Microbial

Biochem J, 1979 Dec 1, 183(3), 691 - 700
A new series of long-chain dicarboxylic acids with vicinal dimethyl branching found as major components of the lipids of Butyrivibrio spp; Klein RA et al.; 1 . Some members of the genus Butyrivibrio, including a general fatty acid auxotroph (strain S2), contain as a major part of their complex lipids a high-molecular-weight component that is probably formed by the union of two fatty acid chains {Hazlewood & Dawson (1979) J . Gen . Microbiol . 112, 15--27} . 2 . Proton and 13C n.m.r . and i.r . and mass spectroscopy were used to examine a homologous series of these moieties and, in addition, the hydrocarbon derivative of one homologue and several synthetic compounds . 3 . The results indicate that the high-molecular-weight components are a series of long-chain dicarboxylic acids containing vicinal dimethyl branching, located near the centre of the chain.

Infect Immun, 1979 Dec, 26(3), 1146 - 58
Ultrastructure of gliding bacteria: scanning electron microscopy of Capnocytophaga sputigena, Capnocytophaga gingivalis, and Capnocytophaga ochracea; Poirier TP et al.; When examined by both light and scanning electron microscopy, Capnocytophaga gingivalis, C . sputigena, and C . ochracea displayed three distinct growth zones: the original streak, an intermediate zone, and the advancing edge, or halo zone . On Trypticase (BBL Microbiology Systems)-soy-blood agar, the cells translocated by gliding . C . gingivalis and C . sputigena formed large, irregular isolated colonies, while C . ochracea formed a more confluent cell mass . The cells within the streak zone and in most of the intermediate zone were heaped into mounds, with the individual cells displaying a definite flow pattern, the latter characteristic of C . sputigena and C . gingivalis . The halo zone consisted of tracks of cells which appeared to have translocated back upon themselves, or were restricted in their outward movements by adjacent cells . Also present within the halo zone were small aggregates of cells, referred to as pioneer colonies . The cell surfaces of C . gingivalis and C . ochracea were smooth and free of any apparent extracellular material, whereas C . sputigena was covered with a thick amorphous material, as well as long, thick, cell surface-associated fibrils.

J Clin Microbiol, 1979 Dec, 10(6), 861 - 75
Microbiology subsystem of a total, dedicated laboratory computer system; Lawrie DJ et al.; The computer system used by the Microbiology Service of the Clinical Pathology Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health is discussed . This microbiology subsystem is a part of a dedicated on-line laboratory computer system used by the entire department . The laboratory computer is connected on-line to a hospital computer which provides patient admission, transfer, and discharge data . Mark sense worksheets and cathode ray tube terminals are used for result entry and correction . Cumulative patient reports are printed . Results for both active and completed accessions can be easily retrieved on cathode ray terminals in the laboratory . All laboratory data are archived on magnetic tape from which a research data base and microfiched laboratory records are generated . The manner in which the system is integrated in the routine operation of the microbiology laboratory is emphasized . In addition, some of the costs, benefits, liabilities, and pitfalls associated with the introduction of the computer in the laboratory are reviewed . Finally, we have presented our concept of some of the future enhancements to our present system and some of the directions in which any future microbiology system might develop.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1979 Nov 1, 175(9), 929 - 33
Mycotic pneumonia in mariculture-reared green sea turtles; Jacobson ER et al.; Microbiologic examination of 29 juvenile green sea turtles with a buoyancy abnormality revealed pulmonary infection with Sporotrichium sp, Cladosporium sp, and Paecilomyces sp . Histologic examination of the lungs revealed granulomatous lesions containing branching septate hyphae . The diagnosis was mycotic pneumonia.

Am J Clin Pathol, 1979 Nov, 72(5), 841 - 7
Manual and computerized cumulative reporting systems for the clinical microbiology laboratory; Lupovitch A et al.; A manual and a computerized system that produce cumulative updated reports from the clinical microbiology laboratory are described . Each system gives the physician a report that is clearly formatted, cumulative, readily updated, and written in conversational terms with minimal abbreviations . The report formats and updating sequences are nearly identical, so that one system can easily replace or back up the other . The cost and complexity of the hardware and software for the computerized system are modest, so that these are suitable for the moderate-sized hospital laboratory processing fewer than 10,000 specimens per year . Also, the laboratory personnel in our community-based nonteaching hospital were able to develop, set up, and support these systems without external consultation or purchased services . Therefore, the improved quality of reporting based on these types of systems can now be available to all laboratories without regard to size or workload.

Can J Microbiol, 1979 Nov, 25(11), 1315 - 20
Dissolved organic matter utilization and oxygen uptake in algal-bacterial microcosms; Tison DL et al.; Under closed laboratory conditions, at non-limiting nutrient levels, the biomass of Anabaena variabilis, Anacystis nidulans, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, and Selanastrum capricornutum increased with increasing levels of dissolved organic matter (DOM) as a result of bacterially produced carbon dioxide (CO2) and (or) cofactors . Oxygen (O2) produced as a result of algal photosynthesis was sufficient to supply the najority of O2 required by the bacterial community . The percentage of DOM utilized by bacteria which was subsequently incorporated into algal biomass varied with individual species indicating that the association between individual algal species and the bacterial microbiota varied . Under natural conditions bacteria could provide CO2 and (or) cofactors for algal photosynthesis which in turn supplies O2 for bacterial respiration . This mutualistic association in aquatic environments could result in an increase in planktonic and epiphytic algal biomass if other nutrients are available.

J Biol Chem, 1979 Sep 25, 254(18), 8713 - 6
Purification of the H-2Kk molecule of the murine major histocompatibility complex; Herrmann SH et al.; The intact H-2Kk antigen has been detergent-solubilized and purified using an immunoabsorbent column prepared from the 11-4.1 monoclonal antibody described by Oi et al . (Oi, V . T., Jones, P . P., Goding, J . Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology (Melchers, F., Potter, M., and Warner, N . L., eds) Vol . 81, pp . 115-129, Springer-Verlag, New York) . The mild conditions used for elution from the column, 0.5% deoxycholate in 10 mM Tris buffer, pH 8, with 0.14 M NaCl, result in recovery of 70 to 100% of the allogeneic serological activity . A murine lymphoma, RDM-4, was found to express high levels of H2-Kk; approximately 2 X 10(6) molecules/cell . Milligram quantities of H-2Kk can be purified readily using these cells.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1979 Sep 4, 556(1), 86 - 95
Variant forms of matrix protein in Escherichia coli B/r bearing N plasmids; Iyer R; Plasmids of the N incompatibility group have been found to decrease or virtually eliminate the synthesis of the 36,500 dalton outer membrane matrix protein of their Escherichia coli B/r hosts (Iyer, R . (1977) Biochim . Biophys . Acta 470, 258--272 and Iyer, R., Darby, V . and Holland, I.B . (1978) FEBS Lett . 85, 127--132) or modify its composition . Although the 34,000 dalton tol G protein is slightly increased in some strains, it is identical in composition to the homologous protein from the plasmidless host . In three of five N+ strains the synthesis of the modified matrix proteins depends on the temperature of cultivation of the strains in which they occur . The alterations to the matrix proteins are non-identical and do not affect the expression of several plasmid-coded functions including those of sensitivity to the N plasmid-specific filamentous bacteriophage IKe (Khatoon, H . and Iyer, R . (1971) Can . J . Microbiol . 17, 669--675), or their interbacterial transfer via conjugation to appropriate recipient strains . Thus, although the significance of the variant matrix proteins in N+ strains with respect to plasmid-mediated functions remains unclear, N plasmids nevertheless provide a convenient system which might be used to elucidate the events that precede the insertion of this protein into the outer membrane of E . coli B/r hosts.

Can J Microbiol, 1979 Sep, 25(9), 1058 - 62
Microbiology of a northern river: bacterial distribution and relationship to suspended sediment and organic carbon; Geesey GG et al.; Epifluorescent microscopy showed as many as 4 x 10(6) bacteria/mL in the turbid waters of the Athabasca River near the tar sand deposits in northeastern Alberta . The numbers were usually similar upstream and downstream (60 km) from pilot-mining operations . The majority of bacteria existed as free-living cells in spite of the fact there were high concentrations of suspended sediment present (average 220 mg/L) during the ice-free period . Fluctuations in bacterial concentration were positively correlated (r = 0.86, P less than 0.05) with total organic carbon concentrations in the river water.

South Med J, 1979 Sep, 72(9), 1195 - 8
Presumed respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia in an adolescent compromised host; Milder JE et al.; A 15-year-old boy with nephrotic syndrome, renal insufficiency, and cutaneous anergy had severe pneumonia with pleural effusion . There was serologic evidence of respiratory syncytial virus infection, and extensive microbiologic, histologic, and serologic studies failed to identify any other etiologic agent . Respiratory syncytial virus as a possible cause of severe pneumonia in immunocompromised hosts has not been previously reported.

Am J Clin Pathol, 1979 Sep, 72(3), 444 - 51
Coordinated computer reporting of microbiology data in the clinical laboratory; Kobernick SD et al.; The details of incorporating microbiology results into a single computerized report that also includes all other laboratory results for each patient in the hospital are described . Including the microbiology results in this way allows provision of a consolidated flow sheet of all laboratory work on each chart, replacing the myriad single-sheet reports so common to manual systems . The results are tabulated, and are easily read by clinicians after some experience . This system also enables communication of updated results daily to clinicians and monitoring of infectious diseases in the hospital.

Am J Clin Pathol, 1979 Aug, 72(2 Suppl), 365 - 70
Quality control of agar diffusion susceptibility tests; Knowles RC et al.; Since its beginning in 1974 over 180 laboratories have participated in the Microbiology Program of The College of American Pathologists Quality Assurance Service submitting a total of 2,372,000 individual antibiotic determinations on three quality control reference stains . Eighty-nine and five tenths percent of these determinations were obtained using the standard Bauer-Kirby method; 8.4% using the agar overlay modification of Barry and associates . Standard statistical analysis of data obtained using the Bauer-Kirby method have been reported for each antimicrobic/reference strain combination . Comparisons have been made between the QAS data and those data obtained in earlier collaborative studies which currently serve as precision and accuracy control limits . In many cases QAS data exceed the existing control limits.

Chest, 1979 Aug, 76(2), 228 - 30
Actinomycotic cervical abscess: A complication of transtracheal aspiration; Rothman NI et al.; Transtracheal aspiration is frequently employed to obtain sputum for microbiologic analysis . Infectious complications of this procedure have been reported rarely . We report an actinomycotic anterior cervical abscess traversing the needle track of a transtracheal aspiration in a patient with actinomycotic pneumonia . Organisms most frequently encountered in anterior cervical abscesses complicating transtracheal aspiration have the recognized potential for local invasion of soft tissue from the primary pulmonary lesion.

Arch Surg, 1979 Jul, 114(7), 798 - 802
Clean air bench . Use for sterile maintenance of unwrapped surgical instruments; Fremstad C et al.; Microbiologic sterility of unwrapped surgical instruments has been maintained for long periods by the use of an operating room instrument cabinet that continuously circulates high-flow, "particle-free" air . Use of this clean air bench has had excellent acceptance by operating room nurses and by surgeons because fewer instrument storage procedures are needed and setup time, takedown time, and case turnover time in the operating room are diminished . It has been found to be effective in operating rooms having busy schedules for both elective and emergency procedures.

Arch Surg, 1979 Jul, 114(7), 772 - 5
Microbiologic environment of the conventional operating room; Fitzgerald RH Jr; Areas of potential contamination of the surgical wound in the conventional operating rooms include the back table, the unsterile suction receptacle, and the lack of a positive pressure relationship between the operating room and adjacent areas . Use of an impermeable hood with a large mask diminished contamination of the instrument table and the the wound from fallout of bacteria from the surgical team . The level of airborne bacterial comtamination in the operating room can be reduced by limiting the traffic and controlling the activity and the number of operating room personnel . Higher rates of postoperatively wound sepsis were noted in older operating rooms, particularly with difficult procedures and those performed later in the day . Conventional operating rooms should be categorized by the level of room air exchange per hour and the level of airborne bacterial contamination.

Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd, 1979 Jul, 175(1), 65 - 71
{Orbital aspergillosis--a contribution to its diagnosis and treatment (author's transl)}; Harnisch JP et al.; In connection with a case report, the mycological diagnosis and treatment of orbital aspergillosis are reviewed . In a 59-year-old male patient an exophthalmus on the right side could be diagnosed as aspergillosis spreading from the corresponding sinus maxillaris into retro- and peri-orbicular regions, after other causes had been excluded by differential diagnosis . In a biopsy specimen from the retrobulbar tumor, a fungal granuloma was found which, histologically and by isolation of the fungus, could be identified as an infection by A . fumigatus . Because of the good visus of the right eye, no exenteratio orbitae but an enoral revision of the sinus maxillaris, ethmoidal bone, and bottom of orbita was performed.--By infusions of amphotericin B and local washings with pimaricin (natamycin) in the sinus maxillaris and the region of the operation, a complete healing of the mycotic process was achieved.--Since 1 1/2 years, the patient has not had a relaps . This success of therapy was possible by exemplary cooperation of otorhinolaryngologists, ophthalmologists, pathologists and microbiologists.--In view of the prophylaxis of such infections, recent contributions to the epidemiology of aspergillosis are discussed.

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1979 Jul, 48(1), 3 - 20
Jawbone cavities and trigeminal and atypical facial neuralgias; Ratner EJ et al.; The possible role of dental and oral disease in the etiology of idiopathic trigeminal and atypical facial neuralgias has been examined . Among thirty-eight patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia and twenty-three patients with atypical facial neuralgia, there was in nearly all instances a close relationship between pain experienced and the existence of cavities in alveolar bone and jawbone of the patients . The cavities were at the sites of previous tooth extractions and, although at times more than 1 cm . in a given diameter, were usually not detectable by x-rays . A new method for their detection and localization was developed empirically, based on the observation that peripheral infiltration of local anesthetic into or very close to the bone cavity rapidly abolished trigger and pain perception by patients during persistence of the anesthetic action . Histopathologic examination of bone removed from cavities by curettage revealed, in both idiopathic trigeminal and atypical facial neuralgias, a similar pattern characterized by a highly vascular abnormal healing response of bone . Some lesions presented a mild chronic inflammatory (lymphocytic) infiltration . Preliminary microbiologic studies of material from the walls of the cavities showed the existence within them of a complex, mixed polymicrobial aerobic and anaerobic flora . Treatment consisted of vigorous curettage of the bone cavities, repeated if necessary, plus administration of antibiotics to induce healing and filling-in of the cavities by new bone . Responses of patients to the above treatment consisted of marked to complete pain remissions, the longest of which has been for 9 years . Complete healing leads to complete and persistent pain remissions . It was concluded that in both idiopathic trigeminal and atypical facial neuralgias, dental and oral pathoses may be major etiologic factors.

Quad Sclavo Diagn, 1979 Jun, 15 Suppl 1, 650 - 6
{Quality control on antibiotic sensitivity tests: preliminary trials (author's transl)}; Orsi A; A quality control study in clinical microbiology was instituted by A.M.O.I . (Associazione Microbiologi Ospedalieri Italiani) since 1974 . Preliminary results are reported on sensitivity tests quality control made by a group of laboratories in various parts of Italy . Our data show the great variety of methods used for antibiotic sensitivity disk determination and therefore the opportunity to standardize this procedure.

Can J Biochem, 1979 Jun, 57(6), 914 - 26
The ribosomal RNA of the trypanosomatid protozoan Crithidia fasciculata: physical characteristics and methylated sequences; Gray MW; When extracted and analyzed under conditions which maintain noncovalently associated RNA-RNA complexes, the bulk cellular RNA of Crithidia fasciculata contains species of apparent molecular weights 1.3, 0.825, 0.08, 0.065, and 0.045 x 10(6) in addition to 5S rRNA and tRNA . Heat denaturation results in the disappearance of the 1.3 x 10(6) dalton RNA and the appearance of three new species having molecular weights of 0.67, 0.575, and 0.059 x 10(6) . In addition, the apparent molecular weight of the 0.825 x 10(6) dalton component is reproducibly lowered to 0.81 x 10(6) after heat treatment . With the exception of tRNA, all of the RNA species are present in close to equimolar amounts in either undenatured or heat-denatured C . fasciculata bulk cellular RNA . On the basis of previous observations on the ribosomal RNA of the closely related organism, Crithidia oncopelti (Spencer, R . & Cross, G.A.M . (1976) J . Gen . Microbiol . 93, 82-88), the 1.3 and 0.825 x 10(6) dalton RNA's are considered to be components of the large and small subunits, respectively, of C . fasciculata ribosomes, but the subunit localization of the other RNA's described here has not yet been determined . O2'-Methylnucleosides account for about 1.4 mol% of the total nucleoside constituents of unfractionated C . fasciculata rRNA . Quantitative analysis suggests that the rRNA molecules in a C . fasciculata ribosome contain a total of 95-100 O2'-methyl groups, distributed in 80-85 Nm-Np sequences (including four 'hypermodified' Nm-Np, each containing a modification of a base or base-sugar linkage in addition to sugar methylation), six different Nm-Nm-Np sequences, and one Nm-Nm-Nm-Np sequence . While the specific pattern of O2'-methylation in the rRNA of C . fasciculata is distinct, both qualitatively and quantitatively, from the pattern observed in other organisms, Crithidia rRNA does contain certain 'universal' O2'-methylated sequences which appear to have been extensively conserved in evolution . The base-methylated nucleoside, N6,N6-dimethyladenosine (m26A), has been isolated from both C . fasciculata and wheat embryo rRNA in the form of the alkali-resistant dinucleotide, m26A-m26Ap . This dinucleotide and its enzymatic degradation products have been characterized by examination of their ultraviolet absorption spectra and electrophoretic and chromatographic properties.

Am J Med Technol, 1979 Jun, 45(6), 528 - 31
The use of examination content guidelines in teaching clinical microbiology; Crowley JA; The concept of using examination content guidelines as sources for curriculum content is presented, using the ASCP Board of Registry grids and a task list developed for HEW as a basis for proficiency examinations . The grid structure is related to Bloom's taxonomic levels, and a brief explanation of each level is included . A comparison of the grid structure and task list format is made, and specific examples of the use of each are offered.

Clin Obstet Gynecol, 1979 Jun, 22(2), 409 - 23
Epidemics of infectious diseases in newborn nurseries; Smith DH; The newborn nursery is a frequent site of epidemics of infectious disease . The unique susceptibility of neonates to colonization, their intimate exposure to hospital personnel, and their frquent contact with possibly contaminated inanimate objects are major factors contributing to the risk of nursery epidemics . Most of the epidemics described have been caused by bacteria; the role of viruses in nosocomial infections is not well defined but is undoubtedly greater than presently appreciated . All bacteria implicated in nursery epidemics have the capacity to survive or even multiply in the environment or on human skin or to cause gastrointestinal disease . Analysis of the etiologic bacteria, the epidemiology of outbreaks studied, and extensive clinical research indicate that bacterial transmission in this setting occurs primarily by manual contact and very infrequently by the respiratory route . The cornerstone of a program to prevent infectious diseases in the nursery consists of active, disease-oriented surveillance by specially trained personnel; microbiologic surveillance is important only when specifically indicated . Practical technical considerations for prevention of infectious diseases in nurseries are available . Programs to eradicate an ongoing epidemic must be individualized.

Surg Gynecol Obstet, 1979 Jun, 148(6), 937 - 51
Principles and practice of antibiotic therapy for post-traumatic abdominal injuries; Thadepalli H; Improved surgical techniques, the use of modern antibiotics and better understanding of the microbiologic characteristics of abdominal sepsis have lead to a satisfying clinical outcome in instances of abdominal trauma which once meant almost certain death . Yet many questions remain unanswered . Future development of several newer antibiotics may further improve the rate of complications . A study of host defense mechanisms may provide additional clues to prevent long term morbidity . Hopefully, future studies will encourage the use of a single antibiotic in the treatment of abdominal trauma . While the newer antibiotics are being investigated, certain older antibiotics, such as penicillin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline, merit additional evaluation under controlled, prospective, randomized, comparative clinical trials.

Chest, 1979 Jun, 75(6), 675 - 8
The concentration of tobramycin in bronchial secretions; Alexander MR et al.; Fifteen noninfected patients received three consecutive doses of tobramycin (1.7 mg/kg intramuscularly) . Serum and bronchial secretions were obtained during bronchoscopy . Microbiologic assay demonstrated that bronchial secretions containing tobramycin produced inappropriately small zone sizes when compared with serum . Also, it was shown that bronchial secretions frequently do achieve therapeutic concentrations of tobramycin at this dosage level and route of administration.

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1979 May, 47(5), 401 - 4
Eikenella corrodens: a new pathogen; DeMello FJ et al.; Oral infections that result from trauma or dental manipulation are often thought to be of minor importance to the practicing clinician . The majority of oral infections respond well to treathis form of simple therapy is no longer as efficacious as it has been though to be . Soment with the common antibiotics without the need for laboratory culture and sensitivity . There are instances, becoming increasingly frequent, when this form of simple therapy is no longer as efficacious as it has been thought to be . Some exotic infections are frequently recalcitrant to treatment . These infections are usually caused by ubiquitious organisms, such as Eikenella corrodens . We are presenting several of our cases that were caused by this organism, as well as a review of some aspects of its microbiology, in order to attract the attention and interest of our colleagues in dental practice to this increasingly frequent problem.

Rev Cubana Med Trop, 1979 May-Aug, 31(2), 97 - 104
{Plant extracts with cytostatic properties growing in Cuba . I.}; Lopez Abraham AM et al.; The cytostatic activity of aqueous, alcoholic and ketonic extracts of 9 species of superior plants of the families Fitolacaceae, Compositae, Moraceae, Zingiberaceae, Martiniaceae, Mirtaceae, Verbenaceae and Annonaceae was assessed . The Kubas microbiologic method and the fungus Ascomiceto Neurospora crassa were used in the assessment . The fungus growth was measured in millimeters . Inhibition percentages for every case regarding control are reported . The best results were obtained from Annona muricata, Costus spiralis, Cecropia peltata, Xanthium chinense and Pluchea adorata extracts.

Rev Cubana Med Trop, 1979 May-Aug, 31(2), 105 - 11
{Plant extracts with cytostatic properties growing in Cuba . II.}; Lopez Abraham AM et al.; The study of the cytostatic activity of aqueous, alcoholic and ketonic extracts from 18 parts of 9 species of superior plants of the families Araceae, Borraginacease, Burseraceae, Cesalpinaceae, Meliaceae, Compositae, Rebiaceae, Cruciferaceae and Verbenaceae using the microbiologic method of described by Kubas in 1972 is pursued . The best results were obtained from Hamelia patens . Lippia alba, Lepidium virginicum, Cassia ligustrina, Bursera simaruba and Heliotropium campechianum extracts.

Med Inform (Lond), 1979 Apr-Jun, 4(2), 93 - 103
Experience of transferring an integrated hospital-administration system from a CODASYL data-base to a standard MUMPS file structure; Hall DG; University College Hospital, a teaching hospital situated in Central London, has been using computers since 1964 . Development of an integrated on-line hospital administration computer system was started in 1974 . By mid 1977, the components of the system which had been implemented included a patient Master Index, Registration of new patients, Waiting Lists, Bed State, Out-patient Appointments, X-ray, Microbiology and Disease Index . The system was implemented using the Rank Xerox Data Systems (CODASYL based data-base management software, with the majority of applications running on a terminal network supported by transaction processing programs . The experience gained during three years of using such a system is reviewed, with particular emphasis on the ways in which the system matched up in practice to the expected benefits of data-base management facilities . In early 1977, it was decided to replace the Rank Xerox mainframe with a minicomputer which was considered to be a more cost-effective solution to the hospital's computing requirements . The machine selected a PDP 11-70, is running the Digital Equipment Corporation's implementation of Standard MUMPS, an interpretive language developed in a hospital environment, with its own file management software . The decisions which were made in redesigning the existing computer systems for the new machine are discussed . The progress made to date in the transfer of applications from the mainframe to the mini is reviewed, and some of the features of the software available on each machine and its suitability for the implementation of on-line data management and retrieval systems are compared.

Orthop Clin North Am, 1979 Apr, 10(2), 361 - 74
Laboratory diagnosis of postoperative sepsis of the musculoskeletal system; Fitzgerald RH Jr; The diagnosis of acute sepsis after musculoskeletal surgery is based on the results of the clinical examination . Microbiologic evaluation of clinical specimens permits identification of the causal organism(s) and of the susceptibility studies . In the subacute stage of postoperative sepsis, roentgenographic examination, a peripheral leukocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hemoglobin level, and nuclear scans can be helpful to the clinician . Frozen section histologic examination of tissues and Gram staining of fluids obtained at surgery have resolved the choice in differential diagnosis between aseptic and septic loosening of painful prosthetic components . Laboratory evaluation, including tissue biopsy, identifies the chronic complications of amyloidosis and malignant change in patients with long term sepsis of the musculoskeletal system.

Am J Clin Pathol, 1979 Apr, 71(4), 428 - 32
Quantitation of serum tobramycin concentration using high-pressure liquid chromatography; Maitra SK et al.; A high-pressure liquid chromatography method for the quantitative determination of tobramycin in serum is described . The antibiotic was separated from serum by chromatography on a silica gel column . The adsorbed antibiotic was derivatized with o-phthalaldehyde, and then eluted with isopropanol . The derivatized tobramycin was separated by reverse-phase chromatography and quantitated by fluorometry . Serum concentrations as low as 0.5 microgram/ml could be accurately measured . A linear response for serum samples containing tobramycin ranging from 0 to 20 microgram/ml was obtained . Other antibiotics, including various aminoglycosides, did not interfere with the tobramycin assay . Comparison with a standard microbiologic assay gave a correlation coefficient of 0.99 . This chemical assay is sensitive, precise, specific, and can be performed in 30 minutes.

Naturwissenschaften, 1979 Apr, 66(4), 169 - 72
{Studies in biotechnology at the Federal Technical College, Zurich}; Ursprung H; A new Curriculum, termed Technical Biology (or Biotechnology) has been instituted at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland . Biotechnology is regarded not as a Natural Science, but as an Engineering Science . On a solid basis of two years of mathematics, physics, chemistry, physical chemistry, and biology, courses are offered in technical microbiology and process and control engineering.

Am Surg, 1979 Apr, 45(4), 270 - 2
Cerium nitrate-silver sulfadiazine cream in the treatment of burns: a prospective, randomized study; Helvig EI et al.; In a prospective, randomized study of 34 patients with thermal burns, treatment with the topical agent Cerium nitrate-silver sulfadiazine was compared with therapy with silver sulfadiazine alone . Despite randomization, there was a significant difference in mean burn size, being larger in the silver sulfadiazine group . There was no significant difference between the two groups in clinical course, mortality, septic deaths, or quantitative microbiology of the burn wound . It is concluded that from these preliminary data no clearcut superiority for one cream over the other can be demonstrated at this time.

Rev Ig Bacteriol Virusol Parazitol Epidemiol Pneumoftiziol Bacteriol Virusol Parazitol Epidemiol, 1979 Apr-Jun, 24(2), 123 - 6
{10 years after the death of Professor Mihai Ciucă (18 July 1883--20 Feb 1969) . Mihai Ciucă and the study of bacteriophage, recorded in his working notebooks}; Sefer M et al.; The work records of professor Mihai Ciuca (found in the archives of the Department of Microbiology) give us an insight into his scientific thoughts and practical activity . These documents speak of his dedication to the problem of the bacteriophage started in Jules Bordet's laboratory of the Pasteur Institute in Brussels, in 1920 and continued until 1969, the year in which he died . Since the discovery of the phenomenon of lysogeny, called the Bordet-Ciuca phenomenon, the professor initiated a wide range of research themes on the bacteriophage, guiding and promoting the work of a great number of specialists in the National Center, founded in 1949.

Am J Clin Pathol, 1979 Apr, 71(4), 433 - 6
Petri dish concavity--a potential source of error in antibiotic assay and agar diffusion antibiotic susceptibility tests; Woolfrey BF et al.; Concave deformaties of the bottom of Petri dishes are a potential source of error for disk agar diffusion antibiotic assay and susceptibility procedures . This is due to differences in agar depth between the central and peripheral areas of the Petri dishes . We have observed significant concave deformities in both empty and commercially filled 150-mm plastic Petri dishes . For this reason we recommend that inspections for Petri dish deformity be incorporated into microbiology laboratory quality control programs.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1979 Apr, (4), 95 - 101
{Admixtures present in antitoxic horse sera and pepsin preparations}; Trubitsina VI et al.; Antitoxic therapeutic sera produced by the method "Diaferm-3" (devised at the Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences) are contaminated in the process of production with group-specific substances and extraneous enzymes contained in crude preparations of swine pepsin . These ballast substances have a negative influence on the process of purification and the stability of antitoxin during the storage of the sera and constitute one of the reasons of their high reactogenicity.

Fortschr Med, 1979 Mar 8, 97(9), 369 - 73
{Chlamydia infections of the urogenital system}; Hellein G et al.; During the last years Chlamydiae have been increasingly recognized as an important cause of urogenital infections . This paper is concerned with the classification, microbiology, cultivation and clinical findings of Chlamydiae, especially Chlamydia trachomatis, as causative agents of genital tract diseases.

Am J Vet Res, 1979 Mar, 40(3), 436 - 42
A computerized system for retrieval of case information in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory; Wagner JE et al.; Morbidity and mortality data are necessary bases for the decision-making processes relevant to allocation of public funds for animal disease diagnoses and research . A system for information storage and retrieval capable of handling diagnostic data such as results of microbiology, parasitology, necropsy, and histopathology as well as demographic data such as owner, species, sex, breed, or geographic origin of the animal is described . This information is available to veterinarians, epidemiologists, herdsmen, and others involved in disease prevention or control efforts . The system described utilizes natural language, thus overcoming difficulties encountered in systems with numerical intermediates . Used and revised for the last 10 years, the system described has proved useful for annual administrative quantitation of services performed . In fact, the Concordance Index serves as the annual report of the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory . Having accurate detailed information on individual cases, as well as a variety of composite data, has been extremely helpful in the documentation necessary for attracting funding for study of specific disease states.

J Clin Microbiol, 1979 Mar, 9(3), 457 - 8
Isolation of Legionella pneumophila from a transtracheal aspirate; Edelstein PH et al.; Isolation of Legionella pneumophila from a transtracheal aspirate was achieved by using simple in vitro culture methods . Clinical microbiologists should routinely culture for this organism from appropriate body fluids obtained from normally sterile areas.

J Environ Pathol Toxicol, 1979 Mar-Apr, 2(4), 1011 - 9
NCTR computer systems designed for toxicologic experimentation . IV . Experiment information system; Lawrence LR et al.; The Experiment Information System (EIS) is a computerized data collection, maintenance, and reporting system for specified information values collected during the lifespan of animals assigned to toxicologic investigations at NCTR . The system records and/or controls experimental variables, which might ultimately affect the results, through the operation and integration of the Diet Preparation Subsystem (DPS), the Environmental Monitoring Subsystem (EMS), the Microbiology Subsystem (MBS), and the Chemistry Data Subsystem (CDS) . The fifth component of the EIS, the Experimental Data Collection Subsystem (EDCS), is responsible for handling all data generated by, or attributed to, the animals from assignment until death or removal . Through integration of these five subsystems, the history of an animal while on study is recorded and stored for later recall . In addition, "routine" and "special" reports are made available through the system software which enables stringent control of the experiment by the Principal Investigator, Animal Husbandry, and NCTR Management.

Ann Ophthalmol, 1979 Mar, 11(3), 421 - 3
Types and sensitivity patterns of ocular pathogens; Frerichs J et al.; The total number of specimens received for microbiologic examination and culture in a teaching hospital department of ophthalmology for the years 1974 and 1975 has been reviewed . The results have been analyzed, and information is presented on (a) the relative frequency of different types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses as causal agents of ocular inflammatory diseases and (b) the current pattern of antibiotic sensitivities.

Ann Intern Med, 1979 Feb, 90(2), 243 - 8
Use of laboratory tests in a teaching hospital: long-term trends: reductions in use and relative cost; Griner PF; We have assessed long-term trends in the use of laboratory tests among patients hospitalized on the medical service of a large teaching hospital . A significant decline in numbers of chemistry tests and no growth in numbers of microbiology or hematology tests or roentgenograms were noted between 1970 and 1977 . Per-patient increases in laboratory costs and charges were considerably less than increases in total hospitalization costs and charges . These findings contrast to an average increase of 13.8% per year in numbers of laboratory tests for hospital laboratories in this country between 1970 and 1975 . Factors responsible for the observed stability in numbers of laboratory tests per patient per hospitalization included, but were not limited to, increased reliance on test batteries as opposed to individual tests; changing patterns of care leading to decreased use of nonautomated tests; and the impact of administrative and educational strategies directed toward optimum use of the laboratory.

Chest, 1979 Feb, 75(2), 203 - 4
Percutaneous use of fiberoptic bronchoscope to investigate bronchopleurocutaneous fistula; Chowdhury JK; The fiberoptic bronchoscope was used percutaneously to visualize the track of a bronchopleurocutaneous fistula and to obtain tissue and microbiologic specimens for examination . The bronchoscopy turned out to be a very simple procedure and patient discomfort was minimal . The findings aided in the successful management of this patient.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1979 Feb, (2), 99 - 103
{Activation of student cognitive activities in the process of teaching medical microbiology}; Bukharin OV et al.; The main trends of methodical work conducted at the chair of microbiology of Orenburng Medical Institute are presented . For the purpose of activation of cognition activity of students during medical microbiology teaching the following methods were applied: presentation of the teaching material, creation of visual teaching methods in a single methodical plan in accordance with the logic structure graphs of the subject as a whole, its individual sections and themes; introduction of problem teaching method, solution of practical tasks of the II and III learning level; introduction of scientific achievements of the chair into the teaching process . Result of evaluation of the efficacy of the teaching-methodical work of the chair carried out demonstrated that knowledge of the principal microbiology problems in the students and interns persisted for long periods of time.

J Am Dent Assoc, 1979 Feb, 98(2), 229 - 30
Transoral removal of a fractured odontoid process; Shaber EP et al.; The indications for an anterior approach are lesions located predominantly in the body of the vertebra or intervertebral disks . Among these are spondylolisthesis, tuberculosis of the spine, prolapsed intervertebral disks, neoplasms, spinal biopsies, correction of fixed spinal curves, fractures, and fracture dislocations of the spine . Despite many indications, this approach is rarely used, primarily because of unfamiliarity with the surgical field, instrumentation, and oral microbiota . Use of appropriate disciplines and consultations enabled this patient to receive comprehensive treatment from a community of health care specialists.

Zentralbl Gynakol, 1979, 101(7), 442 - 9
{The microprobe excision as a search biopsy within the scope of cancer-trace detection on the cervix uteri}; Brockmann J et al.; Besides colposcopy and cytology microbiopsy as a detection method for early detection of malign cervical lesions was applied to 142 women patients of the UFK Halle . A precondition for the successfull application of this method is a carefull preliminary colposcopic examination and close co-operation with the histologist . The interim result of the microbiopsy corresponded to a high degree with the definitive result . In this way, it was possible to indicate 20% of the preclinical carcinoma for histological evidence despite of negative cytology . An individual combination of all 3 ways of research guarantee a maximum of certainty for the early finding of cervical carcinoma and their pre-stages.

J Clin Pathol, 1979 Jan, 32(1), 11 - 5
Medical careers in pathology, 1977; Baron DN; A survey has been made, mainly covering the second half of 1977, of career grade posts and senior training posts in pathology in the United Kingdom . The survey included all disciplines of pathology and all types of employment--National Health Service, medical school, and many others . The survey also examined the number of applicants for advertised posts and the number of posts left vacant . There were variations between disciplines and between regions; microbiology and Northern Ireland had most failures in filling posts . Overall about 3% of career grade posts, and 15% of training grade posts, were left unfilled.

Fed Proc, 1979 Jan, 38(1), 97 - 102
The present state of development of cancer chemotherapy; Ziegler JL; Cancer chemotherapy has evolved through 3 decades of remarkable progress . At the present time over 40 drugs and biologicals are employed in the treatment of cancer, and hundreds of promising compounds and analogs await their turn in the clinic . The medical management of cancer patients with chemotherapy has developed into a recognized subspecialty--medical oncology, a discipline that now works closely and effectively with surgery and radiotherapy in planning treatment strategies . Major areas of progress to date include the concept of combination chemotherapy, the development of hematologic and microbiologic supportive care, and the demonstration of effective adjuvant chemotherapy . Further progress is anticipated in a number of areas: rational selection of anticancer compounds based on metabolic or kinetic vulnerability; increased attention to biologic substances that modify neoplastic cell behavior; continued refinement of doses and schedules of active compounds to optimize therapeutic benefit and minimize toxicity; awareness of novel methods of drug delivery; and development of physical or chemical modifications to enhance drug effects.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1979 Jan, (1), 59 - 64
{Improvement in the tactics of systematic gamma globulin prevention of viral hepatitis taking the morbidity prognosis into account}; Aleinik MD et al.; On the example of 4 cites of the RSFSR under conditions of expected epidemic threat a possibility was shown of directed influence on the viral hepatitis A epidemic process of preseasonal gamma-globulin prophylaxis conducted in 90% of "organized" children, aged from 1 to 12 years . The dose used was 0.75 ml of a 10% preparation . The method of Gorky Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology was used to prognosticate the morbidity . It is recommended to improve the tactics of preseasonal gamma-globulin prophylaxis with consideration to the data of the viral hepatitis prognosis.

Mycopathologia, 1978 Dec 29, 66(1-2), 27 - 30
Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger in two potted ornamental plants, cactus (Epiphyllum truncatum) and clivia (Clivia miniata) . Biological and epidemiological aspects; Staib F et al.; The presence and growth of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger in the soil of ornamental plants have been demonstrated . The ecological conditions in the soil of such plants as influenced by temperature, humidity, desiccation, fertilization and ventilation obviously influence such fungal growth . The epidemiological significance of these findings is of interest with a view to the present efforts to control aspergillosis in the environment of susceptible persons . Observations of a preferential growth of certain Aspergillus species in the soil of defined plants under defined conditions raise problems of soil microbiology.

J Clin Microbiol, 1978 Dec, 8(6), 673 - 5
Quantitative microbiology of traumatic orthopedic wounds; Lawrence RM et al.; Quantitative bacterial and fungal cultures carried out on 116 speciments of tissue debrided from traumatic orthopedic wounds yielded 118 bacterial and 8 fungal isolates . The organisms obtained reflected primarily the resident flora of the skin.

J Clin Chem Clin Biochem, 1978 Dec, 16(12), 687 - 92
Trends and aspects in clinical chemistry; Keller H; This paper first seeks to evaluate current trends in methodology and technology and discusses possible implications for the future of clinical chemistry, whose range and diversity of tasks are carefully defined . It is thought that the remarkable development in the field of immunological methods, in the general sense of the work, will continue for the years to come . One other principle, which it is predicted will play an increasing role, is thermometry for the determination of enthalpy . Similarly, new developments in the fields of bio- and chemoluminescence offer interesting possibilities . The impact of the computer in clinical chemistry is also discused . Secondly, the double role of clinical chemistry as a diagnostic speciality and as an academic field is analyzed . On the one hand, the need for closer cooperation both with other diagnostic subspecialities and with other medical clinical disciplines is stressed . In particular, newly organized Departments of Laboratory Medicine encompassing microbiology, cytology, nuclear medicine, toxicology etc . might contribute greatly to interdisciplinary understanding . On the other hand, problems of clinical medicine and of certain areas within biological research should be at the center of interest of the future research-oriented clinical chemist.

Int J Oral Surg, 1978 Dec, 7(6), 523 - 7
Osteomyelitis of the jaws; Rangne A et al.; Material consisting of 16 patients examined and/or treated under the diagnosis osteomyelitis is reported . A description is given of the history, etiology, clinical and radiographic findings, results of histologic and microbiologic examinations, blood chemistry, diagnostic subgroups, findings at operation and the surgical and antibiotic therapy used . The results of treatment at short-term follow-up are given . Of nine patients observed 5 months or longer, six showed signs of healing, while the result was judged as uncertain in two cases and unsuccessful in one.

Aust Fam Physician, 1978 Nov, 7(11), 1408 - 10
Antibiotic treatment of common bacterial respiratory tract infection in general practice; Forsell P; Respiratory tract infections, particularly in children, are some of the most common conditions seen in general practice . It would seem reasonable, therefore, that these conditions would be treated well . However, analysis of the figures taken from the Australian Morbidity Survey conducted by The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners shows that whilst most general practitioners use antibiotics satisfactorily, there are a few occasions in which it is fairly obvious that there is a lack of knowledge of the action of a particular antibiotic against a specific organism . This article is not intended to be a treatise on the microbiology of different respiratory tract infections and antibiotic use, but it is intended to be a guide to the treatment of common respiratory infections as seen in general practice.

Ann Intern Med, 1978 Nov, 89(5 Pt 2 Suppl), 812 - 4
Training and certification of clinical microbiologists; Balows A; Microbiologists are being effectively absorbed into the labor market . As a group they have a considerably lower unemployment rate (1.2%) than the national average . This is also applicable to medical and clinical microbiologists . Certification of microbiologists by nationally recognized certifying organizations is standardized for those with bachelor's or master's degrees . For those with doctorate degrees there are inconsistencies of postdoctoral training requirements and of reciprocal recognition of the two major certifying organizations . Bilateral reciprocal recognition of board-certified doctoral-level microbiologists is vital for meeting manpower needs . Improved and equitable certification could be achieved by maintaining an adequate number of funded, approved training programs in medical and clinical microbiology and augmenting them with uniform continuing medical education programs designed to meet the requirements for periodic recertification.

Ann Intern Med, 1978 Nov, 89(5 Pt 2 Suppl), 785 - 8
Constraints under which the microbiology laboratory functions; Sonnenwirth AC; The relevance, usefulness, quality, and cost of performance of many clinical microbiology laboratories have been questioned . Major, common constraints under which most microbiology laboratories operate in the United States include lack of trained manpower, wide variation in the level and sophistication of clinical microbiology service, lack of physician-laboratory communication and interaction, inadequacies in medical education, and often inadequate laboratory space . Governmental regulations, requirements, and standards have improved the quality of many laboratories' work, but also result in greatly increased costs, excesses of often trivial procedures, and diversion of trained manpower from clinical service to regulatory procedures, with a resulting increase in manpower needs . The usefulness, relevance, and cost of regulatory requirements and procedures are unknown . Lack of reliable, standardized reagents impedes utilization of rapid and low cost procedures, and proliferation of complex tests results in costly additional demands on existing manpower.

J Bacteriol, 1978 Nov, 136(2), 565 - 9
Effects of magnesium, calcium, and serum on reversion of stable L-forms; Horwitz AH et al.; The L-form of Agromyces ramosus was stable in the absence of penicillin when transferred on heart infusion agar containing NaCl and serum . It reverted to its bacterial form, however, when magnesium replaced the serum in this medium . On a dilute medium containing NaCl but lacking serum, the L-form died out unless calcium, magnesium, or serum was added . It grew as the L-form in the presence of calcium of serum but reverted to the bacterial form in the presence of magnesium . Reversion also occurred when magnesium was added to the dilute medium containing serum . Calcium interfered with or prevented the magnesium-induced reversion . The revertant bacterial form resulting from these studies was not NaCl sensitive, as was the case of the bacterial revertant of this organism produced in soil (A . H . Horwitz and L . E . Casida, Jr., Can . J . Microbiol, 24:50--55, 1978).

J Am Diet Assoc, 1978 Nov, 73(5), 530 - 5
HACCP models for quality control of entrée production in hospital foodservice systems . II . Quality assessment of beef loaves utilizing HACCP models; Bobeng BJ et al.; HACCP models were developed for quality control of entree production in three hospital foodservice systems: Conventional, cook/chill, and cook/freeze (1) . The three systems were stimulated in a laboratory to evaluate the effectiveness of the HACCP models for quality control and to generate quantitative data for evaluating and comparing the quality of beef loaves produced under controlled conditions . Attributes measured were weight (yield) and microbiologic, nutritional, and sensory qualities . The only significant difference in the beef loaves among systems was sensory quality . Scores for overall acceptability of beef loaves in the conventional system were significantly greater (P less than 0.05) than for those of the cook/chill and cook/freeze systems . The HACCP models were effective quality control tools for entree production; implementation of the HACCP system is recommended for hospital foodservices . The importance of the time-temperature critical point for monitoring control points in hospital foodservice systems is emphasized.

Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig A}, 1978 Nov, 242(1), 106 - 20
{Experience in application of electronic data processing in routine medical microbiology (author's transl)}; Essinger U et al.; Experiences in a two years application of electronic data processing in medical routine microbiology are reported . Optical mark reader forms serve as request forms as well as workprotocol . On the left two thirds of these forms (Fig . 1 and 2) the patients data including clinical statements, and the kind of specimen to be investigated (sputum, smear etc.) as well as results not essential for the printout of laboratory reports are filled in . On the right third of the optical mark reader form, in which area the Bell & Howell document reader can read pencil marks, the patients identification number, the tests requested and all results are marked right at the work bench . As shown in the flow diagram (Fig . 3) after completion of the investigation the date on the mark reader forms are read mechanically and the test results are printed (Fig . 5) by means of the computer . In addition, the data processing system, which proved to be very flexible, performs all necessary types of administrative work as filing of laboratory data in a coded form on cards for permanent storage (Fig . 7) statistics and the printout of bills (Fig . 6) . The processing of routine microbiology date is achieved by a Siemens DVA 404/3 (64 kbt) connected for magnetic disc device (2993 Mio bytes), and a line printer (60,000 lines per hour) and dialog display monitors, which are used simultaneously for the on line and off line handling of all the data in clinical chemistry-, serology- and hematology-departments of the same institute.

Fertil Steril, 1978 Nov, 30(5), 586 - 91
Light microscopy as an aid in predicting ureaplasma infection in human semen; Toth A et al.; The potential role of Ureaplasma urealyticum in human infertility make it desirable to screen barren couples for this infection . Semen specimens from 96 consecutive patients were evaluated in our clinic . Microbiologic results were correlated with the percentage of coiled and fuzzy tails in seminal cytology . These features were then used in a double-blind study to predict Ureaplasma infection in another group of 100 randomly selected patients . It was possible to predict the presence or absence of Ureaplasma prior to laboratory culture in 70% of specimens . False-positive diagnoses were made in 19% . The diagnosis was false-negative in 11%.

J Pediatr, 1978 Nov, 93(5), 739 - 43
Microbiology of recurrent and chronic otitis media with effusion; Riding KH et al.; A study was conducted of 274 children who had recurrent acute or chronic otitis media with effusion . Forty-five percent of the ears with effusion were found to contain bacteria, and 11% contained bacteria that were "probable pathogens" (S . pneumoniae, H . influenzae, and S . pyogenes) . Bacteria were also found in 40% of the ears without effusions . The type of organism found did not vary with the age of the patient studied or the season of the year . The significance of these bacteria in the etiology of recurrent acute or chronic otitis media with effusion remains to be demonstrated.

Arch Sci Med (Torino), 1978 Oct-Dec, 135(4), 627 - 31
{Acute emphysematous cholecystitis}; Bossi MC et al.; A case of acute cholecystitis in a patient of 66 is reported . The aetiopathogenetic aspects are examined with particular regard to the microbiology of such forms, the particular radiological and anatomo-pathological findings and the medical and surgical implications, in the light of a review of the question.

J Urol, 1978 Oct, 120(4), 407 - 9
General resorption of intravesically instilled 5-fluorouracil; Leissner KH et al.; To evaluate the resorption of intravesically instilled 5-fluorouracil a single dose of 250 or 1,000 mg . was injected into the empty bladder for 3 hours in 17 patients . The concentration of 5-fluorouracil in serum during instillation was recorded . A microbiologic agar plate method was used for the assay . No measurable 5-fluorouracil concentrations were recorded in the systemic blood of patients with undamaged bladder mucosa and low levels (less than 100 ng./ml . serum) of 5-fluorouracil were found in the systemic circulation of patients with mucosal lesions.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1978 Sep, (9), 130 - 2
{Urgent problems in the teaching of epidemiology}; Zhogova MA; According to materials of the symposium at the XVI All-Union Congress of Microbiologists and Epidemiologists the author presents some trends in the improvement of teaching epidemiology, including renovation of the programs and teaching plans at the sanitary-hygienic faculty, development of practical habits and rationalization in the organization of practical work at the therapeutic and pediatric faculties.

Postgrad Med, 1978 Sep, 64(3), 141 - 4, 147-8
Managing infections in immunosuppressed patients; Featherstone HJ et al.; Various infections are associated with depressed host defenses . Systemic antibiotic therapy is not useful prophylactically but should be instituted immediately in patients with known bacterial infections and in febrile patients with neutropenia . Meticulous patient care and attention to collection and evaluation of microbiologic data are the keys to early detection of infection . Nonbacterial opportunistic infections should be considered in patients with prolonged fever or fever and pulmonary infiltrates . Some ancillary measures, such as patient isolation and reconstitution of the immune system, may help in prevention or treatment of infections in immunosuppressed patients.

Am J Hosp Pharm, 1978 Sep, 35(9), 1078 - 81
Prediction of gentamicin serum levels using a one-compartment open linear pharmacokinetic model; Chow M et al.; The accuracy of predicting serum gentamicin levels based on a one-compartment open linear pharmacokinetic model was studied . Twenty-two patients accounted for 59 serum gentamicin levels which were measured by microbiologic assay and compared with predicted serum levels determined by pharmacokinetic calculation . Seventeen serum levels were collected at peak times, 15 at trough time and 27 at times between peak and trough . Forty-nine of the levels were obtained from patients with impaired renal function . Predicated gentamicin levels correlated well with measured serum levels (r = 0.85, p less than 0.001) . Of the measured levels, 56% were within +/- 1 microgram/ml of the predicted levels . Of 49 levels collected from patients with impaired renal function, 59% were within +/- 1 microgram/ml of the predicted level . In 13 patients from whom multiple serum gentamicin levels were collected and predictions based on half-life or elimination rate obtained by fitting the first level, 83% of the measured levels were within +/- 1 microgram/ml of the predicted level . The one-compartment open linear pharmacokinetic calculations can be used to adequately predict serum gentamicin levels . In patients with changing or diminished renal function, pharmacokinetic predictions may not be accurate, and actual serum level determinations may be needed to monitor gentamicin therapy.

Arch Otolaryngol, 1978 Sep, 104(9), 491 - 4
Cervicofacial actinomycosis . Rapid diagnosis by thin-needle aspiration; Pollock PG et al.; Thin-needle aspiration cytology is a well-known minimally invasive technique that is used in the diagnosis of neoplastic disease . The same biopsy technique provides a means for immediate identification of actinomycosis . Aspiration specimens may be used for morphologic studies, as well as for microbiologic isolation . The diagnostic histologic feature of sulfur granules remains intact with this cytologic aspiration technique . This technique is a safe, simple, and rapid means of diagnosing actinomycosis and appears to have value in the diagnosis of other infectious diseases as well.

Arch Intern Med, 1978 Sep, 138(9), 1421 - 2
A case of coccidioidomycosis with unique clinical features; El-Ani AS et al.; Primary coccidioidomycosis, occurring in a microbiologist whose initial symptoms were cough, fever, night sweats, and chest pain, was unique, because for six months following infection his sera remained nonreactive, and his chest roentgenograms showed no lesions . Throughout this period, his sputa continued to yield Coccidioides immitis . His skin test, which showed negative results 12 days after the onset of symptoms, became positive for coccidioidomycosis eight months later . Spherule formation by C immitis cultures was demonstrated in human pleural fluid medium at 40 degrees C within four to six days and in the internal organs of a mouse inoculated with an arthrospore suspension . After six months of rest and without specific antibiotic treatment, the patient's sputa became negative and his clinical recovery was complete . We emphasize culture isolation and accurate identification of C immitis in diagnosis, and serology in the assessment of therapy.

Acta Cytol, 1978 Sep-Oct, 22(5), 331 - 4
Cytologic and microbiologic aspects of vaginal Torulopsis; Boquet-Jimenez E et al.; Twenty-five cases of vaginal Torulopsis in 7,331 patients were confirmed by cultures, auxonograms and zimograms . The cytologic and microbiologic characteristics are described in these cases . The authors feel that a nonmicrobiologic diagnosis of vaginal Torulopsis can be made with a small margin of error since its clinical characteristics constitute a rather well-defined entity.

Prim Care, 1978 Sep, 5(3), 487 - 501
Aspiration pneumonia and anaerobic lung infections; Tuazon CU; Anaerobic organisms and their role in pleuropulmonary infections have been recognized with increased frequency with advances in diagnostic techniques . Valuable clinical, microbiologic and radiologic clues exist and are extremely useful in the diagnosis and treatment of such infections.

Am J Vet Res, 1978 Sep, 39(9), 1487 - 9
Microbiology of normal and seborrheic canine skin; Ihrke PJ et al.; Quantitative and qualitative bacterial assays were performed on the skin of 15 normal and 32 seborrheic dogs . Nonionic detergent scrubs were made on areas demarcated by glass sidearm cylinders . Quantitative analysis was accomplished by the serial dilution technique, and the bacteria were identified by individual and colonial morphology and by enzyme production . Areas measured on control dogs had a markedly lower total bacterial count than similar areas measured on seborrheic animals . Control dogs had a flora consisting primarily of coagulase-negative cocci, whereas seborrheic dogs usually had a cutaneous flora composed primarily of Stahylococcus aureus, coagulase-positive.

Otolaryngology, 1978 Sep-Oct, 86(5), ORL - 696-703
Lethal rhinocerebral phycomycosis in a healthy adult: a case report and review of the literature; Castelli JB et al.; A lethal case of rhino-orbital-cerebral phycomycosis (mucormycosis) in an otherwise healthy man is presented . The clinical, radiologic, and ante mortem surgical pathology associated with microbiologic examinations failed to yield the diagnosis of fungal infection as the cause of a clinical presentation of acute sphenoid sinusitis with a fulminant cavernous sinus thrombosis . No similar case report was found in review of the literature . There is a need for a high degree of suspicion in this condition to improve the uniformly poor prognosis in this devastating infectious disease . Emphasis is placed on the necessity for early tissue or microbiologic diagnosis with appropriate histologic stains and fungal cultures . Treatment consists of extensive surgical excision of all necrotic or questionably viable tissue in conjunction with alternate-day amphotericin B therapy.

Obstet Gynecol, 1978 Aug, 52(2), 193 - 7
Internal fetal monitoring and maternal infection following cesarean section . A prospective study; Gibbs RS et al.; A prospective clinical and microbiologic study was performed on 419 patients undergoing cesarean section . A multivariant analysis revealed that labor, rupture of the membranes, and vaginal examinations each had a much greater relative importance than did internal monitoring in determining infection . In an alternative analysis, patients with internal monitoring had no increase in frequency or severity of infection, beyond that imposed by labor and rupture of membranes . Further, endometrial cultures from patients developing infection after internal monitoring were found to have the same bacteria as the cultures of patients developing infection without monitoring.

Am J Clin Pathol, 1978 Jul, 70(1), 27 - 30
Rapid diagnosis of actinomycosis by thin-needle aspiration biopsy; Pollock PG et al.; Actinomycosis was diagnosed in three cases by the use of thin-needle aspiration biopsy technic . Aspiration was utilized for morphologic studies and collection of material for microbiologic isolation . The critical histologic features of sulfur granules remain intact with aspiration technic . Thin-needle aspiration biopsy is a safe, simple, and rapid technic employed in the diagnosis of neoplastic disease . The use of this technic in the diagnosis of actinomycosis is demonstrated in this report.

Obstet Gynecol, 1978 Jul, 52(1), 31 - 7
Antibiotic therapy of endometritis following cesarean section . Treatment successes and failures; Gibbs RS et al.; A prospective clinical and microbiologic study was carried out on 413 indigent patients undergoing cesarean section . Operative site infection developed in 160 (38.5%) . Initial treatment with penicillin and kanamycin was successful in 125 of these 160 infections (78%) . Thirty-five patients (22%) failed to respond to penicillin and kanamycin and were treated with clindamycin or chloramphenicol . Twenty-eight of the 35 responded promptly to the additional antibiotic therapy . The remaining 7 patients (4%) had either abscesses, hematomas, or presumed septic pelvic thrombophlebitis . Among patients with anaerobic cultures, B fragilis was isolated with 12% with a good response to penicillin-kanamycin, but from 53% with a poor response to penicillin-kanamycin and with a good response to clindamycin or chloramphenicol . Similar critical evaluations of other antibiotic regimens are needed.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1978 Jul, 36(1), 121 - 8
Improved methods for detecting enteric viruses in oysters; Sobsey MD et al.; New and improved methods for concentrating enteroviruses, reoviruses, and adenoviruses from oysters have been developed and evaluated . Viruses are efficiently adsorbed to homogenized oyster meat by adjusting the homogenate to pH 5.0 and a conductivity of less than or equal to 2,000 mg of NaCl per liter . After low-speed centrifugation, the virus-free supernatant is discarded and the viruses are eluted from the sedimented oyster solids with pH 7.5 glycine-NaCl having a conductivity of 8,000 mg of NaCl per liter . The oyster solids are removed by low-speed centrifugation and filtration, and the viruses in the filtered supernatant are concentrated to a small volume by either ultrafiltration or acid precipitation at pH 4.5 . The concentrate is treated with antibiotics and inoculated into cell cultures for virus isolation and quantitation . When these methods were tested with oysters experimentally contaminated with polioviruses, reoviruses, and adenoviruses, recovery efficiencies averaged about 46% . With the exception of virus assay and quantitation, these methods are simple and inexpensive enough to be done in typical shellfish microbiology laboratories.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1978 Jun, 35(6), 1008 - 11
Inclusion of xylan in a medium for the enumeration of total culturable rumen bacteria; Henning PA et al.; The influence of the inclusion of xylan in a medium for enumeration of total culturable rumen bacteria was investigated . Maximum colony numbers were obtained on a medium, GCSX-2, which contained 0.033% each glucose and cellobiose and 0.067% each soluble starch and xylan . This medium gave higher colony counts than either medium 98-5 of Bryant and Robinson (J . Dairy Sci . 44:1446-1456, 1961), medium 98-5 of Chung and Hungate (Appl . Environ . Microbiol . 32:649-652, 1976), containing an added lucerne (hemicellulose + cellulose) fiber substrate, or medium GCSX-2 with the added lucerne (hemicellulose + cellulose) fraction . The time of collection of rumen fluid influenced the colony counts on the media containing the lucerne fiber substrate but was without effect on medium GCSX-2.

J Nucl Med, 1978 Jun, 19(6), 619 - 25
Radiometric estimation of the replication time of bacteria in culture: an objective and precise approach to quantitative microbiology; Buddemeyer EU et al.; In a recently developed, two-compartment liquid scintillation vial, the evolution of 14CO2 resulting from bacterial metabolism of uniformly labeled d-glucose was measured sensitively, cumulatively, and automatically in a liquid-scintillation counter . In each of eight species tested, a period of log-linear expansion of cumulative counting rate with time was observed . The exponential increase in cumulative counting rate was related to cell replication time by the integral of a first-order differential equation . Within a given species, the replication time measured by radioassay was found to be remarkably constant, unaffected by a fourfold variation in the activity of added labeled d-glucose, insensitive to the presence of carrier dextrose, and independent of the number of bacteria in the initial inoculum over a range of five orders of magnitude . These experiments demonstrate that the replication rate of an organism in culture is a highly reproducible characteristic that is susceptible to precise radiometric measurement in fundamental units of time under a variety of experimental conditions.

Am J Vet Res, 1978 May, 39(5), 779 - 83
Pathophysiologic studies of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis in the Holstein-Friesian calf; Kiorpes AL et al.; Pulmonary function changes in 6 Holstein-Friesian calves, 4 to 8 weeks of age, were studied for 10 to 11 days following experimental inoculation with infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus . Calves had no demonstrable antibody titer against IBR virus before inoculation, and all calves responded to the virus by postinoculation day 3 with high fever (greater than 40.6 C) and rapid, shallow breathing . Analysis of blood gases demonstrated a progressive rise in PaCO2 but no change in PaO2 . Acid-base state remained normal . Tidal volume decreased with time; conversely, minute ventilation functional residual capacity, O2 consumption, and CO2 production increased . Alveolar ventilation failed to increase as much as predicted . Studies of respiratory mechanics showed a progressive increased in total pulmonary resistance but without change in dynamic pulmonary compliance . A steady-state N2 washout test was used with these calves, and results suggested impairment of intrapulmonary gas mixing as the disease progressed . Microbiologic, pathologic, and histopathologic analyses were consistent with the picture of acute IBR . This study demonstrated our ability to measure pulmonary function changes in nonanesthetized large animals suffering from respiratory tract disease . We characterized the pathophysiologic features of acute IBR infection in the bovine species as an obstructive lung disease resulting in increased resistance to breathing, retention of CO2, and increased resting lung volume.

Med Instrum, 1978 May-Jun, 12(3), 165 - 6
Apparatus for measuring zones of inhibition; Habermeier HK; The apparatus described is a device allowing rapid measurement of susceptibility zone diameters obtained by the Kirby-Bauer method . The device consists of a series of radially arranged strips upon the lid of a microbiologic plate . The strips are transparent, labeled with the antibiotic tested, and slightly movable circumferentially . The strips being as wide as the diameter separating susceptible from resistant organisms, the device allows rapid classification of zone diameters into those indicating susceptibiltiy as well as resistance of orgainisms to the antibiotic tested.

J Med Educ, 1978 May, 53(5), 410 - 4
The core course in medical microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine; Knight V et al.; During the past five years at Baylor College of Medicine student performance in microbiology, as measured by scores on the examination of the National Board of Medical Examiners, has improved from less (mean of 78 percent) than the national average of 80+ percent to considerably greater than the national average (mean of 85 percent) . Only about one-half the time usually given to microbiology is allotted to the course at Baylor (107 hours) . Principal features of the course are annually revised lecture handouts, medically oriented laboratory sessions with a manual written especially for the course, and clinical demonstrations of infectious disease . The pattern of performance in the microbiology course did not occur in two other basic science courses at Baylor . The improvement in performance appeared to be related to the course format, increased teaching proficiency, and the allocation of hours to the various subdisciplines.

J Clin Pathol, 1978 May, 31(5), 418 - 22
Autoclaving practice in microbiology laboratories: report of a survey . The Public Health Laboratory Service Subcommittee on laboratory autoclaves.
{Radioimmunoassay of 125I-sagamicin (author's transl)}
Deguchi T, Okumura S, Shimizu M.

A radioimmunoassay for an aminoglycoside antibiotic, sagamicin, was developed using antisera from rabbits injected with a sagamicin-bovine serum albumin conjugate . Sagamicin was iodinated by a modified Bolton & Hunter method . The standard curve was linear on a logit-log plot yielding an sensitivity of 0.5ng/tube . A correlation coefficient of 0.95 was obtained between the radioimmunoassay and a microbioassay for sagamicin in human sera . Cross-reaction occurred with gentamicin components and some of sagamicin subunits, but there was no cross-reactivity to neomycin, kanamycin and amikacin . Antibody was purified by affinity chromatography on sagamicin bound agarose.

Am Rev Respir Dis, 1978 Mar, 117(3), 501 - 5
An examination of the microbiologic flora of normal lung of the dog; Lindsey JO et al.; We examined the hypothesis that normal lung is sterile . A laboratory animal, the dog, was chosen so that sample size could be maximized . Controls were used to eliminate the possible artifactual presence of bacteria in the lung . Thirty-seven per cent of lung samples contained aerobic bacteria with a mean concentration of 1.3 X 10(3) organisms per g of tissue . Seventy-four per cent of identical bacterial isolates were found in the pharynx of the same animal . We concluded that viable bacteria are aspirated into normal lung where they may survive for at least limited intervals.

Am J Med Technol, 1978 Feb, 44(2), 137 - 9
Use of case histories in teaching clinical microbiology; Hofherr L; In the Winter Quarter, 1977, case histories were introduced into the Diagnostic Microbiology course of the Medical Technology curriculum at the University of Minnesota . The primary goal was to increase the students' exposure to patients and patients' illnesses and to emphasize the role and responsibilities of technologists and clinical laboratories to these patients . This goal seems to have been met as indicated by an evaluation received from the students, since 58.3 percent believed they better understood the role of the technologist and clinical laboratory in patient care . Other side benefits we hoped to achieve seem to have been partially met . These included: 1) association of infectious processes with other laboratory results; 2) a feeling of integration with the patient and health care team; and 3) the introduction of medical terminology.

Can J Microbiol, 1978 Feb, 24(2), 187 - 8
Health--indicator bacteria in water--surface microlayers; Dutka BJ et al.; The distribuution patterns of a variety of bacteria in the surface microlayer, 20 cm and 100 cm below the surface of rivers, open lake waters, and off docks are presented . Implications of this three-season study are that conventional sampling techniques underestimate the true microbiol densities.

J Clin Pathol, 1978 Feb, 31(2), 144 - 7
Sterilisation in the laboratory autoclave using direct air displacement by steam; Everall PH et al.; A device using a steam injection funnel is described by means of which air can be driven quickly and surely from an autoclave load . It is simple and inexpensive, necessitates no changes in the working routine of a microbiology laboratory, and does not interfere with the operation of the autoclave in its normal mode.

Am J Clin Pathol, 1978 Feb, 69(2), 130 - 6
The role of the microbiology laboratory in surveillance and control of nosocomial infections; Weinstein RA et al.; The microbiology laboratory's rapid and consistent identification of nosocomial pathogens is a keystone in the surveillance and control of hospital-acquired infections . In addition, the laboratory serves as a source of expert consultation for clinicians and infection control personnel and as an "early warning center" for infection problems . In making its contributions to infection control most effective, the laboratory must recognize its capabilities and limitations, must insure that the materials and methods it uses and the specimens it processes meet high standards, must provide retrievable records, and must have a good working knowledge of microbiologic technics used to evaluate both endemic and epidemic infections . Moreover, because laboratory workers come into contact daily with potentially infectious specimens and isolates, the laboratory's contributions to infection control should also include the prevention and surveillance of laboratory-acquired infections.

Am J Hosp Pharm, 1978 Jan, 35(1), 33 - 44
Compatibility and stability of electrolytes, vitamins and antibiotics in combination with 8% amino acids solution; Schuetz DH et al.; The compatibility and stability of the following additives in an 8% amino acids and 50% dextrose solution intended for total parenteral nutrition were studied: potassium phosphate, calcium gluconate, magnesium sulfate, multiple vitamine mixtures, folic acid, cyanocobalamin, phytonadione, insulin, ampicillin, cephalothin, kanamycin and gentamicin . In addition to physical examination, techniques of ultraviolet spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography and microbiologic assay were used to delineate compatibility characteristics . The principle compatibility problems are generated by elevated concentrations of calcium and phosphate . The efficacy of ampicillin, cephalothin and kanamycin in the amino acids/dextrose solution, with or without additives, did not appear to be significantly different from control samples prepared in sterile water . It appeared that gentamicin might be significantly more effective in the test solutions than in sterile water, but further investigation is needed to verify this . A comprehensive study of the stability of vitamins in parenteral nutrient solutions must be made before a final judgment can be made.

Am J Clin Nutr, 1978 Jan, 31(1), 82 - 7
Effect of diphenylhydantoin on the bioavailability of citrus folate; Nelson EW et al.; Long term use of the drug diphenylhydantoin (DPH) has been associated with biochemical evidence of folic acid deficiency and rarely with megaloblastic anemia . The mechanism of this nutritional deficiency is uncertain but is thought to result from DPH-induced alteration in the intestinal absorption of conjugated and/or free dietary folate . The effect of DPH on the intestinal absorption of free folates from a food source has heretofore not been reported . In this study triple lumen tube perfusion of the human jejunum was used to quantitate folate absorption from a control solution of orange juice and from an identical solution containing DPH . The results in eleven volunteers serving as their own controls indicate no effectof DPH at a concentration of 20 microgram/ml on folate absorption from this food source . The predominant form of folate in orange juice as determined by differential microbiologic assay is N-5-methyltetrahydrofolate . DPH does not appear to interfere with the absorption of free food folate which is both methylated and reduced.

Obstet Gynecol, 1978 Jan, 51(1), 56 - 62
Amniotic fluid analysis . Its role in maternal neonatal infection; Bobitt JR et al.; Indirect evidence suggests that amnionitis, in the absence of maternal symptoms, contributes to neonatal morbidity . The incidence is unknown because diagnostic techniques are not available . A quantitative amniotic fluid analysis of bacteria, white blood cells, and lactic dehydrogenase levels was performed during labor among 28 patients considered to be a risk for infection . Thirteen of 16 patients with bacterial colony counts greater than 10(3)/ml subsequently developed maternal infection had a premature delivery, neonatal sepsis, or a combination of these factors . Maternal fever was a late sign in clinical infection and was frequently absent in cases of premature delivery associated with microbiologic evidence of amnionitis . Amniotic fluid analysis may be of value in diagnosing unrecognized amnionitis among patients delivering prematurely and those requiring nonelective cesarean section.

Folia Parasitol (Praha), 1978, 25(4), 371 - 4
Spontaneous infection of white laboratory mice with Emmonsia crescens Emmons et Jellison, 1960 under natural conditions; Prokopic J et al.; Fifty white laboratory mice were planted in a microbiotope in which adiaspiromycosis has been detected in 52 Microtus arvalis during the last 10 years . Four of the white mice became infected with adiaspiromycosis . Serological tests revealed the infection in two mice exposed for 3 months . After 4 months' exposure, another two mice were found to be infected and the positive serological results were confirmed by microscopical examination which revealed adiaspores in their lungs . The infection was thus detected by serological methods sooner than by microscopical examination.

CRC Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci, 1978, 9(4), 347 - 65
Counterimmunoelectrophoresis in biology and medicine; Tilton RC; The review will initially focus on the historical development of counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) . A part of the manuscript will be devoted to methodological considerations of CIE as well as a discussion of the antisera used . The body of the review will detail each test procedure for which CIE is applicable and discuss unique elements of technique and limits of detection, as well as clinical interpretation of results . The final section will summarize potential applications of CIE in microbiology.

CRC Crit Rev Microbiol, 1978, 7(1), 1 - 26
The characterization and functional significance of plasma membrane Fc Receptors; Zuckerman SH et al.; The importance of various components of the plasma membrane in the generation of the immune response has long been recognized . The identification and characterization of functional membrane receptors are essential for an understanding of the molecular basis of the immune response . The Fc receptor can be operationally defined as a site on the plasma membrane which is capable of binding the Fc portion of IgG . The Fc receptor has been reported on both lymphoid and nonlymphoid cell types . The functional significance of the receptor on these cell populations, as well as the biochemistry of the receptor, is not well established and is currently an important area of investigation . In this review, the Fc receptor will be discussed, primarily in human and murine lymphoid and macrophage cell populations, as a model of membrane immunoreceptors . The review will be divided into four sections . In the first section, consideration will be given to the binding assays used to study Fc receptor-ligand interactions and the class and subclass specificity of the receptor . The possibility of receptor-receptor interaction and quantitation of receptor sites will be discussed . The second phase of the review will be concerned with the fractionation and biochemistry of this receptor system, emphasizing the differences reported in receptor composition from different cell sources . In the third section of the review, the biologic significance of the receptor will be examined . The importance of the Fc receptor in opsonization and phagocytosis by mononuclear phagogytes, B-cell activation, antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, and the possible relationship of Fc receptors to the histocompatibility-linked immune response genes will be discussed . Finally, in the fourth section, the possible mechanisms of receptor regulation will be considered . Cell fusion experiments which have been performed and the expression of receptor activity on the hybrid cell clones will be discussed . Receptor regulation at the physiologic level will include the effects of cyclic nucleotide levels and cell cycle on receptor expression . It is the intent of this review to provide a detailed analysis of the Fc receptor and to emphasize its importance in microbiology, cell biology, and immunology.

Cornell Vet, 1978 Jan, 68 Suppl 7, 261 - 7
Small animal reproductive problems; Lein DH; Reproductive problems in the dog and cat are an important segment of the total case load in many veterinary practices . The interest in pet population control, estrus control, artificial insemination and planned pregnancies of pets as well as the advanced knowledge and technology in immunology, microbiology, pathology, physiology and related sciences are expanding the knowledge concerning pet reproduction . The use of radioimmunoassays (RIA) to detect minute amounts of hormones in the serum or plasma of animals has given the physiologist a precise biological measuring stick . As hormone testing laboratories become available, the RIA will become a valuable aide to the veterinary clinician, clients and their pets in diagnosing and possibly preventing or treating reproductive disorders . Knowledge of the normal canine and feline reproductive physiology, pathogenesis of reproductive disorders and a thorough history, genital tract examination, collection and examination of specimens for diagnosis and realistic treatments are all fundamental to a successful management of these disorders.

Acta Med Scand, 1978, 203(4), 333 - 5
Cytomegalovirus pneumonia after treatment with melphalan and prednisone . Report of a case; von Eyben F et al.; A patient with multiple myeloma had pancytopenia after treatment with melphalan and prednisone and died of an interstitial pneumonia . Post-mortem examinations showed cytomegalic cells in the lungs . Lung tissue showed a high titer of cytomegalovirus . Only when other causes have been ruled out by microbiologic, serologic, and histologic examinations should melphalan be believed to cause respiratory illness.

Med J Aust, 1977 Dec 24-31, 2(26-27), 858 - 60
The laboratory report: a problem in communication between clinician and microbiologist?
Lee A, McLean S.
When writing a laboratory report, the microbiologist often makes certain assumptions as to the clinician's understanding of laboratory procedures and reporting practices . The effect of these assumptions on the interpretations of the reports is discussed, with data from a survey of general practitioners . Possible ways of improving communication between the laboratory and the clinician are suggested.

S Afr Med J, 1977 Dec 17, 52(26), 1056 - 60
Early diagnosis of opportunistic systemic fungal and nocardial infections; Block CS et al.; An approach to the expediting of the diagnosis of opportunistic systemic mycoses is presented . Communication between clinician and microbiologist is basic to this approach . The importance of the clinical assessment of the individual patient, coupled with a high index of suspicion, is stressed . Our experience with 11 of 42 cases of systemic mycosis over a 28-month period is analysed . For the diagnosis of fungaemia a method for the microscopical examination of peripheral blood is briefly evaluated, and a membrane filter blood culture technique is shown to be valuable, yielding results in 16-24 hours . In the absence of fungaemia the considered microscopical examination of suitable specimens, when feasible, is the most rapid method available . Serological methods may be helpful in early diagnosis, but this is often hampered by the absence of baseline sera and by the lengthy nature of some tests . Newer indirect methods such as gas chromatography are being developed but have not yet been used routinely.

Cancer Treat Rep, 1977 Dec, 61(9), 1631 - 6
Effects of variations in renal function on the clinical pharmacology of bleomycin administered as an iv bolus; Crooke ST et al.; The clinical pharmacology of bleomycin administered as an iv bolus has been studied in a homogeneous group of patients receiving a single regimen containing bleomycin, vinblastine, and cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum (II) . These studies demonstrated that in patients with creatinine clearances greater than or equal to 35 ml/minute, the serum (or plasma) terminal elimination half-life of bleomycin was approximately 115 minutes . In patients with creatinine clearances less than 25-35 ml/minute, the terminal elimination half-life increased exponentially as the creatinine clearance decreased . The volume of distribution was approximately 20 liters, and was unaffected by changes in the creatinine clearance . The microbiologic assay and radioimmunoassay employed gave equivalent results.

Am J Epidemiol, 1977 Nov, 106(5), 399 - 407
Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis at a Vietnamese refugee camp in Florida; Zweighaft RM et al.; During the summer of 1975 an ongoing outbreak of conjunctivitis occurred among Vietnamese refugees temporarily housed at a U.S . mainland camp . Twenty-two per cent of surveyed refugees gave a history of the disease and 10% were documented as having clinical conjunctivitis at the time of the survey . Fifty-six per cent of documented cases were in children less than 10 years of age . The attack rate among American camp personnel was 4% . Comprehensive microbiologic analysis revealed multiple potential pathogens in most cases, but the recovery of adenovirus 8 (AV8) in 81% of cases cultured within two weeks of onset implicated AV8 as the principal cause of the epidemic.

Cancer, 1977 Nov, 40(5), 2027 - 37
Clinical pharmacologic and therapeutic studies of bleomycin given by continuous infusion; Krakoff IH et al.; The clinical toxicology, clinical pharmacology, and therapeutic effects of bleomycin given by continuous intravenous infusion were studied in patients with far-advanced unresectable cancer . The toxicity of bleomycin given by that schedule was qualitatively and quantitatively the same as when it was given by daily intravenous "push"; mucocutaneous toxicity occurred regularly after 7-11 days of infusion . Careful monitoring of pulmonary function revealed minor changes in Total Lung Capacity and Pulmonary Diffusion Capacity in nearly all patients; however, overt pulmonary toxicity occurred in only six patients (5%) . 111Indium-labeled bleomycin was used to follow blood levels of bleomycin; it correlated well with the levels determined by microbiologic assay and could be measured at levels lower than could be determined by bioassay . Useful therapeutic responses were seen in a variety of tumors; 30% patients with very far-advanced carcinoma of the cervix demonstrated CR or PR, an incidence higher than has been seen with other regimens . Sixty-nine percent of patients with disseminated germ cell neoplasms of the testis, refractory to bleomycin given by conventional dose schedules, have attained partial remission through the continuous infusion of bleomycin.

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