Farmaco {Sci}, 1979 Jan, 34(1), 3 - 10 QSAR of the inhibition of glyoxalase by S-substituted glutathiones; Silipo C et al.; A quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) has been formulated for the inhibition of glyoxalase I from yeast by 37 S-substituted glutathiones: log 1/C = 1.23 pi' + 1.20 MR4 - 0.67 I1 - 0.14 pi'2 + 1.85 C in this expression is the molar concentration of inhibitor producing 50% inhibition, pi' is the usual hydrophobic parameter modified for certain substituents, MR4 is the molar refractivity of certain p-phenyl substituents, and I1 is an indicator variable for those congeners with an acetylated alpha-amino group . This equation should be of help in the design of more effective inhibitors which may be of value in cancer chemotherapy. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1979, 45(1), 113 - 8 Septal ultrastructure in Sirobasidium magnum and its taxonomic implications; Moore RT; The parenthesomes of Sirobasidium magnum (Sirobasidiaceae) are composed of arrays of ampulliform vesicles from whose bases microfibrils connect to bands of striated material in the dolipore orifices . This septal morphology and the associated character of a yeast haplophase are comparable to that found in species of the Tremellaceae and Filobasidiaceae . The similarity of these basic characteristics in these three families supports their separation into the suborder Tremellineae (species of the Tremellales with regular dolipore/parenthesome septa and mycelial monokaryons are grouped in the suborder Exidiineae). Folia Parasitol (Praha), 1979, 26(4), 351 - 60 Some ecological criteria of natural focality of mycotic zoonoses; Otcenasek M et al.; Mycotic zoonoses sensu stricto and mycotic infections acquired from animal polluted environment belong to diseases characterized by the phenomenon of natural focality . On a global scale they comprise 16 different diseases caused by yeast-like organisms, dematophytes, dimorphous agents of systemic mycoses and primarily saprophytic fungi as well . Prevalence of mentioned diseases is influenced by a number of factors concerning not only biology and ecology of pathogenic agents and particular hosts, but also character of specific extra-animal substrates which make possible long-term maintenance or active propagation of agents in the environment . On the basis of their experience and published data as well, the authors present a survey and analysis of these factors, with particular emphasis on very frequent dermatophytozoonoses and some systemic mycoses . They pay attention to different conditions in urbanized and rural areas and to specific situations encountered by man and food producing animals in these areas . They note different ways of heterotrophy of particular agents and their association with vertebrate hosts which they divide into six ecologically different groups . The authors also characterize the environment in which a portion of saproparatrophic circulation of the agent takes place . They also give a survey of animal-connected human mycoses, which may arise due to occupational hazards. Mol Biol (Mosk), 1979 Jan-Feb, 13(1), 140 - 51 {Conformation mobility of the universal acceptor end of tRNA}; Vorob'ev IuN et al.; The conformation analysis of tRNA acceptor fragment XCCA (X=A) was performed . The ribose conformation was taken rigid C(3')-endo . The optimum conformation was found for the ACCA fragment . It was shown that the omega, omega'-angle of the terminal adenine in any crystal modification of the yeast tRNAFen is not optimal . The conformation mobility of the 3'-end ACCA fragment was calculated in the vicinity of optimum conformation . Redundant energy required for keeping the correct 3'-terminal tRNA orientation about the enzyme catalytic centre during any small orientation distortions of the non-universal X-nucleotide relative to the enzyme was estimated . The distortions may occur when non-gomologous tRNA interact with aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetase . It was found that redundant energy for 3' displacement is very anisotropic and some small X-nucleotide reorientation may decrease the catalitic velocity of aminoacylation u0(4)--10(5) times. Biofizika, 1979 Jan-Feb, 24(1), 113 - 6 {Measurement of the magnetic relaxation of water molecules in biological systems by the impulse NMR technic with calculation of their volume}; Anisimov AV et al.; Impulse sequences are presented for selective by biological system volume measurements of the times of spin--spin, spin--lattice relaxation of water molecules by means of NMR spin echo . Selectivity of the programs is based on the fact that in the presence of magnetic field impulse gradient diffusion quenching of the echo differs for water molecules limited or unlimited in their diffusion displacement by some barriers (membranes) and it also differs for molecules limited in compartments of different size . Selective measurement of the times of spin--spin relaxation (T2) of water in intracellular structures of the yeast cells gave the value 24.4 msec, which is 1.3 times lower than the specimen volume measured by standard method. Antibiotiki, 1979 Jan, 24(1), 16 - 21 {Electron absorption and fluorescence spectra of carbonyl--conjugated pentaenes in various media}; Poltorak VA et al.; It was found that fluorescence intensity of carbonyl-conjugated pentaens of flavofungin flavopentin and brunefungin in solutions depended on the solvent polarity and specific interactions of the antibiotics with the solvents . Addition of cholesterol into the aqueous solutions of these antibiotics resulted in a hypsochrome shift in their absorption spectra and increased fluorescence intensity . The antibiotics were found by their fluorescence in the yeast cells sensitive to them when their content was close to the concentrations resulting in the cell lysis . Low concentrations of the antibiotics resulted in changed localization of the yeast self fluorescence. Nucleic Acids Res, 1979 Jan, 6(1), r1 - r19 Compilation of tRNA sequences; Gauss DH et al.; This compilation presents in a small space the tRNA sequences so far published in order to enable rapid orientation and comparison . The numbering of tRNAPhe from yeast is used as has been done earlier (1) but following the rules proposed by the participants of the Cold Spring Harbor Meeting on tRNA 1978 (2) (Fig . 1) . This numbering allows comparisons with the three dimensional structure of tRNAPhe, the only structure known from X-ray analysis . The secondary structure of tRNAs is indicated by specific underlining . In the primary structure a nucleoside followed by a nucleoside in brackets or a modification in brackets denotes that both types of nucleosides can occupy this position . Part of a sequence in brackets designates a piece of sequence not unambiguously analyzed . Rare nucleosides are named according to the IUPAC-IUB rules (for some more complicated rare nucleosides and their identification see Table 1); those with lengthy names are given with the prefix x and specified in the footnotes . Footnotes are numbered according to the coordinates of the corresponding nucleoside and are indicated in the sequence by an asterisk . The references are restricted to the citation of the latest publication in those cases where several papers deal with one sequence . For additional information the reader is referred either to the original literature or to other tRNA sequence compilations (3--7) . Mutant tRNAs are dealt with in a separate compilation prepared by J . Celis (see below) . The compilers would welcome any information by the readers regarding missing material or erroneous presentation . On the basis of this numbering system computer printed compilations of tRNA sequences in a linear form and in cloverleaf form are in preparation. Acta Derm Venereol Suppl (Stockh), 1979, (86), 1 - 23 Tinea versicolor and Pityrosporum orbiculare: mycological investigations, experimental infections and epidemiological surveys; Faergemann J; In patients with tinea versicolor, Pityrosporum orbiculare was cultured from tinea versicolor lesions in 100%, from normal-looking skin in 80%, and from apparently healed lesions in 69% . P . orbiculare was isolated from normal skin in 85% of patients with seborrheic dermatitis and in 90% of volunteers . The best substrate for isolation of P . orbiculare was a peptone-glucose-yeast extract medium containing glycerol monostearate and Tween 80, overlaid with olive oil . Germ tubes were produced when P . orbiculare was incubated in an atmosphere containing air with 7% CO2 . Cultures of P . orbiculare and P . ovale did not show any fluorescence in Wood's light . The in vitro activity of miconazole, clotrimazole, econazole, sodium omadine, and sodium thiosulphate against P . orbiculare was found to correlate to the good clinical effect of these drugs in tinea versicolor . In addition several substances used as solvents or in vehicles had an inhibitory activity against P . orbiculare in vitro . Inoculation with P . orbiculare under plastic occlusion on the glabrous follicle-rich inside of the rabbit ear resulted in a tinea versicolor-like lesion after I week in 3 of 4 animals . One week after inoculation with P . orbiculare under plastic occlusion, experimental infections similar to those found clinically in tinea versicolor were seen in 10 of 12 patients with a history of tinea versicolor and in 3 of 6 normal volunteers . It was not possible to produce experimental infections without occlusion . Spontaneous healing usually occurred . In a retrospective study of 232 patients and prospective survey of 48 patients regarding susceptibility factors in tinea versicolor a higher (10.4%) than expected (3.8%) connection to seborrheic dermatitis was found. J Rheumatol Suppl, 1979, 5, 137 - 42 The effect of gold salts on the phagocytic activity of synovial macrophages in organ culture; Jessop JD et al.; The effect of the gold salt, gold sodium thioglucose, has been studied on the phagocytic activity of tissue macrophages in synovium excised from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and maintained as explants in organ culture . Specimens of synovial membrane were taken for culture from synovial tissue excised from the knee joints of 22 patients with RA undergoing surgery and 14 menisectomy controls . Glass coverslips coated with yeast were placed on the synovium and the specimens maintained in organ culture . The phagocytic activity was assessed by counting the percentage of macrophages containing yeast on the coverslip removed after 24 hr in culture . The effect of gold salts was assessed by adding gold sodium thioglucose at concentrations of 3 and 30 microgram/ml to the medium, and using sodium thioglucose as an additional control . Results (means %) indicated significantly higher phagocytic activity in RA macrophages (68.6) compared with controls (40.1), p smaller than or equal to 0.001 . Gold thioglucose significantly suppressed phagocytosis at 3 microgram/ml (48.0) p smaller than 0.01, and at 30 microgram/ml (47.7) p smaller than 0.02 in RA but had not effect on control synovium . Sodium thioglucose had no significant effect on phagocytosis at either concentration on RA synovium. Ann Parasitol Hum Comp, 1979 Jan-Feb, 54(1), 105 - 11 {Visceral mycosis of tropical freshwater fishes (author's transl)}; Chauvier G; Fourteen cases of a systemic mycosis in ornamental fresh-water tropical fishes are recorded . Clinical signs, cystic lesions in the liver and spleen, recall those of an infection by the fungus Ichthyophonus, or Ichthyosporidium hoferi . The possibility that the fresh-water fishes' parasite might be of a different species is discussed . Morphological aspects of the yeast-like fungus in culture are described. Arzneimittelforschung, 1979, 29(8), 1116 - 22 Pharmacological study of a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug: protacine (CR 604); Rovati AL et al.; The pharmacological activities of 3'-(4-{2-(1-p-chlorobenzoyl-5-methoxy-2-methyl-indol-3-yl-acetoxy)-ethyl}-piperazin-1-yl)propyl-4-benzamido-N,N-dipropylglutaramate(+/-)dimaleate (protacine, CR 604), a new indolyl derivative with strong anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities, are described . The dose-dependent activity of protacine on inflammation has been shown both in short-term experiments, like the hind paw edema induced by carrageenin and several other irritants, and long-term tests, like the aminoacetonitrile-induced osteolathyrism, the adjuvant-induced arthritis and the cotton pellet-induced granuloma . The analgesic activity of the drug has been evidenced in the phenylquinone-induced writhing and the Randall-Selitto tests, and the antipyretic effects in the yeast-induced hyperthermia in rats . Other general pharmacological effects have been studied, too . Contrarily to several other anti-inflammatory drugs, including indometacin, showing advers effects at doses which are in the same range of those active on experimental inflammation, protacine shows these effects to a minor degree and at doses which are much larger than those pharmacologically active . The therapeutic index of protacine therefore is superior to that of other anti-inflammatory drugs. Agents Actions Suppl, 1979, (6), 65 - 78 Effects of prostaglandins on peripheral nociceptors in acute inflammation; Tyers MB et al.; The effects of different prostaglandins were determined on (a) the hyperalgesia produced by subplantar injections of yeast given into the hind paws of weanling rats, and (b) the reflex vasopressor responses to bradykinin (BK) injected dose-arterially into the spleen of anaesthetised cats and dogs . In the rat prostaglandins (E1 greater than E2 greater than F2 alpha = F2 beta=A2=D2=I2O) injected into the same paw either with the yeast or 25 min later reduced the latency to the onset of hyperalgesia . In the cat and dog prostaglandins (E1 greater than E2 greater than F2 alpha greater than or equal to F2 beta greater than A1=A2=O) potentiated vasopressor responses to BK and reversed the inhibition of BK responses by indomethacin . It is likely that prostaglandins sensitize peripheral nociceptors through a specific prostaglandin receptor. Biochimie, 1979, 61(11-12), 1247 - 56 Allosteric oscillatory enzymes: influence of the number of protomers on metabolic periodicities; Venieratos D et al.; The study of a concerted allosteric model for an enzyme activated by the reaction product shows that this system can generate sustained metabolic oscillations regardless of the number of protomers constituting the enzyme . The analysis extends the results previously obtained in a dimeric model for the phosphofructokinase reaction which produces glycolytic periodicities . When the substrate and product concentrations evolve on comparable time scales, the amplitude of oscillations significantly drops as the number of enzyme subunits evolves from 2 to 8 . The width of the domain of substrate injection rates which produce oscillations and the periodic variation in enzyme activity also depend on the number of protomers and on the time scale structure of the system . Theoretical predictions are compared with the experiments on glycolytic oscillations in yeast and muscle, and with the structural characteristics of phosphofructokinase . The results are also discussed in relation with the mechanism of cyclic AMP oscillations in the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum. Dermatologica, 1979, 159(Suppl 1), 87 - 93 {Fungi in pulmonary pathology}; Wegmann T; The author presents the most frequently observed pulmonary infections due to some opportunistic fungi (yeast, Aspergillus, Mucor) . He describes the criterial for a correct diagnosis of pulmonary mycosis. Zentralbl Bakteriol Naturwiss, 1979, 134(4), 316 - 24 Identity and lipase productivity of a mesophilic actinomycete isolated from Egyptian soil; Mostafa SA et al.; 1 . A mesophilic lipolytic actinomycete was isolated from Egyptian soil and was identified as a strain of Streptomyces flavogriseus . 2 . Lipase(s) produced by S . flavogriseus is (at least partly) constitutive in its (their) nature and can be produced in the absence of lipids, however, its production is stimulated in their presence . 3 . S . flavogriseus was unable to grow at 40 degrees C or higher temperatures . However, lipase(s) produced at lower temperatures (e.g . 20, 25, 30 and 35 degrees C) were more active at 45 and 55 degrees C . This is probably due to the presence of a heat sensitive lipase inhibitor in the culture filtrate . 4 . Optimum conditions for lipase(s) production by S . flavoriseus are pH 6.8, incubation for 48-72 hours at 35 degrees C with 0.8% castor oil as the carbon source in Dox liquid medium supplemented with 0.3% yeast extract . 5 . Factors supporting good growth were not always the same as those stimulating lipase(s) production. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo), 1979, 25(3), 175 - 84 Purification and properties of transketolase from pig liver . I . An attempt to resolve the enzyme into apoenzyme and cofactors; Tomita I et al.; Transketolase, sedoheptulose-7-phosphate: D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate glycolaldehyde-transferase {EC 2.2.1.1}, was extracted from pig liver and purified 96-fold by ammonium sulfate fractionation, followed by column chromatography using DEAE-cellulose and a Sephadex G-200 . Transketolase from pig liver was stable at pH 6.0 and above, whereas it was unstable at lower pH values . It could be resolved into apoenzyme and thiamine pyrophosphate in an acidic medium, in contrast to baker's or brewer's yeast transketolase which resolved in an alkaline solution . All the activity of pig liver transketolase was lost upon incubation at pH 5.0 for two hours even at 0 degrees C but about 40% of the original activity could be restored by the addition of excess thiamine pyrophosphate and CaCl2 . Restoration of the activity was achieved effectively at pH 7.6-8.0. Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 1979, 79(5), 623 - 7 {Use of sodium nucleinate in the therapy of schizophrenia}; Shestakov SV; A total of 102 patients with progressive forms of schizophrenia with a pronounced deficital symptomatology were treated . The dynamics of some indices of nonspecific reactivity (properdin, lysozyme, complement) were studied parallely . Yeast sodium nucleinate promotes a softening and reverse development of some deficital symptoms (mainly in an emotional-volutional sphere), decreasing the threshold of sensitivity to neuroleptics . When remission occurred, the immunological indices returned to normal. Mycopathologia, 1978 Dec 18, 65(1-3), 79 - 87 Taxonomy of Exophiala jeanselmei (Langeron) McGinnis and Padhye; McGinnis MR; The black yeast-like fungus Exophiala jeanselmei (Langeron) McGinnis et Padhye was originally described as Torula jeanselmei by Langeron . Since its original description in 1928, this dematiaceous hyphomycete has been placed in the genera Phialophora, Pullularia and Rhinocladiella by various authors . Study of the type culture of E . jeanselmei has confirmed that the principle conidiogenous cells of this fungus are annellides, thus supporting its current generic disposition . After reviewing the neotype culture of Phialophora gougerotii (Matruchot) Borelli sensu Borelli, the type culture of Torula bergeri Langeron, authentic cultures of Margarinomyces heteromorpha (Nannfeldt) Mangenot sensu Mangenot, the type culture of Trichosporium heteromorphum Nannfeldt and the neotype culture of Exophiala mansonii (Castellani) de Hoog sensu de Hoog, as well as additional cultures, it was concluded that P . gougerotti sensu Borelli, T . bergeri and M . heteromorphis sensu Mangenot pro parte are conspecific with E . jeanselmei . Trichosporium heteromorphum and E . jeanselmei are not conspecific as suggested by some workers . Tr . heteromorphum is a distinct species and should be referred to as Phialophora heteromorpha (Nannfeldt) Wang . Sporotrichum gougerotti Matruchot is considered to be a later synonym of Sporothrix schenckii Hektoen et Perkins and E . mansonii sensu de Hoog as a later synonym of Microsporum mansonii Castellani . M . mansonii is held to be a later synonym of Malassezia furfur (Robin) Baillon . The neotype culture of E . mansonii produces phialides without collarettes. Sabouraudia, 1978 Dec, 16(4), 271 - 8 Uptake of metabolites by germinating blastospores of Histoplasma capsulatum; Tang SL et al.; The uptake of radioactive L-leucine, L-glutamic acid, and guanine was monitored during blastospore germination of Histoplasma capsulatum . Blastospores of H . capsulatum, grown in Salvin's medium at 37 degrees C for 48 h and shifted to 23 degrees C, germinated within 24 h . Metabolite uptake was faster in mycelial cells at 23 degrees C than it was in yeast cells at 37 degrees C . During the yeast to mold transition, the initial rate of uptake was first markedly depressed and then increased and achieved a level characteristic of the mycelial phase of growth . Estimates of macromolecular synthesis occurring during transitional morphological events might be influenced by these differences in the rate of uptake. J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Dec, 8(6), 740 - 7 Early detection and identification of Trichophyton verrucosum; Kane J et al.; A new medium for the early detection and identification of Trichophyton verrucosum has been formulated . The key ingredients of the medium are 4% casein and 0.5% yeast extract . T . verrucosum is recognized by its early hydrolysis of casein and very slow growth . Microconidia were produced by 19 out of 35 isolates (54%), and macroconidia were produced by 8 out of 35 isolates (23%) . All isolates formed chains of chlamydospores at 37 degrees C, and 24 out of 35 isolates formed chains at 28 degrees C . Nutritional requirements of all 35 strains of T . verrucosum were confirmed . The medium was evaluated by isolating 570 suspected T . verrucosum from skin scrapings . The early detection of hydrolysis, formation of characteristic chains of chlamydospores, and restricted slow growth of this dermatophyte differentiate it from T . schoenleinii. J Invest Dermatol, 1978 Dec, 71(6), 398 - 401 A reappraisal of the role of Pityrosporum orbiculare in pityriasis versicolor and the significance of extracellular lipase; Catterall MD et al.; Pityrosporum orbiculare is an obligate lipophilic yeast in vitro, which suggests it possesses an extracellular lipase crucial for nutrition . If present in vivo, the enzyme would enable the yeast to utilize skin surface lipids, which may therfore play an important role in the pathogenesis of pityriasis versicolor . Cultured P . orbiculare and biopsy material from patients with pityriasis versicolor were investigated for the presence of lipase by electron microscope histochemistry . At sites of lipase activity, fatty acid hydrolyzed from Tween 80 substrate reacts with Ca++ ions to form an insoluble Ca++ soap . Exchange of Ca++ with Pb++ enables the sites of lipase activity to be visualized as electron dense deposits of insoluble lead soap . Surface lipase activity was apparent when the technique was applied to P . orbiculare grown on lipid containing medium and its specificity confirmed by removal of substrate and inhibition by di-isopropyl fluorophosphate and quinine hydrochloride, but not by sodium fluoride . When the same technique was applied to stratum corneum infected with Pityrosporum furfur (Malassez), no reaction product could be detected . It is postulated that lipase, although critical for fungal nutrition in vitro, is unlikely to be of importance in vivo . Skin surface lipids are therefore probably not relevant to the pathogenesis of pityriasis versicolor. J Bacteriol, 1978 Dec, 136(3), 874 - 9 Induction and regulation of neuraminidase synthesis in Arthrobacter sialophilus; Wang P et al.; A variety of N-acetylneuraminic acid (AcNeu) derivatives and analogs were examined as inducers of the extracellular neuraminidase of Arthrobacter sialophilus . Neuraminidase inductions were primarily studied with tryptone-yeast extract-grown cells after washing and resuspension in a defined replacement medium . The addition of readily metabolizable carbon sources to the latter, such as 0.1% casein hydrolysate, glutamate, or glucose, enhanced enzyme synthesis . Enzyme appearance occurred after a lag in the uptake of inducers, suggesting the participation of a co-inducible transport system . Neuraminidase formation during exponential growth in the presence of AcNeu ceased after depletion of this end product from the medium . It was found, besides AcNeu, that its methyl ester, 2-deoxy-2,3-dehydro-N-acetylneuraminic acid and 2-deoxy-2,3-dehydro-N-acetyl-neuraminic acid methyl ester are each active inducers, whereas beta-anomers of AcNeu-ketosides are not . These results, in comparison to known enzyme specificity, have revealed significant differences and parallels between the inductive and catalytic processes for neuraminidase . In particular, it would appear that the free carboxylate and oxygenation at C-2 of AcNeu, essential for enzyme catalysis with traditional AcNeu substrates, are not necessary for induction and, furthermore, that transition state analogs can specifically induce this enzyme . The failure to observe catabolite repression in this system is discussed in relation to the intermediary metabolism of the genus Arthrobacter. Br J Vener Dis, 1978 Dec, 54(6), 433 - 40 Relative and seasonal incidences of the sexually transmitted diseases . A two-year statistical review; Wright RA et al.; In the United States statistics on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), other than gonorrhoea and syphilis, are meagre . In this study the relative and seasonal incidences of most STDs in an American clinic where 34,938 patient visits were recorded over a two-year period (1975-76) are assessed . Gonorrhoea was the most common STD in male and female patients combined (18%), while nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) was most common in men (23%), and vaginitis (trichomonal 7.5%, yeast 7.1%, and non-specific 7.1%) was the most common in women . A significantly higher incidence of NGU occurred in Caucasian (63%) than in black (42%) men (P less than 0.005) . No other STD was diagnosed in more than 5% of patients, and 31% had normal findings on clinical examination and investigation, and could be described as the 'worried well' . Two or more STDs co-existed in 4.2% of patients . In 1976 the incidence of genital herpes and scabies decreased in contrast to other STDs and total patient visits, which increased . A seasonal peak in late summer and early autumn was observed for most STDs . These observations indicate the importance of a comprehensive approach when attempting to compile accurate statistics on selected epidemiological aspects of sexually transmitted diseases. Sabouraudia, 1978 Dec, 16(4), 257 - 69 Evaluation of purified H and M antigens of histoplasmin as reagents in the complement fixation test; Pine L et al.; Complement-fixation (CF) tests were performed with purified H and M antigens, histoplasmin, and Histoplasma capsulatum whole cell yeast phase antigen using sera of 126 patients with proven or suspected histoplasmosis . Specific titers for either H or for M antibody were obtained with the individual purified antigens; the highest titers were comparable to those obtained with histoplasmin . However, in sera containing only anti-M antibody, the titers obtained with the purified M antigen were 2 to 16 times those obtained with the histoplasmin or yeast phase antigens . The CF test for either H or M antibody was 4 to 32 times as reactive as the agar-gel microimmunodiffusion test; in general precipitin lines were obtained with either H or M antigens from sera with CF titers greater than or equal to 8 . With sera containing H antibody, there was an excellent correlation between the CF titers obtained with purified M antigen and histoplasmin . The correlations of CF titers with H antigen and either histoplasmin or yeast phase antigen were very low. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1978 Nov 21, 521(1), 363 - 73 Estradiol-induced synthesis of vitellogenin . IV . The isolation of non-degraded polysomes from avian liver using an endogenous ribonuclease inhibitor; Dijkstra J et al.; A procedure allowing the isolation of intact polysomes from rooster liver is described . Good recovery of polysomes is achieved by the presence of Triton X-100 in the homogenization and centrifugation steps since the detergent prevents the sedimentation of microsomes with the nuclear fraction . This sedimentation of microsomes leads to considerable losses of polysomes, especially the larger ones . In the detergent-treated homogenate the integrity of the polysomes is threatened by various ribonucleases, some of which can be effectively inhibited by the addition of both heparin and yeast RNA . The remaining nuclease activity is counteracted by the endogenous ribonuclease inhibitor of the liver . In estradiol-treated roosters, sufficient endogenous inhibitor is present to inhibit its specific ribonuclease, but in control roosters there is not . This difference is due to a hormone-mediated increase in inhibitor level and decrease in nuclease level . Consequently, for an estrogenized rooster, the addition of both heparin and yeast RNA to the homogenate suffices to stabilize the polysomes, whereas control rooster liver homogenate needs supplementation with endogenous ribonuclease inhibitor . The cytosol of estrogenized rooster liver can be used as a crude inhibitor preparation . Rat liver cytosol is only partially effective; this may indicate a certain degree of species specificity of the inhibitor . The isolation procedure described also yields large polysomes from the livers of duck and Xenopus. Infect Immun, 1978 Nov, 22(2), 378 - 81 Influence of cadmium on the phagocytic and microbicidal activity of murine peritoneal macrophages, pulmonary alveolar macrophages, and polymorphonuclear neutrophils; Loose LD et al.; A significant depression in the phagocytic capacity of elicited peritoneal macrophages, pulmonary alveolar macrophages, and elicited peritoneal polymorphonucleated neutrophils was manifested when the cells were incubated in medium containing cadmium chloride . With the exception of the neutrophils, a similar influence was observed when the cells were exposed to cadmium acetate . The impaired phagocytic capacity was related to the concentration of the cadmium in the medium . Peritoneal macrophages and neutrophils did not demonstrate any alteration in their microbicidal activity (percentage of ingested yeast which were killed) in the presence of the cadmium salts . However, a significant suppression in the intracellular microbicidal activity of alveolar macrophages was observed when the cells were incubated in medium containing either cadmium chloride or cadmium acetate . This unique response to Cd2+ may be related to general metabolic characteristics of these cells living at an elevated O2 tension. Cancer Res, 1978 Nov, 38(11 Pt 1), 3734 - 6 Direct study of alkylating agent--RNA interaction by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; Chang C et al.; The interactions of Torula yeast RNA with four biologically important methylating agents (methyl methanesulfonate, dimethyl sulfate, 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea, and 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine) have been studied by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy . This direct stable isotope method eliminated all tedious and questionable degradation processes for determining the reactive sites and product distribution . Based on the integration curves, two types of product distribution can be distinctly observed according to the biological potency of the methylating agents {(a) weakly mutagenic and carcinogenic, methyl methanesulfonate and dimethyl sulfate and (b) strongly mutagenic and carcinogenic, 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea and 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine} . With 90% 13C-enriched methylating agent, it significantly increases the specificity and sensitivity and provides better quantitative results. Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi, 1978 Nov, 74(8), 981 - 90 {Antipyretic activity of SL-573 (II) (author's transl)}; Yanagi Y et al.; Antipyretic activity of SL-573 was not influenced by age and sex difference in rats . The combined effect of other drugs on antipyretic activity of SL-573 was examined, using several drugs which might be clinically applicable . Cefazolin sodium, ampicillin sodium, codeine phosphate, hydrochlorothiazide and haloperidol did not show any significant effect on antipyretic activity of SL-573 . Diazepam itself showed antipyretic activity, and its combined use with SL-573 resulted in an additive effect . SL-573 also showed antipyretic activity in mice with fever induced by yeast, as was seen in rats . SL-573 diminished the hyperthermic response to bacterial endotoxin and leucocytic pyrogen in rats, but not to 2, 4-dinitrophenol . Additionally, SL-573 did not inhibit the bacterial endotoxin-induced production of leucocytic pyrogen and its release in saline medium . SL-573, therefore, is considered to be a centrally acting antipyretic . Intraventricular injection of prostaglandin E2 and arachidonic acid induced a hyperthermia in mice . SL-573 clearly inhibited arachidonic acid-induced hyperthermia, but not prostaglandin E2-induced hyperthermia . Since SL-573 is known to inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis from arachidonic acid, the prostaglandin biosynthesis inhibition may be one of the main mechanisms of antipyretic action of SL-573. Acta Cytol, 1978 Nov-Dec, 22(6), 511 - 4 Corpora amylacea in cerebrospinal fluid . A source of possible diagnostic error; Preissig SH et al.; Corpora amylacea in the central and peripheral nervous system are round, amorphous intracellular bodies which are frequently found in large numbers around the ventricles of elderly individuals . These bodies were recently identified in a cytologic preparation of ventricular fluid . Although they have no known diagnostic significance, their possible confusion with yeast forms makes recognition of these structures important. J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Nov, 8(5), 558 - 65 Immunodiagnosis of histoplasmosis in a compromised host; Land GA et al.; Three serological tests for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis were compared for sensitivity and specificity in serum from blood bank donors, patients with histoplasmosis, and infected or noninfected immunosuppressed patients . The histoplasmin latex agglutination test was positive in 9% of the normal patients, 33% of the histoplasmosis patients, and 61% of the noninfected immunosuppressed patients . Since the test is prone to many false-positive results in patients with inflammatory diseases or non-Histoplasma infections, it has limited potential as a screening test among compromised patients . Immunodiffusion and counterimmunoelectrophoresis using a mycelial antigen were found to be more sensitive than either test using a combined yeast and mycelial antigen or a pure yeast phase antigen . Counterimmunoelectrophoresis at pH 7.2 proved to be the test of choice for serodiagnosis of histoplasmosis, resolving 85% of the immunocompetent infected patients and 100% of the infected immunosuppressed patients . Results indicated that counterimmunoelectrophoresis in conjunction with immunodiffusion could be used as a screening protocol to determine infection in incoming patients in a cancer hospital. Can J Microbiol, 1978 Nov, 24(11), 1346 - 57 The effect of pH and amino acids on conidiation and pigment production of Monascus major ATCC 16362 and Monascus rubiginosus ATCC 16367 in submerged shaken culture; Carels M et al.; Monascus major ATCC 16362 and Monascus rubiginosus ATCC 16367 were cultivated aerobically on media containing nitrate or ammonium as nitrogen source to which the following modifications were made: (1) pH adjusted to 2.5 before sterilization; (2) addition of yeast extract; (3) addition of amino acids in identical proportions and concentrations to those found in yeast extract; (4) adjustment of pH to 2.5 after addition of amino acids . The addition of amino acids in the form of yeast extract increased mycelium formation and reduced conidiation and pigment production . The addition of an amino acid mixture did not increase mycelium formation to the same extent as yeast extract but increased the number of conidia, while pigment production was reduced, especially when nitrate was the nitrogen source . As the amino acids are taken up after conidial formation has started, it would appear that it is not the amino acids themselves which are directly responsible for the induction of conidiation . The addition of amino acids inhibits nitrate and ammonium uptake suggesting the need for an early intracellular nitrogen limitation to induce conidiation . Lowering the pH inhibits the formation of conidia and increases pigment production; also the effect of amino acid addition is totally annulled . The pH of the medium is all important in regulating the formation of conidia and pigment production . The possible effects of the pH on the uptake of certain medium components is discussed, as well as their possible control of certain metabolic pathways which ultimately determines the availability of intermediates for conidiation and pigment production. Z Lebensm Unters Forsch, 1978 Oct 30, 167(4), 238 - 40 Evaluation of lysinoalanine determinations in food proteins; Haagsma N et al.; A comparison is made between lysinoalanine (LAL) determinations both with an automatic amino acid analyzer (AAA) and with thin layer chromatography-densitometry (TLC) in different types of food and food ingredients, taken from the Dutch market . Generally there is a reasonable agreement between the LAL content obtained by both methods . However, some results indicate that a single technique is not always conclusive about the real identity of the ninhydrin-positive compound at the same position as LAL on the chromatogram . By TLC for instance, in yeast a content of about 800 mg of LAL/kg in protein is found, but according to the AAA method no LAL is present . In heated milk and milk products the LAL content determined by the TLC method is also higher than that found by the AAA method . This is caused by a preceding unknown ninhydrin-positive compound in TLC, occurring in all heated milk products and practically coinciding with LAL . In the AAA technique similar interferences of unknown ninhydrin-positive compounds could be avoided by choosing a suitable elution temperature; however, application of this temperature modification to foaming agents gave no satisfactory results. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1978 Oct 18, 543(3), 373 - 82 Characterization of an agglutinin from human serum; Schousboe I; After exposure to serum, an agglutination of mitochondria from yeast, liver, heart and kidney was observed . The degree of agglutination was dependent on the ratio between the amount of serum proteins and mitochondrial protein . The serum protein which induced agglutination was bound irreversibly to the mitochondria, was heat stable and partly resistant to acidification . Maximal agglutination was observed at an ionic strength equal to 40 mM Tris, at pH 6.0-7.5 . Preincubation of mitochondria with calcium ions at slightly acidic pH prevented the agglutination . Neuraminidase treatment of either serum or mitochondria had no effect upon the agglutination. Lab Invest, 1978 Oct, 39(4), 398 - 404 Freeze-fracture of membrane fusions in phagocytosing polymorphonuclear leukocytes; Amherdt M et al.; Freeze-fracture of rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the process of phagocytosing yeast cells shows changes in storage granule and phagosome membranes essentially similar to those described in mammalian secretroy cells during exocytosis . These changes consist of the clearing of intramembrane particle from limited zones of the fusing granule and phagosome membranes . After the completion of fusion, which leads to the incorporation of storage granule membrane into the phagosome membrane, particle-free patches are no longer visible, but the phagosome membrane contains some loose aggregates of particles . These data suggest that intracellular membrane fusion in polymorphonuclear leukocytes occurs through interaction of protein-depleted areas of the involved membranes. Arch Pathol Lab Med, 1978 Oct, 102(10), 506 - 11 Ultrastructural observations in disseminated candidiasis; Myerowitz RL; Infected tissues from four patients with disseminated candidiasis were examined by electron microscopy in order to study the host-parasite relationship at the cellular level . Blastospores and pseudohyphae were capable of invading parenchymal cells in the spleen, liver, myocardium, kidney, and esophageal and rectal mucosa . The Candida cells were typically well preserved despite the autolytic changes in parenchymal cells . Extracellular fungi were often coated with fibrin or associated with capillary thrombi, which suggests that Candida cells synthesize a procoagulant substance . The outer flocular coat of the yeast cell appeared to be partially of host origin since it diminished in thickness when organisms were cultured in media devoid of serum protein . Organisms cultured in vitro were ultrastructurally similar to those that invaded tissue. J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Oct, 8(4), 469 - 70 Evaluation of two commercially prepared biphasic media for recovery of fungi from blood; Caplan LM et al.; Recovery of six yeast species from blood was comparable in commercially prepared brain heart infusion biphasic and Trypticase soy biphasic media . An increased recovery of 13% was noted when two bottles, each containing 5 ml of blood, were cultured, as compared to a 5-ml portion in a single culture bottle. J Prosthet Dent, 1978 Oct, 40(4), 367 - 73 Etiologic factors in denture sore mouth syndrome; Nater JP et al.; A total of 24 patients, 19 women and 5 men, complaining of denture sore mouth was studied . In part I the following investigations were performed: (1) Mechanical factors were evaluated . (2) Temperature was measured beneath the prosthetic denture . (3) Yeast cultures were made . (4) Patch tests with possible allergens were performed on the buccal mucosa and on the skin of the back . In all these investigations there were no significant differences from the results obtained in a control group . In part II the connection between psychological factors and denture sore mouth was explored . Test results of the denture sore mouth group and a matched control group were compared . The obtained data suggest that complaining behavior concerning somatic symptoms in general, on a neurotic base, is a psychological characteristic of denture sore mouth patients. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1978 Oct, 75(10), 4819 - 23 Specific transcription of eukaryotic tRNA genes in Xenopus germinal vesicle extracts; Schmidt O et al.; Cloned tRNA genes from Drosophila and from yeast have been transcribed faithfully in extracts prepared from Xenopus germinal vesicles . The newly formed RNA is composed of precursor tRNAs (of 5S RNA size) and of tRNAs . The plasmid pCIT12 carries genes for Drosophila tRNALys, tRNAArg, and tRNAAsn, Nucleotide analysis of one RNA species transcribed from pCIT12 DNA showed it to be identical to Drosophila tRNALys; it even contained some of the modified nucleotides expected for this tRNA . This RNA species is formed in the germinal vesicle extract via a larger precursor tRNA molecule that does not contain nucleotide modifications . This simple transcription system should aid studies aimed at defining the regulatory DNA regions responsible for eukaryotic gene transcription . In addition, it may provide tRNA precursors that are needed for detailed investigations of eukaryotic tRNA biosynthesis. JAMA, 1978 Sep 29, 240(14), 1495 - 8 Disseminated histoplasmosis in corticosteroid-treated patients . Report of five cases; Dismukes WE et al.; Although Histoplasma capsulatum is not generally considered an opportunistic organism, we have seen five corticosteroid-treated patients in whom disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) developed . Persistent, unexplained fever was the predominant symptom in each . Death was directly attributable to DH in four . The interval from onset of symptoms to diagnosis ranged from 11 to 75 days; delay in diagnosis adversely affected prognosis . Culture of the bone marrow appears to be the best diagnostic study . The pathologic features of DH in immunocompromised hosts are the presence of large numbers of Histoplasma yeast forms within macrophages, absence of discrete granulomas, and a reduced or absent inflammatory response . Histoplasma capsulatum should be considered as a possible cause in any immunosuppressed patient with unexplained fever, especially if the patient has been receiving corticosteroid therapy. Sci Sin, 1978 Sep-Oct, 21(5), 687 - 97 Studies on the synthesis of polynucleotides--synthesis of a dodecaribonucleoside undecaphosphate and a hexadecaribonucleoside pentadecaphosphate; Analgesic activity of novel spiro heterocycles . 2-Amino-7-oxa-3-thia-1-azaspiro{5 et al.; (+/-)-2-Amino-7-oxa-3-thia-1-azaspiro{5,5}undec-1-ene (1a) and many of its derivatives exhibit significant activity in the phenylquinone writhing and yeast inflamed foot assays . In order to develop structure-activity relationships, the related spiroheterocycles, (+/-)-2-amino-7-oxa-3-thia-1-azaspiro{5,4}dec-1-ene (2), (+/-)-2-amino-3-thia-1-azaspiro{5,5}undec-1-ene (3), and (+/-)-2-amino-7-oxa-1-azaspiro{5,5}undec-1-ene (4), were examined . Of these, only 4 failed to show activity indicating that the analgetic properties displayed by compounds 1--3 are associated, mainly, with the 2-amino-1,3-thiazine ring system . In the 2-acylimino series, evidence is presented suggesting a contribution to the observed activity on the part of the spiroannulated ether ring as well . Both 1a and its p-fluorobenzoyl derivative 33 exhibit analgesic activity in the rat tail-flick assay. Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi, 1978 Sep, 74(6), 749 - 62 {Anti-inflammatory activity of SL-573 (author's transl)}; Yanagi Y et al.; In the carrageenin-induced edema test in rats, the anti-inflammatory activity of SL-573 was 1.6 times as potent as those of phenylbutazone (PB) and ibuprofen (IP), 3.3 times as potent as that of mefenamic acid (MF) and 6.7 times as potent as that of mepirizole (MP) . In the yeast-induced edema test in rats, SL-573 showed equipotent activity with IP, the activity of which was 4 times as potent as that of MP . In the dextran-induced edema test in rats, the anti-inflammatory activity of SL-573 was significantly higher than those of IP and MP . SL-573 showed no anti-inflammatory activity in the formalin-induced edema test in rats in the same way as seen with IP and MP . SL-573 markedly inhibited the increase in capillary permeability in mice induced by intraperitoneal administration of acetic acid, and its activity was 12 times as potent as that of PB and 17 times as potent as that of MF . SL-573 showed anti-granuloma activity neither systemically nor locally . SL-573 showed equi-potent activity with PB in the adjuvant arthritis test in rats and had little effect on the healing process of the skin wound in rats . The effect of SL-573 on the carrageenin-induced edema was not diminished in the adrenalectomized rats . The gastric bleeding effect of SL-573 was significantly weaker than that usually seen in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . SL-573 did not induce intestinal perforation even at the high dose of 800 mg/kg . Additionally, SL-573 showed a protective effect on the indomethacin-induced intestinal lesions . These pharmacological profiles of SL-573 were considered to be quite characteristic as compared with those of known nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Parazitologiia, 1978 Sep-Oct, 12(5), 439 - 43 {Simplified methods for the isolation and preservation of axenic Lamblia cultures}; Lakhonina GM et al.; The complexity and high cost of the existing methods of obtaining and preserving axenic cultures of Giardia (Meyer, 1970) have motivated the authors to look for new ways and means of simplifying the procedure . Solid media gave fair results which substantially simplified and accelerated the process and proved to be favourable for preserving the cultures longer without repassaging . Accordingly, the method recommended by the above authors facilitates the elimination of yeast from the cultures of Giardia in 15 to 24 days and the preservation of the axenic cultures over a period of 4 to 6 months without passaging, and within first two months at least the cultivation of new populations is guaranteed. J Am Diet Assoc, 1978 Sep, 73(3), 261 - 9 Baked products for the fat--controlled, low--cholesterol diet; Fulton L et al.; Shortened cakes, sugar cookies, pastry, biscuits, muffins, and yeast bread were made with oil in place of hydrogenated shortening with little change in quality . Either 1 c . or 3/4 c . oil could be subsituted for hydrogenated shortening in shortened cakes, biscuits, muffins, and yeast bread . Sugar cookies were best when 1 c . oil replaced 1 c . hydrogenated shortening . Pastry was best when 3/4 c . oil was substituted for 1 c . shortening . The effect of method of mixing on product quality often was greater than the effect of the amount of oil. Mikrobiologiia, 1978 Sep-Oct, 47(5), 888 - 92 {Effect of increased temperatures on RNA and protein synthesis in the cells of a synchronous Candida utilis culture}; Pozmogova IN et al.; The rate of incorporation of labeled precursors for RNA ({14C}uracil) and protein ({14C}DL-leucine) into the cells of the synchronous culture of Candida utilis VKMY-1668 (the optimum temperature of growth, 31--32 degrees C) was studied as a function of different temperatures (28, 31, 32, 34, 36, 38, and 41 decrees C) . The yeast was grown on a simple mineral medium containing glycerol . RNA synthesis was found to be more susceptible to elevated temperature than protein synthesis: the maximum rate of incorporation was registered at 32--34 degrees C for {14C}DL-leucine and only at 32 degrees C for {14C}uracil (the rate of its incorporation at 34 degrees C decreased by 50% as compared to that at 32 degrees C) . The rate of incorporation of {14C}uracil at 34 degrees C reached 100% (the rate at 32 degrees C) when yeast autolysate was added to the medium, and 75 and 70%, respectively, upon the addition of DL-methionine or Mg2+ (as compared to 50% without them). Mycopathologia, 1978 Sep 1, 64(1), 3 - 7 Migration inhibition factor study in Histoplasma capsulatum; Anderson KL et al.; Mice sublethally infected with viable Histoplasma capsulatum or immunized with merthiolate-killed yeast phase cells showed decreased mortality on subsequent challenge infection as compared to controls . Migration inhibition (MI) assays using peritoneal and spleen cells from immunized but unchallenged mice showed no parallel correlation with percent mortality . MI assay indices fluctuated without concomitant changes in resistance to challenge injection with live yeast phase cells . Viable vaccines induced greater resistance to challenge infection than killed cells, although both were comparable in sensitizing ability as measured by MI assay techniques with this mouse model. Sabouraudia, 1978 Sep, 16(3), 185 - 98 {An endemic area of sporotrichosis in Guatemala}; Mayorga R et al.; An endemic area of sporotrichosis is described in the Lake of Ayarza District, South Guatemala, where 53 patients have been observed within 3 years . In 45.3% of the cases, the infection appeared after handling fish . The disease was more frequently observed in man (83%) and in patients less than 30 years of age . The most frequent clinical type was the ascending lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis of the limbs . Some cases of ulcerative or verrucous lesions were seen . Almost all the patients cured rapidly either by potassium iodide (46 patients) or spontaneously, or after application of local heat (4 patients) . Intradermal tests were performed in healthy population in the endemic area and, for comparison, in Guatemala City . Whole yeast cell antigens of Sporothrix schenckii and Ceratocystis stenoceras were used in these tests . Skin tests to both antigens were more frequently positive in the endemic area; the highest frequency was obtained with the antigen of C . stenoceras . A serological study was performed in 26 patients . The fluorescent antibody staining technique was more sensitive than yeast cell and latex particles agglutinations . C . stenoceras was isolated from bark of some trees, especially Eucalyptus, in the environment, but not S . schenckii. Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi, 1978 Sep, 74(6), 735 - 47 {Analgetic and antipyretic activity of SL-573 (author's transl)}; Yanagi Y et al.; Potency of analgetic activity of SL-573 was between that of indomethacin and aminopyrine in chemical stimulation tests . The analgetic activity of SL-573 was 3.2 times as potent as that of aminopyrine in the phenylquinone writhing test, 4.1 times as potent as aminopyrine in the acetic acid writhing test and 6.3 times as potent as aminopyrine in the Randall and Selitto test . Thus the analgetic activity of SL-573 appears to be comparable etic to that of codeine . SL-573, unlike narcotic analgesics, showed common properties to known antipyretic analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents in the following points . (1) Analgetic activity was not evident in the mechanical stimulation or in the heat stimulation tests . (2) The analgetic activity was not antagonized by naloxone . (3) SL-573 showed no antagonistic effect to morphine . (4) Tolerance to the analgetic activity of SL-573 was not observed after a one week pretreatment with this compound . (5) SL-573 had no effect on the evoked potentials recorded from cells in the pain pathway of CNS and the site of action of analgetic effect was considered to be in peripheral sites of the sensory neurons . The antipyretic activity of SL-573 was equal to that of aminopyrine in febrile rabbits and 4 times as potent as that of aminopyrine in febrile rats . This compound did not affect normal body temperature of rabbits and rats, this observation being similar to that noted with antipyretic analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Mycopathologia, 1978 Sep 1, 64(1), 29 - 33 Role of the conidium in dimorphism of Blastomyces dermatitidis; Garrison RG et al.; Fine details of yeastlike cell development of Blastomyces dermatitidis from its conidium are described and illustrated by electron micrographs . When cultured in an enriched medium at 37C, conidia of two strains of B . dermatitidis readily underwent ultrastructural changes consistent with mycelial to yeast dimorphism . Although hyphal cells contained in the conversion cultures were observed consistently to undergo profound degenerative changes, the conidia rapidly germinated to give rise to short germ tubes which subsequently enlarged to form intermediate yeast mother cells (YMC) . The wall of the germ tube arose from the innermost layer of the wall of the germinant . During the transition globoid osmiophilic inclusions of unknown origin and function were observed in vacuolated areas of the germ tube and YMC cytoplasm . Yeastlike daughter cells then budded from the intermediate YMC . Since transformation was readily accomplished under in vitro conditions favoring mycelial to yeast dimorphism, it is suggested that the conidium of B . dermatitidis represents the primary infective unit of this pathogenic fungus. J Bacteriol, 1978 Sep, 135(3), 987 - 92 Cystine reductase in the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum; Maresca B et al.; Organo-sulfur compounds favor the transition of mycelia of Histoplasma capsulatum to the yeast form (6, 8) . Investigation of the role of cystine in the transition revealed that the two phases concentrated this amino acid at comparable rates and that mutants defective in the uptake of cystine were still able to undergo the transition normally . Uptake of cystine is therefore probably not a requirement for transition to or maintenance of the yeast phase . Both phases contained a reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent glutathione reductase; but a reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent cystine reductase was detectable only in the yeast phase . The cystine reductase appeared early in the transition of mycelium to yeast . Treatment of mycelia with p-chloromercuriphenylsulfonic acid, which prevented the transition to yeast, had no effect on cystine uptake but strongly inhibited the cystine reductase . These results suggest that cystine reductase may provide reduced sulfhydryl groups involved in the transition of mycelium to yeast. J Immunol, 1978 Sep, 121(3), 1184 - 7 Inosiplex, a stimulating agent for normal human T cells and human leukocytes; Wybran J et al.; The influence of inosiplex upon various in vitro leucocyte assays was studied in normal individuals . It was found that the drug increases the response of bidirectional and unidirectional mixed lymphocyte cultures at concentrations of 200, 300, and 500 microgram/ml . It also significantly increases the percentage of active T rosettes (concentration range: 50 to 500 microgram/ml) and the percentage of autologous red cell T rosettes (concentration: 100 microgram/ml) . In contrast, inosiplex did not modify the percentage of total T rosettes and EAC rosettes . Inosiplex increases the number of nonadherent leucocytes in the leucocyte adherence inhibition test at a concentration range between 100 and 300 microgram/ml . Finally, inosiplex also increases the percentage of monocytes phagocytizing yeast at a concentration between 50 and 500 microgram/ml . These data indicate that inosiplex enhances the function of normal human T cells, monocytes, and possibly neutrophils . Therefore inosiplex appears to have immunostimulant properties. Biochem J, 1978 Sep 1, 173(3), 925 - 8 Some properties of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase from ox liver; Page MA et al.; Mitochondrial 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase (EC 4.1.3.5) was purified from ox liver, and obtained essentially free from 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolases . The kinetic behaviour, like that of the synthases from chicken liver and yeast, is compatible with a reaction pathway involving condensation of an acetyl-enzyme with acetoacetyl-CoA . The Km for acetoacetyl-CoA, less than 1 micronM at pH 7.8, may possibly be low enough to permit rapid ketogenesis under physiological conditions without the need for a binary complex between the synthase and oxoacyl-CoA thiolase. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1978 Aug 23, 520(1), 52 - 60 Studies on sheep kidney nuclease . I . An improved purification method and some properties; Watanabe T et al.; An improved purification method of the sheep kidney nuclease (nuclease SK) specific for single-strans nucleic acid, which includes extraction with 0.85% NaCl, treatment with DEAE-cellulose, fractionation with polyethylene glycol, phospho-cellulose chromatography, CM-Sephadex chromatography and phospho-cellulose rechromatography is described . The nuclease was purified approx . 390-fold . Identity was established by comparison with known properties . Molecular weight was estimated to be 52 000-53 000 by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 . The properties of the purified enzyme agreed well those reported previously . The purified enzyme hydrolyzed heat-denatured calf thymus DNA, yeast RNA and no hydrolytic activity for native calf thymus DNA, A2'-pA, A3'-pA, ADP, ATP, 5'-AMP and cyclic AMP. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1978 Aug 7, 525(2), 307 - 13 Purification and properties of L-lysine-alpha-ketoglutarate reductase from rat liver mitochondria; Noda C et al.; L-Lysine-alpha-ketoglutarate reductase (N5-(1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-L-lysine: NADP+ oxidoreductase (L-lysine-forming, EC 1.5.1.8) was purified from rat liver mitochondria to a homogeneous state judged by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and its molecular weight was estimated as 52000 . On Sepharose 4B filtration it has a molecular weight of 230 000 and it is suggested that the active enzyme is a tetramer of subunits of similar size . The purified enzyme was clearly separated from saccharopine dehydrogenase (N5-(1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-L-lysine:NAD+ oxidoreductase (L-glutamate-forming, EC 1.5.1.9) . The reactions of purified L-lysine-alpha-ketoglutarate reductase favored the forward reaction (saccharopine formation) and the rate of the reverse reaction (lysine formation) was only 3--5% that of the forward reaction . The forward reaction was specific for L-lysine, alpha-ketoglutarate and NADPH and followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics, whereas the dose vs . response curve of the reverse reaction was sigmoidal with saccharopine . Among the amino acids examined, ornithine, leucine and tryptophan inhibited the forward reaction competitively . These results are different from earlier reports on human and yeast enzymes . The fact that rats fed on lysine-deficient diet do not lose weight much is discussed in relation to the properties of this enzyme. J Cutan Pathol, 1978 Aug, 5(4), 155 - 64 Chromomycosis; Zaias N; Chromomycosis is a general term to express human and animal fungal infections caused by members of the family Dematiaceae (dark brown or black fungi) . Unique host-parasite relationships produce a wide spectrum of clinical disease, sometimes difficult to treat . Four major categories are recognized: 1) Superficial Chromomycosis--A pigmented macule produced by fungus inhabiting exclusively the dead horny layer (stratum corneum) of the skin, as in tinea nigra palmaris . 2) Chromoblastomycosis--A verrucous, slow growing nodule or plaque produced by fungi, characteristically and exclusively present as large brown spherical bodies (chromo bodies) in the dermis . 3) Chromohyphomycosis--A dermal nodule produced by fungi displaying typical brown septated hyphae . Rarely, the fungus may appear as a yeast . It may occur in deeper tissues, i.e., muscles, bone and brain or it may also involve the eye (Keratomycosis) . 4) Chromomycetoma--Tumefaction, draining sinuses and presence of colony of organisms as "grain" . Dematiaceae are found more frequently in veterinary than in human medicine. Can J Microbiol, 1978 Aug, 24(8), 947 - 53 Mycoviruses of Penicillium stoloniferum: influence of carbon-nitrogen nutrition upon replication; Detroy RW et al.; Carbon-nitrogen ratio experiments indicate that limiting nutrition not only hinders Penicillium stoloniferum host proliferation but reduces total PsV-F and PsV-S virus replication . Results of C-N experiments show a pH-induced autolysis and virus release at minimal C levels . Maximal PsV-F levels and biomass were obtained with glucose and sucrose as C sources . Oleic acid also yielded high biomass and PsV-F yields . Yeast extract was an excellent N source; 2.83 g dry weight biomass and 87 A260 units PsV-F after 96 h of growth . Other nitrogen sources, including amino acids, supported only minimal growth and virus replication . The autolysis phenomenon is pH, not viral-induced . High C and N will support maximal growth and unrestricted virus replication with no cellular lysis . Under low C growth conditions, the replication of PsV-S is favored coupled with high pH and autolysis. Ann Allergy, 1978 Aug, 41(2), 93 - 8 Hidden food ingredients, chemical food additives and incomplete food labels; Miller JB; Many foods and medications containing hidden ingredients are described; labelling is usually incomplete and often misleading . Patients sensitive to foods and chemicals are advised to read and interpret labels . Consumers, manufacturers, government agencies and allergists should cooperate to ensure an adequate national food supply without unduly jeopardizing an increasingly sensitive population. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1978 Aug, 75(8), 3943 - 7 Demonstration of specific C5a receptor on intact human polymorphonuclear leukocytes; Chenoweth DE et al.; Human C5a, a complement-derived anaphylatoxin, is a potent mediator of human leukocyte chemotaxis . Using a homogeneous preparation of C5a that was 125I-labeled, we have demonstrated the presence of a specific cellular receptor for this glycoprotein on intact human polymorphonuclear leukocytes . Cellular uptake of the radiolabeled ligand occurred rapidly and the rate of dissociation was extremely slow . Cellular binding was saturable with respect to 125I-labeled C5a, and half-saturation occurred at a concentration of 3-7 X 10(-9) M . The number of C5a binding sites per cell was estimated as 1-3 X 10(5) . The ligand (C5a) displays specific structural features that are required for binding because analogs of C5a such as C5ades Arg or a yeast carboxypeptidase-digested C5a derivative C5a-(I-69) inhibited the binding but C3a anaphylatoxin, which resembles C5a chemically, did not . Both C5a-mediated leukocyte chemotaxis and C5a-induced lysosomal enzyme release from cytochalasin B-treated cells closely paralleled uptake of the ligand, clearly indicating that it is a receptor-C5a interaction that leads to stimulation of these cellular responses. Gann, 1978 Aug, 69(4), 533 - 8 In vitro binding of 2-acetaminofluorene to RNA and protein with rat liver microsomes; Hara E et al.; Covalent binding of 2-acetaminofluorene{9-14C} with exogenous Torula yeast RNA and endogenous protein was investigated in liver microsome system in vitro . The binding to protein was 100 times higher than that to RNA . Requirement of NADPH, effectiveness of methylcholanthrene treatment, and inhibition by 7,8-benzoflavone suggest possible involvement of mixed-function oxidases in this binding . The binding was not due to contaminated cytosol in the microsome fraction . Addition of cytosol, sulfate ion, and ATP diminished the binding . Parallel experiments using N-hydroxy-2-acetaminofluorene{9-14C} denied major contribution of this metabolite to the binding of 2-acetaminofluorene in the microsome system . Ring-hydroxylated product was suggested as a possible metabolite for the binding. Biochem J, 1978 Aug 1, 173(2), 591 - 6 The selective retardation of NADP+-dependent dehydrogenases by immobilized procion red HE-3B; Watson DH et al.; The capacities of Procion Red HE-3B and Cibacron Blue F3G-A immobilized to Sepharose CL-4B and Matrex 201R for NAD+-, NADP+- and NAD(P)+-dependent dehydrogenases were measured . Procion Red HE-3B columns retarded NADP+-dependent dehydrogenases more effectively than NAD+-dependent dehydrogenases, whilst immobilized Cibacron Blue F3G-A retarded NAD+-dependent dehydrogenases more effectively than NADP+-dependent dehydrogenases . The capacity of procion Red HE-3B-Sepharose CL-4B for five dehydrogenases was highest in the region of 70nmol of immobilized ligand/ml of settled gel . The effects of using poly(ethyleneimine) as a spacer for both porous and pellicular supports were also examined . Four NADP+-dependent dehydrogenases were purified from yeast extract by using Procion Red HE-3B-Sepharose CL-4B . Two NAD+-dependent dehydrogenases were purified from the same source using Cibacron Blue F3G-A-Sepharose CL-4B . These results are discussed in relation to the use of immobilized Procion Red HE-3B to purify dehydrogenases . This immobilized dye's chromatograhic behaviour is compared with that of immobilized nucleotides . The most important feature of immobilized tirazine dyes seems to be their high operational capacities when compared with group-specific nucleotide adsorbents. J Biol Chem, 1978 Jul 25, 253(14), 4823 - 5 Divalent cation-dependent stereospecificity of adenosine 5'-O-(2-thiotriphosphate) in the hexokinase and pyruvate kinase reactions . The absolute stereochemistry of the diastereoisomers of adenosine 5'-O-(2-thiotriphosphate); Jaffe EK et al.; 31P NMR studies with Cd(II) and Zn(II) chelates of adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATPgammaS) and the Cd(II) chelate of adenosine 5'-O-(2-thiotriphosphate) (ATPbetaS) indicate that these metal ions chelate to the sulfur atom of the thiophosphate group . Since Mg(II) chelates to oxygen of the thiophosphate group of diastereoisomer is equivalent to the configuration of the Cd(II) chelate of the opposite diastereoisomer . As a consequence, an inversion of the stereospecificity is observed when Cd(II) is substituted for Mg(II) in the phosphoryl transfer reactions catalyzed by yeast hexokinase and rabbit muscle pyruvate kinase . When Co(II) is the activating ion for yeast hexokinase with ATPbetaS as substrate, no stereospecificity is observed . Since the absolute configuration for the diastereoisomer of Co(III)(NH3)4ATP which is the active substrate for yeast hexokinase has been established by Cornelius and Cleland (Cornelius, R . D., and Cleland, W . W . (1978) Biochemistry, in press), the absolute stereochemistry of the Mg(II) complex of the B isomer of ATPbetaS is now established by its stereospecificity in the hexokinase reaction. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1978 Jul 24, 519(2), 406 - 17 Studies on the preparation and properties of ribonucleoprotein particles from rat liver nuclei; Northemann W et al.; Ribonucleoprotein particles of 38 S were extracted from rat liver nuclei with isotonic salt buffer under concomitant sonication . The fate of the endogeneous nuclear RNAases assayed with poly(A), high molecular weight yeast RNA and rapidly labeled hnRNA was followed during the preparation of 38-S nuclear ribonucleoprotein (nRNP) particles . Essentially all the RNAase activity could be removed from the particle preparation . The effect of synthetic RNAase inhibitors on the nRNP particles was studied . Upon extraction of nuclei with 0.14 M NaCl, approximately 38% of the total nuclear radioactivity was found in the 38-S nRNP particles . By two successive extractions of the remaining chromatin with either isotonic or 0.22 and 0.3 M NaCl, an additional 25 and 9% of rapidly labeled hnRNA of 38 S particle were dissociated from chromatin, respectively . The chromatin components, DNA, nonhistone proteins, histones and RNA were determined after successive salt extractions . Particularly alterations in the nonhistone proteins and RNA were found . The protein patterns upon SDS-acrylamide gel electrophoresis of the salt-extracted chromatin preparations were compared with those of the 38-S nRNP particles . Particularly proteins in the molecular weight range of 32 000-43 000 were dissociated from chromatin after treatment with 0.22 or 0.3 M NaCl. C R Acad Sci Hebd Seances Acad Sci D, 1978 Jul 17, 287(3), 157 - 60 {Electron microscopy of mitochondrial DNA in Podospora anserina and the presence of a multimeric range of circular DNA molecules from senescent cultures}; Cummings DJ et al.; Mitochondrial DNA from young cultures of race s of Podospora anserina was isolated . Its density in Cesium chloride density equilibrium gradients was 1.694 g/cc . Examination by the electron microscope revealed that ca 1% of this DNA consisted of circles, 31 micrometer in contour length; the remaining DNA was composed of linear molecules ranging in length from 2 to 33 micrometer . In DNA of similar density obtained from senescent cultures of the same race s, about 11% of the molecules consisted of a multimeric set of circles ranging in size from 0.9 to 15 micrometer, with most being in the 1.8 and 2.7 micrometer classes . The similarity of these DNA molecules with the mitochondrial DNA from rho(-) yeast mutants is discussed. Pathology, 1978 Jul, 10(3), 249 - 56 Sporotrichosis: a review of 39 cases; Bullpitt P et al.; In a series of 39 cases of cutaneous sporotrichosis, 37 were of the localized cutaneous type and only 2 of the lymphangitic variety . Fungi were identified histologically in every case, most often as asteroid bodies which were found in all but 3 lesions . Cultures were occasionally negative even though asteroids or yeast-like forms were present in tissue sections . A histological diagnosis should be possible in all cases if a sufficient number of serial sections are examined by H & E and the PAS method. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1978 Jul-Aug, 14(4), 494 - 8 {Effect of different nitrogen sources on the biosynthesis of lipase by Oospora lactis}; Shchelokova SS et al.; The effect of inorganic and organic nitrogen compounds on the synthesis of biomass and extracellular lipase by Oospora lactis was studied . Among the inorganic nitrogen sources ammonium sulphate and ammonium secondary phosphate and among the organic nitrogen sources yeast autolysate proved to be most beneficial for the lipase synthesis . Lipase activity and biomass accumulation in the medium containing yeast autolysate were greater than in the media containing the above ammonium salts . Lipase synthesis reached maximum in the nutrient medium containing yeast autolysate (0.7%) and ammonium sulphate (0.3%). Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis, 1978 Jul-Dec, 46(3-4), 376 - 85 In vitro cultivation of mycobacteria in cholesterol lecithin media from lepromas of rats infected with Mycobacterium lepraemurium; Kato L et al.; In vivo grown M . lepraemurium suspensions were inoculated into a basal medium containing cholesterol and lecithin . Slow growing strains of mycobacteria were cultured regularly in these media . The presence of free cholesterol or cholesterol in serum or cholesterol in trypsin-digested egg yolk was essential for growth . The primary cultures were difficult to obtain, but the strains were easily subcultured . A heavy inoculum was necessary to obtain primary cultures in the liquid media, no growth occurred on semisolid agar slants . Similarly slow-growing primary cultures were obtained on Ogawa egg yolk media . Growth developed in a considerably shorter time if Ogawa's medium was enriched with 0.4% yeast extract (Difco) . The cultures obtained on Ogawa egg yolk media were successfully subcultered in liquid cholesterol-lecithin media . The relation of the cultured strains of mycobacteria to the pathology of murine leprosy is not yet clear . The dynamics of cholesterol metabolism in the macrophages related to murine leprosy is discussed. Cancer Res, 1978 Jul, 38(7), 1857 - 65 T-lymphocytes and macrophages in primary murine fibrosarcomas at different stages in their progression; Wood GW et al.; The relative contribution of lymphocytes, macrophages, and granulocytes to the cell content of primary 3-methyl-cholanthrene-induced murine fibrosarcomas was determined at different stages in their progression by differential cell analysis on enzyme-derived single-cell suspensions . Furthermore, immunohistological analyses were performed on the tumors to detect, quantitate, and determine the distribution of T-lymphocytes and macrophages . The T-lymphocyte content of small tumors was very high, and the T-cells were distributed throughout the tumor mass . As the tumor increased in size, there was a marked decrease in the relative T-cell content; most were located at the tumor periphery . Macrophages were present in significant numers in all tumors and appeared to increase in number as the tumors increased in size . Macrophages were distributed throughout the tumor mass, but generally they were more densely distributed near the tumor periphery . Granulocytes were present in low numbers in all tumors . Yeast phagocytosis was used to assess the functional capacity of the macrophage population . The phagocytic capacity of the macrophages was low in the small tumors, increased significantly as the tumors progressed, but dropped to relatively low levels in large tumors . The results represent a preliminary attempt to characterize the dynamics of host cell infiltration of primary immunogenic tumors. J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Jul, 8(1), 42 - 5 Improved version of the exoantigen test for identification of Coccidioides immitis and Histoplasma capsulatum cultures; Kaufman L et al.; A rapid and simple method for extracting specific cell-free antigens of Coccidioides immitis and Histoplasma capsulatum from agar slant cultures was developed . The extracts were analyzed in immunodiffusion tests for the presence of C . immitis or H . capsulatum specific antigens . These extracts were compared with culture filtrates of brain heart infusion broth subcultures in tests with 32 isolates of C . immitis and H . capsulatum and 13 other fungi which might be morphologically confused with them . The studies showed that the slant extracts were as useful as the culture filtrates and allowed more rapid identification of C . immitis and H . capsulatum . In every case, when an identification was made by conventional morphological methods, the immunological test yielded correlating results . The immunological tests were positive for two isolates that were converted to their yeast forms only after 4 months of study by conventional tests . The new procedure permits the identification of C . immitis and H . capsulatum 2 days after receipt of a pure mycelial-form culture . The test is recommended for the presumptive identification of C . immitis and H . capsulatum cultures. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1978 Jul-Aug, 14(4), 515 - 22 {Preparation of extracellular ribonuclease form Actinomyces rimosus 994}; Penzikova GA et al.; By sequential acid treatment, gel filtration and KM-cellulose sorption a 18--20-fold purified preparation of ribonuclease with a yield of 50--60% was obtained from the culture liquid filtrate of Actinomyces rimosus 994 . The preparation had a high specific activity of 450,000--600,000 units/mg protein, contained 85--98% protein, insignificant amounts of carbohydrates and hydroxytetracycline, and no quantities of DNase, phosphomonoesterases, phosphodiesterase or proteases . In RNA degradation (preparation of the total yeast RNA of the Sigma Co.) optimal results were obtained at 50 degrees C and pH 7.0--7.2 in phosphate buffer and 7.6--8.0 IN Tris-HCl buffer . The preparation was stable at high temperatures (80--100 degrees) in the wide pH range and during storage in the lyophilized form and in buffer solutions . RNase effect was inhibited by zinc, copper, iron and cobalt cations and activated by beta-mercaptoethanol, citrate and EDTA . Protamine sulphate and urea in low concentrations (0.01% and 1--4 M, respectively) accelerated and in high concentrations (1% and 8 M, respectively) terminated the enzyme reaction . With respect to many properties RNase from Act . rimosus 994 was similar to extracellular RNases, produced by other actinomycetes and fungi. Cancer Res, 1978 Jul, 38(7), 2168 - 73 Serum acid ribonuclease in myelogenous leukemia; Akagi K et al.; Acid and alkaline RNase activities in serum were measured with yeast RNA as the substrate in normal subjects and in leukemic patients pretreatment and posttreatment, and the acid/alkaline ratios of activities were 0.63 +/- 0.08 (S.D.) (N, 12), 2.28 +/- 0.82 (N, 8), and 0.60 +/- 0.13 (N, 9), respectively . The mean value for the ratio in the pretreated leukemia was significantly higher than that in the other 2 groups (p less than 0.01) . By separating these acid and alkaline RNases from normal and leukemic sera by phosphocellulose chromatography, it was further confirmed that acid RNase alone increased markedly in leukemic serum . From serum and leukocytes of leukemic patients, acid RNases were purified about 2000-fold and 300-fold, respectively, by phosphocellulose and Sephadex G-75 chromatography . Both enzymes displayed properties nearly identical with those of normal serum and leukocytes, except that leukemic serum acid RNase had about a 2.4-fold greater affinity for polyuridylate than for polycytidylate as substrate, in contrast to normal serum acid RNase that degraded polycytidylate exclusively . On the other hand acid RNases from serum leukocytes of leukemia showed a similar substrate preference . These results suggest that the high RNase levels of leukemic sera are due to an excessive leakage of acid RNase into the blood stream from abnormal leukocytes. Cancer Res, 1978 Jul, 38(7), 2163 - 7 Purification and properties of acid ribonucleases in human serum and leukocytes; Akagi K et al.; Acid RNase was purified from normal human serum about 2400-fold by chromatography on phosphocellulose and Sephadex G-75 and rechromatography on Sephadex G-75 . Assayed with yeast RNA as substrate, the enzyme showed the maximal activity at about pH 6.5 with sodium phosphate buffer . The reaction was activated by Na+, K+, and spermine, but it was not affected greatly by Mg2+, Co2+, and EDTA . Ca2+, Fe2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ inhibited the reaction . Among the synthetic substrates examined, the enzyme preferentially hydrolyzed pyrimidine nucleotides, with a higher affinity for polycytidylate than for polyuridylate . The enzyme was thermolabile, but it stabilized with bovine plasma albumin . The molecular weight was approximately 15,000, estimated gel filtration on Sephadex G-75, and its isoelectric pH was above 11.0 . From normal human leukocytes, acid RNase was purified about 400-fold by the same procedure described previously except that rechromatography on Sephadex G-75 was omitted . The properties of leukocytic RNase were found to be similar to those of serum acid RNase, but the latter enzyme differed in substrate specificity substantially from leukocytic RNase, preferring polyuridylate to polycytidylate . This evidence shows that serum RNase is not of leukocytic origin under normal physiological conditions. Biochemistry, 1978 Jun 27, 17(13), 2633 - 8 Glutathione-facilitated refolding of reduced, denatured bovine seminal ribonuclease: kinetics and characterization of products; Smith GK et al.; Totally reduced and denatured seminal ribonuclease was regenerated using the glutathione redox system . The refolding kinetics of the enzyme were determined as a function of redox state, temperature from 14 to 43 degrees C, pH, and protein concentration . The maximal rate of regeneration occurred with 3 x 10(-3) M reduced glutathione, 6 x 10(-4) M oxidized glutathione, 24 to 30 degrees C, and pH 8.2 . The products of the refolding process were characterized by Sephadex G-75, sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis, enzymatic activity, circular dichroism, and amino acid analysis . The results indicate that the native dimeric form of the enzyme is not produced during refolding to any appreciable extent; rather, the major product is monomeric . The purified monomer exhibits twice the activity of the native enzyme toward yeast RNA . Its circular dichroism spectrum is different from the native enzyme and is quite similar to that of pancreatic ribonuclease A . Amino acid analyses showed that two glutathione molecules are bound to the monomer, suggesting that cysteine-31 and -32, which normally form the intermolecular disulfide bonds, are blocked. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1978 Jun 22, 519(1), 173 - 93 Isolation and characterization of poly(adenylic acid)-containing messenger ribonucleic acid from rat liver polysomes; Sala-Trepat JM et al.; Undegraded rat liver polysomes were obtained after homogenizing the tissue in a medium containing NH4Cl, heparine, and yeast tRNA . Purification of poly(A)-containing RNA from polysomal RNA was accomplished by affinity chromatography on oligo(dT)-cellulose columns . Poly(A)-containing RNA molecules were monitored by the formation of ribonuclease-resistant hybrids with {3H}poly(U) . To improve the separation of messenger RNA and ribosomal RNA by oligo(dT)-cellulose it was found essential to dissociate the aggregates formed between both molecular species by heat treatment in the presence of dimethylsulfoxide (Me2SO) prior to chromatography . Sucrose gradient analysis under denaturing conditions showed that the preparations obtained were virtually free of ribosomal RNA . Poly(A)-containing RNA constituted approx . 2.2% of the total polysomal RNA and the number average size was 1500--1800 nucleotides, as judged by sedimentation analysis on sucrose density gradients containing Me2SO . Approximately 8.2% of the purified preparation obtained was able to anneal with {3H}poly(U); the number average nucleotide length of the poly(A) segment of the RNA population was calculated to be 133 adenylate residues . Based on these values, our preparations appear to be greater than 90% pure . The RNA fractions obtained after oligo(dT)-cellulose chromatography were used to direct the synthesis of liver polypeptides in a heterologous cell-free system derived from wheat-germ . The system was optimized with respect to monovalent and divalent cations, and presence of polyamines (spermine) . More than 65% of the translational activity present in the unfractionated polysomal RNA was recovered in the final poly(A)-containing RNA fraction . However, about 25% of the activity was found to be associated with the unbound fraction which was essentially free of poly(A)-containing RNA . Immunoprecipitation analysis with a specific antiserum to rat serum albumin demonstrated that about 6--8% of the labeled synthetic products translated from the poly(A)-containing RNA sample corresponded to serum albumin . Analysis of the translation products by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a heterogeneous distribution of molecular sizes ranging from 15 000 to greater than 70 000 daltons . Spermine not only increased the overall yield and extent of protein synthesis, but also resulted in higher yields of large protein products . Under optimal translation conditions a discrete peak representing about 7% of the total radioactivity was observed to migrate with rat serum albumin. Lipids, 1978 Jun, 13(6), 396 - 402 Effects of dietary vitamin E, selenium, and polyunsaturated fats on in vivo lipid peroxidation in the rat as measured by pentane production; Dillard CJ et al.; Starting at 21 days of age, groups of six rats each were fed a basal Torula yeast diet supplemented with 0.4% L-methionine and varying amounts of vitamin E as dl-alpha tocopherol acetate, selenium as sodium selenite, and with either 10% stripped corn oil, stripped lard, or coconut oil . By 7 wk, pentane production by rats fed a corn oil diet deficient in both vitamin E and selenium was twice that by rats fed 0.1 or 1 mg of selenium per kg of the same basal diet . Blood glutathione peroxidase activity after 7 wk was proportional to the logarithm of dietary selenium . Groups of rats fed the vitamin E- and selenium-deficient diets with lard or coconut oil had one-half the pentane production of rats fed the vitamin E- and selenium-deficient corn oil diets . The plasma level of linoleic plus arachidonic acid was 1.8 time greater on a wt % basis in rats fed corn oil than in rats fed lard or coconut oil as the fat source . Pentane production by rats fed 40 i.u . dl-alpha tocopherol acetate per kg of the selenium-deficient corn oil diet was one-sixth of that by rats fed the same diet without vitamin E; the plasma of the rats fed the vitamin E-supplemented corn oil diet had a level of vitamin E that was about six times greater than that of the rats fed the vitamin E-deficient corn oil diet. Am J Clin Nutr, 1978 Jun, 31(6), 972 - 6 Relative chromium response as an indicator of chromium status; Liu VJ et al.; Twenty-seven women ages 40 to 75 were divided into normal (n = 15) and hyperglycemic (n = 12) groups on the basis of 3-hr glucose tolerance tests . Each subject received 5 g of brewer's yeast extract containing 4 microgram of chromium daily for 3 months . Glucose, insulin, and chromium levels were analyzed by oxidase, radioimmunoassay, and radiochemical neutron activation analysis methods, respectively . The fasting and 1-hr serum chromium levels (ng/ml) changed from 1.67 and 1.43 to 1.46 and 1.86 in the normal group, and from 1.89 and 1.03 to 0.94 and 1.03 in the hyperglycemic group . Considerable changes occurred in the relative chromium response (RCR) at the 1-hr point . RCR is defined as (1-hr serum chromium level/fasting serum chromium level) X 100 . Among the normal subjects, 73% showed an improved RCR after the supplementation: mean RCR was 107% before and 140% after . Among the hyperglycemic subjects, 75% showed an improved RCR: mean RCR was 81% before and 149% after the supplementation . The increased RCR was associated with decreased serum insulin and glucose levels . This is interpreted as reflecting an improved chromium status for the majority of individuals in both groups after the supplementation . The observations suggest that 1) in response to a glucose load, serum chromium levels drop in subjects with presumably inadequate chromium storage; 2) a low value of relative chromium response at the 1-hr point indicates a suboptimal chromium nutritional status. Am J Med, 1978 Jun, 64(6), 923 - 32 Histoplasmosis in immunosuppressed patients; Kauffman CA et al.; Infection with Histoplasma capsulatum in 58 patients whose immune responses were suppressed (Immunosuppressed patients) (16 from the present series and 42 described previously) was analyzed . The most common underlying diseases were Hodgkin's disease (29 per cent), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (19 per cent) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (17 per cent) . Sixty-three per cent of the patients had received cytotoxic drugs, and 57 per cent had taken corticosteroids . Widely disseminated infection occurred in 88 per cent of the patients, with predominant involvement of lungs and organs of the reticuloendothelial system . Localized pulmonary infection was present in the remaining patients . The most useful diagnostic method was bone marrow biopsy with microscopic examination for the intracellular yeast form of H . capsulatum . Biopsy of oral lesions, lung, liver and lymph node also proved diagnostically helpful . Growth of H . capsulatum in culture was frequently too slow to be beneficial in diagnosing histoplasmosis in ill patients . Serologic methods were of little diagnostic help in this population of immunosuppressed patients . The response to amphotericin B therapy was excellent (6.7 per cent mortality rate) in those patients in whom the diagnosis was established early and in whom a full course of antifungal therapy could be given . In contrast, the mortality rate in patients who received no antifungal therapy or less than 1 g of amphotericin B was 100 per cent. Biochemistry, 1978 May 30, 17(11), 2246 - 9 Low-temperature studies of electron transfer between different cytochromes c and cytochrome c oxidase; Ferguson-Miller S et al.; The ability of various native and modified cytochromes c to transfer electrons to cytochrome oxidase is compared in cytochrome c depleted beef heart mitochondrial particles . The kinetics are followed at -49 degrees C after the reaction is initiated by photolysis of the CO compound of cytochrome oxidase in the presence of oxygen . Horse, human, yeast iso-2, and carboxydinitrophenyl (CDNP)-lysine-60 horse cytochromes c all give initial rates of electron transfer that are equal to those observed in whole beef mitochondria . Euglena, CDNP-lysine-72, and CDNP-lysine-13 horse cytochromes c give rates about one-tenth that of whole mitochondria . These rates were independent of the concentration of cytochrome c . Since the inhibited cytochromes c, but not the active proteins, had previously been shown to have lowered affinity for cytochrome oxidase, the results indicate that the structural characteristics important for the association of cytochrome c and oxidase are also essential for achieving normal rates of electron transfer within the complex once formed. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1978 May 25, 529(2), 189 - 200 Purification and properties of the polymeric fatty acid synthetase from a filamentous fungus; Giompres P et al.; Fatty acid synthetase was purified from the filamentous fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus to a specific activity of 4000--5000 munits/mg protein . Its purity was established by its appearance in electron micrographs, on sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gels and by analytical ultracentrifugation, and also by its behaviour upon sucrose gradient centrifugation . This enzyme comprises two large polypeptides with molecular weights of 190 000 and 186 000 . Evidence from electron microscopy indicates that it consists of three equivalent loops of protein . It dissociates into different-sized circular subunits on ageing or upon dissolution in buffer of low ionic strength . Differences in properties between this fungal synthetase and that found in yeast have been noted and relate, for example, to inhibition by acetyl CoA and malonyl-CoA, cold-lability and pH optimum . The synthetase from A . fumigatus, purified by different procedures, consistently exists in two forms of similar specific activity, with sedimentation coefficients approx . 40 S and 60 S . Synthetase activity present in crude extracts has been identified as a very heavy component with sedimentation coefficient greater than 100 S. Cesk Patol, 1978 May, 14(2), 51 - 6 {Acute pulmonary histoplasomis . 1st findings in Czechoslovakia}; Bednar B et al.; A 57-year-old man, who for many years was treated for a pleomorphic lymphoma with cytotoxic drugs and x-ray therapy, died from the generalized tumor process . At autopsy, an extraordinary finding was found in form of acute pulmonary mycosts, which histologically appears to be histoplasmosis . Culture was not attempted, but the diagnosis is based on morphology, both of the organism proper and its intracellular location, and on results obtained by immunofluorescence studies . In numerous pulmonary vessels, endothelial pillows of histiocytes with yeast cells are found, typical for histoplasmosis, but no generalization was found in other organs . The source of the infection is not clear. J Trop Med Hyg, 1978 May, 81(5), 88 - 90 African histoplasmosis of the jejunum . Report of a case; Adekunle OO et al.; A case of histoplasmosis of the jejunum is presented . This is apparently the first reported case of African histoplasmosis primarily affecting the jejunum . Grossly, there was stricture formation together with tubercles scattered over the surface of the bowel and adjoining mesentery . Also the mesenteric lymphnodes were enlarged . It is therefore difficult to distinguish jejunal histoplasmosis from tuberculosis, carcinoma and lymphoma of the jejunum and diagnosis can only be based on the demonstration of the characteristic yeast cells from the specimen. Biokhimiia, 1978 May, 43(5), 935 - 6 {The absence of coupling between the formation of membrane potential and electron transfer via the alternative pathway of cyanide-resistant mitochondria}; Akimenko VK et al.; The estimation of membrane potential of cyanide-resistant mitochondria of Candida lipolytica yeast was carried out using positively charged dye phenosafranine . The electron transfer via alternative pathway of cynide resistant mitochondria was shown not to be coupled with the formation of potential on membrane mitochondria. Mol Biol (Mosk), 1978 May-Jun, 12(3), 565 - 71 {Immunochemical comparison of tryptophanyl-tRNA-synthetases}; Sheinker VSh et al.; A fraction of immunoglobulins was isolated from the sera of rabbit immunised by a homogeneous beef pancreas tryptophanyl-tRNA-synthetase (TRSase) . The IgG fraction was shown to inhibit the enzymatic activity during aminoacylation of yeast tRNATrp and tryptophan activation . By using the radioimmunoadsorption technique, the interaction of IgG was tested with TRSaes from beef pancreas and identical enzymes from other sources (contained in the total preparation) . Beef liver TRSase efficiently inhibited the radioimmunoadsorption reaction of beef pancrease 125J-TRSase that suggests a strong similarity or even identity of the enzymes . When the purified antibodies to beef pancreas TRSase were isolated common antigen determinants were revealed for TRSase from beef pancreas, liver of chick, pig and rat . Enzymatic activity of TRSase from liver of beef, pig and chick was shown to be inhibited by antibodies to beef pancreas . TRSase whereas the enzymes from rat liver and yeast did not change their activity in the presence of these antibodies . Therefore, for several TRAases common antigen determinants have been revealed that suggest the presence of common structural elements in these enzymes; antibody binding inhibits the activity of some TRSases and does not affect that of others. Mikrobiologiia, 1978 May-Jun, 47(3), 414 - 23 {Effect of pH values of the medium unfavorable for growth on the physiological, morphological and cytological characteristics of a chemostat culture of Candida utilis}; Lirova SA et al.; The effect of growth inhibiting values of pH of the medium (pH 2.3 and 7.8) on physiological, morphological and cytological characteristics was studied with the chemostat culture of Candida utilis . Changes in the pH of the medium were accompanied with a decrease in the economic coefficient of the yeast cells, an increase in the respiratory quotient and the activity of phosphohydrolase . Phase-contrast micriscopy has shown that, at acid pH values, the cells were smaller than in the control (in the cells grown under optimal conditions) and rather uniform, oval or rounded, and contained large lipid granules . The presence of large lipid granules was confirmed by electron microscopy; vacuoles were smaller than in the control cells, but their number was greater than one; mitochondria stuck together and had one general outer membrane; the cell wall was 3--4 times thicker . At alkaline pH values of the medium, the whole cellular organization of C . utilis was disordered: the cells were larger, the size of vacuoles increased too much, and the structure became heterogeneous. Arch Microbiol, 1978 Apr 27, 117(1), 67 - 72 Degradation of microbodies in relation to activities of alcohol oxidase and catalase in Candida boidinii; Bormann C et al.; Degradation of microbodies in the methanol-utilizing yeast Candida boidinii was mainly studied by electron microscopical observation . The yeast cells precultured on methanol medium contained five to six microbodies per section and showed high activities of alcohol oxidase, catalase, formaldehyde dehydrogenase and formate dehydrogenase . When the precultured cells were transferred into an ethanol medium the number of microbodies and concomitantly the activities of alcohol oxidase and catalase decreased . After 6 h of cultivation microbodies were hardly detected . Also the activity of alcohol oxidase was not measurable and catalase activity was reduced to one tenth, whereas the activities of formaldehyde dehydrogenase and formate dehydrogenase decreased only to about 70% . Experiments with methanol-grown cells transferred into an ethanol medium without nitrogen source indicated that the inactivation of alcohol oxidase and catalase does not require protein synthesis . However, the reappearance of these enzymes is presumably due to de novo protein synthesis as shown by experiments with cycloheximide. Biochemistry, 1978 Apr 18, 17(8), 1365 - 70 Inhibition of adenylosuccinase by adenylophosphonopropionate and related compounds; Brand LM et al.; Adenylosuccinase from muscle, liver and yeast is strongly inhibited by the substrate analogue adenylophosphonopropionate (N6-(DL-1-carboxy-2-phosphonoethyl)-adenosine 5'-monophosphate) . The inhibition is freely reversible and of the competitive type, with apparent K1 values between 5.4 and 86 nM depending on the source of enzyme . Ratios of Km/K1 with adenylosuccinate as substrate fall in the range of 44 to 1350 . Comparison of four carboxyl analogues of adenylosuccinate with the corresponding phosphonate analogues shows that the phosphonates are much better inhibitors . Adenylosuccinate analogues in which the beta-carboxyl is replaced by other functional groups are much poorer inhibitors . The exceptionally high affinity of adenylosuccinase for adenylophosphonopropionate appears to involve the dianion of the phosphonate group. Experientia, 1978 Apr 15, 34(4), 431 - 2 G-6PD loading of G-6PD-deficient erythrocytes; Gerli GC et al.; G-6PD-deficient erythrocytes were loaded during hypotonic hemolysis with G-6PD extracted from yeast . It was shown that enzyme was really trapped into red blood cells and remained functionally active. J Biol Chem, 1978 Apr 10, 253(7), 2070 - 2 Effect of reductive lactosamination on the hepatic uptake of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A dimer; Wilson G; Lactose has been coupled to the lysine residues of the cross-linked dimer of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A by reductive amination with cyanoborohydride . Derivatives of ribonuclease dimer that contained up to 10 Nepsilon-1-(1-deoxylactitolyl)-lysine residues per molecule had greater than 75% of the enzymic activity of the unmodified enzyme toward yeast RNA . Upon intravenous injection of the 14C-labeled (enzymically inactivated by 14C-carboxymethylation) derivatives into rats, their uptake by the liver was a function of the number of lactose residues coupled . At 10 min, 69% of the injected derivative of ribonuclease dimer containing eight 1-deoxylactitolyl-lysine residues/molecule was found in the liver; with the non-glycosylated enzyme, the liver uptake at 10 min was only 4%, and 75% of the radioactivity was found in the kidneys. J Biochem (Tokyo), 1978 Apr, 83(4), 1085 - 94 Amino acid sequence around the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate binding site in potato phosphorylase; Nakano K et al.; The amino acid sequence around the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate binding site in potato phosphorylase was determined in order to compare it with those in phosphorylases from other sources having different regulatory properties . The potato enzyme was reduced by NaBH4 in the presence of urea, carboxymethylated, and digested with chymotrypsin and trypsin . Pyridoxyl peptides were isolated by the differential procedure using paper electrophoresis or DEAE-cellulose column chromatography . In Edman degradation of these peptides, pyridoxyllysine was identified as the phenylthiohydantoin derivative of pyridoxyllysine using a combination of thin-layer chromatography and the Pauli reaction . The sequence around pyridoxyllysine, comprising 57 amino acid residues, was determined except for a region with 6 amino acid residues . The pyridoxal 5'-phosphate binding site in potato phosphorylase showed a high homology with those of the rabbit muscle and yeast enzymes . This finding suggests that the cofactor should be directly related to the essential process of phosphorylase action. J Bacteriol, 1978 Apr, 134(1), 76 - 83 Regulation of macromolecular synthesis during hyphal germ tube emergence from Mucor racemosus sporangiospores; Orlowski M et al.; Protein and RNA syntheses were examined during hyphal germ tube emergence from sporangiospores of a dimorphic phycomycete, Mucor racemosus . Both classes of macromolecules were synthesized immediately upon introduction of the dormant sporangiospores into nutrient medium . The specific rates of synthesis of both protein and RNA accelerated during initial germ tube emergence and reached a maximum when the emergence of new germ tubes ended . The specific rates of synthesis later decreased during further hyphal elongation . The distribution of ribosomes between active polysomes and monosomes and inactive subunits was determined by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, and the rate of amino acid addition to nascent polypeptide chains was calculated throughout the developmental sequence . The results showed that both the percentage of ribosomes active in protein synthesis and the velocity of ribosome movement along the mRNA were continuously adjusted throughout hyphal germ tube development . The free intracellular amino acid pools were measured throughout development . Alanine, glutamate, and aspartate were present at very high concentrations in the dormant spores but were rapidly depleted during hyphal germ tube emergence . The results of these studies are discussed in relation to hyphal germ tube development from yeast cells of Mucor and dormant spores of other fungal species. Bioinorg Chem, 1978 Apr, 8(4), 341 - 53 Interactions of cis- and trans-platinum(II) complexes with dehydrogenase enzymes in the presence of different mono- and polynucleotides: evidence for a ternary complex; Friedman ME et al.; The inhibition of several dehydrogenase enzymes by cis- and trans-Pt(NH3)2Cl2 have been measured in the presence of baker yeast ribonucleic acid (RNA), calf thymus and salmon sperm deoxyribonuclic acid (DNA) and several mononucleotides (AMP and ATP) . The binding constants for the interaction of the platinum complexes to the nucleotides have been calculated and a comparison of those values to the previously calculated platinum complex-enzyme binding constants strongly suggest that platinum compounds are more tightly bound to the enzymes . The binding of the platinum complexes to most of the enzymes was decreased in the presence of any nucleotide, yet it was observed that when using rabbit muscle (M4) lactate dehydrogenase the mononucleotides reduced the binding to a lesser degree while the polynucleotides actually enhanced the platinum-enzyme interaction . The implications of these interactions are discussed. Can J Microbiol, 1978 Apr, 24(4), 440 - 7 Relationship between iron-limited growth and energy limitation during phased cultivation of Candida utilis; Thomas KC et al.; The yeast Candida utilis was continuously synchronized by the phasing technique (6 h doubling time) with either iron or nitrogen as the limiting nutrient . Iron limitations resulted in decreased molar growth yields with respect to the carbon substrates and ammonia and in increased specific rates of oxygen uptake . Relatively low energy-charge values were maintained by the iron-limited culture . All these taken together seemed to indicate that the growth of the yeast under iron limitation was also limited by metabolically available energy . Consideralbe amounts of ethyl acetate were produced by the yeast under phased cultivation when the growth was limited by iron but not by nitrogen . In vitro studies using cell-free extracts showed that the substrates for ethyl acetate synthesis were acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl CoA) and ethanol . Under iron-limited growth acetyl CoA seemed to be diverted to ethyl acetate formation rather than being oxidized through the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle . The possibility of energy limitation under iron-limited growth being brought about by the reduced capacity of the yeast to oxidize acetyl CoA through the TCA cycle is considered. Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis, 1978 Apr-Jun, 46(2), 133 - 43 Cholesterol, a factor which is required for growth of mycobacteria from leprous tissues; Kato L; In a yeast extract, glycerol and sheep serum containing medium, slow but abundant growth of mycobacteria occurred when media were inoculated with M . leprae isolated from leprous tissues of armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus Linn.) . The lipid fraction of the serum was the essential factor for growth . Cholesterol not only replaced, but surpassed the growth promoting effect of the lipid fraction . However, growth of mycobacteria was observed only when media were enriched with serum . The relationship of the obtained strains of mycobacteria to leprosy is not yet clear . The following cholesterol medium, stabilized with lecithin, is proposed for primary cultivation of mycobacteria from leprous tissues: KH2PO4-8.2 gm, Na2HPO4-0.5 gm, yeast extract (Difco)-4 gm, and glycerol 30 gm, dissolved to make one liter basal medium in distilled water . Cholesterol (200 mg) dissolved in 4 ml warm acetone is injected with a syringe into the basal medium . The solution is autoclaved for ten minutes to evaporate the acetone . Lecithin, 200 mg dissolved in 20 ml of the basal medium is mixed to the medium cooled to room temperature . Nine milliliter aliquots are distributed into each of a series of 50 ml screw cap tubes and autoclaved for 25 minutes . One milliliter of filter sterilized sheep serum is added to each of the tubes containing 9 ml of the cholesterol-lecithin medium . Semisolid media are prepared the same way but 1.5% agar w/v is added to the cholesterol-lecithin medium before autoclaving . When cooled to 56 degrees C, 10% w/v sheep serum is mixed to the liquid . The medium is distributed into screw cap tubes and agar slants are poured and allowed to solidify in the inclined tubes at room temperature . Macrophages contain considerable amounts of cholesterol . Cholesterol is proposed as a possible growth factor for host grown M . leprae in the macrophages of the susceptible host and the same sterol as a growth factor for primary cultivation of mycobacteria from leprous tissues. Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis, 1978 Apr-Jun, 46(2), 125 - 32 Study of a growth factor for Mycobacterium lepraemurium . I . Minimal medium; Mori T; A growth promoting factor is contained in the petroleum ether or acetone extracted residue of lyophilized dry egg yolk . Egg white, horse serum, soybean powder, bovine serum albumin, egg albumin and milk were used in M . lepraemurium culture attempts as protein sources instead of yolk lipoprotein . None of these substances promoted the growth of M . lepraemurium . One percent egg white medium was prepared from the mixture of one part 1% Ogawa basal medium to two parts egg white, adjusted to pH 6.1 . This medium does not permit the growth of M . lepraemurium but permits bacillary survival for two months . This medium is most suitable as a minimal medium to investigate growth factors of M . lepraemurium . Utilizing the minimal medium, the following substances were tested for growth promoting activity: lecithin, cholesterol, petroleum ether extracted fraction of yolk, butanol extracted fraction of yolk, retinol, hemin, yeast extract, broth, farnesol and dolichol fraction of chicken liver . None of these supported growth of M . lepraemurium . The following neutralizing agents of free radicals were tried in the minimal medium: triethylenediamine, beta-carotin, potassium iodide, potassium bromide, 2-aminoethylisothio-uranium-bromide, 2-aminoethyl-isothio-uranium-bromide-hydrobromide and cysteamine . None of these supported growth of M . lepraemurium. J Gen Microbiol, 1978 Apr, 105(2), 227 - 32 The effect of nalidixic acid group compounds on reduction of cytochrome c from horse heart and Candida krusei; Yamabe S; Reduction of cytochrome c from both horse heart and Candida krusei by FeSO4 has been demonstrated . This reaction was stimulated by nalidixic acid and structurally related compounds, and the effect was more pronounced for the yeast cytochrome . Divalent metal ions other than Fe2+ lessened or abolished the stimulation by these compounds . Fe2+ and other metal ions altered the spectra of nalidixic acid and related compounds indicating the formation of metal chelate complexes . 1,10-Phenanthroline inhibited reduction of cytochrome c b Fe2+ . Other divalent metal ions relieved the inhibition, probably by forming chelates with 1,10-phenanthroline . The results suggest that metal ion chelation may be involved in the molecular mode of action of nalidixic acid and related drugs . The relevance of this artificial electron transfer system to bacterial electron transfer in vivo is discussed. Chem Biol Interact, 1978 Apr, 21(1), 125 - 34 Kinetic studies on the interaction of gold (III) with nucleic acids . IV . RNA-Au (III) system; Mandal C et al.; The kinetics of the interaction of Au(III) with whole yeast RNA has been studied using UV-spectrophotometry . The reaction is second order with respect to the nucleotide unit of RNA and first order with respect to Au(III) in the respective stoichiometry of 2 : 1 . The effects of initial composition, temperature, ionic strength, pH and chloride ion on the kinetics have been studied . Activation energy is found to be 11.5 kcal/mol . Effect of ionic strength indicates that both the positively charged