for studying the functional structure of biomolecules by NMR . Biosynthesis of certain deuterated proteins in microorganisms cultured in deuterium oxide (D(2)O) is an attractive strategy . However, the growth of almost all microorganisms is inhibited at high concentrations of D(2)O . We isolated a mutant of yeast that grows well in D(2)O . The expression of Hsp70 was enhanced in the mutant . The increased expression also endowed the yeast with cold-resistance . The mutant might be useful for biosynthesis of D-labeled biomolecules.

Heart . 2003 Jul;89(7):e20.
Persisting fever in a patient with brucella endocarditis: occult splenic abscess; Yilmaz MB et al.; Brucella endocarditis, despite its high mortality rate with combined medical and surgical treatment, has a low occurrence rate in cases of brucellosis and has been endemic in regions surrounding Turkey . Rarely, patients with infective endocarditis with common microorganisms develop a splenic abscess . A patient is reported on with brucella endocarditis and persistent fever . An occult splenic abscess was found . This is the second reported case in the literature of brucella endocarditis with splenic abscess.

Braz J Infect Dis, 2003 Feb, 7(1), 69 - 72
Prevalence of pathogens in cystic fibrosis patients in Bahia, Brazil; Santana MA et al.; INTRODUCTION: Recurrent respiratory infections account for most of the morbidity and mortality of cystic fibrosis patients . MATERIALS AND METHODS: The objective was to determine the prevalence of pathogens isolated from lower respiratory tract secretions in cystic fibrosis patients . In this descriptive observational study, data from 69 patients was collected from medical records . RESULTS: The microorganisms that were identified included 36.2 P . aeruginosa, 28.9% S . Aureus, 4.3% K . pneumoniae, 1.5% H . influenzae, 1.5% E . coli, 1.5% S . maltoophilia, and in 27.5% the flora was normal . The prevalence of P . aeruginosa was 83% in patients under two years of age, demonstrating early colonization . CONCLUSION: P . aeruginosa and S . aureus were the most prevalent pathogens; there was also early infection/colonization by P . aeruginosa . This information will contribute to improved therapeutic measures for patients of the Bahia Cystic Fibrosis Reference Center.

Braz J Infect Dis, 2003 Feb, 7(1), 1 - 6
What do we (not) know about the human bartonelloses?
Velho PE, Cintra ML, Uthida-Tanaka AM, de Moraes AM, Mariotto A.
The human bartonelloses are a group of diseases with a rapidly increasing clinical spectrum . Well known manifestations such as Carrion's disease, trench fever, cat-scratch disease, and bacillary angiomatosis are examples of Bartonella sp . infection . Along with these diseases, recurrent bacteremia, endocarditis, septicemia, erythema nodosum, erythema multiforme, trombocytopenic purpura and other syndromes have been reported having been caused by bacteria of this genus . The infectious process and the pathogenesis of these microorganisms are poorly understood . The bartonelloses may have a benign and self-limited evolution in a host, or a potentially fatal one . These bacteria can provoke a granulomatous or an angioproliferative histopathologic response . As these diseases are not yet well defined, we have reviewed the four main human bartonelloses and have examined unclear points about these emergent diseases.

Commun Dis Intell, 2003, 27 Suppl, S55 - 60
Australian hospital morbidity data on antibiotic resistance; Hargreaves J et al.; Reports of infections with drug-resistant microorganisms are included in the National Hospital Morbidity Database (NHMD) at the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare . This database includes data on diagnoses of patients admitted to Australian hospitals, recorded using codes from the Australian version of the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM), and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, Australian Modification . Reports of infections with drug-resistant microorganisms, recorded as either the patient's principal diagnosis, or as a co-morbidity or complication, increased markedly between 1994-95 (when the first reports were included) and 2000-01 . Infections resistant to penicillins were the most commonly recorded . The national introduction of the Australian versions of ICD-9-CM in 1995, and of casemix-based funding and management from the mid-1990s, has possibly led to more accurate medical record documentation and improved coding of these infections and are likely explanations for the observed increase in reporting . The NHMD should be considered as a component of a national surveillance system for antibiotic resistance . Its routine data collection covers almost all hospital separations in Australia and is supported by a comprehensive national data collection infrastructure.

Curr Opin Pediatr, 2003 Jun, 15(3), 278 - 82
Toll-like receptor signaling in sepsis; Lakhani SA et al.; Despite extensive research, bacterial sepsis and its associated systemic inflammation remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric intensive care unit . Advances in molecular biology, however, have improved our understanding of this disease process and have opened up new avenues of potential therapeutic approaches . One such exciting area has been the substantial and still growing evidence that the mammalian immune system uses a family of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) to generate a response to molecular patterns present on invading microorganisms . In particular, TLR4 is part of a recognition complex for bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), thus raising the likelihood of its involvement in the inflammatory response to bacterial sepsis . This review highlights our understanding of the molecular biology of these receptors, focusing on the LPS response, and concluding with a summary of ongoing evaluation and potential therapeutic strategies for treating sepsis through blockade of TLR signaling.

ScientificWorldJournal, 2002 May 21, 2, 1369 - 78
Variable absorption of clavulanic acid after an oral dose of 25 mg/kg of Clavubactin and Synulox in healthy cats; Vree TB et al.; The aims of this investigation were to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters and to identify parameters, based on individual plasma concentration-time curves of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in cats, that may govern the observed differences in absorption of both drugs . The evaluation was based on the data from plasma concentration-time curves obtained following a single-dose, open, randomised, two-way crossover phase-I study, each involving 24 female cats treated with two Amoxi-Clav formulations (formulation A was Clavubactin and formulation was B Synulox; 80/20 mg, 24 animals, 48 drug administrations) . Plasma amoxicillin and clavulanic acid concentrations were determined using validated bioassay methods . The half-life of elimination of amoxicillin is 1.2 h (t1/2 = 1.24 +/- 0.28 h, Cmax = 12.8 +/- 2.12 microg/ml), and that of clavulanic acid 0.6 h (t1/2 = 0.63 +/- 0.16 h, Cmax = 4.60 +/- 1.68 microg/ml) . There is a ninefold variation in the AUCt of clavulanic acid for both formulations, while the AUCt of amoxicillin varies by a factor of two . The highest clavulanic acid AUCt values indicate the best absorption; all other data indicate less absorption . Taking into account that the amoxicillin-to-clavulanic acid dose ratio in the two products tested was 4:1, the blood concentration ratios may actually vary much more, apparently without compromising the products" high efficacy against susceptible microorganisms.

ScientificWorldJournal, 2001 Apr 04, 1, 76 - 113
Harmful freshwater algal blooms, with an emphasis on cyanobacteria; Paerl HW et al.; Suspended algae, or phytoplankton, are the prime source of organic matter supporting food webs in freshwater ecosystems . Phytoplankton productivity is reliant on adequate nutrient supplies; however, increasing rates of nutrient supply, much of it manmade, fuels accelerating primary production or eutrophication . An obvious and problematic symptom of eutrophication is rapid growth and accumulations of phytoplankton, leading to discoloration of affected waters . These events are termed blooms . Blooms are a prime agent of water quality deterioration, including foul odors and tastes, deoxygenation of bottom waters (hypoxia and anoxia), toxicity, fish kills, and food web alterations . Toxins produced by blooms can adversely affect animal (including human) health in waters used for recreational and drinking purposes . Numerous freshwater genera within the diverse phyla comprising the phytoplankton are capable of forming blooms; however, the blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) are the most notorious bloom formers . This is especially true for harmful toxic, surface-dwelling, scum-forming genera (e.g., Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, Nodularia, Microcystis) and some subsurface bloom-formers (Cylindrospermopsis, Oscillatoria) that are adept at exploiting nutrient-enriched conditions . They thrive in highly productive waters by being able to rapidly migrate between radiance-rich surface waters and nutrient-rich bottom waters . Furthermore, many harmful species are tolerant of extreme environmental conditions, including very high light levels, high temperatures, various degrees of desiccation, and periodic nutrient deprivation . Some of the most noxious cyanobacterial bloom genera (e.g., Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, Cylindrospermopsis, Nodularia) are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen (N2), enabling them to periodically dominate under nitrogen-limited conditions . Cyanobacteria produce a range of organic compounds, including those that are toxic to higher-ranked consumers, from zooplankton to further up the food chain . Both N2- and non-N2-fixing genera participate in mutualistic and symbiotic associations with microorganisms, higher plants, and animals . These associations appear to be of great benefit to their survival and periodic dominance . In this review, we address the ecological impacts and environmental controls of harmful blooms, with an emphasis on the ecology, physiology, and management of cyanobacterial bloom taxa . Combinations of physical, chemical, and biotic features of natural waters function in a synergistic fashion to determine the sensitivity of water bodies . In waters susceptible to blooms, human activities in water- and airsheds have been linked to the extent and magnitudes of blooms . Control and management of cyanobacterial and other phytoplankton blooms invariably includes nutrient input constraints, most often focused on nitrogen (N) and/or phosphorus (P) . The types and amount of nutrient input constraints depend on hydrologic, climatic, geographic, and geologic factors, which interact with anthropogenic and natural nutrient input regimes . While single nutrient input constraints may be effective in some water bodies, dual N and P input reductions are usually required for effective long-term control and management of harmful blooms . In some systems where hydrologic manipulations (i.e., plentiful water supplies) are possible, reducing the water residence time by enhanced flushing and artificial mixing (in conjunction with nutrient input constraints) can be particularly effective alternatives . Implications of various management strategies, based on combined ecophysiological and environmental considerations, are discussed.

J Insect Physiol, 2003 Jun, 49(6), 545 - 50
Is cell surface calreticulin involved in phagocytosis by insect hemocytes?
Asgari S, Schmidt O.
The innate immune system of insects consists of humoral and cellular components involved in the recognition of and responses to intruding foreign micro- or macroorganisms . Several molecules have been identified so far that recognize molecular patterns present on microorganisms, such as lipopolysaccharides, peptidoglycans and lipoteichonic acid . These molecules, acting as opsonins, trigger immune responses such as phagocytosis, nodule formation, melanization and encapsulation . Here, we investigated the role of calreticulin (CRT) present on the surface of Pieris rapae hemocytes in phagocytosis . Comparative phagocytosis assays using yeast cells showed that hemocytes from different insects exhibit significant variation in their phagocytosing potential and relative CRT involvement.

Astrobiology, 2003 Spring, 3(1), 207 - 15
Exchange of meteorites (and life?) between stellar systems; Melosh HJ; It is now generally accepted that meteorite-size fragments of rock can be ejected from planetary bodies . Numerical studies of the orbital evolution of such planetary ejecta are consistent with the observed cosmic ray exposure times and infall rates of these meteorites . All of these numerical studies agree that a substantial fraction (up to one-third) of the ejecta from any planet in our Solar System is eventually thrown out of the Solar System during encounters with the giant planets Jupiter and Saturn . In this paper I examine the probability that such interstellar meteorites might be captured into a distant solar system and fall onto a terrestrial planet in that system within a given interval of time . The overall conclusion is that it is very unlikely that even a single meteorite originating on a terrestrial planet in our solar system has fallen onto a terrestrial planet in another stellar system, over the entire period of our Solar System's existence . Although viable microorganisms may be readily exchanged between planets in our solar system through the interplanetary transfer of meteoritic material, it seems that the origin of life on Earth must be sought within the confines of the Solar System, not abroad in the galaxy.

Astrobiology, 2003 Spring, 3(1), 181 - 91
The impact crater as a habitat: effects of impact processing of target materials; Cockell CS et al.; Impact structures are a rare habitat on Earth . However, where they do occur they can potentially have an important influence on the local ecology . Some of the types of habitat created in the immediate post-impact environment are not specific to the impact phenomenon, such as hydrothermal systems and crater lakes that can be found, for instance, in post-volcanic environments, albeit with different thermal characteristics than those associated with impact . However, some of the habitats created are specifically linked to processes of impact processing . Two examples of how impact processing of target materials has created novel habitats that improve the opportunities for colonization are found in the Haughton impact structure in the Canadian High Arctic . Impact-shocked rocks have become a habitat for endolithic microorganisms, and large, impact-shattered blocks of rock are used as resting sites by avifauna . However, some materials produced by an impact, such as melt sheet rocks, can make craters more biologically depauperate than the area surrounding them . Although there are no recent craters with which to study immediate post-impact colonization, these data yield insights into generalized mechanisms of how impact processing can influence post-impact succession . Because impact events are one of a number of processes that can bring localized destruction to ecosystems, understanding the manner in which impact structures are recolonized is of ecological interest . Impact craters are a universal phenomenon on solid planetary surfaces, and so they are of potential biological relevance on other planetary surfaces, particularly Mars.

Nutr Health, 2003, 17(1), 1 - 8
In vivo studies on possible health consequences of genetically modified food and feed--with particular regard to ingredients consisting of genetically modified plant materials; Pryme IF et al.; This synopsis reviews published in vivo studies on possible health consequences of genetically modified food and feed where the ingredients in question have consisted of genetically modified plant materials . The following, however, have not been taken into consideration:--ingredients consisting of genetically modified microorganisms or parts of animals/fish--ingredients produced by/from genetically modified organisms but without any DNA present--studies on consequences for the environment or biodiversity--in vitro studies or computer simulations . According to a Norwegian report "Gen-mat" (NOU 2000:29), and a more recent search in Medline and Citations Index, to our knowledge a total of ten studies have been published on the health effects of GM-foods and feeds . In this minireview the data made available in these published studies is discussed.

Anal Bioanal Chem, 2003 Jul, 376(5), 686 - 90 Epub 2003 Jun 11.
A toxicity view of the pesticide picloram when immobilized onto a silica gel surface; Prado AG et al.; The pesticide picloram (4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid) was anchored onto silica gel to yield a new surface . Isothermal microcalorimetry was applied to study the toxic effects caused to microbial activity of a typical Brazilian agricultural soil by application of free and immobilized picloram . The activity of the microorganisms in 1.50 g of soil sample was stimulated by addition of 6.0 mg of glucose plus 6.0 mg of ammonium sulfate under 34.8% controlled humidity at 298.15+/-0.02 K . The activity was recorded through power-time curves for increasing amounts of the active principle, varying from zero to 10.00 microg g(-1) . The increasing amounts of picloram, either free or immobilized, caused a decrease of the original thermal effect . The calorimetric data showed that the anchored pesticide presented a much lower toxic effect than the free picloram on the microbial activity.

Bull Exp Biol Med, 2002 Nov, 134(5), 460 - 2
Detection of Chlamydophila pneumoniae in mouse respiratory ciliated epithelium using targeted sections of the lung tissue; Mogilevski G et al.; Chlamiophila pneumoniae were detected in targeted sections of mouse lung tissue by means of transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescent staining . Incorporation of microorganisms into the axonemal matrix of cilia was observed 24 h after infection . The ciliary axoneme was characterized by pronounced swelling . At the late stages Chlamiophila pneumoniae were present in cytoplasmic vacuoles . Structural abnormalities and dysfunction of mucociliary clearance followed by incorporation of Chlamiophila pneumoniae into the cytoplasm of epitheliocytes were revealed in the early stage of infection . The proposed method allows studying the very early events of Chlamiophila pneumoniae infection.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 2003 Mar, 51(2), 69 - 70
Identification of a new mechanism for bacterial uptake at mucosal surfaces, which is mediated by dendritic cells; Rescigno M; Dendritic cells are potent activators of the immune response . They reside in tissues which interface the external environment, but we shall see that they do not perform only a passive role by monitoring microorganisms that have entered the body . Rather, DC can actively participate to microbial entry across mucosal surfaces by creeping between epithelial cells and by internalizing bacteria via their dendrites.

Eur J Cell Biol, 2003 May, 82(5), 262 - 70
Progress on isolation and short-term ex-vivo culture of highly purified non-apoptotic human intestinal epithelial cells (IEC); Grossmann J et al.; Intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) form the largest surface of the human body and are of pivotal importance to digest and absorb nutrients . Furthermore these cells play a critical role shielding the organism against microorganisms and toxins present in the intestinal lumen . It is therefore not surprising that a large group of researchers take great interest in the study of these cells . However, to date it is a challenge to purify viable primary human intestinal epithelial cells and it has been even more fastidious to maintain IEC in culture ex-vivo as IEC undergo apoptosis within hours due to loss of cell anchorage ('anoikis') following the isolation process . Over recent years the authors aimed to continuously improve the isolation technique for primary IEC, allowing a simple, effective and rapid isolation of highly purified non-apoptotic human IEC . In this study the newly improved method is presented and applied to establish ex-vivo cultures of highly purified, fully viable primary IEC displaying important functional properties, making these cells amenable for ex-vivo research on primary human intestinal epithelial cells.

Huan Jing Ke Xue, 2003 Mar, 24(2), 152 - 5
{The variation of inoculation complex microbial community in three stages MSW composting process controlled by temperature}; Xi B et al.; Adding inoculation agent is one of the effective methods to accelerate the composting process of municipal solid wastes . However, because of the competing of indigenous microorganisms, high concentration of existing indigenous microorganisms could inhibit the prevalence of inoculating microorganisms . When indigenous microorganisms concentration in the raw material was 4 x 10(8) CFU/g, the microorganisms of inoculating did not grow up . With the process, the microbial population of inoculation declined rapidly and no-inoculating microbial population rose up quickly and reached a peak of 10(10) CFU/g . When indigenous microorganisms concentration was 4 x 10(5) CFU/g, the microorganisms of inoculation could inhibit the prevalence of the indigenous microorganisms and inoculating microbial population increased quickly and reached a peak of 10(11) CFU/g . Therefore, this paper introduces a method of three stages composting technology, which combined the heat produced from composting system and some extra energy, and heated up the composting temperature above 75 degrees C in 4 hours as well as maintaining for 8 hours . It well controlled the concentration of the indigenous microorganisms under 4 x 10(5) CFU/g and improve the structure of the compost media and make the remaining solids more amenable to biological attack . When composting materials temperature drops to 35 degrees C to 45 degrees C, add complex microorganisms in composting process . Then they develop more quickly than the others, the concentration of them rose up from 10(8) CFU/g to 10(11) CFU/g and lie in a preponderate position . So with this method, advanced the rate of organic degradation in municipal solid wastes (MSW) composting process, and enhanced the numbers of inoculation microorganisms in composting products . Therefore, they can be as inoculation agent for improving composting conditions, speedup the next composting process, cutting down the composting time, saving original inoculation agent and making composting more economic . But using compost products as inoculum, with the number of feedback increasing, the concentration ratio of inoculation microorganisms and no-inoculation microorganisms is around 1:3 (fifth feedback compost products) . So, the number of feedback compost products should not be more than five.

Huan Jing Ke Xue, 2003 Mar, 24(2), 87 - 91
{Sorption behavior of aldicarb on suspended particulate matter in water}; Xu J et al.; Batch adsorption experiments of carbamate pesticide aldicarb on suspended particulate matter(SPM) in water were carried out in this paper . The results showed that under 25 +/- 1 degrees C, at the aldicarb concentration of 0.2 to 1.5 mg/L, the adsorption of aldicarb on SPM followed Langmuir isotherm . At the range of 2.0 to 15 mg/L, the adsorption followed Freundlich isotherm . And at high concentration of 20 to 2000 mg/L the adsorption can be described using both Freundlich and Linear isotherms . Factors such as SDBS, TWEEN60, concentration of SPM, humic substances, pH, salinity, and microorganism affecting the sorption behaviors were also studied.

Biotechnol Bioeng, 2003 Aug 20, 83(4), 489 - 97
Analyses of microbial desulfurization reaction of alkylated dibenzothiophenes dissolved in oil phase; Okada H et al.; The kinetics of the oil/water two-phase reaction system was analyzed, and the reaction was carried out with the desulfurization of alkylated dibenzothiophenes (Cx-DBTs) using the desulfurizing microorganism Mycobacterium sp . G3 . In the water-phase reaction system, the desulfurization activities were constant with respect to species of Cx-DBTs as substrates . However, the desulfurization activities in the oil/water two-phase reaction system against DBT, 4,6-dimethyl DBT, 4,6-diethyl DBT, 4,6-dipropyl DBT, and 4,6-dibutyl DBT were 49.0, 45.9, 11.5, 1.35, and 0.00 micromol g DCW(-1) h(-1), respectively . The kinetic parameters for the degradation of DBT, 4,6-dimethyl DBT, and 4,6-diethyl DBT were also obtained (V(max) values 90.0, 68.7, and 22.7 micromol g DCW(-1) h(-1) and K(m) values 0.21, 0.70, and 3.03 mM, respectively) . The reason for the decrease in activity against Cx-DBTs of high molecular weight was a decrease in the V(max) value and an increase in the K(m) value, the latter being a particularly serious problem . Furthermore, the hydrophobicity of the substrate was evaluated as the capacity factor measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) . The correlation between substrate hydrophobicity and desulfurization activity indicated that the desulfurization reaction in the oil/water two-phase reaction system is greatly influenced by the hydrophobicity of the substrates . In addition, the influence of the solvent on desulfurization activity was examined, and it was found that not only the hydrophobicity of substrates, but also that of solvents, affected the desulfurization reaction .

Schmerz, 1999 Apr 14, 13(2), 121 - 6
{In vitro investigations of the effect of morphine and its metabolites on the phagocytosis of peripheral mononuclear cells}; Kohnke A et al.; INTRODUCTION: Reports about an increased incidence of infection with facultative intracellular microorganisms suggest a depression of the macrophage/monocyte system . This explosive increase in oxidative metabolism can be measured by chemiluminescence . The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of morphine and its metabolites morphine-3 (M-3-G) and 6-glucuronide (M-6-G) on the respiratory burst of the peripheral mononuclear cells (PCM) . To explain the mechanism of the effect of morphine the antagonist naloxone was used . Furthermore, the effect was compared with that of bupivacaine and propranolol, known as drugs that stabilize the cell membranes . METHODS: PMC were isolated from the blood of healthy young men by Ficol hypaque centrifugation . Four samples of 2 x 10(5) cells were incubated for at 37 degrees C and 10% CO(2) with either morphine, naloxone, bupivacaine, propranolol, M-3-G or M-6-G . After stimulation with oponised zymosan A, the lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence was measured (n=8) in a biolumat (Berthold) . Statistics: Wilcoxon matched pairs (significance level p<0.05) . RESULTS: Morphine inhibited the phagocytic activity of PMC only in concentrations >10(-7) mol/l . The metabolites M-3-G and M-6-G were considered to be similar based on tests using n=3 . Naloxone itself significantly influences the emission of light solely in the high concentration of 10(-4) mol/l . Naloxone (10(-4) mol/l)+morphine(10(-5) mol/l) caused a greater inhibition than either of the substances alone . In comparison, the decreased chemiluminescence of morphine (10(-6) mol/l) was antagonized by naloxone (10(-5) mol/l) . Naloxone in the same concentration was ineffective . The membrane stabilization caused by bupivacaine and propranolol did not change the chemiluminescence activity . CONCLUSION: Morphine had a decreasing effect on the respiratory burst of PCM only in concentrations that the human body reaches where renal clearance is reduced . In this situation the metabolites of morphine accumulate more than morphine itself and seem to have a similar effect . The weakening of phagocytosis might possibly be a direct effect of morphine and its metabolites . These investigations suggest that this phenomenon may be receptor dependent: the effect could be antagonized by naloxone, but naloxone itself caused a depression in high concentrations . In comparison the nonspecific stabilization of the membranes showed no such effect.

Nucleic Acids Res, 2003 Jun 15, 31(12), 3134 - 42
Inter-strand photoproducts are produced in high yield within A-DNA exposed to UVC radiation; Douki T et al.; Far-UV irradiation of DNA leads to the dimerization of pyrimidine bases, resulting in the formation of cyclobutane type dimers and (6-4) photoproducts . In the dry state, an additional thymine dimeric photolesion, the spore photoproduct, is also generated . While most photoproducts are expected to be produced between adjacent pyrimidines, little attention has been paid to lesions involving bases located on different DNA strands . Using HPLC- mass spectrometry analysis of enzymatically digested DNA, we observed that, in the dry state, inter-strand dimeric photoproducts represented 30% of the total yield of dimeric thymine lesions . The major inter-strand damage was found to be the spore photoproduct . Formation of inter-strand lesions in significant yield could be obtained in solution upon modification of the DNA conformation as the result of the addition of large amounts of ethanol . In both cases, DNA is in the A-form, which is characterized by a high compaction, likely to favor inter-strand photoreactions . Since the latter DNA conformation is also predominant in bacterial spores, the formation and repair of dimeric photoproducts involving thymine bases located on different DNA strands may thus be relevant in terms of deleterious effects of UV radiation to the latter microorganisms.

J Am Coll Cardiol, 2003 Jun 4, 41(11), 2068 - 71
The relative roles of transthoracic compared with transesophageal echocardiography in children with suspected infective endocarditis; Humpl T et al.; OBJECTIVES: The study evaluated the additional benefit of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) versus transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in pediatric cases with suspected bacterial endocarditis . BACKGROUND: In adult patients, TTE has a lower sensitivity and specificity than TEE for the detection of vegetations or aortic root abscess formation . Few data are available about the relative benefits of TEE over TTE in the pediatric age group . METHODS: Patients were included if they had positive blood cultures for typical microorganisms and had a TTE and TEE within 14 days of each other . The patients had to meet the Duke criteria for a positive diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis . The TTE and TEE data were analyzed using the McNemar test for the significance of change . RESULTS: Twenty-one patients fulfilled the criteria, at a median age of 9.5 years . Congenital heart disease was present in 13 patients; 4 patients were previously healthy and 4 patients had other medical problems . Nine patients had surgical confirmation of bacterial endocarditis . Fifteen patients had a positive cardiac finding, with 12 vegetations, 2 vegetations plus aortic root abscess, and 1 isolated abscess . There was excellent agreement between TTE and TEE in those cases with positive cardiac findings, with a p = 0.32, kappa 0.89 . Using positive TEE cardiac findings as the gold standard, the sensitivity for TTE was 86% for all 15 events and 93% for the detection of a vegetation . CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric cases, TTE has a high degree of sensitivity for the detection of supportive evidence of endocarditis, and TEE should be reserved for patients with a poor transthoracic window.

Bioresour Technol, 2003 Sep, 89(3), 255 - 65
Granule development in a split-feed anaerobic baffled reactor; Sallis PJ et al.; Operating anaerobic reactors at high organic loading rates during start-up can lead to instability, accumulation of volatile fatty acids and low pH, such problems being exacerbated in reactors that exhibit plug-flow characteristics . Moreover, plug-flow conditions increase the exposure of biomass to any toxic components in the feed . To overcome these limitations, an anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR), a reactor exhibiting partial plug-flow characteristics, was modified by splitting the feed between the individual compartments to produce the split-feed ABR (SFABR) . Consequently, more favourable conditions were created in the initial compartments, such as lower, longer hydraulic retention time and longer cell retention time; conditions in the final compartments were also improved by the increased food availability for microorganisms . Other benefits included better gas mixing characteristics as a result of the more balanced gas production across the reactor . Granule development was compared in SFABR and normally fed ABR by analysing sludge samples, taken during start-up and continuous operation, using scanning electron microscopy . Photomicrographs allowed tentative conclusions to be made concerning the effect of split-feeding on the distribution of bacterial populations within the granule architecture and the role of extracellular polymers on granule formation.

Ugeskr Laeger, 2003 May 5, 165(19), 1989 - 94
{Blood cultures--indication and antibiotic therapy}; Justesen US et al.; INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was 1) to record the indication for obtaining blood cultures by registration of rectal temperature and presumed focus or symptoms 2) to register the choice of antibiotic therapy immediately after obtaining the blood culture and to relate it to the indication and 3) to evaluate the indication and choice of antibiotic therapy on the basis of the blood culture result . MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is a retrospective study of all blood cultures obtained at a department of internal medicine . In all 432 defined episodes, where blood cultures were obtained, the rectal temperature and the presumed focus or symptoms were registered . RESULTS: In 46.1% of the episodes the rectal temperature was below 38.5 degrees C . The most frequently presumed focus was the respiratory tract, accounting for 38.2% . Significant microorganisms were found in 50 episodes (11.6%) and in 14 (28%) of these the rectal temperature was below 38.5 degrees C . In 18 episodes (36%), the antibiotics used were inappropriate . DISCUSSION: It is difficult to define clearly the indication for obtaining blood cultures . There are many parameters to be considered, the rectal temperature being one of the most important, though not necessarily the decisive guideline . In many cases the presumed focus at the time of blood culture does not correspond well with the microorganism isolated later . It is therefore imperative to collect other relevant specimens in addition to blood and to make sure that the antibiotic therapy covers the most frequent types of infections and most serious aetiologies.

Rev Sci Tech, 2003 Apr, 22(1), 23 - 36
The transmissible spongiform encephalopathies; Lasmezas CI; Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) represent a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterised by a very long incubation period in regard to the life expectancy of the host species . The lesions are restricted to the central nervous system, although the pathogenesis of infection implies a primary replication step of TSE agents in the lymphoid organs followed by a neuroinvasive phase . The outcome is always fatal and today there is neither cure nor prophylaxis for these diseases . For years, the causative agents of TSEs have posed a conundrum in terms of current knowledge of microorganisms, and there are still open questions about their exact nature . They are usually called TSE agents or prions because they are thoughtto be primarily composed of a modified host protein, the prion protein (PrP) . A pathological form of the prion protein, called PrPSc (for scrapie) or PrPRes, an operational definition referring to resistance to proteolytic digestion, accumulates in target organs . The aim of this introductory chapter is to presentthe general features of TSEs and a modern understanding of TSE agents and their mode of replication . Notwithstanding the plethora of unsolved questions on these diseases and their aetiology, knowledge of their pathogenesis and recent advances in understanding of the molecular basis of PrP accumulation, together with detection systems, provide the tools to conduct sound TSE risk management.

J Infect Dis, 2003 Jun 15, 187 Suppl 2, S340 - 5
Phagocytosis and the inflammatory response; Aderem A; Macrophages are a cornerstone of the innate immune system . They detect infectious organisms via a plethora of receptors, phagocytose them, and orchestrate an appropriate host response . Phagocytosis is extraordinarily complex: numerous receptors stimulate particle internalization, the cytoskeletal elements mediating internalization differ by receptor system and the nature of the pathogen being internalized, and the outcome can differ by bacterium . After generating a panel of 150 monoclonal antibodies that recognizes proteins recruited to the phagosome, analysis of novel phagocytic proteins was prioritized by focusing on those that behave differently during the internalization of virulent and avirulent bacteria . Several novel proteins that have roles in membrane extension were characterized . Although the inflammatory pathways leading to appropriate host response are reasonably well defined, it is not clear how macrophages define the threat precisely . Recent work indicates that Toll-like receptors play a key role in reading a "bar code" on invading microorganisms and in eliciting a specific immune response . The mechanisms and coupling to the phagocytic response are discussed.

Inflamm Bowel Dis, 2003 May, 9(3), 162 - 70
Increased expression of HIP/PAP and regenerating gene III in human inflammatory bowel disease and a murine bacterial reconstitution model; Ogawa H et al.; Although microorganisms play a role in gut inflammation, it remains uncertain which epithelial genes are expressed in response to luminal flora and whether these molecules are also involved in pathologic mucosal inflammation . Germ-free mice were orally challenged with a bacterial suspension prepared from conventionally housed mice (bacterial reconstitution) . Thereafter, the differential gene expression in gut epithelial cells was identified by differential display . The expression of the identified genes was also examined in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) epithelial cells . Regenerating gene III (Reg III) was strongly induced in gut epithelial cells following bacterial reconstitution, as well as in the colitis initiated by DSS . The mRNA expression of hepatocarcinoma-intestine-pancreas/pancreatic associated protein (HIP/PAP), a human counterpart of Reg III, was enhanced in colonic epithelial cells of patients with IBD . Reg III mRNA expression was localized in the epithelial cells including goblet cells and columnar cells in mice; on the other hand, HIP/PAP-expressing cells were correlated with Paneth cell metaplasia in human colon . Epithelial expression of Reg III or HIP/PAP was induced under mucosal inflammation initiated by exposure to commensal bacteria or DSS as well as inflamed IBD colon.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2003 Jun 24, 100(13), 7545 - 50 Epub 2003 Jun 05.
A simple energy-conserving system: proton reduction coupled to proton translocation; Sapra R et al.; Oxidative phosphorylation involves the coupling of ATP synthesis to the proton-motive force that is generated typically by a series of membrane-bound electron transfer complexes, which ultimately reduce an exogenous terminal electron acceptor . This is not the case with Pyrococcus furiosus, an archaeon that grows optimally near 100 degrees C . It has an anaerobic respiratory system that consists of a single enzyme, a membrane-bound hydrogenase . Moreover, it does not require an added electron acceptor as the enzyme reduces protons, the simplest of acceptors, to hydrogen gas by using electrons from the cytoplasmic redox protein ferredoxin . It is demonstrated that the production of hydrogen gas by membrane vesicles of P . furiosus is directly coupled to the synthesis of ATP by means of a proton-motive force that has both electrochemical and pH components . Such a respiratory system enables rationalization in this organism of an unusual glycolytic pathway that was previously thought not to conserve energy . It is now clear that the use of ferredoxin in place of the expected NAD as the electron acceptor for glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate oxidation enables energy to be conserved by hydrogen production . In addition, this simple respiratory mechanism readily explains why the growth yields of P . furiosus are much higher than could be accounted for if ATP synthesis occurred only by substrate-level phosphorylation . The ability of microorganisms such as P . furiosus to couple hydrogen production to energy conservation has important ramifications not only in the evolution of respiratory systems but also in the origin of life itself.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2003 Jun 24, 100(13), 7438 - 42 Epub 2003 Jun 05.
Nanobacteria-like calcite single crystals at the surface of the Tataouine meteorite; Benzerara K et al.; Nanobacteria-like objects evidenced at the surface of the orthopyroxenes of the Tataouine meteorite in South Tunisia have been studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopies . A method of micromanipulation has been developed to ensure that exactly the same objects were studied by both methods . We have shown that the nanobacteria-like objects are spatially correlated with filaments of microorganisms that colonized the surface of the meteoritic pyroxene during its 70 years of residence in the aridic Tataouine soil . Depressions of a few micrometers in depth are observed in the pyroxene below the carbonates, indicating preferential dissolution of the pyroxene and calcite precipitation at these locations . The nanobacteria-like small rods that constitute calcium carbonate rosettes are well crystallized calcite single crystals surrounded by a thin amorphous layer of carbonate composition that smoothes the crystal edges and induces rounded shapes . Those morphologies are unusual for calcite single crystals observed in natural samples . A survey of recent literature suggests that the intervention of organic compounds derived from biological activity is likely in their formation.

Biotechnol Prog, 2003 May-Jun, 19(3), 768 - 75
Controlling substrate concentration in fed-batch candida magnoliae culture increases mannitol production; Lee JK et al.; Candida magnoliae HH-01, a yeast strain that is currently used for the industrial production of mannitol, has the highest mannitol production ever reported for a mannitol-producing microorganism . However, when the fructose concentration exceeds 150 g/L, the volumetric mannitol production rate decreases because of a lag in mannitol production, and the yield decreases as a result of the formation of side products . In fed-batch culture, the volumetric production rate and mannitol yield from fructose vary substantially with the fructose concentration and are maximal at a controlled fructose concentration of 50 g/L . In continuous feeding experiments, the maximum mannitol yield was 85% (g/g) at a glucose/fructose feeding ratio of 1/20 . A high glucose concentration in the production phase resulted in the formation of ethanol followed by a decrease in yield and productivity . NAD(P)H-dependent mannitol dehydrogenase was purified to homogeneity from C . magnoliae . In vitro, mannitol dehydrogenase was inhibited by increasing ethanol concentration . Mannitol product was also found to be inhibitory with a K(i) of 183 mM . Under optimum conditions, a final mannitol production of 213 g/L was obtained from 250 g fructose/L after 110 h.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2003 Jun, 69(6), 3532 - 9
Use of phospholipid fatty acids to detect previous self-heating events in stored peat; Ranneklev SB et al.; The use of the phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) composition of microorganisms to detect previous self-heating events was studied in naturally self-heated peat and in peat incubated under temperature-controlled conditions . An increased content of total PLFAs was found in self-heated peat compared to that in unheated peat . Two PLFAs, denoted T1 and T2, were detected only in the self-heated peat . Incubation of peat samples at 25 to 55 degrees C for 4 days indicated that T1 and T2 were produced from microorganisms with different optimum temperatures . This was confirmed by isolation of bacteria at 55 degrees C, which produced T2 but not T1 . These bacteria produced another PLFA (denoted T3) which coeluted with 18:1omega7 . T2 and T3 were identified as omega-cyclohexyltridecanoic acid and omega-cyclohexylundecanoic acid, respectively, indicating that the bacteria belonged to the genus Alicyclobacillus: T1 was tentatively identified as omega-cycloheptylundecanoic acid . T2 was detected 8 h after the peat incubation temperature was increased to 55 degrees C, and maximum levels were found within 5 days of incubation . The PLFA 18:1omega7-T3 increased in proportion to T2 . T1 was detected after 96 h at 55 degrees C, and its level increased throughout the incubation period, so that it eventually became one of the dominant PLFAs after 80 days . In peat samples incubated at 55 degrees C and then at 25 degrees C, T1 and T2 disappeared slowly . After 3 months, detectable levels were still found . Incubation at 25 degrees C after heating for 3 days at 55 degrees C decreased the amounts of T2 and 18:1omega7-T3 faster than did incubation at 5 degrees C . Thus, not only the duration and temperature during the heating event but also the storage temperature following heating are important for the detection of PLFAs indicating previous self-heating.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2003 Jun, 69(6), 3036 - 47
Dynamics of microbial communities on marine snow aggregates: colonization, growth, detachment, and grazing mortality of attached bacteria; Kiorboe T et al.; We studied the dynamics of microbial communities attached to model aggregates (4-mm-diameter agar spheres) and the component processes of colonization, detachment, growth, and grazing mortality . Agar spheres incubated in raw seawater were rapidly colonized by bacteria, followed by flagellates and ciliates . Colonization can be described as a diffusion process, and encounter volume rates were estimated at about 0.01 and 0.1 cm(3) h(-1) for bacteria and flagellates, respectively . After initial colonization, the abundances of flagellates and ciliates remained approximately constant at 10(3) to 10(4) and approximately 10(2) cells sphere(-1), respectively, whereas bacterial populations increased at a declining rate to >10(7) cells sphere(-1) . Attached microorganisms initially detached at high specific rates of approximately 10(-2) min(-1), but the bacteria gradually became irreversibly attached to the spheres . Bacterial growth (0 to 2 day(-1)) was density dependent and declined hyperbolically when cell density exceeded a threshold . Bacterivorous flagellates grazed on the sphere surface at an average saturated rate of 15 bacteria flagellate(-1) h(-1) . At low bacterial densities, the flagellate surface clearance rate was approximately 5 x 10(-7) cm(2) min(-1), but it declined hyperbolically with increasing bacterial density . Using the experimentally estimated process rates and integrating the component processes in a simple model reproduces the main features of the observed microbial population dynamics . Differences between observed and predicted population dynamics suggest, however, that other factors, e.g., antagonistic interactions between bacteria, are of importance in shaping marine snow microbial communities.

Trends Biotechnol, 2003 Jun, 21(6), 247 - 9
Transforming cyanobacteria into bioreporters of biological relevance; Bachmann T; Microbial bioreporters play an important role in environmental monitoring and ecotoxicology . Microorganisms that are genetically modified with reporter genes can be used in various formats to determine the bioavailability of chemicals and their effect on living organisms . Cyanobacteria are abundant in the photosynthetic biosphere and have considerable potential with regards to broadening bioreporter applications . Two recent studies described novel cyanobacterial reporters for the detection of environmental toxicants and iron availability.

J Zoo Wildl Med, 2001 Sep, 32(3), 320 - 3
Infectious disease serologic survey in free-ranging Venezuelan anacondas (Eunectes murinus); Calle PP et al.; Reptiles can harbor pathogenic microorganisms asymptomatically and serve as potential reservoirs of infection for humans, domestic animals, and other reptiles . Infectious diseases are also problematic for free-ranging reptile populations and are an important consideration in reptile reintroduction and translocation projects . There have been limited serologic studies of free-ranging reptiles for evidence of exposure to potential pathogens . In the present study, serum or plasma samples from five male and five female free-ranging Venezuelan anacondas (Eunectes murinus) were screened for antibodies to eastern, western, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses, vesicular stomatitis virus, ophidian paramyxovirus, 19 Leptospira interrogans serovars, and Cryptosporidium serpentes . Antibodies to these agents were not detected, or antibody titers were low and possibly nonspecific . These results for the limited number of anacondas surveyed suggest that they do not serve as significant reservoirs for these infectious agents at this location.

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem, 2003 Apr, 67(4), 809 - 14
Microbial enantioselective reduction of acetylpyridine derivatives; Kawano S et al.; The microbial enantioselective reduction of acetylpyridine derivatives was studied . Many microorganisms were found to reduce 5-acetylfuro{2,3-c}pyridine (AFP) to (S)-5-(1-hydroxyethyl)furo{2,3-c}-pyridine (FPH) . Candida maris IFO10003 reduced AFP to (R)-FPH with high enantioselectivity . The microbial reduction reaction was optimized . The aeration conditions and glucose concentration affected the yield and stereoselectivity . The cells accumulated 17.5 g/l (107 mM) of (R)-FPH with a 99% yield and 97% enantiomeric excess (e.e.) . A cell-free extract of C . maris accumulated 91.5 g/l (559 mM) with over 99% e.e . with enzymatic NADH regeneration . (R)-FPH is an important intermediate for the synthesis of HIV reverse-transcriptase inhibitor, and other optically active 1-(pyridyl)ethanol derivatives are versatile chiral building blocks for asymmetric synthesis.

Parasitol Res, 2003 Jun, 90(3), 181 - 6 Epub 2003 Feb 26.
The role of Cryptosporidium parvum-derived phospholipase in intestinal epithelial cell invasion; Pollok RC et al.; In the Cryptosporidium parvum-infected intestinal epithelial cell, the parasite occupies an unusual extracytoplasmic location at the luminal surface, but how the invading zoites interact with the host cell to achieve this niche is poorly understood . This study examined the role of secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)), a known virulence factor for several pathogenic microorganisms, in establishing C . parvum intracellularly . Initially, it was established that there was sPLA(2) activity in homogenates of C . parvum oocysts . C . parvum reproduction in two human enterocyte cell lines was significantly reduced by a specific PLA inhibitor, p-bromophenacylbromide, and by sheep anti-sPLA(2) antibodies developed against PLA(2) of bee ( Apis mellifera) venom . Treatment of either C . parvum sporozoites or enterocytes with sPLA(2) derived from cobra ( Naja naja) venom before initiation of infection increased the numbers of intracellular parasites . Thus, C . parvum PLA(2 )may play an important part in establishing the parasite within the enterocyte.

J Theor Biol, 2003 Jul 7, 223(1), 131 - 3
Melanin and HIV in sub-Saharan Africa; Manning JT et al.; HIV is common in sub-Saharan Africa . Sexually transmitted bacterial and fungal infections increase the chance of HIV infection . Melanin can prevent the penetration of skin and mucus membranes by microorganisms, and soluble melanin can inhibit HIV replication . We suggest that melanin may reduce the incidence of HIV infection through venereally acquired skin lesions, thus reducing the risk of sero-conversion and slow the progress to AIDS . Indigenous sub-Saharan peoples are highly melanized, but there is pigment variation between populations . We show that skin reflectance, a negative correlate of melanin, is positively associated with adult rate of HIV in sub-Saharan countries . There is no such relationship in populations outside sub-Saharan Africa . We suggest that melanin concentration in black people may correlate with resistance to HIV infection.

Trends Microbiol, 2003 May, 11(5), 200 - 3
Molecular evolution of sensory domains in cyanobacterial chemoreceptors; Wuichet K et al.; Components of the chemotaxis system encoded in multiple homologous operons were identified in five cyanobacterial genomes . Analysis of phylogenetic profiles, genomic context, domain architectures and sequence identity reveal that sensory modules of chemoreceptors that detect environmental cues are the subject of frequent domain birth and death events and have accelerated rates of sequence evolution . This fact could explain a remarkable diversity of the sensing repertoire of chemotaxis receptors in microorganisms.

J La State Med Soc, 2003 Mar-Apr, 155(2), 104 - 7
Genes that permit or prevent infections; Thurmon TF; In addition to heritable immunodeficiencies and polygenic susceptibility, acquisition genes and resistance genes are important genetic determinants of infectious diseases . Normal forms of acquisition genes permit entry of microorganisms into cells; mutations prevent entry . Normal forms of resistance genes prevent infections; mutations permit infections . The Genome Project has resulted in a growing list of each type . The current lists support important clinical principles . Many, if not most, pathogens readily enter cells unless prevented by antisepsis, blocking, and sterile techniques . Many, if not most, infections occur primarily in persons with heritable mutations of resistance genes.

Clin Lab Sci, 2002 Summer, 15(3), 160 - 6
Genetics and molecular diagnostics in the clinical laboratory science curriculum; Miller LE et al.; OBJECTIVE: To determine the nature and extent of education in human genetics and molecular diagnostics in clinical laboratory science (CLS) programs throughout the U.S . DESIGN: A written survey was mailed to 263 CLS programs . Data were expressed as raw numbers and percentages of responses . SETTING: State University of New York, Upstate Medical University . PARTICIPANTS: There were 162 responses and 151 usable surveys . Most respondents (86.8%) were department chairs/CLS program directors; 13.2% were CLS faculty or educational coordinators . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Questions were designed to determine frequency of CLS programs providing education in genetics, specific molecular methods and clinical applications, format of instruction, satisfaction levels with education provided, and perceptions on importance of teaching genetics, molecular diagnostics, and related hands-on experiences . RESULTS: Over 92% of CLS programs teach human genetics and molecular diagnostics in varied formats . Polymerase chain reaction was the most frequently taught molecular method; microorganism detection, the most commonly taught clinical application . More programs teach theory than provide hands-on experience in molecular diagnostics . Only 59 (39.1%) teach related ethical issues . Sixty-seven respondents (44.4%) were dissatisfied with the education they provide, due to lack of time to teach the material (n = 49; 73.1%), lack of knowledgeable faculty (n = 43; 64.2%), and expense of methods (n = 37; 55.2%) . Most respondents felt it was important to include human genetics (n = 145; 96%) and molecular diagnostics (n = 149; 98.7%) in their curriculum, and related hands-on experiences in the student laboratory (n = 106; 70.2%) or clinical rotation (n = 135; 89.4%) . Over 82% (n = 124) expected instruction of molecular diagnostics to increase in the next five years . CONCLUSION: Most CLS programs include human genetics and molecular diagnostics in their curriculum, and expect the education they provide to increase in the next 5 years . In order to meet this expectation, CLS programs may need to provide opportunities for faculty training, seek funding to cover the cost of methods, and consider innovative curriculum changes.

Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol, 2003 Nov, 29(5), 591 - 7 Epub 2003 May 30.
Expression and localization of lung surfactant protein A in human tissues; Madsen J et al.; Lung surfactant protein A (SP-A) is a collectin produced by alveolar type II cells and Clara cells . It binds to carbohydrate structures on microorganisms, initiating effector mechanisms of innate immunity and modulating the inflammatory response in the lung . Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed on a panel of RNAs from human tissues for SP-A mRNA expression . The lung was the main site of synthesis, but transcripts were readily amplified from the trachea, prostate, pancreas, and thymus . Weak expression was observed in the colon and salivary gland . SP-A sequences derived from lung and thymus mRNA revealed the presence of both SP-A1 and SP-A2, whereas only SP-A2 expression was found in the trachea and prostate . Monoclonal antibodies were raised against SP-A and characterized . One of these (HYB 238-4) reacted in Western blotting with both reduced and unreduced SP-A, with N-deglycosylated and collagenase-treated SP-A, and with both recombinant SP-A1 and SP-A2 . This antibody was used to demonstrate SP-A in immunohistochemistry of human tissues . Strong SP-A immunoreactivity was seen in alveolar type-II cells, Clara cells, and on and within alveolar macrophages, but no extrapulmonary SP-A immunoreactivity was observed . In contrast to lung surfactant protein D (SP-D), which is generally expressed on mucosal surfaces, SP-A seems to be restricted to the respiratory system.

Curr Mol Med, 2003 Jun, 3(4), 373 - 85
Regulation of dendritic cell function through Toll-like receptors; Kaisho T et al.; Higher animals establish host defense by orchestrating innate and adaptive immunity . This is mediated by professional antigen presenting cells, i.e . dendritic cells (DCs) . DCs can incorporate pathogens, produce a variety of cytokines, maturate, and present pathogen-derived peptides to T cells, thereby inducing T cell activation and differentiation . These responses are triggered by microbial recognition through type I transmembrane proteins, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on DCs . TLRs consist of ten members and each TLR is involved in recognizing a variety of microorganism-derived molecular structures . TLR ligands include cell wall components, proteins, nucleic acids, and synthetic chemical compounds, all of which can activate DCs as immune adjuvants . Each TLR can activate DCs in a similar, but distinct manner . For example, TLRs can be divided into subgroups according to their type I interferon (IFN) inducing ability . TLR2 cannot induce IFN-alpha or IFN-beta, but TLR4 can lead to IFN-beta production . Meanwhile, TLR3, TLR7, and TLR9 can induce both IFN-alpha and IFN-beta . Recent evidences suggest that cytoplamic adapters for TLRs are especially crucial for this functional heterogeneity . Clarifying how DC function is regulated by TLRs should provide us with critical information for manipulating the host defense against a variety of diseases.

Nat Rev Genet, 2003 Jun, 4(6), 457 - 69
Evolution experiments with microorganisms: the dynamics and genetic bases of adaptation; Elena SF et al.; Microorganisms have been mutating and evolving on Earth for billions of years . Now, a field of research has developed around the idea of using microorganisms to study evolution in action . Controlled and replicated experiments are using viruses, bacteria and yeast to investigate how their genomes and phenotypic properties evolve over hundreds and even thousands of generations . Here, we examine the dynamics of evolutionary adaptation, the genetic bases of adaptation, tradeoffs and the environmental specificity of adaptation, the origin and evolutionary consequences of mutators, and the process of drift decay in very small populations.

Mil Med, 2003 May, 168(5), 426 - 7
Fusarium proliferatum superficial suppurative thrombophlebitis; Murray CK et al.; Fungi are increasingly recognized as microorganisms causing superficial suppurative thrombophlebitis being managed by aggressive surgical therapy and antifungal agents . We report a case of Fusarium proliferatum superficial suppurative thrombophlebitis in an immunocompetent patient with no evidence of systemic infection and who responded to venotomy alone.

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2003 Jun, 38(6), 1099 - 113
Effects of the headspace gas composition on anaerobic biotransformation of o-, m-, and p-toluic acid in sediment slurries; Liu SM et al.; Composition of the headspace gas affected the biotransformation pattern of toluic acid isomers in anoxic sediment slurries . Under an N2 atmosphere, o- and m-, and p-toluic acid (20-25 mg L(-1)) were biotransformed in 100 days, 77 days, and 148 days, respectively, with a lag period of 50 days, 49 days, and 50 days, respectively . Under a CO2 atmosphere, the same toluic acid isomers were biotransformed by the sediment microorganisms in 16-25 days without a lag period . CO2 thus increased the biotransformation rates . The presence of H2, on the other hand, decreased the biotransformation rates: in most cases, adding H2 gas (5% and 20% to the N2 and CO2 atmospheres, respectively) not only increased the lag period but also decreased the maximum biotransformation rates . These effects were especially noticeable for the N2 atmosphere . Under N2, the maximum biotransformation rates of the toluic acid isomers were in the order o-toluic acid > m-toluic acid > p-toluic acid . However, under CO2, the maximum biotransformation rates were reversed, i.e., p-toluic acid > m-toluic acid > o-toluic acid . The presence of the methanogen inhibitor bromoethanesulfonic acid (BESA) slowed the biotransformation rates of p-toluic acid, and this together with the population dynamics of the acetogenic bacteria in the sediment slurries, suggested that acetogenic bacteria were involved in the degradation pathway . However, their exact role remains unclear.

Mikrobiol Z, 2003 Jan-Apr, 65(1-2), 122 - 32
{Thirty-five years of the Department of Biology of Gas-oxidizing Microorganisms of the D.K . Zabolotnyĭ Institute of Microbiology and Virology of the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine}; Malashenko IuR et al.; The basic trends of the department scientific activity are presented . The priority results of investigations of methaneoxidizing bacteria biology are given . The biothechnological development of the department (obtaining of products of microbial synthesis: protein, polysaccharides, antialcoholic and antinarcotic preparations) are considered in detail . Possible areas of their application are presented.

Mikrobiol Z, 2003 Jan-Apr, 65(1-2), 112 - 21
{Formation of research on viruses of humans, animals, and microorganisms at the Institute of Microbiology and Virology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and its present development}; Diachenko NS et al.; The 40-year history of virology development at the D.K . Zabolotny Institute of Microbiology and Virology of the NAS of Ukraine and the basic success achieved in the study of human, insect viruses, phages of phytopathogenic bacteria have been analyzed.

Rev Neurol (Paris), 2003 May, 159(5 Pt 1), 512 - 7
{Neurological manifestations of fish, mollusk and shellfish poisoning}; Diagana M et al.; Sea-food poisoning is observed in several areas of the world . Intoxication results from ingestion of fresh fish, mollusks, or shellfish contaminated by toxins produced by microorganisms (dinoflagellates) . Neurological manifestations are sometimes associated with signs and may be life-threatening . We describe here the principle toxins, their geographic distribution, clinical manifestations, therapeutic management, and possible prevention measures.

Stomatologiia (Mosk), 2003, 82(2), 36 - 8
{Effect of ozone on antibiotic sensitivity of microorganisms}; Daulbaeva AA et al.; Ozone therapy of wounds of the face and neck notably increased the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibiotics in 79% cases.

Pathobiology, 2002-2003, 70(5), 287 - 92
Surfactant proteins SP-A and SP-D as modulators of the allergic inflammation in asthma; Hohlfeld JM et al.; Surfactant proteins A and D (SP-A and SP-D) are members of the collectin family and bind to various motifs of microorganisms, particles and allergens . They play an important role in the first-line defense within the lung . Recent research has highlighted that these proteins not only augment innate immune responses to invading microorganisms but also act on adaptive immune functions like dendritic cell maturation and T cell proliferation . Both SP-A and SP-D downregulate the eosinophilic inflammation in murine asthma models and shift the cytokine profile towards a T helper cell type 1 response . In addition, they are effective at alleviating bronchial hyperresponsiveness . Although our knowledge about surfactant proteins as modulators of the allergic inflammatory reaction in asthma is still limited, the idea that surfactant proteins play a role in asthma has attracted increasing attention . In this review, the impact of the lung collectins SP-A and SP-D on asthmatic allergic inflammation and vice versa will be discussed .

Insect Biochem Mol Biol, 2003 Jun, 33(6), 579 - 94
cDNA cloning, purification, properties, and function of a beta-1,3-glucan recognition protein from a pyralid moth, Plodia interpunctella; Fabrick JA et al.; Microorganisms possess distinctive biochemical or molecular patterns on their cell surfaces, such as those formed by the lipopolysaccharides, lipoteichoic acids, and/or peptidoglycans of bacteria and the beta-1,3-glucans of fungi . Pattern recognition proteins that bind to these surface moieties have been implicated in the activation of the innate immune response in insects and other invertebrates . We report the purification and cloning of a cDNA for a 53-kDa beta-1,3-glucan recognition protein (betaGRP) from the Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) . BetaGRP cDNA contains an open reading frame that encodes 488 amino acids, of which the first 17 residues comprise the secretion signal peptide . The calculated molecular mass of the 471-residue mature protein is 53,311 Da . The protein consists of a carboxyl-terminal domain that is similar to other recognition proteins from invertebrates, beta-1,3-glucanases from bacteria, and a beta-1,3-glucanase from the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus . The amino-terminus of betaGRP shares sequence similarity with other invertebrate recognition molecules and the beta-1,3-glucanase from S . purpuratus . Affinity purification of a 53-kDa protein and subsequent sequencing of a peptide produced by tryptic cleavage confirmed the presence of the betaGRP in P . interpunctella larval hemolymph . RT-PCR analysis indicates that betaGRP is constitutively expressed in all life-stages, with no detectable induction following exposure of wandering larvae to microbial elicitors . Northern blot analysis indicates that the 1.8-kb betaGRP transcript is transcribed within the fat body . Recombinant betaGRP retains beta-1,3-glucan-binding activity, binds to lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid in vitro, causes aggregation of microorganisms, and activates the prophenoloxidase cascade in the presence of soluble beta-1,3-glucan . These data support the hypothesis that the 53-kDa betaGRP functions to recognize pathogen surface molecules as nonself and subsequently activates insect innate immune responses.

Curr Pharm Biotechnol, 2003 Jun, 4(3), 153 - 67
Application of microbial biotransformation for the new drug discovery using natural drugs as substrates; Venisetty RK et al.; This review describes microbial transformation studies of natural drugs, its importance in correlating them with the corresponding metabolism (biotransformation) in animal system and in the structural modification of complex drug molecules, which are difficult to obtain synthetically . Emphasis is laid on the potential microorganisms, which mimic the pathways of mammalian metabolism and which involve in stereoselective, regiospecific and selective conversions of natural drugs to their derivatives by microorganisms, which are more useful and difficult to synthesize . This paper describes the present state-of-art, will elucidate the additional possibilities with microbial biotransformation of natural drugs, i.e., comparison of microbial transformation with mammalian metabolism and possibility of producing novel molecules, which are difficult to produce by other means.

Acta Med Croatica, 2002, 56(4-5), 185 - 7
{Sterile peritonitis after administration of icodextrin}; Ekart R et al.; INTRODUCTION: Icodextrin is an 7.5% isoosmotic solution of the glucose polymer maltodextrin, recently frequently used in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) . It improves ultrafiltration and decreases glucose absorption . Among side effects of icodextrin, skin reactions and sterile peritonitis have been described . The authors present two cases of sterile peritonitis after icodextrin . CLINICAL PRESENTATION: In these two patients, the adverse events included peritoneal reaction to icodextrin solution . The reaction did not occur immediately after the initial administration of icodextrin, but after 70 (case 1) and 412 days (case 2) of regular use . This reaction to icodextrin solution resembled chemical peritonitis, however, the clinical picture was not absolutely typical of bacterial peritonitis either . Both patients had cloudy dialysate, elevated WBC in dialysate, no microorganisms were isolated, and no signs of allergic reaction could be detected . The clinical course was characterized by rapid remission upon isodextrin withdrawal . One patient received empiric antibiotic therapy, the other did not . Upon switching from icodextrin to glucose-based dialysate, the two patients were not challenged to icodextrin, and were doing well, without any symptoms of peritonitis . DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The icodextrin solution contains an isoosmolar glucose polymer which allows longterm stable ultrafiltration . Among side effects, cutaneous reactions have been described (exfoliative, in the form of vesicles, psoriatic plaque or generalized exanthema in the form of pustules), which may occur in as many as 15% of patients . These symptoms and signs disappear upon discontinuation of icodextrin . Icodextrin side effects also include mild abdominal pain, allergic and hypersensitivity reactions, and recently sterile peritonitis . The patients described developed a clinical picture suggestive of chemical peritonitis . From the effluent no microorganisms were isolated, and the clinical picture was not absolutely typical of bacterial peritonitis either . Discontinuation of icodextrin was followed by immediate clearing of the effluents and normalization of WBC count.

Water Res, 2003 Jul, 37(12), 3047 - 53
Product formation from thiophene by a mixed bacterial culture . Influence of benzene as growth substrate; Rivas IM et al.; The influence of benzene as a growth substrate on the cometabolic conversion of thiophene was investigated in batch systems with microorganisms originating from an creosote contaminated site . Benzene was shown to stimulate the conversion of thiophene with a first-order rate, during the initial phase of transformation . The microorganisms were able to transform thiophene in the absence of benzene at a zero-order rate . Thiophene was converted to five oxidation products, regardless of the presence of benzene . Benzene had no influence on the distribution of these oxidation products . The main oxidation product, a thiophene sulphoxide dimer, represented 78+/-12% of the transformed thiophene, while the second most important product, also a thiophene sulphoxide dimer, represented 20+/-2% of the converted thiophene.

Water Res, 2003 Jul, 37(12), 2989 - 97
Fouling characteristics of NF and RO operated for removal of dissolved matter from groundwater; Gwon EM et al.; A pilot study had been performed for about 6 months in order to investigate the removal efficiency of dissolved matter and its fouling potential during nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) of local groundwater that was pretreated with an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane system . After pilot plant operation, autopsy tests were performed to identify the characteristics of foulants that were attached to the membrane surface . In the autopsy tests, the flux recovery for each specific cleaning scheme (hydraulic washing, acid cleaning, and alkaline cleaning) was also measured using a dead-end filtration cell unit . The washing solution used in each chemical cleaning was analyzed to identify major components of the foulants, and the membrane surface was observed using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Among three kinds of membranes tested, one NF and two RO membranes, the NF and RO1 membranes showed a rapid flux decline after 100 days of operation . Especially, the RO1 membrane showed the more serious flux decline than the NF membrane . The RO2 membrane, with the lowest recovery rate, demonstrated a gradual flux decline . The removal efficiency of dissolved inorganic matter (as conductivity) for each NF, RO1 and RO2 membrane was 76.3%, 88.2% and 95.3%, respectively . The removal of dissolved organic matter (as total organic carbon) was found to be about 80% for both NF and RO membranes used in this study . During the membrane autopsy tests, five sections of the fouled membrane were cut along each NF and RO membrane module from the feed inlet side to the concentrate outlet side, the specific flux for each membrane section was measured before and after each cleaning step . As expected, the degree of fouling was intensified along the membrane surface as the feed flow approached the outlet . Based on the analysis results of wash water used in each cleaning step, the major foulants attached to the membrane surface appeared to be Ca bound with inorganic matter and Si bound with organic matter . Fe seemed to be a great contributor to irreversible fouling . The SEM analysis indicated that the organic matter was forming the first fouling layer close to the membrane and that the inorganic matter was layered top of the organic fouling layer in a tetragonal shape . Any evidence of biofouling was not observed in this study because most of microorganisms had been already removed by the UF pretreatment.

Water Res, 2003 Jul, 37(12), 2980 - 8
Effect of initial microbial density on inactivation of Giardia muris by ozone; Haas CN et al.; Inactivation of microorganisms by disinfectants frequently shows non-linear behavior on a semilogarithmic plot of log survival ratio versus time . A number of models have been developed to depict these deviations from Chick's Law . Some of the models predict that the log survival ratio (at a particular disinfectant dose and contact time, even in absence of demand) would be a function of the initial concentration of microorganisms (N(0)), while other models do not predict such an effect . The effect of N(0) on the survival ratio has not been deliberately tested . This work examined the inactivation of Giardia muris by ozone in batch systems, deliberately varying the disinfectant dose and N(0) . It was found that the models predicting a dependency of survival on N(0) gave a better description to the data than models that did not predict such a dependency . Hence there is an apparent decrease in disinfection efficiency of ozone against Giardia muris (at pH 8 and 15 degrees C) as the initial microorganism concentration decreases . This phenomena should be taken into account by both disinfection researchers and by process design engineers.

Nat Rev Immunol, 2003 May, 3(5), 371 - 82
NODs: intracellular proteins involved in inflammation and apoptosis; Inohara N et al.; NOD (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain) proteins are members of a family that includes the apoptosis regulator APAF1 (apoptotic protease activating factor 1), mammalian NOD-LRR (leucine-rich repeat) proteins and plant disease-resistance gene products . Several NOD proteins have been implicated in the induction of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activity and in the activation of caspases . Two members of the NOD family, NOD1 and NOD2, mediate the recognition of specific bacterial components . Notably, genetic variation in the genes encoding the NOD proteins NOD2, cryopyrin and CIITA (MHC class II transactivator) in humans and Naip5 (neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein 5) in mice is associated with inflammatory disease or increased susceptibility to bacterial infections . Mammalian NOD proteins seem to function as cytosolic sensors for the induction of apoptosis, as well as for innate recognition of microorganisms and regulation of inflammatory responses.

Minerva Anestesiol, 2003 Apr, 69(4), 308 - 14
{Infection control and prevention in intensive care: environmental aspects}; Corona A et al.; Surveillance is understood as the monitoring over time of the onset of preventable infection and/or microbial colonization in patients in intensive care units (ICU), where the prevalence of nosocomial infections, particularly those caused by microorganisms multiresistant to antibiotics, is alarmingly high . Surveillance deals with: 1) pathogens responsible for infection and their patterns of antibiotic resistance; 2) epidemics; 3) endemic infections selected according to predictability; 4) frequency of use of specific invasive procedures, where the greater the use, the higher the frequency of nosocomial infections associated with them; 5) use of antibiotics . Surveillance is operated through: 1) the microbiology laboratory, which is responsible for accurate surveillance of hospital infections; 2) the active surveillance on the wards, which concerns: a) identification of infections either on admission or during hospitalization or both, b) use of invasive procedures, control of parameters, and data collection, c) type of patients treated, identification of infected patients and data analysis and interpretation . Infection prevention complementary to surveillance starts with the adoption of strategies and interventions based on the application of universal precautions and/or on the route of transmission . A crucial point is the sterilization and disinfection of medical devices . In recent years there has been a steady rise in the number of infections caused by medical devices, most likely because of the increasing use of sophisticated and complex equipment that is often difficult to decontaminate and because of the rise in the number of immunocompromised patients or those susceptible to infections.

Bioresour Technol, 2003 Apr, 87(2), 155 - 9
Bioeffects of microwave--a brief review; Banik S et al.; Since the 18th century scientists have been intrigued by the interaction of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and various life processes . Attention has been focussed on EMFs in different frequency ranges, of which microwave frequency range forms an important part . Microwaves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum and are considered to be that radiation ranging in frequency from 300 million cycles per second (300 MHz) to 300 billion cycles per second (300 GHz), which correspond to a wavelength range of 1 m down to 1 mm . This nonionising electromagnetic radiation is absorbed at molecular level and manifests as changes in vibrational energy of the molecules or heat (Microwaves irradiating the community, Hidden hazards, Bantan Books publisher, Australia, 1991) . Identifying and evaluating the biological effects of microwaves have been complex and controversial . Because of the paucity of information on the mechanism of interaction between microwave and biological systems, there has been a persistent view in physical and engineering sciences, that microwave fields are incapable of inducing bioeffects other than by heating (Health Physics 61 (1991) 3) . Of late, the nonthermal effects of microwaves on tissue responses are being documented (Physiol . Rev . 61 (1981) 435; Annals of New York Acad . Sci . 247 (1975) 232; J . Microwave Power 14 (1979) 351; Bioelectromagnetics 7 (1986a) 45; Bioelectromagnetics 7 (1986b) 315; Biologic Effects and Health Hazards of Microwave Radiation, Warsaw, Polish Medical Publication (1974) 289; Biologic Effects and Health hazards of the microwave Radiation, Warsaw, Polish Medical Publication (1974) 22; Multidisciplinory perspectives in event-related brain potential research, Washington DC, US Environmental Protection Agency, (1978) 444) . The present article is an attempt to familiarise the reader with pertinent information regarding the effects, mainly athermal, of microwave irradiation on biologic systems, especially microorganisms.

Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol, 2003 Jun, 17(3), 397 - 425
Gastrointestinal disorders of the critically ill . Bacterial translocation in the gut; Wiest R et al.; The human gastrointestinal tract is colonized by a dense population of microorganisms, referred to as the bacterial flora . Although the gut provides a functional barrier between these organisms and the host, bacterial translocation is a common event in the healthy person . However, in critically ill patients, with various underlying diseases, this bacterial translocation may lead to infections and consequently to a further reduction in general health status . The mechanism of bacterial translocation is widely, and somehow controversially investigated in vitro and in animal models . In human studies, several diseases have been associated with bacterial translocation . However, methodological shortcomings, insufficient populations and conflicting results leave many open questions . This is also reflected in the various published therapeutic strategies . To overcome this problem more investigations in humans are needed, especially in techniques for detecting bacterial translocation.

J Gastrointest Surg, 2003 May-Jun, 7(4), 497 - 506
Biliary obstruction reduces hepatic killing and phagocytic clearance of circulating microorganisms in rats; Hoshino S et al.; Septic complications are common in patients with biliary obstruction . This is thought to be related, in part, to dysfunction of the hepatic reticuloendothelial system (RES) . It has been reported that nearly 80% of circulating microorganisms are phagocytosed and killed within the liver and that clearance of circulating pathogens is significantly impaired in patients with jaundice . However, the effect of biliary obstruction specifically on phagocytic killing within the liver is less well described . Therefore this study was designed to quantify the effect of biliary obstruction, simultaneously and discriminately, on two important components of hepatic RES function (phagocytosis and phagocytic killing) . Rats were divided into three experimental groups: control, sham, and jaundiced (common bile duct ligation) . At 7, 10, 14, and 21 days after operation, E . coli labeled with both 125I and 51Cr were injected intravenously . Using the previously validated double-labeled in vivo E . coli technique, hepatic phagocytic clearance (HPC), hepatic killing efficiency (HKE), and net hepatic killing (NHK) were measured . Common bile duct ligation resulted in a significant decrease in the HPC of E . coli 10, 14, and 21 days postoperatively . Similarly, HKE was significantly decreased in jaundiced animals by postoperative day 10, but returned to baseline values by day 14 . The net effect of these changes in HPC and HKE values were reflected in a significant reduction in NHK in jaundiced animals . Results of the present study suggest that obstructive jaundice impairs both phagocytosis and phagocytic killing within the liver . These findings may help to explain the susceptibility of patients with biliary tract obstruction to the morbidity and mortality of septic complications.

J Basic Microbiol, 2003, 43(3), 249 - 54
Nucleotide sequence of MPB63 gene in Mycobacterium bovis BCG Tokyo; Kobayashi K et al.; Mycobacterium bovis BCG has been used for the prevention of tuberculosis and as therapy for bladder tumor . MPB63 in M . bovis BCG is one of the immunogenic proteins and is secreted in large quantities . Therefore, it is of interest that the MPB63 gene be examined for the determination of its nucleotide sequence . A fragment of 820 base pairs (bp) including the MPB63 gene was prepared by amplification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) employing M . bovis BCG Tokyo chromosomal DNA as a template and its nucleotide sequence was determined . The nucleotide sequence of mpb63 in M . bovis BCG was then compared with that of mpt63 in M . tuberculosis . The result indicated that the nucleotide sequences between two protein genes were quite agreeable in the genes' structural and upstream regions, except that one base change from C in mpt63 to G in mpb63 was detected in the downstream trailer sequence . This suggests that the genetic information of M . bovis BCG is not entirely identical to that of M . tuberculosis, although the characteristics of both microorganism are very similar to each other.

J Basic Microbiol, 2003, 43(3), 230 - 7
Biomass and exopolysaccharide production in submerged cultures of Pleurotus ostreatoroseus Sing . and Pleurotus ostreatus "florida" (Jack.: Fr.) Kummer; Rosado FR et al.; The species of the genus Pleurotus produce large amounts of biomass and exopolysaccharide (EPS) in submerged cultures, which may be used for biotechnological purposes . In the present work two Brazilian autochthonous strains of edible Pleurotus (P . ostratoroseus Sing . and P . ostreatus "florida") were used . The fungi grown in liquid Potato Dextrose medium (PD) were used as inocula to cultivate those microorganisms in the POL culture medium . After a 9-day incubation, the optimal growth time for biomass production, P . ostreatus "florida" presented higher biomass production (22.8 g d.w./l) than P . ostreatoroseus (16.8 g d.w./l) . After a 7-day incubation, the optimal growth time for EPS production, P . ostreatoroseus produced higher amounts of crude EPS (5.8 g d.w./l) than P . ostreatus "florida" (1.4 g d.w./l) . Relative carbohydrate composition for P . ostreatoroseus and P . ostreatus "florida" EPS were: glucose (95.5-87.7), galactose (traces - 4.9), mannose (traces - 3.1), xylose (1.3-2.5), and arabinose (3.2-1.8) . Lower ammonium sulfate concentration in the POL culture medium increased the exopolysaccharides production by P . ostreatoroseus.

Genes Immun, 2003 Jun, 4(4), 269 - 74
Mannose-binding lectin gene polymorphism predicts hospital admissions for COPD infections; Yang IA et al.; Infection frequently causes exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a pattern-recognition receptor that assists in clearing microorganisms . Polymorphisms in the MBL2 gene reduce serum MBL levels and are associated with risk of infection . We studied whether the MBL2 codon 54 B allele affected serum MBL levels, admissions for infective exacerbation in COPD and disease susceptibility . Polymorphism frequency was determined by PCR-RFLP in 200 COPD patients and 104 smokers with normal lung function . Serum MBL was measured as mannan-binding activity in a subgroup of 82 stable COPD patients . Frequency of COPD admissions for infective exacerbation was ascertained for a 2-year period . The MBL2 codon 54 B allele reduced serum MBL in COPD patients . In keeping, patients carrying the low MBL-producing B allele had increased risk of admission for infective exacerbation (OR 4.9, P(corrected)=0.011) . No association of MBL2 genotype with susceptibility to COPD was detected . In COPD, serum MBL is regulated by polymorphism at codon 54 in its encoding gene . Low MBL-producing genotypes were associated with more frequent admissions to hospital with respiratory infection, suggesting that the MBL2 gene is disease-modifying in COPD . MBL2 genotype should be explored prospectively as a prognostic marker for infection risk in COPD.

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2003 Aug, 62(2-3), 140 - 50 Epub 2003 May 21.
Bioflavoring and beer refermentation; Vanderhaegen B et al.; Various techniques are used to adjust the flavors of foods and beverages to new market demands . Although synthetic flavoring chemicals are still widely used, flavors produced by biological methods (bioflavors) are now more and more requested by consumers, increasingly concerned with health and environmental problems caused by synthetic chemicals . Bioflavors can be extracted from plants or produced with plant cell cultures, microorganisms or isolated enzymes . This Mini-Review paper gives an overview of different systems for the microbial production of natural flavors, either de novo, or starting with selected flavor precursor molecules . Emphasis is put on the bioflavoring of beer and the possibilities offered by beer refermentation processes . The use of flavor precursors in combination with non-conventional or genetically modified yeasts for the production of new products is discussed.

Hautarzt, 2003 Jun, 54(6), 524 - 9 Epub 2003 Apr 17.
{Wound bed preparation of chronic wounds with ultrasound}; Dissemond J et al.; The use of different low dose ultrasound systems is an innovative and effective alternative strategy of treatment in wound bed preparation of different chronic wounds . The handling of the ultrasonic systems is easy to learn, their use is safe and little additional equipment is required . Induction of the so called cavitation phenomenon seems to be a major effect which permits selective debridement and reduction of microorganism colonisation . While the suggestion is that granulation tissue is promoted and wound healing accelerated, there are few well documented evidence-based data . Additional randomized controlled trials are needed before the therapeutic efficacy of ultrasound in this clinical setting can be evaluated.

Chemosphere, 2003 Aug, 52(5), 799 - 804
Effect of glyphosate on the microbial activity of two Brazilian soils; Araujo AS et al.; Glyphosate {N-(phosphonomethyl)-glycine} is a broad-spectrum, non-selective, post-emergence herbicide that is widely used in agricultural . We studied, in vitro, changes in the microbial activity of typical Hapludult and Hapludox Brazilian soils, with and without applied glyphosate . Glyphosate was applied at a rate of 2.16 mg glyphosate kg(-1) of soil and microbial activity was measured by soil respiration (evolution of CO(2)) and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis over a period of 32 days . We found an increase of 10-15% in the CO(2) evolved and a 9-19% increase in FDA hydrolyses in the presence of glyphosate compared with the same type of soil which had never received glyphosate . Soil which had been exposed to glyphosate for several years had the strongest response in microbial activity . Most probable number (MPN) counts showed that after 32 days incubation the number of actinomycetes and fungi had increased while the number of bacteria showed a slight reduction . After the incubation period, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) detected the glyphosate metabolite aminomethyl phosphonic acid (AMPA), indicating glyphosate degradation by soil microorganisms.

Allergy, 2003 Jun, 58(6), 503 - 10
Cross-reactivity between the major Parietaria allergen and rotavirus VP4 protein; di Somma C et al.; BACKGROUND: The present study investigates immunological cross-reactivity between Par o 1, the major pollen allergen of Parietaria, and the VP4 protein of rotavirus, a microorganism that is world-wide the main etiological agent of gastroenteritis in children . METHODS: IgG and IgE cross-reactivity was assessed by direct binding and competitive inhibition assays (ELISA and DARIA), using recombinant VP4 from rhesus infectious rotavirus (RR), synthetic peptides and Par o 1-specific antibodies affinity purified from pooled and individual human sera . RESULTS: Antibodies specifically binding Par o 1, affinity purified from the sera of 35 individuals with skin test positivity to Parietaria and from 14 pools, were extensively cross-reactive with RRVP4 . Cross-reactive binding was specifically inhibited by synthetic peptides derived from the C-terminal sequences of the VP4 proteins from human and rhesus infectious rotavirus . CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the first evidence of cross-reactivity between an allergen and a viral antigen.

Am J Health Syst Pharm, 2003 May 1, 60(9), 916 - 22
Stability and preservative effectiveness of treprostinil sodium after dilution in common intravenous diluents; Phares KR et al.; The stability of treprostinil sodium after dilution in three common i.v . infusion vehicles was assessed . The chemical stability of treprostinil sodium was tested over a 48-hour period at 40 degrees C and 75% relative humidity after dilution in each of three diluents: sterile water for injection, 0.9% sodium chloride injection, and 5% dextrose injection, and after passage through an i.v . delivery system . Chemical analysis was conducted by using a validated stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic assay, visually inspecting the solutions, and measuring the pH of each solution . The preservative effectiveness of the solutions was tested by the recovery of inoculations of compendial microorganisms after 48 hours in dilute solutions of treprostinil sodium . All assay results for treprostinil were within 90.0% to 110.0% of the prepared solutions diluted at 0.004 and 0.13 mg/mL treprostinil sodium in sterile water for injection and 0.9% sodium chloride injection . The assay results were the same for dilute treprostinil solutions in 5% dextrose injection at concentrations of 0.02 and 0.13 mg/mL . The pH values for these solutions remained within acceptable values of 6.0 to 7.2 for the stability study . No change in physical appearance or any visible particulate matter was observed . Approximately 70% of metacresol, the preservative, in the dilute treprostinil sodium solutions was removed before reaching the terminal end of the tubing . None of the dilute treprostinil sodium solutions supported microbial growth in the cassette reservoirs for the organisms considered . Treprostinil sodium 0.13 mg/mL solution in sterile water for injection, 0.9% sodium chloride for injection, and 5% dextrose for injection appeared to be stable after storage in controlled ambulatory drug-delivery systems for 48 hours at 40 degrees C and 75% relative humidity . Treprostinil sodium 0.004 mg/mL in sterile water and 0.9% sodium chloride for injection and 0.02 mg/mL in 5% dextrose injection was also stable under the same conditions . None of the solutions showed signs of microbial growth.

Environ Microbiol, 2003 Jun, 5(6), 441 - 52
Diversity and dynamics of microbial communities in soils from agro-ecosystems; Buckley DH et al.; Soil microbial communities are integrally involved in biogeochemical cycles and their activities are crucial to the productivity of terrestrial ecosystems . Despite the importance of soil microorganisms, little is known about the distribution of microorganisms in the soil or the manner in which microbial community structure responds to changes in land management . We investigated the structure of microbial communities in the soil over two years in a series of replicated plots, that included, cultivated fields, fields abandoned from cultivation and fields with no history of cultivation . Microbial community structure was examined by monitoring the relative abundance of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from seven of the most common bacterial groups in soil (the Alpha and Beta Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Cytophagales, Planctomycetes, Verrucomicrobia and the Acidobacteria) and the Eukarya . These data reveal that soil microbial communities are dynamic, capable of significant change at temporal scales relative to seasonal events . However, despite temporal change in microbial community structure, the rRNA relative abundance of particular microbial groups is affected by the local environment such that recognizable patterns of community structure exist in relation to field management.

Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 2003 May-Jun, 39(3), 329 - 34
{Quantitative assessment of the biological activity of chemicals by soil microbial associations}; Gil'vanova EA et al.; Quantitative assessment, using three Pseudomonas sp . strains, of the activity of the microbial biocide Soncid 8101 demonstrated that the values of effective sublethal concentrations (L50) differed by 500% (because of individual variations in the sensitivity of the test strains) . The spread of parameters of biocidal activity could be narrowed by using a mixture of microorganisms with high, medium, and weak resistance . A method for quantitative assessment of the activity of microbial biocides was proposed, based on the use of natural associations of soil bacteria.

Curr Opin Plant Biol, 2003 Jun, 6(3), 273 - 9
Plants, selenium and human health; Ellis DR et al.; Selenium is an essential nutrient for animals, microorganisms and some other eukaryotes . Although selenium has not been demonstrated to be essential in vascular plants, the ability of some plants to accumulate and transform selenium into bioactive compounds has important implications for human nutrition and health, and for the environment . Selenium-accumulating plants provide unique tools to help us understand selenium metabolism . They are also a source of genetic material that can be used to alter selenium metabolism and tolerance to help develop food crops that have enhanced levels of anticarcinogenic selenium compounds, as well as plants that are ideally suited for the phytoremediation of selenium-contaminated soils.

Artif Organs, 2003 May, 27(5), 424 - 7
Biocompatibility study of polymeric biomaterials; Rogero SO et al.; Polymeric hydrogels are used as wound dressing material since these materials show advantages such as pain relief, exudates absorption, barrier to microorganisms, permeability, and others . This article shows the results obtained in a study aiming to know the biological performance of different polymeric materials to be used in contact with skin: PVP hydrogels and acrylate adhesive . The biocompatibility was determined by in vitro assay of cytotoxicity and in vivo assay by using the contact test of irritability in rabbits . All the tested samples presented no toxicity and no dermal irritation.

Mikrobiologiia, 2003 Mar-Apr, 72(2), 239 - 49
{Microbial biodiversity in the Lake Baikal water}; Bel'kova NL et al.; The investigation of the microbial community of Lake Baikal by the methods of general and molecular microbiology showed that culturable bacterial strains were represented by various known genera . The lake water contains a great number of bacterial morphotypes, as revealed by electron microscopy, and a great diversity of nonculturable microorganisms belonging to different phylogenetic groups, as revealed by 16S rRNA gene fragment sequencing . The inference is made that the microbial community of Lake Baikal contains not only the known species but also new, possibly endemic to the lake, bacterial species.

Mikrobiologiia, 2003 Mar-Apr, 72(2), 228 - 38
{The structure and biogeochemical activity of the phototrophic communities from the Bol'sherechenskii alkaline hot spring}; Namsaraev ZB et al.; Microbial communities growing in the bed of the alkaline, sulfide hot spring Bol'sherechenskii (the Baikal rift area) were studied over many years (1986-2001) . The effluent water temperature ranged from 72 to 74 degrees C, pH was from 9.25 to 9.8, and sulfide content was from 12 to 13.4 mg/ml . Simultaneous effects of several extreme factors restrict the spread of phototrophic microorganisms . Visible microbial fouling appears with a decrease in the temperature to 62 degrees C and in the sulfide content to 5.9 mg/l . Cyanobacteria predominated in all biological zones of the microbial mat . The filamentous cyanobacteria of the genus Phormidium are the major mat-forming organisms, whereas unicellular cyanobacteria and the filamentous green bacterium Chloroflexus aurantiacus are minor components of the phototrophic communities . No cyanobacteria of the species Mastigocladus laminosus, typical of neutral and subacid springs, were identified . Seventeen species of both anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria and cyanobacteria were isolated from the microbial mats, most of which exhibited optimum growth at 20 to 45 degrees C . The anoxygenic phototrophs were neutrophiles with pH optimum at about 7 . The cyanobacteria were the most adapted to the alkaline conditions in the spring . Their optimum growth was observed at pH 8.5-9.0 . As determined by the in situ radioisotope method, the optimal growth and decomposition rates were observed at 40-32 degrees C, which is 10 to 15 degrees C lower than the same parameter in the sulfide-deficient Octopus Spring (Yellowstone, United States) . The maximum chlorophyll a concentration was 555 mg/m2 at 40 degrees C . Total rate of photosynthesis in the mats reached 1.3 g C/m2 per day . The maximum rate of dark fixation of carbon dioxide in the microbial mats was 0.806 g C/m2 per day . The maximum rate of sulfate reduction comprised 0.367 g S/m2 per day at 40 degrees C . The rate of methanogenesis did not exceed 1.188 micrograms C/m2 per day . The role of methanogenesis in the terminal decomposition of the organic matter was insignificant . Methane formation consumed 100 times less organic matter than sulfate reduction.

Toxicol Lett, 2003 Jul 20, 143(2), 97 - 107
Trichothecenes in the environment: relevance to human health; Sudakin DL; Trichothecenes are agriculturally important mycotoxins of relevance to human health . Fungi capable of producing trichothecenes can be found throughout the world, and include certain species of Fusarium, Myrothecium, and Stachybotrys . The production of mycotoxins by these toxigenic species is determined by genetic factors and the environmental conditions of their growth . The environmental fate of trichothecenes may be affected by other microorganisms that can detoxify them . Deoxynivalenol and T-2 toxin are examples of trichothecenes that are detectable as natural and unavoidable contaminants of certain agricultural commodities as well as commercial foods . Current estimates of dietary exposure to deoxynivalenol and T-2 toxin are below thresholds for adverse effects that have been reported in experimental animal studies, although historical epidemics of human illness have rarely been described in association with consumption of food derived from heavily contaminated grains . The toxicodynamic properties of trichothecenes include inhibition of protein synthesis and immunomodulatory effects . Very little information is available relating to their toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics in humans . While there is general agreement that the diet represents an important source of human exposure to trichothecenes, risk assessment from non-dietary routes of exposure is complicated by the limited epidemiological data that are currently available.

Am J Med Genet A, 2003 Jun 1, 119(2), 132 - 6
IL-1 alpha (-889) promoter polymorphism is a risk factor for osteomyelitis; Asensi V et al.; As osteomyelitis (OM) induces the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines and IL-1 mediates bone resorption by osteoclasts we determined if there is an association between certain common polymorphisms of the genes encoding proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1 alpha and beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha) and OM in adults . The IL-1 alpha (-889) TT genotype was significantly more frequent among 52 OM patients than in 109 healthy controls (13/52, {25.0%} vs . 9/109, {8.3%}, P = 0.0081, chi(2) = 7.01, OR = 3.7, 95% CI, 1.35-10.34) . Patients who were homozygous for the T allele were younger than the rest of the OM patients (mean age 35.7 +/- 11.5 vs . 58.1 +/- 18.6 years, P = 0.001) . IL-1 beta TT (+3953) polymorphism was also more frequent in OM patients (P = 0.014, chi(2) = 5.12, OR = 5.1, 95% CI, 1.21-52.14), but IL-1 beta is in linkage disequilibrium with the IL-1 alpha *T (P < 0.001) . Route of infection, chronicity of the infection, type of microorganism isolated, and frequency of relapses were similar in patients with and without the IL-1 alpha TT genotype . There were no associations between OM and polymorphisms of other cytokines genes . IL-1 alpha serum levels were significantly increased in all the OM patients independently of their IL-1 genotype compared to the controls (P = 0.021) . Although IL-1 alpha serum levels were not significantly higher in patients with the IL-1 alpha (-889) polymorphism, this does not exclude a difference in production of IL-1 alpha by osteoclasts or other inflammatory cells at the site of infection .

Folia Microbiol (Praha), 2003, 48(1), 17 - 25
Hybrid antibiotics; Behal V; Hybrid antibiotics that do not occur in nature have been obtained by combining structural genes of antibiotic producers . Some of these substances were effective against pathogenic microorganisms resistant against antibiotics produced by the parent strains . The majority of hybrid antibiotics were obtained by combining genes encoding polyketide synthases . Hybrid peptides with new biological properties have also been synthesized.

C R Biol, 2003 Jan, 326(1), 1 - 7
{The agrochemical arsenal versus the enemies of plants . General considerations}; Bonnemain JL et al.; Plants are attacked, not only by various microorganisms, but also by other enemies, such as molluscs, nematods, mites, and insects . They have evolved complex and efficient mechanisms to defend themselves against pathogens (hypersensitive response, systemic acquired resistance) and herbivores (release of volatile compounds that attract predators of the herbivores, accumulation of proteinase inhibitors) . Yet, the confrontation of the plants with their invaders can also turn to the advantage of the latter . In the past, the attacks of crops regularly brought about dramatic economic losses . From the World War II onwards, the development of organic chemistry associated with a growing awareness of the problems of agriculture has resulted in the production of a constantly growing number of plant protection products . They are currently divided into about ten classes, the herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides-acaricides making up more than 90% of the world market . Most of the agrochemical products put on the market over these last three decades are used in relatively low doses and have a more favourable toxicological and ecotoxicological profile than those of the former pesticides, many of which are now withdrawn from the market . Several more or less recent families are derivatives of metabolites from various organisms . Thus, the improvement achieved in the protection of crops is outstanding . However, one on the main side-effect is an environmental imbalance that has entailed a dependency on agrochemicals . Quite judiciously, alternative strategies (elicitors, genetic engineering, etc.) have been initiated or developed over the last decade.

Curr Genet, 2003 Jul, 43(4), 225 - 44 Epub 2003 May 10.
Regulation of phosphate acquisition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Persson BL et al.; Membrane transport systems active in cellular inorganic phosphate (P(i)) acquisition play a key role in maintaining cellular P(i) homeostasis, independent of whether the cell is a unicellular microorganism or is contained in the tissue of a higher eukaryotic organism . Since unicellular eukaryotes such as yeast interact directly with the nutritious environment, regulation of P(i) transport is maintained solely by transduction of nutrient signals across the plasma membrane . The individual yeast cell thus recognizes nutrients that can act as both signals and sustenance . The present review provides an overview of P(i) acquisition via the plasma membrane P(i) transporters of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the regulation of internal P(i) stores under the prevailing P(i) status.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2003 May 27, 100(11), 6759 - 64 Epub 2003 May 09.
Identification of receptors for pig endogenous retrovirus; Ericsson TA et al.; Xenotransplantation of porcine tissues has the potential to treat a wide variety of major health problems including organ failure and diabetes . Balanced against the potential benefits of xenotransplantation, however, is the risk of human infection with a porcine microorganism . In particular, the transmission of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) is a major concern {Chapman, L . E . & Bloom, E . T . (2001) J . Am . Med . Assoc . 285, 2304-2306} . Here we report the identification of two, sequence-related, human proteins that act as receptors for PERV-A, encoded by genes located on chromosomes 8 and 17 . We also describe homologs from baboon and porcine cells that also are active as receptors . Conversely, activity could not be demonstrated with a syntenic murine receptor homolog . Sequence analysis indicates that PERV-A receptors {human PERV-A receptor (HuPAR)-1, HuPAR-2, baboon PERV-A receptor 2, and porcine PERV-A receptor} are multiple membrane-spanning proteins similar to receptors for other gammaretroviruses . Expression is widespread in human tissues including peripheral blood mononuclear cells, but their biological functions are unknown . The identification of the PERV-A receptors opens avenues of research necessary for a more complete assessment of the retroviral risks of pig to human xenotransplantation.

Kekkaku, 2003 Apr, 78(4), 359 - 63
{Comparison between relative analogy and homology of 16S rRNA partial sequences between Mycobacterium szulgai and Mycobacterium malmoense}; Fukasawa Y; A lot of nucleotide sequences of some genes, especially 16S rRNA gene, are registered in the public data-base . In order to identify clinical mycobacterial strains, 16S rRNA gene partial nucleotide sequences from 15 strains of Mycobacterium malmoense and 24 strains of Mycobacterium szulgai which are stored in the Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association were determined . Then homology of the sequences to the data of type strains submitted to public database were determined . Relative analogy to type strains by delta DDH was also measured . In the area of nucleotide position 51-588 corresponding accession number X52930 which is Mycobacterium malmoense type strain 16S rRNA gene sequence data, the homology of some partial sequences with Mycobacterium malmoense strains to data of accession number X52930 were lower than that with Mycobacterium szulgai type strain data, accession number X52926 . In the area of nucleotide position 31-568 or nucleotide position 31-588, the homology of all nucleotide sequence data to collect species data of type strains were higher than the homology to another species data . Nucleotide position 38, 40, 47 and 49 might be differential nucleotides conserved between Mycobacterium malmoense strains and Mycobacterium szulgai one . These results suggest that homology of about 500 bp's 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequence data may not be enough for differential identification . Nevertheless, database of RIDOM, Ribosomal differentiation of Medical Microorganisms, identified partial nucleotide sequences between nucleotide position 51-588 corresponding accession number X52930 correctly, though some were lower than 97% homology (data not shown) . Therefore quality-controlled 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequence database could be used for differential identification.

Science, 2003 May 9, 300(5621), 944 - 7
The biogeochemical cycles of trace metals in the oceans; Morel FM et al.; Planktonic uptake of some essential metals results in extraordinarily low concentrations in surface seawater . To sequester or take up these micronutrients, various microorganisms apparently release strong complexing agents and catalyze redox reactions that modify the bioavailability of trace metals and promote their rapid cycling in the upper water column . In turn, the low availability of some metals controls the rate of photosynthesis in parts of the oceans and the transformation and uptake of major nutrients such as nitrogen . The extremely low concentrations of several essential metals are both the cause and the result of ultraefficient uptake systems in the plankton and of widespread replacement of metals by one another for various biochemical functions.

J Immunol Methods, 2003 May 1, 276(1-2), 143 - 6
Mannose-binding lectin: comparison of two assays for the quantification of MBL in the serum of pediatric patients; Forster-Waldl E et al.; Individuals with mannose-binding lectin (MBL)-deficiency are at an increased risk from infections with mannose-bearing microorganisms . We have investigated two quantitative research assays for measuring MBL protein in serum for routine diagnosis . The evaluation of 817 serum samples with a nephelometric assay revealed two deficiencies, a number far below the postulated 5-10% of the population . Reevaluation of 102 serum samples with an MBL-ELISA detected low levels in 27 cases (26.4%) and clear deficiencies in 21 samples (20.4%) . In our hands, the MBL-ELISA permitted the detection of decreased levels of MBL in serum, as occurs in individuals with homozygous or heterozygous MBL gene mutations; in contrast, the nephelometric assay appeared to be unsuitable for the detection of MBL deficiencies . We support the routine measurement of MBL in serum, especially in children with frequent infections.

Chemosphere, 2003 Jul, 52(2), 455 - 61
Fluorinated natural products: the biosynthesis of fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine in Streptomyces cattleya; Murphy CD et al.; Organofluorine compounds are rare in Nature, with only a handful known to be produced by some species of plant and two microorganisms . Consequently, the mechanism of enzymatic carbon-fluorine bond formation is poorly understood . The bacterium Streptomyces cattleya biosynthesises fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine as secondary metabolites and is a convenient system to study the biosynthesis and enzymology of fluorometabolite production . Using stable-isotope labelled precursors it has been shown that there is a common intermediate in the biosynthesis of the fluorometabolites, which has recently been identified as fluoroacetaldehyde . Studies with cell-free extracts of S . cattleya have identified two enzymes, an aldehyde dehydrogenase and a threonine transaldolase, that are involved in the biotransformation of fluoroacetaldehyde to fluoroacetate and 4-fluorothreonine.

Chemosphere, 2003 Jul, 52(2), 339 - 54
Fluxes of trichloroacetic acid between atmosphere, biota, soil, and groundwater; Scholer HF et al.; Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), in former times used as a herbicide in agriculture, is now ubiquitous and almost evenly distributed in precipitations of the Northern and Southern Hemisphere, despite larger emissions of the possible precursors tetrachloroethene and 1,1,1-trichloroethane in the Northern Hemisphere . The permanent input of a herbicidal compound into most vulnerable ecosystems might lead to adverse effects to biota (plants, microorganisms, etc.) . TCA soil levels of coniferous forests in mountainous regions of Central Europe are significantly elevated . Mass balance calculations show that precipitation as sole source of TCA in soil seems to be of minor importance and provide evidence for a natural formation of TCA within soil itself . In addition, the isolation of a chlorinating enzyme in soil and laboratory experiments with humic acid, iron and halide point to an omnipresent chlorinating capability of nature producing polyhalogenated organic compounds such as TCA.In this paper we present an overview of TCA levels in the environment and provide a new estimate about the extent of a natural TCA formation, especially in soil.

Chemosphere, 2003 Jul, 52(2), 299 - 312
Biological dehalogenation and halogenation reactions; van Pee KH et al.; A large number of halogenated compounds is produced by chemical synthesis . Some of these compounds are very toxic and cause enormous problems to human health and to the environment . Investigations on the degradation of halocompounds by microorganisms have led to the detection of various dehalogenating enzymes catalyzing the removal of halogen atoms under aerobic and anaerobic conditions involving different mechanisms . On the other hand, more than 3500 halocompounds are known to be produced biologically, some of them in great amounts . Until 1997, only haloperoxidases were thought to be responsible for incorporation of halogen atoms into organic compounds . However, recent investigations into the biosynthesis of halogenated metabolites by bacteria have shown that a novel type of halogenating enzymes, FADH(2)-dependent halogenases, are involved in biosyntheses of halogenated metabolites . In every gene cluster coding for the biosynthesis of a halogenated metabolite, isolated so far, one or several genes for FADH(2)-dependent halogenases have been identified.

Sci Total Environ, 2003 Jun 1, 308(1-3), 111 - 9
Micromorphology, composition and origin of the orange patina on the marble surfaces of Propylaea (Acropolis, Athens); Polikreti K et al.; This paper is an attempt to contribute to the discussion started in the 1980s and continuing until today, on the origin of orange-brown patinas observed on marble surfaces . SEM and XRD were used in the study of the orange-brown patina growing at the east stoa of Propylaea, at the Acropolis of Athens . The patina consists of an extremely compact, homogenous, 500-microm-thick layer, mainly of hydroxyapatite . The outer part (50 microm) of the layer presents an orange colour attributed to iron in clay particles, which were deposited on the surface of the patina and have gradually been diffused in the bulk . The interface between the phosphatic layer and the marble is very uneven and full of cavities colonised by microorganisms . The phosphatic layer penetrates into the grain boundaries and fills the empty space between the grains . The presence of biological attack at the interface causes progressive erosion and detachment of both the patina and the marble . The minimum presence of oxalates, the absence of microorganisms or remnants of them in the phosphatic layer, the homogeneity and compactness of the patina, give evidence against the theory of biogenic origin . It is suggested that the layer originates from an artificial coating deliberately applied onto the marble surface for protective or aesthetic reasons, when the marble had already been weathered . Possible manmade pastes are suggested.

New Microbiol, 2003 Apr, 26(2), 193 - 8
Formalin fixing and paraffin embedding may lead to extra band development in PCR; Cataloluk O et al.; The molecular biological analysis of infectious agents requires the availability of a reliable source of microorganisms to be used to recover DNA . Clinical samples can be obtained directly from infected patients or can be propagated using in vitro or in vivo systems . However, repeated sampling from patients is not always possible as the procedure may be invasive or unpleasant, or it is not possible to catch the same agent at the time of second sampling . Moreover, the techniques used may also produce false-positive and false-negative results . We therefore studied the impact of formalin-fixing and paraffin embedding on tissue sampling, and the methodologies such as DNA isolation and PCR amplification of DNAs from archival materials in the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis . PCR analyses were done according to standard methods with some modifications . Demonstration of mycobacteria was successful both in tissue sections of the formalin-fixed lymph nodes and in stained fresh materials from patients . However, the results showed the presence of two extra bands in the gel . We accounted for extra band development due to the harshness of the methodology used to isolate nucleic acids from formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded tissue samples or the nature of the fixation procedure, or because of the time passed during storage in which alteration in the chromosomal DNA would take place . Thus, if disease- and tissue specific morphological features, such as sample size, type of fixation, and intralesional heterogeneity are ignored, errors because of sampling and methodologies used may lead to false-positive and false-negative results.

Nat Prod Rep, 2003 Apr, 20(2), 243 - 51
Aldose reductase inhibitors from natural sources; de la Fuente JA et al.; This review covers aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs) isolated from natural sources . Compounds in the review are grouped according to the source from which they have been isolated: terrestrial, marine, or microorganism and the in vitro inhibitory activity of the compounds is also showed . The literature, both journals and patents, up to June 2002 is reviewed and 86 references are cited.

Anal Bioanal Chem, 2003 May, 376(1), 33 - 7 Epub 2003 Mar 29.
Free radical-scavenging activity of indolic compounds in aqueous and ethanolic media; Cano A et al.; Indolic compounds are a broad family of substances present in microorganisms, plants and animals . They are mainly related with tryptophan metabolism, and present particularities that depend on their respective chemical structures . The most important members of the family are the plant hormone, indole-3-acetic acid, and the animal hormone, melatonin . An important characteristic of some indolic compounds is that they may be useful as chemical preventive agents against diseases such as cancer, oxidative stress, etc . For this reason, the possible antioxidant activities (free radical-scavenging activity) of several indoles were studied . The2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid /H(2)O(2)/HRP decoloration method was applied to determine both hydrophilic (in buffered media) and lipophilic (in organic media) antioxidant properties of the indolic compounds . Also, a study of the hydrophilic antioxidant activities of indoles at different pH values (between 4.5 and 8.5) was made . Finally, their possible role as diet plant antioxidants is discussed.

Biol Proced Online, 2003, 5, 69 - 77 Epub 2003 Mar 4.
Application of a Colorimetric Assay to Identify Putative Ribofuranosylaminobenzene 5'-Phosphate Synthase Genes Expressed with Activity in Escherichia coli; Bechard ME et al.; Tetrahydromethanopterin (H(4)MPT) is a tetrahydrofolate analog originally discovered in methanogenic archaea, but later found in other archaea and bacteria . The extent to which H(4)MPT occurs among living organisms is unknown . The key enzyme which distinguishes the biosynthetic pathways of H(4)MPT and tetrahydrofolate is ribofuranosylaminobenzene 5'-phosphate synthase (RFAP synthase) . Given the importance of RFAP synthase in H(4)MPT biosynthesis, the identification of putative RFAP synthase genes and measurement of RFAP synthase activity would provide an indication of the presence of H(4)MPT in untested microorganisms . Investigation of putative archaeal RFAP synthase genes has been hampered by the tendency of the resulting proteins to form inactive inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli . The current work describes a colorimetric assay for measuring RFAP synthase activity, and two modified procedures for expressing recombinant RFAP synthase genes to produce soluble, active enzyme . By lowering the incubation temperature during expression, RFAP synthase from Archaeoglobus fulgidus was produced in E . coli and purified to homogeneity . The production of active RFAP synthase from Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus was achieved by coexpression of the gene MTH0830 with a molecular chaperone . This is the first direct biochemical identification of a methanogen gene that codes for an active RFAP synthase.

J Immunol, 2003 May 15, 170(10), 5095 - 102
Repertoire shift in the humoral response to phosphocholine-keyhole limpet hemocyanin: VH somatic mutation in germinal center B cells impairs T15 Ig function; Wiens GD et al.; Phosphocholine (PC) is a naturally occurring Ag common to many pathogenic microorganisms . Early in the primary response to PC conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), T15 Id(+) Abs constitute >90% of the serum Ig in BALB/c mice . During the late primary and memory response to PC-protein, a shift in the repertoire occurs and T15 Id(+) Abs lose dominance . In this study, we use immunohistochemistry and single germinal center microdissection to locate T15 Id(+) cells in the spleen in a primary response to PC-KLH . We demonstrate T15 Id(+) B cells and V(H)1-DFL16.1-JH1 and V kappa 22-J kappa 5 rearrangements in germinal centers early in the immune response; thus loss of T15 dominance is not due to lack of T15 cells within germinal centers . One-hundred thirty one V(H)1 and 57 V kappa 22 rearrangements were cloned and sequenced . Thirty four percent of the V(H)1 clones and 37% of the V kappa 22 clones contained somatic mutations indicating participation in the germinal center response . Six variant T15 H clones were expressed with wild-type T15 L chain in vitro . Two of these Abs were defective in secretion providing the first evidence that mutation occurring in vivo can disrupt Ig assembly and secretion . Of the four secretion-competent Abs, two failed to display binding to PC-protein, while the other two displayed altered carrier recognition . These results indicate that somatic mutation of T15 in vivo can result in the loss of binding and secretion, potentially leading to B cell wastage . The failure of T15 to gain affinity enhancing mutations in the face of these detrimental changes may contribute to repertoire shift.

Curr Microbiol, 2003 Jun, 46(6), 448 - 52
A novel, highly viscous polysaccharide excreted by an alteromonas isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent shrimp; Raguenes G et al.; A deep-sea, mesophilic, aerobic, and heterotrophic microorganism, able to produce an extracellular polysaccharide, was isolated from a shrimp collected near an active hydrothermal vent of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge . On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses and DNA/DNA relatedness, this strain could be assigned to the species Alteromonas macleodii as a variant of the fijiensis subspecies . It was selected for its ability to exhibit a swarming mucoid phenotype on specific media . The bacterium secreted, under laboratory conditions, an extremely viscous exopolysaccharide consisting of glucose, galactose as neutral sugars, and glucuronic, galacturonic acids as uronic acids, along with pyruvate and acetate as main substituents.

Curr Microbiol, 2003 Jun, 46(6), 398 - 402
Modeling lipid accumulation and degradation in Yarrowia lipolytica cultivated on industrial fats; Papanikolaou S et al.; A modeling approach was used to quantify the kinetic behavior of a Yarrowia lipolytica strain capable of producing significant lipid amounts when cultivated on industrial fats . Biomass and cellular lipid evolution were successfully simulated, while the optimized parameter values were similar to those experimentally measured . The maximum specific formation rate of fat-free biomass seemed unaffected by the substrate fatty acid composition . On the contrary, the maximum concentration of lipid accumulated inside the yeast cell, as well as the maximum specific accumulation rate of cellular lipids, was favored in high stearic acid content media . The microorganism presented the tendency to degrade its accumulated lipids, although remarkable substrate fat amounts remained unconsummated in the culture medium . This degradation slowly occurred in the yeast cell as the specific rate of the intracellular carbon pool (storage lipid consumption) was significantly lower compared with that of the extracellular carbon pool (substrate fat) . However, the fat-free biomass yield on storage lipids (g of fat-free biomass formed per g of storage lipids consumed) was higher than the one on the substrate (g of fat-free biomass formed per g of medium fat consumed).

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2003 May, 69(5), 2899 - 905
In situ accessibility of Saccharomyces cerevisiae 26S rRNA to Cy3-labeled oligonucleotide probes comprising the D1 and D2 domains; Inacio J et al.; Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has proven to be most useful for the identification of microorganisms . However, species-specific oligonucleotide probes often fail to give satisfactory results . Among the causes leading to low hybridization signals is the reduced accessibility of the targeted rRNA site to the oligonucleotide, mainly for structural reasons . In this study we used flow cytometry to determine whole-cell fluorescence intensities with a set of 32 Cy3-labeled oligonucleotide probes covering the full length of the D1 and D2 domains in the 26S rRNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae PYCC 4455(T) . The brightest signal was obtained with a probe complementary to positions 223 to 240 . Almost half of the probes conferred a fluorescence intensity above 60% of the maximum, whereas only one probe could hardly detect the cells . The accessibility map based on the results obtained can be extrapolated to other yeasts, as shown experimentally with 27 additional species (14 ascomycetes and 13 basidiomycetes) . This work contributes to a more rational design of species-specific probes for yeast identification and monitoring.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2003 May, 69(5), 2884 - 92
Recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing P450 in artificial digestive systems: a model for biodetoxication in the human digestive environment; Blanquet S et al.; The use of genetically engineered microorganisms such as bacteria or yeasts as live vehicles to carry out bioconversion directly in the digestive environment is an important challenge for the development of innovative biodrugs . A system that mimics the human gastrointestinal tract was combined with a computer simulation to evaluate the survival rate and cinnamate 4-hydroxylase activity of a recombinant model of Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing the plant P450 73A1 . The yeasts showed a high level of resistance to gastric and small intestinal secretions (survival rate after 4 h of digestion, 95.6% +/- 10.1% {n = 4}) but were more sensitive to the colonic conditions (survival rate after 4 h of incubation, 35.9% +/- 2.7% {n = 3}) . For the first time, the ability of recombinant S . cerevisiae to carry out a bioconversion reaction has been demonstrated throughout the gastrointestinal tract . In the gastric-small intestinal system, 41.0% +/- 5.8% (n = 3) of the ingested trans-cinnamic acid was converted into p-coumaric acid after 4 h of digestion, as well as 8.9% +/- 1.6% (n = 3) in the stomach, 13.8% +/- 3.3% (n = 3) in the duodenum, 11.8% +/- 3.4% (n = 3) in the jejunum, and 6.5% +/- 1.0% (n = 3) in the ileum . In the large intestinal system, cinnamate 4-hydroxylase activity was detected but was too weak to be quantified . These results suggest that S . cerevisiae may afford a useful host for the development of biodrugs and may provide an innovative system for the prevention or treatment of diseases that escape classical drug action . In particular, yeasts may provide a suitable vector for biodetoxication in the digestive environment.

J Gene Med, 2003 May, 5(5), 438 - 45
A DNA vaccine containing inverted terminal repeats from adeno-associated virus increases immunity to HIV; Xin KQ et al.; BACKGROUND: DNA vaccines have been used to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses against infectious microorganisms . This study explores whether DNA vaccine immunogenicity can be improved by introducing inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) from adeno-associated virus (AAV) into the regulatory region of the DNA plasmid . METHODS: CMV promoter-driven HIV Env expressing plasmid (pCMV-HIV) and the pCMV-HIV plasmid introduced ITRs (pITR/CMV-HIV) were transfected in HEK293 cells with LipofectAmine . The HIV Env expression was quantified with Western blot . Fifty micro g of pCMV-HIV or pITR/CMV-HIV plasmid with RIBI adjuvant were immunized to BALB/c mice on days 0, 14 and 28 by intramuscular route, and HIV-specific serum IgG titer was detected 2, 6, 10, 14 and 18 weeks after the first immunization . HIV-specific tetramer assay and HIV-specific IFN-gamma ELIspot assay were performed 1 week after the last immunization . The immune mice were intravenously challenged with a vaccinia virus expressing the HIV env gene 1 week after the last immunization . RESULTS: Significantly higher level of HIV Env expression was achieved by pITR/CMV-HIV plasmid . BALB/c mice immunized with pITR/CMV-HIV plasmid generated significantly higher HIV-specific antibody, higher cellular immune responses and lower viral loading than animals immunized with pCMV-HIV plasmid . CONCLUSIONS: AAV ITRs enhance CMV-dependent up-regulation of transgene expression and immunogenicity of DNA vaccine .

J Nutr, 2003 May, 133(5 Suppl 1), 1539S - 43S
Nutritional factors may modify the toxic action of methyl mercury in fish-eating populations; Clarkson TW et al.; The historical record of clinical cases of methyl mercury poisoning dates back to the 19th century when the first chemical synthesis occurred . The potent fungicidal properties of both methyl and the closely related ethyl mercury compound were subsequently discovered, which led to widespread agricultural application for prevention of fungal infection in seed grain . Several catastrophic outbreaks of poisoning occurred in the mid-20th century when the treated seed grain was mistakenly used to prepare homemade bread . The largest outbreak took place in rural Iraq in the early 1970s . Human poisonings also occurred in Japan due to the release of methyl mercury into bodies of fresh and ocean water . The most infamous outbreak occurred in the area of Minamata Bay: methyl mercury, which was unwittingly discharged into the ocean water, avidly accumulated in the aquatic food chain to such an extent that people who consumed fish were severely poisoned . Today, human exposure to methyl mercury occurs from consumption of fish and sea mammals . Inorganic mercury that is present in aquatic sediments is methylated by microorganisms and accumulates in the aquatic food chain . Although no cases of clinical poisoning have been reported, a number of epidemiological studies have been carried out that raise the possibility of prenatal damage . Previous studies (especially the Iraq outbreak) indicate that the prenatal stage of the life cycle is the most vulnerable . However, ongoing epidemiological studies of heavy fish consumers of the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean do not reveal adverse effects . To the contrary, the results of some developmental tests that were conducted on prenatally exposed children indicate beneficial outcomes that correlate with mercury levels during pregnancy . This article discusses the potential role of micronutrients in fish as a plausible explanation for these findings.

Annu Rev Phytopathol, 2003, 41, 501 - 38 Epub 2003 Apr 29.
Pathogen self-defense: mechanisms to counteract microbial antagonism,; Duffy B et al.; Natural and agricultural ecosystems harbor a wide variety of microorganisms that play an integral role in plant health, crop productivity, and preservation of multiple ecosystem functions . Interactions within and among microbial communities are numerous and range from synergistic and mutualistic to antagonistic and parasitic . Antagonistic and parasitic interactions have been exploited in the area of biological control of plant pathogenic microorganisms . To date, biocontrol is typically viewed from the perspective of how antagonists affect pathogens . This review examines the other face of this interaction: how plant pathogens respond to antagonists and how this can affect the efficacy of biocontrol . Just as microbial antagonists utilize a diverse arsenal of mechanisms to dominate interactions with pathogens, pathogens have surprisingly diverse responses to counteract antagonism . These responses include detoxification, repression of biosynthetic genes involved in biocontrol, active efflux of antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance . Understanding pathogen self-defense mechanisms for coping with antagonist assault provides a novel approach to improving the durability of biologically based disease control strategies and has implications for the deployment of transgenes (microorganisms or plants).

Chemosphere, 2003 Jul, 52(1), 151 - 9
Degradation of juvenile hormone analog by soil microbial isolates; Novak J et al.; Juvenoids are efficient pesticides with relatively low toxicity to humans . However, few studies have evaluated the effect of degradation by soil microorganisms on their toxicity . The effects of bacterial, fungal and yeast isolates on aerobic decomposition of ethyl N-{2-{4-(2,2-ethylenedioxy-1-cyclohexylmethyl)phenoxy}ethyl} carbamate during eight weeks were determined . The effect of different concentration of glucose on their degradation activity is also analyzed.

Chemosphere, 2003 Jul, 52(1), 113 - 20
Lanthanum fixation by Myxococcus xanthus: cellular location and extracellular polysaccharide observation; Merroun ML et al.; Myxococcus xanthus is a soil bacterium of the myxobacteria group and is abundant in almost all soils . Its role in soil ecology is considered significant . One noteworthy characteristic of the bacterium is that it produces large quantities of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) . It is also known that its biomass has the capacity to fix heavy metals . Here it is reported that M . xanthus was able to accumulate 0.6 mmol of La per g of wet biomass and/or 0.99 mmol per g of dry biomass . Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) observation of M . xanthus cells treated with La showed that a substantial amount of this cation was fixed in the EPS and in the cell wall . Smaller amounts were also observed in the cytoplasm . Fixed La appeared as phosphate in all cellular locations . The results given here also show that the use of La enables TEM observation of the M . xanthus EPS as a dense fibrillar net surrounding the cells . This technique is relatively easy and prevents EPS collapse, which occurs frequently during the fixation and dehydration procedures commonly used in preparations for TEM observations . Since antibodies are no longer required, the La stain can be carried out without delaying bacterial cell cultivation or isolation . In addition, the presence of La in cell cytoplasm without cell degeneration suggests that this microorganism could be used as a model in the study of bacteria-lanthanide interactions.

Thyroid, 2003 Mar, 13(3), 233 - 8
A major role for non-major histocompatibility complex genes but not for microorganisms in a novel murine model of Graves' hyperthyroidism; Nagayama Y et al.; The etiology of Graves' disease is multifactorial . We investigated the role of genetic and environmental factors on the susceptibility to Graves' hyperthyroidism using a new murine model . Intramuscular injection of recombinant adenovirus expressing the thyrotropin receptor (AdCMVTSHR) induces Graves'-like hyperthyroidism (thyrotropin receptor {TSHR} antibodies, elevated thyroxine, and diffuse goiter) in more than 50% of female BALB/c mice . The relative contributions of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and non-MHC genes on the susceptibility to hyperthyroidism were studied by immunizing BALB/c (H-2d), BALB.K (H-2k), and DBA/2J (H-2d) mice with AdCMVTSHR . Hyperthyroidism developed in approximately 50% of BALB/c and BALB.K mice but only 5% of DBA/2J mice, indicating a major role for non-MHC genes in disease development . The effect of environmental microorganisms was evaluated by comparing disease incidence in BALB/c mice maintained in pathogen-free conditions versus those in nonsterile, conventional housing, as well as by coadministering microorganism components (Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide or yeast zymosan A) as adjuvants with AdCMVTSHR . Neither type of exposure to environmental pathogens influenced disease induction . In conclusion, non-MHC genes, but not infectious organisms, play a major role in the etiology of this novel murine model of Graves' disease.

Environ Toxicol Chem, 2003 May, 22(5), 1046 - 50
Dehydrochlorination of 1,1,1-trichloroethane and pentachloroethane by microbially reduced ferruginous smectite; Cervini-Silva J et al.; Reduction of structural Fe(III) in smectite clay minerals has been identified as a means to promote dechlorination of polychlorinated ethanes, but its environmental significance has yet to be fully assessed because Fe reduction has normally been achieved by agents uncommon in the environment (e.g., dithionite) . This study reports the dehydrochlorination of pentachloroethane and 1,1,1-trichloroethane in the presence of ferruginous smectite reduced by two cultures of microorganisms, Shewanella oneidensis strain MR-1 (MR-R) and an enrichment culture from rice paddy soils (PS-R), in aqueous suspension under anoxic conditions . Microbially reduced ferruginous smectite facilitated dehydrochlorination of 1,1,1-trichloroethane to 1,1-dichloroethene with up to 60% conversion within 3 h of incubation time . In contrast, no formation of 1,1-dichloroethene was observed after incubation of 1,1,1-trichloroethane with chemically reduced ferruginous smectite for 24 h . Microbially reduced ferruginous smectite by MR-R and PS-R promoted the dehydrochlorination of pentachloroethane to tetrachloroethene by 80 and 15%, respectively, after 3 h of incubation time . The conversion of pentachloroethane to tetrachloroethene in the presence of chemically reduced ferruginous smectite after 24 h was 65% . These results indicate that structural Fe(II) in clay minerals has the potential to be an important reductant controlling the fate of organic chemicals in contaminated sediments.

Arch Microbiol, 2003 Jun, 179(6), 430 - 6 Epub 2003 May 01.
Cleavage of CD14 and LBP by a protease from Prevotella intermedia; Deschner J et al.; Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease caused by subgingival microorganisms and their components, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) . Responses of the host to LPS are mediated by CD14 and LPS-binding protein (LBP) . In this study, it was determined that proteases from a periodontal pathogen, Prevotella intermedia, cleave CD14 and LBP, and thereby modulate the virulence of LPS . Culture supernatants from two strains of P . intermedia (ATCC 25611 and 25261) cleaved CD14 and LBP in a concentration-dependent manner . Zymographic and molecular mass analysis revealed the presence of a membrane-associated, 170-kDa, monomeric protease . Class-specific inhibitors and stimulators demonstrated that this enzyme is a metal-requiring, thiol-activated, cysteine protease . The protease was stable over a wide range of temperatures (4-56 degrees C) and pH values (4.5-8.5) . This enzyme also decreased the expression of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-specific mRNA in the LPS-activated macrophage-like cell lines U937 and THP-1 in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating that it also cleaves membrane-associated CD14 . Furthermore, addition of soluble CD14 abrogated protease-mediated inhibition of IL-1 mRNA expression induced by LPS . The observations suggest that proteolysis of CD14 and LBP by P . intermedia protease might modulate the virulence of LPS at sites of periodontal infections.

Phytomedicine, 2003 Mar, 10(2-3), 221 - 32
Natural product inhibitors of ovarian neoplasia; Silva JS et al.; The present work constitutes a review of the literature on natural products with potential antitumor activity against ovarian neoplasias . The review refers to five plant extracts and sixty-nine compounds isolated from higher plants and microorganisms, which are classified in appropriate chemical groups and model tested, and cites their activity . Some aspects of recent research with natural products directed to ward producing drugs which are inhibitors of ovarian neoplasia are discussed.

Homeopathy, 2003 Apr, 92(2), 99 - 107
Antibiotics and the development of resistant microorganisms . Can homeopathy be an alternative?
Viksveen P.
Antibiotic resistance is a global public health problem . Once confined primarily to hospitals it is now increasingly common in primary care . The prevalence of resistant bacteria is rising, and organisms resistant to almost all antibiotics have been identified . The main causes are indiscriminate prescribing and the use of antibiotics in animal feeds and other agricultural applications . Policies to restrict use of antibiotics have had limited success . Homeopathy may have a role to play in combating the development of antibiotic resistance . Clinical research suggests that homeopathy is effective in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections in children, a frequent cause of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing . The EU recommends the use of homeopathy in organic animal husbandry, and it is used by significant numbers of farmers . At present there is little data on the effectiveness of homeopathy in this setting . Further research should be done.

Wei Sheng Yan Jiu, 2000 May 30, 29(3), 145 - 7
{Contrast test using three kinds of air-microorganism samplers LWC-I, CA6 and CA2 in public places}; Gao H et al.; A sampling experiment was conducted using three kinds of air-samplers, i.e . LWC-1, CA6 and CA2, on bacteria and fungus in the air under the same conditions and at the same time yet in three different public places . The results showed that there was no significant difference in the total number of bacteria and fungus colony forming units in the air in different public places using the above mentioned three air-samplers . In comparison, the LWC-1 air-sampler demonstrated a feature of small size, light weight, simple structure, and little noise, therefore, it was easy in carrying and requires no external power source . Such being the case, the LWC-1 air-sampler was more suitable for monitoring microorganism in the air in public places.

J AOAC Int, 2003 Mar-Apr, 86(2), 355 - 66
Sensitivity and specificity of the Sanita-kun Aerobic Count: internal validation and independent laboratory study; Morita H et al.; The Sanita-kun Aerobic Count consists of a transparent cover film, an adhesive sheet, a layer of nonwoven fabric, and a water-soluble compound film, including a culture medium formula for detection of aerobic microorganisms . The Sanita-kun sheet was validated for 14 food categories in an internal study and an independent study was conducted on ground beef and hot dogs . Both studies showed no significant difference in performance between 5 or 8 replicates of the Sanita-kun sheets and AOAC Method 966.23, excluding some lots of foods . The correlation coefficient to plate count agar in the internal accuracy study was 0.99 . The average relative standard deviation for repeatability of total foods was 0.26 and 0.19, respectively, excluding < 10 average counts . The ruggedness study, which examined the influence of incubation temperature and period, recommended incubation of the Sanita-kun sheet at 32.5 +/- 2.5 degrees C for 46 +/- 2 h . Comparison of 3 lots of Sanita-kun sheets showed no decrease of performance in the older lot . The shelf-life of the sheet is at least 14 months . The Sanita-kun Aerobic Counts has been granted AOAC Performance Tested Method status.

J AOAC Int, 2003 Mar-Apr, 86(2), 257 - 74
Enumeration of total aerobic microorganisms in foods by SimPlate Total Plate Count-Color Indicator methods and conventional culture methods: collaborative study; Feldsine PT et al.; The relative efficacy of the SimPlate Total Plate Count-Color Indicator (TPC-CI) method (SimPlate 35 degrees C) was compared with the AOAC Official Method 966.23 (AOAC 35 degrees C) for enumeration of total aerobic microorganisms in foods . The SimPlate TPC-CI method, incubated at 30 degrees C (SimPlate 30 degrees C), was also compared with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4833 method (ISO 30 degrees C) . Six food types were analyzed: ground black pepper, flour, nut meats, frozen hamburger patties, frozen fruits, and fresh vegetables . All foods tested were naturally contaminated . Nineteen laboratories throughout North America and Europe participated in the study . Three method comparisons were conducted . In general, there was <0.3 mean log count difference in recovery among the SimPlate methods and their corresponding reference methods . Mean log counts between the 2 reference methods were also very similar . Repeatability (Sr) and reproducibility (SR) standard deviations were similar among the 3 method comparisons . The SimPlate method (35 degrees C) and the AOAC method were comparable for enumerating total aerobic microorganisms in foods . Similarly, the SimPlate method (30 degrees C) was comparable to the ISO method when samples were prepared and incubated according to the ISO method.

Biofizika, 2003 Mar-Apr, 48(2), 265 - 72
{Spontaneous mutational background of microorganisms in the absence of substrate}; Gusev VA et al.; The dynamics of spontaneous mutagenesis in a population of heterotrophic microorganisms during incubation in the absence of organic substrate was studied . A model of this dynamics was proposed . which is determined by the excitation by an external electromagnetic field of Langmuir proton oscillations activating the tautomeric transitions of nucleotides of DNA . It was shown that the model fits well the experimental data.

Med Tr Prom Ekol, 2003, (3), 15 - 9
{Toxicologic and hygienic aspects in evaluating the risk due to isolated and combined action of biotechnologic products}; Sosedova LM et al.; The article covers topics of evaluating the risk caused by biotechnologic products action both isolated and combined with chemical factor . The biotechnologic products under study were complete proteous preparations and microorganisms producers of nutritive supplements . The authors revealed peculiarities and patterns of body response to biotechnologic synthetic products.

Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 2003 Mar-Apr, 39(2), 202 - 7
{Extracellular protein metabolite of Luteococcus japonicus subsp . casei reactivates cells subjected to oxidative stress}; Vorob'eva LI et al.; A protein exometabolite isolated from the culture liquid of Luteococcus japonicus subsp . casei reactivates the cells of this microorganism, following H2O2 or paraquat-induced oxidative stress . The resistance of L . casei cells to these oxidizers is accounted for by the high activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase . The effect of the protein exometabolite is universal, in that it reactivates the cells after UV irradiation, heating, or oxidative stress . However, the cells subjected to oxidative stress are significantly less susceptible to the reactivating effect, as compared to their UV-irradiated or heated counterparts . Possible causes of these differences are discussed.

Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao, 2003 Jan, 14(1), 157 - 9
{Soil nutrient, microorganism and enzyme activity in Pinus elliottii mixed stands}; Xue L et al.; Soil nutrients, microorganisms and enzyme activities in mixed stands of Castanopsis fissa x Pinus elliottii and Schima wallichii x Pinus elliottii were studied . The results showed that compared with pure Pinus elliottii stand, Pinus elliottii mixed stands could increase organic matter content and improve the nutrient status of soil, especially for available nutrients of soil . The amounts of bacteria, actinomyces and enzyme activity in Pinus elliottii mixed stand were higher than those in pure Pinus elliottii stand, whereas their fungi amount was lower than the latter.

Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao, 2003 Jan, 14(1), 126 - 30
{Characteristics and environmental significance of soil dissolved organic matter}; Zhao J et al.; Soil is a complex ecosystem with multi-interface . A numerous studies on soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) were carried out, and proved that DOM was one of the most active chemical components in the environment . Increasing attention has been paid on the study of soil DOM, especially in recent years, and the study has become an interdisciplinary focus in the fields of soil science, ecology, and environmental science due to the important roles of DOM in the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, etc . In addition, DOM has significant effects on pedogenesis, growth and metabolism of soil microorganisms, decomposition and transformation of soil organic matter, and transport of pollutants in soils . The recent literatures about extraction methods, origin, composition, contents and controlling factors, bioavailability, and environmental significance of DOM were therefore reviewed, and future research aspects on this topic were also proposed.

J Biomed Biotechnol, 2003, 2003(2), 149 - 158
Targeting of Synthetic Gene Delivery Systems; Schatzlein AG; Safe, efficient, and specific delivery of therapeutic genes remains an important bottleneck for the development of gene therapy . Synthetic, nonviral systems have a unique pharmaceutical profile with potential advantages for certain applications . Targeting of the synthetic vector improves the specificity of gene medicines through a modulation of the carriers' biodistribution, thus creating a dose differential between healthy tissue and the target site . The biodistribution of current carrier systems is being influenced to a large extent by intrinsic physicochemical characteristics, such as charge and size . Consequently, such nonspecific interactions can interfere with specific targeting, for example, by ligands . Therefore, a carrier complex should ideally be inert, that is, free from intrinsic properties that would bias its distribution away from the target site . Strategies such as coating of DNA carrier complexes with hydrophilic polymers have been used to mask some of these intrinsic targeting effects and avoid nonspecific interactions . Preexisting endogenous ligand-receptor interactions have frequently been used for targeting to certain cell types or tumours . Recently exogenous ligands have been derived from microorganisms or, like antibodies or phage-derived peptides, developed de novo . In animal models, such synthetic vectors have targeted remote sites such as a tumour . Furthermore, the therapeutic proof of the concept has been demonstrated for fitting combinations of synthetic vectors and therapeutic gene.

Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2003 Spring, 105 -108, 749 - 55
Protease production by Streptomyces sp . isolated from Brazilian Cerrado soil: optimization of culture medium employing statistical experimental design; De Azeredo LA et al.; Streptomyces are important microorganisms because of their capacity to produce numerous bioactive molecules . In the present work protease production, by Streptomyces sp . 594 isolated from a Brazilian Cerrado soil, was maximized by optimizing a low-cost culture medium composition (casitone and sugarcane molasses) using statistical experimental design . The final protease activity (56 U/mL) was 2.8-fold and 58-fold higher than that obtained in the beginning of this study, and in a previous work, using an actinomycete selection medium, respectively . Protease production, not growth associated, appeared to be modulated by an inducer system, whereby the C/N ratio seemed to play a significant role.

J Agric Food Chem, 2003 May 7, 51(10), 3007 - 11
Increased electron donor and electron acceptor characters enhance the adhesion between oil droplets and cells of Yarrowia lipolytica as evaluated by a new cytometric assay; Aguedo M et al.; The adhesion of methyl ricinoleate droplets to cells of the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica was investigated . A new cytometric method, relying on the double staining of fatty globules with Nile Red and of cells with Calcofluor, enabled us to quantify methyl ricinoleate droplet adhesion to cells precultured on a hydrophilic or on a hydrophobic carbon source . In this last case, droplet adsorption was enhanced and a MATS (microbial adhesion to solvents) test revealed that this increase was due to Lewis acid-base interactions and not to an increase in the hydrophobic properties of the cell surface . These preliminary results demonstrate that the developed cytometric method is promising for various applications concerning the study of interactions between microorganisms and an emulsified hydrophobic substrates.

J Agric Food Chem, 2003 May 7, 51(10), 2837 - 53
Mushroom tyrosinase: recent prospects; Seo SY et al.; Tyrosinase, also known as polyphenol oxidase, is a copper-containing enzyme, which is widely distributed in microorganisms, animals, and plants . Nowadays mushroom tyrosinase has become popular because it is readily available and useful in a number of applications . This work presents a study on the importance of tyrosinase, especially that derived from mushroom, and describes its biochemical character and inhibition and activation by the various chemicals obtained from natural and synthetic origins with its clinical and industrial importance in the recent prospects.

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2003 Sep, 62(4), 414 - 20 Epub 2003 Apr 29.
SEM and AFM images of pyrite surfaces after bioleaching by the indigenous Thiobacillus thiooxidans; Liu HL et al.; The bioleaching mechanism of pyrite by the indigenous Thiobacillus thiooxidans was examined with the aid of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of the pyrite surface . The presence of pyrite eliminated the lag phase during growth of this microorganism . This was due to the stimulatory effect on cell growth of the slight amount of Cu2+ that had leached from the pyrite . Zn2+ was found to be much more readily solubilized than Cu2+ . The efficiency of bioleaching was four times higher than that of chemical leaching . SEM images provided evidence of direct cell attachment onto the pyrite surface, thereby enhancing the bioleaching rate . Furthermore, extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) were found on the pyrite surface after 4 days of oxidation . AFM images showed that the pyrite surface area positively correlated with the oxidation rate . A combination of direct and indirect mechanism is probably responsible for the oxidation of pyrite by T . thiooxidans.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2003 May 13, 100(10), 5766 - 71 Epub 2003 Apr 28.
A TyrCD1/TrpG8 hydrogen bond network and a TyrB10TyrCD1 covalent link shape the heme distal site of Mycobacterium tuberculosis hemoglobin O; Milani M et al.; Truncated hemoglobins (Hbs) are small hemoproteins, identified in microorganisms and in some plants, forming a separate cluster within the Hb superfamily . Two distantly related truncated Hbs, trHbN and trHbO, are expressed at different developmental stages in Mycobacterium tuberculosis . Sequence analysis shows that the two proteins share 18% amino acid identities and belong to different groups within the truncated Hb cluster . Although a specific defense role against nitrosative stress has been ascribed to trHbN (expressed during the Mycobacterium stationary phase), no clear functions have been recognized for trHbO, which is expressed throughout the Mycobacterium growth phase . The 2.1-A crystal structure of M . tuberculosis cyano-met trHbO shows that the protein assembles in a compact dodecamer . Six of the dodecamer subunits are characterized by a double conformation for their CD regions and, most notably, by a covalent bond linking the phenolic O atom of TyrB10 to the aromatic ring of TyrCD1, in the heme distal cavity . All 12 subunits display a cyanide ion bound to the heme Fe atom, stabilized by a tight hydrogen-bonded network based on the (globin very rare) TyrCD1 and TrpG8 residues . The small apolar AlaE7 residue leaves room for ligand access to the heme distal site through the conventional "E7 path," as proposed for myoglobin . Different from trHbN, where a 20-A protein matrix tunnel is held to sustain ligand diffusion to an otherwise inaccessible heme distal site, the topologically related region in trHbO hosts two protein matrix cavities.

Environ Monit Assess, 2003 Apr, 83(3), 283 - 94
Biotreatability and kinetics of UASB reactor to mixtures of chlorophenol pollutants; Atuanya EI et al.; In most natural ecosystems heterotrophic microorganisms encounter complex mixtures of carbon sources, each of which is present at a concentration of few micrograms per litre . This study examined the biotreatability and kinetics of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor to complex mixtures of chlorophenols encountered in environmental conditions using on-line and off-line experimental studies . Results indicate that (1) steady-state concentration was quite lower (98.3 mg L(-1)) with complex mixture of chlorophenols than steady-state concentration achieved when only 2.4 dichlorophenol (124 mg L(-1)) was studied alone on the same reactor; (2) that toxic effects of chlorophenols increase with increasing concentrations of toxicant . (Onset of the inhibitory effect occurred at a lower concentration in multi-substrate than in single substrate utilization): (3) addition of alternative utilizable substrate can mitigate toxic effects and enhance degradation; (4) the relative concentration of substrate was critical in determining utilization patterns . HPLC analysis of off-line experimental samples resulted in a steady-state treatment efficiency of 68% for COD, 36% for 2-chlorophenol, 40.5% for 4-chlorophenol, 70.7% for 2,4-dichlorophenol, 53.2% for 2,4,6-trichlorophenol and 42% for pentachlorophenol in presence of glucose . Kinetic constant in terms of Vmax and Ks were determined . Ks for the five chlorophenols ranged between 0.016 and 0.117 kg m(-3) day(-1) while Vmax range between 0.056 and 0.244 kg m(-3) day(-1).

Uchu Koku Kankyo Igaku, 2001 Mar, 38(1), 9 - 15
Aircraft cabin air quality: an overview {correction of overvier}; Rayman RB; In recent years, there have been increasing complaints from cockpit crew, cabin crew, and passengers that the cabin air quality of commercial aircraft is deficient . A myriad of complaints including headache, fatigue, fever, and respiratory difficulties among many others have been registered, particularly by flight attendants on long haul routes . There is also much concern today regarding the transmission of contagious disease inflight, particularly tuberculosis . The unanswered question is whether these complaints are really due to poor cabin air quality or to other factors inherent inflight such as lowered barometric pressure, hypoxia, low humidity, circadian dysynchrony, work/rest cycles, vibration etc . This paper will review some aspects relevant to cabin air quality such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), particulates, and microorganisms as well as the cabin ventilation system to discern if there is a possible cause and effect of illness contracted inflight . The paper will conclude with recommendations on how the issue of cabin air quality may be resolved.

Environ Pollut, 2003, 124(2), 179 - 221
Effects of atmospheric ammonia (NH3) on terrestrial vegetation: a review; Krupa SV; At the global scale, among all N (nitrogen) species in the atmosphere and their deposition on to terrestrial vegetation and other receptors, NH3 (ammonia) is considered to be the foremost . The major sources for atmospheric NH3 are agricultural activities and animal feedlot operations, followed by biomass burning (including forest fires) and to a lesser extent fossil fuel combustion . Close to its sources, acute exposures to NH3 can result in visible foliar injury on vegetation . NH3 is deposited rapidly within the first 4-5 km from its source . However, NH3 is also converted in the atmosphere to fine particle NH4+ (ammonium) aerosols that are a regional scale problem . Much of our current knowledge of the effects of NH3 on higher plants is predominantly derived from studies conducted in Europe . Adverse effects on vegetation occur when the rate of foliar uptake of NH3 is greater than the rate and capacity for in vivo detoxification by the plants . Most to least sensitive plant species to NH3 are native vegetation > forests > agricultural crops . There are also a number of studies on N deposition and lichens, mosses and green algae . Direct cause and effect relationships in most of those cases (exceptions being those locations very close to point sources) are confounded by other environmental factors, particularly changes in the ambient SO2 (sulfur dioxide) concentrations . In addition to direct foliar injury, adverse effects of NH3 on higher plants include alterations in: growth and productivity, tissue content of nutrients and toxic elements, drought and frost tolerance, responses to insect pests and disease causing microorganisms (pathogens), development of beneficial root symbiotic or mycorrhizal associations and inter species competition or biodiversity . In all these cases, the joint effects of NH3 with other air pollutants such as all-pervasive O3 or increasing CO2 concentrations are poorly understood . While NH3 uptake in higher plants occurs through the shoots, NH4+ uptake occurs through the shoots, roots and through both pathways . However, NH4+ is immobile in the soil and is converted to NO3- (nitrate) . In agricultural systems, additions of NO3- to the soil (initially as NH3 or NH4+) and the consequent increases in the emissions of N2O (nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas) and leaching of NO3- into the ground and surface waters are of major environmental concern . At the ecosystem level NH3 deposition cannot be viewed alone, but in the context of total N deposition . There are a number of forest ecosystems in North America that have been subjected to N saturation and the consequent negative effects . There are also heathlands and other plant communities in Europe that have been subjected to N-induced alterations . Regulatory mitigative approaches to these problems include the use of N saturation data or the concept of critical loads . Current information suggests that a critical load of 5-10 kg ha(-1) year(-1) of total N deposition (both dry and wet deposition combined of all atmospheric N species) would protect the most vulnerable terrestrial ecosystems (heaths, bogs, cryptogams) and values of 10-20 kg ha(-1) year(-1) would protect forests, depending on soil conditions . However, to derive the best analysis, the critical load concept should be coupled to the results and consequences of N saturation.

DNA Repair (Amst), 2003 May 13, 2(5), 593 - 608
Use of the rpoB gene to determine the specificity of base substitution mutations on the Escherichia coli chromosome; Garibyan L et al.; Mutations in the rpoB gene of Escherichia coli result in resistance to the antibiotic rifampicin (Rif(r)) by altering the beta subunit of RNA polymerase . Previous studies have identified 39 single base substitutions in the rpoB gene that lead to Rif(r) at 37 degrees C and an additional two mutations that result in temperature sensitive cells . We have extended this work and identified an additional 30 single base substitutions that result in the Rif(r) phenotype . With these mutations the rpoB/Rif(r) system now allows the monitoring of 69 base substitutions at 37 degrees at 37 sites (base pairs) distributed among 24 coding positions . Each of the six possible base substitutions is represented by 8-17 mutations . More than 90% of the mutations are within a small enough region of the rpoB gene to allow PCR amplification with a single pair of oligonucleotide primers, followed by sequencing with a single primer, leading to rapid analysis of numerous mutations . The remaining mutations can be monitored using an additional primer pair . To calibrate this system we sequenced over 500 mutations in rpoB occurring spontaneously or generated by different mutagens and mutators with known specificity . These results show that rpoB/Rif(r) is an accurate and easy to employ detection system, and offers the advantage of allowing analysis of mutations occurring on the chromosome rather than on an extrachromosomal element . The mutS, mutT, mutY, M mutators, as well as the mutagenic agents ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, 2-aminopurine (2AP), 5-azacytidine (5AZ), and cisplatin (CPT) gave results predicted by their characterized specificities . The number of different sequence contexts is sufficient to reveal significant hotspots among the spontaneous mutS, 2-aminopurine, ultraviolet light, 5-azacytidine, and cisplatin mutational spectra . The cisplatin distribution is particularly striking, with 68% of the mutations resulting from an A:T-->T:A transversion at a single site . Because of the conservation of key regions of RNA polymerase among many microorganisms, using the Rif(r)/rpoB system may be a general method for studying mutational processes in microorganisms without well developed genetic systems.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2000 Jul-Aug, (4 Suppl), 4 - 7
{Persistence of pathogenic bacteria: theory and practice}; Bukharin OV; Persistence of pathogenic bacteria is viewed as a model of the parasite--host system . The variable signs of the pathogen and the host body, responsible for the mutual adaptation of the symbionts, are evaluated . The tactical ways of bacteria, enabling them to defend (isolate) their peptidoglycan from immune recognition by the host and thus ensuring the phenomenon of persistence, are presented . An attempt to assess the relationship between the persistence of bacteria ans their pathogenicity has been made . As noted in this study, the survival of bacteria inside host cells is determined by the expression of genes responsible for the adaptation of microorganisms to novel environmental conditions, ans the life of an infective agent adapted to the host is regarded as a series of steps of gene activation in response to the discrete complex of environmental conditions . Approaches to the solution of applied tasks in medicine, biology and ecology with the use of microbial persistence as the model of the parasite--host system is discussed.

Math Biosci, 2003 Jun, 183(2), 175 - 214
Metabolic isotopomer labeling systems . Part II: structural flux identifiability analysis; Isermann N et al.; Metabolic flux analysis using carbon labeling experiments (CLEs) is an important tool in metabolic engineering where the intracellular fluxes have to be computed from the measured extracellular fluxes and the partially measured distribution of 13C labeling within the intracellular metabolite pools . The relation between unknown fluxes and measurements is described by an isotopomer labeling system (ILS) (see Part I {Math . Biosci . 169 (2001) 173}) . Part II deals with the structural flux identifiability of measured ILSs in the steady state . The central question is whether the measured data contains sufficient information to determine the unknown intracellular fluxes . This question has to be decided a priori, i.e . before the CLE is carried out . In structural identifiability analysis the measurements are assumed to be noise-free . A general theory of structural flux identifiability for measured ILSs is presented and several algorithms are developed to solve the identifiability problem . In the particular case of maximal measurement information, a symbolical algorithm is presented that decides the identifiability question by means of linear methods . Several upper bounds of the number of identifiable fluxes are derived, and the influence of the chosen inputs is evaluated . By introducing integer arithmetic this algorithm can even be applied to large networks . For the general case of arbitrary measurement information, identifiability is decided by a local criterion . A new algorithm based on integer arithmetic enables an a priori local identifiability analysis to be performed for networks of arbitrary size . All algorithms have been implemented and flux identifiability is investigated for the network of the central metabolic pathways of a microorganism . Moreover, several small examples are worked out to illustrate the influence of input metabolite labeling and the paradox of information loss due to network simplification.

Int J Phytoremediation, 2003, 5(1), 73 - 87
The role of microbial reductive dechlorination of TCE at a phytoremediation site; Godsy EM et al.; In April 1996, a phytoremediation field demonstration site at the Naval Air Station, Fort Worth, Texas, was developed to remediate shallow oxic ground water (< 3.7 m deep) contaminated with chlorinated ethenes . Microbial populations were sampled in February and June 1998 . The populations under the newly planted cottonwood trees had not yet matured to an anaerobic community that could dechlorinate trichloroethene (TCE) to cis-1,2-dichloroethene (DCE); however, the microbial population under a mature (approximately 22-year-old) cottonwood tree about 30 m southwest of the plantings had a mature anaerobic population capable of dechlorinating TCE to DCE, and DCE to vinyl chloride (VC) . Oxygen-free sediment incubations with contaminated groundwater also demonstrated that resident microorganisms were capable of the dechlorination of TCE to DCE . This suggests that a sufficient amount of organic material is present for microbial dechlorination in aquifer microniches where dissolved O2 concentrations are low . Phenol, benzoic acid, acetic acid, and a cyclic hydrocarbon, compounds consistent with the degradation of root exudates and complex aromatic compounds, were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in sediment samples under the mature cottonwood tree . Elsewhere at the site, transpiration and degradation by the cottonwood trees appears to be responsible for loss of chlorinated ethenes.

Med Res Rev, 2003 Jul, 23(4), 456 - 87
Novel antiplasmodial agents; Go ML; The morbidity and mortality associated with malaria have spurred efforts to find novel antimalarial agents with improved potency and selectivity . Leads for agents continue to be obtained from natural sources (plants and microorganisms) and chemical syntheses . Screening of commercial or specialized databases have also yielded promising leads . The structural diversity of compounds with good (micromolar and lower) activity point to the considerable tolerance for different structural elements in the "antimalarial pharmacophore." It may also be a reflection of the varied targets present in the plasmodia . The challenge in malaria chemotherapy is to find safe and selective agents whose potencies will not be compromised by plasmodial resistance . Modification of potential leads should also aim at improving "drug-like" character, viz . to ensure acceptable oral bioavailability . A review of the literature shows that there is a growing trend towards the development of target-specific antimalarial agents (for example, agents inhibiting plasmodial farnesyl transferase, cyclin dependent kinases, proteases, choline transport) . An increasing number of reports focus on the development of chemosensitizers, agents that are capable of reversing plasmodial resistance .

J Environ Qual, 2003 Mar-Apr, 32(2), 500 - 6
Ethylenediaminedissuccinate as a new chelate for environmentally safe enhanced lead phytoextraction; Grcman H et al.; Using a soil column experiment, we compared the effect of a single dose and weekly additions of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and ethylenediaminedissuccinate (EDDS) on the uptake of Pb, Zn, and Cd by Chinese cabbage {Brassica rapa L . subsp . pekinensis (Lour.) Hanelt}, and on the leaching of heavy metals through the soil profile . The analysis of plant material revealed that both chelates increased the concentrations of Pb and, to a lesser extent, also of Zn and Cd in the leaves of the test plant . The most effective applications were single doses of 10 mmol EDTA and EDDS kg(-1) soil, which caused the concentrations of Pb in the shoots to increase 94.2- and 102.3-fold, respectively, relative to the control . The same dose of EDTA increased the concentration of Zn and Cd in the leaves 4.3- and 3.8-fold and of EDDS 4.7- and 3.5-fold, respectively . In treatments with weekly additions and lower concentrations of both chelates, EDTA was more effective than EDDS in increasing the plant uptake of Pb . In soil columns treated with weekly additions of 10 mmol kg(-1) EDTA, on average 22.7, 7.0, and 39.8% of initial total Pb, Zn, and Cd in the soil were leached through the soil profile . The same amount of EDDS caused much lower leaching of Pb and Cd--only 0.8 and 1.5% of initial total concentrations . Leaching of Zn, 6.2% of the total concentration, was comparable with the EDTA treatment . A biotest with red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) indicated a greater phytotoxic effect of EDTA than EDDS addition . EDDS was also less toxic to soil fungi, as determined by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis, and caused less stress to soil microorganisms, as indicated by the trans to cis PLFA ratio . Chelate addition did not prevent the development of arbuscular mycorrhiza on red clover.

Electrophoresis, 2003 Apr, 24(7-8), 1145 - 51
Multiple-primer DNA sequencing method; Gharizadeh B et al.; A multiple-primer DNA sequencing approach suitable for genotyping, detection and identification of microorganisms and viruses has been developed . In this new method two or more sequencing primers, combined in a pool, are added to a DNA sample of interest . The oligonucleotide that hybridizes to the DNA sample will function as a primer during the subsequent DNA sequencing procedure . This strategy is suited for selective detection and genotyping of relevant microorganisms and samples harboring different DNA targets such as multiple variant/infected samples as well as unspecific amplification products . This method is used here in a model system for detection and typing of high-risk oncogenic human papilloma viruses (HPVs) in samples containing multiple infections/variants or unspecific amplification products . Type-specific sequencing primers were designed for four of the most oncogenic (high-risk) HPV types (HPV-16, HPV-18, HPV-33, and HPV-45) . The primers were combined and added to a sample containing a mixture of one high-risk (16, 18, 33, or 45) and one or two low-risk types . The DNA samples were sequenced by the Pyrosequencing technology and the Sanger dideoxy sequencing method . Correct genotyping was achieved in all tested combinations . This multiple-sequencing primer approach also improved the sequence data quality for samples containing unspecific amplification products . The new strategy is highly suitable for diagnostic typing of relevant species/genotypes of microorganisms.

Trends Microbiol, 2003 Apr, 11(4), 148 - 50
Commensal bacteria make a difference; Hentschel U et al.; Nowhere is the relationship between microorganisms and eukaryotes as diverse, intimate and clinically relevant as in the gastrointestinal tract . An estimated 500-1000 mostly anaerobic species reside in the intestine, approaching enormous densities of 10(11)-10(12) organisms per gram colon content . The commensal interactions between intestinal microorganisms and animal hosts have been difficult to study in the past because of the diversity of microorganisms involved and because of the lack of culturability that accompanies many microbial consortia . However, recent work has provided new insights into these interactions.

Microb Ecol, 2003 May, 45(4), 317 - 28 Epub 2003 Apr 28.
Diversity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large-subunit genes from groundwater and aquifer microorganisms; Alfreider A et al.; To test our hypothesis that microbial autotrophic CO2 fixation plays an important role in subsurface systems of two large groundwater remediation projects, several anaerobic/microaerobic aquifer and groundwater samples were taken and used to investigate the distribution and phylogenetic diversity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) large-subunit genes . Two primer sets were designed for amplifying partial-subunit genes of RubisCO forms I and II from the DNA, directly extracted from the samples . PCR products were used to construct five clone libraries with putative RubisCO form I sequences, and two libraries of DNA amplified by form II primers . Selected clones were screened for variation by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, and a total of 28 clone inserts were sequenced and further analyzed . The phylogenies constructed from amino acid sequences derived from the partial RubisCO large-subunit sequences showed a distinct pattern . Diverse sequences affiliated to the cluster of green-like type IA RubisCO sequences were found, representing various obligate and facultative chemolithoautotrophic Proteobacteria, whereas type II RubisCO sequences detected were most closely related to those of thiobacilli species . An isolate obtained from aquifer enrichment culture, which has been provisionally named Halothiobacillus sp . RA13 on the basis of its 16S rDNA sequence, was found to contain both types of RubisCO genes, i.e., forms I and II . Physiological and ecological considerations are discussed in the context of additional microbial data and physicochemical properties.

Indian J Ophthalmol, 2003 Mar, 51(1), 87 - 8
Polymicrobial keratitis in an HIV-positive patient; Tandon R et al.; We describe a case with non-responding polymicrobial spontaneous corneal ulceration in an HIV-positive patient . Acanthamoeba was among the microorganisms isolated.

J Immunol, 2003 Apr 15, 170(8), 4217 - 25
Coxiella burnetii avoids macrophage phagocytosis by interfering with spatial distribution of complement receptor 3; Capo C et al.; Phagocytosis is a highly localized event requiring the formation of spatially and temporally restricted signals . Numerous microorganisms have taken advantage of this property to invade host cells . Coxiella burnetii, the agent of Q fever, is an obligate intracellular bacterium that has developed a survival strategy in macrophages based on subversion of receptor-mediated phagocytosis . The uptake of C . burnetii is mediated by alpha(v)beta(3) integrin and is restricted by impaired cross-talk of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin and complement receptor 3 (CR3) (CD11b/CD18) . In this study, we showed that CR3 molecules remained outside the pseudopodal extensions induced by C . burnetii in THP-1 monocytes, although alpha(v)beta(3) integrin was present in the pseudopods . Chemoattractants such as RANTES restored CR3 localization to the front of pseudopodal extensions and increased C . burnetii phagocytosis, demonstrating that the localization of CR3 is critical for bacterial uptake . In addition, monocyte activation due to the expression of HIV-1 Nef protein also restored CR3-mediated phagocytosis of C . burnetii by allowing CR3 redistribution toward bacterial-induced pseudopods . The redistribution of CR3 and increased C . burnetii phagocytosis in THP-1 cells stimulated by RANTES or expressing Nef were associated with the inhibition of intracellular replication of C . burnetii . Hence, the localization of CR3 is critical for bacterial phagocytosis and also for the control of bacterial replication . This study describes a nonpreviously reported strategy of phagocytosis subversion by intracellular pathogens based on altered localization of monocyte receptors.

Biol Bull, 2003 Apr, 204(2), 196 - 9
A(r)Ray of hope in analysis of the function and diversity of microbial communities; Polz MF et al.; The vast majority of microorganisms in the environment remain uncultured, and their existence is known only from sequences retrieved by PCR . As a consequence, our understanding of the ecological function of dominant microbial populations in the environment is limited . We will review microbial diversity studies and show that these may have moved from an extreme underestimation to a potentially severe overestimation of diversity . The latter results from a simple PCR-generated artifact: the cloning of heteroduplex molecules followed by Escherichia coli mismatch repair, which may generate an exponential increase in observed sequence diversity . However, simple modifications to current PCR amplification protocols minimize such artifactual sequences and may bring within our reach estimation of bacterial diversity in environmental samples . Such estimates may spur new culture-independent approaches based on genomic and microarray technology, allowing correlation of phylogenetic identity with the ecological function of unculturable organisms . In particular, we are developing a DNA microarray that enables identification of individual populations active in utilization of specific organic substrates . The array consists of 16S and 23S rDNA-targeted oligonucleotides and is hybridized to RNA extracted from samples incubated with (14)C-labeled organic substrates . Populations that metabolize the substrate can be identified by the radiolabel incorporated in their rRNA after only one to two cell doublings, ensuring realistic preservation of community structure . Thus, the microarray approach may provide a powerful means to link microbial community structure with in situ function of individual populations.

Biol Bull, 2003 Apr, 204(2), 180 - 5
Geomicrobiology of the ocean crust: a role for chemoautotrophic Fe-bacteria; Edwards KJ et al.; The delicate balance of the major global biogeochemical cycles greatly depends on the transformation of Earth materials at or near its surface . The formation and degradation of rocks, minerals, and organic matter are pivotal for the balance, maintenance, and future of many of these cycles . Microorganisms also play a crucial role, determining the transformation rates, pathways, and end products of these processes . While most of Earth's crust is oceanic rather than terrestrial, few studies have been conducted on ocean crust transformations, particularly those mediated by endolithic (rock-hosted) microbial communities . The biology and geochemistry of deep-sea and sub-seafloor environments are generally more complicated to study than in terrestrial or near-coastal regimes . As a result, fewer, and more targeted, studies usually homing in on specific sites, are most common . We are studying the role of endolithic microorganisms in weathering seafloor crustal materials, including basaltic glass and sulfide minerals, both in the vicinity of seafloor hydrothermal vents and off-axis at unsedimented (young) ridge flanks . We are using molecular phylogenetic surveys and laboratory culture studies to define the size, diversity, physiology, and distribution of microorganisms in the shallow ocean crust . Our data show that an unexpected diversity of microorganisms directly participate in rock weathering at the seafloor, and imply that endolithic microbial communities contribute to rock, mineral, and carbon transformations.

Biol Bull, 2003 Apr, 204(2), 174 - 9
Modeling microbial consortiums as distributed metabolic networks; Vallino JJ; Biogeochemistry is the study of how living systems in combination with abiotic reactions process and cycle mass and energy on local, regional, and global scales (Schlesinger, 1997) . Understanding how these biogeochemical cycles function and respond to perturbations has become increasingly important, as anthropogenic impacts have significantly altered many of these cycles (Galloway and Cowling, 2002; Houghton et al., 2002) . Biogeochemistry is strongly governed by microbial processes, and it appears to closely follow thermodynamic constraints in that electron acceptor (O(2), NO(3)(-), SO(4)(2-), etc.) utilization closely follows a priori expectations based on energetics (Vallino et al., 1996; Hoehler et al., 1998; Jakobsen and Postma, 1999; Amend and Shock, 2001) . Consortiums of microorganisms seem to have evolved to exploit chemical potentials wherever they exist in the environment, as manifested by the recent discovery of anaerobic methane oxidation by sulfate (Boetius et al., 2000) or sulfide oxidation by nitrate (Schulz et al., 1999) . Three and a half billion years of natural selection have produced living systems capable of degrading most chemical potentials . We may therefore ask: If all ecosystem niche space is filled, is the biogeochemistry we observe in the environment dependent on the organisms that occupy that environment, or is the biogeochemistry determined by fundamental forces, with the evolution of living systems being the implementation of those forces? Recent developments in nonequilibrium thermodynamics (NET) are beginning to support the latter alternative, and advances in genomics are allowing us to explore microbial consortiums in detail . Taking advantage of ideas being suggested by NET, we have developed a modeling framework that views microbial consortiums as an inter-species distributed metabolic network . When combined with experimental observations, the model should help us test hypotheses that govern how living systems function.

Lancet, 2003 Apr 12, 361(9365), 1268 - 70
Association of mannose-binding lectin genotype with cardiovascular abnormalities in Kawasaki disease; Biezeveld MH et al.; Kawasaki disease is an acute vasculitis of possible infectious cause, which in particular affects the coronary arteries . Young children rely mostly on their innate immune system for protection against invading microorganisms, of which mannose-binding lectin is an important component . We aimed to investigate the possible role of the gene for this molecule (MBL) in white Dutch patients with Kawasaki disease . In 90 patients, frequency of mutations in the MBL gene was higher than in healthy children . In children younger than 1 year, those with mutations were at higher risk of development of coronary artery lesions than were those without (odds ratio 15.7, 95% CI 1.4-176.5, p=0.026) . Our findings suggest that the innate immune system contributes differently to pathophysiology of Kawasaki disease at various ages.

Bioresour Technol, 2003 Sep, 89(2), 133 - 8
Isolation of four aquatic streptomycetes strains capable of growth on organochlorine pesticides; Benimeli CS et al.; Ninety-three wild-type isolates identified as actinomycetes were tested against 11 organochlorine pesticides (OPs): aldrin, chlordane, DDD, DDE, DDT, dieldrin, heptachlor, and heptachlor epoxides, lindane, and methoxychlor . Qualitative screening agar assays displayed 62-78% tolerance of strains to OPs . Four strains designed M4, M7, M9 and M15 were selected based on multi-OP-tolerance, and identified as members of the streptomycetes group . Different growth profiles were observed in cultures of the four selected streptomycetes cultured in synthetic medium containing 5-50 microg x l(-1) aldrin or chlordane or lindane . Increase of aldrin removal by the selected microorganisms was concomitant with the 4.8-36.0 microg x l(-1) pesticide concentration range . After 72 h of streptomycete M7 growth in synthetic medium containing 48.0 microg x l(-1) aldrin, the remaining OP concentration in the supernatant was approximately 10% of the initial concentration . Also, in stationary growth phase less than 2.5 microg x l(-1) aldrin residual concentration was detected in the medium.

J Theor Biol, 2003 May 7, 222(1), 73 - 97
Planktonic encounter rates in homogeneous isotropic turbulence: the case of predators with limited fields of sensory perception; Lewis DM; It is a well-established fact that encounter rates between different species of planktonic microorganism, either swimming, or passively advected by the flow, are enhanced in the presence of turbulence . However, due to the complexity of the various calculations involved, current encounter rate theories are based on a number of simplifying approximations, which do not reflect reality . In particular, a typical planktonic predator is usually assumed to have perfect 'all round vision', i.e . it can perceive a prey particle at any relative orientation, provided it lies within some given contact radius R . Unfortunately, there is a wide body of experimental evidence that this is not the case . In this study the encounter problem for a predator with a limited field of sensory perception, swimming in a turbulent flow, is examined from first principles and a number of new modelling ideas proposed . A wide range of kinematic simulations are also undertaken to test these predictions . Particular attention is paid to the swimming strategy such a predator might undertake to enhance its encounter rate . It turns out that the predicted optimum swimming strategies differ radically from the results of previous work . Empirical evidence is also presented which appears to support these new findings.

Mikrobiologiia, 2003 Jan-Feb, 72(1), 99 - 104
{Localization of associative cyanobacteria on the roots of epiphytic orchids}; Tsavkelova EA et al.; This work is the first study of the localization of phototrophic microorganisms in the rhizoplane and velamen of epiphytic orchids, namely on the aerial and substrate roots of Acampe papillosa and Dendrobium moschatum and on the aerial roots of the Phalaenopsis amabilis and Dendrobium phalaenopsis . The composition of the bacterial community on the plant roots depended on the conditions of plant growth . Under conditions simulating climate of moist tropical forests, the aerial roots proved to be populated with phototrophic microorganisms among which cyanobacteria predominated . Interlaced fungal hyphae and filamentous cyanobacteria formed a sheath on the surface of aerial roots . The nitrogen-fixing capacity of the sheath of aerial roots was studied by the example of P . amabilis.

Int Rev Cytol, 2003, 225, 229 - 72
Ammonia signaling in yeast colony formation; Palkova Z et al.; Multicellular structures formed by microorganisms possess various properties, which make them interesting in terms of processes that occur in tissues of higher eukaryotes . These include processes important for morphogenesis and development of multicellular structures as well as those evoked by stress, starvation, and aging . Investigation of colonies created by simple nonmotile yeast cells revealed the existence of various regulators involved in their development . One of the identified signaling compounds, unprotonated volatile ammonia, is produced by colonies in pulses and seems to represent a long-distance signal notifying the colony population of incoming nutrient starvation . This alarm evokes changes in colonies that are important for their long-term survival . Models of the action of ammonia on yeast cells as well as the routes of its production are proposed . Interestingly, ammonia/ammonium also act as a signaling molecule in other organisms . Ammonia regulates several steps of the multicellular development of Dictyostelium discoideum and evidence indicates that ammonia/ammonium plays a role in neural tissues of higher eukaryotes.

Medicina (Kaunas), 2003, 39(3), 221 - 4
{Antibiotic treatment of cystic fibrosis exacerbations}; Dumcius S; Although it is difficult to separate the beneficial effects of the various aspects of cystic fibrosis treatment, longer survival and improved quality of life have been associated with the advance of antibiotics varieties . However, there are still considerable differences of opinion as to when and for how long antibiotics should be given . Usually cystic fibrosis patients are chronically colonized with various microorganisms . Intermittent regimes of antibiotic therapy regarding clinical features of pulmonary excerbations are discussed in this article . General antibiotic policies in cystic fibrosis, including management of most typical microorganisms causing cystic fibrosis exacerbations, are proposed.

Biol Sci Space, 2002 Nov, 16(3), 157 - 8
{Research plan to study allelopathy under microgravity}; Tomita-Yokotani K et al.; Living organisms interact each others and form ecological system on the earth . Such interactions between organisms and species have been long known, and studied at a global scale . Allelopathy is a phenomenon observed in many plants that emit specific chemicals acting on other organisms, including animals and microorganisms, in either inhibitory or excitatory ways . We propose to study whether phenomena of allelopathy are modified under altered gravity or not . If biosynthesis, emission and sensing mechanism of allelopathic substances would be affected by gravity, many organisms and ecological system might show different behaviors based on the inter-organisms and species interactions under microgravity . In the macroscopic scale, transport of the substances between organisms is largely affected by convection induced by gravity . Furthermore, the fate of allelopathic substances in confined environment differs from that seen on the earth, because of lacking sink compartment for removal and producing exotic bio-active substances by man-made system . We design basic ground experiment to evaluate gravitational effects on allelopathy applying pseudo-microgravity . Our study contributes to the synthesis of ecological system and its control on spacecrafts and extraterrestrial bodies . It also makes possible to sustain qualitative human life even on the ground under confined artificial environment that dominates in many scenes.

J Appl Microbiol, 2003, 94(5), 893 - 9
Antifungal activity of volatile compounds generated by essential oils against fungi commonly causing deterioration of bakery products; Guynot ME et al.; AIMS: To investigate the volatile fractions of 16 essential oils for activity against the more common fungi causing spoilage of bakery products, Eurotium amstelodami, E . herbariorum, E . repens, E . rubrum, Aspergillus flavus, A . niger and Penicillium corylophilum . METHODS AND RESULTS: The study applied 50 microl of pure essential oils in a sterilized filter paper, were carried out at pH 6 and at different water activity levels (0.80-0.90) . First, a wheat flour based agar medium was used, where cinnamon leaf, clove, bay, lemongrass and thyme essential oils where found to totally inhibit all microorganisms tested . These five essential oils were then tested in sponge cake analogues, but the antifungal activity detected was much more limited . CONCLUSION: Five essential oils showed potential antifungal capacity against all species tested, over a wide range of water availability . Their activity, however, seems to be substrate-dependent . More research is needed to make them work in real bakery products, as in the preliminary study limited effectiveness was found . SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The potential of the cinnamon leaf, clove, bay, lemongrass and thyme essential oils against species belonging to Eurotium, Aspergillus and Penicillium genus has been demonstrated.

Kidney Int Suppl, 2003 May, (84), S72 - 5
The effect of viable Chlamydia pneumoniae on serum cytokines and adhesion molecules in hemodialysis patients; Tsirpanlis G et al.; BACKGROUND: Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp) induces the production of cytokines and adhesion molecules in infected host eukaryotic cells . The causes for pro-inflammatory cytokine and adhesion molecule increase in hemodialysis (HD) patients have not been fully elucidated . The possibility that, in this particularly atherosclerotic population, Cp, a microorganism implicated in the infectious-based inflammatory hypothesis of atherosclerosis' is also responsible for these molecules' increase is assessed in this study . METHODS: In 130 stable HD patients, serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1), interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-10, L-selectin, E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) levels were determined . Cp presence was identified by inoculation of the patient's peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in Hep-2 cell lines and subsequent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in DNA extracted from cell cultures, as well as by determination of serum IgG antibodies against Cp (IgGCp) . RESULTS: Patients, positive or negative for IgGCp, had no statistically significant differences in all molecules measured . Patients with viable Cp in PBMCs had higher serum levels of IL-1 and soluble VCAM-1 than negative ones for IgGCp (IL-1 6.87 +/- 7.35 vs . 2.34 +/- 1.47 pg/mL; P = 0.0009 and VCAM-1 1647.16 +/- 513.64 vs . 1162.14 +/- 546.83 ng/mL; P = 0.0115, respectively) . Viable Cp in PBMCs remained a significant predictor factor for IL-1 and VCAM-1 in statistical analysis, when patients' characteristics and dialysis conditions were also evaluated . CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that some serum cytokine and adhesion molecule increase in HD patients could be attributed to viable Cp presence in PBMCs . These findings support the Cp-based inflammatory atherogenous hypothesis and add a better understanding of these molecules' increase in HD patients.

Crit Rev Biotechnol, 2003, 23(1), 29 - 60
Phytases: microbial sources, production, purification, and potential biotechnological applications; Vohra A et al.; The review deals with phytase-producing microorganisms along with optimum conditions for its production . Various methods used for purifying phytases and their characteristics are discussed . Heterologous gene expression, cost-effective large-scale phytase production, and various biotechnological applications of the enzyme in animal feed and food industries are also discussed.

Nat Biotechnol, 2003 May, 21(5), 526 - 31 Epub 2003 Apr 14.
Complete genome sequence and comparative analysis of the industrial microorganism Streptomyces avermitilis; Ikeda H et al.; Species of the genus Streptomyces are of major pharmaceutical interest because they synthesize a variety of bioactive secondary metabolites . We have determined the complete nucleotide sequence of the linear chromosome of Streptomyces avermitilis . S . avermitilis produces avermectins, a group of antiparasitic agents used in human and veterinary medicine . The genome contains 9,025,608 bases (average GC content, 70.7%) and encodes at least 7,574 potential open reading frames (ORFs) . Thirty-five percent of the ORFs (2,664) constitute 721 paralogous families . Thirty gene clusters related to secondary metabolite biosynthesis were identified, corresponding to 6.6% of the genome . Comparison with Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) revealed that an internal 6.5-Mb region in the S . avermitilis genome was highly conserved with respect to gene order and content, and contained all known essential genes but showed perfectly asymmetric structure at the oriC center . In contrast, the terminal regions were not conserved and preferentially contained nonessential genes.

Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz), 2003, 51(1), 1 - 8
Apoptosis in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes: searching for a genetic roadmap; Kobayashi SD et al.; Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs or neutrophils) are essential components of the innate immune system in humans and function primarily to eliminate invading microorganisms . Neutrophil influx to sites of infection is desirable because it also initiates an inflammatory response . Paradoxically, PMNs are also intimately associated with inflammatory disease . As part of normal neutrophil turnover in humans and to limit inflammatory potential, PMNs undergo programmed cell death, or apoptosis . Several host factors, including cytokines and growth factors, are capable of extending neutrophil survival and, thus, capacity to fight infection . On the other hand, phagocytosis of bacterial pathogens generally accelerates PMN apoptosis . Due in part to the extensive complexity of programmed cell death, relatively little is known about the signaling pathways that govern these processes in PMNs . Recently, microarray strategies have been employed to gain an understanding of these processes in activated PMNs, and new evidence indicates that gene transcription is important in the regulation of neutrophil apoptosis and, thus, inflammation . A series of provocative discoveries led to the hypothesis that neutrophil programmed cell death is the result of an apoptosis-differentiation program, a final stage of transcriptionally regulated PMN maturation or hematopoietic differentiation . Further characterization of the apoptosis-differentiation program and associated biochemical pathways in mature PMNs will likely yield important insights into the resolution of inflammation and infection.

J Microbiol Methods, 2003 Jun, 53(3), 405 - 10
Development of an adhesive sheet for direct counting of bacteria on solid surfaces; Yamaguchi N et al.; An adhesive sheet was developed for direct counting of microorganisms on solid surfaces . The sheet consists of a polyurethane film base and water insoluble adhesive . SYBR Green II (for total direct counting) or 6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate (6CFDA) (for fluorescent vital staining) was used for fluorescent microscopy of bacteria collected on the adhesive face of the sheet . Adhesive sheet sampling showed a higher recovery rate for microbial enumeration than conventional swab method or stamp agar . This method is simple, rapid, inexpensive and reproducible.

J Microbiol Methods, 2003 Jun, 53(3), 401 - 3
Improved PCR-based method for the direct screening of Streptomyces transformants; Van Dessel W et al.; Streptomycetes are attractive microorganisms because of their high secretion capacity and for the production of secondary metabolites . We report the improvement of a PCR-based method for screening of solid media-grown Streptomyces transformants . By resuspending mycelium into 2.5-10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), extensive manipulation prior to PCR could be avoided, thus significantly reducing screening time . Results proved to be both reliable and specific.

Phys Rev Lett . 2003 Mar 14;90(10):108101 . Epub 2003 Mar 13.
Self-similar tip growth in filamentary organisms; Goriely A et al.; The growth of a family of filamentary microorganisms is described in terms of self-similar growth at the tip which is driven by pressure and sustained by a wall-building growth process . The cell wall is modeled biomechanically as a stretchable elastic membrane using large-deformation elasticity theory . Incorporation of geometry dependent elastic moduli and a self-similar ansatz shows how these equations can generate realistic tip shapes corresponding to a self-similar expansion process.

Water Res, 2003 Feb, 37(3), 609 - 17
Mono- and diesters from o-phthalic acid in leachates from different European landfills; Jonsson S et al.; Leachates from 17 different landfills in Europe were analysed with respect to phthalates, i.e . phthalic acid diesters (PAEs) and their degradation products phthalic acid monoesters (PMEs) and ortho-phthalic acid (PA) . Diesters are ubiquitous and the human possible exposure and potential to human health and environment has put them in focus . The aim of this study was to elucidate whether monoesters and phthalic acid could be traced in landfill leachates and in what concentrations they may be found . The results showed that phthalates were present in the majority of the leachates investigated . The monoesters appeared from 1 to 20 microg/L and phthalic acid 2-880 microg/L (one divergent value of 19 mg phthalic acid/L) . Their parental diesters were observed from 1 to 460 microg/L . These observed occurrences of degradation products, of all diesters studied, support that they are degraded under the landfill conditions covered by this study . Thus, we have presented strong evidences to conclude that microorganisms in landfills degrade diesters released from formulations in a variety of products, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) species.

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