Microorganisms

J Bacteriol, 1992 Mar, 174(5), 1647 - 55
Purification of histidase from Streptomyces griseus and nucleotide sequence of the hutH structural gene; Wu PC et al.; Histidine ammonia-lyase (histidase) was purified to homogeneity from vegetative mycelia of Streptomyces griseus . The enzyme was specific for L-histidine and showed no activity against the substrate analog, D-histidine . Histidinol phosphate was a potent competitive inhibitor . Histidase displayed saturation kinetics with no detectable sigmoidal response . Neither thiol reagents nor a variety of divalent cations had any effect on the activity of the purified enzyme . High concentrations of potassium cyanide inactivated histidase in the absence of its substrate or histidinol phosphate, suggesting that, as in other histidases, dehydroalanine plays an important role in catalysis . The N-terminal amino acid sequence of histidase was used to construct a mixed oligonucleotide probe to identify and clone the histidase structural gene, hutH, from genomic DNA of the wild-type strain of S . griseus . The cloned DNA restored the ability of a histidase structural gene mutant to grow on L-histidine as the sole nitrogen source . The deduced amino acid sequence of hutH shows significant relatedness with histidase from bacteria and a mammal as well as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase from plants and fungi.

Gastroenterology, 1992 Mar, 102(3), 1065 - 70
Bacillary peliosis hepatis as a cause of acute anemia in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Garcia-Tsao G et al.; A 33-year-old white homosexual man, infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, presented with acute anemia and thrombocytopenia not responsive to transfusions or to treatment with steroids and intravenous gamma-globulin . Hematologic workup was compatible with peripheral sequestration or loss of blood cells; however, there was no evidence of gastrointestinal or other sources of hemorrhage, and the only significant finding was a progressive liver enlargement . An abdominal computerized tomographic scan showed a massive homogeneous liver without focal lesions, a very small amount of ascites, and no retroperitoneal fluid collections . A transjugular liver biopsy specimen showed the cystic, blood-filled cavities characteristic of peliosis hepatis . Cavities varied in size, all contained pooled erythrocytes, and some had areas suggestive of thrombi in various stages of organization . Bacteria similar in morphology to those described in bacillary peliosis hepatis were seen in the peliotic spaces . The clinical picture began resolving shortly after treatment with zidovudine and ampicillin/sulbactam was started and had totally resolved 6 months after presentation . This case shows that bacillary peliosis hepatis is a reversible entity that may produce acute sequestration of blood in the liver.

Gastroenterology, 1992 Mar, 102(3), 1000 - 8
Bile secretory immunoglobulin A in biliary infection and cholelithiasis; Yio XY et al.; Bile samples from 71 patients with cholelithiasis and a control group of 10 subjects without hepatobiliary diseases were cultured for bacteria and measured for secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) using enzyme immunoassay specific for SIgA . The results of bile bacterial culture were all positive in patients with primary bile duct pigment stones, and significantly lower bile SIgA levels were observed than in normal controls (P less than 0.005) . It was also shown that the constitutent ratios of SIgA to total bile immunoglobulin and the bile-serum ratio of SIgA were markedly lower in these patients than in normal controls (P less than 0.001, P less than 0.001) . In patients with cholecystolithiasis, bile SIgA concentrations of patients with biliary infections were remarkably lower than those of patients without biliary infection (P less than 0.01) and those of normal controls (P less than 0.01) . These results suggest a close relationship between biliary tract infection and low concentrations of bile SIgA.

J Infect, 1992 Mar, 24(2), 191 - 5
Paecilomyces lilacinus infection in a child with chronic granulomatous disease; Silliman CC et al.; Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare inherited disorder in which neutrophils do not appropriately generate cytotoxic superoxide anion, the respiratory burst, in response to invading bacteria or fungi as a part of normal host defence . We report the case of a child with CGD who had two abdominal wall abscesses caused by Paecilomyces lilacinus, an organism not previously known to cause infections in patients with CGD . The abdominal wall is a location that is rarely associated with Paecilomyces infections . Parenteral amphotericin B eradicated the infection in an immunocompromised child whereas this regimen has heretofore largely been unsuccessful in the treatment of this infection . Paecilomyces species and other fungi from immunocompromised hosts and thought to be laboratory contaminants, need to be carefully investigated for they may become pathogens in this clinical setting.

J Neuroimmunol, 1992 Mar, 37(1-2), 149 - 60
Serotonergic aspects of the response of human platelets to immune-adjuvant muramyl dipeptide; Polanski M et al.; The human platelet serotonergic responses of aggregation and uptake were shown to be modulated by muramyl peptides . Muramyl dipeptide inhibited serotonin uptake in a temperature dependent and stereospecific manner . It also blocked the binding to platelets of {3H}imipramine, a well-known inhibitor of serotonin uptake . Muramyl dipeptide decreased serotonin2 (5-HT2) mediated platelet aggregation, and blocked the binding of a 5-HT2-specific ligand: lysergic acid diethylamide . Since muramyl peptides are released upon degradation of bacteria, the findings offer a possible mechanism for neuro-immune modulation by emphasizing the interaction between 5-HT (a neurotransmitter) and muramyl peptides (immuno-adjuvants).

In Vivo, 1992 Mar-Apr, 6(2), 205 - 9
Inhibition of biological effects of endotoxins by phenothiazines; Molnar J et al.; The importance of change transfer reaction involving endotoxins of bacteria and interactions between endotoxin-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were investigated both in vitro and in vivo in the presence of several phenothiazines . Complex formation between endotoxins and ring-substituted phenothiazines, benzodiazepines, amantadine and promethazine was measured using spectrophotometric methods . The endotoxin-induced hypotensive effect was prevented by phenothiazine pretreatment of the dogs; however, the endotoxin-phenothiazine complex had the same effect as the endotoxin itself . The tumor necrosis factor-inducing ability of endotoxin in human monocytes was prevented by promethazine . The TNF induction by endotoxin was inhibited by promethazine in vivo.

Biophys J, 1992 Mar, 61(3), 694 - 703
Dynamics of energy transfer and trapping in the light-harvesting antenna of Rhodopseudomonas viridis; Zhang FG et al.; By low intensity picosecond absorption spectroscopy it is shown that the exciton lifetime in the light-harvesting antenna of Rhodopseudomonas (Rps.) viridis membranes with photochemically active reaction centers at room temperature is 60 +/- 10 ps . This lifetime reflects the overall trapping rate of the excitation energy by the reaction center . With photochemically inactive reaction centers, in the presence of P+, the exciton lifetime increases to 150 +/- 15 ps . Prereducing the secondary electron acceptor QA does not prevent primary charge separation, but slows it down from 60 to 90 +/- 10 ps . Picosecond kinetics measured at 77 K with inactive reaction centers indicates that the light-harvesting antenna is spectrally homogeneous . Picosecond absorption anisotropy measurements show that energy transfer between identical Bchlb molecules occurs on the subpicosecond time scale . Using these experimental results as input to a random-walk model, results in strict requirements for the antenna-RC coupling . The model analysis prescribes fast trapping (approximately 1 ps) and an approximately 0.5 escape probability from the reaction center, which requires a more tightly coupled RC and antenna, as compared with the Bchla-containing bacteria Rhodospirillum (R.) rubrum and Rhodobacter (Rb.) sphaeroides.

Dev Comp Immunol, 1992 Mar-Jun, 16(2-3), 95 - 101
Formation of brown bodies in the coelomic cavity of the earthworm Eisenia fetida andrei and attendant changes in shape and adhesive capacity of constitutive cells; Valembois P et al.; The formation of brown bodies in the coelomic cavity may result from an aggregation of coelomocytes around offending foreign cells such as bacteria, gregarines, incompatible graft fragments, and altered self structures such as setae or necrotic muscle cells . The initial nodule rapidly increases in volume by aggregation of new coelomocytes and various waste particles . When a brown body has reached a diameter of 1-2 mm, its external cells flatten and lose their adhesiveness toward free coelomocytes or waste particles and its pigment rapidly darkens . Brown bodies play an important role in homeostasis.

Plant Cell, 1992 Mar, 4(3), 273 - 82
Mutations in the D1 subunit of photosystem II distinguish between quinone and herbicide binding sites; Ohad N et al.; The structure-activity relationships of the plastoquinone QB binding domain in the D1 subunit of photosystem II (PSII) were investigated by characterization of mutations introduced in the D1 protein . Eight novel point mutations in the gene psbA, which encodes D1, were generated in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC6803 by site-specific mutagenesis in vitro . The effects of the resulting modifications in D1 on electron transfer in PSII and on herbicide binding were analyzed . The results extend the structural analogies between the secondary quinone binding site in D1 and in subunit L of the photosynthetic reaction center in purple bacteria . The involvement of Phe255, Ser264, and Leu271 of D1 in plastoquinone binding and electron transfer in PSII was established . An indirect effect of Tyr254 on the binding of QB was demonstrated . Changes in binding of herbicides and QB to D1 as a result of the mutations revealed specific interactions between amino acid residues in D1 and the plastoquinone and distinguished between the binding sites of QB and herbicides.

Khirurgiia (Mosk), 1992 Mar, (3), 81 - 4
{The combined treatment of acute suppurative diseases of the fingers and hand using decamethoxin}; Fishchenko AIa et al.; The authors discuss the results of complex treatment of 286 patients with acute pyoinflammatory diseases of the fingers and hand with the use of a new Soviet-produced antiseptic decametoxin . Panaris was diagnosed in 196 (68.5%), phlegmons and abscesses in 82 (29.7%), furuncle in 6 (2.1%) and carbuncle in 2 (0.7%) patients . 224 (78.4%) patients received out-patient and 62 (21.6%) in-patient treatment . The authors established that as the result of the applied complex treatment with the use of various antiseptic compositions containing decametoxin the mean duration of treatment was 7.8 days . The article discusses the causes of the disease, the methods of operative treatment, and management of patients in the postoperative period.

J Med Assoc Thai, 1992 Mar, 75 Suppl 2, 20 - 3
Pre-operative shaving and wound infection in appendectomy; Rojanapirom S et al.; The study on the effects of shaving the skin on wound infections after appendectomy was done in 80 patients in 1988 in Siriraj Hospital . Patients were divided randomly into two groups, 40 patients each, a control and an experiment group . The control group had their skin shaved and the experiment group did not . Data showed no difference in: demography, preoperative admission time, interval between skin preparation and surgery, thickness of subcutaneous tissue, operating time, and suture materials . Shaving of the skin resulted in no alteration in bacteria found on the skin, on the walls of the wound before closing . Stitch abscesses were the only wound infection found in 3 patients in each group . It is concluded that skin shaving, though it did not increase wound infection rate, had no beneficial effect on wound infection in appendectomy.

Dev Comp Immunol, 1992 Mar-Jun, 16(2-3), 85 - 93
Biological characteristics of the Calliphora vomitoria agglutinin; McKenzie AN et al.; The galactose specific agglutinin from Calliphora vomitoria was found to be expressed in the haemolymph of all the larval instars, but could not be detected at any other time during the life cycle . The haemagglutinating activity was insensitive to wounding of the tegument or injection of saline; however, a significant increase in haemagglutinating titre could be induced upon inoculation of the haemocoel with biotic or abiotic particulate material . The agglutinin also actively agglutinated several bacterial species and appeared capable of playing a role in particle--haemocyte interaction . The presence of the purified agglutinin significantly increased the attachment of fetuin-derivatized beads to haemocytes in vitro, and this activity could be specifically reduced by the addition of galactose, suggesting that the agglutinin may act as an opsonin.

Mol Cell Biol, 1992 Mar, 12(3), 991 - 7
SH2 domains of the p85 alpha subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulate binding to growth factor receptors; McGlade CJ et al.; The binding of cytoplasmic signaling proteins such as phospholipase C-gamma 1 and Ras GTPase-activating protein to autophosphorylated growth factor receptors is directed by their noncatalytic Src homology region 2 (SH2) domains . The p85 alpha regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase, which associates with several receptor protein-tyrosine kinases, also contains two SH2 domains . Both p85 alpha SH2 domains, when expressed individually as fusion proteins in bacteria, bound stably to the activated beta receptor for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) . Complex formation required PDGF stimulation and was dependent on receptor tyrosine kinase activity . The bacterial p85 alpha SH2 domains recognized activated beta PDGF receptor which had been immobilized on a filter, indicating that SH2 domains contact autophosphorylated receptors directly . Several receptor tyrosine kinases within the PDGF receptor subfamily, including the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor and the Steel factor receptor (Kit), also associate with PI 3-kinase in vivo . Bacterially expressed SH2 domains derived from the p85 alpha subunit of PI 3-kinase bound in vitro to the activated colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor and to Kit . We infer that the SH2 domains of p85 alpha bind to high-affinity sites on these receptors, whose creation is dependent on receptor autophosphorylation . The SH2 domains of p85 are therefore primarily responsible for the binding of PI 3-kinase to activated growth factor receptors.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1992 Mar 1, 89(5), 1539 - 43
Intrinsic anion channel activity of the recombinant first nucleotide binding fold domain of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein; Arispe N et al.; The first nucleotide binding fold (NBF-1) from the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) has been expressed in bacteria and found to bind ATP and to express anion channel activity when reconstituted onto a planar lipid bilayer . This evidence suggests that the NBF forms the anion-selective portion of the CFTR channel . We also found that the recombinant NBF-1 anion channel is blocked by ATP (1 mM), under which condition it appears to have a minimal conductance of approximately 9 pS and an ohmic current-voltage relationship . We further found that the recombinant NBF-1 bearing the delta F508 mutation has nearly identical anion channel activity to that of the wild-type protein but can be distinguished from wild type under bianionic conditions with chloride and gluconate . We conclude from these data that the anion channel activity of the recombinant NBF-1 could represent all or part of the anion conductance mechanism of CFTR and that the role of the ATP binding by the NBF could be to modulate this anion channel activity.

Arch Oral Biol, 1992 Mar, 37(3), 167 - 73
Dipeptidyl peptidase II- and IV-like activities in gingival tissue and crevicular fluid from human periodontitis lesions; Cox SW et al.; Gingival tissue and gingival crevicular fluid were collected from patients with chronic periodontitis . Gel filtration chromatography of crude tissue extracts yielded separate fractions active against Lys-Ala-7-amino-4-trifluoromethyl-coumarylamide (AFC) at acid pH and Gly-Pro-AFC at alkaline pH . The molecular weights, pH optima and inhibitor responses of these activities were consistent with those of dipeptidyl peptidases (DPP) II and IV, respectively . When tested with the same substrates, crevicular fluid was also found to contain DPP II- and IV-like activities with very similar pH profiles and inhibitor responses to those in tissue . The close resemblance suggested that the crevicular fluid enzymes were derived mainly from inflamed gingival tissues . Slight differences in the DPP II-like activities might be explained by the additional presence in crevicular fluid of enzymes from subgingival bacteria . With use of appropriate buffers, a third substrate, Ala-Pro-AFC, gave selective detection of both DPP II- and IV-like activities in tissue and crevicular fluid . Assays with Ala-Pro-AFC had the advantage of greater sensitivity, especially with DPP II-like activity . Raised levels of this enzyme have previously been found in the gingiva of periodontitis patients and thus DPP II-like activity in crevicular fluid might prove of value in monitoring disease activity.

J Hosp Infect, 1992 Mar, 20(3), 193 - 8
Laboratory evaluation of a filter for the control of cross-infection during pulmonary function testing; Kirk YL et al.; Nosocomial transmission of respiratory pathogens is a possible complication of lung function testing . The use of a filter, placed between the patient and the spirometer equipment may be one way of preventing such nosocomial spread . This paper reports the laboratory evaluation of the efficiency of such a filter at removing bacteria from exhaled breath . Volunteers exhaled 100 normal breaths or four forced exhalations through a filter on to a blood agar plate . Bacterial counts on the agar plate were compared with recoverable bacterial counts from the filter . Total challenge from the forced exhalations ranged from 161-84,200 colony forming units . The calculated efficiency of 10 volunteers was 99.9% . For the normal breaths the challenge ranged from 0-262,000 colony forming units . There was no growth on any of the blood-agar plates . These filters appear to be highly efficient at removing exhaled bacteria.

Mol Phylogenet Evol, 1992 Mar, 1(1), 26 - 30
Phylogenetic relationships of the endosymbionts of mealybugs (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) based on 16S rDNA sequences; Munson MA et al.; A portion of the gene coding for the 16S ribosomal RNA from the endosymbionts of three species of mealybugs {Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni-Tozzetti), Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn), and Dysmicoccus neobrevipes (Beardsley)} was cloned, sequenced, and compared to a homologous fragment from bacteria representative of aphid endosymbionts as well as major subdivisions of the Proteobacteria . Parsimony analysis of the sequences indicated that the mealybug endosymbionts are related and belong to the beta-subdivision; in contrast, previous studies showed that aphid endosymbionts are part of the gamma-subdivision . These findings suggest that the endosymbiosis of mealybugs is a consequence of a single bacterial infection and indicate that this ancestor was different from the ancestor involved in aphid endosymbiosis.

Rev Med Chil, 1992 Mar, 120(3), 304 - 10
{Fournier's disease}; Bannura G; Fournier's disease or perineal gangrene is a severe necrotizing process affecting the ano-rectal, perineal and scrotal region which is usually secondary to ano-rectal pathology and periurethral or cutaneous processes . Ample surgical debridement, wide spectrum systemic antibiotics and general supportive measures are essential for survival in this very serious disease.

Res Microbiol, 1992 Mar-Apr, 143(3), 341 - 5
Hybridization of transposon Tn501 for detection of mercury resistance sequences in a marine environment; Prabu SK et al.; Total genomic DNA isolated by concentrating seawater and mercury-resistant bacteria were hybridized with a mer probe to detect the presence of homologous DNA sequences in marine coastal waters of the Bay of Bengal, India . Coastal water extracts induced with mercury hybridized with the mer operon of transposon Tn501 . Most of the mercury-resistant bacteria that volatilized mercury also contained homologous DNA sequences to the mer probe.

J Dent Res, 1992 Mar, 71(3), 453 - 7
Silica-induced precipitation of calcium phosphate in the presence of inhibitors of hydroxyapatite formation; Damen JJ et al.; The promotion and the inhibition of hydroxyapatite formation by various substances were determined by measurement of the induction time of spontaneous precipitation (ti) from supersaturated solutions . Silica was found to decrease ti in Hepes-buffered (pH 7.2) supersaturated solutions with a wide range of calcium-to-phosphate ratios and concentrations . Also, in suspensions of the oral bacteria S . mutans or C . matruchotii in 1 mmol/L calcium, 7.5 mmol/L phosphate, and 50 mmol/L Hepes (pH 7.2), silica was capable of stimulating precipitation . Macromolecules derived from these bacteria by freezing and thawing appeared to be strong inhibitors of calcium phosphate precipitation . In the presence of silica, the effects of these bacterial inhibitors could be partially overcome, which supports the idea that silica in dental plaque is a promoter of calculus formation . In contrast, inhibition of calcium phosphate precipitation by a low-molecular-weight inhibitor, pyrophosphate, could not be counteracted by silica.

Medicine (Baltimore), 1992 Mar, 71(2), 59 - 72
Anti-Hu--associated paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis/sensory neuronopathy . A clinical study of 71 patients; Dalmau J et al.; We studied 71 patients with "paraneoplastic" encephalomyelitis, sensory neuronopathy, or both associated with the presence of the anti-Hu antibody in their serum . Most (78%) had small-cell lung cancer . In 9 patients no tumor was detected . Fifty-two patients (73%) had signs and symptoms of multifocal involvement of the nervous system; in 28 (39%), 2 areas, and in 24 (34%), 3 or more areas were clinically affected . Sensory neuronopathy was present in 52 patients (74%), but in only 44 (62%) did it dominate the course of the disease . Other predominant findings were: motor neuron dysfunction (14 patients, 20%), limbic encephalopathy (14, 20%), cerebellar symptoms (11, 15%), brainstem encephalopathy (10, 14%), and autonomic nervous system dysfunction (7, 10%) . The presence of the anti-Hu antibody prompted a search for the tumor in 60% of the patients; the tumor when found was usually small and remained localized until death, or was demonstrated only at autopsy . Treatment using steroids and plasmapheresis, immunosuppressants, or both, did not improve the paraneoplastic symptoms . Autonomic and respiratory failure, either of central origin or secondary to neuromuscular weakness, were the principal causes of death . Patients with rapidly developing sensory neuropathy or symptoms of encephalomyelitis should be studied for the presence of the anti-Hu antibody; if the antibody is found, the possibility of small-cell lung cancer should be investigated . If a tumor is not found in the initial search, one may become evident in several months.

J Leukoc Biol, 1992 Mar, 51(3), 264 - 9
Fc receptor expression, concanavalin A capping, and enzyme content of bovine neonatal neutrophils: a comparative study with adult cattle; Zwahlen RD et al.; The increased susceptibility of newborns to infection may in part be related to impaired in vitro functions of neonatal polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) . To evaluate early steps in the activation cycle of bovine PMNs we determined the expression of Fc receptors (FcRs) with an erythrocyte rosetting assay utilizing bovine anti-sheep immunoglobulin G2 IgG2 and the accumulation of ligand receptor complexes or "caps" with fluorochrome-coupled concanavalin A (Con A caps) on neutrophils from adult (A-PMN) and newborn (N-PMN) bovines . In addition, the levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) were determined . FcR expression is reduced in N-PMNs (P less than .001), in contrast to results observed with human N-PMNs . Basal capping of Con A binding sites is reduced (P less than .05) in N-PMNs but is enhanced (P less than .001) upon pretreatment with colchicine (0.5, 5.0, and 50.0 microns) . These findings are again contrary to results observed with human N-PMNs . Consistent with findings in human neonates, however, are reduced levels of cellular MPO (P less than .05) and elevated cellular AP (P less than .001) in the neonate . The functional significance of elevated AP levels and altered Con A capping in N-PMNs is unclear . However, diminished expression of FcR could potentially contribute to impaired adherence and phagocytosis of bacteria, and reduced activity of neutrophil MPO could indicate weaker microbicidal capacity of neonatal cells . The demonstrated impairment of N-PMN functions could potentially contribute to reducing the effectiveness of the cellular host defense system in neonatal calves.

Biochemistry, 1992 Feb 18, 31(6), 1886 - 91
Inhibition of protein kinase C by annexin V; Schlaepfer DD et al.; Annexin V is a protein of unknown biological function that undergoes Ca(2+)-dependent binding to phospholipids located on the cytosolic face of the plasma membrane . Preliminary results presented herein suggest that a biological function of annexin V is the inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) . In vitro assays showed that annexin V was a specific high-affinity inhibitor of PKC-mediated phosphorylation of annexin I and myosin light chain kinase substrates, with half-maximal inhibition occurring at approximately 0.4 microM . Annexin V did not inhibit epidermal growth factor receptor/kinase phosphorylation of annexin I or cAMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylation of the Kemptide peptide substrate . Since annexin V purified from both human placenta and recombinant bacteria inhibited protein kinase C activity, it is not likely that the inhibitor activity was associated with a minor contaminant of the preparations . The following results indicated that the mechanism of inhibition did not involve annexin V sequestration of phospholipid that was required for protein kinase C activation: similar inhibition curves were observed as phospholipid concentration was varied from 0 to 800 micrograms/mL; the extent of inhibition was not significantly affected by the order of addition of phospholipid, substrate, or PKC, and the core domain of annexin I was not a high-affinity inhibitor of PKC even though it had similar Ca2+ and phospholipid binding properties as annexin V . These data indirectly indicate that inhibition occurred by direct interaction between annexin V and PKC . Since the concentration of annexin V in many cell types exceeds the amounts required to achieve PKC inhibition in vitro, it is possible that annexin V inhibits PKC in a biologically significant manner in intact cells.

Gene, 1992 Feb 15, 111(2), 157 - 63
Dictyostelium discoideum as an expression host for the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium falciparum; Fasel N et al.; We have used the cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum (Dd), to express the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CS), a potential component of a subunit vaccine against malaria . This was accomplished via an expression vector based on the discoidin I-encoding gene promoter, in which we linked a sequence coding for a Dd leader peptide to the almost complete CS coding region (pEDII-CS) . CS production at both the mRNA and protein levels is induced by starving cells in a simple phosphate buffer . Variation in pH or cell density does not seem to influence CS synthesis . CS-producing cells can be grown either on their normal substrate, bacteria, or on a semi-synthetic media, without affecting CS accumulation level . The CS produced in Dd seems similar to the natural parasite protein as judged by its size and epitope recognition by a panel of monoclonal antibodies . We constructed a second expression vector in which the CS is under the control of a Dd ras promoter . CS accumulation can then be induced by external addition of cAMP . Such a tightly regulated promoter may allow expression of proteins potentially toxic to the cell . Thus, Dd could be a useful eukaryotic system to produce recombinant proteins, in particular from human or animal parasites like P . falciparum.

Blood, 1992 Feb 15, 79(4), 888 - 94
Rapid recovery from cytopenia in hairy cell leukemia after treatment with 2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine (CdA): relation to opportunistic infections; Juliusson G et al.; Sixteen patients with symptomatic hairy cell leukemia were treated with a single course of 2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine (CdA), 0.7 mg/kg total dose . Twelve patients achieved complete remission (CR) . One patient with a CD19+/CD5+/CD25- phenotype and one with a pentostatin-treated CD19+/CD25- variant form had minor responses . Two patients with advanced disease and poor performance status died early from invasive mycosis . Three patients recovered from infections caused by cytomegalovirus and by candida . No patient had infections caused by bacteria or by unknown organisms . The median time to full recovery from anemia and thrombocytopenia was 6 and 2 weeks from start of therapy, respectively . Patients with infections, however, recovered at 13 and 5 weeks, respectively . Neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte counts returned to normal at a median of 5, 5, and 10 weeks, respectively . Infections developed more frequently in pancytopenic patients than in those with one or more blood cell count within the normal range (P less than .01) . All patients with one or no previous therapy had a CR, whereas those with more than one previous regimen had a lower CR rate (P less than .01) . Thus, 1 week of CdA therapy frequently induced CR also in patients resistant to interferon . Toxicity was limited, and recovery from cytopenia was faster than what is reported during interferon therapy.

J Immunol Methods, 1992 Feb 14, 147(1), 73 - 81
Species differentiation of mycoplasmas by EF-Tu specific monoclonal antibodies; Kamla V et al.; Ten mouse hybridoma cell lines producing IgG monoclonal antibodies to mycoplasmal elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) were established . These mAbs showed different degrees of cross-reactivity between mollicutes and even other bacteria . This finding, indicating protein structure diversities of pan bacterial EF-Tu should permit species differentiation of mycoplasmas by epitope pattern analysis of a single protein . Epitope patterns of 23 mollicute type strains and of 40 M . hominis isolates were determined by ELISA . All M . hominis patterns were found to be closely related whereas intrageneric patterns differed in a species specific manner.

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 1992 Feb, 46(2), 105 - 15
Cell-mediated immune responses of adults to vaccination, challenge with Rickettsia rickettsii, or both; Dumler JS et al.; As a part of a study to evaluate a formalin-killed Rickettsia rickettsii vaccine, lymphoproliferative (LT) and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test responses to killed R . rickettsii were measured as correlates of cell-mediated immunity in volunteers who were vaccinated, challenged with R . rickettsii, or both . We detected LT responses in 26 (51%) of 51 volunteers after vaccination . After challenge, six of six unvaccinated volunteers and 12 of 16 vaccinated volunteers developed Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF); all 22 mounted LT responses . The vaccinated individuals developed LT responses of greater magnitude and 1-2 weeks earlier than unimmunized controls (41,049 versus 15,084 mean net counts per minute {cpm}), suggesting that vaccination primed the cellular immune system . Moreover, development of LT responses postvaccination was associated with the amelioration of RMSF, as indicated by a slightly longer mean incubation period (328 hr versus 302 hr) and a shorter illness (19 hr versus 26 hr) in LT responders than in LT nonresponders . However, the postvaccination LT response did not discriminate between vaccinated individuals who resisted challenge and those who did not . Skin tests using killed R . rickettsii as antigen, performed in volunteers 14-17 months postvaccination or 12-15 months after challenge, revealed a weak but significant reaction in 50% of those who had received vaccine only, and a moderately strong reaction in all vaccinated and unvaccinated volunteers who had been challenged with R . rickettsii . The relationships between induction of protective immunity against intracellular bacteria by killed and replicating organisms and LT and DTH responses are discussed.

Nucleic Acids Res, 1992 Feb 11, 20(3), 501 - 6
Directional recombination is initiated at a double strand break in human nuclear extracts; Lopez BS et al.; The involvement of a double strand break in the initiation of homologous recombination was examined in human nuclear extracts . M13 duplex derivatives, containing inserts in the LacZ' region (producing white plaques), were cleaved by restriction enzymes and coincubated in the extracts with a circular plasmid containing the LacZ' region without insert, and unable to produce plaques . Repair was estimated by the ability to produce plaques after transfection into JM109 (recA1) bacteria . Recombination with the plasmid enhances the number of plaques and also the frequency of M13 producing blue plaques . Heterologous insertions in the region surrounding the break were analyzed for their effects on initiation of recombination . The extent of repair by recombination (number of plaques) was compared with the number of blue plaques among the repaired population . Initiation of recombination is inhibited when heterologous insertions are located at 7bp from the break, on the right side as well as on the left side . A low level of recombination is measurable for 27 bp of homology but the maximum efficiency of recombination occurred with homologies of 165 or 320 bp from the break to the heterologous insertion . At 320 bp, the extent of recombinational repair remained at a plateau level but the frequency of blue plaques progressively decreases . We have also analyzed the effect of different sizes of inserts . With longer inserts, a longer length of homology adjacent to the break is required for optimum recombination . However, the size of the insert does not affect the low level of recombination that occurred with a short homology (27 bp) . The results indicate that the process is initiated at or near the break, requires homology on both sides of the break and is followed by an elongation from the double strand break to the distal regions of the DNA . Our data provide some support to the double-strand-break repair model established for meiotic recombination in yeast.

J Trauma, 1992 Feb, 32(2), 179 - 82
Necrotizing fasciitis of the extremities; Wang KC et al.; Necrotizing fasciitis is a limb- and life-threatening soft-tissue infection . Eighteen patients with necrotizing fasciitis of the extremities were reviewed . These infections occurred most commonly after minor trauma . Associated chronic debilitating diseases were present in 13 patients . All but two infections were polymicrobial . The overall mortality rate was 33% . Death was caused by persistent wound sepsis in three and systemic septic complications in spite of apparent local infection control in three . At the admission physical examination the condition may resemble a benign, low-grade cellulitis . Three of four patients died because of a delay in surgical debridement for more than 24 hours after admission . Multiple radial debridements of the involved skin, fat, and fascia are essential to control progressive necrosis . Our results suggest that early diagnosis and prompt surgical debridement of necrotizing fasciitis are essential for survival.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1992 Feb 1, 89(3), 839 - 42
Materials derived from biomass/biodegradable materials; Luzier WD; Interest in biodegradable plastics made from renewable resources has increased significantly in recent years . PHBV (polyhydroxybutyrate-polyhydroxyvalerate) copolymers are good examples of this type of materials . This paper provides an overview of the manufacturing process, properties, biodegradability, and application/commercial issues associated with PHBV copolymers . They are naturally produced by bacteria from agricultural raw materials, and they can be processed to make a variety of useful products, where their biodegradability and naturalness are quite beneficial . PHBV copolymers are still in the first stage of commercialization . But they are presented in this paper as an example of how new technology can help meet society's needs for plastics and a clean environment.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1992 Feb 1, 89(3), 1021 - 5
Effects of different DNA polymerases in ligation-mediated PCR: enhanced genomic sequencing and in vivo footprinting; Garrity PA et al.; We have developed a simplified procedure for the ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction (LMPCR) using Thermococcus litoralis DNA polymerase (Vent DNA polymerase) . We show that Vent DNA polymerase produces correct, blunt-ended primer extension products with substantially higher efficiency than Thermus aquaticus (Taq) DNA polymerase or modified T7 DNA polymerase (Sequenase) . This difference leads to significantly improved genomic sequencing, methylation analysis, and in vivo footprinting with LMPCR . These improvements include representation of all bands with more uniform intensity, clear visualization of previously difficult regions of sequence, and reduction in the occurrence of spurious bands . It also simplifies the use of DNase I cut DNA for LMPCR footprinting.

Infect Immun, 1992 Feb, 60(2), 653 - 6
Topographic mapping of Helicobacter pylori colonization in long-term-infected pigs; Engstrand L et al.; Four barrier-born pigs were inoculated with Helicobacter pylori during gastroscopy . Infection in all pigs was established after 3 weeks, and the animals were kept isolated from other pigs in ordinary experimental sites . The pigs were sacrificed and examined 3, 5, 6, and 6.5 months postinoculation . A detailed urease mapping of the pig stomachs showed a patchy distribution of H . pylori . The bacteria colonized in all pigs, with a concentration of H . pylori-positive areas in the antrum and fundus . Furthermore, the number of colonized areas tended to increase with time, and some of these areas showed a strong urease reaction, indicating a heavy colonization with H . pylori . Biopsies from these areas contained 10(2) to 10(5) CFU per 2-mm-wide biopsy . We conclude that persistence of H . pylori infection in barrier-born pigs can be demonstrated for at least 6.5 months . The patchy distribution and the variability of viable bacteria were similar to those described for humans.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1992 Feb, 58(2), 724 - 6
Comparison of assimilable organic carbon and UV-oxidizable carbon for evaluation of ultrapure-water systems; Governal RA et al.; Bacterial growth potential was measured in an ultrapure-water pilot plant by modified assimilable organic carbon (AOC) and UV-oxidizable carbon tests . An ion-exchange unit increased UV-oxidizable carbon, yet did not significantly (P greater than or equal to 0.05) alter AOC values . UV radiation decreased UV-oxidizable carbon and increased AOC.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1992 Feb, 58(2), 584 - 92
Measurement of marine picoplankton cell size by using a cooled, charge-coupled device camera with image-analyzed fluorescence microscopy; Viles CL et al.; Accurate measurement of the biomass and size distribution of picoplankton cells (0.2 to 2.0 microns) is paramount in characterizing their contribution to the oceanic food web and global biogeochemical cycling . Image-analyzed fluorescence microscopy, usually based on video camera technology, allows detailed measurements of individual cells to be taken . The application of an imaging system employing a cooled, slow-scan charge-coupled device (CCD) camera to automated counting and sizing of individual picoplankton cells from natural marine samples is described . A slow-scan CCD-based camera was compared to a video camera and was superior for detecting and sizing very small, dim particles such as fluorochrome-stained bacteria . Several edge detection methods for accurately measuring picoplankton cells were evaluated . Standard fluorescent microspheres and a Sargasso Sea surface water picoplankton population were used in the evaluation . Global thresholding was inappropriate for these samples . Methods used previously in image analysis of nanoplankton cells (2 to 20 microns) also did not work well with the smaller picoplankton cells . A method combining an edge detector and an adaptive edge strength operator worked best for rapidly generating accurate cell sizes . A complete sample analysis of more than 1,000 cells averages about 50 min and yields size, shape, and fluorescence data for each cell . With this system, the entire size range of picoplankton can be counted and measured.

Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo), 1992 Feb, 40(2), 479 - 83
Homeostasis as regulated by activated macrophage . I . Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from wheat flour: isolation, purification and some biological activities; Nishizawa T et al.; Based on our new concept of ontogenic inflammation, we have sought a substance which can prime macrophage in terms of the endogenous production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) . A lipopolysaccharide (LPSw) was found in wheat flour, purified and characterized . The molecular size of LPSw was about 5 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and it contained 3-deoxy-D-manno-octulosonic acid: 1, hexosamine: 4 and one phosphorus in a single molecule . LPSw can prime macrophage to release TNF when given intradermally, percutaneously or even orally in mice as well as in humans, in exactly the same way as intravenous administration of interferon gamma.

J Clin Periodontol, 1992 Feb, 19(2), 113 - 7
The immediate- and medium-term effects of Meswak on the composition of mixed saliva; Gazi MI et al.; Chewing sticks or Meswaks are used for teeth cleaning in many parts of the world . They contain substances that may reduce caries and periodontal disease . The present study consisted of 2 parts . In a short-term experiment, volunteers chewed on an inert eliciting agent (pyrogen-free rubber) and then a piece of Meswak, each for 5 min . For the medium-term experiment, volunteers brushed with either Meswak or a conventional toothbrush 5 x a day for 2 weeks . Saliva produced immediately after chewing Meswak showed statistically significant increases in calcium and chloride, but decreases in phosphate and pH as compared with controls . In the medium-term experiment, saliva samples collected 4 h after the last use of Meswak or toothbrush showed no significant differences in any of the components examined (calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, IgA, IgG, lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate transaminase) . Gingival and plaque indices, however, were significantly lower after brushing with Meswak . Salivary calcium promotes mineralization of tooth enamel and chloride inhibits calculus formation . Our results thus indicate that Meswak releases substances into saliva that could improve oral health . Calcium and chloride values were similar to those of controls after 4 h and thus frequent use of Meswak may be necessary to maintain a favorable salivary environment.

J Clin Periodontol, 1992 Feb, 19(2), 103 - 12
Metronidazole in periodontitis: reduced need for surgery; Loesche WJ et al.; A considerable amount of circumstantial evidence indicates that most forms of periodontitis are due to the presence or dominance of a finite number of bacterial species in the subgingival plaque . Almost all of the putative pathogens are anaerobic species, indicating that most forms of periodontitis could be diagnosed as anaerobic infections . In this double-blind investigation, patients with elevated proportions or levels of spirochetes in 2 or more plaque samples, i.e., 60% spirochetes, were randomly assigned to receive either metronidazole, 250 mg 3 x a day for 1 week, or placebo (positive-control) after the completion of all debridement procedures . When the patients were re-examined 4 to 6 weeks later, the patients in the metronidazole group (n = 15) exhibited a highly significant (p less than 0.01) reduction in probing depth and apparent gain in attachment levels relative to the patients (n = 18) in the positive-control group about those teeth that initially had probing depths of 4 to 6 mm . This pattern was also observed about teeth that initially had probing depths greater than or equal to 7 mm . This reduction in probing depths and apparent gain in attachment was associated with a significant reduction in the need for periodontal surgery in the metronidazole-treated patients (difference 8.4 teeth per patient) compared to the positive-control patients (2.6 teeth per patient) . These clinical improvements in the metronidazole group were associated with significantly lower proportions of spirochetes, selenomonads, motile rods, and P . intermedius, and a significantly higher proportion of cocci in the plaques . These findings indicate that systemic metronidazole, when given after all the root surface debridement is completed, leads to additional treatment benefits, including a reduced need for surgery, beyond that which can be achieved by debridement alone.

Aust N Z J Surg, 1992 Feb, 62(2), 161 - 3
Ovarian actinomycosis presenting as acute peritonitis; Dawson JM et al.; A patient with acute peritonitis due to ovarian actinomycosis and the association of this disease with the intrauterine contraceptive device is discussed . Because adequate treatment requires prolonged antibiotics the diagnosis should be sure . Unfortunately if antibiotics are given pre-operatively culture is usually unsuccessful and thus careful examination of all removed material is essential . As many of these women are of child bearing age surgical intervention should aim to preserve fertility wherever possiblePIP: Upon admission to Box Hill Hospital in Victoria, Australia, a 38-year old woman was pale and febrile (328.6 degrees Celsius) and had a pulse of 88 beats/minute . She had had midabdominal pain for 1 week and severe lower abdominal pain for 2 days . Her menses were heavy . Other than pain during examination, rectal and vaginal examinations were normal . She had considerable neutrophilia (leukocyte count = 21.2 x 1 billion) . The X-ray revealed free fluid . Ultrasonography indicated an IUD which she had had for 10 years, a mass with small cystic areas near the right ovary, and fluid in the rectouterine pouch . The physicians suspected peritonitis and administered iv broad spectrum antibiotics (1 mg ampicillin, 80 mg gentamicin, and 500 mg metronidazole) every 8 hours . They did a laparotomy . An abscess containing much green pus, the necrotic right ovary, and the appendix, which appeared normal and later shown not to be infected, occupied the right iliac fossa . The tubes were fine . The surgeons removed the appendix and right ovary . They washed out the abdomen with saline and inserted a drain to the right iliac fossa . The woman improved immediately so the physicians stopped antibiotics 3 days after surgery . Histological tests revealed actinomycosis caused by fast-growing aerobic bacteria which is known to cause necrosis, fibrosis, and suppuration . During recovery, the physicians removed the IUD and performed dilation and curettage . Actinomyces normally just dwell in the mouth and intestines, but, in this case, probably migrated up the IUD tail after spreading from the bowel to the perineum to the vagina . The physicians suspected that the presence of Mycoplasma hominis provided the mucosal breach needed to permit actinomyces' invasion . Physicians should consider actinomycosis in acute abdominal sepsis cases with a longterm use of an IUD . They can treat it with antibiotics since Actinomyces tend to be sensitive to broad spectrum antibiotics .

Circ Shock, 1992 Feb, 36(2), 134 - 9
Alterations in intestinal permeability and blood flow in a new model of mesenteric ischemia; Horton JW; Disturbances in intestinal circulation for even short periods of time can produce mucosal injury, translocation of gut bacteria, and multiple organ failure . We recently reported a model of intestinal ischemia that included occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and interruption of collateral arcades from the right colic and jejunal arteries for 20 min . This present study was designed to characterize further our model of intestinal ischemia by quantitatively assessing changes in intestinal permeability (plasma to luminal clearance of 51Cr-labeled EDTA) and intestinal blood flow (IBF) (microspheres) . A total of 89 rats were included for study; mean arterial blood pressure and acid-base balance were not significantly altered by intestinal ischemia or reperfusion . Baseline measurements of 51Cr-labeled EDTA were not significantly different among the experimental animals, and clearance did not change throughout the experimental period in the sham-ischemic group (N = 14) . Clearance of 51Cr-labeled EDTA at the end of 20 min of intestinal ischemia (0.194 +/- 0.057 ml/min/100 gm, N = 17) was significantly greater than that measured at control (0.079 +/- 0.006 ml/min/100 gm, P less than 0.05) . In addition, clearance measurements during reperfusion (20 min, 0.362 +/- 0.051; 60 min, 0.267 +/- 0.084 ml/min/gm) were significantly higher than those measured at the end of ischemia . Baseline IBF was similar in all rats (N = 42); SMA occlusion reduced IBF by 99% from baseline (from 1.4 +/- 0.27 to 0.014 +/- 0.001 ml/min/gm, N = 20) . Removal of the SMA clip returned intestinal perfusion to baseline values (1.72 +/- 0.51 ml/min/g).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Zentralbl Bakteriol, 1992 Feb, 276(3), 398 - 406
Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH): quantitative studies of mycobacteria-induced destructive and non-destructive DTH-reactions in the skin of guinea pigs; Abou-Rebyeh H et al.; Research on delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) to facultative intracellular bacteria in guinea pigs focused especially on intracutaneous DTH reactions . However, phenomena of erythematous and necrotic skin reactions were only evaluated qualitatively, dose-response relationships not investigated, differences between early and late reactions overlooked and the development of unspecific skin necrosis ignored . In this work, these aspects were investigated by characterisation of DTH-mediated reactions against mycobacterial antigens in the skin of guinea pigs . Intracutaneous injection of mycobacterial antigen into the skin of immunised and non-immunised guinea pigs induced an erythematous reaction which reached its peak after 24 h . On days two and three after challenge, the centre of the erythema blanched and necrotised . During the next days, skin necrosis increased and reached a peak on days six and seven . In immunised guinea pigs, DTH led to a specific enhancement of erythematous and necrotising skin reactions which also appeared in non-immunised guinea pigs . Thus, an early erythematous and a late necrotising DTH-reaction were identified by their morphology and time course . Both types of DTH-mediated allergy revealed dose-dependency from the intracutaneously injected antigen doses . Erythematous and necrotising DTH reactions against viable and killed mycobacteria showed a similar time course and morphology . DTH reactivity which was induced by immunisation with Mycobacterium tuberculosis showed cross-reactivity with antigens of Mycobacterium bovis.

Acta Odontol Scand, 1992 Feb, 50(1), 57 - 64
Oral health behavior of 6-year-old Danish children; Petersen PE; In Denmark the Public Dental Health Service (PDHS) is now in the process of evaluation and revision of oral health education programs . The purpose of the present survey was 1) to evaluate the pattern of oral health behavior among 6-year-old children in relation to family and social characteristics; 2) to describe the level of dental knowledge and attitudes among the parents; and 3) to estimate the relative effect on caries experience of social and behavioral risk factors . The study comprised 212 children (response, 73%), and the parents responded to self-administered questionnaires . Moreover, information on def-s and DMF-S was collected from the epidemiologic recording systems for the PDHS . With regard to dental caries, 98% of the parents were aware of the harmful effect of sugar, and 88% knew about the role of bacteria . The causal effect of bacteria in relation to periodontal disease was stressed by 81% . Most of the parents (93%) believed that the dental diseases are preventable by means of proper oral hygiene habits, restriction of sugar and sweets, and the use of fluorides . The high level of dental knowledge among the parents was related to information given by the PDHS . Toothbrushing at least twice a day was performed by 88% of the children, and most used fluoridated toothpaste . Practical support to the children was given by 45% of the parents, and 55% checked the teeth . On a daily basis, the children had healthy foods like vegetables (59%), fruits (87%), and milk (89%), and orangeade was consumed by 53%; 45% of the children consumed sweets on a specific weekday ('Saturday sweets').(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Int Dent J, 1992 Feb, 42(1), 3 - 11
Effect of acid etching on the dental pulp in adhesive composite restorations; Fujitani M et al.; Pulpal response to marginal enamel etching or both enamel and dentine etching with 37% phosphoric acid for adhesive composite restorations was studied in the teeth of the Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata) . Dentine etching irritated the pulp and caused moderate to severe initial changes along the odontoblastic layer at 3 days . When no bacteria were present along the cavity walls, the subsequent pulpal reactions at 30 and 90 days decreased with time and large amounts of irritation dentine were formed . These inflammatory reactions were less than those caused by enamel etching only, or zinc oxide/eugenol cement . Significant correlation (P less than 0.01) was found between the intensity of the inflammatory reactions and the degree of bacterial infection . The pulpal irritation caused by acid etching of dentine for composite restorations is transitory only when the fillings have a good marginal seal and wall adaptation.

Rheum Dis Clin North Am, 1992 Feb, 18(1), 11 - 21
HLA-B27 and disease: a consequence of inadvertent antigen presentation?
Benjamin R, Parham P.
The close association of HLA-B27 with arthritic conditions has led to the suggestion that these diseases are mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes that recognize self-peptides presented by HLA-B27 molecules . The further association with enteric bacterial infections suggests that bacterial antigens may prime the CTL that later crossreacts on self . Bacterial infections do not usually generate CTL responses . We speculate here that unusual properties of HLA-B27 molecules may predispose to such responses . Thus, HLA-B27-related disease may be an unfortunate consequence of the generation of a suitable, self-mimicking HLA-B27-binding peptide by certain bacteria, plus an unusual propensity for the HLA-B27 molecule to bind and present such peptides.

J Dairy Sci, 1992 Feb, 75(2), 399 - 405
Bovine neutrophil responses to parenteral vitamin E; Hogan JS et al.; Twenty-eight Holsteins were tested to determine effects of dietary and parenteral vitamin E supplementation during the dry period on plasma alpha-tocopherol and in vitro neutrophil functions at calving . Cows were assigned to one of four experimental groups receiving either supplemental dietary vitamin E, injections of vitamin E, both dietary and injections of vitamin E, or neither source of supplemental vitamin E during the dry period in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement . Cows receiving parenteral vitamin E were injected subcutaneously with 3000 IU of vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol) at 10 and 5 d prior to anticipated calving . Cows not receiving parenteral vitamin E were injected with a placebo . Experimental groups receiving dietary vitamin E during the dry period were supplemented with 1040 IU/d compared with none for controls . Cows injected with vitamin E had greater plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration 5 d after the first injection, at calving, and 1 wk after calving than did cows injected with placebo . Plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations did not differ between dietary vitamin E treatment groups from calving through 4 wk postpartum . No interaction was found between dietary and parenteral supplementation of vitamin E on plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration . Neutrophils from cows injected with vitamin E had greater intracellular kill of bacteria at calving than did neutrophils from placebo-injected cows . Neither phagocytic index nor percentage of neutrophils phagocytizing differed between vitamin E-injected and placebo-injected cows . Dietary vitamin E during the dry period had no effect on neutrophil function at calving . Intracellular kill and plasma alpha-tocopherol were correlated at calving.

J Dairy Res, 1992 Feb, 59(1), 11 - 9
Trials of a novel mastitis sensor on experimentally infected cows; Lake JR et al.; Numerous attempts to develop in-line systems for the measurement of the electrical conductivity of milk as an aid to the detection of mastitis have been described . The major technical problem of fouling of electrodes exposed to milk has been overcome in the sensor tested here by use of an inductive system of measurement . The practical application of this system in the milking parlour is reported . The novel mastitis sensor has been shown to detect incipient mastitis before there are visible signs of abnormal milk . Conductivity measurements have the advantage over other diagnostic procedures in that the information is available immediately without additional effort . Normalized conductivity and milk yield variation results indicate the potential for developing a practical, automatic system for mastitis detection.

J Mol Evol, 1992 Feb, 34(2), 95 - 114
Directional mutation pressure, selective constraints, and genetic equilibria; Sueoka N; Rates of substitution mutations in two directions, v {from an A-T or T-A nucleotide pair (AT-pair) to a G-C or C-G nucleotide pair (GC-pair)} and u {from a GC-pair to an AT-pair}, are usually not the same . The net effect, v/(u + v), has previously been defined as directional mutation pressure (mu D), which explains the wide interspecific variation and narrow intragenomic heterogeneity of DNA G + C content in bacteria . In this article, first, a theory of the evolution of DNA G + C content is presented that is based on the equilibrium among three components: directional mutation pressure, DNA G + C content, and selective constraints . According to this theory, consideration of both u and v as well as selective constraints is essential to explain the molecular evolution of the DNA base composition and sequence . Second, the theory of directional mutation pressure is applied to the analysis of the wide intragenomic heterogeneity of DNA G + C content in multicellular eukaryotes . The theory explains the extensive intragenomic heterogeneity of G + C content of higher eukaryotes primarily as the result of the intragenomic differences of directional mutation pressure and selective constraints rather than the result of positive selections for functional advantages of the DNA G + C content itself.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1992 Feb, 45(2), 147 - 50
Nannochelins A, B and C, new iron-chelating compounds from Nannocystis exedens (myxobacteria) . Production, isolation, physico-chemical and biological properties; Kunze B et al.; Novel citrate-hydroxamate siderophores, named nannochelins A, B and C, were isolated from the culture broth of the myxobacterium Nannocystis exedens strain Na e485 . The new substances showed weak growth-inhibitory activity against some bacteria and fungi.

J Periodontol, 1992 Feb, 63(2), 87 - 92
Serial doxycycline and metronidazole in prevention of recurrent periodontitis in high-risk patients; Aitken S et al.; The efficacy of metronidazole and doxycycline in preventing recurrent periodontitis was studied in 23 patients . After treatment in the previous 7 months with either bimonthly scaling and 3 weeks of systemic doxycycline (11 subjects) or scaling and placebo (12 subjects), patients were monitored for recurrent periodontitis and were scaled every 2 months . When either a periodontal abscess or greater than 2 mm loss of gingival attachment was observed, metronidazole was administered (250 mg every 8 hours) for 10 days . In the placebo plus metronidazole group, 5 patients (42%) exhibited recurrent periodontitis after the metronidazole regimen compared with only one (9%) in the doxycycline plus metronidazole group (P less than 0.096) . Subgingival plaque samples at study and healthy control sites were screened for the presence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Eikenella corrodens, and Fusobacterium nucleatum by immunofluorescence and for spirochetes using Ryu's stain . Presence/absence analysis of the sum of scores of the 6 individual pathogens demonstrated large reductions (P less than 0.005) in the frequency of detection of pathogens in the former doxycycline compared with the placebo plus metronidazole group at both study and control sites before and one month after metronidazole . By 7 months after metronidazole, there was no detectable difference between groups . These results indicate that prevention of recurrent periodontitis with metronidazole may be enhanced by previous treatment with doxycycline.

J Dent, 1992 Feb, 20(1), 3 - 10
Microleakage; Taylor MJ et al.; A critical review of techniques used in the assessment of microleakage in dental restorations is presented . These techniques include the use of air pressure, bacteria, radioisotopes, electrochemistry, chemical tracers and dye penetration . Wide variations in methodologies are revealed.

J Anim Sci, 1992 Feb, 70(2), 465 - 9
Lean color characteristics of bullock and steer beef; Shackelford SD et al.; Twelve young bulls and 12 steers were slaughtered and the carcasses were fabricated at 48 h postmortem . Top rounds, bottom rounds, and rib eyes were vacuum-packaged and stored at 0 degrees C until 21 d postmortem . After subprimal storage, steaks were removed from each cut and displayed under simulated retail conditions for 3 d . Consumer panelists (n = 110) showed little difference in buying preference for top round, bottom round, and rib eye steaks from steers vs bullocks . Also, consumer panelists could not detect color differences between steaks from steers and bullocks . Experienced panelists (n = 6) detected brighter (P less than .05) muscle color for top round and rib eye steaks from steers but detected no difference in muscle color of bottom round steaks from bullocks and steers . Generally, overall desirability scores favored steaks from steer carcasses . This was particularly true of rib eye steaks . Sex-class of carcass did not affect aerobic plate counts of top round, bottom round, or rib eye steaks either before or after 3 d of retail display . Muscle pH was lower for top round and rib eye steaks from steer carcasses; however, the magnitude of this difference was not large enough to affect retail display stability . Muscle pH of bottom round steaks was not affected by sex-class . Although experienced panelists could detect differences in visual appearance of beef retail cuts from steers and bullocks, consumer panelists did not show a clear purchase preference for steer vs bullock beef . These data suggest that beef retail cuts from bullocks are acceptable in visual appearance.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 1992 Feb, 6(1), 67 - 77
A comparison of indomethacin with ibuprofen on gastrointestinal mucosal integrity in conventional and germ-free rats; Melarange R et al.; The effects of indomethacin and ibuprofen on gastrointestinal mucosal integrity were studied in conventional and germ-free rats . Only ibuprofen induced significant gastric erosion formation in both conventional and germ-free animals, demonstrating that the presence of micro-organisms is not required in this form of damage . Both indomethacin and ibuprofen caused significant intestinal damage and blood loss in germ-free animals . However, in the conventional counterparts, damage due to indomethacin was enhanced whereas that induced by ibuprofen was not . The results from the present work would suggest that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin, which are secreted largely in the bile, unlike ibuprofen, may act in concert with bacteria and the constituents of bile to induce, in part, intestinal damage and blood loss.

Arch Surg, 1992 Feb, 127(2), 163 - 7; discussion 167-9
Selective gut decontamination reduces nosocomial infections and length of stay but not mortality or organ failure in surgical intensive care unit patients; Cerra FB et al.; Suppression of the gut luminal aerobic flora to reduce nosocomial infections was tested in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients in a surgical intensive care unit who had persistent hypermetabolism . Forty-six patients were randomized to receive either norfloxacin, 500-mg suspension every 8 hours, together with nystatin, 1 million units every 6 hours, or matching placebo solutions administered through a nasogastric tube within 48 hours of surgical intensive care unit admission . Selective gut decontamination with the experimental therapy or placebo solutions continued for at least 5 days or until the time of surgical intensive care unit discharge . Patients were monitored with routine surveillance cultures for the development of nosocomial infections, as defined by criteria from the Centers for Disease Control . All other therapy was given as clinically indicated, including systemic antibiotics . The selective gut decontamination group experienced a significant reduction in the incidence of nosocomial infections and a reduced length of stay . However, these results were not associated with a concomitant decrease in progressive multiple organ failure syndrome, adult respiratory distress syndrome, or mortality.

Mol Gen Genet, 1992 Feb, 231(3), 494 - 8
The nifU, nifS and nifV gene products are required for activity of all three nitrogenases of Azotobacter vinelandii; Kennedy C et al.; Strains with mutations in 23 of the 30 genes and open reading frames in the major nif gene cluster of A . vinelandii were tested for ability to grow on N-free medium with molybdenum (Nif phenotype), with vanadium (Vnf phenotype), or with neither metal present (Anf phenotype) . As reported previously, nifE, nifN, nifU, nifS and nifV mutants were Nif- (failed to grow on molybdenum) while nifM mutants were Nif-, Vnf- and Anf- . nifV, nifS, and nifU mutants were found to be unable to grow on medium with or without vanadium, i.e . were Vnf- Anf- . Therefore neither vnf nor anf analogoues of nifU, nifS, nifV or nifM are expected to be present in A . vinelandii.

J Clin Microbiol, 1992 Feb, 30(2), 479 - 84
Clinical and epidemiological importance of typing of Mycobacterium avium complex isolates; Tsang AY et al.; The results of the application of a range of typing procedures to the identification and classification of 6,264 cultures of nontuberculous mycobacteria from human sources and the environment are reported . Seroagglutination, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay applied to whole bacteria or the glycolipid typing antigens and based on serovar-specific polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies, thin-layer chromatography of these antigens, and gas chromatography of their specific sugar determinants were used to arrive at identifications . As a result of this comprehensive approach, 4,452 (71%) of all cultures and 88% of those of samples from patients with AIDS proved to be typeable . The rank order of frequency of occurrence of individual organisms within the entire group of isolates was Mycobacterium avium complex serovar 4 greater than serovar 8 greater than serovar 1 greater than serovar 9 greater than serovar 6 greater than serovar 14 greater than serovar 2 greater than M . fortuitum greater than M . kansasii greater than M . xenopi greater than an apparent mixture of serovar 4 and M . xenopi greater than a mixture of serovar 4 and serovar 8 . These results were similar but not identical to the pattern observed for isolates obtained from patients with AIDS; the order was M . avium complex serovar 4 greater than serovar 8 greater than serovar 1 greater than a mixture of serovar 4 and M . xenopi, a mixture of serovar 4 and serovar 8 greater than serovar 9 greater than serovar 2 greater than serovar 6 . Serotyping was also used to demonstrate the possible clinical significance of nontuberculous mycobacteria recovered from different body sites . Other information on the distribution of M . avium serovars in patients from different geographical environments is provided.

J Clin Microbiol, 1992 Feb, 30(2), 465 - 72
Development of a polymerase chain reaction-based diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis; Riley DE et al.; We developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based test for detecting the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis . Genomic libraries were constructed from two independent clinical isolates of T . vaginalis . From these libraries, 12 genomic clones were purified, sequenced, and then screened for uniqueness by computer-assisted sequence comparisons . PCR reactions were performed to evaluate eight PCR-primer pairs, including a primer pair that targeted the T . vaginalis ferredoxin gene . All eight primer pairs yielded PCR products of the expected sizes . However, six of the primer pairs amplified their respective target sequences in limited numbers of clinical T . vaginalis isolates, suggesting the presence of significant genomic variability among isolates . An exception was a primer pair, termed TVA5-TVA6, that amplified a 102-bp genomic sequence, termed A6p, in all of 24 clinical isolates . The A6p sequence was not detected by PCR in human DNA or in a wide variety of flagellates, ciliates, or bacteria tested . The A6p sequence appears highly selective for a broad range of T . vaginalis isolates and holds promise for PCR-based diagnosis of the parasite.

J Vet Med Sci, 1992 Feb, 54(1), 37 - 42
Protective effect by cell-free antigen obtained from culture supernatant of phase I Bordetella bronchiseptica; Ohgitani T et al.; The cell-free antigen (CFA), with highly hemagglutination activity, obtained from the culture supernatant of Bordetella bronchiseptica was compounded with oil adjuvant to make a component vaccine (CFAV) . In the immunization trial in mice, the offsprings whose mothers were immunized with CFAV escaped from death when challenged intrapleurally with virulent strain of B . bronchiseptica . The protective indices (difference of LD50 dose of the challenge strain between immunized and control groups) of the offsprings from CFAV-immunized mothers were over 3.0 in common logarithm value . Moreover, about 90% of the offsprings from CFAV-immunized mothers were negative in nasal turbinate atrophy, while over 80% of them from non-immunized mothers showed obvious turbinate atrophy when challenged intranasally with virulent strain . On the one hand, remarkable differences in the number of bacteria recovered from nostrils were observed between both test groups . It was concluded that CFAV is a very effective vaccine against B . bronchiseptica infection in animals.

Oral Microbiol Immunol, 1992 Feb, 7(1), 24 - 7
Electron immunocytochemical localization of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin; Berthold P et al.; The Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin was localized in A . actinomycetemcomitans bacteria using an electron immunocytochemical thin-section labeling method . An immuno-dot blot procedure was initially used to ascertain the optimal specimen fixation . This consisted of a periodate-lysine-paraformaldehyde (2%) fixative in a phosphate buffer followed by embedding in LR White . Affinity-purified toxin was used to produce a monospecific polyclonal antibody . The reaction sites were visualized with a colloidal gold-tagged reporter antibody . The leukotoxin was found to be localized either in the cell envelope and/or in membranous vesicles on the outer surface of the bacterial cell . These results support previous observations indicating the same location.

Lik Sprava, 1992 Feb, (2), 57 - 60
{The sterility of blood products manufactured in Ukraine}; Liubich VV; The author reports results of examination for sterility of 3100 series (7343 samples) of hemocorrectors that were received for State control from zonal blood transfusion stations in the Ukraine from 1987 through 1990 . Four of them proved non-sterile . Strict surveillance for aseptics and antiseptics at all stages of the technological process will ensure sterility of all hemotransfusion media obtained from the blood transfusion services.

Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1992 Feb, 66(2), 189 - 93
{An isolation procedure of Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydia trachomatis}; Kazuyama Y; The author devised a method which permits simultaneous isolation and identification of Chlamydia using a slide chamber with 8 wells . Contaminating bacteria were eliminated by filtration with the membrane filter . The procedure allowed isolation of Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydia trachomatis from 11 (10.1%) out of 109 and 10 (9.2%) out of 109 otolaryngologic clinical specimens, respectively . The use of HL cells together with Hela-229 cells had been considered essential to isolate Chlamydia from specimens in this field . The conditions for isolating Chlamydia pneumoniae were similar to those for Chlamydia trachomatis . The slide chamber procedure with membrane filter treated specimens was suitable for simultaneous isolation and culture of various species of Chlamydia and allowed easy differentiation of Chlamydia pneumoniae from Chlamydia trachomatis with identification by the indirect fluorescent-antibody technique . Routine examination of clinical specimens using this procedure should be required in the future in order to better understand chlamydial infections.

Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi, 1992 Feb, 30(2), 88 - 90, 124-5
{Biliogenic liver abscess caused by acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis}; Zhong DC; Biliogenic liver abscess was found by autopsy in 52 of 61 (85.2%) cases died of acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis (AOSC) at our hospital from 1957 to 1980 . Of the 52 cases with liver abscess, 44 (84.6%) had multiple abscesses and 47 (90.4%) suffered complications of the rupture of liver abscess . Liver abscess was clinically diagnosed in only 7 of 52 cases who underwent emergency operation, with the predeath definite diagnosis of 13.5% (7/52) . The authors considered biliogenic liver abscess an inevitable outcome not an accidental complication of AOSC when the high pressure in bile duct could not be relieved, and emphasized the importance of prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of liver abscess in order to decrease the mortality of AOSC.

Kekkaku, 1992 Feb, 67(2), 113 - 7
{Application of FDA/EB staining for the detection of viable or non-viable mycobacteria in clinical specimens}; Harada S et al.; Two-hundred sputum specimens from tuberculosis patients were examined for viable or non-viable mycobacteria by a combination of fluorescein diacetate ethidium bromide (FDA/EB) staining, Ziehl-Neelsen staining, and the use of cultures in 3% Ogawa egg medium . The sputum specimens were treated with 3% NaOH for 10 min and washed in PBS . The bacteria was then harvested by centrifugation at 6,000 rpm for 5 min . Each sample was subjected to FDA/EB staining, Ziehl-Neelsen staining and cultures to compare the staining -method results and the results of colony formation . Ziehl-Neelsen staining method revealed acid-fast bacteria in the specimens, distributed from Gaffky 1 to Gaffky 8 . The number of FDA-positive specimens and culture-positive specimens were identical in all Gaffky grades, suggesting that the FDA staining method well reflected the presence of viable mycobacteria in the specimens . We concluded that FDA staining is a valuable method to detect viable mycobacteria in sputum specimens on the first day of examination . It is therefore advantageous for doctors and patients to be immediately informed of culture results rather than waiting for several weeks.

Gene, 1992 Feb 1, 111(1), 119 - 24
Analysis of a ribosomal RNA operon in the actinomycete Frankia; Normand P et al.; The organisation of ribosomal RNA-encoding (rrn) genes has been studied in Frankia sp . strain ORS020606 . The two rrn clusters present in Frankia strain ORS020606 were isolated from genomic banks in phage lambda EMBL3 by hybridization with oligodeoxyribonucleotide probes . The 5'-3' gene order is the usual one for bacteria: 16S-23S-5S . The two clusters are not distinguishable by restriction enzyme mapping inside the coding section, but vary considerably outside it . Sequencing showed that the 16S-rRNA-encoding gene of ORS020606 is very closely related to that of another Alnus-infective Frankia strain (Ag45/Mut15) and highly homologous to corresponding genes of Streptomyces spp . Two possible promoter sequences were detected upstream from the 16S gene, while no tRNA-encoding gene was detected in the whole operon . Regions with a high proportion of divergence for the study of phylogenetic relationships within the genus were looked for and found in the first intergenic spacer, in the 23S and in the 16S gene.

J Clin Microbiol, 1992 Feb, 30(2), 265 - 74
Characterization of a novel Rochalimaea species, R . henselae sp . nov., isolated from blood of a febrile, human immunodeficiency virus-positive patient; Regnery RL et al.; Isolation of a Rochalimaea-like organism from a febrile patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus was confirmed . Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, together with polymerase chain reaction and restriction endonuclease length polymorphism analysis of a portion of the citrate synthase gene, demonstrated that the agent is closely related to members of the genus Rochalimaea and that the isolate is genotypically identical to the presumptive etiologic agent of bacillary angiomatosis . However, the same genotypic analyses readily differentiated the new isolate from isolates of other recognized Rochalimaea species as well as other genera of bacteria previously suggested as putative etiologic agents of bacillary angiomatosis and related syndromes . We propose that the novel species be referred to as Rochalimaea henselae sp . now.

Plant Mol Biol, 1992 Feb, 18(3), 557 - 66
Cloning of a cDNA for rape chloroplast 3-isopropylmalate dehydrogenase by genetic complementation in yeast; Ellerstrom M et al.; Both insect and mammalian genes have previously been cloned by genetic complementation in yeast . In the present report, we show that the method can be applied also to plants . Thus, we have cloned a rape cDNA for 3-isopropylmalate dehydrogenase (IMDH) by complementation of a yeast leu2 mutation . The cDNA encodes a 52 kDA protein which has a putative chloroplast transit peptide . The in vitro made protein is imported into chloroplasts, concomitantly with a proteolytic cleavage . We conclude that the rape cDNA encodes a chloroplast IMDH . However, Southern analysis revealed that the corresponding gene is nuclear . In a comparison of IMDH sequences from various species, we found that the rape IMDH is more similar to bacterial than to eukaryotic proteins . This suggests that the rape gene could be of chloroplast origin, but has moved to the nucleus during evolution.

J Cell Biol, 1992 Feb, 116(4), 923 - 31
Identification and characterization of an actin-binding site of CapZ; Hug C et al.; A mAb (1E5) that binds the COOH-terminal region of the beta subunit of chicken CapZ inhibits the ability of CapZ to bind the barbed ends of actin filaments and nucleate actin polymerization . CapZ prepared as fusion proteins in bacteria or nonfusion proteins by in vitro translation has activity similar to that of CapZ purified from muscle . Deletion of the COOH-terminus of the beta subunit of CapZ leads to a loss of CapZ's ability to bind the barbed ends of actin filaments . A peptide corresponding to the COOH-terminal region of CapZ beta, expressed as a fusion protein, binds actin monomers . The mAb 1E5 also inhibits the binding of this peptide to actin . These results suggest that the COOH-terminal region of the beta subunit of CapZ is an actin-binding site . The primary structure of this region is not similar to that of potential actin-binding sites identified in other proteins . In addition, the primary structure of this region is not conserved across species.

Mol Cell Biol, 1992 Feb, 12(2), 609 - 18
Point mutations in the abl SH2 domain coordinately impair phosphotyrosine binding in vitro and transforming activity in vivo; Mayer BJ et al.; We have constructed a series of point mutations in the highly conserved FLVRES motif of the src homology 2 (SH2) domain of the abl tyrosine kinase . Mutant SH2 domains were expressed in bacteria, and their ability to bind to tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins was examined in vitro . Three mutants were greatly reduced in their ability to bind both phosphotyrosine itself and tyrosine-phosphorylated cellular proteins . All of the mutants that retained activity bound to the same set of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins as did the wild type, suggesting that binding specificity was unaffected . These results implicate the FLVRES motif in direct binding to phosphotyrosine . When the mutant SH2 domains were inserted into an activated abl kinase and expressed in murine fibroblasts, decreased in vitro phosphotyrosine binding correlated with decreased transforming ability . This finding implies that SH2-phosphotyrosine interactions are involved in transmission of positive growth signals by the nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, most likely via the assembly of multiprotein complexes with other tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins.

J Biotechnol, 1992 Feb, 22(3), 227 - 44
Some recent developments in the use of enzyme catalysed reactions in organic synthesis; Roberts SM et al.; The following processes are discussed in this article: enzyme-catalysed hydrolyses of carboxylic acid esters and amides, phosphate esters, nitriles and epoxides; esterification and inter-esterification reactions catalysed by enzymes; reduction of ketones to secondary alcohols using whole-cell systems or isolated dehydrogenases; oxidation of alicyclic and aromatic substrates using mono-oxygenases and dioxygenases in bacteria and fungi including enzyme-catalysed Baeyer-Villiger oxidations; aldol reactions, formation of optically active cyanohydrins and enzyme-catalysed acyloin type reactions . The use of these biocatalytic methods for the stereo-controlled preparation of important target structures is reviewed and some of the future directions for the biotransformation area are discussed.

Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi, 1992 Feb, 30(2), 81 - 3, 124
{Duodeno-biliary reflux during T-tube drainage: a clinical study}; Li XQ; The relationship between duodeno-biliary reflux and bile bacterial contamination was studied in 28 consecutive cases of T-tube drainage after cholecystectomy and choledochotomy . Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 14 each . Group I treated with positive pressure drainage (PPD), with the pressure in T-tube 0.3-0.5 kPa higher than that created by sphincter resistance . Group II treated with traditional negative pressure drainage (NPD) . It was found that the amount of duodenal reflux in group II was obviously larger than that in group I . We conclude that the traditional T-tube drainage incurs inevitably contamination of bacteria to bile by way of duodenal reflux . It is the consequence of bile flow dynamic disorder . PPD raises the bypass outflow resistance against the duodenal reflux and is thus superior to NPD.

Rev Med Chil, 1992 Feb, 120(2), 197 - 201
{Classification of septicemias . A clinical and pathogenic approach}; Kraljevic R; Classic sepsis is characterized by the presence of bacteria in blood originating from a primary infection site with secondary location at other sites . Some infectious diseases like typhoid and paratyphoid fever, brucellosis an others share this pathogenetic mechanism but have a characteristic clinical course and usually a good prognosis . After analyzing the differences between the 2 types the author proposes the terms "non specific" and "specific" for each type of sepsis, respectively . The differences between the 2, the organism involved and different reaction of the host in types, may be related to different pathogenetic effects of each case.

J Clin Periodontol, 1992 Feb, 19(2), 135 - 42
Enhanced gingivitis in the deciduous and permanent dentition . An experimental study in the dog; Berglundh T et al.; The aim of the experiment was to analyze the reaction of the marginal gingival tissues to 21 days of plaque formation on buccal tooth surfaces in the deciduous and permanent dentition of beagle dogs . In order to enhance the formation of plaque, the buccal surfaces of the experimental teeth were coated with a composite filling material . 5 beagle dogs were used . The animals were monitored during 2 periods, called period A (42 days during the deciduous dentition) and period B (42 days during the permanent dentition) . The dogs were 10 weeks old at the initiation of period A . Following 3 weeks of plaque control, a groove was prepared into the enamel of the buccal surfaces of the mandibular right 3rd (03P) and 2nd (02P) premolars . A cotton ligature was subsequently attached to the groove using an enamel/etch-technique and a composite filling material . The groove and the ligature did not interfere with the gingival margin but the composite material extended into the subgingival niche . The plaque control measures were abandoned . The animals formed plaque during the following 21 days . A clinical examination was performed and subgingival bacteria sampled on day 21 . Moreover, biopsies were harvested from the 03P and 02P tooth regions . The biopsies were prepared for histometric and morphometric analyses . A 2nd plaque control regimen was initiated . Period B started when the dogs were 15 months old . Following 3 weeks of enhanced plaque control, a cotton ligature was attached as described above at the buccal surfaces of the mandibular left 3rd (P3) and 4th (P4) premolars.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

J Periodontol, 1992 Feb, 63(2), 80 - 6
Humoral antibody responses in periodontal disease; Zafiropoulos GG et al.; Several forms of periodontal disease are considered to be infectious diseases with associated specific bacteria . This study examined the humoral antibody levels as assayed by ELISA to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia in adult periodontitis (AP), localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP), rapidly progressive periodontitis (RPP), and in periodontally healthy subjects (HS) . Sixty-two of the 64 (96.9%) patients had significantly elevated antibody levels to at least one of the three organisms . Elevated levels of antibodies to P . gingivalis occurred in 82.8% of the RPP, LJP, and AP patients with all 3 disease groups showing greater responses than HS controls . Antibodies to A . actinomycetemcomitans were found in 59.4% of the RPP, LJP, and AP patients and were significantly higher in both LJP and RPP patients . Only 21.9% of the RPP, LJP, and AP patients showed elevated levels to P . intermedia with only significantly higher levels in the RPP and LJP groups . Antibodies to A . actinomycetemcomitans and P . intermedia were rarely found alone (only 5.1% and 2.6% of the patients respectively) but were usually accompanied by P . gingivalis . These results suggest that one or more combinations of these 3 bacteria may play a role in the pathogenesis of these forms of periodontal disease.

J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1992 Feb, 89(2), 545 - 51
Monocytes from patients with atopic dermatitis are primed for superoxide production; Polla BS et al.; To determine the potential role of monocytes (peripheral blood monocytes, PBMs) in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD), we investigated whether PBMs from patients with severe AD are primed to generate toxic oxygen metabolites . To induce in vitro superoxide anion (O2-) production, we used either particulate (e.g., opsonized bacteria or zymosan) or soluble (e.g., phorbol esters) stimuli, which allowed us to test two distinct pathways for reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate activation . In addition, PBMs from the same patients were also examined for their levels of expression of the low-affinity receptor for IgE, Fc epsilon receptor 2 (CD23) . We found that PBMs, but not peripheral blood neutrophils, from patients with AD were primed for O2- production as compared to PBMs from either normal control subjects or patients with allergic rhinitis . These cells also expressed increased levels of CD23, and there was a significant correlation between these two parameters . Since the monocytes infiltrating into the AD lesions bear CD23, our data suggest that in vivo priming of PBMs and increased O2- production may participate in the pathogenesis of this skin disease.

Artif Organs, 1992 Feb, 16(1), 19 - 42
Is a totally implantable artificial heart realistic?
Nose Y.
The incidence of local infection that occurred after the implantation of the intrathoracic Jarvik 7 total artificial heart (J-7 TAH) in patients was a major problem of this cardiac prosthesis . Infection rates increased when the J-7 TAH was implanted for longer periods of time, which was contrary to the results that were obtained by the implantation of the left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) either in the abdominal cavity or in the abdominal wall . Currently, the general belief is that the implantation of a cardiac prosthesis inside of the chest cavity is not safe, due to higher rates of infection . Thus, Part I of this paper deals with the question: "Is a total artificial heart physiologically acceptable?" We believe structural differences of the J-7 TAHs and other LVADs are an important part of the problem . The J-7 TAH is a volumetrically dynamic pump, and the other LVADs are a volumetrically fixed stationary pump . Based upon experiences of this investigator, intrathoracic implantation of a smooth surface pulsating device (or a volumetrically dynamic pump) generated persistent local inflammatory reactive tissues directly adjacent to the device . These tissue capsules were nonadherent to the device, and therefore may produce an ideal environment for allowing bacteria to grow . The findings were opposite to those for a non-pulsating surface pump inside the chest cavity . Part II of this paper discusses the question: "Is a totally implantable artificial heart technically achievable?" Many technical problems for the totally implantable TAH were already resolved during the development program of the totally implantable LVAD . However, there are three TAH specific problems that remain to be solved before achieving a clinically useful totally implantable TAH system . They are (a) anatomical compatibilities of the TAH system; (b) reliable control of the TAH system, (c) reliable and effective long-term operation of the TAH system . We have resolved the anatomical problem by the integral design of the pump-actuator system . Overall size of the hard shell Baylor TAH system is 510 cm3 with a diameter of 97 mm and a width of 82 mm . Its stoke volume was reduced to 63 cm3 . The stable and reliable control of TAH performances was established by the three sets of Hall effect sensors with left master alternate mode of pumping . No physiological parameter was used as a feedback signal . Reliable long-term operation of the TAH system was established by the electromechanical actuation system . A simple drive mechanism with commercially available components and subsystems was used.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

J Biol Chem, 1992 Jan 25, 267(3), 1719 - 26
Contribution to ligand binding by multiple carbohydrate-recognition domains in the macrophage mannose receptor; Taylor ME et al.; The extracellular portion of the macrophage mannose receptor is composed of several cysteine-rich domains, including a fibronectin type II repeat and eight segments related in sequence to Ca(2+)-dependent carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs) of animal lectins . Expression of portions of the receptor in vitro, in fibroblasts and in bacteria, has been used to determine which of the extracellular domains are involved in binding and endocytosis of ligand . The NH2-terminal cysteine-rich domain and the fibronectin type II repeat are not necessary for endocytosis of mannose-terminated glycoproteins . CRDs 1-3 have at most very weak affinity for carbohydrate, so the carbohydrate binding activity of the receptor resides in CRDs 4-8 . CRD 4 shows the highest affinity binding and has multispecificity for a variety of monosaccharides . However, CRD 4 alone cannot account for the binding of the receptor to glycoproteins . At least 3 CRDs (4, 5, and 7) are required for high affinity binding and endocytosis of multivalent glycoconjugates . In this respect, the mannose receptor is like other carbohydrate-binding proteins, in which several CRDs, each with weak affinity for single sugars, are clustered to achieve high affinity binding to oligosaccharides . In the mannose receptor, these multiple weak interactions are achieved through several active CRDs in a single polypeptide chain rather than by oligomerization of polypeptides each containing a single CRD.

J Immunol, 1992 Jan 15, 148(2), 584 - 9
Differing macrophage and lymphocyte roles in resistance to Legionella pneumophila infection; Yamamoto Y et al.; Similar to guinea pig macrophages and human monocytes, macrophages from the peritoneal cavity of thioglycolate pretreated A/J mice are permissive for growth of Legionella pneumophila . In contrast, macrophages from BDF1 mice are not permissive for L . pneumophila . Lymphocytes from A/J and BDF1 mice proliferated in response to Legionella Ag but guinea pig lymphocytes did not . Also, splenocyte cultures from A/J mice treated with either Con A or Legionella vaccine produced supernatants which induced A/J macrophages to restrict Legionella growth, but guinea pig splenocyte culture supernatants obtained after stimulation with L . pneumophila vaccine did not induce Legionella growth restriction activity by guinea pig macrophages . Murine rIFN-gamma but not rIFN-alpha markedly inhibited growth of Legionella in A/J mouse macrophages and monoclonal anti-IFN-gamma antibody neutralized the anti-Legionella activity of culture supernatants from A/J mouse splenocytes responding to Legionella Ag . From these data, IFN-gamma appears to be an important factor in anti-Legionella activity of Ag-activated mouse splenocyte culture supernatants . Cyclosporin A, when given to either A/J or BDF1 mice, reduced the proliferation responses of splenocytes to T cell mitogens and also decreased the IFN production of A/J spleen cells to Legionella Ag . In addition, drug treatment decreased the resistance of A/J mice to Legionella infection as shown by an increase in the number of viable bacteria in the liver . However, injection of drug treated mice with lymphokine-rich splenocyte culture supernatant reconstituted the resistance of these animals . These results suggest an important role for lymphocyte activation and lymphokine production in the resistance of A/J mice to Legionella infection . The greater resistance of BDF1 mice, however, may result from nonpermissive macrophages and responsive lymphocytes . In the case of guinea pigs, susceptibility to Legionella infections may result from both the permissive nature of the macrophages and the relatively unresponsive nature of the lymphocytes in these animals.

Gene, 1992 Jan 15, 110(2), 239 - 43
Identification of a human cDNA with high homology to yeast omnipotent suppressor 45; Grenett HE et al.; Omnipotent suppression is a well-established phenomenon in yeast and bacteria in which nonsense mutations are misread . Wild-type (wt) suppressors are presumed to be involved in ensuring the fidelity of translation . We report a human homolog to wt yeast omnipotent suppressor 45 which shares 63% identity at the nucleotide level in the area of open reading frame (ORF) and 73% similarity at the amino acid (aa) level . The aa sequence of the human protein was deduced from a 2.3-kb cDNA (TB3-1) isolated from an adenocarcinoma T84 cell line cDNA library . The cDNA contains an ORF of 1284 bp which encodes a 47.8-kDa protein . Two transcripts for the clone were identified (2.6 and 4.0 kb) in a variety of human cell types . The strong structural similarity to yeast omnipotent suppressor 45, and its widespread expression suggest that this cDNA may play a role in the accurate recognition of nonsense codons in mammalian cells.

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1992 Jan 15, 69(3), 267 - 74
Detection of Leptospiraceae by amplification of 16S ribosomal DNA; Hookey JV; The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed to detect Leptospiraceae . Primers were used to amplify 1 631 base-pair (bp) 5'-region of 16S rDNA . Representative strains from the species, Leptospira interrogans sensu stricto, L . borgpetersenii, L . noguchii, L . santarosai, L . weilii, L . inadai, L . meyeri and the single member strain of Leptonema were amplified . In contrast, strains representing the saprophytic species . L . biflexa, L . wolbachii and L . parva were not amplified . There was no PCR product from 23 phylogenetically unrelated species of bacteria . As little as 10-1 pg of purified DNA and as few as 10-1 leptospires could be detected using the PCR analysis . Isolates of leptospires from clinical sources gave a positive PCR band, but those from surface waters did not.

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 1992 Jan-Feb, 1(2), 131 - 5
Polyamine contents in rectal and buccal mucosae in humans treated with oral difluoromethylornithine; Boyle JO et al.; Difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) is an investigational chemopreventive agent that inhibits ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, lowers cellular polyamine concentrations, and decreases cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro . In five subjects we have compared the polyamine concentrations in rectal mucosal biopsies and in exfoliated buccal mucosal cells (EBM) before and after DFMO treatment to assess the suitability of EBM as an easily accessible marker tissue for DFMO suppression of polyamine synthesis in the rectal mucosa . One month of 3 g/m2/day of DFMO treatment caused a statistically significant decrease in putrescine and spermidine concentrations in rectal mucosa biopsy specimens but not in EBM samples . ODC activity in EBM was high (approximately 1 mumol/min/mg protein), resistant to DFMO inhibition (Ki = 4200 microM), dependent on GTP concentration (maximal at 0.1 mM), and was reduced concomitantly with bacterial concentration by antiseptic mouthwashing . Bacteria adherent to EBM were visible by electron microscopy . Forty bacterial colonies/ng protein were culturable from washed EBM samples . Oral bacteria preclude the use of EBM samples as a marker tissue of DFMO effect in the rectal mucosa, but oral DFMO therapy is effective in depleting polyamines in rectal mucosa.

J Biol Chem, 1992 Jan 5, 267(1), 310 - 8
Bradyrhizobium japonicum nodD1 can be specifically induced by soybean flavonoids that do not induce the nodYABCSUIJ operon; Smit G et al.; Besides genistein and daidzein, which are active inducers of the nodYABCSUIJ operon in Bradyrhizobium japonicum, soybean seeds also excrete compounds that are not inducers of the nodYABCSUIJ genes but enhance induction of this operon in the presence of a suboptimal genistein concentration . This synergism was studied in detail, and specific compounds were identified in seed exudate which specifically induce the nodD1 gene but not the nodYABCSUIJ operon . Therefore, our current hypothesis is that the observed synergism is caused by a specific induction of nodD1 . The specific nodD1 inducers from soybean seed extract have been purified and characterized chemically . They appear to be derivatives of genistein, glycitein, and daidzein with glucose, malonyl, and acetyl groups attached . Both root and seed exudate appear to contain these compounds, with the seed being the major source . No hydrolysis of these compounds to their aglycone forms was detected in the presence of B . japonicum . A model for nod gene induction in B . japonicum is discussed.

J Biol Chem, 1992 Jan 5, 267(1), 649 - 52
Cloning of a Na(+)- and Cl(-)-dependent betaine transporter that is regulated by hypertonicity; Yamauchi A et al.; Many hypertonic bacteria, plants, marine animals, and the mammalian renal medulla are protected from the deleterious effects of high intracellular concentrations of electrolytes by accumulating high concentrations of the nonperturbing osmolyte betaine . When kidney-derived Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells are cultured in hypertonic medium, they accumulate betaine to 1,000 times its medium concentration . This results from induction by hypertonicity of high rates of betaine transport into cells . We have isolated a cDNA (BGT-1) encoding a renal betaine transporter by screening an MDCK cell cDNA library for expression of a betaine transporter in Xenopus oocytes . The cDNA encodes a single protein of 614 amino acids, with an estimated molecular weight of 69 kDa . The deduced amino acid sequence exhibits highly significant sequence and topographic similarity to brain gamma-amino-n-butyric acid (GABA) and noradrenaline transporters, suggesting that the renal BGT-1 is a member of the brain GABA/noradrenaline transporter gene family . Expression in oocytes indicates that the BGT-1 protein has both betaine and GABA transport activities that are Cl(-)- as well as Na(+)-dependent and functionally similar to betaine and GABA transport in MDCK cells . Northern hybridization indicates that transporter mRNA is localized to the kidney medulla and is induced in MDCK cells by hypertonicity.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1992 Jan 3, 1123(1), 33 - 40
Transport of poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate in human plasma; Reusch RN et al.; Poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is an amphiphilic lipid that has been found to be a ubiquitous component of the cellular membranes of bacteria, plants and animals . The distribution of PHB in human plasma was investigated using chemical and immunological methods . PHB concentrations proved highly variable; in a random group of 24 blood donors, total plasma PHB ranged from 0.60 to 18.2 mg/l, with a mean of 3.5 mg/l . In plasma separated by density gradient ultracentrifugation, lipoproteins carried 20-30% of total plasma PHB; 6-14% in the very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), 8-16% in the low density lipoproteins (LDL), and less than 3% in the high density lipoproteins (HDL) . The majority of plasma PHB (70-80%) was found in protein fractions of density greater than 1.22 g/ml . Western blot analysis of the high density fractions with anti-PHB F(ab')2 identified albumin as the major PHB-binding protein . The affinity of albumin for PHB was confirmed by in vitro studies which demonstrated transfer of 14C-PHB from chloroform into aqueous solutions of human and bovine serum albumins . PHB was less tightly bound to LDL than to other plasma components; the polymer could be isolated from LDL by extraction with chloroform, or by digestion with alkaline hypochlorite, but it could not similarly be recovered from VLDL or albumin . PHB in the LDL correlated positively with total plasma cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and negatively with HDL cholesterol . The wide concentration range of PHB in plasma, its presence in VLDL and LDL and absence in HDL, coupled with its physical properties, suggest it may have important physiological effects.

Oncogene, 1992 Jan, 7(1), 65 - 70
A divergent ets-related protein, elk-1, recognizes similar c-ets-1 proto-oncogene target sequences and acts as a transcriptional activator; Rao VN et al.; The ets oncogene superfamily consists of a family of sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins that activate transcription . We have previously identified two new members of the ets oncogene superfamily, namely elk-1 and elk-2 . In this report we show that the recombinant elk-1 protein expressed in bacteria, like the c-ets-1 proto-oncogene, binds in a sequence-specific manner to Moloney murine sarcoma virus long terminal repeat, E74 target sequences and the PEA3 motif (polyoma enhancer), but does not bind to PU box sequences . Thus analysis of the DNA-binding specificity of ets-related proteins supports the view that different members show similar DNA-binding specificity, which is a general feature of the homeobox proteins . Our data using the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene linked to a thymidine kinase promoter containing multimers of the elk-1 target sequence indicates that elk-1 functions as a transcriptional activator . Interestingly, although elk-1 is the most divergent of all the members of the ets gene family, it shows very close similarities with c-ets-1 in some of its sequence-specific DNA-binding specificities . Here, we propose a new function for the elk-1 gene to act as a transcriptional activator of retroviruses and DNA tumor viruses.

J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr, 1992, 5(3), 313 - 5
Instability of HIV sequences in high copy number plasmids; Peden KW; Plasmid proviral molecular clones of the LAI isolate of HIV-1 and the ROD isolate of HIV-2 were originally prepared in moderate copy number plasmids derived from pBR322, which contains the colE1 origin of replication . In these plasmid vectors, the HIV sequences are stable to continuous passage in bacteria . However, when the colE1 origin was replaced by the mutant origin from pUC18, pGEM, or pBluescript plasmids, which replicates to much higher copy numbers in bacteria, then deletions of HIV sequences occurred even in RecA defective strains . Deletions occurred in two different media, at room temperature and 37 degrees C, and with or without plasmid amplification in the presence of chloramphenicol . These results raise a cautionary note when cloning immunodeficiency viral sequences into plasmid vectors containing a high copy number origin of replication.

Int J Syst Bacteriol, 1992 Jan, 42(1), 74 - 8
Taxonomic study of the genus Brachybacterium: Brachybacterium nesterenkovii sp . nov; Gvozdyak OR et al.; A new species, Brachybacterium nesterenkovii, is proposed for a group of coryneform bacteria that were isolated from milk products . These organisms have morphological, biochemical, and chemotaxonomic characteristics that are peculiar to the genus Brachybacterium . In contrast to strains of the only previously described species of the genus, Brachybacterium faecium, the representatives of the new species lack glycine in their peptidoglycan, although the peptidoglycan is of the same general type, and have large amounts of rhamnose in their cells . The strains of B . nesterenkovii exhibit no serological relationship with strains of B . faecium; in a numerical phenotypic analysis the two species were easily separated and formed clear-cut clusters . DNA-DNA hybridization between the type strains of B . faecium and B . nesterenkovii showed a level of homology of 22% . Strain 35 (= IMV Ac-752) is the type strain of B . nesterenkovii.

Mol Gen Genet, 1992 Jan, 231(2), 286 - 95
Cell-free transcription of the nifH1 gene of Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus indicates that promoters of archaeal nif genes share basic features with the methanogen consensus promoter; Gohl HP et al.; The nifH1 gene of Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus, which encodes the putative dinitrogenase reductase of an archaeon, was accurately transcribed in a homologous cell-free transcription system . Extracts of cells grown with N2 or ammonia as nitrogen source initiated transcription at the nifH1 promoter with similar efficiencies . We confirmed that cells grown under non-N2-fixing conditions do not contain significant amounts of nifH1-specific mRNA . The levels of cell-free transcription initiation at the nifH1 promoter were similar to those observed at a tRNA promoter . The DNA sequence from -40 to +5 relative to the initiator nucleotide of nifH1 mRNA contained all the information required for promoter activity . A mutational analysis of this section of DNA demonstrated that a TATA box at -25 and the TTGT motif (initiator element) at the transcription start site are essential for cell-free transcription . These elements are similar to the structural determinants of a known tRNA promoter of Methanococcus . Mutation of a sequence, showing homology to the bacterial NifA site, which overlaps the transcription start site, did not affect promoter activity . Hence, cell-free transcription of the Methanococcus nifH1 gene is independent of upstream activator elements and does not require alternate cis-acting sequences that differ from the methanogen consensus promoter . These findings suggest that the activation of nif promoters is brought about by fundamentally different mechanisms in Archaea and bacteria.

Biotechniques, 1992 Jan, 12(1), 88 - 97
Gene conversion of immunoglobulin variable regions in mutagenesis cassettes by replacement PCR mutagenesis; Near RI; A technique, Replacement PCR Mutagenesis, was developed to replace one immunoglobulin variable region (V) in a M13 phage cassette with a different, homologous V . This allows the use of the same mutagenesis and subsequent expression vectors for many V regions or V segments . The method combines PCR of V fragments and in vitro mutagenesis . Primers homologous to 3' and 5' ends of both V regions initiate PCR synthesis of the V DNA fragment (donor) that will replace the V region (recipient) in M13 . Donor V PCR DNA may originate from mRNA, cloned V genes or genomic templates . The donor V PCR DNA is denatured and annealed to the M13 cassette containing the recipient V to be supplanted . The second strand is synthesized, transfected into bacteria and mutant plaques selected by hybridization . Since restriction sites in primers are not required, altered primer-encoded amino acids are avoided . Further, the PCR donor piece can be of any length if it shares homology with the recipient gene . This allows construction and expression of complete gene replacements and chimeras . This method is also applicable to V "humanization" and studying sets of homologous genes containing polymorphic or evolutionary disparities . The potential uses of the technique are discussed.

Carcinogenesis, 1992 Jan, 13(1), 77 - 81
The role of macrophage-derived TNFa in the induction of sublethal tumor cell DNA damage; Fulton AM et al.; In previous studies we showed that tumor-associated macrophages isolated from murine mammary tumors are mutagenic to bacteria and mammalian cells and thus may contribute to tumor progression . We reported previously, and confirm here, that inflammatory macrophages induce DNA strand breaks in cultured mammary tumor cells co-incubated at a 1:1 ratio for 1 h . This activity is prevented by inhibitors of arachidonate metabolism or the removal of H2O2 with catalase . In the present study, we show that two antibodies to recombinant murine tumor necrosis factor alpha (rMuTNFa)--a hamster monoclonal antibody (TN3-19.12) and a rabbit polyclonal antibody (Genzyme)--partially protect tumor cells from DNA strand breaks induced by elicited but not resident peritoneal macrophages . Antibody protection was reversed upon the addition of excess exogenous rMuTNFa . Purified rMuTNFa alone was unable to induce DNA strand breaks in the absence of macrophages, indicating that TNFa is necessary but not sufficient to mediate damage . Tumor target cells were completely resistant to the cytotoxic effects of rMuTNFa in the absence of actinomycin D and relatively resistant (in comparison to WEHI 164 clone 13 cells) in its presence . The incomplete protection seen with either catalase or anti-TNF suggests that macrophage-released TNFa, in the presence of other factors, induces non-cytotoxic DNA effects in tumor cells.

Rev Environ Contam Toxicol, 1992, 124, 111 - 44
1,3-Butadiene: toxicity and carcinogenicity in laboratory animals and in humans; Melnick RL et al.; 1,3-Butadiene is a high production volume chemical used largely in the manufacture of synthetic rubber . The production and use of 1,3-butadiene increased dramatically during World War II with the development of the synthetic rubber industry . Before the 1980s, 1,3-butadiene was not considered to be particularly hazardous to human health; therefore, OSHA established a permissible limit of 1,000 ppm for occupational exposure to this chemical . Results of recent inhalation carcinogenicity studies have demonstrated clearly that 1,3-butadiene is a multiple-organ carcinogen in Sprague-Dawley rats and in B6C3F1 mice . Particularly noteworthy in mice were the early occurrences and extensive development of lymphomas, the induction of uncommon hemangiosarcomas of the heart, and the development of malignant lung tumors at exposure concentrations as low as 6.25 ppm . Because 6.25 ppm was the lowest concentration ever used in a long-term carcinogenicity of this gas, it is likely that lower exposure levels would also cause cancers in laboratory animals . In addition, multiple organ site neoplasia was induced in mice after only 13 weeks of exposure . Two reactive epoxides, 1,2-epoxy-3-butene and diepoxybutane, have been identified as intermediates in the biotransformation of 1,3-butadiene in rats and mice . Metabolism is probably an important factor in the carcinogenicity of 1,3-butadiene, because in vitro mutagenicity of 1,3-butadiene requires metabolic activation, whereas these epoxide intermediates are direct acting mutagens in bacteria and are carcinogens in rats and mice . The metabolism of 1,3-butadiene in rats and mice is linear up to concentrations of at least 1000 ppm . Pharmacokinetic studies on 1,3-butadiene and on 1,2-epoxy-3-butene have revealed certain quantitative differences in metabolic rates between Sprague-Dawley rats and B6C3F1 mice; however, these differences were not of sufficient magnitude to account for the reported different target site carcinogenic responses in these two strains of animals . Thus, additional factors must be involved in distinguishing site specificity in the carcinogenicity of 1,3-butadiene between species . In addition to its carcinogenic effects, 1,3-butadiene is a potent in vivo genotoxic agent to mouse bone marrow cells . Hematologic changes indicative of a partially regenerative anemia were induced in mice at 62.5 and higher concentrations . 1,3-Butadiene is also a reproductive and developmental toxicant . Epidemiology studies of workers employed in the production of 1,3-butadiene or of styrene-butadiene rubber have consistently revealed associations between occupational exposure to 1,3-butadiene and excess mortality due to lymphatic and hematopoietic cancers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1992 Jan, 89(1 Pt 1), 95 - 102
High-frequency binding of IgE to the Der p allergen expressed in yeast; Chua KY et al.; The production of allergens from cDNA clones will provide a clonally pure source of material for experimental and perhaps clinical studies . Attempts to produce the major mite allergen, Der p I, in a highly antigenic form in bacteria have, to date, had limited success . In this study, a high level of production of Der p I from a Cup1 gene cassette from pYELC5-13T in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is described . Although the protein was insoluble, it could be readily solubilized in a urea solution and remained in solution when it was returned to more physiologic buffers . An amount equivalent to about 1 mg/L of yeast culture could then be isolated by affinity chromatography with an immobilized monoclonal antibody . This product reacted strongly with IgE in 9/11 sera from mite-allergic patients compared to the 50% reactivity achieved for Der p I previously produced as a fusion by bacteria . Similarly, the intensity of binding and ability to absorb out Der p I specificities were much greater for the yeast, pYELC5-13T, product . Studies with monoclonal antibodies also demonstrated the yeast, Der p I, had a high degree of antigenicity, although clear differences with the native allergen were demonstrated . The high frequency of reactivity with IgE of the pYELC5-13T formally demonstrates that a single gene product of Der p I is a major allergen and demonstrates that even for Der p I, which is synthesized from a proenzyme, considerable antigenicity can be obtained by expressing the mature protein.

J Bacteriol, 1992 Jan, 174(1), 71 - 7
Cloning, mutagenesis, and physiological effect of a hydroxypyruvate reductase gene from Methylobacterium extorquens AM1; Chistoserdova LV et al.; The gene encoding the serine cycle hydroxypyruvate reductase of Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 was isolated by using a synthetic oligonucleotide with a sequence based on a known N-terminal amino acid sequence . The cloned gene was inactivated by insertion of a kanamycin resistance gene, and recombination of this insertion derivative with the wild-type gene produced a serine cycle hydroxypyruvate reductase null mutant . This mutant had lost its ability to grow on C-1 compounds but retained the ability to grow on C-2 compounds, showing that the hydroxypyruvate reductase operating in the serine cycle is not involved in the conversion of acetyl coenzyme A to glycine as previously proposed . A second hydroxypyruvate-reducing enzyme with a low level of activity was found in M . extorquens AM1; this enzyme was able to interconvert glyoxylate and glycollate . The gene encoding hydroxypyruvate reductase was shown to be located about 3 kb upstream of two other serine cycles genes encoding phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and malyl coenzyme A lyase.

Infect Immun, 1992 Jan, 60(1), 84 - 9
In vivo modulation of the murine immune response to Francisella tularensis LVS by administration of anticytokine antibodies; Leiby DA et al.; The role(s) of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in establishment and maintenance of protective immunity to Francisella tularensis LVS in mice (C3H/HeN) was examined by selective removal of these cytokines in vivo with neutralizing antibodies . The 50% lethal dose (LD50) for mice infected intradermally with F . tularensis alone was 136,000 CFU; treatment of mice with anti-IFN-gamma or anti-TNF-alpha at the time of infection significantly reduced (P much less than 0.05) the LD50 to 2 and 5 CFU, respectively . Abrogation of protective immunity, however, was effective only when anti-IFN-gamma or anti-TNF-alpha was administered prior to day 3 postinfection . In contrast, the LD50 for mice treated with anti-IL-4 was repeatedly higher (555,000 CFU) than for controls; this difference, however, was not significant (P greater than 0.05) . Thus, IL-4 may be detrimental, while IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha were clearly crucial to the establishment of protective immunity to F . tularensis during a primary infection . The importance of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha during a secondary immune response to F . tularensis was also investigated . Spleen cells from immune mice passively transfer protective immunity to recipient mice in the absence of confounding antibody-mediated immunity . This passive transfer of immunity, however, was abrogated by treatment of recipient mice with anti-IFN-gamma or anti-TNF-alpha at the time of challenge infection . That anticytokines effectively abrogate protective immunity very early in the course of infection with F . tularensis suggests that T-cell-dependent activation of macrophages for microbicidal activity is unlikely . These T-cell-independent events early in the course of infection may suppress bacterial replication until a T-cell-dependent response ultimately clears the bacteria.

Infect Immun, 1992 Jan, 60(1), 296 - 301
A quantitative model of intracellular growth of Legionella pneumophila in Acanthamoeba castellanii; Moffat JF et al.; A model of intracellular growth for Legionella pneumophila in Acanthamoeba castellanii has been developed and provides a quantitative measure of survival and replication after entry . In this model, Acanthamoeba monolayers were incubated with bacteria in tissue culture plates under nutrient-limiting conditions . Gentamicin was used to kill extracellular bacteria following the period of incubation, and the number of intracellular bacteria was determined following lysis of amebae . Intracellular growth of virulent L . pneumophila and other wild-type Legionella species was observed when the assay was performed at 37 degrees C . At room temperature, none of the Legionella strains tested grew intracellularly, while an avirulent L . pneumophila strain was unable to replicate in this assay at either temperature . The effect of nutrient limitation on A . castellanii during the assay prevented multiplication of the amebae and increased the level of infection by Legionella spp . The level of infection of the amebae was directly proportional to the multiplicity of infection with bacteria; at an inoculum of 1.03 x 10(7) bacteria added to wells containing 1.10 x 10(5) amebae (multiplicity of infection of 100), approximately 4.4% of A . castellanii cells became infected . Cytochalasin D reduced the uptake of bacteria by the amebae primarily by causing amebae to lift off the culture dish, reducing the number of target hosts; methylamine also reduced the level of initial infection, yet neither inhibitor was able to prevent intracellular replication of Legionella spp . Consequently, once the bacteria entered the cell, only lowered temperature could restrict replication . This model of intracellular growth provides a one-step growth curve and should be useful to study the molecular basis of the host-parasite interaction.

Clin Immunol Immunopathol, 1992 Jan, 62(1 Pt 2), S82 - 6
The effects of intravenous immune globulin on complement-dependent immune damage of cells and tissues; Frank MM et al.; The mechanism of action of intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) in the therapy of autoimmune disease has been speculated upon for many years . Previous studies have raised the possibility that IVIG acts via an effect on IgG Fc receptors (FcRs) on phagocytic cells and B lymphocytes, on the production of anti-idiotype antibody, or on the control of the immune response . In the course of our studies of complement function we were struck by the fact that complement activation often leads to the binding of complement components to individual immunoglobulin molecules . For example, C3 has been shown to bind to the Fd fragment of IgG in the form of a C3b/IgG one-to-one complex . The C3b/IgG complex has new properties that differ from those of either IgG or C3b alone in that the complex can interact with two receptors on phagocytes: CR1, which recognizes C3b, and FcR, which recognizes the Fc fragment of IgG . Particles opsonized with IgG/C3b interact with both receptors and are phagocytized rapidly . The complex acts as a superopsonin and superlysin . IgG/C3b resists degradation by factors H and I, which also adds to its inflammatory potential . We and others have noted that bacteria coated with immunoglobulin and then incubated in serum have C3 deposited on their surfaces, which in many instances is bound to the IgG molecules . For example, we found that 30% of the C3 deposited on antibody-coated pneumococci is bound not to the pneumococcal surface but rather to the coating immunoglobulin . We reasoned that IVIG may act as a receptor for activated complement components, preventing their attachment to targets . This was tested directly in a number of animal and human models . The results of these tests and their clinical implications are presented.

J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 1992 Jan, 50(1), 11 - 3
Ampicillin concentrations in human radicular granuloma following a single oral dose of bacampicillin; Akimoto Y et al.; Ampicillin concentrations in human serum and radicular granulomas of 42 patients were determined after a single oral dose of bacampicillin (equivalent to 500 mg of ampicillin) . Although wide variations were found among both serum and radicular granuloma ampicillin concentrations, measurable concentrations were found in all cases . The mean peak ampicillin concentrations in serum and radicular granulomas occurred at identical times, 1.5 hours, and were 11.19 micrograms/mL (range, 1.30 to 21.00 micrograms/mL) and 5.12 micrograms/g (range, 0.50 to 10.50 micrograms/g), respectively . The mean radicular granuloma/serum ampicillin concentration ratio at the peak time was 0.42 . Ampicillin concentrations in radicular granulomas exceeded most of the minimum inhibitory concentrations for bacteria commonly isolated from odontogenic infections.

Protein Eng, 1992 Jan, 5(1), 87 - 91
Evidence for a second conserved arginine residue in the integrase family of recombination proteins; Abremski KE et al.; This study was designed to search for new regions of similarity in the integrase family of recombination proteins which consists of 28 members found in bacteria and yeast . A computer method based on an information content analysis has been used to align local regions of homology in the set of unaligned protein sequences from this family . Among the aligned regions with high information content were those containing the known conserved histidine, arginine and tyrosine residues . In addition, a new region was identified containing another arginine residue that appears to be conserved in all members of the family . To test further the importance of this newly identified arginine residue, mutants in the Cre protein from phase P1, a member of this integrase family, have been constructed which alter this residue . The mutations which change arginine to lysine and arginine to cysteine depress catalytic activity but not site-specific binding to the lox site . This result is expected for a conserved active site residue . This computer analysis also provides a means for searching for new members of the integrase family.

Langenbecks Arch Chir, 1992, 377(3), 180 - 5
{The effect of taurolin on endogenous immunity and pathogen elimination in human peritonitis}; Billing A et al.; The influence of taurolin on phagocytosis-related defense functions and on the elimination of bacteria has been investigated in a controlled study . Particle opsonisation, a prerequisite for sufficient phagocytosis, was undisturbed in presence of up to 0.1% taurolin . Intraabdominal taurolin application did not diminish the leukocyte influx into the abdominal cavity . Opsonic capacity of peritoneal exudate was low in the taurolin group . These exudates contained more severe bacterial contamination, suggesting that this deficit was due to enhanced specific consumption of opsonins . Taurolin treatment resulted in a marked reduction of bacterial growth . Thus the substance provides antiseptic capacities without afflicting the physiological defense systems.

Ann Rech Vet, 1992, 23(2), 177 - 88
Conjunctival vaccination of pregnant ewes and goats with Brucella melitensis Rev 1 vaccine: safety and serological responses; Zundel E et al.; When Brucella melitensis strain Rev 1 vaccine (Rev 1) is administered by the standard method (1-2 x 10(9) viable bacteria injected subcutaneously), it may induce long-lasting serological responses and/or cause abortion in pregnant animals . The conjunctival route considerably reduces these drawbacks . In the present experiment a 1 x 10(8) CFU dose for both ewes and goats conjunctivally vaccinated at mid-pregnancy was tested for innocuousness (outcome of pregnancy, contamination of unvaccinated contact animals, duration of serological responses) in comparison with 3 x 10(8) CFU (ewes and goats), 1 x 10(9) and 3 x 10(9) CFU (ewes) doses . No reaction was observed at the time of vaccination, and the risk of environmental contamination with Rev 1, due to the conjunctival administration of the vaccine, is negligible . Abortions occurred later at surprisingly severe rates (over 60% of pregnant vaccinated animals), except in the 1 x 10(8) CFU ewes group (20%) . Moreover, the serological reactions of the 1 x 10(8) CFU ewes which normally lambed were negative again as early as 12 weeks after vaccination . Although the dose of 1 x 10(8) CFU Rev 1 was safer for pregnancy than the standard dose mainly in ewes as compared to goats, the innocuousness was not yet sufficient to propose the former dose to indiscriminately vaccinate sheep and goats by the conjunctival route, whatever the age or physiological status.

Acta Paediatr, 1992 Jan, 81(1), 51 - 6
Elevated short chain fatty acid concentrations in anaerobic small bowel contamination; Lloyd DR et al.; Viable bacteria were identified and counted, and short chain fatty acid concentrations measured in small intestinal fluid from 74 fasting children . In nine children with anaerobic small bowel contamination, individual and total short chain fatty acid concentrations were significantly higher than the remainder of the group (p less than 0.01) . Using 100 mumol/l as the upper reference limit for total short chain fatty acid concentration, the sensitivity and specificity as a test for anaerobic small bowel contamination was 89% and 98%, respectively . Measuring luminal short chain fatty acid concentrations in proximal small intestinal fluid is an accurate method for detecting anaerobic small bowel contamination in children.

Pediatr Radiol, 1992, 22(1), 31 - 42
Colour-coded echographic flow imaging and spectral analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in infants . Part II . CSF-dynamics; Winkler P; 41 comprehensive colour Doppler studies (including spectral analysis) of the ventricular system were performed in 6 infants with CSF-flow (age range: 2 to 27 days) . Two premature infants showed no evidence of disease related to the central nervous system (CNS) . Overt intraventricular hemorrhage or CNS-infection were present in the other infants . All children were examined several times until CSF-flow was no longer visible . The entire ventricular system, including the fourth ventricular outlet, was investigated for the presence of CSF-flow signals . Dynamic CSF-flow studies consisted of scanning during typical infant activity (crying, sucking, leg movement) and with external manoeuvres (abdominal or fontanellar palpation) . CSF-flow was found to be: 1 . synchronous with respiration 2 . induced by rising intraabdominal (retrograde CSF-pulse) and transfontanellar pressure (orthograde CSF-pulse) 3 . predominantly within the cerebral aqueduct, but also found at the foramina of Monro, within the third and fourth ventricles and at the foramen of Magendie . CSF-flow was not detected at the foramina of Luschka or within the lateral ventricles, except adjacent to the foramina of Monro . Dynamic CSF-flow as observed in infants may have important clinical and scientific implications . Examples of this are activity-related ventricular "reflux" of bacteria, erythrocytes, drugs, radionuclides or contrast; the importance of CSF-flow pulses for the development or progression of hydrocephalus; flow dynamics at the fourth ventricular outlet foramina and the study of CSF-pulse wave velocity and regional compliance . These issues are discussed and the new diagnostic approach is compared with other methods of CSF-investigation.

Acta Derm Venereol Suppl (Stockh), 1992, 171, 1 - 37
Phototherapy of atopic dermatitis with ultraviolet radiation; Jekler J; Studies were conducted in order to evaluate the efficacy of different ultraviolet wavelength regions for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, the risks associated herewith and the in vivo effect of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on the bacterial skin flora . In bilateral left-right comparisons, adult patients suffering from atopic dermatitis were subjected to treatment with lamps mainly emitting ultraviolet radiation A, UVA, (315-400 nm), UVB (280-315 nm) and combined UVA-UVB, UVAB, respectively . UVAB proved to be most efficacious, with objective and subjective statistically significant superiority to the other types of UVR . UVB was found to be the least efficacious of the three, while the efficacy of UVA was found to lie in between UVAB and UVB . UVAB yielded clearing or considerable improvement in 90% of the patients, while UVA and UVB did so in about 70% of the subjects . Objective differences were less pronounced than subjective ones . The two most common side-effects, xerosis and first-degree burn, were tolerable and clearly correlated to the UVB content of the UVR sources . Uncommon side-effects included polymorphic light eruption (all three types of UVR) and folliculitis (UVB) . A typical patient with atopic dermatitis undergoing phototherapy with UVB or UVAB was found to receive an erythemally effective dose of 1 J/cm2 per year, a figure considerably lower than that for UVB-treated psoriasis patients, who, according to previously reported data, receive an annual dose of 4J/cm2 . Treatment for 15 years from the age of 25 years will result in an increase in the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer by the age of 60 of 1.15 compared with the risk in untreated individuals . The risks with phototherapy for atopic dermatitis were thus judged to be small . Phototherapy with UVB radiation was shown to possess in vivo antistaphylococcal properties, which were paralleled by clinical efficacy . It is concluded that phototherapy is an effective mode of therapy in patients with mild or moderate atopic dermatitis.

Thymus, 1992, 19 Suppl 1, S97 - 107
Immunorestorative properties of ST 789 on experimentally immunosuppressed and infected mice; Foresta P et al.; ST 789, a newly synthesized chemical characterized by an aminoacidic group joined to the N9 position of the hypoxanthine ring, has recently been shown to be endowed with immunomodulatory properties . In this study we tested ST 789 in vivo for protective effects in Cyclophosphamide-immunosuppressed CD1 mice experimentally infected with several bacterial and fungal pathogens . We found that immunosuppressed mice infected with either fungi or bacteria were significantly protected, as evaluated both by percent mortality and survival time, when treated with doses of ST 789 even as low as 0.2 mg/kg/day . We also observed a marked synergism when the mice were first treated with ST 789 and then additionally treated with subeffective doses of antibiotics such as Amphotericin B, Ceftazidime, and Gentamicin . Even though further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the ST 789 effects, these results show that ST 789 is a very promising new immunomodulator whose therapeutic potential has yet to be fully exploited.

Microbiol Immunol, 1992, 36(1), 21 - 7
Detection and discrimination of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma genitalium by the in vitro DNA amplification; Sasaki Y et al.; By using the primers designed on the bases of the sequences of the 16S rRNA genes of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma genitalium, respectively, specific and sensitive in vitro DNA amplification assay system for the detection and discrimination of these two mycoplasmas was established . The detection limit of the assay was 100 cells for M . pneumoniae and 1,000 cells for M . genitalium . Neither other human mycoplasmas nor oral bacteria existing in human saliva showed any cross-reactions with these primers.

Am J Ind Med, 1992, 21(4), 549 - 59
Lung function and precipitating antibodies in low exposed wood trimmers in Sweden; Dahlqvist M et al.; Wood trimmers are exposed to molds that periodically grow on timber that may induce alveolitis and obstructive lung disease . We have evaluated respiratory symptoms, bronchial reactivity, and lung function in 28 wood trimmers at a Swedish sawmill and in 19 unexposed office workers . Eleven (sero-positive) of the wood trimmers had precipitating antibodies in peripheral blood against one or several molds . The exposure to dust (median 0.26 mg/m3), viable mold spores (median 2950 cfu/m3), viable bacteria (median 370 cfu/m3), airborne endotoxins (range 0.0015-0.0025 microgram/m3), and terpenes (range 0.4-23 mg/m3) was lower than levels that earlier have been reported to affect lung function . The wood trimmers reported an increased prevalence of cough and breathlessness . They also showed signs of a mild obstructive impairment with a tendency to increase bronchial sensitivity to metacholine and decreased FEV1 after 2 days free from exposure . FEV1 decreased more during the working week in the sero-positive workers than among the sero-negative workers, and for the whole group the decrease in FEV1 and MEF25 was correlated to the degree of mold exposure.

Development, 1992 Jan, 114(1), 99 - 112
The giant gene of Drosophila encodes a b-ZIP DNA-binding protein that regulates the expression of other segmentation gap genes; Capovilla M et al.; The sequence of a cDNA from the giant gene of Drosophila shows that its product has a basic domain followed by a leucine zipper motif . Both features contain characteristic conserved elements of the b-ZIP family of DNA-binding proteins . Expression of the gene in bacteria or by in vitro translation yields a protein that migrates considerably faster than the protein extracted from Drosophila embryos . Treatment with phosphatase shows that this difference is due to multiple phosphorylation of the giant protein in the embryo . Ectopic expression of the protein in precellular blastoderm embryos produces abnormal phenotypes with a pattern of segment loss closely resembling that of Kruppel mutant embryos . Immunological staining shows that giant, ectopically expressed from the hsp70 promoter, represses the expression of both the Kruppel and knirps segmentation gap genes . The analysis of the interactions between Kruppel, knirps and giant reveals a network of negative regulation . We show that the apparent positive regulation of knirps by Kruppel is in fact mediated by a negative effect of Kruppel on giant and a negative effect of giant on knirps . giant protein made in bacteria or in embryos binds in vitro to the Kruppel regulatory elements CD1 and CD2 and recognizes a sequence resembling the binding sites of other b-ZIP proteins.

Clin Ther, 1992 Jan-Feb, 14(1), 90 - 6
Efficacy and tolerability of imipenem-cilastatin versus clindamycin+gentamicin for serious pelvic infections; Larsen JW et al.; A multicenter, prospective, open-label, randomized trial compared imipenem-cilastatin (I-C) monotherapy with the combination of clindamycin+gentamicin (C+G) . Efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of serious pelvic infections were evaluated in 94 female patients with acute salpingitis, pelvic abscess, or postoperative pelvic cellulitis . Duration of therapy averaged 5.4 days for treatment successes and ten days for treatment failures . The overall treatment success rate was 98% (43 of 44 patients) in the I-C group, compared with 92% (46 of 50 patients) in the C+G group (P = NS) . Adjunct therapy for two treatment successes in the I-C group included laparoscopy and surgical removal of a pelvic abscess without change in antibiotics . Both I-C and C+G were highly effective and generally well tolerated for the treatment of salpingitis, pelvic abscess, and postoperative pelvic cellulitis.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1992 Jan, 61(1), 79 - 80
A note on Streptomyces No . 6, a chitosanase-producing actinomycete; Jones D; This communication reports the deposit of Streptomyces No . 6 in the National Collection of Industrial Bacteria, Aberdeen, AB2 1RY, Scotland, UK (Accession number 13037) and gives some references on its use in lysing cell walls of fungi in the Mucorales leading to protoplast formation . Its use in biotechnological fields is also referred to.

Clin Infect Dis, 1992 Jan, 14(1), 56 - 65
Safety profile and efficacy of cefotaxime for the treatment of hospitalized children; Jacobs RF et al.; Cefotaxime has been used to treat serious bacterial infections in children since 1982 . With the predominant use of cephalosporins in pediatrics, reports of adverse effects of certain compounds have increased . A retrospective review is presented of 2,243 cases of children receiving therapy with cefotaxime in order to evaluate the safety profile and efficacy of cefotaxime in the treatment of serious infections in hospitalized children . Overall, 57 (2.5%) children experienced adverse reactions . These included local reactions in 6 (0.3%), rash in 28 (1.2%), diarrhea in 15 (0.97%), vomiting in 10 (0.7%), abdominal pain in 1 (0.1%), headache in 3 (0.4%), and drug fever in 1 (0.1%) . No cases of hemolytic anemia, bleeding, or hyperbilirubinemia were found . Efficacy of treatment for different disease categories ranged from 90.5% to 100% . The percentage of children in any treatment group with a particular laboratory abnormality following initiation of cefotaxime therapy ranged from 0% to 2.6%, and rates of superinfection with bacteria or Candida were 0.4% to 1.7% . Cefotaxime has the distinct advantage of high rates of efficacy and low rates of complications and superinfection among children hospitalized for serious infections.

Scand J Gastroenterol, 1992, 27(2), 129 - 33
IgG subclass response to Helicobacter pylori in patients with chronic active gastritis and duodenal ulcer; Bontkes HJ et al.; The IgG subclass response is determined by the type of bacteria producing the infection and by genetic factors of the host . Patients with a Helicobacter pylori infection develop a specific immune response that is mainly of the IgA and IgG class . We measured the IgG subclass response in 20 patients with chronic active gastritis without a history of duodenal ulcer and 20 patients with chronic active gastritis and duodenal ulcer diagnosed by endoscopy and histology . A control group included 20 H . pylori-negative patients and 60 H . pylori-positive blood transfusion donors . Systemic IgG subclass response was measured with a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique, using as antigen a sonicate of six different H . pylori strains . Mouse monoclonal antibodies against each of the four human IgG subclasses (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4) were used . The total IgG anti-H . pylori antibody titres were equal in all three H . pylori-positive groups and significantly different from that of the negative control group (p less than 0.01) . The IgG subclass response in persons infected with H . pylori involved all four subclasses but was predominantly of the IgG1 and IgG2 subclasses . All of the groups with H . pylori infection had significantly higher levels of IgG1 than the negative control group, but no differences were detected among the three groups . However, the duodenal ulcer group had a significantly higher IgG2 response than the gastritis group (mean optical density +/- SEM, 0.382 +/- 0.047 versus 0.200 +/- 0.025, respectively; p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Vaccine, 1992, 10(3), 139 - 41
Potency testing of acellular pertussis vaccines; Robinson A et al.; The laboratory assessment of the potential of acellular pertussis vaccines to protect against human disease is a major problem . The mouse intracerebral challenge test, which is the accepted potency assay for whole cell pertussis vaccines, is not suitable for testing acellular vaccines, and more recently developed murine respiratory infection assays have methodological drawbacks and doubtful relevance to the human infection . We have found that the ability of several Bordetella pertussis antigens to protect mice against lung colonization correlates with their ability to raise murine antibodies which inhibit the adhesion of the bacteria to Vero cells . In this report we consider the applicability of such in vitro assays, and the in vivo assays, to the potency testing of acellular pertussis vaccines.

J Mol Evol, 1992 Jan, 34(1), 45 - 53
Exons encoding the highly conserved part of human glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase; Kaiser E et al.; Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are important components of the genetic apparatus . In spite of common catalytic properties, synthetases with different amino acid specificities are widely diverse in their primary structures, subunit sizes, and subunit composition . However, synthetases with given amino acid specificities are well conserved throughout evolution . We have been studying the human glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase possessing a sequence of about 400 amino acid residues (the core region) that is very similar to sequences in the corresponding enzymes from bacteria and yeast . The conserved sequence appears to be essential for the basic function of the enzyme, the charging of tRNA with glutamine . As a first step to a better understanding of the evolution of this enzyme, we determined the coding region for the conserved part of the human glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase . The coding region is composed of eight exons . It appears that individual exons encode defined secondary structural elements as parts of functionally important domains of the enzyme . Evolution of the gene by assembly of individual exons seems to be a viable hypothesis; alternative pathways are discussed.

Hautarzt, 1992, 43 Suppl 11, 9 - 12
{Results and consequences of long-term urea therapy for clinical practice}; Stuttgen G; In the development of clinical symptoms of atopic constitutional neurodermatitis, the application of urea can 1 . regulate corneal layer lipids by hydrating the corneal layer and influencing transepidermal water loss, 2 . reduce itching via inhibition of tryptic enzymes in the skin and, 3 . diminish the susceptibility of the skin to infection by directly acting on the cell membranes of bacteria and fungi . In the present study, the combination of urea and hydrocortisone was used for acute attacks and urea ointment for chronic therapy . The study comprised 1905 patients ranging from small children to adults and was conducted by dermatologists as well as pediatricians . Medical monitors supervised the course of the study . Statistical assessment of the results obtained consolidated previous knowledge and led to new results and epidemiological insights which will be presented at the Neurodermatitis Symposium . Urea therapy in the form of a hydrocortisone-urea ointment represents an effective and low-side effect therapy of this type of chronic dermatosis . 84% of the patients showed very good to good results . Local therapy with other corticosteroids was only reported as necessary in 16% of the cases . The antiinflammatory value of hydrocortisone and its high tolerability became particularly evident . In addition to its special properties in the therapy of neurodermatitis, urea also ranks high as a physiological substitution.

Int Rev Cytol, 1992, 132, 31 - 74
Cells in the marginal zone of the spleen; Kraal G; The marginal zone of the spleen forms an intriguing area in which a variety of cell types are combined . Several of these cell types seem to have a fixed position in the marginal zone, such as the marginal zone macrophages, the marginal metallophilic macrophages at the inner border, and, to a lesser extent, the marginal zone B cells . For other cell types--T lymphocytes, small B cells, and dendritic cells--the marginal zone is only a temporary residence . It is this combination of relatively sessile cell populations and the continuous influx and passing of bloodborne immunocompetent cells that turn the marginal zone into a dynamic area, particularly apt for antigen processing and recognition . In no other lymphoid organ can such a unique combination of cells and functions be found . The opening of the arterial blood stream in the marginal sinuses results in a reduction of the velocity of the blood stream, and antigens are initially screened in the marginal zone . To this, extremely potent phagocytic cells, the marginal zone macrophages, are present which can take up and phagocytize large foreign particles, such as bacteria and effete red blood cells . Further filtration of the blood takes place in the filtration beds of the red pulp . The marginal zone macrophages express membrane receptors for bacterial polysaccharides which lead to efficient phagocytosis, probably even in the absence of prior opsonization . Antigenic fragments produced this way can be taken up by dendritic cells that enter the spleen by the blood as part of a mobile surveillance immune system . Dendritic cells present antigen to T cells in the outer area of the T cell-dependent PALS, leading to clustering and enrichment of antigen-specific T cells . Antigens in the marginal zone can also directly associate with memory B cells thought to reside here for longer times, having intimate contact with the marginal zone macrophages . B memory cells then migrate into the PALS and present antigen to T cells . The marginal zone therefore functions not only as an area of initial filtration and phagocytosis of antigens from the blood, but also as a site of lymphocyte emigration . Some of the incoming T and B lymphocytes in the recirculating pool enter the white pulp from the marginal zone . The underlying force and selective molecular mechanisms that guide this migration are unknown . Both B and T lymphocytes recirculate through the outer PALS area on their way to the follicles and the inner PALS, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

J Wildl Dis, 1992 Jan, 28(1), 110 - 2
Detection of Renibacterium salmoninarum antigen in migrating adult chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) in Japan; Sakai M et al.; Renibacterium salmoninarum antigen was detected in the kidney of migrating chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) using the indirect dot blot assay and indirect fluorescent antibody test . The adult chum salmon had migrated into a bay in which cultured coho salmon infected with R . salmoninarum were present . Antigen was detected in 5% of the chum salmon although they did not have clinical signs of bacterial kidney disease (BKD) . This report describes the first case of R . salmoninarum antigen detection among wild chum salmon populations in eastern Asia.

Kekkaku, 1992 Jan, 67(1), 63 - 9
{Effect of cytokines on anti-Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) activities of human alveolar macrophages}; Suzuki K et al.; The macrophage is an essential component of the host defense against intracellular pathogens including MAC . Especially alveolar macrophages act as a first line defense in the lungs against MAC infection . Some cytokines were reported to activate mouse peritoneal macrophages and human monocyte-derived macrophages to inhibit growth or kill MAC . But we could find only one report describing the effect of cytokines on anti-MAC activities of human alveolar macrophages (PAM) . Thus, we investigated the effect of several cytokines on anti-MAC activities of PAM . PAM were recovered from 12 healthy subjects by bronchoalveolar lavage and cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 with 10% heat-inactivated human AB serum . After 2 hours incubation nonadherent cells were discarded by vigorous washing to from monolayers of PAM (2 x 10(5) PAM in each 11-mm diameter tissue culture dish) . Then we added 2 x 10(6) viable MAC bacteria (31F093T) and each cytokine to the wells simultaneously . We prepared the well without cytokines as control . After 96 hours incubation, PAM were disrupted by sonication, then all bacteria that had located inside and outside of the cells were plated onto 7H10 agar . The results are reported as mean colony forming units per each well . We had determined the optimal dose of each cytokine to prime PAM for enhanced O2- release and we used that optimal dose in this experiment . PAM with TNF-alpha pretreatment, and PAM with IFN-gamma pretreatment could release increased amount of O2- significantly, compared with control . PAM with IL-2 pretreatment and PAM with GM-CSF pretreatment also released somewhat increased amount of O2-.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Kekkaku, 1992 Jan, 67(1), 41 - 6
{Effect of natural resistance gene on the immune response against Mycobacterium avium complex infection}; Nakamura RM; Natural resistance gene (Bcg) is mapped to chromosome # 1 and known to control the host resistance against Mycobacterium avium Mino infection in mice . Using two sets of Bcg-congenic mice, BALB/c vs C.D2 and B10.A vs B10.A.Bcgr, we determined phenotypic differences in macrophages between Bcgs and Bcgr . Bcg gene product is not detected yet but thought to be expressed in macrophages and should be effective in mycobacteria-killing mechanisms of the host macrophages . It was found that AcM.1 expression is higher in Bcgr than Bcgs, while O2- production and granuloma formation are stronger in Bcgs than Bcgr . Cytokine messages were detected in Mino-infected macrophages . TNF is produced more in Bcgs, while IL-6 is higher in Bcgr . IL-1 was almost the same in both strains . Exogenous cytokines, IL-4 or IFN-r, added to the culture of Mino-infected macrophages, enhanced the bacteria killing in Bcgr but not in Bcgs.

J Ophthalmic Nurs Technol, 1992 Jan-Feb, 11(1), 20 - 2
Chronic blepharitis: easy nursing interventions for a common problem; Faherty B; 1 . Blepharitis is a chronic, usually bilateral, inflammation of the eyelid margins . It is a lifelong condition, difficult to eradicate, and requires constant vigilance to restrain its irritating manifestations . 2 . Treatment includes elimination of the scale caking the eyelids and eyebrows; removal of the offending bacteria, the materials they grow on, and the debris they leave; and healing the affected areas . 3 . Scrupulous eye hygiene along with good handwashing habits will keep most cases of blepharitis under control . Contact lens wearers must be careful of cross-contamination between eye, lens, lens solutions, or lens cases, and cosmetics should be used properly and with care.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1992 Jan, 45(1), 88 - 93
ES-242-1, a novel compound from Verticillium sp., binds to a site on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor that is coupled to the channel domain; Toki S et al.; A novel compound, ES-242-1, which binds to a site on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor that is coupled to the channel domain, was isolated from the culture broth of a fungus, Verticillium sp . SPC-15898 . ES-242-1 inhibited the {3H}thienyl cyclohexylpiperidine ({3H}TCP) binding to rat crude synaptic membrane fractions with an IC50 value of 116 nM, but did not inhibit the {3H}kainate binding to its receptor, which is another subtype of the excitatory amino acid receptor.

Immunol Lett, 1992 Jan, 31(1), 91 - 6
Trypanosoma cruzi infection in immunosuppressed mice; Calabrese KS et al.; Groups of 10 mice were challenged with 10(4) trypomastigotes of the Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi . Cyclophosphamide (200 mg per kg) was used for immunosuppression and administered two days before infection in one group and on day 5 after infection in a second group . Enhancement of infection was more drastic in the second group, with a uniform acceleration of mortality and no clearance of the blood parasites . Electron microscopy showed that the hepatocytes were colonized by T . cruzi and that the invasion of the liver, spleen and lungs was associated with secondary infection by bacteria, which may be one of the cases of acceleration of mortality in infected mice . It was suggested that immunosuppressive therapy may favor unexpected symptoms and tissue localization of parasites in patients with Chagas' disease.

J Basic Microbiol, 1992, 32(1), 29 - 33
Taxonomic relationship of some members of Azotobacteraceae based on their protein profiles; Jana SC et al.; Analysis of protein profiles of the members of Azotobacteraceae suggests that the genus Azotobacter consists of a heterogeneous group of bacteria, of which Azotobacter beijerinekii should possibly be separated to a new genus . Azomonas agilis and Azomonas macrocytogenes are only 26 percent related to each other.

Eur J Cancer, 1992, 28A(4-5), 888 - 9
A double-blind study of the efficacy of metronidazole gel in the treatment of malodorous fungating tumours; Bower M et al.; A double-blind placebo-controlled trial was undertaken to assess the value of topical metronidazole gel preparation in the palliation of the offensive odour of fungating tumours . This 5 day trial was followed by a 6 day period during which all patients received the active gel . Subjective odour assessments were performed by both patients and medical staff . 11 patients were entered and the randomisation was then halted because of an obvious overall benefit over the whole 11 days . There was a non-significant trend in favour of the active treatment during the initial double-blind placebo-controlled phase of the trial, and no side-effects were observed.

Funct Dev Morphol, 1992, 2(1), 31 - 5
Ultrastructure of rabbit tracheal epithelium after the administration of Hexabrix--a hexaiodated contrast agent for tracheobronchography; Konradova V et al.; The ultrastructure of the tracheal epithelium after the application of 1 ml of Hexabrix (a hexaiodated contrast agent for tracheobronchography) into the airways was studied . Severely altered pseudostratified columnar epithelium was found in the trachea . Eighty-one +/- 5% of the goblet cells had been stimulated to discharged mucus . Forty-three +/- 3% of them were completely exhausted and had degenerated . The ciliated cells displayed marked signs of pathological alteration up to vacuolar degeneration . The ciliary border above the epithelium was severely damaged . The mean number of cilia per micron 2 fell to 3.3 +/- 0.5, but the proportion of intact cilia did not drop below 95% . As morphological signs of impaired self-cleaning ability of the airway epithelium, a large amount of inspissated mucus and numerous bacteria were found in the area of the impaired ciliary border . Coarse grained contrast substance of supreme electron density was intermingled with the condensed mucus . The most pronounced damage to the cells was observed at the sites of direct contact of the contrast agent with the cell membranes.

J Basic Microbiol, 1992, 32(3), 193 - 200
Effect of temperature and medium composition on mycelial growth of Streptomyces tendae in submerged culture; Reichl U et al.; To investigate the influence of culture conditions on growth of filamentous bacteria in submerged culture, S . tendae was cultivated at various temperatures and in various media . For this purpose, a temperature-controlled growth chamber was constructed, which allows the cultivation of filamentous bacteria and fungi oxygen saturated medium . To observe the development of mycelia emerging from spores, this growth chamber was mounted on a microscope stage and series of images were analyzed by an image processing system . Growth kinetics obtained in liquid culture were identical to those determined on solid media . Specific growth rate and apical extension rates of individual hyphae seemed to be higher than those observed on solid media, due to a better supply of medium in submerged culture . A two-fold increase in specific growth rate, mean apical extension rate and branching rate was observed when the temperature was increased from 27 degrees C to 37 degrees C, therefore, the length of the hyphal growth unit was not changed . Growth in synthetic media used here was considerably slower compared with complex medium . A decrease in glucose concentration from 40.0 g l-1 to 1.0 g l-1 resulted in an increase in branching rate and specific growth rate, while apical extension rate of individual hyphae was unchanged.

Chemotherapy, 1992, 38(3), 145 - 9
Penetration of fleroxacin into human and animal tissues; Portmann R et al.; Fleroxacin concentrations in human and rat tissues were determined by HPLC following extraction with dichloromethane:isopropanol . This method yielded a high recovery of more than 85% . In the investigated tissues the fleroxacin levels were equal to or higher than those concomitantly measured in plasma . The concentration ratios 'tissue/plasma' were 1.6-2.7 for lung, 1.9-2.1 for muscle, 1.1-1.9 for gynaecological tissues and 1.2 for bone . Only in the case of fat and lens/eye lower ratios of 0.05-0.5 were found . The actual measured fleroxacin concentrations in most tissues and in plasma were high . Following oral administration of the recommended therapeutic dose of 400 mg, once daily, peak concentrations of 5-6 mg/l were reached in human plasma at steady state . Even 24 h after drug intake the fleroxacin level was still approximately 1 mg/l and thus in the range of the MIC90 values of susceptible bacteria causative for many types of tissue infections.

Arch Microbiol, 1992, 157(3), 213 - 7
Thiobacillus plumbophilus spec . nov., a novel galena and hydrogen oxidizer; Drobner E et al.; From an uranium mine three strains of rod-shaped, mesophilic, chemolithouautotrophic bacteria were isolated . They grow by oxidation of H2S, galena (PbS) and H2 . Angelsite (PbSO4) is formed from galena . No ferrous iron is oxidized by the isolates . They grow between pH 4 and 6.5 at temperatures of about 9 to 41 degrees C (optimum around 27 degrees C) . The G + C content of the DNA is around 66 mol % . Based on their ability to oxidize sulfur compounds, the new organisms belong to the genus Thiobacillus . No significant homology with Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and Thiobacillus cuprinus was detected by DNA-DNA hybridization . Therefore the new isolates represent a new species within the genus Thiobacillus . Based on the unusual growth on galena, we name the new species Thiobacillus plumbophilus (type strain Gro7; DSM 6690).

Proc Finn Dent Soc, 1992, 88 Suppl 1, 83 - 93
Microleakage related to restorative procedures; Cox CF; A current Med-line search from 1966 to present cited over 344 juried publications employing the term microleakage . Dentistry recognizes microleakage as a multifaceted biological phenomenon . Brannstrom et al . (1967), Trowbridge (1982), Narhi (1983), and others have reported the sensory component of microleakage as a consequence of hydrodynamic fluid movement within the dentinal tubule complex . This movement of dentinal fluid has been demonstrated to displace nociceptive receptors which stimulate the nerves of the Group A fibers which run and terminate within the odontoblastic layer (see Matthews 1992) . Penetration of oral fluids, bacteria and their toxic products within the preparation-material interface following material insertion accounts for the pathological component of microleakage (Browne and Tobias 1986) . Continued microleakage of bacterial infiltrates eventually present as an inflammatory process which may initially signal the dentin complex to respond by deposition of a hypermineralized or sclerotic dentin . The pulp-dentin interface will repair with a specialized zone of reparative dentin . An overwhelming carious lesion often results in pulp infection and eventual necrosis . Vital dentin is an extension of the pulp, presenting the first line of defense to the consequences of microleakage . Recent publications have demonstrated that microleakage of dental materials in non-exposed and exposed pulps is a function of controlling bacterial infection . In an exposed mature dental pulp, the mesenchymal tissue permits the reorganization of pulp tissue and regeneration of a new dentin bridge in the presence of a biological seal . New odontoblastoid cells appear to regenerate from deeper pulpoblasts in the presence of various dental materials, apparently without an epithelial stimulating factor (Yamamura 1985) . This inherent healing of the dental pulp and regeneration of a new dentin bridge is expressed in the presence of various dental materials, but only in the absence of bacterial infection . Data which evaluates the biological deposition of reparative and dentin bridges as either repair or regeneration are presented as a basis for considering the clinical selections of dental materials . Recent data demonstrate that dentin and pulp healing are ensured when a proper biological seal is provided to control and prevent microleakage.

Proc Finn Dent Soc, 1992, 88 Suppl 1, 7 - 13
Etiology of dentin hypersensitivity; Brannstrom M; Hypersensitive dentin appears to be mainly the result of an activation of the dentinal pain fibres, the A-fibres, at the pulpal wall . The stimuli which activate these nerves are primarily those which remove fluid from the dentinal tubules and mobilize capillary forces, causing a rapid outward flow . Application of a cold stimulus causes the fluid to contract, resulting in a similar rapid outward flow in the pulpal region of the tubules . Hypersensitivity to cold is also marked when there is a fluid-filled gap containing bacteria in the tooth . Experiments have shown that a freshly exposed dentin surface with patent tubules is more sensitive than a surface contaminated by a smear layer . Inflammation in the adjacent pulpal region can also increase sensitivity . The development of hypersensitive cervical and occlusal surfaces is due to mechanical and acidic effects from the oral environment, toothbrush abrasion, erosive components in the diet, plaque and bacterial invasion of dentin . Sometimes dentin is exposed by restorative therapy and occasionally eccentric occlusal loads can contribute to hypersensitivity . The sensitivity may persist unless the open tubular apertures are sealed.

Proc Finn Dent Soc, 1992, 88 Suppl 1, 133 - 41
Relation of dentin sensitivity to histological changes in dog teeth with exposed and stimulated dentin; Hirvonen T et al.; The effect of chronic exposure of dentin to the sensitivity of intradental nerves was studied in dogs . The dentin of canine and incisor teeth was exposed one week prior to the experiments in which 34 single fiber units dissected from the inferior alveolar nerve were recorded . In the teeth with acutely bared dentin 36 nerve fibers were tested . SEM of the chronically exposed dentin showed that practically no tubule apertures could be found since the surface was covered with bacteria and oral debris . This coating had to be removed by drilling and acid etching before any responses could be evoked . When compared to the teeth with acutely exposed dentin, the sensitivity of the fibers responding to drilling, probing, osmotic stimulation, and air blasts applied to the dentin was weakened in the chronic cases, in the sense that fewer units of those tested responded . However, cold evoked nerve activity only in some chronically exposed teeth, suggesting sensitization of the nerves . TEM revealed electron-dense substance in the dentinal tubules of the chronic teeth . Some of the material was evidently cellular remnants aspirated from the pulp and some of it, staining more faintly, could be extravasated plasma proteins . In the acute cases the tubules were emptier . Light microscopy showed histological injuries in the pulp-dentin border . It is concluded that the decrease in the responsiveness of the pulp nerve fibers in the chronic cases was due to the changes in the dentin.

Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1992, 37(2), 93 - 101
Growth and enzymological characteristics of a pink-pigmented facultative methylotroph Methylobacterium sp . MB1; Baev MV et al.; Growth characteristics of batch and continuous cultures of the pink facultative methylotroph Methylobacterium sp . MB1 were determined . The response of a chemostat culture to a pulse increase of methanol concentration was studied . Malate, succinate and oxaloacetate additions to the methanol-supplemented medium decreased batch culture growth inhibition by methanol . The carotenoid content in cells grown in a chemostat decreased with increasing growth rate . The key enzyme activities of C1-metabolism were measured in a chemostat culture at different dilution rates.

Int J Clin Lab Res, 1992, 22(2), 90 - 4
Are heat shock proteins involved in autoimmunity?
Gaston JS.
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) have been postulated to be critical antigens in both autoimmune disease and experimental models of autoimmunity . This postulate has been largely based on the remarkable conservation of aminoacid sequence between human and bacterial HSPs, so that it has been argued that immune responses initially directed against the HSP of an infectious agent, would have the potential to initiate or maintain autoimmune disease . This would apply especially to T cell recognition of HSPs, since the T cell focuses on short peptide epitopes within a protein antigen rather than on the antigen's secondary structure . This article critically evaluates the available experimental evidence relating to this hypothesis: although research has clearly highlighted the central role of HSPs in the cellular immune response to pathogenic organisms and has shown the potential for T cell responses directed against self HSPs, a role for self HSPs as major target antigens in autoimmune disease has yet to be firmly established.

Radiat Environ Biophys, 1992, 31(3), 181 - 96
Cell inactivation by heavy charged particles; Blakely EA; The inactivation of cells resulting in lethal or aberrant effects by charged particles is of growing interest . Charged particles at extremely high LET are capable of completely eliminating cell-type and cell-line differences in repair capacity . It is still not clear however whether the repair systems are inactivated, or merely that heavy-ion lesions are less repairable . Studies correlating the particle inactivation dose of radioresistant cells with intact DNA analyzed with pulse field gel electrophoresis and other techniques may be useful, but more experiments are also needed to assess the fidelity of repair . For particle irradiations between 40-100 keV/microns there is however evidence for particle-induced activation of specific genes in mammalian cells, and certain repair processes in bacteria . New data are available on the inactivation of developmental processes in several systems including seeds, and cells of the nematode C . elegans . Future experimental and theoretical modeling research emphasis should focus on exploring particle-induced inactivation of endpoints assessing functionality and not just lethality, and on analyzing molecular damage and genetic effects arising in damaged but non-inactivated survivors . The discrete nature of selective types of particle damage as a function of radiation quality indicates the value of accelerated ions as probes of normal and aberrant biological processes . Information obtained from molecular analyses of damage and repair must however be integrated into the context of cellular and tissue functions of the organism.

Microbios, 1992, 70(282), 23 - 30
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of Fusobacterium necrophorum antibody in bovine sera; Kameyama Y et al.; An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with HCl heat extracted antigen of Fusobacterium necrophorum was developed for the detection of antibody in bovine sera . Optimal conditions for antigen concentration and dilution of bovine serum were established . Pretreatment of positive reference serum with the antigens of different bacteria demonstrated no decrease, whereas the serum pretreated with F . necrophorum antigens revealed a decrease in the ELISA values . The apparent difference in ELISA values was observed between the sera derived from cattle infected and not infected with Fusobacterium necrophorum . These findings indicate that the ELISA detects the antibody to F . necrophorum in bovine sera.

Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi, 1992 Jan, 30(1), 52 - 4, 64
{Role of neutrophil and hydroxyl radical in shock-induced gut origin infection}; Ma L; The relative roles of hydroxyl radical and neutrophils in the pathogenesis of shock-induced mucosal injury and gut origin infection (GOI) were determined . The incidence of GOI was higher in the shocked rats (30 mmHg for 30 min) than the sham-shock controls (87% vs 12.5%; P less than 0.01) . Administration of the hydroxyl radical scavenger, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or iron chelator and deferoxamine reduced the incidence of GOI from 87% to 20% and 40% respectively (P less than 0.05) . DMSO and deferoxamine appeared to prevent shock-induced GOI by blunting the magnitude of shock-induced mucosal injury . In contrast, neutrophil depletion did not prevent GOI or protect the intestinal mucosal in the shocked rats . Instead, the incidence of systemic spread of bacteria past the mesenteric lymph nodes to the livers and spleens of the shocked rats was higher in the neutrophil depleted rats (56%) than any other group (7%) (P less than 0.01) . Thus, shock-induced GOI and intestinal injury appears to be mediated by xanthine oxidase generated oxidants such as hydroxyl radical rather than neutrophil-generated factors . In addition, neutrophil depletion may be clinically deleterious, since it promotes systemic sepsis rather than preventing shock-induced GOI.

Swed Dent J, 1992, 16(3), 93 - 9
Pulpal response to restoration of deep cavities with high-copper amalgam; Torstenson B et al.; The effect on the pulp of a high-copper amalgam was studied in buccal cavities in 16 pairs of human premolars, 32 teeth, restored with ANA 2000 . To minimize the risk of bacterial contamination, the cavities were treated with a cleanser, Tubulicid, and the outer portion of the filling was replaced by zinc oxide-eugenol cement (ZOE), i.e . surface-sealing . In one cavity in each pair, the control, a thin lining was used . The teeth were extracted after 5-13 days, sectioned, stained with hematoxylin-eosin or Brown and Brenn and evaluated for the degree of pulpal inflammation and presence of bacteria . The results showed that regardless of whether lining was used or not, no inflammation or only a very few inflammatory cells were found in the 21 teeth in which the thickness of the remaining dentin varied from 0.15 mm to 0.5 mm, except for one pair showing slight to moderate inflammation . However, in this pair bacterial growth were found on the cavity walls . No other teeth showed bacterial growth . In the remaining eleven teeth the thickness of the remaining dentin was less than 0.08 mm, including five pulpal exposures . Slight to severe inflammation occurred in eight of these teeth . ANA 2000 per se did not seem to irritate the pulp except in very deep cavities or on direct exposures . The reason for this reaction is not known, but it might be attributable to the zinc content of the amalgam.

Arkh Patol, 1992, 54(9), 5 - 12
{Local defense mechanisms in chronic nonspecific pulmonary inflammation}; Kop'eva TN et al.; The mechanisms of non-immune and immune injuries in chronic nonspecific lung inflammation are analysed on the basis of authors' research and literature . The data given concern the changes of the bronchial mucociliary transport system, incomplete functions of alveolar macrophages and polymorphonuclear neutrophils in chronic inflammatory foci, increase in the number of intra- and extracellular bacteria, metabolism of lung phagocytes in different chronic inflammatory lung diseases . The urgency of lung phagocyte and lymphocyte investigation both in specific cellular and humoral immune reactions, as well as in realization of immunopathologic mechanisms developing in chronic inflammation is emphasized.

Langenbecks Arch Chir, 1992, 377(6), 341 - 4
{Pneumococcus-induced septicemia in normal and splenectomized rabbits}; Melissas J et al.; A new rabbit model to study the consequences of splenectomy in host resistance to induced pneumococcal septicaemia is presented . A simple, fast, non-invasive and complication-free technique of bacterial inoculation into the rabbit airways, using transcutaneous cannulation of the trachea, is also described . Sixteen normal and 24 splenectomised animals were used . The optimal dose of pneumonococcus (serotype B, type III) was found to be 1 x 10(7) organisms . The above dose of bacteria given transtracheally failed to cause signs of pneumonia or death in any of the normal rabbits . However the same dose introduced using the same technique resulted reproducibly in the death of the low-resistance splenectomised animals.

Toxicol Pathol, 1992, 20(2), 146 - 54
Histopathologic observations in weanling B6C3F1 mice and F344/N rats and their adult parental strains; Hall WC et al.; Weanling Fischer 344/N (F344) rats and the first filial hybrid of C57BL/6 x C3H (B6C3F1) mice and retired breeders from the parental stocks of these strains were monitored over a 5-yr-period by examining the histopathology of selected organs and comparing those results to viral and mycoplasmal serology and the intestinal tract bacterial flora of each animal on an individual basis . Serology gave no evidence of viral infection, but Mycoplasma arthriditis antibodies were detected . Reactivity of serum of adult C57BL/6 female mice with control cells or media (tissue culture, TC) was seen in a significant number of mice . TC reactivity correlated positively with lymphoid perivascular infiltrates, predominantly of the lungs, suggesting an allergic response in development of the lesions . Other lesions of note consisted of Harderian gland inflammation of rats, focal necrotizing lesions of the liver of both species, and thickening of the pleura and adjacent pulmonary interstitium of weanling rats . Embolization of bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver was considered a possible cause of the liver necrosis in both species . Although lesions of the lung and Harderian gland of the rats are similar to those caused by known viral agents, the cause of the latter could not be determined as these animals were negative for viral antibodies and the former was considered to be related to incomplete pulmonary development in the young rat . Features differentiating the lesions observed in animals of this survey from those caused by viral infection are discussed.

ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec, 1992, 54(6), 328 - 30
Ear polyps in posterior superior retraction pockets, herodion . Histopathological and pathogenetic aspects; Larsen PL et al.; Histopathological characteristics of 20 ear herodion polyps with a certain localisation and a well-known underlying pathological process were studied in order to elucidate the pathogenesis of ear mucosal polyp formation . Only 12 of the polyps were covered with epithelium; either a squamous keratinized epithelium or a cylindrical epithelium . Three polyps were covered with cylindrical and squamous keratinized epithelium . Incipient gland formation was seen and glands were only found in 35% of the polyps . It seems possible that the polyp is a local newly formed process and may have the aim of catching, eliminating and digesting bacteria and dead cells.

Rev Gastroenterol Peru, 1992, 12(1), 13 - 7
{Cancer of the gastric stump}; Rojas Bravo F et al.; 627 cases of gastric cancer treated surgically during the last 5 years, at the Hospital Nacional "Edgardo Rebagliati Martins" from Instituto Peruano de Seguridad Social (Lima-Peru) were revised . 4 of the patients had been operated before of hemigastrectomy or antrectomy with pyloroplasty for peptic ulcer . The time between the first operation and diagnosis of cancer of the gastric stump was more than 20 years . 3 of these cases were able to be resected . The international incidence of cancer in the gastric stump is 1.1% to 9.2% according to different authors . The risk is higher after 15 years . In the pathogenesis are advocated the lower gastric acidity, biliary reflux, the presence of bacteria, the formation of nitrosamines, intestinal metaplasia, etc . Is necessary to perform periodic endoscopic survey in patients who were treated surgically of peptic ulcer with antrectomy or hemigastrectomy with more than 15 years of evolution.

Growth Factors, 1992, 7(3), 233 - 40
Identification of bone morphogenetic protein-2 in early Xenopus laevis embryos; Ueno N et al.; Polyclonal antibodies capable of reacting with amphibian bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2 and -4) were raised in rabbits by immunization with a synthetic 21 amino acid peptide which corresponds to a sequence residing in the mature protein of Xenopus BMP-2 (xBMP-2) . The antibodies recognized an embryonic BMP as well as mammalian and bacteria expressed recombinant xBMPs . The antibodies detected, under reducing conditions, a 30 kDa protein in the extract of oocytes and embryos during early development . Interestingly, acidification of the extract from each developmental stage yielded a protein band of smaller molecular weight of 18 kDa, which is similar in size to reduced form of mature BMPs purified from mammalian species . Two-dimensional electrophoresis employed to examine the molecular weight of unreduced forms using the antibody, revealed that both molecular forms are monomeric in the embryos . The result suggests that at least BMP-2 mRNA previously detected in early embryos, is translated into peptide but the dimerization may be incomplete or strictly limited in these embryos.

Ter Arkh, 1992, 64(5), 106 - 10
{Spondylarthritis ankylopoietica and HLA-B27}; Benevolenskaia LI; There is a strict association between HLA-B27 and a group of spondylarthropathies, especially with ankylosing spondylarthritis (AS) . The causes of the association remain obscure, different hypotheses are regarded . There is an interaction between B27 and bacteria . However, the etiological and pathogenetic roles played by any of them in AS cannot be regarded as proved . B27 is an important genetic factor in the disease expression . It is implicated in the pathogenesis, being undoubtedly a risk factor . At the same time it cannot be excluded that B27 is only one of the genes, predisposed to the disease . From the practical standpoint, it is important that the I degree kinship relatives of AS patients, males in particular, having HLA-B27 may be subjected to prophylactic medical examinations.

EXS, 1992, 62, 227 - 34
Anticarcinogenic activities of carotenoids in animals and cellular systems; Krinsky NI; A large number of studies have indicated that carotenoid pigments act as anticarcinogenic agents in animals treated with either ultraviolet light, ultraviolet light with chemicals, or with chemical carcinogens alone . Although pharmacological doses of cartenoids were used in the early experiments, more recent evidence indicates that relatively small doses can be effective . These studies have been complemented by investigations in bacteria and mammalian tissue, either in cell culture or in organ culture, where it has been demonstrated that various carotenoid pigments can prevent mutagenesis, genotoxic effects, or malignant transformation . It would appear that these effects are intrinsic to the carotenoid molecule, and not necessarily due to the metabolic conversion to retinoids . Partially based on these observations, it has been suggested that carotenoid pigments may function as chemopreventive agents for reducing the risk of cancer in humans . Numerous studies are underway to test this hypothesis.

Acta Physiol Scand Suppl, 1992, 607, 201 - 7
The Na+/glucose cotransporter (SGLT1); Wright EM et al.; An important class of Na+ transport proteins is the cotransporters . They exist in bacteria and animal cells and are responsible for the "active" accumulation of sugars, amino acids, carboxylic acids and some ions, e.g., I-, Cl-, and PO-4, in cells . In the small intestine and renal proximal tubule the cotransporters play an important role in the transport of salt and water across the epithelia . The most well known and best characterized Na+ cotransporter is the intestinal brush border Na+/glucose cotransporter . We have cloned, sequenced, and expressed both the rabbit and human Na+/glucose cotransporters . The cDNAs code for 73kDa proteins with 662-664 residues (86% identity) . Secondary structure analysis suggests a 12 membrane-spanning helical model with the N- and C-termini in the cytoplasm . A single N-linked glycosylation site is utilized at Asn248 . These sugars are not required for function . Two essential residues for functional expression in oocytes have been identified, Asp28 and Arg300 . In two sisters with glucose-galactose malabsorption the transport defect is caused by a missense mutation changing Asp28 to Asn28, and we have found that changing Arg300 to Cys300 eliminated transport . Current research is directed to finding residues and domains essential for ligand binding and transport, and we are using electrophysiological techniques to correlate structure and function.

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys, 1992, 24(5), 949 - 57
Enhanced induction of tissue-type plasminogen activator in normal human cells compared to cancer-prone cells following ionizing radiation; Fukunaga N et al.; Normal human fibroblast (i.e., GM2936B, GM2907A, and IMR-90) and cancer-prone human fibroblast (i.e., Fanconi's anemia, Bloom's syndrome, and Ataxia telangiectasia) cells demonstrated the induction of intracellular and extracellular levels of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) at 6 and 12 hr, respectively, following ionizing radiation . Induced t-PA enzymatic activities following ionizing radiation were blocked by actinomycin D treatments . t-PA enzymatic activities were induced over 14-fold in Ataxia telangiectasia cells, over 9-fold in Bloom's syndrome cells, and over 6-fold in Fanconi's anemia cells, as compared to normal human fibroblasts . Similarly, the induction of t-PA mRNA levels in cancer-prone cells were between 5- to 10-fold higher than those observed in normal cells following equitoxic doses of ionizing radiation . Temporal induction of t-PA mRNA levels for normal and cancer-prone human cells were consistent with quantifiable enzymatic activities . The elevated induction of an intracellular protease (i.e., t-PA) in cancer-prone human cells is reminiscent of an "SOS"-like response observed in yeast and bacteria.

Arch Microbiol, 1992, 158(5), 370 - 3
Purification and characterization of a methanol-induced cobamide-containing protein from Sporomusa ovata; Stupperich E et al.; The major cobamide-containing protein from methanol-utilizing Sporomusa ovata was 8-fold enriched to apparent homogeneity . The protein exhibited a molecular mass of 40 kDa and of 38 kDa determined by gel filtration and by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, respectively . This finding indicates a monomeric protein structure . Monospecific polyclonal antisera raised against the protein did not cross react with another cobamide-containing protein from Sporomusa cells . Only the 40 kDa cobamide-containing protein was induced by methanol, since proteins from cells grown on 3,4-dimethoxybenzoate, betaine H2/CO2, or fructose showed faint or no cross reaction . Hence, the 40 kDa cobamide-containing protein is presumably involved in the methyl-transfer reaction of the methanol metabolism . The purified enzyme revealed 1.1 mol of p-cresolyl cobamide per mol of protein, but it lacked of iron-sulfur centers . Remarkably, the cofactor was firmly bound to its protein.

Adv Biophys, 1992, 28, 135 - 58
Compliance of genetic code with base-composition deflecting pressure; Wada A; Gene DNAs of different organisms show a wide variation in their G+C content as much as 20% to 80% . This variation has been regarded as the result of the compliance of the genetic code with the base-composition-deflecting mutational pressure . To make possible a quantitative discussion of this genetic code's elasticity, we made a statistical study of the G+C frequency at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions of codons: 4.5 x 10(6) codons in 11,981 protein coding regions in the DNA data base were analyzed . The data were examined quantitatively by using a species-independent universal equation which describes the base frequencies at the three codon sites in terms of the constraint parameters characteristic of the sites and an intersite interaction . By a best fitting procedure between theoretical curves and data points, the constraint parameters and the characteristic G+C contents to which the 1st and the 2nd site base compositions are bound were determined . The base substituting mutation of the coding sequence under the base-composition-deflecting pressure is divided into following three stages of the different compliance from the elastic one to the rigid: 1) the 3rd position of codons change by synonymous substitution; 2) the 1st and then 2nd positions change accompanying amino acid replacement; and 3) in the organisms exposed under an extremely high base composition deflecting pressure, the codon table is forced to be altered . The compliance parameters were derived quantitatively for the first two stages . In conclusion, a simultaneous analysis of data from organisms as divers as virus and man discovered that there is a set of constraints common to species, which governs the frequency of codon bases, and it can be described by a universal equation.

Respiration, 1992, 59 Suppl 3, 19 - 23
Influence of OM-85 BV on different humoral and cellular immune defense mechanisms of the respiratory tract; Emmerich B et al.; To clarify the mode of action of an oral bacterial extract (OM-85 BV) on local airway immunity pre- and posttherapeutic washings from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of 28 adult patients with nonobstructive chronic bronchitis were analysed . In comparison to healthy controls, an elevation of total cell count due to an increased number of PMN leukocytes, and an impaired activity of the alveolar macrophages measured by the chemiluminescence response to opsonized zymosan was observed in patients with chronic bronchitis . After treatment with OM-85 BV, the BAL CD4+/CD8+ lymphocyte ratio and BAL interferon-gamma levels were increased . The alveolar macrophage activity was normalized and the BAL IgA was regulated from a reduced or hyperelevated to a moderately increased level.

Oper Dent, 1992 Jan-Feb, 17(1), 13 - 20
Dentin permeability: sealing the dentin in crown preparations; Pashley EL et al.; Provisional restorations of full crown preparations may permit more microleakage of bacteria and their products than the final castings do . However, most investigations of the sealing qualities of cemented castings have reported that they too permit dye leakage . One approach to the problem is to seal the dentin with dentin bonding agents at the completion of the crown preparation . This study evaluated the ability of six different dentin bonding agents to seal the dentin of crown preparations of human teeth in vitro using two independent techniques . The first technique quantitated fluid filtration across dentin before and after treatment with dentin bonding agents at one hour, one day, one week, and one month and after thermocycling . The second method measured silver nitrate penetration of the thin veneers of dentin bonding agents into the dentin . Both methods correlated well with each other . The best seals were obtained with Prisma Universal Bond 2 or Superbond powder plus liquid . The worst seals were found using Gluma and Superbond liquid only . Clearfil PhotoBond, Amalgambond, and Scotchbond 2 gave intermediate results . Although the dentin bonding agents tend to accumulate on chamfers, thereby increasing their thickness to 200-300 microns, the method looks promising as a simple way to protect the pulp from the consequences of microleakage.

J Immunoassay, 1992, 13(2), 231 - 52
A rapid and sensitive heterogeneous immunoelectrochemical assay using disposable electrodes; Hadas E et al.; In this novel enzyme-tagged immuoelectrochemical assay, disposable carbon felt discs serve both as electrodes and as the heterogeneous solid phase . Antibodies are immobilized on the carbon felt via a diaminoalkane-biotin-avidin-biotin bridge . Alkaline phosphatase is used as a label . Bound antibodies are monitored by following the electro-oxidation of aminophenol, produced enzymatically from p-amino-phenyl phosphate by the immobilized alkaline phosphatase at the electrode surface . A model system designed for determination of mouse IgG concentration yielded a calibration curve ranging from 10 pg/ml to 100 micrograms/ml . This assay can be performed rapidly and a single determination completed within 20 minutes . The system is useful also for rapid quantitation of a small number (approximately 80 organisms per ml) of bacteria.

Dev Biol Stand, 1992, 77, 57 - 64
IMOCUR stimulates production of immunoglobulins; preliminary results concerning a correlation between in vitro and in vivo experiments; Dutartre P et al.; The bacterial extract IMOCUR is described as an in vivo stimulant of antibody production during animal testing and human clinical trials . Using a slightly modified procedure (13) dealing with in vitro immunoglobulin production by C57B1/6 mouse spleen cells, we have shown that IMOCUR potentiates spontaneous IgM production . In order to explore the putative relation between this in vitro activity and the current in vivo control test (stimulation of plaque-forming cell production after sheep red blood cell injection to Balb/c mouse), we have assayed 10 lyophilisates in vitro and in vivo before and after heat inactivation (80 degrees C, 7 days in a saturated water atmosphere) . Results have shown that this treatment inhibits, respectively, totally and partially in vivo and in vitro activities . Thus the in vitro technique seems to be appropriate for the control of activity of the various batches of IMOCUR . Experiments are under way to clarify the mathematical correlation which may exist between the in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Dev Biol Stand, 1992, 77, 159 - 65
Immunomodulators and primary prevention of respiratory infections: methodological considerations; Collet JP; Immunomodulators have been evaluated mainly for their efficacy as a secondary preventive treatment to protect sick children from the recurrence of infections . We investigated the efficacy of one such product, IMOCURR, as a primary preventive treatment in children attending daycare, who face a very high risk of recurrent infections . EPICUR is a double-blind trial which was designed to study the efficacy of IMOCURR versus placebo . In order to have sufficient statistical power, data collection was based on a daily follow-up procedure and all important concomitant risk factors, such as age, environment and season, were controlled at the study design stage . The sample size required was calculated to be at least 400 children and a total of 423 were actually included . The results obtained for the total follow-up period and those obtained for the treatment period only were very different . This finding raises important questions which have methodological implications . This paper discusses these implications.

Dev Biol Stand, 1992, 77, 137 - 42
Standardized mouse infection models as a way of evaluating the potency of anti-infectious agents; Bizzini B et al.; Standardized bacterial and viral mouse infection models have been developed . Infections with extracellular bacteria (K . pneumoniae, S . pneumoniae, S . pyogenes A) were produced by either of two routes: via the intravenous route (i.v.) resulting in septicaemia and the intranasal route (i.n.) giving infections confined to the respiratory apparatus . Infections with intracellular bacteria (L . monocytogenes, S . typhimurium) were produced only by the i.v . route . Two types of viral infection, mild and severe, were produced . Infection with influenza virus was by aerosol and herpes virus HSV-1 by the intraperitoneal route . All infection models produced under strictly controlled conditions were shown to be characterized by a remarkable reproducibility regarding both the pattern of development and death rate . The infection models lend themselves to estimation of the efficacy of a drug as well as the designing of new therapeutic strategies.

Int Arch Allergy Immunol, 1992, 98(4), 279 - 85
Human TH1 and TH2 subsets: regulation of differentiation and role in protection and immunopathology; Romagnani S; A large body of evidence has accumulated suggesting the existence of human TH1 and TH2 subsets, reminiscent of those described for mouse T cells . Human TH1 cells develop in response to intracellular bacteria and viruses, do not provide help for IgE synthesis and are cytolytic . Human TH2 cells develop in response to allergens and helminth components, provide help for IgM, IgG, IgA, and IgE synthesis and lack cytolytic potential . The cytokine profile of 'natural' immunity (high IFN-gamma and no IL-4 production) evoked by intracellular bacteria and viruses that activate both macrophages and NK cells, probably determines the phenotype of the subsequent specific TH1 response . Absence or low concentration of IFN-gamma and early production of IL-4 by non-T cells or by T cells themselves, that occur in response to allergens and helminth components, probably favor the development of TH2 cells . TH1 and TH2 cells play different roles not only in protection against exogenous offending agents, but also in immunopathology . TH1 cells are involved in contact dermatitis, organ-specific autoimmunity and allograft rejection . TH2 cells are responsible for the initiation of the allergic cascade.

Arthroscopy, 1992, 8(3), 305 - 10
Effusions after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the ligament augmentation device; Yamamoto H et al.; Persistent effusions occurred in 4.3% (seven patients) of 164 patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using an autograft augmented with the ligament augmentation device (LAD) between 1986 and 1989 . No bacteria were cultured from the joint fluid . The radiograph in each case showed a tibial drill hole located anteriorly or anterolaterally . Arthroscopy confirmed an abraded LAD in six cases and breakage of the LAD in one case and impingement of the graft on the femoral condyle during extension . Under polarized light microscopy, the histology of the synovia showed foreign body giant cells in one case and particles among the proliferative cells in four cases . The effusions subsided in two cases after notchplasty and in five cases after removal of the LAD . Impingement of the graft on the femoral condyle due to incorrect positioning of the tibial drill hole presumably produced particles that induced synovitis and effusions.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1992, 319, 39 - 48
Immunomodulation of C3H/HeJ cells by endotoxin associated protein and lipopolysaccharide endotoxin; Sultzer BM et al.; Protein kinase C plays a vital role in the activation of C3H/HeJ B lymphocytes by endotoxin associated protein; however, it is unlikely that G proteins are involved in the early signals stimulated by EP . On the other hand, LPS suppresses C3H/HeJ B cell DNA synthesis induced by EP which may be the result of PKC down regulation . LPS inhibits C3H/HeJ B cells from progressing through the G1 phase of the cell cycle blocking RNA synthesis within the first 12 hr after the cells are stimulated . Finally, this inhibition extends to activation of the arachidonic acid metabolism in C3H/HeJ macrophages and T cell proliferation to a limited extent.

Biometals, 1992 Spring, 5(1), 3 - 12
Structure and function of vanadium compounds in living organisms; Rehder D; Vanadium has been recognized as a metal of biological importance only recently . In this mini-review, its main functions uncovered during the past few years are addressed . These encompass (i) the regulation of phosphate metabolizing enzymes (which is exemplified for the inhibition of ribonucleases by vanadate), (ii) the halogenation of organic compounds by vanadate-dependent non-heme peroxidases from seaweeds, (iii) the reductive protonation of nitrogen (nitrogen fixation) by alternative, i.e . vanadium-containing, nitrogenases from N2-fixing bacteria, (iv) vanadium sequestering by sea squirts (ascidians), and (v) amavadine, a low molecular weight complex of V(IV) accumulated in the fly agaric and related toadstools . The function of vanadium, while still illusive in ascidians and toadstools, begins to be understood in vanadium-enzyme interaction . Investigations into the structure and function of model compounds play an increasingly important role in elucidating the biological significance of vanadium.

Chemotherapy, 1992, 38(3), 159 - 68
Development of effective drug combinations for the inhibition of multiply resistant mycobacteria, especially of the Mycobacterium avium complex; Seydel JK et al.; Rationally designed combinations of rifampicin (RAMP) and thiacetazone plus isonicotinic acid hydrazide and/or ethambutol are highly effective in the treatment of patients (including HIV-positive) infected with multiply resistant mycobacteria of the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) . Clinical results are very promising . The high efficacy of these combinations is due to the synergistic potentiation of single-drug activities . As soon as rifabutin is marketed, it should replace RAMP in the combination treatment of patients with highly RAMP-resistant MAC bacteria.

J Clin Gastroenterol, 1992, 14 Suppl 1, S114 - 21
Mechanism of Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis: focus on mucus; Slomiany BL et al.; Although the clinical data provide increasingly convincing indications that Helicobacter pylori (H . pylori) is a causative factor in gastritis and peptic ulcer, the advances toward the clear understanding of this bacterium's pathogenic action are slow in coming . Having a niche bordering two major perimeters of gastric mucosal defense, H . pylori is capable of exerting detrimental effects on the mucus layer, as well as surface cells of the gastric epithelium . To cause such an effect, the bacteria must first, however, attach to the mucosa . Our findings indicate that this attachment involves specific structures on the epithelial cell surfaces, namely lactosylceramide sulfate and GM3 ganglioside . The analysis of the glycolipid distribution pattern in different regions of human stomach revealed that the antral mucosal content of GM3 and lactosylceramide sulfate are considerably higher than that of the fundus, which may account for the prevalence of H . pylori colonization of the antrum . We have also established that H . pylori causes considerable untoward changes in gastric mucus coat integrity . These changes are reflected in the loss of protective qualities of mucus due to the action of H . pylori-elaborated proteases and lipases . The result of H . pylori protease action is disintegration of the polymeric structure of mucin, whereas the elaborated lipases and phospholipase A2 in particular result in mucus lipid degradation, loss of mucosal surface, hydrophobicity, and lysophospholipid generation . The lytic activity of the resulting lysophospholipids is detrimental not only to mucus gel integrity, but even more so to the cell membrane of gastric epithelium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immunogenetics, 1992, 36(2), 86 - 94
A new approach to the cloning of genes encoding T-cell epitopes; Scott DM et al.; The molecular structure of antigens recognized exclusively by T cells, such as minor histocompatibility antigens and some antigens that provoke autoimmune responses, has proved difficult to determine . Recently, several antigens induced on tumor cells by mutagen treatment have been cloned by transfection of genomic DNA libraries into P1.HTR cells, screening for antigen expression using T-cell clones, and subsequent recovery of the integrated DNA by cosmid rescue . We have modified this technique and have stably transfected P1.HTR cell lines with polyoma T antigen, which allows episomal replication of the shuttle vector, pCDM8 . Using pCDM8-CAT constructs, we have determined the frequency of transfection and plasmid copies taken up per cell under optimal transfection conditions . Using a pCDM8 construct which expresses the tumor-specific antigen, P91A (pCDM8-tum-), that is recognized by a T-cell clone, we have found that cells transfected with this antigen can be recognized by the T-cell clone when they are present at only 1%-3% of a mixed population . Progeny of a single cell transfected with pCDM8-tum-: pCDM8-CAT at proportions of 1:10, 1:25, and 1:50 are recognized by the T-cell clone . Furthermore, Hirt extracted plasmid DNA from transfectants expressing the tum- antigen can be amplified in bacteria, transfected back into P1.HTR recipients, and recognized by the T-cell clone . This approach should enable reasonably rapid screening of cDNA libraries for even relatively low abundance messages encoding, for example, minor histocompatibility and alloantigens, and allow their subsequent cloning.

Arkh Patol, 1992, 54(1), 3 - 8
{New data on the leukocyte functional morphology in pyo-septic processes}; Sarkisov DS et al.; It is established by electron microscopical radioautography that sepsis results in the lowering of neutrophils bacterial capacity while their absorptive capacity is retained . Living bacteria may be released from neutrophils undergoing degradation into the environment . The same is observed when phagocytized but still living bacteria are located in phagosomes which are fused with one another and with neutrophil plasma membrane; after the destruction of the latter bacteria are released into the extracellular space . This is a negative issue for the host of the incomplete phagocytosis . Neutrophils participate more actively in the lysis of the necrotic tissues and wound cleaning than in the bacteria phagocytosis.

Toxicology, 1992, 73(1), 71 - 9
In vitro protein synthesis is affected by the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in Azospirillum brasilense; Rivarola V et al.; The effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on growth and protein, DNA and RNA synthesis of Azospirillum brasilense Cd were studied . At a concentration of 1 mM, 2,4-D inhibited cell growth, an effect that was reversed either by transferring bacteria to a control (2,4-D-free) medium or to a 2,4-D-treated medium supplemented with polyamines . The herbicide also affected in vitro protein synthesis, either when Azospirillum brasilense Cd's own cellular mRNA or an artificial mRNA was used . This effect was also reversed by the addition of polyamines to the 2,4-D-treated medium . Similar results were observed when DNA synthesis was studied in synchronous cultures . Taking into account the effects of this herbicide on animal cells (V.A . Rivarola and H.F . Balegno, Toxicology, 68 (1991) 109) we postulate that the mechanism of action of 2,4-D is similar on both procaryotic and eucaryotic cells, probably acting through the polyamine metabolism.

Diagn Cytopathol, 1992, 8(2), 147 - 52
Supravital staining of synovial fluid with Testsimplets; Reginato AJ et al.; We explored the use of Testsimplet (TS) in synovial fluid (SF) analysis . TS is a glass slide coated with a dry mixture of methylene blue and cresyl violet, which in contact with one drop of SF provides a stained fresh preparation . We applied the TS to the study of 159 SFs of patients with different rheumatic diseases . In those SFs of patients with crystal-associated diseases, the crystal search was performed both on unstained preparations and with TS . TS was as good as the Wright's and Papanicolaou stain in characterizing SF cells, lupus erythematosus cells, and detection of occasional bacteria . TS allowed a better visualization of Reiter's cells, cartilage fragments, synovial villi, fat droplets, and fibrin . Crystals were identified in every TS of those patients with crystal-associated diseases . TS is a rapid and reproducible method of SF supravital staining . Crystals are well preserved for simultaneous examination with compensated polarized light.

J Struct Biol, 1992 Jan-Feb, 108(1), 14 - 24
Topology of the anion-selective porin Omp32 from Comamonas acidovorans; Gerbl-Rieger S et al.; Limited proteolysis experiments were performed with outer membranes from Comamonas acidovorans to probe the topology of its major protein component, the anion-selective porin Omp32 . Proteinase K treatment above a critical temperature of 42 degrees C cleaved the surface-exposed regions of the porin, yielding membrane-embedded fragments which were separated by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or reversed phase chromatography . The identification of the proteinase K-sensitive sites was performed by microsequencing . This allowed us to determine six surface-exposed sites of the porin, all located in nonconserved primary structure regions . These results along with the previously determined amino acid sequence and in conjunction with some structural constraints applicable to porins allowed us to propose a chain-folding model of the Omp32 porin . The features of our model are compared with the structure of the Rhodobacter capsulatus porin, recently established by X-ray crystallography (Weiss et al., 1991) and they are used to elucidate the structural basis of the anion selectivity.

Virus Res, 1992 Jan, 22(1), 41 - 54
The immune response to measles virus in mice . T-helper response to the nucleoprotein and mapping of the T-helper epitopes; Giraudon P et al.; The T-helper response to the measles virus nucleoprotein (NP) has been studied in mice . The T-cell proliferative response was measured in lymphocytes from mice immunized with either a vaccinia measles-NP recombinant virus or a mouse neuro-adapted measles virus . A T-cell response was obtained with lymphocytes from H2d or H2k mice when stimulated with either measles virus or the NP expressed in bacteria . The response was CD4+ specific . The T-helper epitopes were mapped using truncated NP peptides . The major epitopes in both H2d and H2k mice were determined to be between amino acids 67-98 . A further T-cell epitope (between amino acids 457-525) was identified when H2d mice were immunized with measles virus . Studies to quantitate the precursor cells for these epitopes confirmed that the region 67-98 of NP was immunodominant in both haplotypes immunized with the vaccinia-NP recombinant virus, whereas an additional major epitope was observed in the measles virus-infected H2d mice . The primary structure of the epitopes determined here are compared to predicted T-cell epitope motifs.

Mutat Res, 1992 Jan-Mar, 276(1-2), 139 - 44
Influence of the microsomal inducer and the incubation system on mutagenicity of complex mixtures; Tokiwa H et al.; The mutagenicity of SRM 1649 and 1650 was tested in the presence of rat liver S9 mix which was induced by polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) or by the combination of phenobarbital and 5,6-benzoflavone . The S9 mix induced by PCB activated benzo{a}pyrene strongly . The S9 mix induced by phenobarbital-5,6-benzoflavone activated the complex mixtures to approximately the same extent as that induced by PCB . This finding indicates that phenobarbital-5,6-benzoflavone instead of PCB may be suitable as an inducer under some conditions . The preincubation procedure for the mutagenicity test was performed by preincubating the test compound, S9 mix and bacteria for 20 min in a water bath . This procedure was as effective as the plate incorporation test.

J Chem Technol Biotechnol, 1992, 55(4), 333 - 8
Nitriles in heterocyclic synthesis . Part III: New sulpha drugs related to cyanopyridine derivatives; Abdel Hafez AA et al.; 4-Hydroxyacetophenone (1) was reacted with cinnamonitrile derivatives (2-6) to give 3-cyano-4-(substituted phenyl)-6-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-pyridines (7-11) . Interaction of compounds 7-9 with 4'-substituted heterocyclo-benzenesulphonyl diazonium chloride gave the corresponding 3-cyano-4-(substituted phenyl)-6-(3'-azobenzene sulphonamido-4'-hydroxyphenyl) pyridines (12-29) . The corresponding iron (III) copper (II) and mercury (II) chelates were also prepared in a 1:2 metal-to-ligand ratio . All the synthesized compounds were characterized on the basis of microanalysis, IR and 1H-NMR spectrometry.

Prog Growth Factor Res, 1992, 4(4), 355 - 68
Natural killer cell stimulatory factor (NKSF) or interleukin-12 is a key regulator of immune response and inflammation; Trinchieri G et al.; Natural Killer cell Stimulatory Factor (NKSF) or interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a heterodimeric cytokine of 70 kDa formed by a heavy chain of 40 kDa (p40) and a light chain of 35 kDa (p35) . Although it was originally identified and purified from the supernatant of Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cell lines, it has been shown that among peripheral blood cells NKSF/IL-12 is predominantly produced by monocytes, with lower production by B cells and other accessory cells . The most powerful inducers of NKSF/IL-12 production are bacteria, bacterial products and parasites . In addition to the biologically active p70 heterodimer, the cells producing NKSF/IL-12 also secrete a large excess of monomeric p40, a molecule with no demonstrable biological activity . NKSF/IL-12 is active on T lymphocytes and NK cells on which it induces production of lymphokines, enhancement of cytotoxic activity and mitogenic effects . NKSF/IL-12 induces T and NK cells to produce IFN-gamma and synergizes with other IFN-gamma inducers in this effect . In vitro, and probably in vivo, NKSF/IL-12 is required for optimal IFN-gamma production . When human lymphocytes are stimulated with antigens in vitro, addition of exogenous NKSF/IL-12 to the culture induces differentiation of T helper type 1 (Th1) cells, whereas neutralization of endogenous NKSF/IL-12 with antibodies favors differentiation of Th2 cells . IFN-gamma, a product of Th1 cells, enhances NKSF/IL-12 production by mononuclear cells, whereas IL-10 and IL-4, products of Th2 cells, efficiently inhibit it . Therefore, NKSF/IL-12 appears to be an important inducer of Th1 responses produced by accessory cells during early antigenic stimulation and its production is regulated by a positive feedback mechanism mediated by Th1 cells through IFN-gamma and a negative one by Th2 cells through IL-10 and IL-4 . The balance of IL-12 production versus IL-10 and IL-4 production early during an immune response might therefore be instrumental in determining Th1-type versus Th2-type immune responses . Because of this potential role of IL-12 during immune responses, our results demonstrating the impaired ability of HIV seropositive patients to produce NKSF/IL-12 in response to bacterial stimulation suggest that this defect in NKSF/IL-12 production might be a factor contributing to their immune depression.

Microbiol Immunol, 1992, 36(10), 1009 - 17
Fimbriation, hemagglutination and adherence properties of fresh clinical isolates of Branhamella catarrhalis; Ahmed K et al.; This study investigated the fimbriation on 24 fresh clinical isolates of Branhamella catarrhalis by electron microscopy . All the strains were isolated from patients with respiratory infections . The Branhamella catarrhalis strains were classified into three groups according to the grade of fimbriation . Among these 24 strains the incidence of densely fimbriated, moderately fimbriated and sparsely fimbriated isolates were 12 (50%), 7 (29%) and 5 (21%), respectively . After five-times serial subculture on Brain Heart Infusion agar, the average number of fimbriae per bacteria was decreased from 174 to 114 in the densely fimbriated strain and from 48 to 10 in the moderately fimbriated strain . Moreover, 20% of the population became non-fimbriated in moderately fimbriated strain after the serial subculture . In strains with higher hemagglutination titer the number of fimbriae was significantly (P < 0.04) more than in strains with lower hemagglutination titer.

Adv Perit Dial, 1992, 8, 276 - 80
CAPD bag changing with integrated disconnect system gives lower incidence of peritonitis than with UV-box system; Wikdahl AM et al.; The use of a UV-box disconnect system reduces the incidence of peritonitis as compared with manual exchanges . An integrated disconnect system (IDS) also gives good results . See Figure 1 . From 1988-1991, we prospectively compared two groups of patients using either a UV-box disconnect system (Baxter, n = 18, mean age 64, range 28-75 yrs) or an IDS (Baxter, n = 25, mean age 53, range 30-78) . The Tenckhoff catheter had been inserted by the same technique in all patients, and the training program and nursing care were also identical . Since many younger patients preferred IDS and refused randomization, age was significantly lower in the IDS group . All peritonitis episodes (PER) were registered . Excluded from calculations of PER were episodes most probably not due to failure in connective device: PER after incidental penetration of the dialysis bags, deep penetrating tunnel infections and in the direct course of abdominal surgery . Results: There were significantly fewer months with PER (one month = 1 PER; Chi-2 = 6.45, p < 0.05) in patients using the IDS (3 PER/269 months) compared with those using the UV-box system (15 PER/355 months) . The IDS was requested mainly by younger patients, while some older patients found it to be too complicated . Conclusion: The integrated disconnect system is especially acceptable by younger patients, and patients using the IDS show a low incidence of peritonitis.

Arch Oral Biol, 1992, 37(7), 565 - 73
Different responses in B cells induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum; Gemmell E et al.; A phenotypic study had shown that gingival B cells respond differently to two periodontopathic bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum . Further investigation now shows a reduction in the percentage of Ki-67 + T cells in cultures of gingival and peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with P . gingivalis for 3 and 6 days, respectively, but no suppression of Ki-67 expression in B cells in response to either P . gingivalis or F . nucleatum . Depletion studies of cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed that in the absence of CD4 cells, the percentage of CD19+ and CD20+ B cells stimulated with P . gingivalis increased after 6 days whereas depletion of CD8 cells resulted in a rise in the percentage of F . nucleatum- and P . gingivalis-stimulated B cells, although this was not significant in the case of P . gingivalis . Specific antibody to P . gingivalis and F . nucleatum was found in culture supernatants of gingival but not of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, indicating a possible higher frequency of antigen-specific B cells in periodontal lesions . IgG was the predominant isotype in both gingival and control peripheral blood cultures, followed closely by IgA in gingival cultures . F . nucleatum stimulated higher levels of Ig in cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells than P . gingivalis or cells cultured in medium only, whereas in gingival cell cultures, stimulation by P . gingivalis appeared to result in higher levels of IgG . Also Ig was present at day 3 in gingival cultures, whereas in the blood cell cultures, Ig was only detected at day 6, further suggesting a degree of activation of of gingival B cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Arch Oral Biol, 1992, 37(6), 435 - 8
Periodontal bone loss in mice induced by different periodontopathic organisms; Wray D et al.; Periodontal bone loss in mice orally inoculated with Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Pept . magnus and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was compared to that in sham-inoculated mice . Six-to-8-week-old BALB/c mice were inoculated with 1 x 10(5), 1 x 10(7) or 1 x 10(9) colony-forming units (c.f.u.) of bacteria in 50 microliters of medium . Ten mice received each concentration of bacteria and 10 sham-inoculated mice acted as controls . Five mice from each of the groups were killed 6 weeks after inoculation and the remaining five mice at 12 weeks . Right hemimandibles were defleshed, stained and bone loss was measured using an image analyser . All the organisms tested were associated with bone loss . Animals that had received Pept . anaerobius and Pept . magnus had up to 18% more bone loss than those sham inoculated . In contrast, mice inoculated with A . actinomycetemcomitans had up to 38% more bone loss than the sham-inoculated animals, this amount of loss occurring at the lowest inoculation of 1 x 10(5) c.f.u . These data demonstrate a differential ability of micro-organisms to cause periodontal bone loss in mice.

J Formos Med Assoc, 1992 Jan, 91(1), 81 - 4
Helicobacter pylori, gastritis and duodenitis in the healing process of duodenal ulcer; Hsu CT et al.; The occurrence of antral gastritis, duodenitis, gastric metaplasia and Helicobacter pylori (H . pylori) were compared between 63 endoscopically proven duodenal ulcer (DU) patients and 34 non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) patients with no ulcer history and no ulcer present as documented by endoscopy . The DU group showed a significantly higher rate of active antral gastritis (89% vs 41% p less than 0.05), a higher antral H . pylori carrying rate (76% vs 27% p less than 0.01), a higher rate of active chronic duodenitis (75% vs 32% p less than 0.05), and a higher rate of gastric metaplasia in the duodenal bulb (68% vs 27% p less than 0.05) than the NUD group . The H . pylori carrying rate in the bulb was 16% in the DU group and 0% in the NUD group . The difference is evident, although it is statistically insignificant . All 10 cases carrying H . pylori in the duodenum in the DU group had active chronic duodenitis with gastric metaplasia . Further evaluation of the variables (rate of active antral gastritis and duodenitis and the carrying rate of H . pylori in the antrum and bulb) showed no difference between different ulcer stages (active, healing, or scarred) . The above findings strongly suggest a close relation between H . pylori and duodenal ulcer . However, the low occurrence rate of the bacteria in the bulb can only indicate a partial etiologic role of the bacteria in DU . No improvement in antral gastritis, duodenitis and H . pylori occurrence, despite the healing of an ulcer, is in agreement with the naturally high recurrence rate of duodenal ulcers.

Acta Virol, 1992 Jan, 36(1), 79 - 82
Influence of Coxiella burnetii infection of male mice on their offspring; Kruszewska D et al.; The dramatic spread of Q fever in Poland among cattle kept in isolation from natural environment (ticks, wild animals) has suggested the possibility that the infection may also be transmitted sexually . To test this hypothesis series of experiments have been performed in controlled laboratory conditions . Male mice infected with C . burnetii were allowed to mate with healthy female mice . On day 18 of pregnancy serum IgM antibodies to C . burnetii antigens and bacteria in spleen, liver and placenta were detected . The influence of C . burnetii transmission between parents of their offspring was investigated . It has been found that C . burnetii infection in males diminish the number of fertilized females . Their litters are fewer in number and the number of dead embryos is increased.

Acta Virol, 1992 Jan, 36(1), 32 - 8
Ultrastructure of viable and inactivated Coxiella burnetii after inoculation of mice; Popov VL et al.; C3HA mice were inoculated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with viable Coxiella burnetii (C.b.) (strain Apodemus flavicollis-Luga, phase I) or C.b . antigen (formalin-inactivated C.b.); pieces of spleen, liver, omentum, kidney, and suspension of peritoneal macrophages were examined by electron microscopy at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 42 days post-infection (p.i.) . Two main types of viable C.b . cells--small dense (DC) and bacteria-like (BC)--were found in omentum, spleen, and peritoneal exudate cells beginning from the 1st day p.i . but maximal amount they reached in spleen at day 14 . Some parasitophorous vacuoles contained damaged BC or lysing C.b . cells . C.b . corpuscular antigen was found in phagosomes in ultrathin sections of spleen macrophages until 28 days p.i . By 7 days p.i . in omentum 3 types of parasitophorous phagosomes were described which were supposed to be the sites of the antigen utilization . It is assumed that most BC are destroyed in omentum macrophages during the 1st week after i.p . injection of the antigen, and DC can persist in spleen at least for one month.

EMBO J, 1992 Jan, 11(1), 265 - 77
The upstream region of the human homeobox gene HOX3D is a target for regulation by retinoic acid and HOX homeoproteins; Arcioni L et al.; We studied the structure, regulation and expression of HOX3D, a human homeobox gene located in the HOX3 cluster on chromosome 12 . HOX3D is developmentally regulated during embryogenesis and is activated by retinoic acid (RA) in cultured embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells . Transfection of HOX3D upstream genomic sequences linked to a reporter gene allowed the functional definition of its promoter, containing a canonical TATA element . This promoter directs the expression of the reporter gene in EC cells after induction with RA, and binds RA-induced nuclear factor(s) through a conserved palindromic sequence located approximately 100 bp upstream of the transcription start site . The HOX3D promoter is transactivated in both human and murine cells when cotransfected with vectors expressing the protein product of the upstream gene HOX3C and the paralogs of further upstream genes in the HOX4 cluster (i.e . HOX4D, HOX4C and the murine Hox 4.3) . The HOX3D protein, and those encoded by the downstream gene HOX3E and its paralog HOX4B are instead inactive . HOX4C and HOX4D proteins synthesized in bacteria bind to the same conserved sequence located around position -120, as well as to the TATA box and immediately upstream and downstream nucleotides . These data provide evidence that cross-regulatory interactions between mammalian homeogenes take place in cultured cells, thus raising the possibility that a regulatory network may exist in vivo . The sequences on the HOX3D promoter involved in cross-regulation are different from those binding nuclear factors induced by RA.

Chirurgie, 1992, 118(10), 607 - 13; discussion 614
{Gangrene of the perineum . Plea for a standardized therapeutic management apropos of 50 cases}; Brunet C et al.; From 1988 to 1992, 50 cases of perineal gangrene were treated with a therapeutic protocol combining: a) repeated extensive excisions, b) hyperbaric oxygen therapy, even before surgery if this was possible, and c) intensive care . The mortality rate was 24% (12/50) . It was even higher in patients admitted more than 6 hours after diagnosis . The average stay in hospital was of 20 (+/- 2) days . Four patients presented with residual signs . Twenty-eight (56%) had had colostomy for lesions originating in the rectum or threatening the anal margin; 9 of these patients died, while gastrointestinal continuity was restored in another 17 cases . There were three predictive factors of survival in this series: a) early diagnosis and treatment, b) severity index on admission, c) some associations of bacteria.

Nat Toxins, 1992, 1(1), 48 - 53
Release of heptapeptide toxin (microcystin) during the decomposition process of Microcystis aeruginosa; Watanabe MF et al.; The decomposition process of toxic blue-green alga (cyanobacteria), Microcystis aeruginosa, under dark and aerobic condition was investigated in relation to the change of the amounts of heptapeptide toxins (microcystins YR and LR) by two experiments: one with Microcystis cells and the other with two purified microcystins . In the experiment with Microcystis cells, an increase of heterotrophic bacteria observed from the beginning of the experiment, was followed by decomposition of the algal cells and the subsequent release of microcystins into the filtrate fraction . The amounts of the toxins initially present in the cells were quantitatively detected in the filtrate fraction on the 35th day . The decomposition of microcystin YR began on the 42nd day . The decomposition rate of the two toxins was different . The decomposition rate of purified microcystins YR and LR, compared in distilled water and culture medium, respectively, indicated clearly that microcystin YR was more labile to decomposition than microcystin LR in the culture medium . At the end of the experiment (45th day) microcystin YR decreased to 58.6%, while 86.2% of microcystin LR remained.

Braz J Med Biol Res, 1992, 25(5), 457 - 65
Effect of cutaneous cell-mediated immune response to rIFN gamma on Mycobacterium leprae viability in the lesions of lepromatous leprosy; Damasco MH et al.; 1 . Studies were carried out to determine the effect of intra-dermal injections of recombinant human interferon-gamma (rIFN gamma) on the viability of Mycobacterium leprae . Twenty-three untreated and 4 treated multibacillary patients, 12 with lepromatous leprosy (LL) and 15 with borderline lepromatous leprosy (BL), were selected for intradermal administration of rIFN gamma or PPD . Treated patients (LL and BL) had received multi-drug therapy according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, i.e., rifampicin (600 mg/month), dapsone (100 mg/day) and clofazimine (50 mg/day and 300 mg/month) for 1-4 months . Three daily doses of 10 or 30 micrograms rIFN gamma induced local induration and mononuclear leucocyte accumulation . Bacteria isolated from a punch biopsy of the site 21 days after lymphokine administration were injected into mouse foot pads and evaluated for viability and growth . 2 . The local response to rIFN gamma (specific activity 2 x 10(7) units/mg protein) induced a delay or total inhibition of M . leprae growth in the mouse foot pad, indicating that the cellular response to the antigen reduced local M . leprae viability . The extent of reduction in viability depended on the dose of rIFN gamma injected and the extent of local induration induced by the lymphokine . With a vigorous cell-mediated immune response growth was fully inhibited . 3 . A similar but less extensive effect on M . leprae viability was observed in response to the local injection of 5 units in 0.1 ml of purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD).

Bull Soc Pathol Exot, 1992, 85(5 Pt 2), 510 - 3
Ciguatera toxins in the food chain revealed by stable isotopes; Winter A et al.; The stable carbon and nitrogen isotope contents of the meat tissues of 27 identifiable fish found in the gut contents of 70 ciguatoxic and non-ciguatoxic barracuda caught along the southwest coast of Puerto Rico have been analyzed . The isotope ratios of those fish found in the stomach contents of ciguatoxic barracuda were significantly different than ratios determined in those fish found in the stomachs of non-ciguatoxic barracuda . The isotope ratios of the toxic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis lenticularis, a presumed vector of ciguatera in the Caribbean were found to be extremely light, particularly for nitrogen . The lightened nitrogen ratios of the herbivore (Doctorfish) and carnivore (Squirrelfish) fishes found in the stomach contents of ciguatoxic barracuda suggest that the dinoflagellate was in the food chain of these barracuda . Results indicate that the trophic pathway of ciguatoxins through the marine food chain from the presumed primary trophic level (dinoflagellates/bacteria) to ciguatoxic barracuda appears to be different than the pathway to non-toxic barracuda . Stable isotope ratios may be a very useful tool for tracing ciguatoxins in the food chain and the identification of ciguatoxic fish.

Agressologie, 1992, 33 Spec No 2, 84 - 6
{Do water mycobacteria present any infectious risk in immunocompromised patients?}; Dailloux M et al.; Atypical Mycobacteria were demonstrated in tap water . Mycobacteria are generally more resistant to chemical disinfection than other bacteria and grow and survive in water . In an effort to clarify the role of water in the transmission of Mycobacteria, water from various sites in the hospital was analysed . Atypical Mycobacteria were isolated from 58 of 60 samples of cold water distributor . Species more frequent are M.Kansasii, M.Gordonae, M.Fortuitum . 3 of 10 samples of hot water were positives M.Xenopi was isolated once . 1 of 10 samples of mineral waters was contaminated with M.Gordonae . The atypical Mycobacteria in normal patient are relatively less virulent, in a host with an impaired cellular immunity they caused active diseases . The number of published cases is low . The incidence in transplant patients ranges from 0.5 to 1% . Infections with atypical Mycobacteria differ in several clinical features . Person to person does not occur . Water is a source of infection induce direct inoculation inhalation and ingestion.

C R Seances Soc Biol Fil, 1992, 186(6), 656 - 65
{Eukaryogenesis: a model derivated from ribosomal RNA molecular phylogenise}; Perasso R et al.; We have undertaken the construction of a broad molecular phylogeny of protists through the comparison of 28S rRNA molecules . The sequences from several major protistan phyla were aligned and combined with a broad database of metazoans, metaphytes, fungi and bacteria and we have derived dendrograms from both distance matrix and parsimony methods . In agreement with classical systematics, a number of monophyletic groups separated by large evolutionary distances were observed (those of the ciliates, the chlorophytes, etc.) . From this analysis, several inferences on the eukaryogenesis can be made among which the ancient origin of the cytoskeleton, the late occurrence of the chloroplastic endosymbiosis and the simultaneous emergence of the triploblastic and diploblastic metazoan patterns.

Vaccine, 1992, 10 Suppl 1, S10 - 4
Prevention of viral hepatitis A: past, present and future; Deinhardt F; Before hepatitis A virus (HAV) was identified, spread of hepatitis A was prevented by public health measures . The first specific, preventive measure for hepatitis A was passive protection with standard, pooled human immune globulins . Human immune globulin contained sufficient HAV neutralizing antibodies for short-term, prophylactic passive protection and for control of the spread of local outbreaks . After many unsuccessful attempts, HAV was propagated in cell cultures and the development of vaccines for active immunization began . Formalin-inactivated, whole HAV induced protective immunity, and such formalin-inactivated hepatitis A vaccines are now being evaluated in large-scale clinical trials . HAV attenuated by serial propagation in cell culture has been used for several, live, attenuated hepatitis A vaccines and results of clinical trials are reassuring . Future approaches to protection against hepatitis A are likely to include vaccination with: hybrid viruses; hepatitis A antigen-expressing, genetically-engineered bacteria; purified hepatitis A antigens produced by molecular biological techniques and incorporated into slow or pulse-releasing systems; synthetic peptides or idiotypes.

DNA Seq, 1992, 3(1), 25 - 39
Infectivity determinants encoded in a conserved gene block of human herpesvirus-6; Gompels UA et al.; The nucleotide sequence was determined for a 9.3 kb BamHI DNA fragment derived from a cosmid clone (Lorist 6) library of the 160 kb human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) strain U1102 genome . Analysis of the sequence showed two different sources for the DNA; 8.0 kb was derived from HHV-6, while 1.3 kb was derived from the right repeat of transposon Tn10, the insertion sequence (IS) element IS10R . The IS element sequence is shown to be derived from the host bacteria of the plasmid . The HHV-6 sequence represents a highly conserved part of the genome encoding 15% of the genes conserved among the other human herpesviruses in only 5% of the genome . Six genes were identified, five encoding products with amino acid sequence similarity to homologues in herpes simplex virus (HSV), Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), human cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) . All had closest amino acid similarity to CMV proteins . Three clustered structural genes, included glycoprotein H, a major conserved determinant of infectivity, were jointed to a putative dUTPase homologue in an arrangement distinct to CMV and HHV-6 . In the other herpes viruses these genes are separated by over 50 kb . The gene at this point of genetic rearrangement had no sequence similarity to proteins of other herpesviruses . However, there is a protein at this locus in CMV with similar composition and character . Both appear to be highly glycosylated, secreted glycoproteins with repetitive elements similar to those of human mucins . Comparison of sequence available in the HHV-6 GS strain also shows this to be a variable region (5% nucleotide differences) in an overall conserved DNA sequence (0.5%).

Acta Oncol, 1992, 31(2), 175 - 81
Diet and breast cancer; Adlercreutz H et al.; It is a general opinion that the Western diet plays a significant role in increasing the risk of breast cancer in the Western World . Recently some likely mechanisms involved in increasing the risk have been disclosed . It has been found that a Western-type diet elevates plasma levels of sex hormones and decreases the sex hormone binding globulin concentration, increasing the availability of these steroids for peripheral tissues . The same diet results in low formation by intestinal bacteria of mammalian lignans and isoflavonoid phyotestrogens from plant precursors . These diphenolic compounds seem to affect hormone metabolism and production and cancer cell growth by many different mechanisms making them strong candidates for a role as cancer protective substances . The sex hormone pattern found in connection with a Western-type diet combined with low lignan and isoflavonoid excretion was found particularly in postmenopausal breast cancer patients and omnivores living in high-risk areas, and to a lesser degree in areas with less risk . However, the pattern observed was not entirely due to diet.

J Rheumatol Suppl, 1992 Jan, 32, 25 - 32; discussion 32-4
Lentivirus induced arthritis in animals; Narayan O et al.; Retroviral arthritis in sheep and goats depends on persistent infection in the animals . Virus is latent in macrophage precursor cells and viral replication is initiated when these cells are induced to differentiate . Antiviral antibodies and cytokines modulate the efficiency of viral gene product expression . Specific cytokines induced during replication of the lentivirus in mononuclear cells are also responsible for directing infected cells from peripheral blood through the vascular endothelium to particular tissues . Cytokines induced by other infectious agents such as bacteria, mycoplasma or protozoa, may also contribute to this chemotactic process . Once in the tissue, macrophages interact with lymphocytes to induce an inflammatory cascade with further production of cytokines which enhances expression of class II major histocompatibility complex antigens and proliferation of B and CD8 lymphocytes . In addition, immune complexes between viral glycoproteins and immunoglobulins are produced locally and probably lead to further enhancement of pathological changes in the tissues.

Pediatr Pulmonol, 1992 Jan, 12(1), 43 - 7
Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage in the evaluation of pulmonary complications of bone marrow transplantation in children; McCubbin MM et al.; Pulmonary complications are a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality following bone marrow transplantation . We examined the results of flexible bronchoscopy (FB) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in 27 pediatric bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients with 29 episodes of pulmonary complications . Bone marrow transplant was performed for a variety of malignancies and hematologic disorders . Median age of BMT was 10.3 years (range, 1.7-17.6 years) . Median time of FB following BMT was 60 days (range, 11-1,026 days) . Routine cytologic and culture techniques were utilized to detect malignant cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and protozoa . Positive results were found in 15 (52%) with cytomegalovirus (CMV), the most common positive finding . In 14 (48%) episodes the results were negative . Fourteen patients had follow-up autopsy or open lung biopsy (OLB) . Based on autopsy/OLB results, there were two false negatives and no false positives, giving a diagnostic sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 100% . There was one possible complication of FB and BAL . Survival of both positive and negative patients was poor, only seven patients being alive 90 days post-FB with BAL . We conclude that FB with BAL is a safe and accurate procedure for the diagnosis of pulmonary complications of BMT.

Mol Biol Cell, 1992 Jan, 3(1), 73 - 84
cdc25+ encodes a protein phosphatase that dephosphorylates p34cdc2; Lee MS et al.; To determine how the human cdc25 gene product acts to regulate p34cdc2 at the G2 to M transition, we have overproduced the full-length protein (cdc25Hs) as well as several deletion mutants in bacteria as glutathione-S-transferase fusion proteins . The wild-type cdc25Hs gene product was synthesized as an 80-kDa fusion protein (p80GST-cdc25) and was judged to be functional by several criteria: recombinant p80GST-cdc25 induced meiotic maturation of Xenopus oocytes in the presence of cycloheximide; p80GST-cdc25 activated histone H1 kinase activity upon addition to extracts prepared from Xenopus oocytes; p80GST-cdc25 activated p34cdc2/cyclin B complexes (prematuration promoting factor) in immune complex kinase assays performed in vitro; p80GST-cdc25 stimulated the tyrosine dephosphorylation of p34cdc2/cyclin complexes isolated from Xenopus oocyte extracts as well as from overproducing insect cells; and p80GST-cdc25 hydrolyzed p-nitrophenylphosphate . In addition, deletion analysis defined a functional domain residing within the carboxy-terminus of the cdc25Hs protein . Taken together, these results suggest that the cdc25Hs protein is itself a phosphatase and that it may function directly in the tyrosine dephosphorylation and activation of p34cdc2 at the G2 to M transition.

J Dairy Sci, 1992 Jan, 75(1), 247 - 56
Effect of copper and cobalt addition on digestion and growth in heifers fed diets containing alfalfa silage or corn crop residues; Lopez-Guisa JM et al.; Copper and cobalt were added to the diet of heifers in excess of NRC recommendations for these minerals . In Experiment 1, the rate of DM disappearance from dacron bags placed in the rumen was increased by the additional dietary Cu and Co for alfalfa hay (14.6 vs . 8.4%/h) and corn cobs (5.8 vs . 3.1%/h) but did not affect the DM disappearance rate for corn crop residue silage (3.6 vs . 3.4%/h) . In Experiment 2, additional Cu and Co increased DM disappearance rate of corn crop residue silage (6.2 vs . 3.4%/h) but did not influence the rate of alfalfa hay (8.6 vs . 7.6%/h) . In Experiment 3, a random design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement was used . The diet consisted of 45% corn crop residue silage, 35% alfalfa silage containing 60 or 40% DM, 18% high moisture corn, and 2% vitamin and mineral mix with or without added Cu and Co, respectively . Each of the four diets was group-fed to 9 light and 11 heavy Holstein heifers . Growth rate was lower with Cu and Co supplementation, but DM digestibility was improved by the additional Cu and Co . These results indicate that addition of Cu and Co above the NRC requirements may aid in digestion of low quality forages.

APMIS, 1992 Jan, 100(1), 91 - 4
Murine monoclonal antibodies against pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide types 4, 8, 22F and 19A/19F; Kolberg J et al.; Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were produced against pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides after subcutaneous immunization of BALB/c mice with a 23-valent vaccine (Pneumovax N, Merck, Sharp & Dohme) . Selected antibodies were tested in ELISA against individual polysaccharides from 23 different pneumococcal types and in a dot blot assay with heat-killed whole bacteria adhered to nitrocellulose paper . Three MAbs (isotype IgM) were found to be specific for types 4, 8 and 22F, respectively, whereas one (isotype IgA) reacted both with 19A and 19F . Very mild acid hydrolysis of the capsular polysaccharides resulted in loss of reaction with the antibodies.

J Leukoc Biol, 1992 Jan, 51(1), 39 - 45
In vivo latex phagocytosis primes the Kupffer cells and hepatic neutrophils to generate superoxide anion; Bautista AP et al.; Activation of liver macrophages during clearance of endotoxins, bacteria, or other particulate materials may be accompanied by the migration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) into the liver and priming of the hepatic phagocytes to release toxic oxygen metabolites . In the present study we investigated the effect of in vivo administration of latex particles on the hepatic sequestration of PMNs and the release of superoxide anion (O2-) by the in situ perfused rat liver and isolated hepatic phagocytes . One hour after an intravenous injection of latex beads, a significant amount of O2- (0.7 nmol/min/g) was produced by the in situ perfused liver . Administration of latex particles into the perfused liver also elicited O2- production . Hepatic phagocytes from latex-treated rats generated large amounts of O2- (2-14 nmol/60 min/10(6) cells) when these cells were stimulated in vitro with opsonized zymosan or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), whereas phagocytes from saline-treated rats released less than 0.8 nmol O2- . Intravenous infusion of superoxide dismutase or ibuprofen did not prevent the immigration of PMNs to the liver . However, ibuprofen inhibited the production of O2- by the perfused liver . Also, after addition of ibuprofen in vitro to isolated cells, there was more than 50% inhibition of O2- generation by Kupffer cells and hepatic PMNs treated with either zymosan or PMA . These observations suggest that arachidonic acid metabolites play a role in O2- release under these conditions . Thus, activation of the reticuloendothelial system by latex phagocytosis induces the migration of PMNs into the liver and enhances the production of toxic oxygen-derived radicals by these cells and the resident Kupffer cells . The toxic oxygen radicals may also contribute to hepatic injury.

J Clin Microbiol, 1992 Jan, 30(1), 201 - 6
Detection of cytomegalovirus antibodies by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using recombinant polypeptides of the large phosphorylated tegument protein pp150; Plachter B et al.; Parts of the large phosphorylated tegument protein, pp150, of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) were expressed in bacteria . The resulting fusion proteins were tested in a Western blot (immunoblot) assay for reactivity with a monoclonal antibody against pp150, with a polyspecific rabbit antiserum, and with human reconvalescent-phase sera . Those fusion proteins that performed well in the Western blot assay were used as antigens in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of antibodies against HCMV . Five different recombinant beta-galactosidase fusion proteins were evaluated by ELISA using 62 seropositive and 38 seronegative human serum samples . Of all the proteins tested, one peptide representing 162 amino acids of pp150 was superior to the others with regard to sensitivity and specificity . All sera known to be positive for antibodies against HCMV were identified by combining the results of the ELISAs with the different pp150 fusion proteins . Therefore, it appears that peptides from a single protein of HCMV might be sufficient to identify HCMV-seropositive individuals by recombinant ELISA.

Mol Cell Biol, 1992 Jan, 12(1), 38 - 44
Cloning of a negative transcription factor that binds to the upstream conserved region of Moloney murine leukemia virus; Flanagan JR et al.; The long terminal repeat of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MuLV) contains the upstream conserved region (UCR) . The UCR core sequence, CGCCATTTT, binds a ubiquitous nuclear factor and mediates negative regulation of MuLV promoter activity . We have isolated murine cDNA clones encoding a protein, referred to as UCRBP, that binds specifically to the UCR core sequence . Gel mobility shift assays demonstrate that the UCRBP fusion protein expressed in bacteria binds the UCR core with specificity identical to that of the UCR-binding factor in the nucleus of murine and human cells . Analysis of full-length UCRBP cDNA reveals that it has a putative zinc finger domain composed of four C2H2 zinc fingers of the GLI subgroup and an N-terminal region containing alternating charges, including a stretch of 12 histidine residues . The 2.4-kb UCRBP message is expressed in all cell lines examined (teratocarcinoma, B- and T-cell, macrophage, fibroblast, and myocyte), consistent with the ubiquitous expression of the UCR-binding factor . Transient transfection of an expressible UCRBP cDNA into fibroblasts results in down-regulation of MuLV promoter activity, in agreement with previous functional analysis of the UCR . Recently three groups have independently isolated human and mouse UCRBP . These studies show that UCRBP binds to various target motifs that are distinct from the UCR motif: the adeno-associated virus P5 promoter and elements in the immunoglobulin light- and heavy-chain genes, as well as elements in ribosomal protein genes . These results indicate that UCRBP has unusually diverse DNA-binding specificity and as such is likely to regulate expression of many different genes.

J Virol, 1992 Jan, 66(1), 469 - 79
The six conserved helicase motifs of the UL5 gene product, a component of the herpes simplex virus type 1 helicase-primase, are essential for its function; Zhu LA et al.; The UL5 protein of herpes simplex virus type 1, one component of the viral helicase-primase complex, contains six sequence motifs found in all members of a superfamily of DNA and RNA helicases . Although this superfamily contains more than 20 members ranging from bacteria to mammalian cells and their viruses, the importance of these motifs has not been addressed experimentally for any one of them . In this study, we have examined the functional significance of these six motifs for the UL5 protein through the introduction of site-specific mutations resulting in single amino acid substitutions of the most highly conserved residues within each motif . A transient replication complementation assay was used to test the effect of each mutation on the function of the UL5 protein in viral DNA replication . In this assay, a mutant UL5 protein expressed from an expression clone is used to complement a replication-deficient null mutant with a mutation in the UL5 gene for the amplification of herpes simplex virus origin-containing plasmids . Eight mutations in conserved regions and three similar mutations in nonconserved regions of the UL5 gene were analyzed, and the results indicate that all six conserved motifs are essential to the function of UL5 protein in viral DNA replication; on the other hand, mutations in nonconserved regions are tolerated . These data provide the first direct evidence for the importance of these conserved regions in any member of the superfamily of DNA and RNA helicases . In addition, three motif mutations were introduced into the viral genome, and the phenotypic analyses of these mutants are consistent with results from the transient replication complementation assay . The ability of these three mutant UL5 proteins to form specific interactions with other members of the helicase-primase complex, UL8 and UL52, indicates that the functional domains required for replication activity of UL5 are separable from domains responsible for protein-protein interactions . It is anticipated that this type of structure-function analysis will lead to the identification of protein domains that contribute not only to the enzymatic activities of helicase or primase but also to protein-protein interactions within members of the complex.

Arch Inst Pasteur Alger, 1992, 58, 95 - 102
{Peritonitis caused by Nocardia farcinica in a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (note)}; Liassine N et al.; We report here an isolation of bacteria genus Nocardia, Nocardia farcinica, in a dialysis liquid of a renal insufficiency patient treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (C.A.P.D.) . Real peritonitis was due to infection with this bacteria, eliminated after an adapted antibiotherapy . This observation is interesting first because of the rare occurrence of Nocardia's peritonitis in the patients on CAPD, and secondly in relation with the species of Nocardia, Nocardia farcinica, less known than Nocardia asteroides but not less pathogenic.

Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig, 1992, 43(3-4), 271 - 5
{Detection of carcinogenic compounds in the environment with special regard to tests on fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster)}; Krogulski A; The increasing exposure of the human population to mutagen and carcinogenic substances necessitates research and introduction of methods for their detection . The diversity of these dangerous substances in the environment requires, the application of the chemical and biological tests . The latter allow testing of chemical mixtures of unknown composition . The advantages and limitations of short-term tests are presented . Among these the advantages of somatic mutation and recombination tests are described in more detail on Drosophila melanogaster . The subcellular structure, enzymes produced and the course of metabolic processes in Drosophila are similar as in man . It is possible, therefore, to detect the numerous mutagens undetectable in tests on bacteria . These test are relatively simple, not expensive and do not require expensive apparatus or preliminary activation of promutagens necessary in tests on bacteria.

Schriftenr Ver Wasser Boden Lufthyg, 1992, 89, 233 - 46
{Employment of continuous biotest systems for monitoring the Rhine river}; Schmitz P et al.; As a part of the work of the German Commission for the Prevention of Pollution of the River Rhine biological test automats are developed and proved in a research project . The joint project "Development, Testing and Implementation of Biotests for the Monitoring of the River Rhine" sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Research and Technology (BMFT) and the Federal Environmental Agency (UBA), aims to provide a scientific and technical basis for an improved Rhine monitoring system . To realize a biological effect monitoring with functional subjects at the trophic levels of producers, primary and secondary consumers and destruents, the test spectrum includes algae, mussels, daphnia, fishes, and bacteria . Moreover, at the suborganismic level a test system with plant protoplasts is tested . Assessment schemes for the evaluation of measuring data and alarm situations, and limit values for releasing alarms are defined by the Working Group "Biotests for the Monitoring of the River Rhine" (WIR) . By means of applicability criteria the most suitable biotests are chosen and recommended for the use on the River Rhine . The first results are presented in this paper.

IARC Sci Publ, 1992, (118), 367 - 75
Is cadmium genotoxic?
Rossman TG, Roy NK, Lin WC.
Previous evidence that cadmium(II) causes gene mutations in bacteria or mammalian cells was weak . However, alterations in protocol have recently led to better evidence for its mutagenicity, especially in bacteria . Mutagenicity results may be confounded by tolerance mechanisms . Exposure of DNA in vitro to Cd2+ or to Cd2+ hydrogen peroxide does not result in strand breaks or alkali-labile sites . The fact that bacterial and mammalian cells appear to sustain some type of repairable DNA damage after exposure to Cd2+ suggests that the damage must be caused in an indirect manner . Recently, the ability of cadmium-metallothionein complex to cause DNA strand breaks has been described . Cd2+ also induces a "pro-oxidant state" by causing a depletion of cellular glutathione . This finding is consistent with the role of Cd2+ as a clastogen and may explain its weak mutagenicity at loci which cannot detect complex mutations . Cd2+ can also inhibit DNA repair, and can therefore act synergistically with certain mutagens and, presumably, carcinogens.

Ann Radiol (Paris), 1992, 35(6), 453 - 9
{Osteitis of the base of the skull}; Marsot-Dupuch K; The base of the skull and calvarium may be the site of osteitis secondary to haematogenous or loco-regional dissemination of a nasal sinus or postoperative, external ear or middle ear infection . Although most of the complications of osteitis are eradicated by antibiotics, some persist and are still serious due to the delay in the diagnosis extensive necrosis due to the bacteria and the clinical context.

Pneumoftiziologia, 1992 Jan-Mar, 41(1), 25 - 30
{Broncho-Vaxom in the treatment of chronic pulmonary lesions}; Basacopol A; Two hundred patients with various chronic pulmonary diseases were treated with the bacterial lysate Broncho-Vaxom (BV) in addition to conventional treatment, or alone, over a period of 2 years . The efficacy of BV was assessed ob the basis of clinical symptoms (dyspnoea, cough, expectoration, fever and bronchial rales), pulmonary function, number of relapses and immune status, in particular serum immunoglobulins A, G and M . The results demonstrated the efficacy of BV in the treatment and prevention of chronic pulmonary disease . In patients treated with BV, clinical symptoms improved significantly compared to controls, incidence of infectious episodes was reduced and impaired immune functions were restored . BV was generally well tolerated.

Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl, 1992, 194, 8 - 12
Complications in obstructive jaundice: role of endotoxins; Greve JW et al.; Surgical treatment of patients with obstructive jaundice is associated with a high postoperative morbidity and mortality . A correlation was suggested between endotoxins and the observed complications . The mechanism by which endotoxins affect the negative outcome in operated jaundiced patients was, however, not clear, nor was the mechanism of clinically used preventive treatments . Several experiments were therefore performed in rats with biliary obstruction, to investigate whether and how endotoxins are active . The role of endotoxins was studied in a model in which endotoxins were absent . In germfree rats (free of bacteria and thus of endotoxin) the effect of biliary obstruction was studied and compared with biliary obstruction in conventional rats . To substantiate further the role of endotoxin, anti-endotoxin treatments (oral lactulose or internal drainage) were tested in rats with obstructive jaundice undergoing a severe surgical trauma . It is shown that endotoxins are responsible for complications (suppression of cellular immunity, kidney function, mortality) and that these complications can be prevented with an anti-endotoxin treatment . These results may have implications for preoperative treatment of jaundiced patients.

Patol Pol, 1992, 43(1), 16 - 8
Some ultrastructural aspects of Helicobacter pylori gastritis; Bartel H et al.; Ultrastructural examinations of biopsy specimens of the gastric mucosa were performed in 20 patients with chronic gastritis proven by endoscopy and microscopy . The presence of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria was found in close contact with epithelial cells of the antrum and corpus of the stomach . The bacteria were not present in the areas of frequently observed intestinal metaplasia . There were ultrastructural changes on the surface and within the cytoplasm of the epithelial mucous cells, which indicated their disturbed metabolism.

J Egypt Public Health Assoc, 1992, 67(1-2), 195 - 212
Bordetella pertussis FHA antibodies in maternal/infants sera and colostrum; Helmy MF et al.; The high incidence of pertussis in the first year of life confirms that susceptibility remains high for children in this age group despite > 90% pertussis vaccine compliance . In this respect, immunoresponse to Bordetella pertussis was investigated . Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) antibodies were studied due to their important protective role, in blocking the adherence of the bacteria to respiratory tract ciliated cells . The relative rate of detection and degree of positivity of IgG and IgA antibodies to Bordetella pertussis FHA were studied in maternal and infant sera and in colostrum samples of the respective mothers . The study comprised 143 mothers of child bearing age and 25 newborns . The highest percentages of serum IgG and IgA were present in the younger females group (15-25 yrs) . Both IgG and IgA were detected in the same mother in 60% of them . The study showed that 96.9% of colostrum samples who were positive for IgA, were associated with IgA positivity in serum, also an increase in the degree of serum IgA positivity was associated with a higher rate of detection of IgA in colostrum . Maternal serum IgA could therefore be used as a marker for the future presence of IgA in colostrum . This work demonstrated that newborns show little passive immunity to pertussis, evidenced by the low placental transfer of IgG (35.7%) and the low rate of detection of IgA in the colostrum (41%) . We concluded that, it would be advantageous to reimmunize pregnant women, without adequate serum antibody to Bordetella pertussis, with appropriate new vaccine which would offer a better passive immunity to their infants.

IMA J Math Appl Med Biol, 1992, 9(3), 215 - 26
Optimal chemical control of populations developing drug resistance; Costa MI et al.; A system of differential equations for the control of the growth of certain populations by the use of chemical treatment is presented . Rather general growth rates and kill rates of drugs, as well as drug resistance, are considered . A class of optimal control problems with a performance criterion depending on a parameter is formulated and shown to admit the same basic optimal strategy . Applications to cycle nonspecific chemotherapy and control of the growth of bacterial populations in cellulose media in paper production plants are described.

Infection, 1992, 20 Suppl 4, S276 - 9
Single dose treatment failure in women with acute cystitis; Ronald A et al.; Single dose treatment regimens (SDT) are effective, inexpensive alternatives to longer courses of therapy for adult females with acute cystitis or asymptomatic bacteriuria . A number of SDT regimens consistently cure 85 to 100% of women with acute cystitis and 50 to 80% of women with asymptomatic bacteriuria . However, SDT is inherently less effective than longer regimens because many upper tract infections are not cured . Initial SDT studies suggested that most patients with significant renal invasive disease or underlying urological abnormalities fail therapy . As a result, SDT has been proposed as an efficient strategy to diagnose significant upper tract infections with accompanying pathology that merit additional investigation or treatment . Few studies have refuted or supported this hypothesis . Single-dose treatment studies show an association between the site of infection as determined by the antibody-coated bacteria (ACB) test and treatment outcome . Patients with ACB-negative tests have a cure rate of over 90% in almost all studies in which the organism is susceptible to the agent chosen . Patients with positive ACB tests tend to have treatment failure rates of 30 to 50% . However, imaging studies have not been carried out in parallel with these studies and the validity of using single-dose treatment failure to screen women for significant upper tract pathology has still not been established.

Australas J Dermatol, 1992, 33(2), 69 - 74
Modern treatment of lymphoedema . II . The benzopyrones; Casley-Smith JR et al.; The benzo-pyrones reduce all high-protein oedemas, including lymphoedema and elephantiasis, by increasing the numbers of macrophages and their normal proteolysis . Thus they remove the excess protein, and thereby the oedema which is caused by it . They also remove the stimulus it provides for chronic inflammation and fibrosis, and its action as a culture medium for bacteria . Coumarin (5,6 benzo-{alpha}-pyrone, 56 BaP) and oxerutins (HR, O(beta-hydroxy-ethyl)-rutosides) have been used in many clinical trials on a variety of high-protein oedemas . Four such trials are summarised here: on lymphoedema and elephantiasis (from many causes in Australia, and filaritic in India and China) . The drugs reduced these much more slowly than adequate physical therapy, but they did reduce them . About half the excess volume was removed over six months in the Australian trials . In India and China similar rates were achieved with lymphoedema, but elephantiasis reduced at a slower rate . The benzo-pyrones convert a slowly worsening condition into a slowly improving one . No compression garments are necessary . In addition, the drugs considerably reduce the number of attacks of secondary acute infection, reduce the deformities of elephantiasis and considerably improve the patients' comfort and mobility . They may be taken orally, or applied topically, have very low toxicities and only few, minor side-effects . They are useful in many other forms of high-protein oedema, and improve the results of physical therapy for lymphoedema.

Ann Pharm Fr, 1992, 50(3), 136 - 45
{Lyme disease}; Paris-Hamelin A; After a short historical review of the Lyme disease, the author describes the responsible bacteria, a Spirochete called Borrelia . Epidemiology, physiopathology and clinical manifestations are studied, as well as the different phases of the disease (primary secondary and tertiary) and the various possible symptoms (dermatological, cardiovascular, rheumatical, neurological syndrome) . The biological part includes isolation of the Bacteria and detection of antibodies (IFI, ELISA, passive hemagglutination and Western Blot) . Prophylaxy and treatments are also presented.

World J Surg, 1992 Jan-Feb, 16(1), 68 - 79
The metabolic effects of thermal injury; Tredget EE et al.; Major thermal injury is associated with extreme hypermetabolism and catabolism as the principal metabolic manifestations encountered following successful resuscitation from the shock phase of the burn injury . Substrate and hormonal measurements, indirect calorimetry, and nitrogen balance are biochemical metabolic parameters which are useful and more readily available biochemical parameters worthy of serial assessment for the metabolic management of burn patients . However, the application of stable isotopes with gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy and more recently, new immunoassays for growth factors and cytokines has increased our understanding of the metabolic manifestations of severe trauma . The metabolic response to injury in burn patients is biphasic wherein the initial ebb phase is followed by a hypermetabolic and catabolic flow phase of injury . The increased oxygen consumption/metabolic rate is in part fuelled by evaporative heat loss from wounds of trauma victims, but likely also by a direct central effect of inflammation upon the hypothalamus . Although carbohydrates in the form of glucose appear to be an important fuel source following injury, a maximum of 5-6 mg/kg/min only is beneficial . Burn patients have accelerated gluconeogenesis, glucose oxidation, and plasma clearance of glucose . Additionally, considerable futile cycling of carbohydrate intermediates occurs which includes anaerobic lactate metabolism and Cori cycle activity arising from wound metabolism of glucose and other substrates . Similarly, accelerated lipolysis and futile fatty acid cycling occurs following burn injury . However, recent evidence suggests that lipids in the diet of burned and other injured patients serve not only as an energy source, but also as an important immunomodulator of prostaglandin metabolism and other immune responses . Amino acid metabolism in burn patients is characterized by increased oxidation, urea synthesis, and protein breakdown which is prolonged and difficult to reduce with current nutritional therapy . However, the current goal of nutritional support is to optimize protein synthesis . Specific unique requirements may exist for supplemental glutamine and arginine following burn injury but further research is needed before enhanced branched chain amino acids supplements can be recommended for burn patients . Recent research investigations have revealed the importance of enteral feeding to enhance mucosal defense against gut bacteria and endotoxin . Similarly, research has demonstrated that many of the metabolic perturbations of burns and sepsis may be due, at least in part, to inflammatory cytokines . Investigation of their pathogenesis and mechanism of action both at a tissue and a cellular level offer important prospects for improved understanding and therapeutic control of the metabolic disorders of burn patients.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1992, 317, 125 - 9
Skeletal muscle PO2 in anaerobic soft tissue infections during hyperbaric oxygen therapy; van der Kleij AJ et al.; In the present study skeletal muscle PO2 measurements were performed in patients with gas gangrene and anaerobic soft tissue infections before, during and after hyperbaric oxygen therapy . Polarographic PO2 needle electrodes appeared to be suitable for application during different ambient pressures . We found that patients with gas gangrene revealed higher skeletal muscle PO2 values than patients with an anaerobic soft tissue infection . This may be explained by a higher metabolic rate within the anaerobically infected soft tissues . The higher PO2 values in gas gangrene may be caused by alpha toxins, affecting cellular and intracellular membranes thus destroying PO2 diffusion barriers.

Bioelectromagnetics, 1992, Suppl 1, 101 - 13
Magnetite in human tissues: a mechanism for the biological effects of weak ELF magnetic fields; Kirschvink JL et al.; Due to the apparent lack of a biophysical mechanism, the question of whether weak, low-frequency magnetic fields are able to influence living organisms has long been one of the most controversial subjects in any field of science . However, two developments during the past decade have changed this perception dramatically, the first being the discovery that many organisms, including humans, biochemically precipitate the ferrimagnetic mineral magnetite (Fe3O4) . In the magnetotactic bacteria, the geomagnetic response is based on either biogenic magnetite or greigite (Fe3S4), and reasonably good evidence exists that this is also the case in higher animals such as the honey bee . Second, the development of simple behavioral conditioning experiments for training honey bees to discriminate magnetic fields demonstrates conclusively that at least one terrestrial animal is capable of detecting earth-strength magnetic fields through a sensory process . In turn, the existence of this ability implies the presence of specialized receptors which interact at the cellular level with weak magnetic fields in a fashion exceeding thermal noise . A simple calculation shows that magnetosomes moving in response to earth-strength ELF fields are capable of opening trans-membrane ion channels, in a fashion similar to those predicted by ionic resonance models . Hence, the presence of trace levels of biogenic magnetite in virtually all human tissues examined suggests that similar biophysical processes may explain a variety of weak field ELF bioeffects.

Gene, 1991 Dec 20, 109(1), 161 - 5
The TRP1 gene of Phytophthora parasitica encoding indole-3-glycerolphosphate synthase-N-(5'-phosphoribosyl)anthranilate isomerase: structure and evolutionary distance from homologous fungal genes; Karlovsky P et al.; The TRP1 gene was isolated from the genome of Phytophthora parasitica . It encodes bifunctional enzyme of the tryptophan biosynthetic pathway indole-3-glycerolphosphate synthase-N-(5'-phosphoribosyl)anthranilate isomerase (IGPS-PRAI) . The gene was localized and sequenced using random in vitro insertions of omega interposon . The domain structure of the protein product was found to be similar to that of enteric bacteria but different from the structure of homologous enzymes in fungi . Two introns in the IGPS domain were found . This is unique in eukaryotic IGPS-encoding genes so far sequenced . Comparative analysis of the primary structure of IGPS and PRAI domains {neighbor-joining method of Saitou and Nei, Mol . Biol . Evol . 44 (1987) 406-425} confirmed a large phylogenetic distance of TRP1 from corresponding fungal genes . In the resulting distance tree Phytophthora sequences are located outside of the cluster which encompasses all known homologous proteins from fungi indicating that the lineage of oomycetes took a separate course of development before speciation within the fungal line of descent began . Two of the oligopeptide insertions engineered into the F domain of the protein product did not abolish the enzymatic activity of the protein.

Carbohydr Res, 1991 Dec 16, 221, 49 - 61
The resolution into molecular species on desorption of glycolipids from thin-layer chromatograms, using combined thin-layer chromatography and fast-atom-bombardment mass spectrometry; Karlsson KA et al.; Using a specially designed, motorised t.l.c.-f.a.b.-m.s . probe with continuous desorption and scanning over a moving t.l.c . plate, it was shown that glycolipids with identical carbohydrate sequences were well resolved into molecular species with differences in long-chain base and fatty acid . There was no serious diffusion of the glycolipids into the matrix . The technique is demonstrated for sulphatides (one and two sugar residues) isolated from human kidney, GM3 ganglioside isolated from human malignant melanoma, and chemically modified gangliotetraosylceramide from mouse intestine . T.l.c.-f.a.b.m.s . is convenient for sequencing and composition analysis of receptor-active glycolipids, the biological activity of which can be monitored in parallel by overlay on the t.l.c . plate with proteins, viruses, bacteria, or animal cells.

J Immunol, 1991 Dec 1, 147(11), 3942 - 8
Survival of human macrophages infected with Mycobacterium avium intracellulare correlates with increased production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and IL-6; Newman GW et al.; The long term survival of peripheral blood derived human macrophages (M phi) from normal, healthy donors after infection with Mycobacterium avium intracellulare (MAI) correlates with the increased induction of TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA and protein by the infected M phi . This conclusion is based on the following observations: M phi from approximately 30% of the blood donors in our study die 3 to 4 days after inoculation (MAI-growth nonsupportive (NS}, whereas M phi from the other donors survive inoculation with MAI for 7-10 days (MAI-growth supportive (S)) . S-type M phi when infected with MAI had markedly increased amounts of TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA and protein when compared to NS-type M phi . The effect of LPS on the induction of TNF-alpha mRNA and protein was also significantly enhanced in S-type M phi in comparison to NS cells . In contrast, IL-1 beta mRNA and protein production had similar increases in both donor types when infected with MAI or stimulated with LPS . The phenotype of the donors in the amount of TNF-alpha and IL-6 produced in response to MAI infection remained stable for a period of more than 1 yr . Pretreatment of NS M phi with recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage-CSF, but not IFN-gamma, however, converted NS M phi into a S-type cell phenotype . These granulocyte-macrophage-CSF pretreated NS M phi survived infection with MAI for a longer period of time and also had increased production of both TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA and protein . Cultures of S-type M phi infected with MAI had higher numbers of intracellular bacteria when compared to cultures of NS-infected M phi . Thus, increased survival of MAI-infected human M phi in vitro is correlated to increased production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in response to infection with MAI.

Curr Opin Genet Dev, 1991 Dec, 1(4), 470 - 7
The recent origins of introns; Palmer JD et al.; Accumulating evidence that introns are highly restricted in their phylogenetic distribution strongly supports the view that introns were inserted late in eukaryotic evolution into preformed genes and, hence, that exon-shuffling played no role in the assembly of primordial genes . Potential mechanisms of intron insertion and the possible evolution of nuclear introns and their splicing machinery from self-splicing group II introns are also discussed.

J Mol Biol, 1991 Dec 5, 222(3), 581 - 97
By-passing immunization . Human antibodies from V-gene libraries displayed on phage; Marks JD et al.; We have mimicked features of immune selection to make human antibodies in bacteria . Diverse libraries of immunoglobulin heavy (VH) and light (V kappa and V lambda) chain variable (V) genes were prepared from peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) of unimmunized donors by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification . Genes encoding single chain Fv fragments were made by randomly combining heavy and light chain V-genes using PCR, and the combinatorial library (greater than 10(7) members) cloned for display on the surface of a phage . Rare phage with "antigen-binding" activities were selected by four rounds of growth and panning with "antigen" (turkey egg-white lysozyme (TEL) or bovine serum albumin) or "hapten" (2-phenyloxazol-5-one (phOx}, and the encoding heavy and light chain genes were sequenced . The V-genes were human with some nearly identical to known germ-line V-genes, while others were more heavily mutated . Soluble antibody fragments were prepared and shown to bind specifically to antigen or hapten and with good affinities, Ka (TEL) = 10(7) M-1; Ka (phOx) = 2 x 10(6) M-1 . Isolation of higher-affinity fragments may require the use of larger primary libraries or the construction of secondary libraries from the binders . Nevertheless, our results suggest that a single large phage display library can be used to isolate human antibodies against any antigen, by-passing both hybridoma technology and immunization.

J Mol Biol, 1991 Dec 5, 222(3), 447 - 9
Crystallization and preliminary data for the ferric form of Lucina pectinata hemoglobin I; Casale E et al.; Cytoplasmic monomeric hemoglobin I from the bacteria-harboring gill of the bivalve mollusc Lucina pectinata has been crystallized in a form suitable for atomic resolution X-ray structural investigations . The crystals have been grown at pH 4.8, in 0.05 M-acetate buffer, using 2.6 M-ammonium sulfate as precipitating agent . The crystals belong to the monoclinic space group P2(1), with unit cell constants a = 50.0 A, b = 38.6 A, c = 42.1 A, beta = 107.1 degrees, and contain one molecule (14,000 Mr) in the asymmetric unit . By means of single crystal microspectrophotometry it has been shown that the crystals contain the ferric form of L . pectinata "sulfide reactive" hemoglobin I . On the other hand, by careful control of the buffering medium composition, it has been possible to obtain stable crystals of the deoxy, oxy and sulfide forms of the protein.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1991 Dec 1, 88(23), 10788 - 91
Phasing the conformational unit of spectrin; Winograd E et al.; Many proteins contain a repetitive sequence motif, which implies that they contain a repetitive structural motif . Spectrin and the related proteins dystrophin and alpha-actinin consist largely of repeated motifs of 100-120 residues . But the repeating motif is degenerate and it has been difficult to define the boundaries of the repeating sequence unit or its corresponding structural unit . We have determined at which residues the structural units that correspond to spectrin's repeating 106-amino acid motifs begin and end . Drosophila alpha-spectrin cDNAs were expressed in bacteria to show that single segments (106 amino acids) and pairs of segments encoded by selected regions of spectrin cDNA can fold into stable conformations whose biophysical and biochemical properties are similar to those of native spectrin . Because such folding was critically dependent on the phasing of the expressed sequence with respect to the apparent boundaries of the repeating motifs, our data provide experimental evidence that relates the boundaries of the folded, conformational unit to the chemical sequence of repeating motifs.

J Immunol, 1991 Dec 1, 147(11), 3862 - 8
Inactivation of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-alpha by proteolytic enzymes released from stimulated human neutrophils; van Kessel KP et al.; Activated human neutrophils (PMN) degrade rTNF-alpha resulting in a loss of cytotoxic activity against murine L-929 cells (L cells) . This inactivation is mediated through proteases released from activated PMN . Exposure of TNF to H2O2, glucose oxidase, xanthine oxidase, or myeloper-oxidase-H2O2-halide did not affect TNF cytotoxicity for L cells . Exposure to trypsin, chymotrypsin, pronase E, or elastase, however, did diminish TNF bioactivity . FMLP-stimulated PMN in the presence, but not in the absence, of cytochalasin B reduced TNF activity, whereas PMA-stimulated PMN did not affect TNF . Stimulation of PMN with opsonized bacteria also induced TNF inactivation as well as the supernatant of FMLP-stimulated cells . Addition of protease inhibitors to the FMLP-stimulated cytochalasin B-treated PMN abrogated the inactivation of TNF cytotoxicity for L cells, whereas scavengers were not protective . In addition, PMN from a chronic granulomatous disease patient also decreased TNF bioactivity . Inactivation of TNF by activated PMN correlated with granule release and not with superoxide production . Exposure of TNF to proteases and FMLP-activated PMN also resulted in a loss of reactivity with anti-TNF antibodies, as measured by ELISA, and in the formation of an approximately 10-kDa split product from the 17-kDa rTNF molecule . Partial degradation of TNF by proteases released from activated PMN may result in a diminished TNF bioactivity and thereby contribute to the regulation of local inflammatory reactions.

Tokushima J Exp Med, 1991 Dec, 38(3-4), 77 - 83
Cytofluorometric determination of nuclear DNA content in gallbladder epithelium of patients with biliary stones; Matin MA et al.; Cytofluorometric determination of nuclear DNA content in fresh gallbladder epithelium of 11 patients with biliary stones were performed to assess the histological correlations and to evaluate the ploidy pattern affected by inflammation or regenerative proliferating benign epithelium associated with non-neoplastic or neoplastic diseases . 27% of the patients were classified to have pure cholesterol stones, 54% were classified to have mixed stones and 19% were classified to have black stones . All of the specimens show suggestion of chronic cholecystitis without any metaplastic or neoplastic change . The bile culture shows free of bacteria in all of the cases . Cytofluorometric nuclear DNA ploidy analysis shows 64% diploidy and 36% low ploidy patterns of histograms . It can be concluded that the low ploidy pattern which could lead to false positive diagnosis of aneuploidy and may be associated with regenerative proliferating benign epithelium with severe inflammatory changes.

Kitasato Arch Exp Med, 1991 Dec, 64(4), 205 - 12
Use of cycloheximide on intracellular growth of Mycobacterium leprae in cultured murine macrophages; Osawa N; Mycobacterium leprae is an obligate intracellular parasite and grows within mononuclear phagocytes . When murine macrophages derived from the peritoneal cavities of CBA mice were infected in vitro with M . leprae (Thai-53 strain), intracellular multiplication was observed three weeks after infection . On the other hand, there was no increase in the number of heat-killed M . leprae at the same times after infection . Morphological studies showed that the growth rate of the bacteria increased by about 20-30% in medium supplemented with cycloheximide . With the addition of cycloheximide to the culture medium, metabolic activity of macrophages was decreased but infected cells were maintained in good condition and seldom floated off from the culture flask.

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 1991 Dec, 22 Suppl, 334 - 6
Testing for food-borne parasites, their metabolic products and symbionts; Jackson GJ; Microscopic animals associated with foods include free-living and saprophytic invertebrates, parasites of hosts other than humans, and parasitic animals specifically designated as food-borne that can infect a human host by the gastrointestinal route . The first general method used to screen for food-borne species was digestion with pepsin and hydrochloric acid at 36 degrees C, based on the "artificial stomach juice" technique for recovering larvae of the nematode Trichinella spiralis from muscle . This method selects for forms capable of surviving a mammalian digestive enzyme at mammalian temperatures . It has been used successfully to recover a variety of food-borne helminths, not only from mammalian flesh but also from fish, shellfish and molluscs, and can be adapted to greatly reduce the "background of living animals" associated with soils and the crops grown in them . However, not all animal forms that survive digestion are food-borne parasites, and all that succumb are not necessarily noninfectious . Methodology to test for food-borne parasites is, in general, not as efficient as that for food-borne bacteria . Recent developments in food parasitology indicate a need to identify not only the parasite, but also its metabolic products and associated symbionts.

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 1991 Dec, 22 Suppl, 321 - 5
Immunodiagnosis of swine trichinellosis; Murrell KD et al.; A rapid, sensitive and specific serologic test has been developed for the diagnosis of swine trichinellosis . The ELISA based test utilizes L1 stichosome antigens recovered as excretory-secretory (ES) products from in vitro cultivated muscle larvae . Field studies conducted with 20,000 commercial swine using crude ES antigen demonstrated that the test could detect 98% of the medically significant infections . The test had a false-positive rate of less than 3% . Because of difficulties in regulating the quality and quantity of ES antigen and the need to continually maintain infected laboratory animals for producing the diagnostic reagent, efforts have been made to clone and express the gene(s) encoding the immunodominant ES antigens . To date a cDNA sequence, designated TsA-12, which codes in part for a 53-kDa ES antigen, has been identified and expressed in bacteria . Results demonstrate that TsA-12 is recognized by immune sera and further suggest that the immunodominant 45-, 48- and 53-kDa ES proteins which share antigenic epitopes are distinct glycoproteins.

Curr Opin Genet Dev, 1991 Dec, 1(4), 451 - 6
Molecular phylogeny; Sidow A et al.; The avalanche of molecular sequence data from a wide variety of organisms and genes makes the construction and testing of evolutionary trees a widespread and demanding activity . We present the most recent advances in the interpretation of molecular data, as well as recent phylogenetic results affecting both molecular evolutionary biology and other areas of biological research.

Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin, 1991 Dec, 9(10), 603 - 7
{Evaluation of 5 selection criteria for sputum as a valid sample for culture}; Martin JE et al.; We compare five selection criteria to discriminate between good quality expectorated sputum and specimens contaminated with upper respiratory tract secretions . We employed two microscopic methods (Bartlett, Heineman) which rely upon the number of squamo-epithelial cells and polymorphonuclear leucocytes; and a macroscopic method (the Medical Research Council) which evaluates the gross appearance of sputum, with three different criteria for admission established by our own . Three hundred and thirty two sputum were included . We evaluated sensitivity, specificity and predictive values as compared with isolation or not of a potential pathogen . We obtained 72% and 45% sensitivity, and 81% and 86% specificity for Bartlett and Heineman methods respectively . Most restrictive criterion for macroscopic method provided 57% sensitivity and 82% specificity; least restrictive showed 97% sensitivity and 17% specificity . Macroscopic method is a quick, valuable screening for discarding sputum contaminated with upper respiratory tract secretions.

Oral Microbiol Immunol, 1991 Dec, 6(6), 373 - 7
Fc-binding components: a virulence factor in Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans?
Tolo K, Helgeland K.
Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (ATCC 33384) can produce and release components that bind to the Fc part of IgG . Fc-binding components were observed in whole bacteria, capsular material and medium from broth cultures . The components were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotted with biotinylated Fc-fragments and myeloma proteins . In a phagocytosis assay with human granulocytes and sheep erythrocytes, preincubation of opsonized erythrocytes with protein A reduced phagocytosis by 90% . In contrast, preincubation of the opsonizing antibody with medium components from a culture of A . actinomycetemcomitans enhanced the opsonizing effect of the antibody . The enhanced binding of erythrocytes may be caused by formation of aggregates between opsonizing antibody and bacterial Fc-binding components . Aggregated IgG can bind to low-affinity Fc gamma II and gamma III receptors that cannot bind monomeric IgG . Release of Fc-binding components from bacteria may contribute to the periodontal lesion through interference with the phagocytic activity of granulocytes and with the complement system . Fc-binding components may also interfere with downregulation of the B-cell response.

Dent Mater J, 1991 Dec, 10(2), 149 - 64
Pulpal responses to various dentin bonding systems in dentin cavities; Harnirattisai C et al.; The purpose of this study was to investigate pulpal response and bacterial invasion associated with five dentin bonding systems placed in cavities without an enamel margin . Two hundred and twenty-four dentin margin cavities were created by removing the surrounding marginal enamel of class V cavities in monkey teeth . These cavities were restored with a resin composite using various current dentin bonding systems . All of the dentin bonding systems showed odontoblastic layer changes to varying degrees, and slight to moderate inflammation at the initial stage . With the lapse of time, the degree of inflammation tended to decrease markedly, except for those cases in which bacteria were present . The result of SA/Photo Bond corresponded to that of the glass ionomer cement (negative control) . Accordingly, this study suggests that a good bond and adaptation between resin and dentin should be obtained for eliminating pulpal irritation, even in the dentin cavity.

Environ Health Perspect, 1991 Dec, 96, 37 - 9
Predicting mammalian mutagenesis by submammalian assays: an application of database GEN; Wurgler FE; A database containing qualitative information on the genotoxic activity of about 3000 chemicals is described . The initial aim for the construction of the database was to develop an instrument for comparing the performance of different genotoxicity assay systems . One application of the database is the prediction of expected results in any genotoxicity assay for chemicals that were tested in a small number of genotoxicity assays . The Bayesian prediction is calculated based on the sensitivities and specificities between any predictive test and the target test for which the prediction is to be determined . The predictivity of the system for in vivo mammalian assays is at present (with the exception of the micronucleus assay and the in vivo sister chromatid exchanges) limited, in particular because of the limited number of chemicals tested in the expensive in vivo assays and, in addition, due to the lack of sufficient information on negative compounds . A continued updating of the database will possibly help to overcome some of the present difficulties.

Adv Dent Res, 1991 Dec, 5, 41 - 5
Caries prevention--fluoride; Clarkson BH; A clear understanding of the mechanism of action of fluoride and its pharmacokinetics would ensure appropriate clinical use of fluoride and fluoride-containing modalities . Convincing evidence exists that fluoride has a major effect on the demineralization and remineralization of dental hard tissues, and that it interferes with the acid production from "cariogenic" bacteria . However, it has also been shown to be physiologically harmful if fluoride concentrations and/or exposure periods are inappropriate . In order to establish appropriate clinical concentrations and exposure periods for fluoride administration, this review is concentrated on the theme that fluoride controls but does not prevent caries . The review is organized along classical lines, with a discussion of the role of systemic vs . topical fluoride . Discussion of the systemic effects of fluoride includes ingestion through water fluoridation, fluoride supplements, topical fluoride applications, and dentifrices . The benefits and problems associated with the systemic route of fluoride administration are discussed with special reference to caries control and fluoride's mechanism of action and its toxic effect . The same discussions are focused on the role of the topical effects of fluoride, with particular emphasis placed upon: low vs . high fluoride concentrations; calcium fluoride vs . fluorhydroxyapatite; and fluoride distribution, in both the mouth and in the teeth.

Genet Anal Tech Appl, 1991 Dec, 8(8), 238 - 9
Differences in the probability of cloning specific DNA between primary and amplified libraries: theoretical considerations; Kubo A et al.; We present a theoretical study of the probability of isolating a particular clone from a DNA library . There are differences in this probability between primary and amplified libraries even if the desired clone represents the same fraction of both libraries . As the result, we must screen severalfold more phage or bacteria in an amplified library than in a primary library.

Arch Pharm (Weinheim), 1991 Dec, 324(12), 979 - 81
{Peroxides as plant constituents . 8 . Guaianolide-peroxides from yarrow,Achillea millefolium L., a soluble component causing yarrow dermatitis}; Rucker G et al.; From the ether extract of the blossoms of yarrow, Achillea millefolium L., two guaianolides (1, 2) with a peroxide bridged cyclopentane ring and an alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone structure have been isolated . For these compounds the names alpha-peroxyachifolid (1) and beta-peroxyisoachifolid (2) are proposed . 1 is responsible for the allergic contact dermatitis caused by yarrow.

Sci Total Environ, 1991 Dec, 109-110, 681 - 90
The application of QSARs, extrapolation and equilibrium partitioning in aquatic effects assessment for narcotic pollutants; Van Leeuwen CJ et al.; QSAR estimates of toxicity of relatively unreactive organic chemicals for 19 species of bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoans, coelenterates, rotifers, molluscs, crustaceans, insects, fish and amphibians were used to predict 'no-effect-levels' (NELs) at the ecosystem level by means of a recently developed extrapolation model . Equilibrium-partitioning theory for sediment and water was used to derive NELs for aquatic sediments . A simple table is given from which NELs for water and sediments can be predicted on the basis of only the octanol-water partition coefficient and molecular weight.

Sci Total Environ, 1991 Dec, 109-110, 527 - 35
Predictive QSAR models for estimating ecotoxic hazard of plant-protecting agents: target and non-target toxicity; Nendza M et al.; Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) are evaluated for predicting pesticides' effects on non-target and target organisms: aquatic biota, mammals, soil micro-organisms, and plants . Satisfactory estimates of pesticides' fish toxicity are obtained from log POW-dependent QSARs derived using chemicals of similar polarity and reactivity . Algal toxicity of herbicidal compounds reflects interactions with the electron transport chain in photosystem II and can be modelled by QSARs describing the Hill reaction inhibition . The ranking in effects on soil micro-organisms is evaluated from models derived using in-vitro bacteria systems . Mammalian toxicity can be estimated by QSARs using the partition coefficient log POW and electronic terms derived by MNDO quantum mechanical calculations . In general, the targets are more susceptible than the non-target species towards phenylurea herbicides . Plants and algae constitute the most sensitive populations, corresponding to the same mode of action . Differences in mode of action towards bacteria, rats, and fish, which are similarly sensitive organisms, are revealed by QSAR analyses.

Anal Biochem, 1991 Dec, 199(2), 223 - 31
Blue native electrophoresis for isolation of membrane protein complexes in enzymatically active form; Schagger H et al.; A discontinuous electrophoretic system for the isolation of membrane proteins from acrylamide gels has been developed using equipment for sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) . Coomassie dyes were introduced to induce a charge shift on the proteins and aminocaproic acid served to improve solubilization of membrane proteins . Solubilized mitochondria or extracts of heart muscle tissue, lymphoblasts, yeast, and bacteria were applied to the gels . From cells containing mitochondria, all the multiprotein complexes of the oxidative phosphorylation system were separated within one gel . The complexes were resolved into the individual polypeptides by second-dimension Tricine-SDS-PAGE or extracted without SDS for functional studies . The recovery of all respiratory chain complexes was almost quantitative . The percentage recovery of functional activity depended on the respective protein complex studied and was zero for some complexes, but almost quantitative for others . The system is especially useful for small scale purposes, e.g., separation of radioactively labeled membrane proteins, N-terminal protein sequencing, preparation of proteins for immunization, and diagnostic studies of inborn neuromuscular diseases.

Biotechniques . 1991 Dec;11(6):723.
A rapid procedure for detecting recombinant plasmids using butanol extraction; Mak YM et al.; A convenient procedure using butanol to extract DNA from bacteria is described . This procedure is suitable for rapidly screening a large number of bacterial cultures for recombinant plasmid DNA without the need for further purification and expensive chemicals.

Yeast, 1991 Dec, 7(9), 981 - 8
The sequence of a 6.3 kb segment of yeast chromosome III reveals an open reading frame coding for a putative mismatch binding protein; Valle G et al.; We report the sequence of a 6.3 kb segment of DNA mapping near the end of the right arm of chromosome III of Saccharomyces cerevisiae . The sequence reveals a major open reading frame coding for a putative protein of 1047 amino acids with a striking similarity to the bacterial proteins involved in recognition of mismatched DNA base pairs . This is particularly interesting as the existence of a yeast mismatch repair system similar to that of bacteria has been postulated for some years, but a yeast protein homologous to the bacterial mismatch binding protein had not been identified . The results of a comparison of the putative yeast mismatch binding protein with the bacterial mismatch binding proteins and with two cognate mammalian sequences, support the idea that a similar mismatch repair system may be present also in mammalian cells . The possibility that all of these proteins may have evolved from a common ancestral gene is also discussed.

Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis, 1991 Dec, 59(4), 548 - 57
Intrabacterial sodium-to-potassium ratios and ATP contents of Mycobacterium leprae from ofloxacin-treated patients; Dietz M et al.; In a clinical trial including 17 multibacillary leprosy patients the in vivo effectiveness of ofloxacin on Mycobacterium leprae was tested via mass spectrometric determination of intrabacterial ratios of the concentrations of the sodium and potassium ions of individual organisms and of the ATP content per 10(6) bacteria isolated from skin biopsies . After 3 months of treatment, the in vivo drug effect could be determined with at least one of the two methods in 14 cases . Both methods revealed that in two cases the bacteria definitely did not respond to a 3-month ofloxacin monotherapy (200 mg twice daily) . In three further cases a nonresponse of the M . leprae organisms was suspected from the mass spectrometric measurements . In the responder cases, the M . leprae were severely impaired . From the intrabacterial cation ratios the percentage of viable organisms averaged over all untreated biopsies was determined to be 58% and the percentage-killing during the first 3 months of treatment was 72%.

Jpn J Antibiot, 1991 Dec, 44(12), 1359 - 67
{Clinical study of intramuscular imipenem/cilastatin sodium in the field of obstetrics and gynecology}; Matsuda S et al.; The efficacy and the safety of intramuscular imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS) were evaluated in 22 patients with obstetric and gynecologic infections . 0.5 g/0.5 g of IPM/CS was suspended in a lidocaine solution and administered in the gluteal muscle twice a day for 3-7 days . Nineteen patients with intrauterine infections were evaluable for the clinical efficacy and 22 for the safety . 1 . Clinical efficacies were excellent in 6 patients, good in 11 and poor in 2, and the efficacy rate was 89.5% . Thirteen out of 14 patients who had not responded to treatments with other previously administered antibiotics showed excellent or good responses to IPM/CS . 2 . Causative bacteria were eradicated in 5 patients, decreased in 2, unchanged in 3 and replaced in 3, with an eradication rate of 61.5% . 3 . Among 22 patients treated with IPM/CS, an eruption and general itching were observed in 1 patient, but no abnormal laboratory test values were observed.

Tierarztl Prax, 1991 Dec, 19(6), 612 - 6
{The cell count in sheep and goat milk}; Pernthaner A et al.; The udder health of 404 sheep from 23 flocks and 397 goats from 15 herds in Lower Austria was examined . In order to determine cell levels, the Schalm Test (equivalent to the California mastitis test) and a fluoroscopic "Fossomatic" cell count appliance were employed . The resultant physiological median levels of somatic cell content were established as 71,000 cells/ml for sheep milk and 415,000 cells/ml for goat milk . Significant factors influencing the cell count levels were the milking technique in both species and age in sheep but not in goats . The pathogens most frequently isolated as causes of chronic or latent mastitis were coagulase-positive and -negative cocci.

J Biochem (Tokyo), 1991 Dec, 110(6), 856 - 8
The reactive site of marinostatin, a proteinase inhibitor from marine Alteromonas sp . B-10-31; Takano R et al.; A new homologue of marinostatin, a peptide proteinase inhibitor, was isolated from marine Alteromonas sp . B-10-31 and designated as marinostatin D . Its amino acid sequence was determined to be Ala-Thr-Met-Arg-Tyr-Pro-Ser-Asp-Asp-Ser-Glu . The reactive site of marinostatin D was determined to be Met(3)-Arg(4) on the basis of the reversible cleavage and regeneration of the scissile bond catalyzed by TLCK-chymotrypsin.

Burns, 1991 Dec, 17(6), 495 - 8
Treatment of full skin thickness burn injury using cultured epithelial grafts; Blight A et al.; This report presents the experience gained from 26 patients treated with autogenic cultured epithelial grafts (auto-CEG) . All auto-CEG were applied to wounds clinically defined as full skin thickness injury . In total 89 separate sites were grafted . The overall estimate of 'take' ranged from 0 to 98 per cent with a mean value of 15 per cent . The highest level of 'take' (43 per cent) was observed when auto-CEG were applied to wounds which had been previously covered with allogenic split-thickness skin grafts . An increased incidence of wound colonization with pathogenic species of bacteria corresponded with a decreased graft 'take' . Ps . aeruginosa and Staph . aureus were found to be present on 32.6 per cent and 60.5 per cent of wound swabs respectively, where 10 per cent or less 'take' of auto-CEG was seen, indicating that bacterial infection is in part responsible for graft failure . However, in 20.9 per cent of such instances, no growth of bacteria was detected, perhaps suggesting that certain wound beds may not present the correct physical environment necessary to support proliferating epithelial cells isolated from their underlying dermal component.

Zentralbl Bakteriol, 1991 Dec, 276(1), 9 - 15
Diversity of Mobiluncus strains as demonstrated by their electrophoretic protein patterns; Drouet EB et al.; The analysis of electrophoretic protein profiles of 21 Mobiluncus curtisii, 11 Mobiluncus mulieris and 3 reference strains (Mobiluncus curtisii subsp . curtisii ATCC 35241, Mobiluncus curtisii subsp . holmesii ATCC 35242 and Mobiluncus mulieris BV 64-5) demonstrated species-related patterns . A highly variable region appeared at 70-85 kDa for Mobiluncus curtisii and at 75-95 kDa for Mobiluncus mulieris, which was likely to correspond to cell surface located proteins . When performed under standardized conditions, PAGE-protein analysis allowed to define intraspecies clusters, from which some strains appeared identical . Thus, the method seemed to provide a useful additive to identify a strain at the species level and might be of epidemiological interest.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1991 Dec, 57(12), 3511 - 6
Competitive inhibition of an energy-dependent nickel transport system by divalent cations in Bradyrhizobium japonicum JH; Fu CL et al.; Both nickel-specific transport and nickel transport by a magnesium transporter have been described previously for a variety of nickel-utilizing bacteria . The derepression of hydrogenase activity in Bradyzhizobium japonicum JH and in a gene-directed mutant of strain JH (in an intracellular Ni metabolism locus), strain JHK7, was inhibited by MgSO4 . For both strains, Ni2+ uptake was also markedly inhibited by Mg2+, and the Mg(2+)-mediated inhibition could be overcome by high levels of Ni2+ provided in the assay buffer . The results indicate that both B . japonicum strains transport Ni2+ via a high-affinity magnesium transport system . Dixon plots (1/V versus inhibitor) showed that the divalent cations Co2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+, like Mg2+, were competitive inhibitors of Ni2+ uptake . The KiS for nickel uptake inhibition by Mg2+, Co2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+ were 48, 22, 12, and 8 microM, respectively . Cu2+ strongly inhibited Ni2+ uptake, and molybdate inhibited it slightly . Respiratory inhibitors cyanide and azide, the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, the ATPase inhibitor N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, and ionophores nigericin and valinomycin significantly inhibited short-term (5 min) Ni2+ uptake, showing that Ni2+ uptake in strain JH is energy dependent . Most of these conclusions are quite different from those reported previously for a different B . japonicum strain belonging to a different serogroup.

West Indian Med J, 1991 Dec, 40(4), 188 - 92
Haemophagocytic syndrome; Prussia PR et al.; Two fatal cases of haemophagocytic syndrome diagnosed on the basis of autopsy findings at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Barbados, are presented . They were both young patients, a male 20 years of age and a female 28 years of age, with common clinical features of severe constitutional symptoms, pharyngeal haemorrhages, pancytopenia, and fever . The female patient had elevated titres to herpes simplex virus indicative of recent infection as well as postmortem evidence of overwhelming mixed bacteria sepsis . In both cases, histopathological studies showed lymphoid depletion and histiocytes displaying haemophagocytosis.

J Neurocytol, 1991 Dec, 20(12), 953 - 61
Distribution of glutamic acid decarboxylase (Mr 67,000) in the basal ganglia of the rat: an immunohistochemical study with a selective cDNA-generated polyclonal antibody; Gonzales C et al.; Distinct isoforms of glutamic acid decarboxylase, the synthetic enzyme for GABA, exist in brain . Their distribution at the cellular level is not known, because previous studies have been confounded by the lack of monospecificity of available antibodies . We have examined the distribution of glutamic acid decarboxylase (Mr 67,000; GAD67) in the basal ganglia of the rat with a polyclonal antibody generated against the protein expressed in bacteria transformed with the corresponding cDNA . This antibody, which is directed against a portion of GAD67 non homologous to other known glutamic acid decarboxylase isoforms, selectively recognizes GAD67 on western blots . We show that GAD67 is present to various degree in all types of GABAergic neurons previously described in these regions . In contrast with results obtained with non-selective antibodies for glutamic acid decarboxylase, GAD67-positive neuronal cell bodies were readily detected in sections of the striatum, pallidum and substantia nigra in the absence of colchicine treatment . Modifications in the immunohistochemical procedure favoured staining of glutamic acid decarboxylase-positive fibres with the same antibody, indicating that GAD67 is also present in axon terminals of GABAergic neurons . The results suggest that GAD67 may be involved in GABA synthesis in both cell bodies and axon terminals of all GABAergic neurons of the basal ganglia, but is particularly abundant or accessible in their cell bodies.

Infect Dis Clin North Am, 1991 Dec, 5(4), 883 - 98
Pharmacologic interventions aimed at preventing the biologic effects of endotoxin; Sable CA et al.; In summary, an increased understanding of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of septic shock has led to the development and evaluation of potential adjunctive therapies . Although several agents show promise in certain experimental settings, definitive recommendations regarding the use of these agents are not yet possible . Although several therapies have shown benefit when the subject receives treatment prior to the onset of sepsis, most have had varying degrees of success following the development of septicemia.

Infect Dis Clin North Am, 1991 Dec, 5(4), 875 - 82
Corticosteroids for the treatment of septic shock; Sheagren JN; Despite the substantial amount of data supporting the use of glucocorticoids in experimental models in septic shock, patients with severe sepsis and signs of deteriorating hemodynamic status or organ function do not benefit from glucocorticoid administration as given under the conditions of two well-done prospective, controlled trials . In fact, some glucocorticoid-treated patient subgroups showed increased mortality . Thus, the conclusion must be drawn that, despite potential theoretical and experimental value, glucocorticoids should not be used in the septic patient.

Mol Cell Probes, 1991 Dec, 5(6), 419 - 27
Evaluation of a DNA probe of plasmid origin for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in cultures and clinical specimens; Cano RJ et al.; This study evaluates five cryptic plasmid-derived DNA probes in a 4-h slot-blot hybridization assay for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in cultures and clinical specimens . The probes, consisting of either the entire cloned 7.5 kbp cryptic plasmid pSE8 or one of four Hin dIII/Eco RI fragments measuring 710, 1055, 710, and 500 bp, respectively, were labelled with Photoprobe biotin . The probe was detected using a streptavidin-alkaline phosphatase conjugate followed by addition of BCIP and NBT . The sensitivity of the assay, using 25 ng of probe DNA, ranged from 50 pg (with the entire plasmid as probe) to 5 ng (with the 500 bp fragment as probe) . A total of 103 reference strains of Chlamydia trachomatis and other bacteria were tested for reactivity with the probes . All 18 reference strains of C . trachomatis hybridized with the probes . None of the DNA from the heterologous organisms tested was found to hybridize with any of the probes . A total of 174 samples taken from patients visiting the STD clinic at the University Hospital, University of Seville were used in the study . The overall sensitivity of the assay, using the 710 bp biotinylated probe was 94.5% compared to culture while the specificity was 97.5% . Positive and negative predictive values were 96.5% and 97.5%, respectively . It appears that the plasmid-derived probes used in this study could serve as useful tools for the rapid and specific detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in cell cultures and clinical specimens.

J Appl Bacteriol, 1991 Dec, 71(6), 531 - 8
Decreased biocide susceptibility of adherent Legionella pneumophila; Wright JB et al.; In a study of the in vitro effectiveness of biocides against Legionella pneumophila, some aspects of the cooling tower environment were replicated in the laboratory, paying particular attention to water hardness and pH . Pieces of Douglas fir and polyvinyl chloride were colonized in a recirculating system and the comparative efficacy of two biocides (Bronopol and Kathon) against the sessile and planktonic populations was examined . While the biocides were relatively effective against the planktonic L . pneumophila population over a short period of time (minimum 9-12 h), substantially longer periods of time (maximum greater than 48 h) were required to reduce the number of cultivable bacteria to below detectable levels in the adherent population . The results indicate that failure to monitor the sessile population of L . pneumophila in laboratory studies of biocides may result in the use of incorrect dosages and/or contact times in field trials with apparently reduced in situ efficacy.

Ophthalmology, 1991 Dec, 98(12), 1769 - 75
Prophylaxis of endophthalmitis with topical povidone-iodine; Speaker MG et al.; The authors conducted an open-label nonrandomized parallel trial to examine whether the preoperative application of povidone-iodine to the ocular surface reduces the incidence of endophthalmitis after intraocular surgery . During an 11-month period, topical 5% povidone-iodine was used to prepare the conjunctiva in 1 set of 5 operating rooms, while silver protein solution was used in another set of 5 rooms . In all cases, surgeons continued to use their customary prophylactic antibiotics . A significantly lower incidence of culture-positive endophthalmitis (P less than 0.03) was observed in the operating rooms using povidone-iodine (2 of 3489 or 0.06%) compared with those using silver protein solution (11 of 4594 or 0.24%) . Use of topical povidone-iodine in over 3000 cases was not associated with any adverse reactions . In a majority of the observed cases of endophthalmitis, some form of intraoperative communication with the vitreous cavity existed.

J Pers Soc Psychol, 1991 Dec, 61(6), 969 - 80
Asymmetry of doubt in medical self-diagnosis: the ambiguity of "uncertain wellness"; Cioffi D; In 2 studies Ss received a clear or an unclear diagnosis, indicating either disease or no disease . In Experiment 1, Ss responded to a hypothetical bacteria test . In Experiment 2, Ss performed 2 saliva tests purportedly measuring risk for pancreatic disorders . Responses to the unclear well diagnosis were unique in several ways . Ss thought the test more invalid, inferred a greater likelihood of illness from a 2nd identical result, saw the disorder as more pernicious, and held no self-protective beliefs about the test or the disease . Moreover, desire for treatment among these Ss was as great as among those receiving a clear diagnosis of illness . Possible mechanisms are discussed, as are potential applications to clinical issues and to the development and maintenance of hypochondriacal health concerns.

APMIS, 1991 Dec, 99(12), 1089 - 95
Colorbact, a visually read blood culture system using darkening of haemoglobin in aerobic blood cultures as an early growth indicator, compared with Bactec 6A and 7A; Prag J et al.; Colorbact-A (aerobic), a blood culture system using darkening due to oxygen reduction and acidification of haemoglobin as an initial growth indicator during the first day of incubation of continuously agitated, aerobic blood cultures, was compared with the 24 h agitated aerobic Bactec 6A in 1767 consecutive paired cultures . Both systems were examined simultaneously twice daily during the first two days and once daily the next five days of incubation . In addition, during the agitation period Colorbact-A was observed for darkening four to five times during day duty between 8 a.m . and 4 p.m . The final seven days detection rate found by Colorbact-A using observation for darkening during initial agitation was similar to the rate found by Bactec 6A for both clinically significant strains and "contaminants", but Colorbact-A was significantly faster (p less than 0.001) in finding clinically significant strains . Colorbact-AN (anaerobic) was more rapid (p less than 0.01) and yielded more positive cultures than the anaerobic Bactec 7A . The Colorbact system was flexible, inexpensive, reliable and especially promising for laboratories which receive blood cultures from other hospitals once daily, as many positive cultures can be found immediately on arrival undisturbed by agitation during transport.

APMIS, 1991 Dec, 99(12), 1078 - 82
Should aerobic blood cultures be shaken intermittently or continuously?
Prag J, Nir M, Jensen J, Arpi M.
Stationary incubation of aerobic blood cultures was compared with intermittent shaking in aerobic Vacutainer 2630 bottles with agar slants during the first 24 h, and was simultaneously compared with the continuously shaken aerobic Bactec 6A bottles as a reference system . Intermittent shaking did not significantly increase or decrease the seven days yield of the Vacutainer bottles as compared with the continuously agitated Bactec 6A bottles . When one of 604 paired Vacutainer bottles was agitated for eight h and the other incubated stationary, the speed of growth detection was significantly greater in the agitated bottle (p less than 0.001), but significantly less than with continuously agitated Bactec 6A bottles (p less than 0.001) . Agitation for 14 h showed the same pattern of detection speed . These results suggest that it is desirable initially to agitate aerobic blood cultures either intermittently or continuously.

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