Biochim Biophys Acta, 1983 Feb 17, 722(2), 381 - 91 Control of mitochondrial respiration . The contribution of the adenine nucleotide translocator depends on the ATP- and ADP-consuming enzymes; Gellerich FN et al.; The consequence of the complexity of the metabolic network on the amount of control strength of adenine nucleotide translocator was investigated with isolated rat liver mitochondria . Two experimental systems were compared: (i) mitochondria in the presence of yeast hexokinase (hexokinase system) and (ii) the same system plus additional pyruvate kinase (pyruvate kinase system) . In both systems the control strength was analysed for the adenine nucleotide translocator by inhibitor titration studies with carboxyatractyloside and for the hexokinase or pyruvate kinase by changing their relative activities . Experimental results were compared with computer simulation of these systems and that of a third one, where the extramitochondrial ATP/ADP ratio was held constant by perifusion (perifusion system) . The results demonstrate quite different flux-dependent control strength of the translocator in the three systems . In the hexokinase system the control strength of the translocator on mitochondrial respiration was zero up to respiration rates of about 60 nmol O2/mg protein per min . For higher rates, the control strength increased until the maximum value (0.45) was reached in the fully active state . Here, the same value was also found in the pyruvate kinase system . In all other states of respiration the translocator exerts a higher control strength in the pyruvate kinase system than in the hexokinase system . This different behaviour was attributed to the various changes in the adenine nucleotide pattern caused by partial inhibition of the translocator in the hexokinase and pyruvate kinase system . The data clearly show that the sharing of control strength depends not only on the respiration rate but also on the complexity of the metabolic system. Eur J Biochem, 1983 Feb 15, 130(3), 525 - 8 No arginyl adenylate is detectable as an intermediate in the aminoacylation of tRNAArg; Thiebe R; On the supposition that aminoacyl adenylate is a necessary intermediate in the reactions catalyzed by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, six possible reactions requiring this intermediate were tested . With arginyl tRNA synthetase from brewer's yeast they were all negative and with phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase they were all positive . Therefore, no evidence for the formation of arginyl adenylate could be provided . This is in contrast to results published elsewhere . It was shown that the reaction proceeds through a quaternary complex . The aminoacylation of the tRNA is followed by a rearrangement of the quaternary complex that also affects the structure of the arginyl-tRNA. J Mol Biol, 1983 Feb 5, 163(4), 673 - 8 Complementary DNA sequence of a human cytoplasmic actin . Interspecies divergence of 3' non-coding regions; Hanukoglu I et al.; We have isolated and sequenced a cloned complementary DNA insert complementary to the messenger RNA of a cytoplasmic actin expressed in human epidermal cells . This provides the first cytoplasmic actin complementary DNA sequence for a vertebrate organism . The actin amino acid sequence predicted from this complementary DNA is identical to that of a bovine cytoplasmic actin and shows 98 and 85% homology with a Dictyostelium and a yeast actin, respectively . The complementary DNA sequence indicates that the 3' end of the mRNA contains an unusually long (greater than 400 nucleotides) 3' non-translated region . A comparison of this 3' non-coding region with those of recently determined actin complementary DNA sequences from other species reveals little or no homology among these sequences . Thus, these results indicate that although the actin amino acid sequences are extremely conserved, the non-coding regions of the mRNAs diverge rapidly. Jpn J Exp Med, 1983 Feb, 53(1), 1 - 9 Antitumor activity of polysaccharide TC-13 extracted from rare actinomycetes; Kohno M et al.; The antitumor activities of mycelia and a hot-water extract of mycelia of rare actinomycetes were examined by three different antitumor assays in ddY mice with Ehrlich solid tumor . A new antitumor polysaccharide, TC-13, was prepared from the hot-water extract of Microellobosporia grisea by precipitation with cetylpyridinium chlorideborate complex and gel filtration . TC-13 was mainly composed of glucose and mannose with peptideglycan . Its molecular weight was determined to be 2-30 X 10(4) by gel filtration . Comparative studies suggested that the antitumor activity of TC-13 was equal to, or stronger than those of other antitumor agents (e.g., lentinan, PS-K, OK432 and yeast mannan) . Screening methods for antitumor activity of actinomycetes were also discussed. Infect Immun, 1983 Feb, 39(2), 817 - 22 Activation of peritoneal macrophages by concanavalin A or Mycobacterium bovis BCG for fungicidal activity against Blastomyces dermatitidis and effect of specific antibody and complement; Brummer E et al.; With a new short-term assay, where the reduction of CFUs in the inoculum could be measured, we investigated the killing of the dimorphic fungal pathogen Blastomyces dermatitidis in its yeast phase by murine peritoneal macrophages . Peritoneal macrophages from concanavalin A- or Mycobacterium bovis BCG-treated mice, but not resident or thioglycolate-elicited macrophages, significantly reduced the CFUs of B . dermatitidis in the inoculum . The activation of peritoneal macrophages for fungicidal activity by concanavalin A treatment was shown to be dose dependent and transient, i.e., absent after 72 h . These results indicate that it is possible for murine peritoneal macrophages to kill B . dermatitidis in vitro . The addition of specific antibody or complement or both did not enhance the killing of B . dermatitidis by these nonspecifically activated macrophages. Mol Cell Endocrinol, 1983 Feb, 29(2), 181 - 95 Effect of transfer RNA from various sources on placental messenger RNA translation; Kelly SJ et al.; Poly(A+)-containing mRNA from human term placenta was used to direct protein synthesis in a nuclease-treated rabbit reticulocyte lysate, which is dependent on mRNA and tRNA for maximal activity . The major protein product was human pre-placental lactogen (hPL) . Addition of tRNA from rabbit liver, rabbit reticulocyte, human first trimester and term placenta, human liver and yeast resulted in 2-5-fold stimulation of {35S}methionine incorporation into total protein . Although all mammalian tRNA increased hPL synthesis, the relative synthesis as compared to endogenous globin was markedly different and most efficient with tRNA from term placenta . Addition of yeast tRNA increased total incorporation 3-fold but decreased incorporation of {35S}methionine into pre-hPL . These results suggest that the population of isoacceptor tRNAs may influence the expression of hPL in term placenta . Results are discussed by showing codon bias and usage of mRNA coding for hPL, alpha- and beta-hCG, rabbit globin and yeast alcohol dehydrogenase I. Mutat Res, 1983 Feb, 113(1), 21 - 32 The intragastric host-mediated assay for the assessment of the formation of direct mutagens in vivo; Barale R et al.; The intragastric host-mediated assay (h.m.a.) was devised and carried out with a view to assessing the formation of direct mutagens in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals . The h.m.a . consists in the injection of nitrosable compounds, NaNO2 and cells of the yeast S . pombe, by gavage into the animals' stomachs and in the recovery of the target cells from the faeces for mutation-induction analysis . Methylurea was chosen as a model nitrosable compound, and the effects of nitrosation modulators such as ascorbic acid and thiocyanate were studied . Cimetidine, a drug nitrosable in vitro, was tested with the system . Positive results were obtained only at very large doses and in artificially produced low pH . The new host-mediated assay seems to be efficient in revealing the formation, in vivo, of direct, short-living mutagens. Am J Clin Nutr, 1983 Feb, 37(2), 256 - 61 The effect of intralipid on mononuclear and polymorphonuclear phagocytes; Wiernik A et al.; Eight healthy subjects were given Intralipid, a soybean oil emulsion, 20% intravenously for 2 h . During the infusion a significant increase in the nitroblue tetrazolium-reduction of blood monocytes was noted . Preincubation of monocytes in vitro with Intralipid (20 to 100 mg/ml) for 30 min was found to increase the ability of the cells to migrate chemotactically and to phagocytize yeast particles . On the contrary, when neutrophilic granulocytes were preincubated with Intralipid in the same concentrations for 30 min . their nitroblue-tetrazolium-reduction, chemotactic and spontaneous locomotion, as well as their ingestion of yeast particles was depressed. Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther, 1983 Feb, 261(2), 316 - 27 ONO-3144, a new anti-inflammatory drug and its possible mechanism of action; Aishita H et al.; Anti-inflammatory activities of ONO-3144 have been studied in various experimental models . This compound showed an inhibitory effect on increased vascular permeability and acute inflammation . In the carrageenin test the activity of ONO-3144 was comparable to that of indomethacin (IM), while in the dextran, albumin, yeast and scald edema test it was more potent than that of IM . Unlike IM, phenylbutazone (PB) and tiaramide (TI), ONO-3144 showed marked inhibitory effects on H2O2-induced hemolysis and lipid peroxidation . In the prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis series, ONO-3144 did not inhibit cyclooxygenase activity but stimulated PG hydroperoxidase activity, facilitated conversion to PGH2 and also inhibited thromboxane (Tx) synthetase . The findings suggest that ONO-3144 is potentially a new type of anti-inflammatory drug . Possible sites of action of ONO-3144 are discussed. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1983 Feb, 45(2), 581 - 5 Simple screening method for molds producing intracellular mycotoxins in pure cultures; Filtenborg O et al.; A simple screening method for molds producing the intracellular mycotoxins brevianamide A, citreoviridin, cyclopiazonic acid, luteoskyrin, penitrem A, roquefortine C, sterigmatocystin, verruculogen, viomellein, and xanthomegnin was developed . After removing an agar plug from the mold culture, the mycelium on the plug is wetted with a drop of methanol-chloroform (1:2) . By this treatment the intracellular mycotoxins are extracted within seconds and transferred directly to a thin-layer chromatography plate by immediately placing the plug on the plate while the mycelium is still wet . After removal of the plug, known thin-layer chromatographic procedures are carried out . The substrate (Czapek yeast autolysate agar) and growth conditions (25 degrees C for 7 days) used by Penicillium taxonomists proved suitable for the production of the mycotoxins investigated when 60 known toxigenic isolates and 865 cultures isolated from foods and feedstuffs were tested with this screening method. Pediatr Clin North Am, 1983 Feb, 30(1), 49 - 61 Antifungal chemotherapy; Koldin MH et al.; When the decision to treat a fungal infection is made, there are several antifungal agents available for use . AmB remains the first-line drug in the treatment of most systemic fungal infections . Miconazole should be used to treat patients who cannot tolerate AmB or who are infected with AmB-resistant organisms . Ketoconazole has a distinct advantage in that it is a relatively nontoxic oral agent and may prove very effective in treating non-life-threatening chronic fungal infections . Clinical experience with miconazole and ketoconazole is too limited at present to recommend them as first-line therapeutic agents, except in a limited number of clinical situations . 5-FC should only be used in combination with AmB to treat yeast infections. Prostaglandins, 1983 Feb, 25(2), 193 - 203 Inflammation and pain sensitivity: effects of leukotrienes D4, B4 and prostaglandin E1 in the rat paw; Rackham A et al.; Leukotrienes (LT's) and prostaglandins (PG's) have been proposed as mediators of vascular permeability changes in inflammatory reactions . Also, prostaglandins, especially of the E-type, have been shown to enhance pain responses . In the present studies in rats, the effects of LTB4 and LTD4 on edema and pain thresholds were examined in combination with PGE1 and/or brewer's yeast . Subplantar injections of LTD4 or LTB4 induced small increases in paw thickness which were potentiated by the co-administration of PGE1 . LTD4 alone had no significant effect on the development of the yeast paw edema . LTB4 was found to reduce significantly the yeast edema and this reduction could be reversed by administration PGE1 . A small but significant decrease in pain threshold was caused by PGE1 and this was significantly enhanced in the presence of LTD4 . LTB4, like PGE1, was found to cause slight hyperalgesia but no synergy between the two agents was observed . LTD4 was found to have no effect on the initial hypoalgesia or subsequent development of hyperalgesia caused by brewer's yeast . Both LTB4 and PGE1, however, prevented the initial hypoalgesia and significantly reduced the latency for development of yeast induced hyperalgesia . These effects of LTB4 are discussed in terms of possible release of cyclooxygenase products. Am J Clin Pathol, 1983 Feb, 79(2), 231 - 4 Fungal autofluorescence with ultraviolet illumination; Graham AR; Fungal autofluorescence of hematoxylin and eosin (H & E)-stained tissue sections viewed under ultraviolet illumination was evaluated for diagnostic utilization . Cases examined included coccidioidomycosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, mucormycosis, and histoplasmosis . The method was most useful in identifying Coccidioides immites, Candida spp., and Aspergillus spp . in sections from solid parenchymatous organs, loose connective tissue, granulomata, or necrotic tissue debris . The architectural detail of spherules, yeast forms, and hyphae was very well delineated . Histoplasma capsulatum was not autofluorescent in one specimen (a broncholith) and the cases of mucormycosis failed to demonstrate intrinsic hyphal autofluorescence but did show a "negative image" appearance against surrounding native tissue autofluorescence . The advantages of using fungal autofluorescence include the possibility, in some cases, of rapid organism identification without the use of special stains or where organisms may not be present on additional sections prepared for special stains, the decreased interference to fungal identification of certain background cellular components or debris, and the improved simultaneous evaluation of organism identification and architecture of the surrounding histologic milieu. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1983 Jan 26, 742(2), 352 - 7 Remarkable positional (regio)specificity of xanthine oxidase and some dehydrogenases in the reactions with substituted benzaldehydes; Pelsy G et al.; Upon an increase in the size of the substituent, the reactivity of xanthine oxidase to ortho-substituted benzaldehydes drastically decreases while that to para-substituted benzaldehydes does not change significantly . The enzyme exhibits this regiospecificity with respect to both electron-withdrawing substituents (e.g., halogens) and electron-donating ones (alkyls and alkoxyls) . Xanthine oxidase-catalyzed oxidation of m- and p-nitrobenzaldehyde is more than 300-times faster than that of the o-isomer, whereas the rates of their non-enzymatic oxidation are comparable, as are the rates of the enzymatic oxidation of p- and o-nitrocinnamaldehyde . These and other findings of this work indicate that the discovered positional specificity of xanthine oxidase is due to steric hindrances in the reaction of the enzyme's active center with the aldehyde moiety having a bulky substituent in its close proximity . Such regiospecificity of the enzyme exists regardless of the nature of the electron acceptor used and can be employed for the separation of mixtures of positional isomers of substituted benzaldehydes . A marked positional specificity in the xanthine oxidase-catalyzed oxidation of substituted benzaldehydes appears to be a rather general phenomenon: three other enzymes tested, alcohol dehydrogenases from horse liver and yeast and aldehyde dehydrogenase from yeast, all follow a similar pattern in the reactions with para- and ortho-substituted halobenzaldehydes. J Biol Chem, 1983 Jan 25, 258(2), 1352 - 6 The periodic synthesis of tubulin in the Physarum cell cycle . Characterization of Physarum tubulins by affinity for monoclonal antibodies and by peptide mapping; Chang MT et al.; Polypeptides preferentially labeled in the G2 phase of the synchronous nuclear replication cycle of Physarum macroplasmodia were compared in electrophoretic mobility and peptide map with the tubulins enriched from Physarum myxamoebae . One major and one minor fluorographic species match the myxamoebal alpha and beta chains, respectively . Thus, tubulins are among the proteins of Physarum selectively synthesized before nuclear division . A third species P, prominently labeled in premitotic plasmodia, is distinct from the two myxamoebal tubulins even though it co-polymerizes with microtubules . The nature of P remains unknown . Two rat monoclonal antibodies directed against yeast tubulin were found to bind selectively to the alpha tubulin of porcine brain . These served to confirm the assignment of the 50,000-dalton Physarum myxamoebal tubulin as an alpha-like polypeptide. Eur J Biochem, 1983 Jan 17, 130(1), 185 - 93 The multifunctional polypeptide chains of rabbit-mammary fatty-acid synthase . Stoichiometry of active sites and active-site mapping using limited proteolysis; McCarthy AD et al.; Several methods have been used to label active centres on the multifunctional polypeptide chains of rabbit mammary fatty acid synthase . Experiments using {14C}acetyl-CoA or {14C}malonyl-CoA have shown that there is a single non-thiol site which binds either acetyl or malonyl groups, present at a stoichiometry of two per enzyme dimer, and representing an intermediate in the acyl transferase reaction . This adds further support to the view that the two subunits are identical and that each polypeptide chain contains up to seven active centres . However, two novel and independent methods for the quantification of the pantetheine thiol demonstrate that this prosthetic group can be present in sub-stoichiometric amounts . By studying intermediates during limited elastase digestion of fatty acid synthase labelled in different active centres, we have been able to map the positions of four active centres within the polypeptide chain . The thioesterase domain is present in a terminal location on both polypeptide chains as previously reported . The acyl carrier domain (pantetheine thiol) is located in a region of molecular weight 9000 immediately adjacent to the thioesterase domain . The acyl transferase (acyl-O-ester site) and the 3-oxoacylsynthase thiol are located in a region of molecular weight 110000 at the opposite end of the polypeptide chain to the thioesterase domain . The relationship between the disposition of the activities on the multifunctional polypeptide chains of yeast and mammalian fatty acid synthase is discussed. Biochem J, 1983 Jan 15, 210(1), 235 - 42 Nucleotide and bivalent cation specificity of the insulin-granule proton translocase; Hutton JC et al.; 1 . The nucleotide and bivalent cation specificity of the proton translocase activity of insulin secretory granules was investigated by assessing the inhibitor-sensitive rates of nucleotide hydrolysis by these organelles in relation to their chemiosmotic properties . 2 . The relative rates of nucleotide hydrolysis by freeze/thawed granule preparations were: Mg2+ATP (100%) greater than Mg2+GTP (55%) greater than Mg2+UTP (48%) greater than Mg2+ITP (44%) greater than Mg2+CTP (23%) greater than Mg2+TTP (20%), and by intact granules were: Mg2+ATP (100%) greater than Mg2+ITP (74%) greater than Mg2+GTP (60%) greater than Mg2+CTP (35%) . Mg2+ATP, Mg2+GTP and Mg2+ITP hydrolyses were inhibited by tributyltin and stimulated, in intact granules, by the protonophore carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone; Mg2+CTP hydrolysis was not markedly affected by these compounds . Correspondingly, only Mg2+ATP, Mg2+GTP and Mg2+ITP produced large changes in the delta psi and delta mu H+ across the granule membrane . 3 . The relative rates of maximal ATPase activity stimulated by bivalent cations in freeze/thawed granule preparations were: Mg2+ (100%) greater than Mn2+ (82%) greater than Ca2+ (40%) greater than Co2+ (36%) greater than Zn2+ (0%), and in intact granules were: Mg2+ (100%) greater than Mn2+ (85%) greater than Co2+ (61%) greater than Ca2+ (42%) . Tributyltin and carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone affected Mg2+-, Mn2+- and Co2+-activated, but not Ca2+-activated, ATP hydrolysis . Correspondingly, only Mg2+, Mn2+ and Co2+ supported the generation of a delta psi and delta mu H+ across granule membranes in the presence of ATP . 4 . The results were consistent with a single proton translocase that had its catalytic site exposed on the external face of the granule membrane . The indicated specificity (Mg2+ATP = Mn2+ATP greater than Co2+ATP greater than Mg2+GTP greater than Mg2+ITP) was similar to that of enzymes described in membrane fractions prepared from adenohypophyseal tissue, adrenal chromaffin granules and yeast vacuoles . The insulin-granule activity thus appears to be a type of proton translocase, which is characteristic of intracellular storage vesicles in eukaryotic cells. Nahrung, 1983, 27(3), 237 - 49 Volatile sulfur containing compounds in simulated meat flavour and their comparison with the constituents of natural aroma; Golovnya RV et al.; The composition of sulfur containing compounds in simulated meat flavour goods for food industry and obtained through Maillard reaction from bakery yeast autolysate was studied for the first time . Gas chromatographic analysis on a series of four columns of different polarity identified 37 compounds, and structure of 13 from them were confirmed by mass spectrometry . 9 sulfur substances have been previously reported neither for model systems nor natural meat products . It was found that two from four gas chromatographic fractions reminiscent cooked meat aroma correspond to boiled beef . All these fractions were characterized by retention indices and odor description . 25 from identified sulfur compounds were shown to be also inherent for various meat products. Histochemistry, 1983, 78(3), 289 - 302 Competition between glycoprotein hormones and horseradish peroxidase for mannose-specific binding sites in cells of endocrine organs; Straus W; Mannose-specific binding sites for horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were studied in paraformaldehyde-fixed, frozen sections of endocrine organs by a cytochemical method reported previously . In the testis, HRP was bound to interstitial cells, probably macrophages, and to sites extending along the surface of spermatozoa in the seminiferous tubules . In the epididymis, cells in the connective tissue, probably fibroblasts or macrophages, showed the specific reaction . In the ovaries, the reaction for lectin-bound HRP was observed in connective tissue cells of the theca externa, and in the mucosa of the uterus, binding of HRP occurred to many fibroblasts . The glycoprotein was also bound to cells in the connective tissue of the thyroid, probably mast cells, as well as to endothelial cells in the adrenal medulla and cortex . In all cases, the binding reaction required Ca2+ and was suppressed by mannose or mannan . Partially purified and highly purified preparations of glycoprotein hormones {ovine follicle-stimulating hormone, ovine luteinizing hormone, bovine thyroid-stimulating hormone, and human chorionic gonadotropin} as well as bovine thyroglobulin and yeast invertase competed with the binding of HRP to all the cells mentioned thus showing that the hormones were bound to the same sites as HRP . When 1 microM HRP was present in the incubation medium, the addition of 15-25 microM of highly purified hormones almost suppressed the reaction for lectin-bound HRP and competitive effects could be observed at even lower concentrations of the hormones. Ann Nutr Metab, 1983, 27(4), 296 - 305 Toxic effects of dietary selenium in the Syrian hamster; Julius AD et al.; Selenium (Se) toxicity and utilization was evaluated in hamsters fed casein- and torula yeast-based diets . 4-week-old hamsters received semipurified diets for 21 days . In experiment I diets were supplemented with either 0.25, 10, 20, 40 or 80 ppm Se as sodium selenite (SS) and in experiment II diets were supplemented with 0.1, 5.0 or 10.0 ppm as SS or selenomethionine (SM) . Blood and tissue Se concentrations and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity were measured at the termination of the feeding period . In both studies growth rate was depressed and food consumption decreased in hamsters given diets supplemented with 10 ppm or greater SS . Mortality associated with Se toxicity occurred only in females fed the 80 ppm Se-supplemented diet . Whole blood and tissue Se concentrations rose with increasing dietary Se and occurred up to the 80 ppm Se level in blood . Liver, kidney and lung Se concentrations were higher in hamsters fed SM than for those fed SS . Plasma GSH-Px activity was not significantly affected by increasing dietary Se levels, and hamsters fed dietary Se levels above 10 ppm did not have increased erythrocyte GSH-Px activity associated with increased blood Se concentrations . Liver GSH-Px activity was higher in SM-fed hamsters . The results suggest that dietary Se, fed as SS, becomes toxic for Syrian hamsters at levels of 10 ppm and above. Z Allg Mikrobiol, 1983, 23(3), 163 - 71 {Regulation of glyoxylate cycle enzymes in Saccharomycopsis lipolytica . I . Effect of the carbon source on isocitrate lyase and malate synthase activity}; Hones I; Comparative studies on the activities of isocitrate lyase (ICL) and malate synthase (MS) were carried out with Saccharomycopsis lipolytica incubating the yeast on media with different carbon sources . When cells were incubated in minimal medium with glucose, the activities of both enzymes were very low . In contrast, in minimal medium with acetate enhanced enzyme activities could be demonstrated . It is probably that the synthesis of ICL is repressed in presence of glucose . Furthermore the activity of ICL was inhibited by tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates like succinic acid and oxalacetic acid . It was concluded that the syntheses of enzymes are derepressed . When cells of Sm . lipolytica were incubated in minimal medium with acetate, a high enzyme activity is evident . Synthesis of ICL on acetate was inhibited by cycloheximide and actinomycin D . The results were discussed comparing them with data obtained from other organisms. Ann Acad Med Singapore, 1983 Jan, 12(1), 74 - 80 An approach to urticaria; Giam YC et al.; As the problem of chronic urticaria is frustrating both to the physician and patient, an attempt to study its aetiology was made . 100 cases of chronic urticaria was studied in 1979 . Patients having daily urticaria for more than 6 weeks, were included . There were 52 males and 48 females . A detailed history of the pattern of urticaria, drugs, physical causes, diet and illnesses were asked for, followed by physical examination . Each were then screened through a Diagnostic Tray including basic haematological tests, urinalysis, stools analysis, physical allergy tests, food provocation battery and further special tests . 17 patients had physical urticaria, cold (6), pressure (5), delayed dermographism (1), cholinergic (4), solar (1) . 4 patients had severe reactions with aspirin, one with tetracycline; one had undiagnosed thyrotoxicosis . 36 of all the patients had a positive test on provocation with the food battery: aspirin (13), preservatives (3), colour dyes (6), yeast (1) and others (15) . It has been suggested that these are not the immediate cause but are aggravating factors . 48% of patients showed dermographism . The number of idiopathic cases about 77% is consistent with the findings of others . We feel that an attempt to exclude treatable causes has brought reassurance to many of the patients . Long term antihistamine therapy was given in these cases. Ann Nutr Metab, 1983, 27(2), 81 - 93 Tolerance of diets deficient or excessive in selenium by Syrian hamsters; Birt DF et al.; Syrian hamsters were fed torula yeast (TY) diets with 8 selenium (Se) supplement levels (0.0-10.0 ppm Se as sodium selenite) or casein (C) diets with 5 supplement levels (0.0-5.0 ppm Se as sodium selenite) for 25 weeks . Whole blood Se, plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and erythrocyte GSH-Px activity were measured after 5, 10, 15 and 25 weeks . At 25 weeks hematology was examined and tissue samples analyzed for Se and evaluated for histopathological lesions . While survival was not influenced by dietary Se, food consumption and body weight gain were altered in animals given TY, as those fed 0.0, 0.05 or 10.0 ppm Se consumed less diet . Weight gains at 25 weeks were highest in animals at the 0.1 ppm Se level and reduced in those given unsupplemented TY or 10.0 ppm Se supplements . Hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cell counts were reduced in females fed the lowest and highest Se supplements with TY diets . With both C and TY, whole blood Se rose with increasing dietary Se and in the case of TY, Se was elevated with each feeding increment, except between the 0.05 and 0.1 ppm or the 0.25 and 0.5 ppm levels . Plasma GSH-Px increased with rising Se up to 10 ppm, and erythrocyte GSH-Px activity increased up to 5 ppm Se . Erythrocyte GSH-Px values were higher in animals fed C diets . Histopathological observations were normal at all Se levels . Syrian hamsters tolerated dietary Se from 0.05 to 5.0 ppm Se for 25 weeks of observation without detrimental effects. Mikrobiologiia, 1983 Jan-Feb, 52(1), 17 - 21 {Relation between cyanide-resistant respiration, effectiveness and rate of growth of Candida valida on ethanol}; Akimenko BK et al.; The object of this work was to study the correlation between the growth rate of Candida valida and its cyanide-resistant respiration, as well as to investigate the effect of cyanide-resistant oxidase on biomass yield in the course of continuous cultivation of the yeast . The inhibition of cellular respiration by cyanide was shown to be directly correlated with the biomass yield . The intensity of cyanide-resistant respiration depended on the growth rate of the culture, and was lowest at the highest growth rates . It has been concluded that, when cyanide-resistant oxidase appears in the yeast cells, it functions simultaneously with the main respiratory chain . Cyanide-resistant respiration can be inhibited under the optimal conditions of the culture growth. J Mol Appl Genet, 1983, 2(1), 111 - 26 Genes encoding actin in higher plants: intron positions are highly conserved but the coding sequences are not; Shah DM et al.; We have isolated actin genes from genomic libraries of two highly diverged plants, maize and soybean . The complete nucleotide sequences of a maize actin gene, MAc1, and a soybean actin gene, SAc1, were determined . The nucleotide sequences of these two actin genes and of a previously sequenced soybean actin gene were compared with the actin gene sequences from a wide spectrum of evolutionarily diverged eukaryotes . Some striking features pertinent to the evolution and function of the plant actin gene families have emerged . The deduced amino acid sequence of the plant actins resembles both cytoplasmic- and muscle-specific actins . DNA sequence analysis as well as genomic blotting experiments using cloned actin sequences as probes show that large sequence heterogeneity exists among members of the plant actin multigene families and between genes from two highly diverged plant species . The sequences of the first nine amino acids at the amino terminal end of the plant actins are far more conserved between distant plant actins than the corresponding sequences in distantly related animal actin genes, suggesting a unique and conserved function for the NH2 terminal sequence in higher plants . The soybean and maize actin genes examined each contain three introns in precisely the same positions, quite contrary to the divergent placement of introns observed in animal, protozoan, and fungal actins . The position of the first intron in soybean and maize actin genes corresponds precisely to the position of an intron found in a nematode actin gene . The position of the second intron coincides with one found in rat and chicken skeletal actin genes . These data suggest that the numerous introns found in all actins are of ancient origin . The degree of silent substitution and replacement substitution was compared among plant actin genes and to those of animal, protozoan, and yeast actin genes . It is clear that the silent substitution sites are saturated among all the genes compared, whereas the replacement sites have diverged in only 5-17% of their possible positions . By these criteria the most distant animal actins are only 6% diverged . The three plant actin genes examined are 8-10% diverged in replacement sites from each other and approximately 14% diverged in replacement sites from any of the animal actins examined . The data in this manuscript suggest that the families of soybean and maize actin genes may have diverged from a single common ancestral actin gene long before the divergence of monocots and dicots. Poult Sci, 1983 Jan, 62(1), 143 - 51 Laboratory model with chicks for assay of nutritional factors affecting hepatic lipid accumulation in laying hens; Akiba Y et al.; A laboratory model with chicks is described that is suggested as an assay for dietary factors affecting liver lipid accumulation in laying hens . The model utilizes growing White Leghorn male chicks injected with estrogen . Diets to be tested were fed ad libitum for 4 days following 2 days starvation . Liver lipid deposition was increased with increasing level of estradiol injected . Lipid deposition in livers of estrogenized chicks fed a diet containing fish meal, alfalfa meal, and torula yeast (FAY) was significantly less than that in chicks fed a corn-soybean meal (CS) diet . This correlated with a similar response in laying hens fed ad libitum FAY and CS diets for 30 days, suggesting the response of livers to dietary changes in fasted-refed-estrogenized chicks reflects the responses obtained with laying hens . Using the proposed laboratory model, fish meal, distillers dried grains with solubles, and alfalfa meal were shown to contain activity that reduced liver lipid deposition. Eur J Biochem, 1983 Jan 1, 129(3), 555 - 60 Metal-nucleotide structure at the active sites of the mammalian hexokinases; Darby MK et al.; The diastereomers of adenosine 5'-O-(2-thiotriphosphate) (ATP beta S) in the presence of Mg2+, Co2+ and Cd2+ have been used to determine the stereospecificity of the metal-nucleotide binding site of rat muscle hexokinase type II and rat liver glucokinase by the method developed by Jaffe and Cohn {J . Biol . Chem . 254, 10839-10845 (1979)} . The kinetic parameters, Km and V, for the mammalian hexokinase reaction have been determined for ATP beta S in the presence of the three divalent metal ions . In the presence of Mg2+, both enzymes exhibit a preference for the B diastereomer of ATP beta S (V ratio, B/A approximately equal to 20) . With Cd+, the stereospecificity is reversed and the A diastereomer is the preferred substrate, suggesting direct coordination of S on the beta-P to this metal ion . Co2+ exhibits a decreased specificity for the B diastereomer over Mg2+ . This decreasing order of stereo-specificity for the B isomer reflects primarily the decreasing ratios of nucleotide complexes coordinated to O rather than S on the beta-P as the metal ion is changed from Mg2+ to Co2+ to Cd2+ . The kinetic parameters for the hexokinases have also been determined for adenosine 5'-O-(1-thiotriphosphate) (ATP alpha S) using the same three metal ions as activators . The A diastereomer is the preferred substrate regardless of the metal ion . This absence of reversal of stereospecificity for metal-ATP alpha S suggests that the alpha-P is not involved in coordinating the metal on the enzyme, unlike the beta-P . That is, the structural constraints of the ATP-binding site on the enzyme overcome the preferred coordination of Cd2+ to S . Given the greater stability of bidentate metal-ATP complexes over monodentate, these data are interpreted as indicating that MgATP binds to the mammalian hexokinases as the beta gamma-bidentate complex in the A screw sense geometry, as has been found for the yeast hexokinase (Jaffe and Cohn, reference cited above). Am J Med Sci, 1983 Jan-Feb, 285(1), 13 - 23 Factors relating to recurrence of chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis following treatment with amphotericin B; Lowell JR et al.; A retrospective analysis was made of cases of Chronic Pulmonary Histoplasmosis during the admission in which patients received amphotericin B to determine if there were features related to recurrence of the disease . There was significance at the p less than or equal to 0.05 level in that the nonrecurrent cases tended to have a lower initial complement fixation titers using mycelial antigen; had initial complement fixation tests which were likely to result in no reaction using either mycelial or yeast antigen; and had more rapid drops in the complement fixation values using the yeast antigen . Although the present evaluation does not suggest an absolute minimum effective dose of amphotericin B, it would seem plausible to administer a course of at least 2300 mg if the initial complement fixation test was nonreactive but if the drug was tolerated well by the patient and the initial complement fixation test was reactive, the goal should be at least 2500 mg. J Nutr, 1983 Jan, 113(1), 40 - 6 Changes of alveolar macrophages in protein-deficient rats; Moriguchi S et al.; Protein malnutrition was achieved by feeding female F344 rats a 5% casein diet for 7 weeks . At appropriate times, animals were killed and their alveolar macrophages (AM) were obtained by broncho-pulmonary lavage of the lung . Functional changes of AM were determined by measuring phagocytosis of latex beads, yeast cells or opsonized sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and the ability to respond to a macrophage-activating factor (MAF) such as lymphokines . After 3 weeks on a low casein diet, the number of AM was much lower than in rats on control diet, but the abilities of the AM to phagocytose latex and yeast cells were the same as those of controls . Phagocytosis of opsonized SRBC was higher than in control rats but could not be enhanced by in vitro treatment with MAF . The most striking ultrastructural feature of these AM was the abundance of finger-like microvilli on the cell surface before phagocytosis; after ingestion of SRBC into phagocytic vacuoles there were only a few short microvilli on the surface . These data suggest that dietary protein malnutrition affects the number and phagocytic functions of AM responsible for host defense in the lung. Biomed Biochim Acta, 1983, 42(11-12), S263 - 7 Phosphoglycerate kinase abnormalities: functional, structural and genomic aspects; Yoshida A et al.; Phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) deficiency is associated with hemolytic anemia and mental disorders in man . Complete amino acid sequence of normal human PGK was determined and its three-dimensional structure could be deduced from that of horse and yeast enzymes . Specific amino acid substitutions of several PGK variants associated with clinical problems were elucidated, and their functional abnormalities were correlated to their structural abnormalities . Full-length cDNA clones for normal human PGK were isolated and it is possible to examine PGK variants at the genomic level. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz), 1983, 31(5), 615 - 20 Antifungal activity of Wratizolin; Mulczyk M et al.; Wratizolin was found to inhibit completely or delay markedly the growth of fungi of Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton genus . Mould fungi, yeasts, and yeast-like organisms, with a few exceptions, were not sensitive to Wratizolin. Acta Microbiol Hung, 1983, 30(3-4), 217 - 26 Quantitation of macrophage activation; Vas SI et al.; Chemoluminescence is a sensitive and relatively easy method to quantitate macrophage activation . Cytotoxic assay as measured by 51Cr release from tumour target cells is more involved and less sensitive . Our experiments indicate that, depending on the mode of activation, different effector mechanisms are operational . Thus, macrophages activated with double stranded yeast RNA show good chemoluminescence but no cytotoxic response while thioglycollate activated macrophages show the reverse response. Nucleic Acids Symp Ser, 1983, (12), 149 - 52 A novel acid ribonuclease from white-spotted charr (Salvelinus leucomaenis): purification and characterization of the homogeneous enzyme; Izuta S et al.; An novel acid ribonuclease has been purified approx . 1300 fold from acid extract of developing white-spotted charr (Salvelinus leucomaenis) testes . The final preparation of the enzyme was homogeneous on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) . The molecular weight was determined to be 20,000 with both Sephadex gel filtration and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis . The isoelectric point was determined to be 6.4 and the hydrolytic activity was stimulated with low concentration of phosphate . The enzyme has an optimal pH at 5.5 and hydrolyzed yeast RNA and several synthetic homopolyribonucleotides . Under appropriate conditions, the enzyme hydrolyzed substrates, yeast RNA, poly (I), poly (A) and poly (U), in a ratio of 100:900:30:20, respectively . However, poly (C) could not be hydrolyzed under any conditions tested so far . Yeast RNA was hydrolyzed into monoto pentanucleotides . The range of substrate-specificity of this enzyme will be discussed on the basis of the analysis of these products. Z Allg Mikrobiol, 1983, 23(6), 375 - 84 {Improvement of Y-values of Hansenula polymorpha growth on methanol by simultaneous utilization of glucose}; Muller R et al.; The simultaneous utilization of methanol and glucose by Hansenula polymorpha MH20 was investigated in chemostat (C-limited) cultivation . The mixed-substrate utilization results in biomass yields which are greater up to 20 to 25% as expected assuming an additive growth on both substrates . This is referred to as an auxiliary-substrate effect . Additionally, methanol can be utilized at higher growth rates in the presence of glucose compared to those obtained on this substrate alone . The extend of the auxiliary-substrate effect and the optimum ratio of substrates to reach this effect depend on dilution rate . The greatest stimulation in yield is obtained at D approximately 0.1 h-1, after raising the dilution rate this effect diminishes . At a rate of 0.1 h-1 the optimum mixed-substrate ratio of methanol: glucose is 7:1 (g) . By increasing the growth rate the ratio changes toward glucose and reached a value of 1:1 (g) at D = 0.3 h-1 . This change in the optimum ratio correlates with diminution in yield coefficient of methanol accompanying an increase in growth rate greater than 0.15 h-1 . Energy balances of the utilization of the single substrates are used for interpretation of these results . From this it is evident that methanol does not play the role of an energy-rich substrate in the metabolism of yeast . Rather glucose is the energy-providing substrate in this combination. Can J Microbiol, 1983 Jan, 29(1), 102 - 7 Studies on experimental murine histoplasmosis: host protection and cellular immunity; Burt WR et al.; Mice immunized subcutaneously with 10(6) viable yeast cells of Histoplasma capsulatum exhibited host protection to a challenge infection and also exhibited concomitant manifestations of cellular immunity to a culture filtrate antigen (yeast extract dialysate (YED)-histoplasmin) . Protective immunity was determined by quantitative culture of organisms from infected spleens on a solid medium containing a growth factor produced by the organism . As early as 4 days following immunization, host protection was observed in mice . Positive footpad swelling, indicative of delayed-type hypersensitivity, also was apparent at the early time period (4-7 days) after immunization . By days 14 and 21 following immunization, the mice exhibited maximum footpad responses and maximum splenic clearance of yeast cells . As an additional correlate of cellular immunity, YED-histoplasmin was coupled with chromic chloride to murine erythrocytes (M-RBC) and mixed with immune or nonimmune splenic lymphocytes to detect antigen-specific rosette forming cells (RFC's) . Only splenic lymphocytes from mice immunized with H . capsulatum formed antigen-specific RFC's (greater than or equal to 0.2%) . Pretreatment of splenic lymphocytes with antitheta (theta) serum plus complement greatly reduced the numbers of RFC's, illustrating their T cell nature . Host protection and cell-mediated immune responses decreased substantially by day 28 following immunization. Mol Gen Genet, 1983, 191(3), 427 - 9 Nucleotide sequence of the 5'-terminal region of rat 18S ribosomal DNA; Torczynski R et al.; The 5'-terminal 597 base-pairs (bp) of the Sprague-Dawley rat 18S ribosomal RNA gee and 10 bp of the adjoining transcribed spacer have been sequenced . Previously sequenced 10 large oligonucleotides of rat 18S RNA were located in this region . This mammalian sequence has been compared with the known sequences of yeast and frog 18S rDNA's . The analysis indicates that 534 bp of the 597 bp (89%) are conserved between rat and frog sequences but only 75% of the nucleotides are conserved between rat and yeast in this region . Two large and two small sections have been identified where insertions have been introduced during evolution . Of these 58 bp long inserted sections of the rat rDNA sequence, 50 bp (86%) were G-C base-pairs. Diagn Immunol, 1983, 1(4), 295 - 302 Immunological diagnosis of systemic candidiasis by counterimmunoelectrophoresis and quantitative immunofluorescence using purified antigens; Burges GE et al.; The advantages of two different immunological approaches to the diagnosis of systemic candidiasis have been studied . Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) using purified cytoplasmic protein antigens and quantitative immunofluorescence (QIF) using purified polysaccharide antigens have proven to be approaches giving better discrimination between systemic and nonsystemic candidiasis . Using CIE and yeast cytoplasmic proteins we obtained nine positive reactions in 12 patients with systemic candidiasis, and none in 23 patients with other types of C albicans infection or in 30 normal healthy controls . Using quantitative immunofluorescence and mycelial polysaccharide antigen we obtained positive reactions in all tested sera from systemic candidiasis patients (14), but we also obtained positive reactions (although generally of lower magnitude) in 4 of 14 patients with localized or mucocutaneous candidiasis . It appears that although neither of the tests has 100% specificity and sensitivity, their use individually or in combination may result in valuable data to assist in establishing a diagnosis of systemic candidiasis. Pharmacol Biochem Behav, 1983, 18 Suppl 1, 67 - 71 Alcohol and polyol dehydrogenases; Jornvall H et al.; "Long" and "short" alcohol dehydrogenases with different structures and catalytic mechanisms exist and the same sub-grouping appears to apply to polyol dehydrogenases . Mammalian liver sorbitol dehydrogenase is clearly related to "long" alcohol dehydrogenases and has structural properties intermediate between those of mammalian and yeast alcohol dehydrogenases . The amino acid sequence of a large segment of the N-terminal part of a liver sorbitol dehydrogenase is now determined and shown to be strictly homologous with the long alcohol dehydrogenases . Seventeen of 93 positions have identical residues among all enzymes compared, defining residues of particular functional significance . Proline and glycine residues suggest largely similar conformations between N-terminal parts of sorbitol dehydrogenase and "long" alcohol dehydrogenases, cysteine and histidine residues suggest a conserved zinc atom at the active site, and other residues correlate with structures of special importance. Dermatologica, 1983, 166 Suppl 1, 14 - 9 Treatment of dermatomycoses with topical tioconazole and miconazole; Fredriksson T; A total of 60 patients with proven fungal infection of the skin took part in a single-blind comparative study of the efficacy, toleration and safety of tioconazole base 1% w/w and miconazole nitrate 2% creams applied twice daily for 14 days to patients with pityriasis versicolor and for 28 days to patients with dermatophyte and yeast infections . Overall assessment of the patients reviewed at the end of treatment showed that 23 of 30 patients (77%) treated with tioconazole and 19 of 30 patients (63%) treated with miconazole were clinically and mycologically cured . Tioconazole cured 80% (8 of 10) and miconazole cured 38% (5 of 13) of the infections with Trichophyton rubrum, which are the most frequent ones . At long-term follow-up, approximately 6 weeks later, results in both treatment groups were comparable . 20 of the 23 patients (87%) cured by tioconazole and 18 of the 19 patients (95%) cured by miconazole remained free from infection . Both creams were easy to apply and there were no reports of staining . No side effects were recorded during the study. EMBO J, 1983, 2(12), 2195 - 201 Mechanism of the mRNA guanylyltransferase reaction: isolation of N epsilon-phospholysine and GMP (5' leads to N epsilon) lysine from the guanylyl-enzyme intermediate; Toyama R et al.; The mRNA capping reaction catalyzed by rat liver mRNA guanylyltransferase proceeds through an enzyme-GMP intermediate in which GMP is linked to the enzyme by a phosphoamide linkage . The studies described here show that GMP is bound to the epsilon-amino group of lysine of rat liver guanylyltransferase . The enzyme-{32P}GMP intermediate was digested with pronase to a {32P}GMP-peptide which was then converted to {32P}phosphoryl-peptide through periodate oxidation followed by beta-elimination . After alkaline hydrolysis of the {32P}phosphoryl-peptide, the major radioactive product co-electrophoresed with the authentic N epsilon-phospholysine on DEAE-cellulose paper . Neither {32P}Nimid-phosphohistidine nor Nguanido-phosphoarginine was detected in the hydrolysates . Furthermore, formation of N epsilon-guanylyl-lysine linkage on the enzyme was more directly shown by isolation of {32P}GMP(5' leads to N epsilon)lysine when the steps of periodate oxidation and beta-elimination were omitted . The results indicate that the nucleophile in the guanylyltransferase to which the guanylyl residue is linked is the epsilon-amino group of a lysine residue . {32P}Phosphoryl-lysine was also isolated from the vaccinia virus capping enzyme-{32P}GMP intermediate . Guanylyltransferase from HeLa cells, wheat germ, Artemia salina and yeast also formed the enzyme-GMP complex and, from the stability of the complex, the linkage between the enzyme and GMP was suggested to be a phosphoamide. Schweiz Med Wochenschr Suppl, 1983, 14, 15 - 9 Prophylaxis of fungal infections in neutropenic cancer patients; Meunier-Carpentier F; The prevention of fungal infections in granulocytopenic patients seems necessary to improve the final outcome of neoplastic patients . In particular, aspergillosis and candidiasis represent common life-threatening infections among the patients with acute hematological malignancies . Despite extensive investigations during this last decade, the optimal approaches to prevent these complications are still controversial . This situation probably reflects and stresses the numerous factors which predispose to these opportunistic fungal infections . Therefore, the effective prophylaxis of candidiasis and aspergillosis should result from the use of basic and specific approaches . General and simple measures including well trained personnel (physicians, nurses but also individuals in charge of the housekeeping, etc.), careful patient teaching of personal hygiene and control of the food intake (limited to cooked food diet), will reduce the acquisition of potential fungal pathogens . Moreover, the isolation in a laminar air flow room seems to be the optimal specific technique to prevent the colonization as well as the development of pulmonary aspergillosis . The meticulous evaluation of the respiratory sinus status as well as surveillance cultures obtained from the nose have been shown to be helpful to predict patients at high risks . Until now, there is no systemic chemoprophylaxis available to decrease the incidence of invasive aspergillosis . However, the topical application of antifungal agent using nasal spray or aerosols should be further investigated . Exogenous candidiasis such as catheter or TPN products related yeast infections can be avoided by aseptic manipulations . Endogenous candidiasis, resulting from the dissemination of the yeasts from the gastro-intestinal tract (which represents the major reservoir), are still much more difficult to prevent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1983, 28(3), 149 - 56 Aspartate kinase and homoserine dehydrogenase of Candida utilis; Benitez JA et al.; Aspartate kinase and homoserine dehydrogenase activity were assayed in a dialyzed cell-free extract of Candida utilis . Aspartate kinase was partly inhibited by ATP-Mg and by Mg2+ alone . There appear to be two isoenzymes of aspartate kinase in the yeast, one heat-labile, the other relatively heat-stable . The first is subject to feedback inhibition by threonine, the other is threonine-resistant . Neither aspartate kinase nor homoserine dehydrogenase is the rate-limiting enzyme in methionine biosynthesis . Homoserine dehydrogenase measured in the forward direction showed an activity five times higher than aspartate kinase . No regulatory interaction could be demonstrated for this enzyme . No repression of aspartate kinase and homoserine dehydrogenase synthesis by threonine, methionine or both amino acids was observed. J Nutr, 1983 Jan, 113(1), 196 - 204 Bioavailability to rats of selenium in various tuna and wheat products; Alexander AR et al.; Bioavailability of selenium (Se) in tuna and wheat at various stages of processing was studied in rats . The protein source of the rat diets was torula yeast with Se supplied by either raw, precooked or canned tuna, or whole wheat flour, whole wheat bread or bran . Sodium selenite was used as the standard . Each Se source was fed at three levels: 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 ppm . By using increase in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in liver, kidney and whole blood as an indicator of bioavailability, no differences were found among the three tuna products or among the three wheat products tested . However, significantly lower GSH-Px activity was found in the combined tuna groups as compared to the combined wheat groups, suggesting that selenium in wheat was more available than that in tuna . There was a significant increase in the liver Se content of rats fed all levels of Se in canned tuna and in kidney, blood and muscle Se of rats fed 0.10 and 0.15 ppm Se in canned tuna in comparison to the tissue Se content in rats fed these same levels of Se in raw or precooked tuna . Since this did not correspond with an increase in GSH-Px activity it was concluded that it did not represent increased bioavailability of canned tuna . Thus, food processing does not appear to affect Se availability, but Se appears to be more available in wheat than tuna. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol, 1983 Jan-Feb, 10(1), 45 - 52 Is Fleming's lysozyme an analgesic agent? Experiments on mice; Bianchi C; 1 . Antinociceptive activity of hen egg white lysozyme (Fleming's lysozyme) was determined against abdominal contractions provoked by irritants injected intraperitoneally into mice . Carrageenan (2 mg) (CA) injected with arachidonic acid (15 micrograms) (AA) or prostaglandins PGE1 or PGF2 alpha (0.04 ng), brewer's yeast (10 mg), caolin (10 mg), mepartricin (80 U) and phenylquinone (50 micrograms) were used as irritants . 2 . Lysozyme was active at 400-800 mg/kg i.v . against CA + AA, CA + PG, brewer's yeast and caolin nociceptive stimulation . The compound was more effective against CA + AA than against CA + PG . Acetylsalicylic acid at 50-100-200 mg/kg p.o . was equally active against CA + AA and CA + PG . 3 . Lysozyme was inactive in the tail pinch and hot plate tests that mainly detect central analgesics . 4 . The results are discussed in relation to the claim advanced years ago that lysozyme is an effective analgesic agent in humans . The compound was found active against herpes zoster or cancer pain but did not find use despite the favourable reports presented . 5 . The experimental results obtained on laboratory animals do not contradict the conclusions drawn after the clinical use of the compound. DNA, 1983, 2(4), 329 - 35 A method for isolation of intact, translationally active ribonucleic acid; Cathala G et al.; A method for isolation of large, translationally active RNA species is presented . The procedure involves homogenization of cells or tissues in 5 M guanidine monothiocyanate followed by direct precipitation of RNA from the guanidinium by 4 M LiCl . Modifications are described for use with tissue culture cells, yeast, tissues, or isolated nuclei . The advantages of the procedure include speed, simplicity, avoidance of an ultracentrifugation, and its applicability to large numbers of small samples . The procedure yields large mRNA precursors up to 10 kb and mRNA species which translate very well . However, small (less than 300 nucleotides) RNA species are recovered with a poor yield. Acta Derm Venereol, 1983, 63(5), 436 - 8 Onychomycosis in patients with psoriasis; Staberg B et al.; The frequency and type of fungal infections of the finger- and toenails was studied prospectively by direct microscopic and culture examinations in dermatological out-patients without psoriasis (n = 41), in patients with psoriasis but no nail involvement (n = 39), and in patients with both psoriasis and nail involvement (n = 39) . In these three matched groups the frequencies of dermatophytic nail infections were 10%, 13%, and 13%, respectively, and the frequencies of yeast infections 10%, 10%, and 15%, respectively . These figures were not significantly different . It is concluded that dermatophytic invasion of involved psoriatic nails is not so rare as previously supposed . However, yeast infections are possibly more frequent in involved psoriatic nails as compared with uninvolved and normal nails. Acta Derm Venereol, 1983, 63(4), 346 - 8 Quantitative variations in distribution of Pityrosporum orbiculare on clinically normal skin; Faergemann J et al.; The lipophilic yeast Pityrosporum orbiculare has been cultured quantitatively, in 10 volunteers, from clinically normal skin on the chest, back, upper arm, lower leg, and dorsal aspect of the hand . The highest count was on the back (mean 333/cm2) and chest (mean 327/cm2) . This was statistically significant higher than on the upper arm (mean 21/cm2), lower leg (mean 13/cm2), and dorsal aspect of the hand (mean 2/cm2) . The variations in number of P . orbiculare parallels both regional variations in sebum excretion and the distribution of tinea versicolor lesions. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1982 Dec 22, 693(2), 341 - 50 Effect of phosphatidylinositol replacement by diacylglycerol on various physical properties of artificial membranes with respect to the role of phosphatidylinositol response; Ohki K et al.; In an attempt to gain insight into the physiological role of phosphatidylinositol turnover enhanced by extracellular stimuli, the physical properties of artificial membranes (egg yolk phosphatidylcholine/bovine brain phosphatidylserine) containing phosphatidylinositol or diacylglycerol were studied by ESR using spin probes and freeze-fracture electron microscopy . Diacylglycerol lost both the ability to form lipid bilayer structures and its susceptibility to calcium ions . Yeast phosphatidylinositol included in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes lowered the phase transition temperature of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and expanded the temperature range of phase transition . However, diacylglycerol at the same concentration did not undergo the effects caused by phosphatidylinositol but the phase transition temperature was slightly raised . Phase separation of phosphatidylserine induced by calcium ions was enhanced when the phosphatidylinositol was replaced by diacylglycerol in phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylinositol (3:5:2, by molar ratio) mixtures . The mobility of phosphatidylcholine spin probe was decreased in phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylserine/diacylglycerol (3:5:2, by molar ratio) liposomes compared with phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylinositol (3:5:2, by molar ratio) liposomes . An additional component from protonated stearic acid spin probes was observed in phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylinositol (8:2, by molar ratio) liposomes at 40 degrees C, whereas the component was not seen in phosphatidylcholine/diacylglycerol (8:2, by molar ratio) liposomes . This may indicate the alteration of surface charge induced by the replacement of phosphatidylinositol by diacylglycerol . Indeed, in the presence of 1 mM Ca2+, the additional component was removed by an electrostatic interaction between Ca2+ and phosphatidylinositol molecules in phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylinositol liposomes at 40 degrees C . These results support the hypothesis that the enhanced turnover of phosphatidylinositol may play a triggering role for various cellular responses to exogenous stimuli by altering membrane physical states. J Biol Chem, 1982 Dec 10, 257(23), 14395 - 404 Compartmentation of mitochondrial creatine phosphokinase . I . Direct demonstration of compartmentation with the use of labeled precursors; Erickson-Viitanen S et al.; Mitochondrial creatine kinase was first proposed to act as a functional component in respiratory control in 1966 (Bessman, S . P., and Fonyo, A . (1966) Biochem . Biophys . Res . Commun . 22, 597-602) . Since that time, evidence has accumulated to support the theory of a creatine-phosphorylcreatine shuttle mechanism involved in supplying energy for aerobic muscle contraction (Bessman, S . P., and Geiger, P . J . (1981) Science 211, 448-452) . To demonstrate directly the interaction between mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and that of creatine phosphate synthesis, we have studied the labeling of adenine nucleotides and creatine phosphate with {33P}H3PO4 or {gamma-32P}ATP over a range of adenine nucleotide concentrations incubated with rabbit cardiac and rat skeletal muscle mitochondria . An apparent direct mitochondrial ATP contribution to creatine phosphate synthesis was observed that varied inversely with the total adenine nucleotide present in the reaction system . This reaction of de novo synthesized ATP with creatine phosphokinase prior to equilibration with the total ATP pool was observed regardless of the entry point of electrons from oxidizable substrate into the electron transport chain . This special relation was not observed for added yeast hexokinase in forming glucose 6-phosphate . Mitochondria could not synthesize creatine phosphate in the presence of atractyloside, thus underscoring the requirement for adenine nucleotide translocase-linked transport of ATP prior to reaction with the bound creatine phosphokinase . These studies show that there is coupling or compartmentation of ATP synthesis and transport with creatine phosphate formation in heart and skeletal muscle mitochondria. J Biol Chem, 1982 Dec 10, 257(23), 14384 - 9 Isolation and characterization of a single-stranded specific endoribonuclease from Ehrlich cell nucleoli; Eichler DC et al.; An endoribonuclease which cleaves only single-stranded RNA has been purified from nucleoli of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells . The molecular weight of the ribonuclease is 50,000 to 52,000 as estimated from sedimentation in glycerol density gradients and by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 . The endoribonuclease requires Mg2+ or Mn2+ (0.2 mM) for optimum activity . Monovalent cations including K+, Na+, and NH+4 are inhibitory . The ribonuclease gave an apparent Km for single-stranded RNA of 30 microM . Using ribohomopolymers, we found that the enzyme could digest single-stranded, poly(C), poly(U), and poly(A) equally well, but would not degrade duplex poly(C) . poly(I) or poly(A) . poly(U) . The lack of base specificity was further demonstrated using RNA sequence analysis of partial digest products of yeast 5.8 S RNA . The ribonuclease activity is sensitive to EDTA and N-ethylmaleimide, but is not inhibited by human placental RNase inhibitor . The enzyme makes endonucleolytic cleavages which generate 5'-phosphate-terminated oligonucleotides. J Clin Lab Immunol, 1982 Dec, 9(3), 193 - 8 Influence of Bestatin, a new immunomodulator, on various functions of human monocytes; Jarstrand C et al.; Bestatin, which is a chemically well-defined immunomodulator, was examined for its possible influence on various monocyte functions . It was observed that pretreatment of separated human blood monocytes with Bestatin did not change their chemotactic or random migration . In addition, the capacity of monocytes to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium or to inhibit growth of Chang cells was unchanged by Bestatin . Phagocytosis of yeast particles, however, was increased by pretreatment of monocytes with Bestatin in vitro and it was observed that oral administration of Bestatin to cancer patients augmented the phagocytic activity of blood monocytes in vitro. Agents Actions, 1982 Dec, 12(5-6), 684 - 90 The analgesic and anti-inflammatory profile of (+/-)-5-benzoyl-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrrolo{1,2a}pyrrole-1-carboxylic acid (RS-37619); Rooks WH 2nd et al.; RS-37619 showed highly potent analgesic activity when given p.o . in tests utilizing underlying inflammation . It inhibited phenylquinone-induced writhing in the mouse and rat (350 and 180 x aspirin respectively) and the pain induced by flexing the adjuvant-inflamed rat paw (approximately 800 x aspirin) . The agent increased the pain threshold of compressed yeast-inflamed rat paws (3-10 x naproxen) . RS-37619 did not increase the pain threshold of the non-inflamed paw and was inactive in the mouse hot plate test; therefore it is probably not a centrally acting or morphine-like agent . RS-37619 was also highly active p.o . in rat models of acute and chronic inflammation . It inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema (36 x phenylbutazone), cotton pellet-induced granuloma (less than or equal to 1 x indomethacin) and in an 18-day test, prevented the development of adjuvant-induced arthritis (approximately 2 x naproxen) . RS-37619 exhibited antiphlogistic activity in adrenalectomized rats . It did not have corticosteroid activity . When given p.o., RS-37619 lowered yeast-induced pyrexia (20 x aspirin) . Gastrointestinal irritation was seen in the rat with doses greater than or equal to 6.4 mg/kg/day p.o . The agent elicited mild CNS and cardiovascular activity only at doses far in excess of those required for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. Cancer Res, 1982 Dec, 42(12), 4954 - 8 Effect of short-term feeding of sodium selenite on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary carcinogenesis in the rat; Thompson HJ et al.; The inhibitory activity of short-term feeding of one of four concentrations of dietary selenium against the induction of mammary gland carcinomas by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) was studied in female Sprague-Dawley rats . When 28 days old, the animals were placed on a Torula yeast diet formulation which contained, by analysis, either 0.05, 0.15, 1.05, or 2.06 microgram of selenium, as sodium selenite, per g of diet . Mammary cancer was induced by a single p.o . administration of either 7.5 or 15.0 mg DMBA at 50 days of age . The animals were maintained on the above diets until 14 days after carcinogen treatment at which time all animals were transferred to a chow diet containing 0.21 microgram of selenium per g of diet . The study was terminated 120 days after DMBA administration . The concentrations of selenium in the liver and mammary tissue measured at the time of DMBA treatment increased with increasing levels of dietary selenium (p less than 0.05) . At the low dose of DMBA, there was a trend towards reduction in the number of cancers with increased amounts of selenium, but the only significant difference occurred between groups fed the next to lowest and the highest level of selenium . At the high dose of DMBA, the number of observed cancers showed a strong dose effect (p less than 0.05) . In addition, tumor load was significantly reduced in selenium-supplemented rats (p less than 0.05), and there was a significant delay (p less than 0.05) in the time to appearance of the cancers of animals receiving the highest level of selenium when compared with those receiving the lowest level . The dietary concentrations of selenium shown to inhibit the early stage(s) of cancer induction in this system were both significantly lower and fed for a shorter time interval than that which was previously reported. Gene, 1982 Dec, 20(2), 177 - 85 Nucleotide sequence and evolution of the rat mitochondrial cytochrome b gene containing the ochre termination codon; Koike K et al.; The nucleotide sequences of the genes for cytochrome b and three potential transfer RNAs (tRNAPro, tRNAThr and tRNAGlu) in cloned rat mitochondrial DNA were determined . The derived amino acid sequence of the cytochrome b protein from the light strand indicated that the C-terminal amino acid is asparagine and the ochre termination codon is encoded in the DNA, in contrast to the the lack of termination codon in the reading frame of human {Anderson et al., Nature 290 (1981) 457} or mouse {Bibb et al., Cell 26 (1981) 167} mitochondrial DNA . The first ATG codon of the cytochrome b gene was spaced five nucleotides from the 5'-end of the tRNAGlu gene on the heavy strand . There was a single nucleotide spacing between the termination codon of the cytochrome b gene and the 5' end of the tRNAThr gene in the light strand . There was also a single nucleotide spacing between the 3'-end of the tRNAThr gene and the 3'-end of the tRNAPro gene on the heavy strand . The amino acid and nucleotide sequences of the cytochrome b genes of mammals and yeast {Nobrega and Tzagoloff, J . Biol . Chem . 255 (1980) 9828} were compared to reveal structural differences in two very different species . At the same time, amino acid substitutions in particular regions of the mammalian gene corresponding to the exon-intron boundaries in the yeast gene were noted . These genetic features are discussed in relation to the extreme compression of genetic information in the mammalian mitochondrial genome as related to the evolution of the gene organization and its sequence. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1982 Dec, 79(23), 7356 - 60 A DNA-mediated transformation system for Dictyostelium discoideum; Hirth KP et al.; We have established a transformation system for Dictyostelium discoideum . The transformation vector contains the protein coding region of the Tn5 neomycin resistance gene fused to the proposed promoter of the Dictyostelium actin 8 gene; the vector also contains a sequence that acts as an autonomously replicating sequence (ars) in yeast . Using this vector, we can transform Dictyostelium vegetative amoebae to be resistant to aminoglycoside G418 at a frequency of between 10(-6) and 10(-4) of the input cells . The transformed cell lines are stable and contain vector sequences integrated within chromosomal DNA. Nucleic Acids Res, 1982 Nov 25, 10(22), 7145 - 52 In vitro suppression of a nonsense mutant of Drosophila melanogaster; Kubli E et al.; When RNA isolated from the Drosophila melanogaster alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) negative mutant CyOnB was translated "in vitro" in the presence of yeast opal suppressor tRNA, a wild type size ADH protein was obtained in addition to the mutant gene product . This identifies the CyOnB mutant as an opal (UGA) nonsense mutant . From the molecular weight of the mutant protein, and from the known sequence of the ADH gene (Benyajati et al., Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci . USA 78, 2717-2721, 1981), we conclude that the tryptophan codon UGG in position 234 has been changed into a UGA nonsense codon in the CyOnB mutant . Furthermore, we show that the UAA stop codon of the wild type ADH gene is resistant to suppression by a yeast ochre suppressor tRNA . This is in contrast to the high efficiency of suppression of the CyOnB UGA nonsense codon, despite an almost identical codon context. Eur J Biochem, 1982 Nov 15, 128(2-3), 597 - 604 Increase of fidelity of polypeptide synthesis by spermidine in eukaryotic cell-free systems; Igarashi K et al.; The mechanism of spermidine-induced increase of fidelity of polypeptide synthesis in a wheat germ cell-free system has been studied . It was found that the increase of fidelity in the presence of spermidine occurred mainly at the level of binding of aminoacyl-tRNA to ribosomes, that reduction of misreading was more marked at the 5'-base than at the 3'-base of the codon and that misreading caused by paromomycin and kanamycin C was not significantly decreased by spermidine . It was deduced from these results that spermidine inhibited low-frequency misreading more strongly than high-frequency misreading . In addition, spermidine was found to stimulate the rejection of non-cognate aminoacyl-tRNA mainly at an initial discrimination step during the binding of amino-acyl-tRNA to ribosomes, and slightly at a subsequent GTP-dependent discrimination step, the so-called proofreading step . In yeast, rabbit reticulocyte, and Artemia salina cell-free systems, spermidine was found to increase the fidelity of protein synthesis. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper, 1982 Nov 15, 58(21), 1413 - 8 {Regulation of the functions of human leukocytes by oxametacine}; Marangoni C et al.; Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as oxametacine, are generally used in treatment of rheumatoid disease . In an 'in vitro' experimental model, the drug efficacy was tested on leukocyte functions . Locomotion, both random and directional, phagocytic activity and superoxide production of normal and rheumatoid PMNL were tested in the presence of varying concentrations of oxometacine . Locomotion was evaluated by using modified Boyden chambers; phagocytosis was tested by number of yeast particles injested and by NBT reduction; superoxide production was assayed by reduction of ferricytochrome C . In our conditions the drug exhibited a strong anti-inflammatory effect . In fact, chemotaxis and anion production were specifically depressed in a dose-dependent way. Eur J Biochem, 1982 Nov 15, 128(2-3), 533 - 42 Transient kinetics of the one-electron transfer reaction between reduced flavocytochrome b2 and oxidized cytochrome c . Evidence for the existence of a protein complex in the reaction; Capeillere-Blandin C; The one-electron transfer reaction from reduced flavocytochrome b2 (fully reduced by three electron equivalents) to ferricytochrome c, both purified from the yeast Hansenula anomala, has been studied using stopped-flow spectrophotometry in the course of a single turnover, for reactants initially mixed in a heme molar ratio equal to one . The cytochrome c reduction proceeded to completion through an apparently first-order process . Depending on the experimental conditions (concentrations and or ionic strength), the reduction is of second-order or first-order character . To interpret these kinetic results computer simulation studies have been performed based on a kinetic scheme involving, besides the formation of a complex before the electron transfer step, intramolecular electron transfer steps within flavocytochrome b2 to maintain the concentration of the specific electron donor center, the reduced cytochrome b2 . As far as the cytochrome c reduction rate constant, ka, and its variations were concerned the simulated data showed that this complicated scheme could approximate a mechanism which is by far the simplest, involving only the two former steps . Such a scheme accounts firstly for the hyperbolic dependence of the rate of reduction of cytochrome c, ka, upon reductant concentrations which had provided clear evidence for the kinetic existence of a complex in the reaction pathway . At 5 degrees C the rate constant for the electron transfer is 380 s-1 with an activation energy of 13.8kJ mol-1 (3.3 kcal mol-1) . Secondly it predicts the observed variations of ka with ionic strength and provides estimates of the rate constants of the binding step. Eur J Immunol, 1982 Nov, 12(11), 985 - 8 Large granular lymphocytes: morphological studies; Huhn D et al.; Large granular lymphocytes from normal human blood were enriched by centrifugation on discontinuous Percoll density gradients . Their capacity for natural killing, but not for phagocytosis of yeast cells, was demonstrated . Large granular lymphocytes are characterized in electron microscopy by their fine structure, especially by typical granules and by inclusions of tubular structures in a parallel array . Their lymphocyte nature is supported by activity of acid-alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase and by the absence of myelo-peroxidase (POX) and of macrophage POX . The Fc gamma receptor of their cell membrane is marked by soluble POX-anti-POX-complexes; labeled parts of their membrane are not incorporated into the cytoplasm as in monocytes. FEBS Lett, 1982 Nov 1, 148(1), 95 - 7 The mode of action of the antitumor drug bouvardin, an inhibitor of protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells; Zalacain M et al.; Bouvardin is an antitumor drug that inhibits protein synthesis in intact eukaryotic cells and cell-free systems . Our present studies have shown that bouvardin acts at the level of the 80 S ribosome in a site somehow involved with the interaction of EF1 and EF2 . Indeed bouvardin inhibits EF1-dependent binding of aminoacyl-tRNA and EF2-dependent translocation of peptidyl-tRNA but does not affect the nonenzymic translocation since this reaction does not require EF2 . The site of the 80 S ribosome involved in the interaction with bouvardin appears to be independent from the cycloheximide and the cryptopleurine binding sites since yeast mutants resistant to cycloheximide or cryptopleurine are sensitive to bouvardin. Ann Intern Med, 1982 Nov, 97(5), 680 - 5 The diagnostic laboratory tests for histoplasmosis: analysis of experience in a large urban outbreak; Wheat J et al.; Of 495 patients reported in a large urban histoplasmosis outbreak, we studied 276 whose serologic tests were done in a single laboratory . Serologic test results were positive in 96% of these patients (compared with less than 5% of controls from an endemic area), cultures were positive in 22%, and special stains in 19% . The immunodiffusion test results were negative in 13% of patients who had positive findings by complement fixation, and 1% had positive results only by immunodiffusion . The complement fixation test was almost twice as sensitive as the immunodiffusion test in patients with subclinical infection . The serologic response differed significantly among the clinical syndromes with higher titers in cavitary and lower titers in disseminated disease . Factors associated with titers of 1:64 or greater to both antigens were black race and immunocompetence . High mycelial titers were also associated with more intense exposure, and high yeast titers were associated with age less than 36 years . No prognostic significance could be proved for fourfold titer rises or falls or persistence of precipitins. Int Ophthalmol, 1982 Nov, 5(3), 163 - 7 Ketoconazole: a new imidazole antifungal agent has both prophylactic potential and therapeutic efficacy in keratomycosis of rabbits; Oji EO; A highly reproducible quantitative model of fungal infection of the rabbit's corneal stromal was produced using multiple corneal microtrephination . Aspergillus flavus (K4/77), at a concentration of 10(6) spores per ml was systematically implanted into the trephine sites in the cornea, and the degree of corneal infection determined . By pre-inoculation and post-inoculation challenge of these cornea with 1% ketoconazole in arachis oil, the prophylactic potential and the therapeutic usefulness of ketoconazole was determined . Ketoconazole, acetyl-dichlorophenyl-imidazole, has a significant prophylactic potential in inhibiting the development of corneal stromal fungal lesions when it is administered to the cornea of New Zealand white male rabbits as a 1% solution in arachis oil for two consecutive times hourly for two hours before the inoculation of the rabbits cornea with an ocular pathogenic Aspergillus flavus . Ketoconazole also has a therapeutic effect in the reduction of well established A . flavus keratitis in rabbits . When administered as 1% solution in arachis oil for ten consecutive hours daily to well established A . flavus lesions of the cornea of New Zealand albino rabbits, ketoconazole took about sixteen days to cure all the corneal lesions . Finally, using a yeast nitrogen base liquid medium, the in vitro minimal inhibitory concentrations of ketoconazole to twenty-five various human ocular pathogenic fungal isolates were determined and used to recommend those fungi for which ketoconazole would be a good choice for therapy. Cell, 1982 Oct, 30(3), 687 - 96 A major developmental transition in early Xenopus embryos: II . Control of the onset of transcription; Newport J et al.; We have shown in the accompanying paper that a developmental transition occurs at the midblastula stage (cleavage 12) in Xenopus embryos, and that this midblastula transition (MBT) is apparently initiated when the ratio of nucleus to cytoplasm reaches a critical value . One manifestation of this transition is the onset of transcription . We show here that a plasmid containing a cloned gene coding for a yeast leucine tRNA comes under developmental control when injected into cleaving eggs . In pre-MBT eggs this plasmid is transiently transcribed and then becomes inactive; however, it becomes transcriptionally active again at the MBT . This pre-MBT suppression of transcription can be reversed by addition of competing DNA . The amount of DNA needed to induce premature transcription is equal to the amount of nuclear DNA present after 12 cleavages (24 ng), suggesting that the MBT is triggered by the DNA through titration of suppressor components present in the egg. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1982 Oct, 79(20), 6332 - 6 Internal structure of a mitochondrial intron of Aspergillus nidulans; Waring RB et al.; The intron of the mitochondrial apocytochrome b gene, cobA, of Aspergillus nidulans has been subjected to sequence analysis . It contains an open reading frame of 957 base pairs contiguous with the preceding exon . Regions of the translated open reading frames of cobA and the third intron of the cob gene in yeast show high amino acid homology . Comparison of the cobA intron with this and other yeast introns indicates that cobA codes for a maturase protein that splices out the intron encoding it and possibly other mitochondrial introns . Two very similar decamer peptides are found in the protein sequences of the cobA intron, four mitochondrial yeast introns, and the yeast mitochondrial sequence reading frame 1 (RF-1) and may be diagnostic of one class of maturase-coding introns . Four short DNA sequences, two of which are in the region defined by box9 and box2 mutations in the cob gene of yeast, are conserved in cobA and certain yeast introns . Comparison with three yeast introns strongly suggests that the first 200 base pairs of the open reading frame of the cobA intron do not code for any amino acids present in the putative maturase protein but are required for splicing or the control of splicing, or both. J Inorg Biochem, 1982 Oct, 17(2), 95 - 107 Formation of hydroxyl radicals from the paraquat radical cation, demonstrated by a highly specific gas chromatographic technique . the role of superoxide radical anion, hydrogen peroxide, and glutathione reductase; Richmond R et al.; Yeast glutathione reductase catalyzes an NADPH-dependent reduction of the herbicide paraquat in vitro . The single-electron reduced paraquat radical reacts with O2 to generate the superoxide radical, O2.- . Hydroxyl radicals (OH.) can also be detected in this assay system by their reaction with phenol to form diphenols, as assayed quantitatively by a highly specific and sensitive method employing gas-liquid chromatography . Formation of hydroxyl radicals can be virtually completely suppressed by catalase and partially suppressed by superoxide dismutase . The role of hydroxyl radicals and superoxide in paraquat toxicity in vivo is discussed. Nucleic Acids Res, 1982 Sep 11, 10(17), 5273 - 83 Sequence and secondary structure of mouse 28S rRNA 5'terminal domain . Organisation of the 5.8S-28S rRNA complex; Michot B et al.; We present the sequence of the 5' terminal 585 nucleotides of mouse 28S rRNA as inferred from the DNA sequence of a cloned gene fragment . The comparison of mouse 28S rRNA sequence with its yeast homolog, the only known complete sequence of eukaryotic nucleus-encoded large rRNA (see ref . 1, 2) reveals the strong conservation of two large stretches which are interspersed with completely divergent sequences . These two blocks of homology span the two segments which have been recently proposed to participate directly in the 5.8S-large rRNA complex in yeast (see ref . 1) through base-pairing with both termini of 5.8S rRNA . The validity of the proposed structural model for 5.8S-28S rRNA complex in eukaryotes is strongly supported by comparative analysis of mouse and yeast sequences: despite a number of mutations in 28S and 5.8S rRNA sequences in interacting regions, the secondary structure that can be proposed for mouse complex is perfectly identical with yeast's, with all the 41 base-pairings between the two molecules maintained through 11 pairs of compensatory base changes . The other regions of the mouse 28S rRNA 5'terminal domain, which have extensively diverged in primary sequence, can nevertheless be folded in a secondary structure pattern highly reminiscent of their yeast' homolog . A minor revision is proposed for mouse 5.8S rRNA sequence. Am J Clin Pathol, 1982 Sep, 78(3), 406 - 10 Granulomatous Torulopsis glabrata cholecystitis in a diabetic; Warren GH et al.; A 53-year-old man who was a healthy, diet-controlled adult-onset diabetic underwent elective cholecystectomy eight weeks after an episode of acute cholecystitis . The gallbladder showed granulomatous inflammation and a single, mixed gallstone . Torulopsis glabrata was isolated from bile . This yeast of low pathogenicity is usually of clinical significance only in patients with serious associated illness . The patient remains well, and no reservoir for the organism has been identified in him . This is the first report of this organism causing cholecystitis confirmed by both culture and histologic examination . Supporting one report and conflicting with several others, the inflammatory reaction of T . glabrata may be granulomatous. J Pathol, 1982 Sep, 138(1), 1 - 16 Small-scale isolation and characterisation of human peripheral blood monocytes; Wynne KM et al.; A technique is described for the isolation and characterisation of monocytes from 15 ml of human peripheral blood . After density gradient centrifugation over Ficoll-Hypaque, monocytes are purified further by substrate adherence under carefully defined conditions . The use of a simple microwell slide system permits the production of multiple small-scale monolayer populations which can be characterised further in terms of their histochemical reactivity (combined stain for chloroacetate and non-specific esterases); endocytic capacity (latex particles); Fc (sensitised ox erythrocytes) and C3 (serum-coated yeast) receptor expression; and precursor maturation potential (7-day cultures) . Evidence of considerable cellular heterogeneity is presented. Vet Immunol Immunopathol, 1982 Sep, 3(5), 515 - 27 A study of cells in the mammary secretions of sows; Evans PA et al.; The morphology and some of the in vitro functional properties of the cells in the mammary secretions of sows have been examined . A mean cell yield of 1 x 10(7) cells/ml was obtained from sow colostrum but during the first week post-partum the yield decreased approximately 10 fold . The polymorphonuclear leucocyte was the predominant cell type in colostrum and milk and was associated with varying proportions of lymphocytes, macrophages and epithelial cells . The phagocytes of sow milk ingested heat-killed yeast, although the phagocytic index for milk macrophages was low compared with autologous neutrophils and alveolar macrophages . Milk whey provided an effective opsonising medium for yeast ingestion . Intra-mammary immunisation of sows with ovalbumin induced antigen-reactive lymphocytes in both peripheral blood and milk. Klin Padiatr, 1982 Sep-Oct, 194(5), 303 - 5 Selenium supplementation: plasma glutathione peroxidase an indicator of selenium intake; Lombeck I et al.; Plasma glutathione peroxidase activity is markedly reduced in dietetically treated patients with PKU or MSUD in comparison to health children of the same age . This is due to the low selenium content of their diet . During supplementation with yeast rich in selenium (200 micrograms selenium per day) for 3 months 2 healthy adults did not show any significant change of their plasma GSHPx activity . 5 dietetically treated patients with PKU or MSUD and a reduced selenium state showed a rapid increase of the plasma GSHPx activity after selenium supplementation were started with 120 micrograms Se/m2 x d . The values doubled within the first two days and reached a plateau after 1--3 weeks . The patients showed no clinical anomalities before or during the selenium supplementation besides the inherited defect of amino acid metabolism . Plasma GSHPx activity seems to be a good indicator of short-term changes of selenium intake in patients with reduced selenium state. J Surg Oncol, 1982 Sep, 21(1), 65 - 9 Effects of diethylstilbestrol diphosphate on serum and tissue ribonuclease levels in prostatic carcinoma; Erkan I et al.; Thirty-six patients with prostatic carcinoma and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were studied . Transurethral resection (TUR) was performed in all, and serum and tissue ribonuclease (RNase) levels were determined with the spectrophotometric method using yeast RNA as the substrate . In patients with untreated prostatic carcinoma, statistically significant increased RNase levels were found in serum and tissue . Treatment with diethylstilbestrol diphosphate (DESDP) led to a decrease in RNase levels . In the same patients RNase serum levels after DESDP treatments also showed a parallel decrease with serum prostatic acid phosphatase (sPAP) levels . We have concluded that the serum RNase measurement may be useful for TNM classification and immunostaging. J Nutr, 1982 Sep, 112(9), 1682 - 7 Selenium in the testis of the rat: studies on its regulation and its importance for the organism; Behne D et al.; In male rats, fed for 10 weeks on a Torula yeast-based, low selenium and low vitamin E diet, the selenium level and the glutathione peroxidase activity in the blood and in several tissues decreased by 50 to 98% compared with animals that received the same basal diet supplemented with 0.25 mg Se/kg sodium selenite . In the testes, however, the selenium content did not differ from that of the control animals . Despite the low selenium levels in the extragonadal tissues and their increased requirement of this element due to the low vitamin E status, the selenium from an intravenously injected dose of sodium selenite was retained above all in the testes . After the removal of the pituitary gland, because of the decrease in the testicular mass and in the selenium content in the remaining testicular tissue, the amount of selenium in the testes was greatly reduced . After administration of pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMS), due to the regeneration of the tissue and the simultaneous restoration of the selenium content, a relatively large amount of this element was shifted to the testes even though the selenium status in the other tissues was low . The results of these studies show that the selenium level in the male gonads is maintained by regulation mechanisms and that the supply of sufficient amounts of selenium to the testes has priority over the supply to other tissues. Med Trop (Mars), 1982 Sep-Oct, 42(5), 557 - 9 {Disseminated form of histoplasmosis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum in a Zairian child}; Lamey B et al.; American histoplasmosis, characterized by its small parasitological forms, is a visceral mycosis which though rare, has already been reported in Zaire . A new case, in a girl of 4 years is reported with bad general condition, fever and general reaction of the reticulo-endothelial system . The microscopic aspects of the yeast are given . A treatment with ketoconazole proved rapidly effective and the patient had apparently recovered when she died of measles which have in Africa and specially in fragile patients a particular severity. Infect Immun, 1982 Sep, 37(3), 940 - 5 Immunoregulation in disseminated histoplasmosis: characterization of the surface phenotype of splenic suppressor T lymphocytes; Watson SR et al.; C57BL/6 and C3H/HeJ mice were infected intravenously with 6 X 10(5) yeast-phase Histoplasma capsulatum organisms . After 1 week, splenocytes from both mouse strains showed diminished antibody responses to sheep erythrocytes in vitro; these cells also were able to suppress the response of normal syngeneic cells . Passage of splenocytes from infected mice through a nylon wool column yielded a population enriched for T cells that exerted suppressor activity, although to a smaller extent than did unfractionated cells . Treatment of the T-cell-enriched population from both strains of mice with either anti-Thy 1.2 or anti-Ly 2 and complement resulted in a loss of this immunosuppressive ability . In addition, anti-I-Jk antiserum was effective in ablating the suppressive effect of C3H/HeJ nylon wool-passed spleen cells . The conclusion drawn from these experiments is that the T cells from H . capsulatum-infected animals which are capable of modulating the in vitro plaque-forming cell response to sheep erythrocytes bear Ly 2 and I-J determinants on their surfaces. Nature, 1982 Aug 26, 298(5877), 857 - 9 Nucleotide sequence of the rat skeletal muscle actin gene; Zakut R et al.; The actins constitute a family of highly conserved proteins found in all eukaryotic cells . Their conservation through a very wide range of taxonomic groups and the existence of tissue-specific isoforms make the actin genes very interesting for the study of the evolution of genes and their controlling elements . On the basis of amino acid sequence data, at least six different mammalian actins have been identified (skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, two smooth muscle actins and the cytoplasmic beta- and gamma-actins) . Rat spleen DNA digested by the EcoRI restriction enzyme contains at least 12 different fragments with actin-like sequences but only one which hybridized, in very stringent conditions, with the skeletal muscle cloned cDNA probe . Here we describe the sequence of the actin gene in that fragment . The nucleotide sequence codes for two amino acids, Met-Cys, preceding the known N-terminal Asp of the mature protein . There are five small introns in the coding region and a large intron in the 5'-untranslated region . Comparison of the structure of the rat skeletal muscle actin gene with available data on actin genes from other organisms shows that while the sequenced actin genes from Drosophila and yeast have introns at different locations, introns located at codons specifying amino acids 41, 121, 204 and 267 have been preserved at least from the echinoderm to the vertebrates . A similar analysis has been done by Davidson . An intron at codon 150 is common to a plant actin gene and the skeletal muscle acting gene. Biochemistry, 1982 Aug 17, 21(17), 4180 - 8 Halibut muscle 3-phosphoglycerate kinase . Chemical and physical properties of the enzyme and its substrate complexes; Huskins KR et al.; An efficient procedure for the purification of 3-phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) from Pacific halibut muscle is described . The molecular weight (43500) and specific activity are similar to those of other species of PGK . The isoelectric point (greater than 9.5) is more than 1.4 pH units higher than that reported for mammalian muscle PGK . The reaction of the seven thiol groups with 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (Nbs2) is kinetically biphasic; reaction at a single fast-reacting thiol inactivates the enzyme . The binding of all substrates and products to PGK was observed by 31P NMR . 1,3-Diphosphoglycerate (1,3-P2G) is more tightly bound than is any of the other reaction components . Unlike 1,3-P2G in aqueous solution, the complex with PGK is protected from hydrolysis over a period of weeks . The 31P chemical shifts of this complex are insensitive to pH which suggests that solvent water is excluded from the substrate-bound cleft . As with yeast PGK, the equilibrium constant for the phosphoryl transfer reaction is near unity in the enzyme site environment in contrast to a value of approximately 10(3) (in favor of ATP) in aqueous solution . Since the ternary complex equilibrium 31P NMR spectrum can be accounted for entirely on the basis of the various binary complex spectra, there is no compelling evidence for the involvement of a stoichiometrically substantial phosphoenzyme intermediate. J Bacteriol, 1982 Aug, 151(2), 629 - 35 High-density lipoprotein that supports Ureaplasma urealyticum growth; Sayed IA et al.; A high-density lipoprotein with growth-promoting activity for Ureaplasma urealyticum was purified in high yield from equine serum by ammonium sulfate fractionation and molecular filtration . Fractions enriched in growth-promoting activity represented 5% of the total serum protein, and 30 micrograms of the purified protein per ml gave an activity equivalent to that from 100 micrograms of whole serum per ml . The serum was totally replaced by purified lipoprotein when tested in a soy peptone-yeast dialysate or when added to a chemically defined synthetic medium . Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that one major protein with growth-promoting activity is present . A total of 10 proteins were distinguished by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, with 75% of the total contributed by two proteins with molecular weights of 160,000 and 170,000 . A total of 90% of the lipoprotein was an alpha-protein with a mobility of 0.67 in two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis (albumin = 1.0) . The active component was further characterized as high-density lipoprotein by density ultracentrifugation . Two components with S = 6.4 and S = 15.8 were distinguished by velocity sedimentation . The lipid was removed from lipoprotein during its precipitation with acetone . The growth-promoting activity of delipidized protein was dependent upon the addition of exogenous cholesterol, and {14C}cholesterol was transferred to urea-plasmic cells in cultures containing the delipidized protein . A major portion of the {14C}cholesterol remained associated with the protein during filtration on Sepharose 4B columns. Biochem J, 1982 Aug 1, 205(2), 457 - 60 Secondary and tertiary structural foldings in tRNA . A diagonal plot analysis using the blocked nucleotide scheme; Malathi R et al.; A distance plot obtained using the blocked nucleotide concept, which regards the repeating nucleotide moieties to be made up of two blocks of nearly equal magnitude, has permitted us to visualize the polynucleotide backbone folding in yeast tRNAPhe . The plot clearly manifests medium- and long-range tertiary interactions involving various structural domains . Apart from the well known T psi-D loop interactions, other long-range interactions associated with the variable loop as well as the D loop are explicitly seen . Most importantly, the plot reveals an approximate two-fold symmetry in the molecule between the domains related to the tertiary interactions in addition to the symmetry between long helical domains . The different patterns on the plot are interpreted in terms of helix-helix, loop-helix and loop-loop interactions. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 1982 Aug, 13(5), 279 - 89 A new method of evaluating fetal lung maturity: the enzymatic lecithin determination in amniotic fluid; Diedrich K et al.; The concentration of phospholipids is well suited as indicator for the prognosis of a possibly postnatal respiratory distress syndrome . The method used most frequently up to now has been the determination of the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio (L/S ratio) by thin layer chromatography . We have developed a specific assay for the quantitative determination of lecithin in amniotic fluid, which yields absolute concentration values and does not require the determination of a concentration ratio . Lecithin is hydrolized by phospholipase C and alkaline phosphatase . Choline is determined afterwards by a highly specific choline kinase from yeast . The total time required is less than 2 h . The usual lecithin concentration present in the 35th to 38th wk of gestation can be determined with a coefficient of variation of 2-3% (n=30) . Fetal lung maturity can be expected at a lecithin concentration above 4.7-5.1 mg/100 ml . The method compares well with the L/S ratio . Detailed data about clinical significance will be presented . Good precision accuracy and simple handling make enzymatic lecithin determinations suitable for routine use. J Cell Physiol, 1982 Aug, 112(2), 217 - 21 Physicochemical and functional changes in human leukemic cell line HL-60; Stendahl O et al.; The recently established human promyelocytic cell line HL-60 was induced to differentiate in the present of DMSO . During this process, physicochemical, and functional changes were detected simultaneously . After exposure to DMSO for more than 1 day, the cell volume decreased and the tendency for hydrophobic interaction increased . Using a hydrophobic two-phase system in counter current distribution fashion, it was then possible to separate more mature metamyelocytes and segmented granulocytes from immature myeloblasts and promyelocytes . Increased functional maturity was reflected by increased chemiluminescence (CL) response and phagocytic activity . Using yeast particles opsonized with IgG as stimulating agent, the CL response increased already after 1 day in DMSO, in parallel with increased phagocytosis of these particles . In contrast, C3b-opsonized yeast and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) did not enhance the CL response conspicuosly until days 3-4 . These data suggest that Fc receptor function linked to phagocytosis and the activation of oxidative metabolism develop earlier than that of C3b and PMA . The dissociation between Fc- and PMA-dependent stimulation of the oxidative metabolism may reflect different mechanisms of activation. J Clin Chem Clin Biochem, 1982 Aug, 20(8), 581 - 6 Action pattern of human pancreatic and salivary alpha-amylase on 1,4-alpha-D-nitrophenylmaltooligosaccharides . 1,4-alpha-D-nitrophenylmaltooligosaccharides as substrates of alpha-amylse, I; Wallenfels K et al.; High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to monitor the purity of the substrates and to establish the patterns of hydrolysis of ortho- and para-nitrophenylmaltooligosaccharides (2-7 glucose residues) catalysed by human pancreatic and salivary alpha-amylase . Separation of the reaction products from the remaining substrate was performed on a TSK-G-2000 PW or a RP18 column . By measuring the quantitative distribution of products, and assuming a 5-subsite model for the active site of alpha-amylase, differential activities for the hydrolysis of the different glycosidic bonds in the 2 series of substrates were deduced . A highly sensitive coupled continuous assay system is based on the formation of phenyloligosaccharides with 1-4 glucose residues by the action of the amylase under test, coupled to hydrolysis of these products by yeast alpha-glucosidase . The most suitable test substrates were shown to be para-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-maltotetraoside and -pentaoside . Direct production of nitrophenol from ortho-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-maltotrioside is recommended for the measurement of the alpha-amylase activity of pancreatic and salivary gland secretions and extracts. Nucleic Acids Res, 1982 Jul 24, 10(14), 4159 - 72 Glutamate tRNA genes are adjacent to 5S RNA genes in Drosophila and reveal a conserved upstream sequence (the ACT-TA box); Indik ZK et al.; In Drosophila melanogaster at least six transfer RNA genes are located adjacent to the 3' end of the 5S RNA gene cluster . Three of these have been sequenced and identified as coding for glutamate tRNA4 . In the chromosome they are arranged as tandem repeats on the same DNA strand and transcribed in the same direction as is 5S DNA, towards the centromere . We have also identified a sequence, the ACT-TA box, that is highly conserved among the polymerase III transcribed genes . Usually the sequence is located at 37 +/- 8 base pairs upstream from the first nucleotide of the structural gene . A similar sequence is also observed upstream of yeast and silkworm tRNA genes and the mitochondrial tRNA genes of mouse and humans. Anticancer Res, 1982 Jul-Aug, 2(4), 209 - 12 Increased reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium by human blood monocytes following post-operative radiation therapy for breast cancer; Jarstrand C et al.; Reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium by blood monocytes was significantly increased following post-operative radiation therapy for breast cancer . Attachment and ingestion of yeast particles by monocytes was not affected . Exposure of purified monocytes in vitro to 13 Gy did not significantly affect NBT reduction of yeast particle attachment, whereas ingestion of yeast particles was slightly increased. Mikrobiologiia, 1982 Jul-Aug, 51(4), 575 - 80 {Continuous cultivation of Hansenula polymorpha and Candida krusei on mixtures of methyl and ethyl alcohols}; Parshina SN et al.; The object of this work was to study whether it would be possible to cultivate together ther the methanol-assimilating yeast Hansenula polymorpha M-2 requiring biotin and thiamine for its growth and the vitamin-prototrophic yeast Candida krusei E-10 actively growing in a medium with ethanol, without vitamin addition to the medium . The growth of the mixed culture in a medium containing ethanol and methanol depended on the pH of the medium; the biomass yield was maximal at pH 3.5 which was the suboptimal value for H . polymorpha M-2 . The biomass yield decreased when the relative content of methanol in the mixed substrate was increased . At the optimal pH 3.5 and the optimal methanol-to-ethanol ratio (1:1), the productivity exceeded 2.0 g/litre per hour and the dilution rate D reached 0.17 h-1, the maximal value for H . polymorpha M-2 at this pH . The cultural broth obtained upon the growth of C . krusei E-10 on ethanol as a pure culture could not be used for the cultivation of H . polymorpha M-2 on methanol unless the vitamins were added. J Med Chem, 1982 Jul, 25(7), 801 - 5 Species- or isozyme-specific enzyme inhibitors . 6 . Synthesis and evaluation of two-substrate condensation products as inhibitors of hexokinases and thymidine kinases; Hampton A et al.; Syntheses are described of p1-(adenosine-5')-p3-(glucose-6) triphosphate (Ap3 glucose), Ap4 glucose, and p1-(adenosine-5')-P3-(thymidine-5') triphosphate (Ap3T) . The compounds were not substrates of any of the enzymes used in the present studies . Ap3 glucose and Ap4 glucose were inhibitors of yeast hexokinase (HK) and the rat isozymes HK I-III; in general, they had less affinity for the enzymes than the substrates ATP and glucose . Inhibition constants (Ki values) of Ap3T with rat mitochondrial thymidine kinase (M-TK) and rat cytoplasmic TK (C-TK) were determined for variable thymidine (TdR) with a constant saturating level of ATP and for variable ATP with constant saturating TdR . Ap3T was a potent and selective inhibitor of M-TK {KM (TdR)/Ki = 1.6, KM (ATP)/Ki = 38 with variable ATP; KM (TdR) Ki = 0.06, KM (ATP)/Ki = 1.4 with variable TdR} relative to C-TK {KM (TdR)/Ki = 0.006, KM (ATP)/Ki = 0.7 with variable ATP; KM (TdR)/Ki = 0.001, KM (ATP)/Ki = 0.12 with variable TdR} . Inhibition of M-TK and C-TK by Ap3T differed qualitatively and quantitatively from inhibition under the same conditions by the metabolic feedback inhibitor TdR 5'-triphosphate. Ann Surg, 1982 Jul, 196(1), 21 - 5 Gastric mycosis following gastric resection and vagotomy; Rehnberg O et al.; In a prospective five-year follow-up study of 289 consecutive patients subjected to antrectomy and gastroduodenostomy with or without vagotomy, 130 patients underwent gastroscopy . Gastric mycosis was present almost exclusively in patients subjected to combined antrectomy and vagotomy (36%) . Gastric acidity seemed to be of only minor or no importance in the development of the mycosis . The residual volume in the gastric remnant was significantly higher in patients with gastric mycosis . The impaired emptying of the gastric remnant is most likely a vagotomy effect and may be the main reason for the development of gastric mycosis . A simple but effective method was developed to evacuate gastric yeast cell aggregates . Gastric mycosis seems to give rise to only slight symptoms, mainly nausea and foul-smelling belching, whereas the reflux of duodenal contents that often occurred in combination with gastric mycosis was more likely to cause gastritis and substantial discomfort. Am J Ophthalmol, 1982 Jul, 94(1), 67 - 74 Fungal flora of the conjunctival sac; Ando N et al.; We studied the fungal flora of the conjunctival sac in 919 eyes and air-borne fungi between November 1979 and February 1980 . Fungi were cultured from 39 of 587 swabs (6.6%) from healthy conjunctivas . This incidence fluctuated with the number of air-borne fungi . The incidence of positive cultures was significantly higher in diseased eyes (32 of 184 eyes; P less than .005) . Under ordinary conditions, it may be difficult for a fungus to remain or proliferate in the conjunctival sac . Most (97 of 103) positive cultures yielded only one colony and the same fungus was seldom cultured more than once from the same eye . We found 49 strains of yeast among the 107 isolated conjunctival fungi, including 15 Mycelia sterilia, 12 Cladosporium, and several Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Rhizoctonia species . THe air-borne fungi were mainly the filamentous types, especially Cladosporium and Alternaria.