Microbial

Wien Med Wochenschr, 2003, 153(7-8), 163 - 5
Determination of the frequency of inadequate antibiotic therapy using calculation of indication failure (IF), cumulative indication failure (CIF), and balanced indication failure (BIF); Burgmann H; Because results of pathogen identification are often lacking when antibiotic therapy is initiated, treatment must frequently be instituted on an empirical basis . The type of empirical therapy will depend on the anticipated pathogen spectrum and naturally also on the prevailing resistance patterns . Inadequate antibiotic therapy may not only be associated with increased overall treatment costs, but will also have adverse effects on mortality . The clinician is frequently faced with an overabundant variety of microbiological data and may fail to interpret them correctly . Therefore, the present study has attempted to "translate" the available microbiological resistance data, frequently presented in the form of percentage rates, into concrete patient numbers and thus illustrate the frequency of inadequate antibiotic therapy . For this purpose, "Indication Failure" (IF), "Cumulative Indication Failure" (CIF) and "Balanced Indication Failure" (BIF) have been calculated based on available microbiological data . For the indication "nosocomial pneumonia", calculations of the BIF show that only one out of 67 or one out of 63 patients is inadequately treated with a therapy with cefepime or imipenem, while one out of 25 patients is inadequately treated when using ceftazidime . However, it must be pointed out that these calculations only represent an interpretation of microbiological data and the success of antibiotic therapy will ultimately also depend on parameters such as the pharmacodynamic properties of an antibiotic or on the immunocompetence of the patient treated.

BJOG, 2003 Apr, 110 Suppl 20, 128 - 30
The critical role of perinatal pathology; Jeffrey IJ; In spite of great advances in imaging and biochemistry, histological examination of tissues remains a vital part of the multidisciplinary approach to the prevention of the onset, morbidity and mortality of preterm birth . There has been increasing interest in the role of infection and inflammatory cytokines in causation both of early labour and the white matter damage in the brain of preterm infants . However, labour itself is associated with the build up of increased numbers of inflammatory cells in the uterine cervix and increased concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and positive microbiological cultures may reflect carriage or contamination . Confirmation of an infective aetiology in an individual case is best achieved by demonstration of a pathological inflammatory response in tissues, for example, by showing the presence of chorioamnionitis in the placenta . A proper understanding of the poor response to neonatal intensive care of some preterm babies often requires histological examination of the lungs after death, where unsuspected pneumonia, interstitial emphysema and/or pulmonary hypoplasia may help provide an explanation for the adverse outcome in individual cases . The pathophysiological mechanism of brain injury in preterm infants is undergoing re-evaluation, and the systemic study of brain tissue using the latest histological techniques may elucidate the importance of apoptosis in this situation and could point the way towards an effective preventative strategy . Paediatric pathology is also essential to explain many cases of sudden unexpected death in preterm infants, as demonstrated by the recent realisation that death may be caused by total parenteral nutrition fluid-associated myocardial necrosis, and acute cardiac tamponade.

Org Lett, 2003 May 29, 5(11), 1837 - 9
Two syntheses of FF-MAS; Blume T et al.; {reaction: see text} Follicular fluid-meiosis activating sterol (FF-MAS) has been shown to be an efficient inducer of meiotic maturation . It can potentially be used for improvements of in vitro fertilization techniques . Two short synthesis of FF-MAS are presented in this article . Both syntheses are based on microbiological degradations of sterol side chains . FF-MAS can be synthesized in nine steps from commercially available starting materials by both routes.

J Int Acad Periodontol, 2003 Apr, 5(2), 52 - 60
The use of tetracycline fibres in the treatment of generalised aggressive periodontitis: clinical and microbiological findings; Sakellari D et al.; The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of tetracycline fibres (TCF) as an adjunct to scaling in the treatment of generalised aggressive periodontitis and to compare the effects with mechanical treatment only . Ten patients, 24-39 years old referred for treatment to the Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Implant Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki took part in the study . A split-mouth experimental design was used . Measurements referring to bleeding on probing (BOP), pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were performed at 12 sites randomly selected . Clinical recordings were made at baseline, 2 and 6 months, after treatment . Subgingival plaque samples were taken for microbiological analysis using the 'checkerboard' DNA-DNA hybridisation technique at baseline, immediately after treatment and at 2 and 6 months . Full-mouth scaling and root planing were performed, with the exception of 2 pre-selected sites, which served as controls . Tetracycline fibres were applied in 5 pockets located in the same half mouth . Analysis of clinical findings showed that mechanical instrumentation in combination with TCF application led to a greater improvement in clinical parameters than scaling and root planing only . Microbial analysis showed a statistically significant greater reduction in the percentages of detection for B . forsythus, P . nigrescens and A . naeslundii genospecies II in pockets where tetracycline fibres were applied . In conclusion, the clinical and microbiological data of the present study suggest that the adjunctive use of TCF improves the clinical response of scaling and root planing in aggressive periodontitis patients.

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd, 2003 May 3, 147(18), 846 - 8
{ 'Severe acute respiratory syndrome' (SARS) in perspective}; Zaaijer HL; In the Netherlands, the risk of an outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) appears to be limited, if people in contact with a possibly imported case observe strict measures to prevent contamination . SARS may well be a zoonosis . Bovine spongiform encephalopathy and outbreaks of virus infections in the bioindustry, such as swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease and classical avian influenza, have led to massive killing of cattle, swine and fowl in the Netherlands . The possibility that the bioindustry constitutes a risky microbiological 'experiment' makes a discussion as to its future in the Netherlands urgent.

Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci, 2003 Apr, 40(2), 183 - 208
Acetaldehyde, microbes, and cancer of the digestive tract; Salaspuro MP; Excessive alcohol consumption and heavy smoking are the main risk factors of upper digestive tract cancer in industrialized countries . The association between heavy drinking and cancer appears to he particularly prominent in Asian individuals who have an inherited deficient ability to detoxify the first metabolite of ethanol oxidation, acetaldehyde . Alcohol itself is not carcinogenic . However, according to cell culture and animal experiments acetaldehyde is highly toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic . In addition to somatic cells, microbes representing normal human gut flora are also able to produce acetaldehyde from ethanol . After the ingestion of alcoholic beverages, this results in high local acetaldehyde concentrations in the saliva, gastric juice, and the contents of the large intestine . In addition, microbes may produce acetaldehyde endogenously without alcohol administration . This review summarizes the epidemiological, genetic, and biochemical evidence supporting the role of locally produced acetaldehyde in the pathogenesis of digestive tract cancer . Special emphasis is given to those factors that regulate local acetaldehyde concentration in the contents of the gastrointestinal tract . The new evidence presented in this review may open a microbiological approach to the pathogenesis of digestive tract cancer and may have an influence on future preventive strategies.

Microb Ecol, 2003 Jul, 46(1), 83 - 91 Epub 2003 May 21.
Characterization of microbial activities and U reduction in a shallow aquifer contaminated by uranium mill tailings; Elias DA et al.; A characterization of the Shiprock, NM, uranium mill tailing site focused on the geochemical and microbiological factors governing in-situ uranium-redox reactions . Groundwater and aqueous extracts of sediment samples contained a wide concentration range of sulfate, nitrate, and U(VI) with median values of 21.2 mM, 16.1 micro M, and 2.7 micro M, respectively . Iron(III) was not detected in groundwater, but a median value of 0.3 mM in sediment extracts was measured . Bacterial diversity down gradient from the disposal pile reflected the predominant geochemistry with relatively high numbers of sulfate- and nitrate-reducing microorganisms, and smaller numbers of acetogenic, methanogenic, nitrate-dependent Fe(II)-oxidizing, Fe(III)-reducing, and sulfide-oxidizing bacteria . In aquifer slurry incubations, nitrate reduction was always preferred and had a negative impact on sulfate-, Fe(III)-, and U-reduction rates . We also found that sulfate-reduction rates decreased sharply in the presence of clay, while Fe(III)-reduction increased with no clear impact on U reduction . In the absence of clay, iron and sulfate reduction correlated with concentrations of Fe(III) and sulfate, respectively . Rates of U(VI) loss did not correlate with the concentration of any electron acceptor . With the exception of Fe(III), electron donor amendment was largely unsuccessful in stimulating electron acceptor loss over a 2-week incubation period, suggesting that endogenous forms of organic matter were sufficient to support microbial activity . Our findings suggest that efforts to accelerate biological U reduction should initially focus on stimulating nitrate removal.

Infez Med, 2002 Dec, 10(4), 239 - 44
{World microbiological unification according to Woodrow Borah}; Sabbatani S; Now that developments in communication media are turning the world into a "global village" and there are risks of global epidemics due to infectious agents spread by possible terrorist attacks, this article aims to remind us of what happened in the "New World", where in the space of a few decades the indigenous civilizations disappeared . When, following the geographical discoveries of the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, millions of people met European sailors, soldiers and traders, the outbreak of pathocenosis was destructive--the intensity of this effect was directly related to the degree of isolation of the indigenous populations colonised by the Europeans . The author of this article recalls the Woodrow Borah thesis . Borah, a former History Professor at Berkeley University, elaborated a theory according to which the microbiological unification of the world is the prime cause of the genocide of the indigenous population in America and Oceania . The author emphasises that the events following the discovery of the American continent are very similar to the plague epidemic which started in 1348 in Europe.

Scand J Infect Dis, 2003, 35(3), 207 - 9
Acanthamoeba keratitis in a non-contact lens wearer with human immunodeficiency virus; Hansen B et al.; Acanthamoeba keratitis is potentially blinding and often associated with contact lens wearing . A human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patient, a non-contact lens wearer, presented with keratitis . She experienced a protracted course of disease, characterized by exacerbations and remissions, and was treated with various topical antibiotics and steroids . 13 months after symptom onset the eye was removed owing to serious scarring of cornea and unbearable pain . Microbiological and histopathological examination of the cornea showed Acanthamoeba . In non-contact lens wearers suffering from Acanthamoeba keratitis the diagnosis is delayed, pathognomonic features are often not seen and visual outcome is usually poor . There is no known relation between HIV infection and Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Mikrobiologiia, 2003 Mar-Apr, 72(2), 259 - 67
{Microbial metabolism of the carbon and sulfur cycles in Shira Lake (Khakasia)}; Pimenov NV et al.; Microbiological and biogeochemical studies of the meromictic saline Lake Shira (Khakasia) were conducted . In the upper part of the hydrogen-sulfide zone, at a depth of 13.5-14 m, there was a pale pink layer of water due to the development of purple bacteria (6 x 10(5) cells/ml), which were assigned by their morphological and spectral characteristics to Lamprocystis purpureus (formerly Amoebobacter purpurea) . In August, the production of organic matter (OM) in Lake Shira was estimated to be 943 mg C/(m2 day) . The contribution of anoxygenic photosynthesis was insignificant (about 7% of the total OM production) . The share of bacterial chemosynthesis was still less (no more than 2%) . In the anaerobic zone, the community of sulfate-reducing bacteria played a decisive role in the terminal decomposition of OM . The maximal rates of sulfate reduction were observed in the near-bottom water (114 micrograms S/(1 day)) and in the surface layer of bottom sediments (901 micrograms S/(dm3 day)) . The daily expenditure of Corg for sulfate reduction was 73% of Corg formed daily in the processes of oxygenic and anoxygenic photosynthesis and bacterial chemosynthesis . The profile of methane distribution in the water column and bottom sediments was typical of meromictic reservoirs . The methane content in the water column increased beginning with the thermocline (7-8 m), and reached maximum values in the near-bottom water (17 microliters/l) . In bottom sediments, the greatest methane concentrations (57 microliters/l) were observed in the surface layer (0-3 cm) . The integral rate of methane formation in the water column and bottom sediments was almost an order of magnitude higher than the rate of its oxidation by aerobic and anaerobic methanotrophic microorganisms.

Mikrobiologiia, 2003 Mar-Apr, 72(2), 221 - 7
{The biometric analysis of bacteria in soil}; Guzev VS et al.; The biometric analysis of bacterial cells in soil by light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy showed that their average size is 0.8 micron in diameter, 1.4 microns in length, and 0.7 micron 3 in volume . In soil loci with enhanced microbiological activity (the rhizoplane of plants and the intestinal tract of soil invertebrates), the average size of bacterial cells was found to be 40% smaller than that of cells occurring in other parts of soil . It is the first experimental evidence showing that the metabolic activity of soil bacteria and their concentration and allometric parameters are related.

Gesundheitswesen, 2003 Apr, 65(4), 255 - 62
{Hygienic quality of the water of public swimming pools--comments on a current German ordinance draft}; Hentschel W et al.; In April 2002, a new draft regarding the quality of the water of public swimming pools in Germany was published . This draft was adapted to the new regulations for drinking water in respect of its structure and regulations . Microbiological tests for assessing the quality of bathing water are given priority . With regard to basic differences in facilities for drinking water and such for bath water and to legal aspects, many data (n = 14,425 data) on the practical experience of public health authorities are presented, obtained during the last few years . With regard to the data and in respect of the great delay between sampling and obtaining the results it is concluded that microbiological methods are inappropriate parameters for rapid assessment of the quality of bath water . Hence it is recommended to implement the evaluation of disinfection by chlorination including pH as an indicator for the quality of a bath water, parallel to the guidelines on technical standards . A high frequency of chlorination testing can markedly reduce the number of microbiological tests . Additionally, microbiological tests of the filtrate before disinfection by chlorination are recommended . This procedure has proved successful in legionella control.

Anal Bioanal Chem, 2003 Sep, 377(1), 32 - 8 Epub 2003 May 16.
Preparation, homogeneity and stability studies of a candidate LRM for Se speciation; Bodo ET et al.; A laboratory reference material (LRM) was prepared from Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa) for quality control (QC) purposes of selenium speciation . The preparation of this LRM led through the usual operation steps applied during routine reference material production from biota samples-preparation of the raw material, homogenisation, storage design, checking of homogeneity, microbiological status and possible irradiation effects, and monitoring the species stability vs time at different storage temperatures . The selenium speciation studies to check species stability were carried out on a HPLC-UV-HG-AFS measurement set-up . Special attention was paid to the correct identification of selenium species by applying independent HPLC separation techniques (ion-pairing and anion-exchange chromatography) . The concentration of selenomethionine (SeMet) and total Se content were quantified (79.9 microg g(-1) (calculated as Se) and 82.9 microg g(-1), respectively) . The homogeneity and stability of this candidate reference material passed the relevant tests recommended by Bureau Communautaire de Reference (BCR).

Anal Bioanal Chem, 2003 Jun, 376(4), 431 - 5 Epub 2003 May 14.
The role of organic colloids in herbicide transfer to rivers: a quantitative study of triazine and phenylurea interactions with colloids; Irace-Guigand S et al.; For moderately hydrophobic compounds such as most pesticides adsorption on colloids (<0.2 microm) may play a key role in pesticide mobility as well as in their degradation by chemical and microbiological processes . However, until now, pesticide-organic colloid interactions are poorly understood . Quantitative data for sorption equilibria on colloids of two series of herbicides including triazines (atrazine, simazine, terbutylazine, prometryne, desethylatrazine, and desisopropylatrazine) and phenylureas (isoproturon, linuron, neburon, and diuron) sampled in the Seine river (urban zone) and the Marne river (agricultural zone) are presented . Partition coefficient of herbicides on colloids (K(com)), were evaluated by solid-phase extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-UV diode-array detection (SPE-HPLC-UV/DAD) . In the case of triazines a satisfactory log-log correlation was found between K(com) and octanol-water coefficient (K(ow)) values . Phenylureas did not obey this correlation, with K(com) values being about two times higher than those of triazines . The existence of two distinct types of adsorption behaviour on colloids partly explains the different occurrence of triazines and phenylureas in surface waters.

Folia Microbiol (Praha), 2003, 48(1), 76 - 82
Long-term fertilization affects the abundance of saprotrophic microfungi degrading resistant forms of soil organic matter; Gryndler M et al.; The effect of mineral and organic fertilization on the occurrence of soil microorganisms was determined in a field experiment . The colony-forming unit counts of saprotrophic microfungi, when estimated on a silicate gel medium containing fulvic acid as a sole carbon source, increased significantly with increasing doses of mineral and organic fertilization . Partial correlation analysis indicated that, unlike bacteria and actinomycetes, microfungi utilizing fulvic acid were significantly associated with soil organic carbon . No significant effects on bacteria and microfungi counted on common microbiological media were observed but counts of actinomycetes increased in a manured soil extensively fertilized by a mineral fertilizer . Fulvic acid utilizing microfungi, which are associated with areas rich in organics, play possibly the main role in mineralization of resistant forms of soil organic matter.

Probl Tuberk, 2003, (3), 26 - 30
{Role of ultrasmall forms of Mycobacteria in the pathomorphology of tuberculosis}; Golyshevskaia VI; Microbiological and histological studies made in patients with active tuberculosis revealed that 65.5% of cases had revertants from ultraminor forms (UMF) of Mycobacteria tuberculosis (MBT), which are typically bacterial in shape and referred to as representatives of the genus Mycobacterium tuberculosis . Cultivation of the diagnostic material containing MBT UMF the enriched liquid nutrient medium could detect rod-shaped bacterial forms of MBT in 18% of the patients with tuberculosis . Inoculation of the MBT UMF-containing material isolated from patients with tuberculosis to guinea-pigs revealed productive sarcoid-like changes in the organs of the experimental animals in 30.6% of cases . A postmortem study of the organs of experimental animals inoculated the material containing "visible, but not growing" mycobacteria detected paraspecific tissue reactions and infiltration of lung tissue by multiple cells of the macrophageal series.

Analyst, 2003 Apr, 128(4), 320 - 2
The Walkerton tragedy --issues for water quality monitoring; Brown RS et al.; One of the most significant weaknesses in modern day water quality management is the detection of microbiological indicators . Microbial tests are normally conducted off-site, often resulting in long turn-around time, risk of contamination, cross contamination and adulteration . Here Stephen Brown and Moe Hussain present a thought provoking case study where limitations in current analytical technologies for water monitoring had fatal results and discuss new approaches to microbiological monitoring that might prevent similar disasters occurring in the future.

Antibiot Khimioter, 2003, 48(1), 27 - 30
{Microbiological evaluation of differences between cephalosporins of second and third generations in general hospital}; Bogdanov MB et al.; The aim of the current investigation was to evaluate practical impact of modern NCCLS recommendations for the selection of 2nd and 3rd generation cephalosporins in Moscow teaching multi profile hospital . The sensitivity of clinically significant 96 strains from patients with pyelonephritis and 180 strains from patients with lower respiratory tract infections (pneumonia, COPD) was compared for cefuroxime and cefotaxime or ceftriaxone according NCCLS recommendations during 2000-2001 years . At the lower respiratory tract infection total sensitivity of all pathogens was 70.6% and 72.8%, at the pyelonephritis 71.9% and 76.0% for 2nd and 3rd generations respectively . The differences between cephalosporins were not statistically significant . Based on the application of modern NCCLS recommendations in the routine microbiological practice similar clinical efficacy of 2nd and 3rd generations cephalosporin in lower respiratory tract infections and pyelonephritis could be predicted.

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd, 2003 Apr 26, 147(17), 813 - 5
{Severe diarrhea and eosinophilic colitis attributed to pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis)}; de Jong MD et al.; In a 32-year-old woman suffering from severe diarrhoea, eosinophilic infiltration of colonic mucosa and a peripheral eosinophilia, microbiological investigations only revealed large numbers of Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) in the faeces . Treatment with mebendazole resulted in a rapid resolution of symptoms and disappearance of the eosinophilia, which strongly suggested a causative role of this pinworm in the clinical syndrome of the patient . E . vermicularis is generally regarded as an innocent nematode, which at most causes perianal pruritus due to migration of worms from the colon and expulsion of eggs onto the perianal skin . Although the pinworm maturates and lives in the gut, gastrointestinal symptoms have seldom been reported . E . vermicularis infection should be considered in patients with unexplained eosinophilic enteritis.

Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax, 2003 Apr 16, 92(16), 751 - 9
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: incidence, risk factors of antibiotics and patients, pathophysiology and differential diagnosis--an interdisciplinary approach to a common problem; Lembcke B et al.; Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common complication of antibiotic treatment, most often seen in non-hospitalised patients . In principle, such diarrhea can be triggered by any antibiotic . An interdisciplinary working group discussed the different aspects of AAD in view of its gastroenterological, microbiological, paediatric, general medical and pharmaceutical implications, also in consideration of the position of patients and health insurance funds . The incidence, risk factors of antibiotics and patients, the pathophysiology of the various types of AAD and the differential diagnosis are reviewed.

Infez Med, 1999, 7(3), 195 - 202
The use of antidiphterial serotherapy in Bologna in 1895 . A pilot experience; Sabbatani S et al.; It was the year 1894 and the international scientific community was experiencing a historic moment . It was around this time that Pasteur, Kock, L efler, Yersin and Behring discovered the microbiological causes of commonly occurring infectious diseases . In Bologna it was decided to eradicate the diphtheria epidemic which had claimed 152 victims, mainly children, the previous year by experimentally adopting specific serotherapy successfully applied in France shortly before . Supported by local government funding and with the aid of some enterprising local doctors, an efficacious serum was soon produced in Bologna . Good clinical results were obtained and production and sale costs were able to be considerably reduced . Little more than a century later, this is an example of applicative research where there is much still to be revealed.

Acta Derm Venereol, 2003, 83(2), 88 - 92
The vulva skin microclimate: influence of panty liners on temperature, humidity and pH; Runeman B et al.; Many women use panty liners between menstrual periods . The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of such products might influence the vulva skin . Twelve healthy women were studied on four occasions with three different product constructions and on one occasion without products . Temperature, surface wetness and surface pH were measured on vulva skin . Mean skin temperature when the women were wearing a conventional panty liner (with a non-breathable back sheet) was 35.9 degrees C, compared to 34.4 degrees C when wearing no panty liner at all (p < 0.01) and 34.5 degrees C when using a panty liner with a breathable (i.e . vapour permeable) back sheet (p < 0.01) . Skin humidity was significantly higher when the conventional panty liner was used compared to no panty liner or to the breathable panty liner (both cases p < 0.01) . The mean pH value at the exterior aspect of the labium majus was 5.8 with the conventional panty liner, 5.2 with no panty liner and 5.3 with the breathable panty liner (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively) . The results indicate that the conventional panty liner changes the vulva skin microclimate, but that the breathable panty liner to a substantial degree keeps the microclimate at an undisturbed level . The actual effect of these differences on microbiological flora will be addressed in a subsequent study.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 2003 May, 22(5), 310 - 2 Epub 2003 May 07.
Lack of portosystemic bacterial translocation in patients with liver cirrhosis after placement of transjugular shunt; Cohnen M et al.; The purpose of this study was to clarify whether bacteria are transferred from the portal venous system into central venous blood during the placement of a transjugular portosystemic stent shunt (TIPSS) . TIPSS was created in 30 consecutive cirrhotic patients for recurrent variceal bleeding ( n=12), refractory ascites ( n=16), or hepatorenal syndrome ( n=2) . Microbiological analysis was performed prospectively on central venous blood before and on portal venous blood immediately after puncture of the portal vein . Twenty minutes after the placement of TIPSS, another sample of central venous blood was obtained . None of the first two sets of blood cultures showed bacterial growth, so that no bacterial transfer was seen at the time of TIPSS placement . Four of the third sets of blood samples showed skin and mouth flora, interpreted as iatrogenic contamination.

Anal Bioanal Chem, 2003 May, 376(1), 102 - 9 Epub 2003 Mar 29.
Evaluation of stability of arsenic species in rice; Pizarro I et al.; Although most edible vegetables do not accumulate As at a high rate, rice, carrots and certain others are exceptions . In addition to nutritional or toxicological considerations, the relatively high level and variety of As species present in rice make it a very suitable matrix for a candidate reference material representative of terrestrial biological samples.An analytical procedure was developed for As speciation in rice based on the use of a 1:1 methanol-water mixture for species extraction, an anion Hamilton PRPX-100 column (at pH 6, and phosphate mobile phase 10 mM), and a cation Hamilton PRP-X200 column (at pH 2.8 in pyridine formiate 4 mM) for species separation and final determination by HPLC-ICP-MS.The detection limits for dry flour rice expressed as As were 2 and 3 ng g(-1) for As(III) and AsB on the cation column and 3, 6 and 5 ng g(-1) for As(V), MMA and DMA, respectively, on the anion column.The methodology developed was applied to check the stability of As species in the water-methanol extract and also under different processing steps and storage time and temperature conditions.It was demonstrated that the As species in the water-methanol extracts stored at +4 degrees C remained stable for at least one month . Once the rice grains are ground, the MMA and As(V) species are not stable under any storage conditions probably due to microbiological activity . When ground rice is gamma-irradiated species remain stable although the AsB does not appear.

J Can Dent Assoc, 2003 May, 69(5), 292 - 6
Oral health promotion for high-risk children: case studies from British Columbia; Harrison R; Socio-economics, family stress and parenting style each plays as important a role in the development of early childhood caries as dietary and microbiological factors . Therefore, to be successful, oral health promotion initiatives should be designed and implemented with due consideration of issues such as collaboration with community partners, the role of dental health in overall child health and the involvement of the community in program planning . This article briefly describes 3 programs that have been undertaken in British Columbia either as public health initiatives or as demonstration research projects to improve oral health in young children from diverse communities with a high prevalence of early childhood caries.

Bioresour Technol, 2003 Mar, 87(1), 125 - 7
Quality assessment of compost prepared from fly ash and crop residue; Gaind S et al.; Fly ash was co-composted with wheat straw and 2% rock phosphate (w/w) for 90 days and different chemical and microbiological parameters monitored to evaluate its effect on the composting process . Fly ash addition at 20% level resulted in the lowest C/N of 16.4:1 and highest available and total phosphorus . Increasing the addition of fly ash from 40 to 60% (w/w) did not exert any detrimental effect on either C:N or the microbial population.

Infez Med, 1998, 6(1), 18 - 24
{Treatment of Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) in adults with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid switch therapy: a multicenter italian study}; Legnani D et al.; Patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) previously treated with other oral antibiotics (Cephalosporins 35,3%, Macrolides 26,9%, Tetracyclines 14,1%, Quinolones 12,8%, other 10,9%) for at least 72 hours at home were considered for this national multicentre study . 43 hospitalized patients (17 males and 26 females) ranging between the ages of 19 and 79 were treated with Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (AMC) 1,2 g e.v., T.l.D . for at least 3 days . I.V . Treatments were switched to AMC p.o . after apyrexial status . Average treatment duration was 10,8 + 3.6 . Sputum/B.A.L . samples were obtained from all patients submitted for microbiological exams in order to determine microbiological aetiology of CAP in patients who have failed on previous antibiotics . At the end of treatment, 30 patients (96,8%) were considered cured, while treatment failed in 1 patient (3,2%) . 12 patients were considered not evaluable because serology was positive for M.pneumoniae (5 pts); for C.pneumoniae (3 pts.); 1 patients was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis; 1 patient was positive for HIV and Mycobacterium spp.; 2 patients were non-evaluable for lung or bronchial tumor . Not reported adverse events.

Eur J Pharm Sci, 2003 May, 19(1), 31 - 6
Stability of sufentanil and levobupivacaine solutions and a mixture in a 0.9% sodium chloride infusion stored in polypropylene syringes; Jappinen A et al.; We have evaluated the chemical and microbiological stability of sufentanil citrate, levobupivacaine hydrochloride and a mixture in a 0.9% sodium chloride infusion in order to provide background information on the storage of a sufentanil-levobupivacaine mixture in polypropylene (PP) syringes . Chemical assays were performed by HPLC on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 8, 14, 23, 28 and 30 after storage at 4, 21, and 36 degrees C . Microbiological stability was evaluated under aseptic conditions using a laminar air flow station, with a grade A environment and a B background . The samples taken for microbiological analysis were collected immediately after preparation of the solutions and then after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days storage . At 4 degrees C the sufentanil citrate solution was stable for 23 days . At 21 degrees C the sufentanil citrate solution maintained chemical stability for 3 days, but thereafter the concentration of sufentanil decreased 15% from day 3 to day 8 . At 36 degrees C a similar decrease was noticed from day 1 to day 3 . On the contrary, the levobupivacaine hydrochloride solution maintained chemical stability for 28 days at 4 and 21 degrees C and for 23 days at 36 degrees C . The sufentanil-levobupivacaine mixture maintained chemical stability for 28 days at 4, 21 and 36 degrees C . The sufentanil and levobupivacaine solutions and the mixture studied maintained microbiological stability for 28 days . According to the chemical and microbiological stability studies, the sufentanil-levobupivacaine mixture in PP syringes could be stored for 28 days at 4 and 21 degrees C.

Rev Bras Enferm, 2002 Jul-Aug, 55(4), 414 - 9
{Validation of the sterilization procedure of medical and hospital devices according to different packaging types}; Brito Mde F et al.; Safety in the processing of medical and hospital devices in healthcare organizations is an important measure of nosocomial infection control . This investigation aimed at establishing the period during which it is safe to use medical and hospital articles processed through sterilization by saturated steam under pressure using different types of packaging at a private hospital . The methodological procedure consisted of four phases: preparation of articles, evaluation of autoclave functioning, sterilization cycle and microbiological tests . Results showed bacterial growth on articles packed in surgical grade paper with and without film on the 21st day, in crepe paper on the 90th day and absence of growth when raw cotton packaging was used . In face of the results, a 21-day period was established for the use of articles after sterilization by saturated steam under pressure regardless of the type of packaging utilized, considering that storage conditions were also evaluated.

J Clin Virol, 2003 May, 27(1), 74 - 82
Are waterborne astrovirus implicated in acute digestive morbidity (E.MI.R.A . study)?
Gofti-Laroche L, Gratacap-Cavallier B, Demanse D, Genoulaz O, Seigneurin JM, Zmirou D.
BACKGROUND: With rotavirus and Norwalk-like viruses, astroviruses are now recognized as important etiologic agents of viral gastroenteritis in all age groups . However, astrovirus is neither routinely screened for in stool samples, nor in environmental samples, and data on the health impact of waterborne astrovirus are lacking . OBJECTIVES: To assess the potential impact of astrovirus in drinking water on the incidence of acute digestive conditions (ADC) among a panel of volunteers . STUDY DESIGN: The Epidemiology and MIcrobial Risk Assessment (E.MI.R.A.) study combined a daily epidemiological follow-up of digestive morbidity among a panel of 544 volunteers supplied by French public water systems, and a microbiological surveillance of drinking water . Cases of digestive morbidity were collected through weekly telephone calls . The bacterial, virological and parasitic quality of tap water was assessed monthly . Additional samples were collected if the incidence of ADC increased . The relationship between incidence of ADC during a 7-day period centered about the water sampling day and astrovirus RNA prevalence in drinking water was modeled by regression techniques, taking into account several confounders . RESULTS: 12% (8/68) of the analyzed water samples were positive for astrovirus, and presence of astrovirus RNA was associated with a significant increased risk of ADC: RR=1.51 (95% CI={1.17-1.94}, P value=0.002) . CONCLUSIONS: This result suggests a role for waterborne astrovirus in the endemic level of digestive morbidity in the general population . Perhaps astrovirus is a candidate test target for viral surveillance of drinking water.

Int J Antimicrob Agents, 2003 May, 21(5), 452 - 6
Does dexamethasone affect ceftriazone penetration into cerebrospinal fluid in adult bacterial meningitis; Buke AC et al.; Trough cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ceftriaxone concentrations were measured daily to investigate the effect of dexamethasone on ceftriaxone penetration into CSF in adult patients with acute bacterial meningitis . Patients were divided into two groups in this double blind randomized study . In group 1 (n=6) patients were given ceftriaxone with dexamethasone whereas in group 2 (n=6) patients were only administered ceftriaxone . Plasma and CSF samples were collected at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 264 h following the study treatments . The trough CSF ceftriaxone concentrations were measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and microbiological assay . CSF ceftriaxone concentrations were 3.21 mg/l at 24 h in group 1 and 4.85 mg/l at the same time in group 2 by HPLC . Although microbiological assay results were lower than HPLC the trough CSF ceftriaxone concentrations in dexamethasone group were at least 10(3) times higher than the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the susceptible strains . It was concluded that the ceftriaxone concentration in CSF was adequate and ceftriaxone penetration was not significantly affected by concomitant dexamethasone use in adult patients with acute bacterial meningitis.

Int J Antimicrob Agents, 2003 May, 21(5), 393 - 402
Use of imipenem as empirical treatment of febrile neutropenia; Klastersky JA; Based on past information from the literature and our own review, it appears that imipenem can be used effectively as an initial empirical therapy of febrile neutropenia, as a monotherapy, even in patients with haematological malignancies . The response rate is outstanding in microbiologically documented infections, namely bacteraemias, although more information is needed about its optimal use when pneumonia is present . There is no logical or medicine-based evidence suggesting that imipenem should be reserved for second line therapy in patients with febrile neutropenia not responding to empirical treatments that did not contain imipenem . A lower dose of imipenem (500 mg every 6 h) is probably as effective and definitely better tolerated, than higher doses, especially as far as nausea and vomiting are concerned.

An Pediatr (Barc), 2003 May, 58(5), 432 - 7
{Epidemic outbreak of tuberculosis in a primary and secondary school in Granada (Spain)}; Sanchez Marenco A et al.; OBJECTIVE: To describe the diagnosis and early treatment of an epidemic outbreak of tuberculosis and determine the utility of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) compared with routine culture in gastric juice . MATERIAL AND METHODS: A computer studies teacher, with clinical features suggestive of tuberculosis and caverns on X-ray, was diagnosed with bacilliferous tuberculosis . Primary health care services carried out a Mantoux test on the school's 387 students as well as on teachers and other staff . The children with a positive Mantoux test underwent laboratory, radiological, and microbiological investigations for one week in the Pediatric Respiratory Unit of Hospital Clinico in Granada.In the teaching and non-teaching staff, active tuberculosis was ruled out through bacilloscopy of sputum samples, Mantoux test, and chest X-ray . RESULTS: In the first screening, the Mantoux test was positive in 67 children . Of these, 7 children were diagnosed with tuberculosis and 60 were found to be infected . Of the 7 children with tuberculosis, five presented positive gastric juice culture in Lowenstein medium while Roche COBAS PCR was negative . In the second screening, 9 children became tuberculin positive . Of these, 8 were diagnosed with tuberculosis and one was infected . Cultures were positive in 3 and PCR was negative . In 77.6 % of the children (59/76), the Mantoux induration was equal to or higher than 18 mm . All of the 15 children with tuberculosis were aged between 9 and 14 years old, except one who was 5 years old . CONCLUSIONS: The Mantoux test remains a basic screening method in diagnosis and epidemiological research, whereas the results of microbiological investigation remain poor and in our study the results DNA were disappointing . The screening of tuberculosis and of other infectious diseases should be more closely monitored in professional groups, such as teachers, that are in contact with large numbers of children . This would identify infected adults and prevent epidemics such as that described in the present study.

J Med Microbiol, 2003 May, 52(Pt 5), 435 - 40
Acute viral gastroenteritis: proportion and clinical relevance of multiple infections in Spanish children; Roman E et al.; Dual infections associated with acute infectious diarrhoea and its microbiological, epidemiological and clinical findings have been evaluated in patients selected from a comprehensive survey of children under 4 years old, admitted to hospital emergency rooms from October 1996 to November 1997 . A total of 820 children (433 males and 387 females) were enrolled . Stools were tested for rotavirus, adenovirus, astrovirus and bacterial enteropathogens . Patients were grouped according to age, and the seasonality of mixed infections was evaluated . Clinical trends and severity of gastrointestinal disease by Ruuska's score were also analysed . Mixed infections were identified in 39 cases (5 %), of which 23 were males and 16 were females . The majority of cases were in the 7-18-month age group (26 cases) and occurred in autumn (67 %) . Virus-virus co-infections were more frequent (26/39) than virus-bacteria co-infections (13/39) . More than two infectious agents were detected in only four cases . The most common viral co-infections were rotavirus-astrovirus (13/26) and rotavirus-adenovirus (10/26) . The present report is the first prospective analysis of clinical-epidemiological trends of dual infections in young Spanish children with acute viral gastroenteritis . Our results emphasize the clinical importance of mixed infections as a cause of severe diarrhoea in children.

J Agric Food Chem, 2003 May 7, 51(10), 2888 - 95
Direct fluorometric determination of fluorescent substances in powders: the case of riboflavin in cereal flours; Zandomeneghi M et al.; Front-face emission spectra of powders can be recorded with a commercial spectrofluorometer . By combining the emissions of a scatterer powder and of a wheat flour sample, the scattering contribution to the front-face emission spectra of flour is removed, and the fluorescence of the flour is isolated . The fluorescence depends on the concentration of the fluorophores . By choosing convenient measurement parameters and by measuring the emission spectra of flour samples suitably enriched with riboflavin, the fluorescence of riboflavin could be isolated from that of other substances present in flours and the concentration of vitamin B(2) in native substrates could be determined . This method is particularly apt for the measurement of vitamin B(2) in low riboflavin-containing powders such as wheat flours, which are usually analyzed through complex chemical and microbiological methods . The method is essentially phenomenological, in view of the interpretation difficulties connected to the origin of the fluorescence resulting from the absorption of multiply scattered photons.

Infez Med, 2003 Mar, 11(1), 25 - 30
{Treatment of bacterial conjuntivitis with topical ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin: a comparative study}; Chisari G et al.; The authors studied the epidemiology of external ocular infections and the therapeutic efficacy of topical ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin in the treatment of conjunctivitis and blepharitis . Signs and symptoms in two study-group (ciprofloxacin group A = 95 patients and norfloxacin group B = 95 patients) as well as the microbiological data obtained from the conjunctival swab before and after treatment were considered . The clinical and bacteriological success rate in the two study-groups was respectively 91% (group A) and 83% (group B) . The results of the present study confirm the therapeutic efficacy of topical fluoroquinolones in the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis and blepharitis.

Eur J Intern Med, 2003 Mar, 14(2), 77 - 88
Tuberculous pleural effusions; Valdes L et al.; Tuberculosis is the most frequent cause of death due to infectious diseases . In Europe, it is one of the most frequent types of pleural effusions in young patients . Tuberculosis is caused by the rupture of a pulmonary subpleural caseous focus, which releases mycobacterium into the pleural cavity, thereby triggering an immune response involving mainly macrophages, CD4+ T lymphocytes, and the cytokines released by these cells (especially interleukin 1, interleukin 2, and gamma-interferon) . In recent years, classical microbiological and histological methods of diagnosis have been joined by biochemical analyses of pleural fluid, which are faster and can be more sensitive . In particular, tuberculous effusions have high adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity, apparently due to high levels of the ADA isoenzyme ADA2, which is only found in monocytes and macrophages (although certain data suggest the possible involvement of activated T cells, too) . It has been recommended that treatment for tuberculosis be initiated if analysis of pleural fluid shows high ADA activity, a lymphocyte/neutrophil ratio greater than 0.75, and no malignant cells . Another highly efficient marker is gamma-interferon, which is released by activated CD4+ T cells, but its high price is an obstacle to its routine determination in clinical practice . Identification of mycobacterial DNA by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is less efficient, apparently because its sensitivity depends heavily on mycobacterium concentration . No other biochemical parameters currently appear to be of marked relevance for the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) . TPE responds well to the standard treatment for tuberculosis . However, 50% of TPE patients have a thickened pleura as a result of the accumulation of fluid, and in 16% the quantity of effusion increases during treatment, even if corticosteroids are administered . It therefore seems reasonable for treatment with antituberculous drugs to be preceded by therapeutic thoracocentesis to remove as much fluid as possible.

Cytometry B Clin Cytom, 2003 May, 53(1), 54 - 62
Standardized immune monitoring for the prediction of infections after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in risk patients; Strohmeyer JC et al.; BACKGROUND: Infections are the most common cause of late complications in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery patients, and are difficult to predict . Here we studied the diagnostic value of a standardized immune monitoring program based on recent advances in flow cytometry (exact quantification of surface-marker expression) and cytokine determination (semiautomatic systems) . METHODS: CPB patients (56) at risk for complications (age >70 years and/or preoperative left-ventricular ejection fraction < 25 %) were classified into three groups: without (33), with suspected (14), and with confirmed (9) infection . Applying the Quantibrite trade mark -system, we daily quantified the expression of CD11b, CD64, CD71, CD86, and HLA-DR on monocytes/granulocytes . Furthermore, the ex vivo secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha as well as the plasma interleukin (IL)-10 levels were determined by a semiautomatic system . Ex vivo elastase release was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . RESULTS: All patients showed signs of granulocyte activation and monocyte deactivation . Monocytic HLA-DR and plasma IL-10 were the best markers to discriminate patients with infection from those without as early as day 1 . Using a cutoff of 5792 HLA-DR molecules per cell, both sensitivity and negative predictive value for patients who developed microbiologically confirmed infection was 1.0, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.85 . CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that a standardized immune monitoring at day 1 might be useful for early discrimination of patients at elevated risk for infections .

J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris), 2003 Apr, 32(2), 169 - 74
{Determination of nosocomial infection incidence in mothers and newborns during the early postpartum period}; Malavaud S et al.; BACKGROUND: We wished to determine the incidence of nosocomial infections in the mother and the newborn during the early postpartum period . MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a three-month period, the same investigator collected 50 different clinical and microbiological, standardized data related to infectious diseases in parturients and their newborns . RESULTS: Data were collected on 804 deliveries . The overall rate of nosocomial infection was 2.9% (23/804) . For vaginal deliveries, the rate was 1.9% (12/615) and for deliveries by Cesarean section, the rate was 5.8% (11/189) . Of 745 newborns followed until discharge from hospital, 0.7% (5/745) had a nosocomial infection . CONCLUSION: These results are in line with previously published rates of nosocomial infections, which varied between 0.2% to 2.3% for vaginal deliveries, 1.6% to 18.9% for Cesarean section, and 0.2 to 4% in newborns . Regular surveys of the incidence or the prevalence of nosocomial infections are necessary to monitor the effectiveness of educational programs, aimed to reduce hospital acquired infections.

Braz J Med Biol Res, 2003 May, 36(5), 613 - 6 Epub 2003 Apr 22.
Comparative performance of two air samplers for monitoring airborne fungal propagules; Tavora LG et al.; Many studies have attempted to evaluate the importance of airborne fungi in the development of invasive fungal infection, especially for immunocompromised hosts . Several kinds of instruments are available to quantitate fungal propagule levels in air . We compared the performance of the most frequently used air sampler, the Andersen sampler with six stages, with a portable one, the Reuter centrifugal sampler (RCS) . A total of 84 samples were analyzed, 42 with each sampler . Twenty-eight different fungal genera were identified in samples analyzed with the Andersen instrument . In samples obtained with the RCS only seven different fungal genera were identified . The three most frequently isolated genera in samples analyzed with both devices were Penicillium, Aspergillus and Cladophialophora . In areas supplied with a high efficiency particulate air filter, fungal spore levels were usually lower when compared to areas without these filters . There was a significant correlation between total fungal propagule measurements taken with both devices on each sampling occasion (Pearson coefficient = 0.50) . However, the Andersen device recovered a broader spectrum of fungi . We conclude that the RCS can be used for quantitative estimates of airborne microbiological concentrations . For qualitative studies, however, this device cannot be recommended.

Br J Ophthalmol, 2003 May, 87(5), 574 - 6
The Endophthalmitis Population Study of Western Australia (EPSWA): first report; Morlet N et al.; BACKGROUND/AIM: Over the period of 19 years to 1999, cataract surgery numbers increased 6% per annum in Western Australia (WA), promoted by the convenience, efficacy, and general safety of outpatient phacoemulsification surgery . Although endophthalmitis is an uncommon complication, it is a major cause of post-cataract surgery blindness . The present population study investigates not only the prevalence of endophthalmitis but provides an accurate incidence of endophthalmitis in WA over the same period . METHODS: Using the hospital morbidity data system (HMDS) of the WA Record Linkage Project, and cross validating against three independent databases (anaesthetic and microbiological databases and surgeons' logbooks) the authors examined 698 case notes that were potentially cases of endophthalmitis for the period 1980 to June 1999 . As the database linkage was incomplete for 1999, only the 188 confirmed cases to 1998 were included in the present study . Additional case note validation was performed to confirm the correct codes for the cataract surgical procedure . RESULTS: Despite changes in surgical technique and prophylaxis over the study period of 19 years, the incidence of endophthalmitis remained largely unchanged, averaging one in 500 surgical cases overall . However, the incidence fluctuated over time and varied with the location of surgery ranging from 0.65 per 1000 operations to 16.4 per 1000 operations . CONCLUSION: These data highlight previously undescribed temporal and geographic variations in the incidence of endophthalmitis . It is uncertain whether the wide variation in prophylactic practices throughout the ophthalmic community has any bearing on the incidence of endophthalmitis.

Perit Dial Int, 2003 Mar-Apr, 23(2), 127 - 31
Pharmacokinetics of teicoplanin in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis; Stamatiadis D et al.; OBJECTIVE: To achieve concentrations of teicoplanin in serum and dialysate within the therapeutic range in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) . DESIGN: Pharmacokinetic study . SETTING: A tertiary-care hospital . PATIENTS: Eight hospitalized anuric patients undergoing CAPD . INTERVENTIONS: One single dose of 10 mg/kg teicoplanin was administered intravenously, and blood and dialysate were sampled at regular time intervals for 48 hours post drug infusion . Concentrations of teicoplanin were determined by microbiological assay . RESULTS: Teicoplanin serum levels above 10 microg/mL, the level desired to treat systemic infections, were detected for 24 hours after administration . All dialysate concentrations were very low . Teicoplanin presented two phases of elimination: an early first phase and a late second phase . Mean maximum serum concentration was 75.56 microg/mL, mean half-life (t 1/2) of the early elimination was 3.34 hours, mean t 1/2 of the late elimination was 61.68 hours, mean area under the serum-concentration-time curve was 1491.92 mg x hr/L, mean clearance rate was 10.68 mL/ minute, mean apparent volume of distribution was 0.80 L/kg, and mean volume of distribution at steady state was 0.22 L/kg . Mean dialysate excretion was 3.16% and mean peritoneal clearance rate was 0.023 mL/minute . CONCLUSIONS: Based on the time period with the achieved serum levels and on the prolonged t 1/2, it is proposed that teicoplanin might be administered at 10 mg/kg every 24 hours for the therapy of systemic infections in patients undergoing CAPD . However, its intravenous administration should be avoided in the treatment of peritonitis, because the achieved dialysate concentrations were very low.

Wei Sheng Yan Jiu, 1999 Jan 30, 28(1), 37 - 9
{Significance of collection of chick embryo blood specimen for the determination of hemoglobin folate}; Li Y et al.; A method for embryo-blood collection (about 100 microliters/embryo) from chorioallantoic blood vessels of day 10 White Leghorn chick embryo was developed and the embryonic hemoglobin folate concentrations (folate/hemoglobin, microgram/g) were measured by the microbiological assay on microtitre dried blood spots to test the hypothesis whether homocysteine (HCY) would increase in folate depletion during early development stage of embryo . The results showed folic acid (FA) and HCY having been placed in the enlarged air cell could quickly pass through inner shell membrane and chorioallantoic membrane, and enter into blood, on the highly vascularized membrane of chick embryo aged 10 days . After 5 micrograms FA were placed on the inner shell membrane, there was a striking increase of hemoglobin folate with a peak in 60 min at 22.26 micrograms/g, followed by a decline . In contrast, 8 mumol of D . L-HCY did not result in the obvious increase of embryonic hemoglobin folate during the total transient time course (0-480 min) . By 60 min posttreatment the hemoglobin folate concentration for joint group (HCY 8 mumol + FA 5 micrograms/embryo) had obviously decreased in comparison with single FA group (P < 0.001) . The results supported the above hypothesis mentioned . Moreover, both advantages and disadvantages of this method were evaluated.

Naturwissenschaften, 2003 Apr, 90(4), 167 - 72 Epub 2003 Mar 22.
Modern terrestrial analogues for the carbonate globules in Martian meteorite ALH84001; Kazmierczak J et al.; Modern carbonate globules, located in cracks of submerged volcanic rocks and in calcareous pinnacles in alkaline (sodic) Lake Van, Turkey, appear to be analogues for the approximately 3.9 billion-year-old carbonate globules in Martian meteorite ALH84001 . These terrestrial globules have similar diameters and are chemically and mineralogically zoned . Furthermore, they display surface and etching structures similar to those described from ALH84001, which were interpreted as fossilized microbial forms . These terrestrial carbonates formed at low temperatures where Ca-rich groundwaters enter the lake . Chemical, mineralogical, microbiological, and biomolecular methods were used in an attempt to decipher the process responsible for the genesis of these structures . Although the exact mode of formation of Lake Van carbonates remains an enigma, their similarity to the Martian globules indicates that the ALH84001 carbonates may have formed in similar setting on ancient Mars.

Lancet, 2003 Apr 19, 361(9366), 1319 - 25
Coronavirus as a possible cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome; Peiris JS et al.; BACKGROUND: An outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has been reported in Hong Kong . We investigated the viral cause and clinical presentation among 50 patients . METHODS: We analysed case notes and microbiological findings for 50 patients with SARS, representing more than five separate epidemiologically linked transmission clusters . We defined the clinical presentation and risk factors associated with severe disease and investigated the causal agents by chest radiography and laboratory testing of nasopharyngeal aspirates and sera samples . We compared the laboratory findings with those submitted for microbiological investigation of other diseases from patients whose identity was masked . FINDINGS: Patients' age ranged from 23 to 74 years . Fever, chills, myalgia, and cough were the most frequent complaints . When compared with chest radiographic changes, respiratory symptoms and auscultatory findings were disproportionally mild . Patients who were household contacts of other infected people and had older age, lymphopenia, and liver dysfunction were associated with severe disease . A virus belonging to the family Coronaviridae was isolated from two patients . By use of serological and reverse-transcriptase PCR specific for this virus, 45 of 50 patients with SARS, but no controls, had evidence of infection with this virus . INTERPRETATION: A coronavirus was isolated from patients with SARS that might be the primary agent associated with this disease . Serological and molecular tests specific for the virus permitted a definitive laboratory diagnosis to be made and allowed further investigation to define whether other cofactors play a part in disease progression.

Z Naturforsch {C}, 2003 Mar-Apr, 58(3-4), 249 - 55
Microbiological and chemical transformations of argentatin B; Maatooq GT; Argentatin B is a naturally occurring tetracyclic triterpene isolated from Parthenium argentatum x P . tomentosa . It was microbiologically transformed to 16, 24-epoxycycloartan-3alpha, 25-diol, (isoargentatin D), by Nocardia corallina var . taoka ATCC 31338, Mycobacterium species NRRL B3683 and Septomyxa affinis ATCC 6737 . The later microbe also produced 16, 24-epoxycycloartan-3beta, 25-diol (argentatin D) and 1, 2-didehydroargentatin B, (isoargentatin D) . Sodium hydroxide converted argentatin B to argentatin D and isoargentatin D . Hydrochloric acid treatment gave cycloartan-25-ol-3, 24-dione . Cerium sulfate/sulfuric acid/aqueous methanol induced scission of the isopropanol moiety and provided an isomeric mixture of 24-methoxy-25-27-trinorargentatin B . Oxidation of this isomeric mixture with pyridinium chlorochromate, selectively, attacked the isomer with the equatorial proton at position-24 to give the corresponding lactone, 24-oxo-25-27-trinorargentatin B . The produced compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods.

Clin Transplant, 2003 Apr, 17(2), 114 - 20
Detection of simultaneous beta-herpesvirus infections in clinical syndromes due to defined cytomegalovirus infection; Razonable RR et al.; Human herpesvirus (HHV)-6 and HHV-7 are increasingly being recognized as emerging pathogens among transplant recipients . Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays, we demonstrate the presence of HHV-6 and/or HHV-7 in 18 of 20 episodes of clinically presumed or microbiologically confirmed cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection . Seventeen (89%) of 19 microbiologically confirmed cytomegalovirus (CMV)-infected patients had concomitant HHV-6 variant B (47%) and/or HHV-7 (63%) infection . The degree of HHV-6 coinfection was significantly correlated with hyperbilirubinemia while HHV-7 coinfection demonstrated a non-significant trend toward cytopenias . In one of the 20 episodes described herein, the 'viral syndrome' was due solely to HHV-7 infection; clinical and virological response was observed during intravenous ganciclovir therapy in this patient . While this study emphasizes the significance of HHV-6 and/or HHV-7 coinfection during episodes of CMV infection, it significantly highlights the novel observation of the causal role of HHV-7 (in the absence of HHV-6 and CMV) in a clinical illness presumed to be caused CMV . Thus, HHV-7 (and HHV-6) should be considered as a pathogen (or copathogen) in the viral syndromes following organ transplantation.

J Environ Qual, 2003 Mar-Apr, 32(2), 541 - 9
Distribution of chromium contamination and microbial activity in soil aggregates; Tokunaga TK et al.; Biogeochemical transformations of redox-sensitive chemicals in soils can be strongly transport-controlled and localized . This was tested through experiments on chromium diffusion and reduction in soil aggregates that were exposed to chromate solutions . Reduction of soluble Cr(VI) to insoluble Cr(II) occurred only within the surface layer of aggregates with higher available organic carbon and higher microbial respiration . Sharply terminated Cr diffusion fronts develop when the reduction rate increases rapidly with depth . The final state of such aggregates consists of a Cr-contaminated exterior, and an uncontaminated core, each having different microbial community compositions and activity . Microbial activity was significantly higher in the more reducing soils, while total microbial biomass was similar in all of the soils . The small fraction of Cr(VI) remaining unreduced resides along external surfaces of aggregates, leaving it potentially available to future transport down the soil profile . Using the Thiele modulus, Cr(VI) reduction in soil aggregates is shown to be diffusion rate- and reaction rate-limited in anaerobic and aerobic aggregates, respectively . Thus, spatially resolved chemical and microbiological measurements are necessary within anaerobic soil aggregates to characterize and predict the fate of Cr contamination . Typical methods of soil sampling and analyses that average over redox gradients within aggregates can erase important biogeochemical spatial relations necessary for understanding these environments.

Pneumonol Alergol Pol, 2002, 70(7-8), 359 - 67
{Direct detection of mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in clinical specimens by gen-probe amplified direct test}; Augustynowicz-Kopec E et al.; The amplified Mycobacterium tuberculosis direct test (MTD) (Gen-Probe Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) is a rapid technique of nucleic acid amplification which can be used directly on processed clinical specimens . It is based on the enzymatic amplification of ribosomal RNA via DNA intermediates, with detection of amplified product by an acridinum-ester-labeled DNA probe . The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of this test for diagnosis of tuberculosis by comparing the sensitivity and specificity of the test with acid-fast smear, mycobacterial culture and clinical evaluation . The study included 399 specimens from patients, suspected of Tb which were submitted to the microbiological laboratory of our Institute over a 12 months period . Compared with bacterioscopy, conventional culture on L-J and rapid systems of cultivation (Bactec-450 Tb, MB/Bact, Bactec 960 MGIT) MTD had a sensitivity 93.2% and specificity 98.5% . We conclude, that MTD test which is completed within 6-8 hours, when used rationally, mainly in conjunction with routine smear and culture is a useful, rapid diagnostic test for suspected tuberculosis patients.

Int J Artif Organs, 2003 Mar, 26(3), 181 - 7
On-line production of ultrapure substitution fluid reduces TNF-alpha- and IL-6 release in patients on hemodiafiltration therapy; Guth HJ et al.; On-line hemodiafiltration (HDF) has been introduced into clinical practice in the last few years . The most important technical and regulatory challenges were the safety and microbiological quality of ultrafiltrated substitution/replacement fluid . The application of ultrafilters in a different technical arrangement in the fluid path based on polysulfone or polyamide membranes should prevent patient contact with endotoxins and other pyrogenic or bacteria-derived substances . After resolving these problems and providing clinically safe and technically robust product solutions, increasing numbers of patients have been treated, especially those with severe clinical conditions, e.g., diabetes, hypo- or hypertension . The benefit for patients was brought about by the increase of substitution rate in hemodiafiltration and enhancing convective mass transfer . The impact of highly convective therapy modes on the state of immunomodulation towards the syndrome of microinflammation has not been investigated in a systematic prospective manner . In this study, 8 patients undergoing bag-HDF treatment with lactate buffered solution were investigated before on-line HDF treatment with commercially available whole blood stimulation assays testing for TNF-alpha and IL-6 release . Both assays are based on phytohemagglutinine (for TNF) and lipo-polysaccharide stimulation (for IL-6) . Thereafter the patients were switched to on-line production of substitution fluid . After a wash-out period of 2 sessions the whole blood stimulation assays were applied to the same patients . The Wilcoxon test (for paired analysis) was done, revealing a statistically significant lower release of proinflammtory cytokines from patients' blood upon stimulation with PHA or LPS . The reduction of IL-6 and TNF concentration and release capacity in whole blood may be attributed to the use of high quality ultrapure substitution fluid and dialysate in on-line treatment instead of lactate buffer bag solution . These results indicate that not only an increase of convective mass transfer by higher volume exchange, but also a decrease in unspecific activation of immunocompetent cells may have advantages for HDF-treated patients.

HIV Med, 2003 Apr, 4(2), 127 - 32
Impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy on the occurrence of bacteraemia in HIV-infected patients and their epidemiologic characteristics; Meynard JL et al.; OBJECTIVE: 1 . to assess the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on the occurrence of bacteraemia in HIV-infected patients and their clinical and microbiological characteristics . 2 . to identify risk factors for bacteraemia in this setting . METHODS: The files of all HIV-infected patients hospitalized for an episode of bacteraemia in a 28-bed infectious diseases unit between January 1995 and December 1998 were reviewed . Cases occurring during HAART were compared to cases occurring in patients not receiving HAART . Furthermore, in a case-control study, patients with bacteraemia occurring during HAART were compared with other patients receiving HAART . RESULTS: There were 74 episodes of bacteraemia in patients not receiving HAART and 31 episodes in patients receiving HAART . The occurrence of bacteraemia fell from 10.5/100 hospitalizations in 1995 to 5.5/100 in 1998 (P = 0.02 trend test) . The occurence of P . aeruginosa bacteraemia fell sharply (9/398 vs 1/273, P = 0.05) . A significant fall in catheter-related infections was observed between 1995 and 1998 (5.5% vs 1.8%) . The two-thirds/one-third distribution of hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections remained stable throughout the period study . In patients receiving HAART, the case-control study showed by multivariate analysis, that a CD4 cell count of less than 100/ micro L {OR = 7.3 (1.9-49.7)}, and the use of exogenous devices {OR = 13.3 (2.5-71)} were significantly associated with the risk of bacteraemia . CONCLUSION: The introduction of HAART has been associated with a significant fall in the occurrence of bacteraemia . However, patients with a low CD4 cell count remain at risk of bacteraemia with similar microbiological and epidemiological characteristics than in the pre-HAART era.

Water Sci Technol, 2003, 47(5), 133 - 8
Monitoring of microbial diversity by fluorescence in situ hybridization and fluorescence spectrometry; Ivanov V et al.; The goal of the research was the development of a simple method to quantify microbial groups in environmental samples . Fluorescence intensity was measured in the sample before and after whole cell fluorescence in situ hybridization with rRNA-targeted, fluorochrome-labeled oligonucleotide probes . To determine specific and non-specific binding of different oligonucleotide probes the following approaches have been used: (1) incubation of the sample with probes at two different temperatures; (2) hybridization of labeled probe in the presence of unlabeled probe; (3) incubation of the sample with labeled specific probe or labeled nonsense probe . Specific binding (hybridization) of the probe was calculated as the difference between total binding and non-specific binding of the probe . Specific binding was 40-50% of total binding in the environmental samples tested . The ratio of the specific binding of different probes may be used to quantify the ratio of different microbial groups in the environmental samples . This quantification is suitable for the microbiological monitoring of microbial aggregates because it is a simple technique and the results can be measured by a portable fluorometer.

Infez Med, 2002 Mar, 10(1), 31 - 6
{Candidal vulvovaginitis: an epidemiological survey among immigrant prostitutes}; Bellitti F et al.; Objectives: Candidal vulvovaginitis is a frequent infectious process in adult women that assumes particular clinical, epidemiological and social importance in prostitutes due to its possible sexual transmission . The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of symptomatic or non-symptomatic vulvovaginitis caused by Candida spp and its possible relationship to behavioural risk factors, by a prospective study carried on 153 immigrant prostitutes from various African countries . Patients and methods: All subjects (average age 27 yrs; range 18-50 yrs) coming from sub-Saharan areas (Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Senegal) and resident in the coastal area northwest of Naples (southern Italy) underwent a microbiological investigation to detect the possible presence of Candida in vaginal, rectal and pharyngeal swabs . Agar Sabouraud with the addition of chloramphenicol was used for cultures and the mycotube system for identification; in vitro sensitivity tests with amphotericin, nystatin, 5-fluorocytosine, econazole, and fluconazole were also performed according to the Kirby Bauer technique . Results: The rate of Candida detection from vaginal swabs was 45% (69/153) with the following distribution by specie: C . albicans 75.4%, C . glabrata 7.2%, C . krusei 2.9%, C . tropicalis 1.4%, Candida spp 13% . The incidence of Candida from pharyngeal and rectal swabs was 18.3% and 26.1%, respectively . The overall resistance of Candida was comprised between 6% for fluconazole and 27% for econazole . No strain was resistant to 5-fluorocytosine, nystatin and amphotericin . Conclusions: The incidence of Candida in this particular population of immigrates was very high and correlated to many well-identified risk factors.

J Endotoxin Res, 2002, 8(6), 473 - 6
The clinical relevance of endotoxin in human sepsis: a critical analysis; Opal SM; Correlations between circulating endotoxin levels from the blood of septic patients with clinical outcome measures have proven to be rather difficult . The clinical impact of endotoxin in septic patients depends upon the kinetics of LPS release, the concentration of LPS binding proteins, the cellular responsiveness to endotoxin, and numerous other immunogenetic, microbiological and physiological variables . Failure to account for these variables adequately has limited the clinical utility of endotoxin measurement . Several clinical studies have associated high levels of LPS with an excess risk of morbidity and mortality in sepsis that is largely independent of the nature of the micro-organism responsible for the septic episode.

BMC Infect Dis . 2003 Apr 04;3(1):2.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection in early neonatal period; Numazaki K et al.; BACKGROUND: The clinical characteristics of Chlamydia trachomatis respiratory tract infections in Japanese neonates were investigated . METHODS: Clinical, laboratory and microbiological characteristics of five infants with pneumonia due to C . trachomatis in early neonatal period were analyzed . RESULTS: Only C . trachomatis was identified in 4 infants . Both C . trachomatis and cytomegalovirus was identified in one . Wheezing, tachypnea and cyanosis were common in infants . Mothers of five infants had negative chlamydial EIAs at 20 weeks of gestation . CONCLUSIONS: We identified five cases of C . trachomatis respiratory tract infections in early neonatal period with the possibility of intrauterine infection . Targeted screening, early diagnosis, and effective treatment of perinatal and neonatal chlamydial infections seems to be necessary.

Z Orthop Ihre Grenzgeb, 2003 Mar-Apr, 141(2), 153 - 9
{First experiences with fluorodeoxyglucose-positron-emission tomography (FDG-PET) in the evaluation of painful total knee and hip joint replacements}; Kisielinski K et al.; AIM: The aim of the study was to describe first experiences using FDG-PET in the examination of painful arthroplasties . METHOD: 12 patients prior to revision of a total hip or knee joint replacement underwent PET . Histopathology, microbiological analysis and intraoperative diagnosis were compared to preoperative PET findings . RESULTS: The analysis of intraoperative findings, of microbiological examinations and of histopathology showed that besides the well known determinants infection and early postoperative granulation tissue, polyethylene wear induced foreign-body reaction was a major cause for increased FDG consumption . CONCLUSION: In vivo imaging of marked foreign-body tissue reaction induced by polyethylene wear is feasible by FDG-PET . This observation, however, leads to reduced specificity of PET imaging for the diagnosis of periprosthetic infection.

Acta Anaesthesiol Scand, 2003 Apr, 47(4), 425 - 9
Environmental temperature stress on drugs in prehospital emergency medical service; Helm M et al.; BACKGROUND: Drugs used in prehospital emergency medical service (EMS) in principle are subject to the same storage restrictions as hospital-based medications . The prehospital emergency environment however, often exceeds these storage recommendations . Main stress factors are sunlight, vibration and extreme temperature, which may lead to alteration in chemical and physical stability of stored pharmaceuticals, as well as microbiological contamination and concentration enhancement of pharmacological inserts . METHODS: The purpose of this study was to determine the environmental temperature stress upon drugs used in the prehospital EMS under real mission conditions within different types of rescue vehicles (rescue helicopter {HEMS}, ambulance {AMB} and emergency physician transport vehicle {EPTV}) during a 'summer' and 'winter' monitoring period (2 months duration each/location: southern Germany) . RESULTS: Recorded temperatures varied from -13.2 degrees C to +50.6 degrees C . The recommended maximum storage temperature (+25 degrees C) was exceeded in all rescue vehicles (33-45% of total exposure time), whereas the recommended minimum storage temperature (0 degrees C) only fell short in the EPTV (19% of total exposure time) . The daily maximum temperature variations ranged from 19.0 degrees C (winter) to 32.9 degrees C (summer) . CONCLUSIONS: These results show that even in a moderate climatic zone, drugs used in prehospital EMS are significantly influenced by temperature stress; furthermore, these results recommend the usage of temperature-controlled drug boxes.

Scand J Infect Dis, 2003, 35(2), 114 - 20
Transrectal prostatic ultrasonography in acute bacterial prostatitis: findings and clinical implications; Horcajada JP et al.; To evaluate the role of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) in the diagnosis of acute bacterial prostatitis (ABP) and to analyse the possible relationship between sonographic findings and clinical presentation and evolution, a prospective study using TRUS in patients with ABP was conducted . 45 patients (aged 58.2 +/- 14.6 y; mean +/- SD) with a clinical diagnosis of ABP admitted to a university hospital were studied prospectively . Clinical, analytical and microbiological data were recorded . TRUS was performed on admission and after 1 month of antibiotic therapy . Findings were correlated with clinical and evolutive data . The mean prostatic volume on admission was 40.5 +/- 17.9 ml . 21 patients (46.6%) had sonographically demonstrable lesions in peripheral prostatic lobules . One month later, when treatment had ended, lesions had disappeared or improved in 61.1% of patients, and the mean prostatic volume was 24.3 +/- 10.5 ml (p < 0.0005) . Clinical, analytical and microbiological data and evolution of ABP were not significantly different in patients with or without sonographically demonstrable lesions . TRUS does not need to be performed in every patient with suspicion of ABP; the only indication for TRUS in ABP is the exclusion of prostatic abscess.

Leuk Lymphoma, 2003 Jan, 44(1), 97 - 101
Pneumonia in acute leukemia patients during induction therapy: experience in a single institution; Specchia G et al.; Pneumonia is still a complication leading to high morbidity and mortality rates in acute leukemia (AL) patients . To evaluate the incidence, risk factors and outcome of pneumonia in a single institution we retrospectively studied 288 patients observed between 1994 and 2000, affected by AL (218 acute myeloblastic leukemia and 70 acute lymphoblastic leukemia {ALL}) treated with an anthracycline-containing induction regimen . Of 288 patients, 80 (27.7%) developed pneumonia: 67/80 had acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and 13/80 had ALL . At univariate analysis only advanced age correlated with the risk of pneumonia (P < 0.001) . Of the 80 pneumonia cases, 25 (31.2%) were microbiologically documented and 65 (68.8%) were clinically demonstrated; pneumonia responded to treatment in 44/80 (55%) patients; among the patients with positive outcome of their pneumonia 33/44 (75%) achieved complete remission whereas only 2/36 (5%) patients with a negative outcome achieved complete remission . At multivariate analysis the determinants of positive outcome of pneumonia were younger age (P < 0.05), the achievement of complete remission (P < 0.005) and the recovery of neutrophils (P < 0.005).

Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care, 2003 May, 6(3), 319 - 25
Intravenous in-line filters: filtering the evidence; Ball PA; PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The routine use of intravenous in-line filters on infusion lines has been controversial for many years, with strong advocates, detractors and many fence-sitting observers . The purpose of this review was to examine the literature for new developments and to cast the net a little wider than in previous reviews in an attempt to draw useful parallels . RECENT FINDINGS: There were recent major policy statements or recommendations from a working party of the British Pharmaceutical Nutrition Group and from the US Centres for Disease Control . The first was focussed on filters and was broadly in favour, the second was not focussed on the subject but made quite a strong statement against, on microbiological issues alone . The major purpose of filters, however, is particulate contamination, and whilst there was little in the literature directly on this subject, useful parallels could be drawn from papers describing the therapeutic use of particles and also from their effects in intravenous drug users . SUMMARY: When all the available information is considered, and the role of filters in particulate contamination, in-line chemical precipitates, identifying problems in parenteral therapy practice, microbial contamination and entrapped air is examined, the case for routine use appears strong.

Community Dent Health, 2003 Mar, 20(1), 27 - 33
The effect of choosing different units of analysis when estimating risk of presence of dental caries in the primary dentition; Scheutz F et al.; BACKGROUND: Data on caries are usually collected with the tooth surface or the tooth as the unit, but subsequently analysed by aggregating the data at the level of the individual . AIMS: To evaluate how different units of analysis may affect the result of the statistical analyses in a study of the association between deciduous dental caries and a set of risk factors . METHOD: 293 children (mean age: 7.5 yrs) from two primary schools in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania were examined . Thus the study design was cross-sectional . Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between caries experience and nutritional status, socioeconomic background, and microbiological and salivary characteristics using the subject, the tooth, and the tooth surface as unit of analysis, allowing for the fact that teeth and surfaces within the same individual must be considered non-independent . RESULTS: When aggregated data were used, point estimates were larger in some instances . The precision of the estimates increased considerably when the tooth as compared to the individual was used as the unit of analysis . No or limited gain in precision was obtained when the tooth surface as compared to the tooth was used as unit of analysis . CONCLUSIONS: The choice of unit of analysis may strongly influence the result of the statistical analyses and thus the conclusion of an investigation.

Crit Care Med, 2003 Apr, 31(4), 1102 - 7
Factors predicting ventilator-associated pneumonia recurrence; Combes A et al.; OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors associated with ventilator-associated pneumonia recurrence in patients alive after 8 days of treatment for a first episode . DESIGN: A 16-month, prospective, observational cohort study of patients diagnosed with a first ventilator-associated pneumonia episode . Predictors of recurrence were assessed by logistic regression analysis . SETTING: Two intensive care units in a university hospital . PATIENTS: Bronchoscopy was performed in 124 patients with clinically or radiologically suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia . Ventilator-associated pneumonia was confirmed by the presence of at least two of the following criteria: >/=2% of cells with intracellular bacteria found on direct examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, protected specimen brush sample culture >/=103 colony-forming units/mL, or bronchoalveolar lavage culture >/=104 colony-forming units/mL . Ventilator-associated pneumonia recurrence was confirmed using the same microbiological criteria . Antibiotic treatment for ventilator-associated pneumonia lasted 14 days . MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Clinical, radiologic, and biological data at intensive care unit admission, on the day of bronchoscopy (D1) and on D8, and outcome variables were prospectively recorded . Ventilator-associated pneumonia recurred in 28 patients (all of them still on mechanical ventilation on D8), 21 +/- 9 days after the first episode (82% after D14) . Factors significantly associated with recurrence were: acute respiratory failure as initial reason for mechanical ventilation, D1 radiologic score >7, D8 radiologic score >8, adult respiratory distress syndrome on D8, mechanical ventilation persistence on D8, D8 temperature >38 degrees C, and D8 temperature >D1 temperature, but not disease-severity scores at inclusion and D8, or first-episode pathogen(s) . Multivariate analysis identified D1 radiologic score >7 (odds ratio = 3.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-11.6), D8 temperature >38 degrees C (odds ratio = 4.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-13.4), and adult respiratory distress syndrome on D8 (odds ratio = 14.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-143.5) as predictors of recurrence . CONCLUSIONS: Factors of ventilator-associated pneumonia recurrence evaluated on D8 of a 14-day course of antibiotics are linked to the severity of lung injury and persistence of fever, but not to first-episode pathogen(s).

Riv Biol, 2002 Sep-Dec, 95(3), 497 - 503
Simulated microgravity (SMG) and bacteria; Huitema C et al.; This past century has been a scientific revolution in the understanding of the cell as the basic unit of life . However an immense paucity of knowledge exists on microbial growth, survival, function and structure in space . However, there are significant constraints placed on conducting biological research in space such as time, available stowage space, trained personnel, power requirements, weight and the possibility of accidental microbiological contamination . One Earth-based approach is to use a modification of a clinostat known as a HARV (high-aspect-ratio-vessel; Synthecon Inc., Houston, Texas, USA) to conduct this research . In this note we describe the use of the HARV to examine the effects of randomized microgravity (RMG) on bacterial growth and membrane polarization.

Int J Surg Investig, 2001, 2(5), 347 - 52
Effect of teicoplanin and G-CSF on survival in experimental MRSA pneumonia in neutropenic mice; Oz N et al.; AIM: To evaluate the effects of Teicoplanin and/or Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) on survival in an experimental model of MRSA pneumonia . MATERIAL AND METHOD: Seventy five Swiss Albino mice weighing 35 gr (32-43) were used . 50 microl of clinical isolate of MRSA (3 x 10(8) CFU/ml in saline solution) was administered by tracheal puncture to neutropenic mice . Neutropenia was achieved by using Cyclophosphamide 200 mg per kg intraperitoneally . The groups were consisted of tracheal puncture control in neutropenic mice (group 1) (n = 15), pneumonia in neutropenic mice (group II) (n = 15), Teicoplanin therapy for pneumonia in neutropenic mice (group III) (n = 15), G-CSF therapy for pneumonia in neutropenic mice (group IV) (n = 15), Teicoplanin and G-CSF combined therapy for pneumonia in neutropenic mice (group V) (n = 15) . Differences in the survival rates within 72 hours among the groups, microbiological analysis of various tissue samples were accomplished and white blood cell counts were obtained . Kaplan-Meier statistics was used for survival analysis . Subgroup comparisons were done by using Breslow statistics . RESULTS: Teicoplanin therapy increased the survival rate (p = 0.0001) whereas G-CSF therapy did not in comparison to other groups . Teicoplanin and G-CSF combination therapy improved survival rate when compared with groups II, III, IV (p = 0.0001, p = 0.003, p = 0.0001, respectively) . CONCLUSION: Teicoplanin and G-CSF combination therapy seems effective in reducing mortality rates in MRSA pneumonia in an experimental setting . Further animal and clinical studies must be done to achieve success in the treatment of nosocomial MRSA pneumonia.

J Chemother, 2003 Feb, 15(1), 43 - 6
Pancreatic concentrations of cefepime in experimental necrotizing pancreatitis; Papagoras D et al.; To evaluate the penetration of cefepime in the inflamed pancreas, three doses of 50 mg/kg were administered intramuscularly at 8-h intervals after induction of acute necrotizing pancreatitis using intraperitoneal injection of DL-ethionine in 35 rabbits and in 33 controls . Animals were sacrificed and concentrations of cefepime were determined by a microbiological assay . Cefepime reached its peak concentrations 60 min after the last drug dose when mean values of 46.05 microg/ml, 22.34 microg/g and 34.74 microg/ml were found in serum, pancreas and bile, respectively, in rabbits with acute necrotizing pancreatitis and 45.19 microg/ml, 12.68 microg/g and 20.77 microg/ml respectively in controls . Tissue/serum ratios of cefepime were 0.48, 0.23, 0.15 and 0.09 at 60, 90, 120 and 180 min, respectively, after the last dose of cefepime in rabbits with acute necrotizing pancreatitis and 0.28, 0.18, 0.16 and 0.16, respectively at 60, 90, 120 and 180 min in controls . It is concluded that the administration of cefepime in rabbits with acute necrotizing pancreatitis resulted in pancreatic tissue levels well above the MIC90s of the common pathogens involved in pancreatic superinfection, so that its administration might be proposed for the therapy of superinfection following acute necrotizing pancreatitis in humans.

J Indian Med Assoc, 2002 Jul, 100(7), 463 - 4
Intra-abdominal actinomycosis presenting as complex abdominopelvic mass; Chaudhuri S et al.; A rare case of intra-abdominal actinomycosis in a 70-year-old lady presenting as abdominopelvic mass mimicking malignancy is presented . Intra-abdominal actinomycosis may present a serious diagnostic problem both pre- and peroperatively and can lead to extensive surgical intervention due to the anticipation of malignancy . The diagnosis is difficult specially in the absence of characteristic discharging sinus . The diagnosis of this disease, potentially curable by antibiotic is more often made postoperatively by histopathology and microbiological methods.

Pathologe, 2003 Mar, 24(2), 146 - 9 Epub 2003 Feb 12.
{Thoracic aortic aneurysm in the setting of metastatic mediastinitis}; Harrer E et al.; The aetiological spectrum of thoracic aortic aneurysms is extensive . Infectious aneurysms (formerly mycotic aneurysms) constitute only a small percentage of all thoracic aortic aneurysms, they are usually small and often develop as complications of bacterial endocarditis . We report the case of a 39-year-old insulin-dependent diabetic, who developed a leaking aneurysm of the thoracic aorta as a late complication of a knee empyema with subsequent metastatic mediastinitis . Clinical, radiological, biochemical and microbiological data are correlated with histopathological findings . The development of this unusual thoracic aortic aneurysm is shown from impending rupture to successful vascular graft implantation.

J Infect Chemother, 2003 Mar, 9(1), 68 - 74
Clinical analysis of pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex disease in association with corticosteroid treatment; Kobashi Y et al.; We studied the clinical characteristics of nine patients with pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex disease occurring in association with corticosteroid drugs collected from our associated hospitals during the past 6 years . The average age of the nine patients was 62.2 years and the male/female ratio was 3 : 6 . Regarding underlying disease, respiratory diseases existed in four of the patients and nonrespiratory diseases in the other five patients . The duration of corticosteroid treatment ranged from 5 months to 5 years, and the total dose of corticosteroid drugs ranged from 1.78 to 43.20 g . Pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex disease was detected by clinical symptoms during corticosteroid treatment in six patients, and purified protein derivative was positive in three of eight patients tested . Radiological findings showed an infiltration shadow without cavity and bronchiectasis in the lower lung field . Microbiological examination was smear-positive in three patients, and the isolated mycobacterium was Mycobacterium intracellulare in five patients and Mycobacterium avium in four . Tolerance was shown to all antituberculous drugs, except for clarithromycin, in all patients . Although treatment including clarithromycin was performed for seven patients, the sputum conversion rate was 33% and an improved clinical effect was noted in only one patient . No change occurred in four and worsening occurred in four . Attention should be paid to the clinical symptoms and radiological findings of patients who have received corticosteroid drugs over a long period of time, because pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex is characterized by atypical radiographic findings with no relationship to the total dose or duration of the administered corticosteroid drugs.

Clin Immunol, 2003 Feb, 106(2), 106 - 15
Circulating inflammatory mediators predict shock and mortality in febrile patients with microbial infection; Groeneveld AB et al.; The host response to microbial infection is associated with the release of inflammatory mediators . We hypothesized that the type and degree of the systemic response as reflected by levels of circulating mediators predict morbidity and mortality, according to the invasiveness of microbial infection . We prospectively studied 133 medical patients with fever and culture-proven microbial infection . For 3 days after inclusion, the circulating levels of activated complement C3a, interleukin (IL)-6, and secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) were determined daily . Based on results of microbiological studies performed for up to 7 days, patients were classified as having local infections (Group 1, n = 80 positive local cultures or specific stains for fungal or tuberculous infections) or bacteremia (Group 2, n = 52 plus 1 patient with malaria parasitemia) . Outcome was assessed as the development of septic shock and as mortality up to 28 days after inclusion . Fifteen patients (11%) developed septic shock and overall mortality was 18% (n = 24) . Bacteremia was associated with shock and shock predisposed to death . Circulating mediator levels were generally higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 . Circulating levels of IL-6 and sPLA(2) were higher in patients developing septic shock and in nonsurvivors, particularly in Group 1 . High C3a was particularly associated with nonsurvival in Group 2 . In Group 1, the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the peak sPLA(2) for shock development was 0.79 (P < 0.05) . The AUC of the ROC curve of the peak IL-6 and sPLA(2) for mortality was 0.69 and 0.68 (P < 0.05), respectively . In Group 2, the AUC of the ROC for peak C3a predicting mortality was 0.73 (P < 0.05) . In conclusion, in medical patients with fever and microbial infection, the systemic inflammatory host response predicts shock and death, at an early stage, dependent on the invasiveness of microbial infection . The results suggest a differential pathogenetic role of complement activation on the one hand and release of cytokine and lipid mediators on the other in bacteremic and local microbial infections, respectively . They may partly explain the failure of strategies blocking proinflammatory cytokines or sPLA(2) in human sepsis and may extend the basis for attempts to inhibit complement activation at an early stage in patients at risk of dying from invasive microbial infections.

Br J Haematol, 2003 Apr, 121(1), 86 - 93
Clinical manifestations associated with the aberrant expression of the soluble granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor in patients presenting with haematological malignancies; Trus MR et al.; The receptor for granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) can exist as both transmembrane (tmGMRalpha) and soluble (solGMRalpha) isoforms, and the latter, is a normal constituent of human plasma . We investigated if aberrant solGMRalpha expression occurs in haematopoietic malignancies and whether or not solGMRalpha expression levels correlated with clinical presentation . Compared with the normal population, patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) had low levels of solGMRalpha whereas clonal disorders of the myeloid lineage demonstrated higher levels of solGMRalpha . Patients with acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) and high levels of solGMRalpha presented with a distinct clinical picture . These patients were older, predominantly belonged to the M4 and M5 French-American-British (FAB) subtypes, and they had higher white blood cell counts at presentation including myeloid precursors and myeloblasts . They often presented with either unexplained lung infiltrates or hypoxia and lower rates of microbiologically defined infections . Elevated solGMRalpha levels were not associated with decreased relapse-free and overall survival in the AML population . On multivariate analysis, the correlation between elevated solGMRalpha levels and age, M4 and M5 FAB subtypes and decreased numbers of infections persisted . Our study is the first to describe that distinct clinical presentations are associated with aberrant solGMRalpha levels in haematological malignancies.

J UOEH, 2003 Mar 1, 25(1), 61 - 77
{Prevention measures against Legionella infection in a circulating hot water bath}; Miyamoto H; For the sake of water conservation, a system for circulating hot water is widely used at public baths in Japan . Recently, large outbreaks of Legionella infection have occurred in public baths in Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures . More than three hundred persons were infected with Legionella pneumophila, and eight died . These outbreaks revealed that the Manual of Prevention Measures against Legionella Infection in a Circulating Hot Water Bath, which was published by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan in 2001, was not fully understood or conformed to by managers of the baths . Microbiological features about legionellae should be fully understood for prevention of Legionella infection in a circulating hot water or spring bath . This review describes the microbiological characteristics of legionellae, their habits in the environment, pathogenesis, symptoms of Legionella infection, and disease outbreaks in Japan . I also describe practical prevention measures to deal with this organism in a circulating hot water or spring bath.

Bull Acad Natl Med, 2002, 186(8), 1401 - 9
{Sanitary safety of GMOs used in therapeutics}; Trouvin JH; The recent progress in human therapeutics has been made possible thanks to molecular biology and its use in producing proteins having the same sequence and structure as that of human proteins . The use of GMOs allows production of proteins with high added value in therapeutics, which are of satisfactory quality . GMOs may also be directly administered to patients as gene therapy vectors . However, the use of GMOs in therapeutics must take into consideration some risks, particularly those of microbiological contamination, of neo-antigenicity as well as environmental risks with regard to the way of use of the GMO . Nevertheless, those risks are taken in due consideration in the development of those new medicinal products; solutions have been found to allow their use in therapeutics with a very positive benefit/risk ratio . Medicinal products from biotechnology have permitted considerable therapeutic progress without compromising health security.

Ann Pharm Fr, 2003 Mar, 61(2), 103 - 8
{Health security--GMOs in therapeutics}; Trouvin JH; The recent progress in human therapeutics has been made possible thanks to molecular biology and its use in producing proteins having the same sequence and structure as that of human proteins . The use of GMOs allows production of proteins with high added value in therapeutics, which are of satisfactory quality . GMOs may also be directly administered to patients as gene therapy vectors . However, the use of GMOs in therapeutics must take into consideration some risks, particularly those of microbiological contamination, of neo-antigenicity as well as environmental risks with regard to the way of use of the GMO . Nevertheless, those risks are taken in due consideration in the development of these new medicinal products; solutions have been found to allow their use in therapeutics with a very positive benefit/risk ratio . Medicinal products from biotechnology have enabled considerable therapeutic progress without compromising health security.

J Biotechnol, 2003 Apr 10, 102(1), 93 - 8
Cometabolic degradation of chlorinated aromatic compounds; Jechorek M et al.; The degradation of chlorobenzene was investigated with the specially chosen strain Methylocystis sp . GB 14 DSM 12955, using 23 ml headspace vials and in a soil column filled with quaternary aquifer material from a depth of 20 m . A long-term experiment was carried out in this column, situated in a mobile test unit at a contaminated location in Bitterfeld (Germany) . Groundwater polluted by chlorobenzene was continuously fed through the column, through which a mixture comprising 4% CH(4) and 96% air was bubbled . Chlorobenzene was oxidized by up to 80% under pure culture conditions in the model experiments and was completely degraded under the mixed culture conditions of the column experiments . Over a period of 4 months, the stability of the biological system was monitored regularly by analyzing the sMMO activity as well as by classical microbiological and molecular biological methods.

J Int Acad Periodontol, 2001 Oct, 3(4), 81 - 6
Comparative clinical and microbiological effects of subgingival metronidazole application in adult periodontitis; 12-months results; Buduneli E et al.; The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of subgingival application of 25% metronidazole dental gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of adult periodontitis . Eighty teeth in 18 patients were evaluated using a split mouth design . The test teeth received SRP and a 25% metronidazole gel applied subgingivally on days 0 and 7 . The control teeth received SRP only . Clinical and microbiological examinations were carried out before treatment and on weeks 1, 3, 7, 13, 26, 38 and 52 of the experimental period . Colony forming units of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia / Prevotella nigrescens were determined . Both treatments provided significant improvements in all the clinical and microbiological parameters (P<0.05) . However, none of the differences between the study groups were statistically significant (P > 0.05) . As a conclusion, the present study does not provide evidence in favour of the routine use of adjunctive metronidazole dental gel in the treatment of adult periodontitis.

Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr, 2003 Feb, 110(2), 65 - 8
{The regional differences of the pH-value in the vagina, cervix, and uterus of cows during interestrus}; Wehrend A et al.; This study aimed to ascertain the pH value of the vagina, cervix, and uterus in cows during interoestrus . Measurements were made with an ambulant, digital pH meter with a flexible probe and a measuring frequency of one value per second . The genital tract (vagina, cervix, uterus) of 50 cows were analyzed with this instrument immediately post mortem . The sexual health of the animals was evaluated via clinical, histological, and microbiological tests . Statistically significant regional differences in the pH value were documented (p < 0.01) . Whereas a decrease was measured between the values for the vagina (6.92 +/- 0.51) and the cervix (6.22 +/- 0.31), increased values were measured in the uterus (6.62 +/- 0.32) . The physiological pH value in the genital tract of the cow should be taken into consideration for the development of new therapeutic measures in terms of the local application of probiotically active bacterial strains.

Bull Soc Sci Med Grand Duche Luxemb, 2002, (2), 121 - 34
{Treatment of pneumonia acquired in the community}; Waschbisch T et al.; The community-acquired pneumonia is a common and serious illness . Pneumonia is said to be community acquired if it is contracted outside of hospital environment or if it is diagnosed within the first 48 hours of hospitalisation . The pathogen remains unknown after investigations in around 50% . The patient should initially be treated empirically, based on the likely pathogens according to the patient's risk-factors, underlying diseases, severity of pneumonia and place of therapy . If recent guidelines are compared (American Thoracic Society, British Thoracic Society and the Infectious Disease Advisory Board) there are differences concerning epidemiology, patients classification and the empiric antibiotic treatment . The appearance of resistances and the recent availability of new antibiotics account partially for these differences . In order to avoid further resistances but still achieving an efficient treatment, coherent antibiotic schemes considering local microbiological epidemiology and patients classifications must be applied as proposed by different guidelines.

Tunis Med, 2002 Nov, 80(11), 658 - 62
{Optimization of microbiological diagnosis of endocarditis}; Boukadida J; The endocarditis stays a dangerous illness . The positive microbiological diagnosis has a precious contribution for a successful hold in charge of the patient . To optimise the microbiological diagnosis of the endocarditis, essentially it comes back to respect the maximum rules of good practice of the blood cultures and the microbiological cardiac valve exams . During the last decades, techniques of molecular biology came to remedy insufficiencies of the conventional microbiology . We arrange rich microbiological data to guide the therapist while waiting the current microbiological data of the patient.

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2003 Feb, 60(6), 696 - 9 Epub 2002 Dec 18.
Inducive effect of cresoquinone on microbiological transformation of L-tyrosine to 3,4 dihydroxy phenyl L-alanine by Aspergillus oryzae NG-11(P1); Haq I et al.; The present work describes the inducive effect of cresoquinone on microbiological transformation of L-tyrosine to 3,4 dihydroxy phenyl L-alanine ( L-DOPA) by Aspergillus oryzae NG-11(P1) . Mould mycelium was used for biochemical conversion of L-tyrosine to L-DOPA because tyrosinases, beta-carboxylases and tyrosine hydroxylases are intracellular enzymes . The maximum conversion of L-tyrosine to L-DOPA (0.428 mg/ml) was achieved after 60 min of biochemical reaction . To enhance the production of L-DOPA, cresoquinone was added to the reaction mixture . Best L-DOPA biosynthesis results were observed when the concentration of cresoquinone was 3.5 x 10(-6) M (1.686 mg/ml L-DOPA produced with 1.525 mg/ml consumption of L-tyrosine) . Cresoquinone not only increased enzyme activity but also enhanced cell membrane permeability to facilitate secretion of enzymes into the reaction broth . Comparison of kinetic parameters revealed the ability of the mutant to yield L-DOPA {Y(p/x) {i.e., mg L-DOPA formed (mg cells formed)(-1)} =7.360+/-0.04} . When the culture grown on various cresoquinone levels was monitored for Q(p), Q(s) and q(p) { Q(p): mg L-DOPA produced ml(-1) x h(-1); Q(s): mg substrate consumed ml(-1) x h(-1); q(p): mg L-DOPA formed (mg cells)(-1) h(-1)}, there was significant enhancement ( P<0.025) of these variables.

J Nat Prod, 2003 Mar, 66(3), 327 - 31
Biotransformation of the diterpenes epicandicandiol and candicandiol by Mucor plumbeus; Fraga BM et al.; The microbiological transformation of the diterpene epicandicandiol (1) with Mucor plumbeus gave foliol (3), sideritriol (5), and 7beta,16alpha,17,18-tetrahydroxy-ent-kaurane (7), while the incubation of candicandiol (2) gave 7alpha,9beta,18-trihydroxy-ent-kaur-16-ene (10), canditriol (11), and 7alpha,16alpha,17,18-tetrahydroxy-ent-kaurane (12) . Thus, the main difference observed in both feedings, resulting from the spatial change in the orientation of the 7-hydroxyl, from axial in the substrate 1 to equatorial in 2, was the formation of a 3alpha- and a 9beta-hydroxylated derivative, respectively.

J Infect Dis, 2003 Apr 1, 187(7), 1097 - 106 Epub 2003 Mar 14.
Cardiac valves in patients with Q fever endocarditis: microbiological, molecular, and histologic studies; Lepidi H et al.; The pathologic features of Q fever endocarditis, which is caused by Coxiella burnetii, were histologically evaluated in cardiac valves from 28 patients . We used quantitative image analysis to compare valvular fibrosis, calcifications, vegetations, inflammation, and vascularization due to Q fever endocarditis with that due to non-Q fever endocarditis and valvular degeneration . We also studied the presence of C . burnetii in valves by immunohistochemical analysis, culture, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) . Histologically, Q fever endocarditis was characterized by significant fibrosis and calcifications, slight inflammation and vascularization, and small or absent vegetations . Despite antibiotic treatment, non-statistically significant variations at the histologic level were observed . These pathologic features could be confused with noninfectious valvular degenerative damage . We found that the detection of C . burnetii in cardiac valves by immunohistochemical analysis, culture, and PCR decreased significantly only after 1 year of antibiotic treatment, which emphasizes the long persistence of this organism in valve tissues . Pathologic and immunohistochemical analyses may contribute to the diagnosis of Q fever endocarditis.

Am J Surg, 2003 Apr, 185(4), 339 - 43
Prevention of intraperitoneal adhesion formation using beta-glucan after ileocolic anastomosis in a rat bacterial peritonitis model; Bedirli A et al.; BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects of beta-glucan on intraabdominal abscess and adhesion formation after ileocolic anastomosis in a rat bacterial peritonitis model . METHODS: Sixty male Wistar rats were used in this study . Bacterial peritonitis was induced by performing a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) . On the first day, abdomen was reopened and peritoneal fluid samples were taken for microbiological examination . Thereafter, cecum was resected and ileocolic anastomosis was made . Group 1 rats were given 1 mL of normal saline as a placebo . Group 2 and group 3 rats were given beta-D-glucan 2 mg/kg by intramuscularly; 1 mg of beta-1,3-D-glucanase was administered to group 3 rats just after the use of beta-D-glucan . Half of each group were killed at day 7 and at day 21, respectively . Adhesions were scored and the presence of intraabdominal abscesses was noted . RESULTS: One day after CLP, microbiological examination showed polymicrobial bacterial peritonitis . Five (8%) of the 60 animals died owing to sepsis . One week after CLP, in two rats in each group developed abscess formation . Three weeks after CLP, abscess formation was observed in only one rat in each group . The rats treated with the beta-glucan had significantly lower adhesion scores than did the saline-treated rats (P = 0.008 at one week; P = 0.001 at 3 weeks) . Administration of beta-glucanase inhibited beta-glucan activity and resulted in more adhesions (P = 0.022 at 1 week; P = 0.006 at 3 weeks) . CONCLUSIONS: Although the use of beta-glucan after ileocolic anastomosis in rats with experimentally developed intraabdominal sepsis does not have any significantly effect on mortality and abscess formation, beta-glucan is capable of reducing the frequency of adhesion . This effect of beta-glucan has been prevented with beta-glucanase

Eur J Surg Oncol, 2003 Apr, 29(3), 254 - 60
A pilot study of adjuvant intraperitoneal 5-fluorouracil using 4% icodextrin as a novel carrier solution; Hosie KB et al.; AIM: This pilot study utilised the sustained intraperitoneal (i.p.) dwell properties of an iso-osmotic solution of 4% icodextrin to investigate the tolerability, toxicity and feasibility of home-based i.p . 5FU adjuvant chemotherapy following resective surgery for colorectal cancer . METHODS: Twenty eligible patients (Dukes' stage B and C with potentially curative resection) underwent perioperative Tenckhoff catheter placement . Ten (6 male, 4 female, aged 46-85; mean 67.5 years) received 5FU chemotherapy . After initial flushing and gradual increase in volumes of 4% icodextrin alone, patients received home-based i.p . 5FU (150-300 mg/m(2)/day given as equal doses at 12-hourly intervals) for 14 days, with a 14-day recovery period, for a maximum of 6 courses . Two incurable patients, treated on compassionate grounds, provided further safety data . RESULTS: Nine of the 10 patients became proficient in self-treatment with 5FU and two completed 6 courses . Frequent abdominal pain was the main dose-limiting toxicity of 5FU, causing withdrawal of three patients after a high (300 mg/m(2)/day) first course and one following a third course at lower doses . I.p . 5FU concentrations (mean>30000 ngml(-1)) were 1000 fold higher than systemic venous levels . Bacterial peritonitis led to two withdrawals but was not a frequent event (microbiologically confirmed incidence of 1 per 27 catheter-months) . CONCLUSIONS: Home-based i.p . adjuvant chemotherapy is a feasible treatment option in patients with surgically resected colorectal carcinoma.

In Vivo, 2003 Jan-Feb, 17(1), 51 - 3
Brucella melitensis infection stimulates an immune response leading to Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease; Charalabopoulos K et al.; A 43-year-old Greek cattler with a history of brucellosis three months previously for which he was treated with sulfonamides for three weeks, was admitted to the hospital complaining of fever, arthralgias, night sweats, painful cervical and axillary lymph nodes as well as a weight loss of 8 kg in the previous four months . Since microbiological and serological studies did not give a specific diagnosis, an open cervical lymph node biopsy was performed . The histological examination revealed Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease . The etiology of the disease is unknown but viral, bacterial, protozoal and neoplastic as well as physicochemical agents may stimulate a particular immune response leading to Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease . Hereby, we present a case in which Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease followed brucella melitensis infection . This association permits us to hypothesize that the initial brucella melitensis infection three months previously triggered an immune response leading to Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease . The association of the disease with brucellosis is very important since these two entities share some similar characteristics, with brucellosis being relatively common in Europe . To our best knowledge, in the English language bibliography, this is the first reported case worldwide, though another similar case was described in the Spanish literature ten years ago.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 2003 Apr, 51(4), 1025 - 8 Epub 2003 Feb 25.
Microbiological efficacy of ABT-773 (cethromycin) for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia due to Chlamydia pneumoniae; Hammerschlag MR et al.; Nasopharyngeal specimens for culture of Chlamydia pneumoniae were obtained from patients with community-acquired pneumonia enrolled in a randomized study comparing the novel ketolide antibiotic ABT-773 at a dose of 150 mg once a day to 150 mg twice a day, by mouth for 10 days . C . pneumoniae was eradicated from the nasopharynx of 10 of 10 (100%) microbiologically evaluable patients . MICs and MBCs for 13 isolates of C . pneumoniae from 12 patients obtained before and after therapy were performed against ABT-773 . The MIC90 and MBC90 of ABT-773 were 0.015 mg/L.

J Dent, 2003 Feb, 31(2), 105 - 110
Efficacy of anti-retraction devices in preventing bacterial contamination of dental unit water lines; Berlutti F et al.; Objective . In this study we examine the efficacy of anti-retraction devices in preventing microbial contamination of dental unit water lines (DUWLs).Methods . The study was performed on 54 randomly selected DUs in use at private and public institutions for over six months . The selected DUs were all currently commercially available . To evaluate the efficiency of anti-retraction devices, two different methods were employed, mechanical and microbiological . The ADA/ANSI specification #47 (corresponding to a water retraction of less than 40.3&mgr;l) was used for the evaluation of the retraction determined using the mechanical method; the presence/absence of test microorganisms in DUWLs upstream the turbine after the test was used for evaluating the microbiological assay.Results . Both evaluation methods indicated correct amounts of retraction and prevention of DUWL contamination occurred in only two cases (3.7%) . Correct retraction was noted in six other dental units (DUs), but their DUWLs became contaminated during testing . Six other produced the opposite results-improper retraction, yet no contamination . The remaining 40 DUs (74.0%) failed both evaluations.Conclusion . The results showed that the overwhelming majority of the anti-retraction devices did not prevent retraction when the turbine stopped running, leading to a contamination of the water lines, and to a consequent possible cross-contamination of the patients.

J Microbiol Methods, 2003 May, 53(2), 185 - 97
Towards a unified system for detecting waterborne pathogens; Straub TM et al.; Currently, there is no single method to collect, process, and analyze a water sample for all pathogenic microorganisms of interest . Some of the difficulties in developing a universal method include the physical differences between the major pathogen groups (viruses, bacteria, protozoa), efficiently concentrating large volume water samples to detect low target concentrations of certain pathogen groups, removing co-concentrated inhibitors from the sample, and standardizing a culture-independent endpoint detection method . Integrating the disparate technologies into a single, universal, simple method and detection system would represent a significant advance in public health and microbiological water quality analysis . Recent advances in sample collection, on-line sample processing and purification, and DNA microarray technologies may form the basis of a universal method to detect known and emerging waterborne pathogens . This review discusses some of the challenges in developing a universal pathogen detection method, current technology that may be employed to overcome these challenges, and the remaining needs for developing an integrated pathogen detection and monitoring system for source or finished water.

Br J Dermatol, 2003 Mar, 148(3), 489 - 92
Erosive pustular dermatosis of the leg associated with compression bandaging and fungal infection; Dawn G et al.; BACKGROUND: Erosive pustular dermatosis of the leg (EPDL) has been described in association with venous insufficiency and atrophy of the skin of the lower leg . Like erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp, this disease has also been reported to be a non-infective condition . OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinicopathological features and, where possible, the aetiology of clinical EPDL . METHODS: We identified a group of patients undergoing continuous compression bandaging for venous dermatitis of the legs and/or predominantly venous leg ulceration with clinical features described in patients with EPDL . They were investigated by skin biopsy, patch testing and microbiological tests for the presence of bacteria and fungi . RESULTS: Twenty-four of 400 (6%) patients were noted to have pustules on the leg(s) . There was laboratory evidence of fungal infection in 13 of 24 patients (54%), with complete and sustained resolution of pustules after antifungal treatment . Pustulation in the other 11 patients (46%) was unresponsive to antibiotics for confirmed bacterial infection; some improvement was seen with potent topical corticosteroids but full clearance was achieved only after a switch from continuous four-layer compression bandaging to the use of intermittent long stretch compression . CONCLUSIONS: EPDL is a fairly common clinical picture seen in patients undergoing continuous compression bandaging . It may be produced by opportunistic, particularly fungal, infection . In almost half an infective aetiology cannot be demonstrated and a pyoderma gangrenosum-like process may be implicated.

Biotechnol Bioeng, 2003 Jun 5, 82(5), 499 - 505
Calorimetric investigation of anaerobic digestion: Biomass adaptation and temperature effect; Daverio E et al.; A high-resolution bench-scale calorimeter (Bio-RC1), specially suited for microbiological studies, has been used to investigate the response of an anaerobic granular sludge to repetitive glucose additions at various temperatures . Through the analysis of heat-evolution profiles resulting from substrate degradation, significant biological events have been identified: the feeble net heat uptake related to aceticlastic methanogenesis has been evaluated, and the detrimental effect of a nutrient deficiency, which led up to 75% decrease in heat production rate, has been detected . After several glucose pulses under non-limiting nutrient conditions, a reliable and reproducible reference thermal response, which is an important condition for the application of calorimetric measurements to detect inhibitory effects, was finally obtained . Afterward, glucose additions were repeated at various temperatures, and 57% biomass activity reduction, with respect to the reference value at 35 degrees C, was observed when temperature was fixed at 20 degrees C . Additionally, a preliminary toxicity test was also performed by exposing the biomass to increasing formaldehyde concentrations .

Clin Infect Dis, 2003 Apr 1, 36(7), e81 - 6 Epub 2003 Mar 18.
Brucella prosthetic joint infection: a report of 3 cases and a review of the literature; Weil Y et al.; We report 3 cases of Brucella melitensis infection of prosthetic hips and knees, and we summarize data about 4 cases reported in the literature . Six of the 7 affected patients were men . The median duration from prosthesis implantation to the onset of symptoms was 38.7 months . Five patients had only local symptoms . Preoperative joint aspirates yielded negative culture results for 3 patients, and blood culture results were negative for 6 patients . Excisional arthroplasty was the initial intervention for 3 patients . Three others responded well to medical therapy alone . One patient had relapse while receiving tetracycline and underwent total hip replacement . All patients were treated with combined antibiotic therapy for 6 weeks to 19 months . All had favorable long-term responses . The 3 patients we treated underwent a 2-staged resection arthroplasty . Antibiotics alone can be used to treat Brucella prosthetic joint infection, but loosening of the joint and clinical or microbiological failure must be treated with a 2-staged excisional arthroplasty and 3 months of treatment with doxycycline and rifampicin.

Microbes Infect, 2003 Feb, 5(2), 179 - 87
Microbiological exploitation of the chemokine system; Holst PJ et al.; Several viruses encode chemokine elements in their genome . This review focuses on the roles of such elements in the ongoing battle between the virus and the host . The biological and pharmacological characterizations of several of these chemokine elements have highlighted their importance in the mammalian immune system for antiviral responses and suggested future antiviral and anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 2003 Mar, 22(3), 185 - 7 Epub 2003 Mar 05.
Efficacy and safety of sequential amoxicillin-clavulanate in the treatment of anaerobic lung infections; Fernandez-Sabe N et al.; In order to assess the efficacy and safety of amoxicillin-clavulanate for the treatment of anaerobic lung infection, 40 patients with lung abscess or necrotizing pneumonia were given sequential amoxicillin-clavulanate therapy . All patients received intravenous amoxicillin-clavulanate (2 g/200 mg/8 h), which was switched to oral form (1 g/125 mg/8 h) after clinical improvement . Mean duration of antibiotic therapy was 43.5 days . Microbiological documentation was obtained in 53% of cases . All but 1 of the 48 microorganisms isolated were susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanate . The drug was well tolerated by the patients and no severe adverse effects were observed . At the end of treatment all patients were considered cured . The 35 patients assessed at long-term follow-up visit remained disease-free.

Swiss Med Wkly, 2003 Feb 22, 133(7-8), 111 - 7
Update on cystic fibrosis: selected aspects related to lung transplantation; Boehler A; Survival after lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis has improved substantially . To date, 1-year survival is as much as 80-90% and 5-year survival 60-70% . Experience of surgical techniques, periand postoperative management and long-term follow-up care has grown . High risk patients for whom transplantation was contraindicated ten years ago are today being transplanted . Prerequisites for a successful outcome are appropriate timing of referral, careful consideration of medical issues in other organs, and psychosocial support systems . Panresistant organisms are a special problem in candidates with cystic fibrosis, and advances in microbiological testing and characterisation of these organisms are warranted . Living donor lobar transplantation has become an option in rapidly deteriorating children and young adults . Selected aspects of the evolving field of lung transplantation are discussed.

J Infect, 2003 Apr, 46(3), 199 - 202
Multi-system Infection with Nocardia farcinica-therapy with linezolid and minocycline; Lewis KE et al.; We describe a case of disseminated infection with a multiple-resistant strain of Nocardia farcinica, probably resulting from direct inoculation during a road traffic accident . Initial presentation was with pulmonary symptoms, with subsequent development of cutaneous, renal, soft tissue and cerebral involvement . Precise microbiological diagnosis was delayed . Once sensitivity test results were available, the patient was stabilised on linezolid and minocycline . Premature withdrawal of therapy at one month resulted in recrudescence of infection, requiring re-institution of treatment . Linezolid was discontinued after a total of 4 months, because of evidence of myelosuppression and visual impairment, which subsequently improved . Monotherapy with minocycline was continued for a total of 12 months . The patient now remains well.

J Infect, 2003 Apr, 46(3), 161 - 3
Assessment of antibiotic prescription in hospitalised patients at a Chinese university hospital; Hu S et al.; OBJECTIVE: To describe and understand antibiotic prescribing in hospitalised patients in a university hospital . METHODS: Retrospective study using clinical data on antibiotic prescriptions in 1025 inpatient cases chosen from 21,000 inpatients in our hospital in 1997 by systematic sampling . RESULTS: Antibiotics were prescribed to 77.8% of inpatients, among which 55.2% were prescribed two or more kinds of antibiotics . In 58.5% of cases, antibiotic prescriptions were given therapeutically . Only 39 specimens in 1025 cases were taken for microbiological investigation . CONCLUSIONS: Few microbiological investigations were undertaken prior to antibiotic prescribing . The main challenges in the antibiotic prescribing are to make rational choices for antibiotic use and recognise the potential problems of abuse of antibiotics.

J Agric Food Chem, 2003 Mar 26, 51(7), 1924 - 31
Effects of processing treatment and sorbate addition on the flavor characteristics of apple cider; Boylston TD et al.; Processing treatments used to produce a microbiologically "safe" apple cider were evaluated to determine the impact of these treatments on the overall flavor characteristics . Apple cider with (0.1%) and without (0%) potassium sorbate was subjected to four processing treatments: untreated, irradiated at 2 kGy, irradiated at 4 kGy, and pasteurized . Volatile flavor compounds were isolated from the cider using solid-phase microextraction methods with gas chromatographic analysis . A trained descriptive analysis panel evaluated sensory attributes . The effects of the processing treatment were dependent on the presence of sorbate in the apple cider . Irradiation treatments resulted in a decrease in the content of esters characteristic of apple flavor and an increase in the content of alcohols and aldehydes formed through lipid oxidation reactions . The presence of sorbate reduced the effects of the irradiation treatments on these volatile flavor compounds . Sensory panelists, however, detected higher intensities of undesirable flavor attributes, including "cardboard flavor", and lower intensities of the desirable "apple flavor" in irradiated cider with added sorbate.

PDA J Pharm Sci Technol, 2003 Jan-Feb, 57(1), 43 - 8
Development of an advanced high speed aseptic filling system; Deguchi M et al.; A new pharmaceutical aseptic vial filling system has been developed based on isolator technology that is also well suited to use in conventional clean rooms . The results of experiments designed to test the microbiological quality of the environment provided by the new filling system in conjunction with an isolator demonstrate that the isolator enclosed filler can be readily decontaminated and that it can maintain an aseptic environment for at least one month under worse case conditions.

PDA J Pharm Sci Technol, 2003 Jan-Feb, 57(1), 25 - 31
Qualification of a rapid readout biological indicator with moist heat sterilization; McCormick P et al.; Biological indicators are recognized as an important component in the validation and routine monitoring of moist heat (steam) sterilization processes . Due to the need to allow for the recovery and outgrowth of test organisms that may have been sub-lethally injured, between 2-5 days of incubation are typically required before the outcome of sterilization processing can be reliably interpreted . Rapid readout biological indicators that incorporate the response of a heat resistant enzyme provide a means for assessing the efficacy of moist heat sterilization within hours of processing . This study describes the qualification of the 3M Attest 1292 Rapid Readout Biological Indicator with moist heat sterilization according to the procedures described in the PDA Technical Report No . 33, "Evaluation, Validation and Implementation of New Microbiological Testing Methods".

Environ Technol, 2003 Jan, 24(1), 115 - 30
Pathogens and manure management systems: a review; Bicudo JR et al.; There has been an increasing concern about the effects of pathogens that are present in animal manure on humanand animal health . In recent years, outbreaks of food-borne diseases associated with the consumption of animal products havereceived much attention from the media in North America and Europe, leading to increased consumer concerns about the safety of their food supply . The health risks associated with animal operations depend on various factors . The most important ones appear to be related to the animal species being reared and the concentration of pathogenic microorganisms in animal manure . The ability of the pathogens to survive for long periods and through treatment to remain infective in the environment until ingested by human or animal host is an added concern . On the other hand, the role of livestock in most waterborne bacterial outbreaks has often been difficult to clarify since both humans and various wildlife species can shed the same microorganisms and thereby serve as sources of infection . This paper summarizes existing information on the main microbial pathogens present in livestock wastes, and discusses the impact of livestock wastes and agricultural drainage on microbiological quality of water, as well as available management and treatment technologies to minimize the prevalence of pathogens in animal wastes . Despite the fact that most disease outbreaks have been associated with food poisoning by cross-contamination during meat or milk processing and during finished product storage this review shows that a number of best management practices and technical solutions have been developed in the last few years that can be effective tools in minimizing the spread of pathogens from livestock operations in the environment.

Environ Technol, 2003 Jan, 24(1), 59 - 67
Effects of partial stone removal on the co-composting of olive-oil processing solid residues with poultry manure and the quality of compost; Hachicha R et al.; Full scale composting studies were performed with stoned (SEOOPSW) and non stoned exhausted olive-oil processing solid waste (NSEOOPSW) mixed with 20% poultry manure to reach a C/N ratio of around 30 and to improve the chemical and microbiological properties of the end products . The experiment was performed on two windrows (3 m wide, 2.5 m high and 10 tonne weight) to investigate the effects of stone removal and poultry manure addition on composting process efficiency and on the quality of composts . The partially stone removal operation reduced the total composting time by at least one month compared with the untreated waste . The addition of poultry manure improved the chemical quality of the end product, as shown by the doubling of the nitrogen concentration after four months composting together with the increased amount of P and K . Compost from stoned exhausted olive-oil processing solid waste had higher levels of cation exchange capacity (CEC) and humic acid content with a lower {FA/HA} ratio indicating a high polymerisation level . Agronomic field test showed that both composts are not phytotoxic . When applied at the rate of 40 tonne ha(-1) to a potato culture, they produced approximately the same yield (46 and 48.5 tonne ha(-1)) but they acted differently in terms of plant development . Compost produced from the NSEOOPSW acted more positively on the stem length (84.1 against 77.6 cm) and on leaf weight (354 against 238 g), whereas compost from the SEOOPSW more positively affected tuber sizes (76% large grade compared to 55%).

Dermatol Online J . 2003 Feb;9(1):6.
Trichophyton raubitschekii: a new agent of dermatophytosis in Brazil?
Costa AR, Criado PR, Valente NY, Sittart JA, Stelmach RS, Vasconcellos C.
A microbiological and ultrastructural study of Trichophyton raubitschekii recovered from a patient with tinea faciei is presented . This is the second case of isolation of this fungus in Sao Paulo and the sixth case in Brazil . Upon culture, the morphological pattern and the physiological tests performed confirmed the identification of T . raubitschekii . The ultrastructural study of T . raubitschekii showed the presence of a membrane-like structure located in the outer portion of the hyphal walls . This structure was bi-stratified and very like the one observed in T . rubrum . Is T . raubitschekii a new fungus emerging in Brazil or is it a T . rubrum variant?

Water Sci Technol, 2003, 47(3), 15 - 20
The impact of urban discharges on the health-related microbiological quality of untreated surface water: can catchment management solve the problem?
Jagals P, Griesel M.
Results showed that surface resource water quality in the study catchment was generally of a poor health-related microbiological water quality . This was due to poor quality discharges received from urban developments in the catchment . The quality results implied that several water uses in the catchment would impact negatively on the health of the users . Current developments in setting Resource Quality Objectives to manage the quality of the resources involved do not provide for the various water uses . The particular Catchment Management Agencies would, therefore, not be in a position to judge the health-related status of their surface water resource quality objectively . To alleviate this problem, tentative water-use classifications as well as microbiological criteria are proposed.

Ann Ig, 2002 Nov-Dec, 14(6), 479 - 86
{Microbiological study of soft cheese purchased in small and middle-sized distribution networks}; Melluso G et al.; The aim of the work is the evaluation of the microbial content of soft cheese when it comes on the table of the consumer . To reach this purpose we have bought, as simple clients, the product in the small and average distributions that apply the HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) plain and in the small distributions which don't apply it, the collecting and the microbiological analysis of the product has been performed on the different pieces that belong to the whole form of cheese during the days of the week, observing a progressive increase of the bacterial number; besides we have found in the bought cheese that when the form of cheese was at the end, values overcame the limits of law . The increase of the bacterial numbers was greater in the products purchased in the average distributions in order with the application of the self-control, and in the small ones that don't effect this type of selling . The deduction was that the HACCP system has not been correctly applied in all the shops tested and in the exercises without the HACCP plain the contamination levels are higher . The health risk connected with not correct manipulation by the employees still results very elevated.

Orv Hetil, 2002 Dec 22, 143(51), 2835 - 40
{Comparative study of combined local treatment (sulfadimidine, metronidazole and nystatin) and the standard monotherapy in uncomplicated bacterial vaginosis}; Milankovits M et al.; Comparative, in vivo, human, prospective, single blind, clinical and microbiological diagnoses based and randomised study of the treatment of uncomplicated bacterial vaginosis with two forms of combined (metronidazole + nystatin + sulfadimidin) vaginal suppositories (laminated and mixed containing the same ingredients) and the standard preparations available in the Hungarian market (Dalacin vaginal cream and Klion vaginal suppository) . The examinations involved 60 volunteers and were performed in the Gynecological Outpatient Clinic of the Council of Erd, the microbiological samples were examined at Saint Rokus Hospital in Budapest . The combined treatment was better tolerated and resulted in normal vaginal pH significantly more often at the same rate of recovery . The combined treatment is simultaneously effective in cases of the most prevalent coinfections too.

Anal Bioanal Chem, 2003 Mar, 375(5), 666 - 72 Epub 2003 Feb 19.
The effect of the presence of volatile organoselenium compounds on the determination of inorganic selenium by hydride generation; Moreno ME et al.; As a result of microbiological activity it is possible to find dimethylselenium (DMSe) and dimethyldiselenium (DMDSe) in a wide type of environmental samples, such as soils, sediments, sewage sludges and plants where methylation can take place.Selenium determination by hydride-generation (HG) techniques requires its presence as Se(IV) . Consequently, inorganic speciation by hydride generation techniques is done by first determining Se(IV) and then, after reduction of Se (VI) to Se(IV), the total selenium . Therefore, the concentration of Se (VI) is evaluated as the difference between total inorganic selenium and Se(IV) . In the present work it could be demonstrated that DMSe and DMDSe are forming other volatile species by reaction with sodium borohydride, applying the same reduction condition as for inorganic selenium . These species are subsequently detected by several atomic techniques (atomic absorption AAS, atomic fluorescence AFS and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry ICP-MS) . The error that their presence can cause in determination of inorganic selenium has been evaluated . The magnitude of this error depends on the specific analytical detector used.The coupling of pervaporation-atomic fluorescence is proposed for the identification of these species and pervaporation-gas chromatography-atomic fluorescence for their individual quantification.

J Clin Virol, 2003 Apr, 26(3), 369 - 73
Optimisation of PCR reactions using primer chessboarding; Gunson R et al.; In-house polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are now an integral part of the work of most diagnostic microbiological laboratories . Despite the availability of commercial reagent 'master-mixes' of some PCR reagents, the optimisation of primers still poses a significant problem . Here, we describe a simple method to assess the concentration of primer needed in single round, multiplex, nested and 'real-time' PCR procedures.

J Food Prot, 2003 Mar, 66(3), 485 - 9
Implementation and analysis of an on-farm food safety program for the production of greenhouse vegetables; Luedtke AN et al.; Fresh fruits and vegetables are increasingly being recognized as vectors for foodborne illness . In 1998, an on-farm food safety program was developed for the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) in Ontario, Canada . This hazard analysis critical control point-based system was designed to reduce the potential of microbial contamination along the entire production and distribution process . A previous report (D . A . Powell, M . Bobadilla-Ruiz, A . Whitfield, M . W . Griffiths, and A . Luedtke, J . Food Prot . 65:918-923) outlined the first 2 years of the program; the present report documents the third year of the program's implementation . Through individual on-site grower visits and the microbiological testing of produce and water, the program's OGVG member requirements were determined, and the program's success was assessed . Growers' knowledge, understanding, and awareness of microbial risks associated with fresh produce have increased, and improvements in practices used in greenhouses and packing sheds were noted.

J Food Prot, 2003 Mar, 66(3), 410 - 7
Effects of herbal essential oils used to extend the shelf life of freshwater-reared Asian sea bass fish (Lates calcarifer); Harpaz S et al.; Sensory and microbiological characteristics of Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) fish raised in a freshwater pond were evaluated during cold storage for 33 days . Whole fish (averaging 400 g each) were stored in a cold storage room at 0 to 2 degrees C . Essential oils of herbs--thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and oregano (Origanum vulgare)--added at 0.05% (vol/vol) were used as preservatives . On the basis of the sensory test results as well as the bacteriological tests, the addition of oregano and thyme essential oils can considerably slow the process of spoilage . The fish treated with these oils were still fit for human consumption after 33 days of storage . The results obtained through sensory tests are corroborated to a great extent by the chemical (hypoxanthine) tests and to a lesser extent by the physical (Cosmos units) tests . The initial total bacteriological counts were 1.7 x 10(3) CFU/cm2 on the fish surface and <10(2) CFU/g in the fish flesh, and in the control treatment (without preservatives), these counts rose continuously, reaching around 10(7) CFU/cm2 on the fish surface and 10(3) CFU/g in the flesh after 33 days of storage at 0 to 2 degrees C . The use of herbal essential oils as preservatives, on the other hand, resulted in a maximal count of 10(5) CFU/cm2 on the fish surface, while the bacterial count in the flesh remained <10(2) CFU/g by the end of the 33-day storage period at 0 to 2 degrees C.

Risk Anal, 2003 Feb, 23(1), 179 - 97
Modeling microbial growth within food safety risk assessments; Ross T et al.; Risk estimates for food-borne infection will usually depend heavily on numbers of microorganisms present on the food at the time of consumption . As these data are seldom available directly, attention has turned to predictive microbiology as a means of inferring exposure at consumption . Codex guidelines recommend that microbiological risk assessment should explicitly consider the dynamics of microbiological growth, survival, and death in foods . This article describes predictive models and resources for modeling microbial growth in foods, and their utility and limitations in food safety risk assessment . We also aim to identify tools, data, and knowledge sources, and to provide an understanding of the microbial ecology of foods so that users can recognize model limits, avoid modeling unrealistic scenarios, and thus be able to appreciate the levels of confidence they can have in the outputs of predictive microbiology models . The microbial ecology of foods is complex . Developing reliable risk assessments involving microbial growth in foods will require the skills of both microbial ecologists and mathematical modelers . Simplifying assumptions will need to be made, but because of the potential for apparently small errors in growth rate to translate into very large errors in the estimate of risk, the validity of those assumptions should be carefully assessed . Quantitative estimates of absolute microbial risk within narrow confidence intervals do not yet appear to be possible . Nevertheless, the expression of microbial ecology knowledge in "predictive microbiology" models does allow decision support using the tools of risk assessment.

Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi, 2002 Dec, 43(6), 323 - 9
{Inhibition of bacterial growth in thawed cake and rapid evaluation methods for microbiological quality}; Tanaka K et al.; The inhibition of bacterial growth in thawed cake kept under refrigeration and rapid evaluation methods for microbiological quality of the cake were investigated . The effects of the freezing temperature and the addition of ethanol or emulsifier on bacterial numbers in a cake model after storage for 72 hr at 10 degrees C following the thawing process were also studied . Bacterial growth in the cake model was inhibited by the additives under various freezing conditions . In addition, rapid evaluation methods for estimating bacterial numbers in the cake model after incubation for 72 hr at 10 degrees C were studied . High correlations were found between bacterial numbers in the cake model incubated for 24 hr at 20 degrees C and for 6 hr at 35 degrees C with tryptic soy broth and that of the cake model incubated for 72 hr at 10 degrees C . This result indicated that rapid evaluation by incubation for 24 hr at 20 degrees C or for 6 hr at 35 degrees C with tryptic soy broth can be used to predict the bacterial numbers in a cake model after incubation for 72 hr at 10 degrees C . Furthermore, the ATP-bioluminescence method was applied to shorten the testing time, because culture on an agar medium was not necessary.

Mycorrhiza, 2003 Mar, 13(1), 17 - 25 Epub 2002 Aug 09.
The ectomycorrhizal symbiosis between Lactarius deliciosus and Pinus sylvestris in forest soil samples: symbiotic efficiency and development on roots of a rDNA internal transcribed spacer-selected isolate of L . deliciosus; Guerin-Laguette A et al.; The effect on plant growth of pre-inoculation of Pinus sylvestris with the ectomycorrhizal (ECM) edible basidiomycete Lactarius deliciosus (isolate D45) under controlled conditions, and the development on roots of this basidiomycete, were investigated in gamma-irradiated and unsterilized containers containing different forest soil cores or a perlite-vermiculite mixture . Five months after planting, L . deliciosus mycorrhizal plants exhibited greater growth than the non-mycorrhizal ones in all soil types, i.e . up to a 325% increase in shoot height in the sterilized soils . The experiment demonstrated the dependency of P . sylvestris seedlings upon ECM symbiosis for their survival in gamma-irradiated, microbiologically disturbed soil samples . Furthermore, in two soils, the growth of L . deliciosus-inoculated seedlings was greater in the sterilized soil samples than in the non-sterilized ones, i.e . 46% and 132% increase in shoot height under sterilized soil conditions . In containers randomly sampled from each soil type, the degree of root colonization by the inoculated isolate, calculated as the number of mycorrhizal root tips divided by the total number of root tips x100, ranged from 80% to 35% . Within the short term, the inoculated isolate developed rapidly on roots, dominated, and hampered ectomycorrhiza formation by various unidentified (but not Lactarius) resident ECM fungi in unsterilized soil types . Results indicate that the ECM species L . deliciosus is worth investigating to ascertain if other isolates benefit pine growth like the isolate D45, and are therefore also attractive candidates for forestry applications in the Mediterranean area.

Euro Surveill, 1999 May, 4(5), 58 - 62
Management of the investigation by Enter-net of international foodborne outbreaks of gastrointestinal organisms; Desenclos JC et al.; The free circulation of people, goods, and foods within the European Union (EU) states has increased the opportunity for international outbreaks of foodborne infections despite prevention efforts to reduce microbiological contamination of foodstuffs . The

Euro Surveill, 1997 Jan, 2(1), 1 - 2
Scottish outbreak of Escherichia coli O157, November-December 1996; Cowden JM; On the afternoon of Friday 22 November 1996, Lanarkshire Health Board s Public Health Department became aware of 15 cases of possible Escherichia coli O157 infection (five of which had been confirmed microbiologically) in residents of the town of Wishaw i

Hepatogastroenterology, 2003 Jan-Feb, 50(49), 293 - 6
Effect of anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody titer following eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection; Koizumi W et al.; BACKGROUND/AIMS: We measured the levels of IgG antibody in patients treated for H . pylori infection using four commercially available ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) kits . METHODOLOGY: A total of 37 patients with peptic ulcers (21 patients had gastric ulcers and 16 patients had duodenal ulcers) were treated and monitored . These patients were treated for 14 days with either a dual therapy regime consisting of amoxicillin at 1,500 mg per day and omeprazole at 20 mg per day or a triple therapy regime consisting of the same medications as above plus metronidazole at 1,000 mg per day . Of these 37 patients, 24 patients (64.9%) had successful eradication of the H . pylori infection . The other 13 patients (35.5%) remained infected . Infection by H . pylori was confirmed prior to treatment using conventional microbiological (rapid urease test) and histological tests on biopsy specimens obtained by endoscopy . Four commercially available ELIZA kits (GAP-IgG, Hel-P, Helico-G and HM-CAP) were used to measure the serum levels of IgG antibody against H . pylori before treatment and at 3, 6 and 9 months after treatment . A significant decrease in the IgG titer was observed with the successful eradication of the H . pylori infection . RESULTS: In patients whom the H . pylori infection was not eradicated, the IgG titer remained the same throughout the testing period . All the kits showed a significant decrease in the IgG levels (approximately 50% at 3 months) with patients that were successfully treated . The HM-CAP kit had the lowest sensitivity at detection the decrease in antibody levels (approximately 42% decrease at 3 months) . The GAP-IgG kit was able to detect whether or not H . pylori was eradicated in shortest time period (100% uniformity ratio at 3 months) . CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that monitoring serum IgG levels after treatment may provide an early indicator of the efficacy of therapy in eradicating H . pylori infection . Additionally, the serum IgG level can provide evidence of infection in chronic gastritis patients even when the biopsy specimens are negative by microbiological and/or histological tests.

Vaccine, 2003 Apr 1, 21 Suppl 1, S50 - 5
TBE vaccination and the Austrian experience; Kunz C; In the pre-vaccination era, Austria had the highest recorded morbidity of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Europe . The disease accounted for more than 50% of all viral meningoencephalitides in the eastern and southern parts of the country . This prompted us to start a cooperative vaccine development project in 1971 with J . Keppie from the Microbiological Research Establishment, Porton Down, England . After very satisfactory results of field studies, conducted in individuals for whom TBE was classified as occupational disease (forest workers, farmers, etc.), the killed virus vaccine (see chapter by N . Barrett in this issue), was made commercially available by Immuno AG Vienna (now Baxter Health-Care) . The vaccine proved to be highly immunogenic and very well tolerated in both adults and children . After completing the series of three vaccinations seroconversion rates of >99% were recorded . In Austria, as in other European countries, TBE is now acquired for the most part during leisure activities . In view of this fact a mass vaccination campaign was initiated in 1981 . Subsequently, the vaccination coverage of the Austrian population increased from 6% in 1980 to 86% in 2001, exceeding 90% in some of the high-risk areas . Data annually collected by our surveillance system show that the clinical effectiveness of the vaccine is excellent . Based on the assumption that the whole Austrian population is at risk of infection the calculated rate of protection after three doses of the vaccine is 96-98.7% . Breakthrough disease is rare and affects mainly higher age groups . Since the advent of TBE vaccination only one single case has been observed in the age group up to 20 . The increasing vaccination coverage led to a more or less steady decline of TBE, drastically reducing the public health problem that the disease poses in Austria, especially in the provinces, where formerly the highest morbidity rates were observed . For example, in Carinthia, in the years 1973-1982 an average annual incidence of 155 was recorded, compared with only four annual cases in the last 4 years . The Austrian experience shows that containment of a tick-borne viral disease is feasible, provided a well-tolerated and effective vaccine is available that is widely accepted by the general population .

Radiologe, 2003 Feb, 43(2), 155 - 60
{Predictive parameters of infectiologic complications in patients after TIPSS}; Cohnen M et al.; AIM: To define predictive parameters of a complicated clinical course after the TIPSS procedure . METHODS: Blood cultures were drawn prospectively in 41 patients from a central line and from the portal venous blood before stent placement as well as from the central line 20 min after intervention . C-reactive protein (CRP) (mg/dl) and white blood cell count (WBC,/microl) on the day of TIPSS-procedure (d0), the first (d1) and seven (d7) days after TIPSS were compared in patients with a complicated clinical course (spontaneous bacterial peritonitis,pneumonia,sepsis; group I) to patients without clinical complications (group II) RESULTS: Group I showed a significant increase in CRP (d0: 1.8+/-1.0; d1: 3.2+/-1.5; d7: 4.3+/-3.2), and white blood cell count (d0: 7700+/-2600; d1: 10800+/-2800; d7: 7500+/-1800) on the first day after TIPSS-procedure in comparison to group II (CRP: d0: 1.6+/-0.6; d1: 1.8+/-1.0; d7: 1.9+/-0.6 . WBC: d0: 6900+/-1500; d1: 8000+/-1600; d7: 7600+/-1400).Microbiological analysis showed in 12% skin or oral flora in the last sample . CONCLUSIONS: The course of CRP and WBC-count during the first week after TIPSS procedure may indicate patients with a potential risk of a complicated clinical course.

J Clin Microbiol, 2003 Mar, 41(3), 1240 - 4
Clinical implications of Mycobacterium kansasii species heterogeneity: Swiss National Survey; Taillard C et al.; Several subtypes of Mycobacterium kansasii have been described, but their respective pathogenic roles are not clear . This study investigated the distribution of subtypes and the pathogenicity of M . kansasii strains (n = 191) isolated in Switzerland between 1991 and 1997 . Demographic, clinical, and microbiological information was recorded from clinical files . Patients were classified as having an infection according to the criteria of the American Thoracic Society . Subtypes were defined by PCR-restriction enzyme analysis of the hsp65 gene . Subtype 1 comprised 67% of the isolates (n = 128), while subtypes 2 and 3 comprised 21% (n = 40) and 8% (n = 15), respectively . Other subtypes (subtypes 4 and 6 and a new subtype, 7) were recovered from only 4% of patients (n = 8) . M . kansasii subtype 1 was considered pathogenic in 81% of patients, while M . kansasii subtype 2 was considered pathogenic in 67% of patients and other subtypes were considered pathogenic in 6% of patients . The majority of patients with M . kansasii subtype 2 were immunocompromised due to the use of corticosteroids (21% of patients) or coinfection with HIV (62.5% of patients) . Subtyping M . kansasii may improve clinical management by distinguishing pathogenic from nonpathogenic subtypes.

J Craniofac Surg, 2003 Mar, 14(2), 215 - 9
Multimodality imaging for precise localization of craniofacial osteomyelitis; Strumas N et al.; Functional imaging identifies areas of abnormal bone turnover, providing a useful adjunct in the treatment of osteomyelitis and bone tumors . The low resolution and lack of anatomical detail limit the application of bone scans in craniofacial surgery, however . Multimodality image registration addresses this problem by fusing functional images (single photon emission computed tomography {SPECT}) to high-resolution structural images (computed tomography {CT}) for precise anatomical delineation of bone activity . This article describes a technique for spatial registration of CT and SPECT images to provide precise anatomical delineation of abnormal bone turnover, thereby guiding the extent of resection in the management of craniofacial osteomyelitis . Standard CT and SPECT imaging protocols were used in imaging the skull from the vertex to the mentum . Image data were imported into Analyze (Biomedical Imaging Resource; Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN) on a dedicated Windows NT (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA) workstation . Using the CT data, the craniofacial skeleton, osteotomy segments, and bone grafts were interactively mapped out . Consecutive axial slices were then reconstructed to form a three-dimensional volume of interest . The CT-derived volume of interest was registered to the technetium Tc 99m-methylene diphosphonate SPECT scan using the Analyze program to provide a fused multimodality image . The imaging technique was used to localize osteomyelitis in a complex craniofacial reconstruction . The fused images guided the extent of resection during surgery, and postoperative microbiological and histological testing confirmed the diagnosis . Multimodality image registration provides a readily available method to relate facial skeletal anatomy and physiology . This technique is valuable in planning and monitoring therapeutic interventions in clinical conditions in which bone turnover is abnormal.

Poult Sci, 2003 Feb, 82(2), 199 - 206
Detection of septicemia in chicken livers by spectroscopy,; Dey BP et al.; To establish a procedure for differentiating normal chickens from chickens with septicemia/toxemia (septox) by machine inspection under the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point-Based Inspection Models Project, spectral measurements of 300 chicken livers, of which half were normal and half were condemned due to septox conditions, were collected and analyzed . Neural network classification of the spectral data after principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that normal and septox livers were correctly differentiated by spectroscopy at a rate of 96% . Analysis of the data established 100% correlation between the spectroscopic identification and the subset of samples, both normal and septox, that were histopathologically diagnosed . In an attempt to establish the microbiological etiology of the diseased livers, isolates from 30 livers indicated that the poultry carcasses were contaminated mostly with coliforms present in the environment, hindering the isolation of pathogenic microorganisms . Therefore, to establish the cause of diseased livers, a strictly aseptic environment and procedure for sample collection is required.

Can Vet J, 2003 Jan, 44(1), 51 - 5
Implementation of a validated HACCP system for the control of microbiological contamination of pig carcasses at a small abattoir; Bryant J et al.; To guide the implementation of a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system at a small abattoir, the microbiological conditions of pig carcasses at various stages of processing were assessed by enumerating total aerobes, coliforms, and Escherichia coli in samples collected from randomly selected sites on the carcasses . Those data indicated that carcasses were contaminated with bacteria mainly during dehairing and operations on the head . When carcasses were pasteurized after head removal, the numbers of total aerobes on dressed carcasses were reduced by about 1 order and the numbers of coliforms and E . coli were reduced by more than 2 orders of magnitude . Implementation of an HACCP system on the basis of the microbiological data gave cooled carcasses with mean numbers of total aerobes < 100/cm2, and mean numbers of coliforms and E . coli about 1/1000 cm2.

Vet J, 2003 Jan, 165(1), 84 - 9
Residue persistence in sheep milk following antibiotic therapy; Molina A et al.; Drug residues in milk supplies may have public health implications and can interfere in the manufacture of dairy products, such as cheese . In Spain, most ewe milk production is destined for cheese making, often using raw milk . This study analyses the main factors influencing antibiotic depletion time in lactating dairy sheep . 42, Manchega ewes were distributed into three groups, each receiving a different treatment (cephalexin intramammary infusion, penicillin G intramuscular, and oxytetracycline intravenous injections) . During and after the recommended withdrawal period, milk samples were taken at each milking . A microbiological inhibition test (Brilliant Black Reduction, BRT) was used to screen all samples and antibiotic withholding times were established using a logistic regression model . The response to the BRT method in milk from individual ewes treated showed that the effect of the milking order was significant (P<0.001) with the three antibiotics . However the only influence on milk yield was with the intramammary treatment (P<0.005) . The BRT method was found to be very sensitive, particularly to the two beta-lactamic antibiotics.

J Agric Food Chem, 2003 Mar 12, 51(6), 1647 - 52
Water mobility in multicomponent model media as studied by 2H and 17O NMR; Vittadini E et al.; Molecular mobility of water was studied in a microbiological media containing complex and heterogeneous mixtures of cellulose, l-sorbose, and orange serum broth (OSB) using (2)H and (17)O high-resolution NMR . All mixtures showed Lorentian (17)O NMR spectra but complex (2)H NMR line shapes . Sorbose, when solubilized, caused line-narrowing where as cellulose-OSB mixtures showed wide peaks with flat plateaus . Presence of liquid or solvent water had a profound effect on a marked increase in T(2) relaxation time observed in sorbose-containing samples . (17)O NMR data were not composition dependent, while (2)H NMR data were highly sorbose dependent.

J Chromatogr A, 2003 Feb 14, 987(1-2), 243 - 8
Use of high-performance liquid chromatographic and microbiological analyses for evaluating the presence or absence of active metabolites of the antifungal posaconazole in human plasma; Kim H et al.; Posaconazole (SCH 56592) is a novel broad spectrum triazole antifungal agent that is currently in phase III clinical trials for the treatment of systemic fungal infections . This study was initiated to determine if orally administered posaconazole to humans would result in the formation of active metabolite(s) . Plasma samples from a multiple-rising dose study in healthy volunteers were analyzed by validated HPLC and microbiological methods . The HPLC analysis involved extraction with a mixture of organic solvent (methylene chloride-hexane) followed by separation on a C18 column and quantification by UV absorbance at 262 nm . The microbiological assay was performed utilizing an agar diffusion method using Candida pseudorropicalis ATCC 46764 as the test organism . Potency was determined by comparing the growth inhibition zones produced by the test sample to those produced by standard concentrations prepared in plasma . Individual and mean plasma concentration-time profiles were similar for both HPLC and microbiological assays . The area under the plasma concentration-time curves of the microbiological and HPLC results were similar with a mean (RSD) ratio of 105.5% 15.3%), indicating that there was no relevant biologically active metabolite of posaconazole in human plasma.

Probl Tuberk, 2002, (12), 3 - 7
{Organizational and methodological approaches to improving the microbiological diagnosis of tuberculosis in Russia}; Golyshevskaia VI et al.; The practice of the researchers of the Central Research Institute of Tuberculosis in Russia's experimental areas yielded approaches to improving the microbiological diagnosis of tuberculosis in both specialized and general health care facilities . A decisive role in enhancing the efficiency of microbiological identification of patients with tuberculosis is played by the following factors: laboratory staff training, provision of laboratories with qualitative equipment and reagents, introduction of unified methods and those approved by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, regular supervision of jurisdictional laboratories, and outside test quality control . The efficiency of microbiological diagnosis of bacillary patients primarily depends on the expediency of formation of groups of patients under study, the observance of the frequency of examinations, and the assurance of the quality of collected materials . With this, the centralization of microbiological tests for tuberculosis at the most trained, certified, and licensed large laboratories that exercise a centralized control over the quality of microbiological tests.

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi, 2002 Nov 25, 82(22), 1557 - 60
{Culture and identification of nanobacteria in bile}; Li Y et al.; OBJECTIVE: To study the distribution and identification of nanobacteria in bile and to evaluate the identifying methods of nanobacteria . METHODS: RPMI1640 culture or RPMI1640 culture with 10% heat-inactivated gamma-FBS was added into 75 samples of cystic bile from gallbladders resected in operation . Nanobacteria were identified by immunohistochemical staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and calcific staining . RESULTS: Nanobacteria were found in 45 bile samples with a positive rate of 61.3% . The positive rate of nanobacteria was 75.7% among 37 bile samples with white precipitate adhering to the tube, and was 47.4% among the samples with flocculent precipitate or without precipitate (P < 0.05) . The immunohistochemically confirmed presence of nanobacteria was re-confirmed by TEM in all the positive samples . The positive rate, sensitivity, specificity, false positive rate and false negative rate of calcific staining were 38.7%, 58.7%, 93.1%, 6.9% and 41.3% respectively . CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibody of nanobacteria associated with TEM is useful in identifying nanobacteria . Calcific staining is of great value to identification of nanobacteria . Precipitation of white floccules adhering to the tube is an important microbiological characteristic of nanobacteria.

ANZ J Surg, 2003 Mar, 73(3), 140 - 3
The mechanical and microbiological integrity of surgical gloves; Jamal A et al.; BACKGROUND: Several manufacturers supply surgical gloves that have been individually tested (IT) for leaks . Other manufacturers supply gloves in which sample gloves from each batch are tested for leaks (batch tested: BT) . The latter brands may be rejected by surgeons because of presumed increased risk of wound infection and staff exposure to patient pathogens . The influence of differences between glove brands on performance in surgery has not been extensively studied . The aims of the present study were to test the mechanical and microbiological integrity of IT compared to BT gloves . METHODS: A total of 110 unused gloves from each of an IT and a BT brand were tested for leaks, first, by observation of water-jets from water-filled gloves and second, by measuring electrical resistance between inside and outside the glove surfaces, to give a baseline measure . A total of 304 IT and 280 BT gloves were then similarly leak-tested after 98 clean surgical procedures . The hands and gloves of scrub team members were cultured postsurgery . RESULTS: A total of 1/110 BT and 0/110 IT unused gloves contained leaks (NS, Fisher's exact test) . Operative perforation rates were lower for BT compared with IT (8/280 cf . 22/304; P < 0.05 Fisher's exact test) . There was no bias in types of operations or scrub team members to account for the difference . Growth of normal skin flora was found on virtually every wearer's hands post-operatively . Similar bacteria were frequently cultured from the outside of gloves at the conclusion of surgery (111/152 pairs IT cf . 122/140 pairs BT; P < 0.01, Fisher's exact test) . CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that the clinical performance of BT gloves is no different to IT gloves . There was no significant difference in mechanical leak rates for unused gloves . Paradoxically, although IT gloves were more likely to show macro-perforations after surgery, the incidence of contamination on the surface of BT gloves was greater, possibly reflecting a qualitative difference in glove material . This study suggests that both types of gloves develop microporosity during use, which may allow transfer of bacteria from the surgeon's skin to the surface of the glove.

Indoor Air, 2003 Mar, 13(1), 53 - 64
Indoor air quality, ventilation and health symptoms in schools: an analysis of existing information; Daisey JM et al.; We reviewed the literature on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), ventilation, and building-related health problems in schools and identified commonly reported building-related health symptoms involving schools until 1999 . We collected existing data on ventilation rates, carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and symptom-relevant indoor air contaminants, and evaluated information on causal relationships between pollutant exposures and health symptoms . Reported ventilation and CO2 data strongly indicate that ventilation is inadequate in many classrooms, possibly leading to health symptoms . Adequate ventilation should be a major focus of design or remediation efforts . Total volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde (HCHO) and microbiological contaminants are reported . Low HCHO concentrations were unlikely to cause acute irritant symptoms (<0.05 ppm), but possibly increased risks for allergen sensitivities, chronic irritation, and cancer . Reported microbiological contaminants included allergens in deposited dust, fungi, and bacteria . Levels of specific allergens were sufficient to cause symptoms in allergic occupants . Measurements of airborne bacteria and airborne and surface fungal spores were reported in schoolrooms . Asthma and 'sick building syndrome' symptoms are commonly reported . The few studies investigating causal relationships between health symptoms and exposures to specific pollutants suggest that such symptoms in schools are related to exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), molds and microbial VOCs, and allergens.

Eur Respir J, 2003 Feb, 21(2), 361 - 73
Tularaemia; Tarnvik A et al.; Tularaemia is a zoonotic bacterial disease of the Northern hemisphere . The causative agent, Francisella tularensis, is spread to humans by direct contact with infected rodents or lagomorphs, aerogenic exposure, ingestion of contaminated food or water, or by arthropod bites . The prevalence of tularaemia shows a wide geographic variation . In some endemic regions, outbreaks occur frequently, whereas nearby rural parts of a country may be completely free . F . tularensis is a facultative intracellular pathogen and its primary mammalian target cell is the mononuclear phagocyte . When tularaemia is acquired via the skin, a primary ulcer is often detected and in general, regional lymph nodes become prominently enlarged . When contracted by inhalation, the disease may present with pneumonia . Nearly as frequent, however, is the development of fever and general illness with no respiratory symptoms and no pulmonary radiological changes . When present, the changes vary widely and may sometimes include hilar enlargement indistinguishable from that of lymphoma . Within an outbreak, the first case of tularaemia is not always readily diagnosed . A decade may have lapsed since the disease was encountered and its existence may be more or less forgotten . The difficulty refers especially to the respiratory form, in which symptoms are less specific . In cases of atypical pneumonia or acute febrile disease with no local symptoms, a history of exposure to hares or rodents or merely living in an endemic region should be sufficient to include tularaemia among differential diagnoses . The microbiological diagnosis of tularaemia relies mainly on serology, and the treatment on broad-spectrum antibiotics . For decades, a live vaccine has been successfully used in risk groups but is presently not available due to difficulties in standardisation.

Farm Hosp, 2003 Jan-Feb, 27(1), 21 - 5
{The elaboration, use and evaluation of eye-drops with autologous serum in corneal lesions}; Garcia Jimenez V et al.; OBJECTIVES: To expose the elaboration process, microbiological control and effectiveness of an eyewash prepared with the patient's serum, for the treatment of injure corneas of different etiology . METHOD: It was edited an elaboration protocol and microbiological control, following the norms of correct elaboration picked up in the real Ordinance 175/2001 . The clinical answer was valued objectively and subjectively . RESULTS: The eyewashes got ready under sterile conditions, using the patient's serum diluted to 20% with physiologic . None of the containers conserved in the Service of Pharmacy were contaminated, while the contamination in those already used, varied according to the patient . Of the eleven evaluated cases, six experienced a total recovery of its corneal lesions, three improved partially, and in the remaining ones the treatment was not effective . CONCLUSIONS: The elaboration of the eyewash doesn't present technical problems if we have the appropriate equipment for the realization under sterile conditions . The contamination of the containers seems to be due to the inadecuate use by the patients . The results, in spite of the even scarce number of treated patients, justify the treatment in serious cases of dry eye and corneal ulceration.

Drug Dev Ind Pharm, 2003 Jan, 29(1), 51 - 60
Effects of oils and pharmaceutical excipients on the bioavailability of ampicillin orally administered, different oily and aqueous suspensions in rabbit; Alhamami OM; The in vivo bioavailability and in vitro drug-release studies of ampicillin trihydrate in different oily and aqueous suspensions have been investigated . In addition, partition, solubility, and rheological measurements have also been carried out . The in vivo experimental design was based on a 6 x 6 latin square using the rabbit as the test animal . The bioavailability of ampicillin was determined using the plasma levels, which were measured microbiologically . Results of the study showed that oily and sucrose-containing aqueous formulations enhanced the extent of ampicillin absorption, although not statistically significantly, but was close to the borderline of significance . Ampicillin appears to be absorbed at essentially the same rate from both aqueous and oily formulations . The latter showed plasma-level time curves with biphasic absorption and are likely to produce prolonged plasma concentrations of ampicillin because of the effects of enterohepatic recycling . Viscosity appears to play an insignificant role in the results obtained since the bioavailability parameters correlate poorly with the viscosity except Cmax . It is suggested that enhancement in the bioavailability of ampicillin is due to the decrease in the gut transit rate brought about by the oil which predominates and masks the other effects of viscosity and osmotic effects of sucrose . The existence of a correlation between the in vitro drug-release rate (t50%) and viscosity and the lack of a correlation between in vivo and in vitro parameters support the above suggestion and indicate that traditional dissolution rate tests, such as flask-stirrer method, are unsatisfactory as bioavailability indicators when applied to dosage forms that caused marked changes in physiological factors like GER and biliary excretion.

Ann Hematol, 2003 Feb, 82(2), 80 - 2 Epub 2003 Feb 11.
Clinical applicability of the new EORTC/MSG classification for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with hematological malignancies and autopsy-confirmed invasive aspergillosis; Subira M et al.; Diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is often difficult . Recently, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) has proposed new criteria for the classification of invasive fungal infections . We have studied the clinical applicability of this classification in 22 patients with hematological malignancies who had IPA at autopsy . While alive, according to the EORTC/MSG criteria, only 2 patients were classified as having proven IPA, 6 as probable, 13 as possible, and 1 was unclassifiable . Of the patients, 64% had no microbiological or major clinical criteria before death . Although the EORTC/MSG criteria are an important step forward in the standardization of definitions used for IPA in clinical research studies, most patients who die with extensive lung disease only reach a level of possible or probable IPA during life, further highlighting that these guidelines should not be used for clinical decision-making.

Nurs Stand, 2003 Jan 15-21, 17(18), 33 - 8
Infection control audit of hand hygiene facilities; Cochrane J; BACKGROUND: The socio-economic costs of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) are continually rising . The focus for reducing the incidence of HCAIs should be on maintaining a microbiologically safe environment Hand hygiene is of paramount importance in preventing the transmission of infection, as it is a low-tech, low-cost, effective intervention . Hand hygiene is as important in the non-acute care setting as in the acute setting, as community or non-acute patients are often admitted to acute facilities . CONCLUSION: This audit, conducted in 2000-2001, examined hand hygiene facilities at one non-acute trust . The results confirmed that although handwashing is considered the most important factor in preventing the spread of infection, it cannot always be carried out successfully if facilities are inadequate . Recommendations were made that will encourage safe practice, improve service delivery and raise clinical standards.

Chirurg, 2003 Feb, 74(2), 108 - 14
{Drainage in soft tissue surgery . What is "evidence based"?}; Willy C et al.; Due to the advanced technical possibilities, there are now up to 30 different drainage systems available for soft tissue surgery.The differences between these systems involve the mode of drainage (open into the bandage, closed into bag/bottle), the kind of suction (gravity drainage, low-vacuum and high-vacuum up to 900 mbar) and the material of the tube (PVC, silicone or polyurethane).There also exists a marked controversy about the fundamental necessity for drainage after surgery . A survey of the literature indicates that there is a distinct discrepancy between scientific knowledge and daily routine action.For primarily uninfected wounds, the application of an open drainage system,with the secretion going directly into the bandage, is obsolete.Gravity drainage systems guarantee just as effective secretion drainage in comparison to high vacuum drainage according to Redon . In soft tissue wounds, high-vacuum suction leads to the sucking in of tissue and blood,whereby comparatively elevated quantities of secretion can be produced.During the removal of Redon-drainage, there is stronger pain than on the removal of gravity drainage systems consisting of silicone or polyurethane.Prophylactic insertion of drainage in uncomplicated thyroid surgery and for hernia repair is not necessary . Insertion of drainage for up to 72 h is not accompanied by an elevated infection rate.The routine microbiological examination of the tip of the drainage tube is not recommended.

J Food Prot, 2003 Feb, 66(2), 287 - 92
Evaluation of time-temperature integrators for tracking poultry product quality throughout the chill chain; Moore CM et al.; The goal of this study was to evaluate the application of one type of time-temperature integrator (TTI) to monitor the microbiological quality of ice-packed raw chicken drumsticks as a function of temperature exposure . A kinetics-based model was used to correlate the TTI chroma response to the number of bacteria on the drumstick surface under constant- and variable-temperature conditions . Two constant-temperature studies (4 and 15 degrees C) and one variable-temperature study (4 degrees C for 24 h, 15 degrees C for 24 h, 4 degrees C constant) were conducted to evaluate the applicability of the TTI under ideal and worst-case situations . During the constant-temperature studies, quality predictions made at the midpoint of the product shelf life were accurate within 15% for the observed bacterial populations . The accuracy of the TTI was marginal in the initial and final stages of the response period . During the variable-temperature study, the TTI response demonstrated positive history effects, whereby the observed rate constant is affected by previous temperature exposure . After the TTIs had been held at 15 degrees C for 24 h, the TTI response rate constant observed during subsequent storage at 4 degrees C was higher than what would be predicted for 4 degrees C . Further work will be needed to develop a continuous TTI-based quality monitoring system . However, because the microbiological quality of fresh poultry could be reliably predicted with kinetic models, fresh poultry products would be excellent candidates for a TTI-based quality monitoring system.

J Food Prot, 2003 Feb, 66(2), 280 - 6
Use of time-temperature integrators and predictive modeling to evaluate microbiological quality loss in poultry products; Moore CM et al.; The purpose of this study was to characterize the kinetics of the spoilage process of chicken drumsticks in order to evaluate the application of an enzyme process-based time-temperature integrator (TTI) as a continuous quality monitor of poultry products . Shelf life studies were conducted at several temperatures (3 to 20 degrees C) to characterize (i) the poultry spoilage process as a function of total aerobic bacteria and Pseudomonas species populations and (ii) the TTI chroma response function . Two types of poultry products were examined: ice-packed and chill-packed drumsticks . An enzyme-based TTI with a color change response from green to yellow was used . Activation energies for each of the poultry products and each of the bacterial populations were as follows: 21.8 +/- 1.6 kcal/mol (ca . 91.2 +/- 6.7 kJ/mol) for ice-packed drumsticks and total aerobic population, 18.8 +/- 4.5 kcal/mol ca . 78.7 +/- 18.8 kJ/mol) for ice-packed drumsticks and Pseudomonas spp., 17.0 +/- 2.3 kcal/mol (ca . 71.1 +/- 9.6 kJ/mol) for chill-packed drumsticks and total aerobic population, and 14.1 +/- 3.6 kcal/mol (ca . 59.0 +/- 15.1 kJ/mol) for chill-packed drumsticks and Pseudomonas spp . The activation energy calculated for the TTI, 19.1 +/- 1.8 kcal/mol (ca . 79.9 +/- 7.5 kJ/mol), was determined to be adequately close to that of the poultry spoilage process to make effective quality predictions possible . Initial bacteria levels on the chicken drumsticks were uniform and not judged as important limiting factors in the application of TTIs to poultry products . Because the poultry spoilage process was reasonably characterized on the basis of Arrhenius kinetics, there is further need to conduct validation studies to determine the ability of TTIs to provide a continuous quality monitoring system.

East Mediterr Health J, 2001 Jan-Mar, 7(1-2), 16 - 25
Kawasaki syndrome: the Iranian experience; Sadeghi E et al.; Experience with 50 cases of Kawasaki syndrome in the Islamic Republic of Iran is presented . The syndrome occurred mostly in winter and spring with a 2.1:1 male:female ratio . In 72% of cases, the disease occurred between 1 and 5 years of age, and 80% had an antecedent viral or bacterial illness . Eight patents (16%) had microbiological evidence of infection and 19 (38%) had clinical evidence . Five patients had clinical and radiological evidence of sinusitis . Leukocytosis, neutrophilia, bandaemia, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positive C-reactive protein, reversed albumin/globulin ratio and increased antistreptolysin O titre were other indications of infection and inflammation . Male gender, prolonged fever, white blood cell count > 15,000/mm3 and absolute granulocyte count > 10,000/mm3 were significant risk factors for the development of coronary artery disease (10 patients).

Intensive Care Med, 2003 Apr, 29(4), 564 - 9 Epub 2003 Feb 21.
Infectious diseases as a trigger in thrombotic microangiopathies in intensive care unit (ICU) patients?
Coppo P, Adrie C, Azoulay E, Leleu G, Oksenhendler E, Galicier L, Le Gall JR, Bussel A, Schlemmer B.
OBJECTIVE: Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) has been associated with a large number of underlying diseases . We conducted a descriptive, retrospective study including all TMA adult patients admitted to our ICU, with a particular interest in infectious episodes as a trigger of TMA . PATIENTS: All adult patients (30) with a diagnosis of TMA admitted to the medical ICU at Saint-Louis Hospital (Paris, France) between 1992 and 1998 were retrospectively included . METHODS: All patients with clinical and microbiological evidence of bacterial infection were treated with intravenous antibiotics . The specific treatment of TMA consisted in solvent/detergent-treated plasma administration by plasma exchange or high volume plasma infusion (30 ml/kg per day) in fractionated doses . RESULTS: Among the 30 adult patients studied, TMA in 16 (53%) was associated with microbiologically documented infection . An acute infection was found in 8/9 patients with an HIV-related TMA, in 2/6 patients with a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-related TMA and in 3/6 patients with TMA associated with other disorders . In three patients, an acute infectious disease was the only cause associated with the TMA . Four other patients had clinical manifestations suggesting an infection process but without bacteriological documentation . Escherichia coli was isolated in 7/16 cases and verotoxin was found in the stools of two other patients . All patients were treated with plasma administration and those with evidence of infection were systematically and intensively treated with antibiotics . Eventually 8 patients died (27%), 20 (67%) reached complete remission and 2 partial remission . CONCLUSION: Bacterial infections are commonly observed amongst TMA patients hospitalized in ICUs and may act as a trigger of this disease . Screening for infection is a requirement in patients with TMA, either idiopathic or associated with other conditions.

J Periodontol, 2003 Jan, 74(1), 25 - 31
Clinical and microbiologic study of periodontitis associated with Kindler syndrome; Wiebe CB et al.; BACKGROUND: Little is known about the onset and prevalence of periodontal disease in patients with the rare Kindler syndrome, a genodermatological disorder . This study investigated the level of clinical periodontal attachment in relation to age and presence of putative periodontopathogenic bacteria in individuals with Kindler syndrome . METHODS: Eighteen individuals diagnosed with Kindler syndrome and 13 control subjects, aged 4 to 37 years, from rural Panama received a limited clinical periodontal examination . Subgingival samples were collected for identification of putative periodontal pathogens by polymerase chain reaction . RESULTS: Mild to severe gingivitis was a common finding in all adults of the study population . Seventy-two percent (13/18) of the Kindler patients and 46% (6/13) of the control subjects showed mild to severe periodontal disease (P = 0.001, chi-square test) . The onset of periodontitis was earlier and the progression occurred at a faster rate in the Kindler group . There was a strong correlation (r = 0.83) between the level of attachment loss and age in the Kindler group and a weaker correlation (r = 0.66) in the control group . The appearance of gingival tissues suggested atypical periodontitis with spontaneous bleeding and fragile, often desquamative, gingiva . In periodontitis patients, Porphyromonas gingivallis and Diallster pneumosintes tended to occur more frequently in control individuals compared to those with Kindler syndrome . CONCLUSIONS: In the Kindler group, periodontitis had an onset in early teenage years and progressed more rapidly compared to non-Kindler individuals of the same geographic and ethnic group . Clinical and microbiological findings suggest atypical periodontitis in Kindler patients . We propose to include Kindler syndrome in the category of medical disorders predisposing to destructive periodontal disease.

Exp Appl Acarol, 2002, 27(1-2), 103 - 12
Microanatomical and microbiological characteristics of the quiescent state of Scutovertex minutus (Acari: Oribatida); Smrz J; Both adults and juveniles of the oribatid mite Scutovertex minutus (Scutoverticidae) may enter an immobile quiescent state under extreme dry conditions . The microanatomy of the alimentary tract, contents of parenchyma tissue and internal extraintestinal microbial communities were observed in these states . The quiescent state lasted at least 10 days and was generally characterized by an empty gut, guanine deposition and, in adults, by the resorption of spermatids or oocytes and eggs . The homogenate of mites was sterile, without microorganisms . The reverse processes were recorded two hours after remoistening: the mites started to move again and accompanying histological changes were shown.

Int J Environ Health Res, 2002 Dec, 12(4), 317 - 29
A comparison of traditional and recently developed methods for monitoring surface hygiene within the food industry: an industry trial; Moore G et al.; A rapid, instrument-free, hygiene monitoring system, based on protein detection, was assessed as a means to evaluate the cleanliness of food contact surfaces within four different food processing environments . Its performance was compared to that of both ATP bioluminescence and a traditional agar-based microbiological method . Each surface was sampled using all three hygiene monitoring systems both before and after each of the production plants had carried out their normal cleaning procedures . In both cases, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the number of surfaces that were passed or failed using each of the tests . In general the number of surfaces that were deemed acceptable for food production increased after cleaning but the level of agreement between test methods differed depending on the type of production facility sampled . Protein detection was most likely to fail surfaces within the baking facility, whereas ATP bioluminescence and traditional microbiology were most likely to fail surfaces within a frozen ready-meal and a cheese production unit respectively . The implications of these results are discussed in relation to plant trials of hygiene monitoring systems, the cleaning process itself, failures in disinfection, as well as the need for a combined methodological approach for monitoring cleanliness.

Clin Microbiol Infect, 2003 Feb, 9(2), 86 - 100
High-throughput epidemiologic typing in clinical microbiology; van Belkum A; Mapping, and ultimately preventing, the dissemination of infectious agents is an important topic in public health . Newly developed molecular-microbiological methods have contributed significantly to recent advances in the efficient tracking of the nosocomial and environmental spread of microbial pathogens . Not only has the application of novel technologies led to improved understanding of microbial epidemiology, but the concepts of population structure and dynamics of many of the medically significant microorganisms have advanced significantly also . Currently, genetic identification of microbes is also within the reach of clinical microbiology laboratory professionals including those without specialized technology research interests . This review summarizes the possibilities for high-throughput molecular-microbiological typing in adequately equipped medical microbiology laboratories from both clinical and fundamental research perspectives . First, the development and application of methods for large-scale comparative typing of serially isolated microbial strains are discussed . The outcome of studies employing these methods allows for long-term epidemiologic surveillance of infectious diseases . Second, recent methods enable an almost nucleotide-by-nucleotide genetic comparison of smaller numbers of strains, thereby facilitating the identification of the genetic basis of, for instance, medically relevant microbiological traits . Whereas the first approach provides insights into the dynamic spread of infectious agents, the second provides insights into intragenomic dynamics and genetic functionality . The current state of technology is summarized, and future perspectives are sketched.

Clin Lab Sci, 2003 Winter, 16(1), 10 - 5
Microbiological threats to health in the home; Britton LA; OBJECTIVE: To explore a range of pathogenic microorganisms and their toxins that can cause disease in the home environment through a review of the literature . DESIGN: Review of the literature.

Lik Sprava, 2002, (7), 3 - 6
{Characteristics of modern diagnosis of diseases caused by Chlamydia bacteria}; Marushko IuV et al.; Chlamidia psitacci, Chlamidia trachomatis, Chlamidia pneumoniae are intracellular bacterial parasites causing ornithosis, trachoma, conjuctivitis, urogenital, respiratory infections, arthritis, Reiter's disease . The role is discussed of the above microorganisms in the development of cardiological, neurological disorders . The past years have seen further progress in microbiological diagnosis but information now available on, in the first place, Chlamidia pneum., is scarce . In most clinical studies they use a serological diagnosis which is not without faults, with the cultural method and polymerization chain reaction being most informative diagnostic tools . The diagnostic value of the above-mentioned reaction will, we believe, increase with its improvement . In the preliminary diagnosis, cytomorphological methods can be made use of.

Rev Esp Quimioter, 2002 Dec, 15(4), 346 - 51
{Study of the diversity in treatment of community-acquired pneumonia}; Valverde Garrido R et al.; There are a great number of protocols or recommendations focused on clinical-radiological criteria for the antibiotic treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) . This report assesses the diversity found in the treatment of CAP in the Internal Medicine and Pneumology Services of our hospital . Seventy-one patients referred from the Emergency Department were treated in both services, and clinical, microbiological and therapeutic variables were collected . It was shown that there are significant differences between the therapeutic guidelines used in each service (antibiotics chosen, their length and form of administration) which could not be explained by the patients' clinical profile . Greater homogeneity in the guidelines was found only for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease . In relation to the adherence to recommendations of scientific societies, we found that 7% of the guidelines were not recommended; there was an average of 2.5 changes (in the antibiotic, dose or administration form) per patient; and a larger period of intravenous administration (7.38 days) than recommended for sequential therapy

J Hosp Infect, 2003 Feb, 53(2), 140 - 3
Modified syringe design prevents plunger-related contamination--results of contamination and flow-rate tests; Olivier LC et al.; The usual mechanism for syringe contamination is spread of micro-organisms along the inside of the barrel . Two or more full strokes of the plunger will inevitably transport a contaminant from the inside wall into the sterile compartment . We modified syringes by replacing the plunger with a modified version that has an additional central O-ring seal . Conventional and modified syringes were tested for their susceptibility to contamination using standard microbiological and radioisotope methods, and the flow-rate stability of the modified syringe design was assessed in a model with commercially available infusion pumps . Although conventional syringes consistently became contaminated with the second full excursion of the plunger, no contamination was observed in modified syringes, even after 100 aspiration/injection cycles . With respect to flow-rate stability, the new syringe design complies with DIN (German Institute for Standardization) standards .

Respiration, 2003 Jan-Feb, 70(1), 82 - 6
Repeated thoracentesis: an important risk factor for eosinophilic pleural effusion?
Martinez Garcia MA, Cases Viedma E, Perpina Tordera M, Sanchis-Aldas JL.
BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic pleural effusion (EPE) is a relatively rare clinical condition . Repeated thoracenteses (RTs) are normally considered a frequent cause of EPE . Yet, to our knowledge, there is no firm evidence (apart from anecdotal case reports) supporting such a statement . OBJECTIVE: To investigate potential relationships between the number, type (with or without pleural biopsy) and time elapsed between RTs and the number of eosinophils present in pleural fluid samples . METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively 273 pleural fluid samples belonging to 120 patients (79 males, 41 females), attended in our institution from 1992 to 2000, whose clinical management had required RTs . Apart from the anthropometric and clinical data of each patient, we included the following variables in the analysis: number of thoracenteses performed in each individual, number of pleural biopsies carried out at each thoracentesis and time between consecutive thoracenteses . We also recorded the total (and differential) leukocyte count, red blood cell count, as well as the main biochemical, microbiological and histological data of both the pleural fluid and peripheral blood samples . RESULTS: We did not observe any significant change in the percentage of eosinophils in relation to the number of thoracenteses performed per patient . This lack of relationship was also observed in the subgroup of patients who required one (or more) pleural biopsies (n = 111) (regardless of the number of biopsies) . Our results suggest that RTs are not an important risk factor for the development of EPE, regardless of the time elapsed between two thoracenteses . CONCLUSION: We believe, therefore, that multiple punctures should not longer be considered a prevalent cause of pleural eosinophilia .

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 2003 Jan, 22(1), 54 - 7 Epub 2003 Jan 24.
Rapid and standardized detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae using LightCycler real-time fluorescence PCR; Reischl U et al.; In order to meet the need of many microbiological laboratories for a standardized system for detecting Chlamydia pneumoniae in respiratory specimens, a hybridization probe-based LightCycler (Roche Diagnostics, Germany) PCR assay was developed . The assay's analytical sensitivity and specificity were evaluated according to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USA) and Laboratory Centre for Disease Control (Canada) . Seventy-four bacterial species other than Chlamydia pneumoniae, including strains of Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydia psittaci, and Chlamydia pecorum, tested negative . Six of six representative Chlamydia pneumoniae strains tested positive . An analytical sensitivity of 1 inclusion forming unit per ml of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, corresponding to 0.02 inclusion forming units per PCR reaction, was observed . The assay showed 100% specificity and sensitivity for Chlamydia pneumoniae when testing DNA preparations from 12 specimens of patients with known pulmonary Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and from 78 specimens of patients with respiratory tract disease of other origin . The newly developed LightCycler assay may contribute to the urgently needed standardization of laboratory diagnosis of Chlamydia pneumoniae.

Zhongguo Shi Yan Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi, 2001 Mar, 9(1), 86 - 90
{Quality Control in Umbilical Cord Blood Bank}; Zhou SL et al.; Recent clinical reports have demonstrated that the use of umbilical cord blood (UCB) opened a new source of stem cell for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, leading to the development of cord blood banks world-wide . Prior to the large scale construction of UCB banks, quality control must be performed for health care providers and manufactures . With increasingly stringent regulatory requirement in blood industry, quality control is playing an important role in the operation of blood centers and stem cell laboratories . Reviewed the lectures in the biology of UCB and UCB banks published in recent years, our experiences were discussed in setting up Shandong blood bank to define process variables associated with the collection of UCB, to determine and optimize the procedures and materials used, to ascertain how UCB can be processed in clean room as mononucleated cell preparations, and to analyze using of long-term storage of UCB in research and clinic in the future . Our conclusions are: (1) the establishment of UCB banks for use in transplantation appears to be easy, effective and particularly suitable approach in China under cGMP conditions; (2) the procedures for volume reduction by closed and semi-automated blood processing system, SSP HLA typing, biocode and local computer net, microbiological tests and the 50 ml cryobags for storage constitute a cost efficient system for large-scale UCB banking; (3) the average of 60 ml UCB collection may contain sufficent marrow repopulating cells for children and most of adult recipients; and (4) hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in cord blood have a more potent proliferative ability than those derived from bone marrow in cell expansion potentials.

Boll Chim Farm, 2002 Nov-Dec, 141(6), 453 - 6
Incubation time in sterility tests for pharmaceutical products; Bugno A et al.; Throughout the evolution of sterility test methodology, different periods of incubation were adopted depending on both the type of microorganism to be detected and the employed inoculation methodology . Some official compendiums, such as Brazilian and Mexican pharmacopoeias, recommend different incubation periods, according to the inoculation methodology employed for the sterility test, whereas the United States Pharmacopeia, in its last edition, started to adopt an incubation period of 14 days, independently from the methodology employed . The aim of this work was the evaluation of the influence of the incubation time on the efficiency of different methodologies for sterility test, as well as the benefits that could be achieved with the incubation time extension . The experiments led to the conclusion that an incubation period of 14 days is enough for the detection of microbiological contaminants in pharmaceutical products submitted to sterility tests, independently from the methodology employed, what values the alteration introduced in the USP XXIV, to the detriment of other pharmacopoeias which maintain different periods of time in accordance with the inoculation method employed.

Occup Med (Lond), 2003 Feb, 53(1), 35 - 40
Microorganism-induced skin disease in workers exposed to metalworking fluids; Awosika-Olumo AI et al.; BACKGROUND: An outbreak of skin disorders among workers potentially exposed to metalworking fluids prompted the present study . Few studies have described skin disorders associated with microbe-contaminated metalworking fluids . METHODS: Samples of materials contaminated with metalworking fluids were obtained from two manufacturing facilities in Ohio . Pathogenic bacteria and yeasts, in concentrations sufficient to cause skin disease, were cultured from 9 of 12 (75%) sampled materials . RESULTS: Allergic patch testing of five affected people produced negative results for standard allergens, augmented by fluids and items from their workplace . This ruled out allergies as the cause of the skin disease . Improper handling and disposal of cotton gloves, inappropriate use of scouring pads and ineffective hand wiping were apparently responsible for the microbiological contamination . The hands and forearms were most commonly affected . CONCLUSION: Improper handling of soluble, synthetic and semi-synthetic metalworking fluids provides an excellent environment for the growth of a range of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi . If allowed to grow because of poor occupational hygiene, these microorganisms can cause skin disorders among workers . Soiled protective clothing (gloves, coveralls and work boots) should be cleaned or discarded on a regular basis . When washing up, workers should not use metalworking fluids and items used to clean machinery.

Anal Biochem, 2003 Feb 1, 313(1), 117 - 27
Affinity extraction combined with stable isotope dilution LC/MS for the determination of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate in human plasma; Nelson BC et al.; The predominant circulating folate monoglutamate in human plasma (>90%), and thus the most significant folate for accurately diagnosing folate deficiency, is 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5 MT) . Folate deficiency is typically indicated when circulating folate levels are < or = 3 ng/mL . The quantitative determination of plasma folates in general, and of 5 MT in particular, is complicated by their naturally low levels (pg/mL to ng/mL), their instability, and their tendency to interconvert . Highly specific and sensitive analytical methods are needed to accurately quantify endogenous 5 MT in human plasma . A method that utilizes the specific high-affinity binding sites of bovine folate binding protein (FBP) and the selectivity and sensitivity of selected ion monitoring mode isotope-dilution liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) to quantify plasma 5 MT has been developed . The method is based on the solid-phase affinity extraction (SPAE) of 5 MT and its stable isotopically labeled analogue ({13C(5)}5 MT) from plasma (1 mL) using FBP immobilized to polymeric beads . The excess high-affinity binding sites on the affinity columns enable quantitative extraction of 5 MT from plasma under optimized sample pH conditions . Additionally, it is demonstrated that plasma proteins do not hinder the determination of 5 MT; therefore, protein precipitation is not required before the affinity extraction step . Detection and quantification of the extracted 5 MT is provided by positive-ion mode LC/MS in which the protonated molecular ions {M+H}(+) of the analyte and the internal standard are monitored . The method shows linearity over three orders of magnitude (0.04-40 ng/mL) and has limits of detection and quantification of 0.04 and 0.4 ng/mL, respectively . Calibration curves obtained by spiking 5 MT into plasma exhibited good linearity between 0 and 25 ng/mL and both the plasma calibration standards and the plasma samples were stable for at least 48 h at room temperature . The recovery (average +/- % RSD) of 5 MT spiked into plasma from 5 to 25 ng/mL was 98.0% +/- 1.6% (n = 15) . 5 MT levels determined by SPAE-LC/MS compared to "total folate" levels determined by radioassay and microbiological assay were discordant . Reasons for the discordancy are theorized, but it is clear that there exists an urgent need for clinical reference materials containing certified folate levels .

Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub, 2002 Dec, 146(2), 29 - 32
A microbiological approach to acne vulgaris; Loveckova Y et al.; The present article gives a concise survey of contemporary opinions on acne vulgaris, its etiopathogenesis, clinical forms and laboratory diagnostics . In particular, the value of microbiological diagnostics and possibilities of local as well as general therapy are discussed . Moreover, our experience is described with vaccinotherapy to manage serious clinical forms and cases when current therapy fails.

Br Dent J, 2002 Nov 9, 193(9), 525 - 7; discussion 518
Intravenous antibiotic regimens and prophylaxis of odontogenic bacteraemia; Roberts G et al.; OBJECTIVES: This study retrospectively examines the efficacy of prophylactic intravenous antibiotic regimens in the prevention of odontogenic bacteraemia in children with severe congenital heart defects receiving comprehensive dental treatment under general anaesthesia . PATIENTS AND METHODS: Blood cultures were taken from children with congenital cardiac defects 30 seconds after completion of dental treatment under general anaesthesia . Antibiotic prophylaxis had been given intravenously immediately before dental treatment . The choice of antibiotics and the extent of dental treatment were recorded . The percentage prevalence of bacteraemia was compared with published data following multiple dental extractions using the same clinical and microbiological methodology . RESULTS: The overall percentage prevalence of positive cultures in children receiving intravenous prophylactic antibiotics was 16% . The percentage of positive blood cultures in cardiac children who received ampicillin alone was not significantly different from that in children having a combination of amikacin and teicoplanin (16.7% v 22.2%) respectively {Chi Square = 0.385, df = 1, P= 0.535} . When compared with multiple extractions, both ampicillin alone and amikacin with teicoplanin were effective in reducing the prevalence of odontogenic bacteraemia . CONCLUSIONS: In children with cardiac defects, bacteraemia after dental treatment is reduced by antibiotics but is still detected on 16% of occasions . In comparison with children receiving ampicillin alone, the combination of amikacin and teicoplanin is as effective in reducing bacteraemia in children who are either allergic to penicillins or who have received them within the previous month.

Jpn J Antibiot, 2000 Jun, 53 Suppl B, 13 - 21
{The role of atypical pathogen: Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae in the acute respiratory infection in childhood}; Ouchi K; The recent microbiological advance has revealed the importance of atypical pathogens such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila as common causes of acute bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia . We found a third of community-acquired pneumonia in childhood were caused by M . pneumoniae and C . pneumoniae like western countries and there were many dual infections than expected . Therefore we have to treat patients with community-acquired pneumonia in always thinking about the role of atypical pathogens . This article summarizes the epidemiology, specific clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of these important organisms in the pediatric populations.

AIHA J (Fairfax, Va), 2003 Jan-Feb, 64(1), 108 - 16
Effect of building frame and moisture damage on microbiological indoor air quality in school buildings; Meklin T et al.; The effect of building frame and moisture damage on microbial indoor air quality was characterized in 17 wooden and 15 concrete or brick school buildings . Technical investigations to detect visible moisture and mold damage were performed according to a standardized protocol . Viable airborne microbes were determined by using a six-stage impactor (Andersen 10-800) . Mean concentrations of viable airborne fungi were significantly higher in wooden schools than in concrete schools, showing that the frame material was a determinant of concentrations of airborne fungi . Moisture damage of the building did not alter the fungal concentrations in wooden school buildings . In contrast, in concrete schools the effect of moisture damage was clearly seen as higher concentrations compared with the reference schools . Aspergillus versicolor, Stachybotrys, and Acremonium were detected only in samples from moisture damaged buildings, and can be considered marker fungi of such damage in school buildings . In addition, the presence of Oidiodendron as well as elevated concentrations of Cladosporium and actinobacteria were associated with moisture damage in concrete schools.

Ophthalmologica, 2003 Jan-Feb, 217(1), 58 - 61
Early and late assessment of internal drainage of chronic dacryocystitis; Mansour K et al.; To evaluate the efficacy of internal drainage of a lacrimal abscess, we treated 10 patients with pyocele of the lacrimal sac, who did not want to undergo operative intervention . A temporary nasolacrimal stent was placed in the nasolacrimal duct, and the pussy material was collected for microbiological examination to adjust the preliminary antibiotic treatment which was given systemically and locally . The stents were removed after the infection had subsided clinically . Three years later, there was a recurrence of the infection in only 1 patient . This internal drainage of the lacrimal sac, combined with systemic and local antibiotics, was successful in 90% of the patients .

Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 2003 Feb 7, 301(2), 558 - 63
Conservation and cloning of CYP51: a sterol 14 alpha-demethylase from Mycobacterium smegmatis; Jackson CJ et al.; The genetic locus encoding cytochrome P450 51 (CYP51; P450(14DM)) in Mycobacterium smegmatis is described here together with confirmation of activity in lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylation . The protein bound azole antifungals with high affinity and the rank order based on affinity matched the ranked order for microbiological sensitivity of the organism, thus supporting a possible role for CYP51 as a target in the antimycobacterial activity of these compounds . Non-saponifiable lipids were extracted from the bacteria grown on minimal medium . Unlike a previous report using growth on complex medium, no cholesterol was detected in two strains of M . smegmatis, but a novel lipid was detected . The genetic locus of CYP51 is discussed in relation to function; it is conserved as part of a putative operon in M . smegmatis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium, and Mycobacterium bovis and consists of six open-reading frames including two CYPs and a ferredoxin under a putative Tet-R regulated promoter.

Commun Dis Public Health, 2002 Dec, 5(4), 299 - 300
Microbiological quality of drinking water from mobile food vendors; McDerment F et al.; A survey of the microbiological quality of drinking water from mobile food vendors in Cheshire found that 50% of the samples were unsatisfactory according to current regulations for bottled water . There was an inverse correlation between total viable counts and frequency with which the water container was cleaned.

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz, 2002 Dec, 97(8), 1147 - 52 Epub 2003 Jan 20.
Drug resistance and genotypes of strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from human immunodeficiency virus-infected and non-infected tuberculosis patients in Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil; Baptista IM et al.; Little is known about transmission and drug resistance of tuberculosis (TB) in Bauru, State of S o Paulo . The objective of this study was to evaluate risk factors for transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in this area . Strains were collected from patients attended at ambulatory services in the region and susceptibility towards the main first line antibiotics was determined and fingerprinting performed . A total of 57 strains were submitted to susceptibility testing: 23 (42.6%) were resistant to at least one drug while 3 (13%) were resistant against both rifampicin and isoniazide . Resistant strains had been isolated from patients that had not (n = 13) or had (n = 9) previously been submitted to anti-TB treatment, demonstrating a preoccupying high level of primary resistance in the context of the study . All strains were submitted to IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism (IS6110-RFLP) and double repetitive element PCR (DRE-PCR) . Using IS6110-RFLP, 26.3% of the strains were clustered and one cluster of 3 patients included 2 HIV-infected individuals that had been hospitalized together during 16 days; clustering of strains of patients from the hospital was however not higher than that of patients attended at health posts . According to DRE-PCR, 55.3% belonged to a cluster, confirming the larger discriminatory power of IS6110-RFLP when compared to DRE-PCR, that should therefore be used as a screening procedure only . No clinical, epidemiological or microbiological characteristics were associated with clustering so risk factors for transmission of TB could not be defined in the present study.

Pharmazie, 2002 Dec, 57(12), 834 - 7
Physicochemical and microbiological properties as well as stability of ointments containing aloe extract (Aloe arborescens Mill.) or aloe extract associated to neomycin sulphate; Kodym A et al.; The aim of the study was to work out methods of quality assessment of ointments containing dry extract from fresh leaves of Aloe arborescens Mill . (Lilliaceae) and also of ointments containing both of dry extract and neomycin sulphate . The stability of the ointments, stored at 20 degrees C, was studied and the following criteria were considered: chromatographic analysis (TLC), pH of the ointments, the content of the substances in the dry extract converted to aloenin, the content of aloenin and aloin, anti-microbial activity of neomycin in the ointments, the size of the particles of the dry extract and of neomycin sulphate in the ointment suspension and the sterility of the ointments . After two years of storage at 20 degrees C, the ointments prepared with the anhydrous lipophilic base, did not change their physicochemical characteristics and neomycin in those ointments retained almost 100% of starting anti-microbial activity . Water or propylene glycol significantly decreased the stability of the biologically active substances of the dry extract in the ointments . Besides, in the ointments containing the dry extract and neomycin sulphate, the presence of water or propylene glycol induced degradation of the biologically active substances of the dry extract and a decrease in the anti-microbial activity of neomycin in the ointments . Considering the physicochemical and microbiological stability, the most advisable base for the ointments with aloe and neomycin sulphate was composed of white vaseline, liquid paraffin, solid paraffin, cholesterol.

Diagn Cytopathol, 2003 Feb, 28(2), 96 - 9
Diagnostic value of eosinophils in pleural effusion: a prospective study of 26 cases; Matthai SM et al.; Eosinophilic pleural effusions (EPFs), defined as the presence of 10% or more eosinophils in the pleural fluid, are relatively rare . Their diagnostic and prognostic significance, however, remains controversial, as most of the studies are based almost entirely on retrospective case studies . This prospective study examines 26 eosinophilic pleural effusions from among 444 consecutive pleural effusions investigated at this tertiary health care center from October 1999 to April 2002 . This study was attempted to unravel the diagnostic and prognostic significance of these eosinophilic effusions and assess their clinical implications, if any . Koss and Light's criteria were applied in the analysis, which comprised macroscopic, biochemical, cytological, and microbiological examinations . Of the 26 EPFs studied, five were associated with tuberculosis and three with metastatic disease . Nineteen patients had significant associated lymphocytosis . Twenty-four patients have been followed up and are in good health to date and have had no recurrence of effusion . Thus, EPF could be associated with inflammatory, benign, and malignant conditions . Hence, a closer search for a definite etiological agent is warranted in the setting of such an effusion, especially in populations endemic for tuberculosis, as in a developing country like India and in populations with a high prevalence of malignancy .

J Oral Pathol Med, 2003 Jan, 32(1), 51 - 4
Successful treatment of invasive stomatitis due to Exophiala dermatitidis in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia; Myoken Y et al.; BACKGROUND: Although the most common orofacial fungal infection in immunocompromised patients is candidosis, infections caused by virulent molds, such as Aspergillus spp . and Furarium spp . are being recognized with increasing frequency . We report a case of oral Exophiala infection in a 39-year-old woman with acute myeloid leukemia . METHODS: Clinical records of the patient were reviewed and the following additional information was collected: histological and microbiological evidence; identification of the causative organism; in vitro antifungal susceptibility . RESULTS: The patient developed a necrotic ulcer surrounded by a violaceous rim in the gingiva during neutropenia . Exophiala dermatitidis was identified as the causative organism by histopathological examination and culture, and finally confirmed by sequencing of the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed space domain . In vitro, amphotericin B was found to show strong activity against the Exophiala isolate while itraconazole showed less activity . The patient was successfully treated with parenteral amphotericin B and oral itraconazole in combination with surgical removal of the fungi focus . CONCLUSION: Local excision with adequate antifungal agents can be used to treat immunocompromised patients with Exophiala stomatitis, based on early diagnosis.

J Periodontal Res, 2003 Feb, 38(1), 57 - 63
The influence of membrane exposure on the outcomes of guided tissue regeneration: clinical and microbiological aspects; Ling LJ et al.; The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of membrane exposure on guided tissue regeneration (GTR) . Thirty patients with 2-wall or 3-wall intraosseous defects were treated with GTR . Periodontal index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, clinical attachment level and recession were assessed at the baseline examination, as well as immediately prior to and six months after GTR . The numbers of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans on the retrieved expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) membranes were assessed using polymerase chain reaction . The results showed that 26.3% of the membrane exposure sites had zero attachment gain . The membrane exposure sites tended to achieve a smaller clinical attachment gain and had significantly greater marginal tissue recession ( p = 0.006) . In addition, the exposed membranes harbored significantly more A . actinomycetemcomitans than the non-exposed membranes (p = 0.029) . In conclusion, membrane exposure resulted in a poor GTR outcome . The amount of A . actinomycetemcomitans on the exposed membrane may be a major contributing factor to the outcome of GTR.

Epidemiol Infect, 2002 Dec, 129(3), 451 - 7
E . coli O157 phage type 21/28 outbreak in North Cumbria associated with pasteurized milk; Goh S et al.; In March 1999, a large community outbreak of Escherichia coli O157 infection occurred in North Cumbria . A total of 114 individuals were reported to the Outbreak Control Team (OCT); 88 had laboratory confirmed E . coli O157 . Twenty-eight (32%) of the confirmed cases were admitted to hospital, including three children (3.4%) with haemolytic uraemic syndrome . There were no deaths . A case-control study found that illness was strongly associated with drinking pasteurized milk from a local farm (P = <0.0001) on single variable analysis . Microbiological investigations at the farm revealed E . coli O157 phage type (PT) 21/28 VT 2 which was indistinguishable from the human isolates by pulsed field gel electrophoresis . At the time of occurrence this was the largest E . coli O157 outbreak in England and Wales and the first E . coli O157 PT 21/28 VT 2 outbreak associated with pasteurized milk . This outbreak highlights lessons to be learnt regarding on-farm pasteurization.

Indian J Pediatr, 2002 Dec, 69(12), 1047 - 51
Clinico-pathological profile of pediatric lymphadenopathy; Reddy MP et al.; OBJECTIVE: To study the clinico-pathological profile of significant pediatric peripheral lymphadenopathy and to arrrive at an etiological diagnosis . METHODS: Prospective study in a tertiary care hospital setting . One hundred consecutive children reporting to pediatric OPD from 1 January 1995 to 31 December 1998, aged 1 month to 12 years were studied . RESULTS: The commonest aetiology diagnosed was tubercular lymphadenitis in 35% cases, followed by chronic tonsillopharyngitis in 15% cases . Lymphomas, AIDS and infectious mononucleosis constituted 3, 2 and 1 cases each . Aetiology could not be ascertained in 44 (44%) children even after detailed haematological, microbiological, radiological and serological investigations . FNAC's sensitivity and specificity as compared to 'gold standard of excision lymph node biopsy was 94% and 100% respectively . CONCLUSION: Tubercular lymphadenitis was the commonest treatable entity of significant pediatric peripheral lymphadenopathy . A majority of the cases even after thorough evaluation, remained undiagnosed . FNAC as a diagnostic modality is almost as sensitive and as specific as excision lymph node biopsy when an adequate aspirate is examined by expert eyes.

Med Oral, 2003 Jan-Feb, 8(1), 10 - 8
A protocol for the evaluation and treatment of oral mucositis in patients with hematological malignancies; Puyalt Casado M et al.; A study is made to determine the true incidence of oral lesions attributable to hematological malignancies and their therapies, with the purpose of preventing, diagnosing and treating the oral manifestations of the hematological disorder and the situations of mucositis produced by the different chemo or radiotherapeutic regimens administered . A review was made of patients with hematological malignancies undergoing treatment or programmed for hematopoietic transplantation, with clinical assessment and microbiological culture or histological study where required . A protocol is developed in these patients for the prophylaxis, control and management of their oral lesions, thus contributing to improve the knowledge and treatment of patients with hematological malignancies.

Water Res, 2003 Mar, 37(5), 1177 - 84
Pre-treatment optimisation studies for secondary effluent reclamation with reverse osmosis; Lopez-Ramirez JA et al.; Physical-chemical pre-treatment was used for the reverse osmosis unit for reclamation of secondary effluents . The pilot plant was equipped with a variety of tertiary treatment units to prevent fouling and biofouling of the cellulose-acetate reverse osmosis membranes used . The optimisation of pre-treatment involved application of various concentrations of lime to raise the pH to 10.3-12.1, and to stabilise the sludge generated, as well as different dosages of ferric chloride (15, 20, and 25 mg/L) for the coagulation and solid-liquid separation . Sodium hypochlorite (8 mg/L) and UV disinfection are used for microbiological control . The water quality obtained, under the optimum conditions (pH=10.5; FeCl(3): 25 mg/L; anionic flocculant: 0.5 mg/L; sodium hypochlorite: 8 mg/L) was high, showing an average conductivity of 66 microS/cm and low COD values 4 mg O(2)/L . The product water is suitable for injection into a groundwater aquifer to counteract seawater intrusion.

J Environ Qual, 2003 Jan-Feb, 32(1), 368 - 73
Enumeration of waterborne Escherichia coli with petrifilm plates: comparison to standard methods; Vail JH et al.; Escherichia coli is often monitored in environmental waters as an indicator of the possible presence of human pathogens associated with feces . Petrifilm E . coli/coliform count plates (3M, Minneapolis, MN), previously validated for enumerating E . coli in food, were tested for monitoring E . coli in environmental water . Escherichia coli counts in environmental water samples enumerated with Petrifilm were significantly correlated (R > 0.9; slope = 0.9-1.0; p < 0.001) with counts obtained with three commonly used methods, mTEC (Becton Dickinson, Sparks, MD), m-ColiBlue (Hach, Loveland, CO), and Colilert-18/IDEXX Quanti-Tray 2000 (IDEXX, Westbrook, ME) . Blue colonies on Petrifilm plates were most reliably identified as E . coli when accompanied by gas formation, as determined by characterization of the colonies on MacConkey agar plates (PML Microbiologicals, Mississauga, ON, Canada) and by polymerase chair reaction (PCR) with E . coli-specific primers . The main disadvantage of Petrifilm plates for environmental water testing is the small volume (1 mL per sample) that can be tested; however, the plates appear to be suitable for screening and locating sites that exceed criteria for total body and partial body contact . Simplicity of use and storage, reliability, and relatively low cost make Petrifilm plates suitable for volunteer-based and educational water quality monitoring applications, particularly when used as a preliminary screening method to identify problem sites.

Wei Sheng Wu Xue Bao, 1998 Apr, 38(2), 131 - 6
{Studies on microbiological factor in colour change of mogao graffito's mural . II . Effect of microorganism on the pigment of imitative mural}; Feng Q et al.; Throung the assay and analysis of the imitative mural after cultivated with microorganisms, it has been shown that microorganisms had a pronounced effect on the pigments of the mural: the pigments secreted by microorganisms changed the colour of the mural, and produced much oxalic acid salt, which damaged the formation of crystals of the pigment, moreover, the chemical combination valence of Pb3O4 had been changed due to the metabolic products of microorganisms, that may play an important role in the chemical change of Pb3O4.

Wei Sheng Wu Xue Bao, 1998 Apr, 38(2), 126 - 30
{A study on microbiological characteristics of upflow anaerobic filter}; Zhao Y et al.; This experiment was conducted to study the relationship between performance and bacterial population in upflow anaerobic filter by improved Hungate technique . The results obtained showed as follows: (1) There existed correlation closely between the bacterial population, COD and volatile fatty acids removal; (2) The bacterial population was affected to a small extent by the change of organic loading rate in short time and suspending performance; (3) Successful performance of the reactor depended on the microbes' composition and their coordinated metabolism.

Wei Sheng Wu Xue Bao, 2001 Jun, 41(3), 353 - 6
{The epoxidation of cis-propenylphophonic acid to fosfomycin by Pencillium sp.}; Shi J et al.; One strain of Penicillium sp . F5, found from soil sample, was able to stereo-specific epoxidation of cis-propenylphosphonic acid(PPOH) to fosfomycin{(-)-(1R, 2S)-1, 2-epoxypropylphosphonic acid, FOM} during the cultivation . The product (FOM) was identified by thin layer chromatography and microbiological assay . Under the culture conditions of 28 degrees C pH7.5 and 280 r/min, 0.3% concentration of PPOH, reached a level of 2.2 mg/ml of FoM and the yield was 41% . When the PPOH concentration was 0.6%, the yield was 8%.

Wei Sheng Wu Xue Bao, 2001 Jun, 41(3), 270 - 7
{Study on the application of quantitative analysis of cell-wall amino acids in actinomycetes classification}; Jiang L et al.; This paper has collected 70 recognized type strains of actinomycete from home and abroad Microbiological culture collection centers . Adopting thin-layer chromatography and thin-layer chromatogram scanner methods to quantitatively analyze the composition of cell-wall amino acids in actinomycete . It has made comparison between quantitative results and qualitative ones . After a thorough discussion, a revision is made on the standard of dividing cell-wall types in actinomycete chemical classification, which has provided some original suggestion in hope of improving the research of actinomycete chemical classification.

Wei Sheng Wu Xue Bao, 2000 Feb, 40(1), 9 - 13
{Reclassification of Saccharomyces strains by comparative electrophoretic karyotyping}; Bai F et al.; The strains of Saccharomyces Meyen ex Reess preserved in China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center (CGMCC) were recharacterized and reidentified according to recent taxonomic improvement of the genus . The strains AS 2.100 (originally classified in S . cerevisiae), AS 2.1158(from former USSR and originally classified in S . exiguus) and AS 2.1555(from Australia and originally classified in S . uvarum) were found to be different from the standard descriptions of the species concerned in some physiological properties . Comparative CHEF electrophoretic karyotype analysis showed that the chromosomal DNA banding pattern of AS 2.100 was similar to that of the type strain of S . bayanus, while the electrophoretic karyotypes of AS 2.1158 and AS 2.1555 were similar to those of the type and authentic strains of S . cerevisiae . Therefore, AS 2.100 was reidentified as S . bayanus, and AS 2.1158 and AS 2.1555 were reclassified in the species S . cerevisiae.

Int J Tuberc Lung Dis, 2002 Dec, 6(12), 1118 - 22
Rapid and simple MTT method for rifampicin and isoniazid susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Foongladda S et al.; The MTT method for rifampicin and isoniazid susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was developed by using bacterial suspension prepared from colonies on solid media . The MTT tube assay in 1 ml Middlebrook 7H9 broth was completed within 4 days for rifampicin (RMP) and within 7 days for isoniazid (INH) . When MTT assay results with 279 M . tuberculosis clinical isolates were compared with those of the conventional proportion method on Lowenstein-Jensen medium, high specificity and sensitivity values of 100% and 94.1%, respectively, for RMP susceptibility testing, and 99.5% and 89.2%, respectively, for INH susceptibility testing were obtained . The accuracy of the MTT method for RMP and INH was > 0.97 concordance with the proportion method . The MTT method is simple, inexpensive and rapid . The high level of agreement with the conventional proportion method suggests a potential to rapidly detect drug-resistant M . tuberculosis in developing countries, as only basic microbiological equipment is need.

Klin Padiatr, 2003 Jan-Feb, 215(1), 9 - 15
{Lymphadenitis colli due to non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM): a case-series and review of the literature}; Knuf M et al.; OBJECTIVE: Lymphadenitis colli due to NTM should always be considered in children with cervical Lymphadenitis . For Germany there is a lack of data concerning the incidence, the epidemiology, the diversity and frequency of the different bacteria, the diagnosis, the clinical manifestation and the medical treatment . METHODS: By means of a questionnaire, which was retrospective for 1985 to 1994 and was sent to 277 children's hospitals in Germany, we collected data on Lymphadenitis colli in Germany . In our study we also incorporated cases from the "National Laboratory for Mycobacteria" in Borstel as well as six cases from our hospital in Mainz . Therefore our data includes both clinical (28) and laboratory (30) cases . Additionally we screened the literature on "Lymphadenitis colli in children due to NTM" . RESULTS: A total of 51 cases of Lymphadenitis due to NTM could be identified . The illness occurs typically in young children up to six years of age . The most frequent cause were species of the Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare-scrofulaceum complex . Except for the local diagnosis of a cervical Lymphadenitis other clinical symptoms are missing, just as specific laboratory parameters with a subacute or chronic course . The tuberculin skin test can be false positive . The diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy and histology as well as through microbiological tests . CONCLUSIONS: The best treatment is complete surgical excision, whereas the importance of additional or exclusive treatment with Clarithromycin, Rifabutin and other antibiotics could not be clarified completely . But in patients with AIDS Rifabutin and other drugs could perhaps be useful, even for prophylaxis . Also if complete excision is impossible, treatment with certain drugs (Clarithromycin or Azithromycin in combination with Rifampicin) will be recommended . It still remains in question if NTM infections in children are really increasing.

Br J Ophthalmol, 2003 Feb, 87(2), 142 - 6
Follicular conjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis in an infant Saharan population: molecular and clinical diagnosis; Javaloy J et al.; AIMS: To ascertain the prevalence of acute trachoma as a supposed endemic disease among infants in the Saharan refugee camps of Tindouf (Algeria) and to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with a single dose of azithromycin . METHODS: 527 children aged between 3 and 17 were evaluated in the camp schools in October 2001 . All the children were clinically and microbiologically examined, including slit lamp checks of anterior segment and two conjunctival swabs, one for the detection of membrane lipopolysaccharide by quick immunoassay test Clearview Chlamydia MF and the other for the detection of specific DNA by chlamydia plasmid specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay . After examination, a single dose of azithromycin was administered to each child . One month later samples from positive children and 12 random negative children by the first PCR were taken to perform a new PCR assay . RESULTS: Chlamydia trachomatis was suspected in 2.47% of the children, papillary hypertrophy being the most frequently seen clinical sign . Scarring changes secondary to trachoma were detected in 11.7% of the children . Only four cases (0.8%) were positive to the immunoassay test and 12 cases (2.27%) were positive by PCR . After treatment a second PCR was performed on positive children and they were negative of chlamydia DNA amplification . However, one child who was negative and received the treatment was positive in the second PCR assay . CONCLUSION: Acute trachoma prevalence is much lower than expected among infants in this Saharan population . The possible reasons could be the recent improvements in hygiene and health care . Cicatricial trachoma is more frequent . The Clearview immunoassay test has very low sensitivity in the detection of this disease . A single dose of azithromycin is sufficient to treat chlamydial conjunctivitis . However, a programme of improvement in hygiene and health care is necessary to prevent re-infection.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 2003 Feb, 47(2), 548 - 53
Population pharmacokinetics of linezolid in patients treated in a compassionate-use program; Meagher AK et al.; Data obtained from 318 adult patients treated under the linezolid compassionate-use protocol were used to develop a population model of the pharmacokinetics of intravenous and oral linezolid . All of the patients received 600 mg of linezolid every 12 h, intravenously and/or orally . Blood samples (2 to 10 per patient; median, 4) were obtained and assayed for linezolid by high-performance liquid chromatography . These data and patient covariates were modeled by iterative two-stage analysis, and model discrimination was done by Akaike's information criterion . Of the patient covariates considered (age, sex, ideal body weight, baseline serum albumin, hepatic or renal dysfunction, underlying malignancy, organ transplantation, surgical status, global severity of illness, site of infection, route of administration, and location of care {intensive-care unit, general floor, or outpatient}), only normalized creatinine clearance (CL(CR)) and body weight explained significant portions of the variance and were incorporated into the pharmacokinetic model . The final model included central and peripheral compartments with parallel capacity-limited (nonrenal) and first-order (renal {CL(R)}) clearances . Volumes and clearances were normalized to the ideal body weight, and CL(R) was modeled as proportional to CL(CR) . Compared to previously studied adult volunteers, intrinsic clearance was approximately 60% higher and the maximum rate of metabolism was twice as high in these debilitated patients, resulting in lower area under the time-concentration curve (AUC) values (P < 0.001) . The derived 24-h AUC, averaged over the first 7 days of treatment, ranged between 57 and 871 (median, 191) micro g/ml . 24 h . Despite these variations, linezolid provided high rates of clinical cure, as well as microbiological success, in the patients treated in the compassionate-use program . The mechanism(s) of these pharmacokinetic differences is unknown and requires further mechanistic study.

Eur Radiol, 2003 Jan, 13(1), 107 - 13 Epub 2002 May 22.
The impact of helical computed tomography on the diagnosis of unsuspected inflammatory bowel disease in the large bowel; Markose G et al.; Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are diagnoses that can be easily overlooked clinically . The aim of this study was to investigate if CT is able to make a contribution to the identification of previously unsuspected cases of IBD . We retrospectively identified cases in which the possibility of an IBD was raised in CT reports (over a 4-year period), by utilising a keyword search of the radiology database . Cases with a previously known or suspected IBD were rigorously excluded by review of case notes, and endoscopic, radiological, histological and microbiological findings . The CT images of the identified cases were reviewed by a blinded observer to document the extent of bowel wall thickening, the location of lesion(s), and presence of peri-colic fat abnormality, ascites and/or collections . The observer also attempted to corroborate the presence, and to identify the type, of IBD based on the CT appearances alone . Thirty-five cases (out of approximately 19,000 body CTs performed) of clinically unsuspected IBD were identified, of which 27 underwent further investigation . An IBD was confirmed in 48% (13 of 27): Crohn's disease (n=6), ulcerative colitis (n=2), pseudomembranous colitis (n=3) and other (n=2), of which 70% (9 of 13) were correctly typed by the reviewer . Inflammatory bowel disease was not substantiated in the remainder (14 of 27), although 7 of these had other bowel pathologies: diverticular disease (n=4); and carcinoma (n=3) . Prospectively determining the presence, and furthermore type, of IBD on CT is challenging largely because of the considerable overlap in the appearances of the individual IBDs and indeed of normality . Nevertheless, CT is able to identify clinically unsuspected cases and radiologists should be alert to this treatable and not infrequently elusive diagnosis.

J Extra Corpor Technol, 2002 Dec, 34(4), 276 - 80
The heater-cooler unit--a conceivable source of infection; Weitkemper HH et al.; Even drinking water is contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms . This does not necessarily pose a risk for healthy individuals, but it may result in serious consequences in people with impaired immune systems . This is particularly valid if drinking water is used for medical purposes . The heater-cooler unit (HCU) connected to heat exchangers or blankets by tubing, the connection is closed water circuit that contains microorganisms and algae . While connecting the tubing to the heat exchanger, spilling of water cannot be avoided . Microbiological examinations showed that germs and particles pollute the units . Exposure to the patient and the OR equipment has the potential to increase the risk of infection should the HCU water come in contact with the patient . As a result of the high incidence of particle and algae in the HCU, malfunction occurs . Sampling shows >1000/mL CFU (colony forming units) at 36 degrees C and 55/mL CFU at 20 degrees C on average . The specific findings include Pseudomonas and Legionella . Disinfecting HCU is very difficult . Often HCUs do not provide any technology to reduce bacterial or other contamination . The instructions for use of oxygenators often exclude the use of disinfectants . Maintenance instructions for the HCU advocate the use of disinfectants that carry the risk of oxygenator damage and of heat exchanger leakage . The effect of chemical disinfectants and heat exchanger membranes have not been examined, they may impair heat exchanger permeability and function . As an alternative to chemical and thermal disinfection, we used the alternative method of filtration . Using a membrane filter element, we noticed a decreasing number of CFUs from 55 to sterile conditions at 20 degrees C and from >1000 CFUs to 100 CFUs at 36 degrees C (Figure 1) . In addition, we noticed a removal of other particles and algae . In conclusion, we have demonstrated a technique that is simple to implement and effectively reduces the microbiological load of the water in the heater-cooler unit.

Indoor Air, 2002 Dec, 12(4), 273 - 7
Building-related symptoms and molds: a two-step intervention study; Ebbehoj NE et al.; AIMS: To evaluate the relation between mold growth and symptoms in an intervention study design . METHODS: The building was examined by a walk-through and microbiological testing from surfaces and ventilation canals before and after each of two steps of the renovation . The examination program for the 25 employees comprised questionnaire, clinical examination, 2-week peak-flow monitoring, and blood samples, and in six persons also a bronchial challenge . RESULTS: Initially the building had severe moisture problems with growth of Trichoderma and Phoma as dominating microfungi . The total number of symptoms from a nine-item building-related symptom score was 66%, peak-flow variability was 20% . After the first renovation, no visible mold growth was seen, but samples showed that the building was still contaminated . Symptoms decreased to 33% . After further cleaning the mold levels decreased on surfaces, and the number of symptoms decreased to 4% . Mean peak-flow variability fell to 15% . DISCUSSION: In a poorly maintained building with moisture problems and mold growth, the staff had a number of irritative and general symptoms . The first renovation eradicated most visible signs of molds and gave a decreased number of symptoms . The second renovation sufficiently cleaned the building, and the rate of symptoms and peak-flow variability fell to normal levels . A thorough cleaning after renovation seems necessary for the eradication of symptoms.

Ostomy Wound Manage, 2003 Jan, 49(1), 44 - 53
The 10(5) bacterial growth guideline: reassessing its clinical relevance in wound healing; Bowler PG; The microbiology of wounds is a key determinant in healing and clinicians generally accept that a level of microbial (ie, bacterial) growth greater than 100,000 viable organisms per gram of tissue can be used to diagnose infection . Although other factors that predispose a wound to infection are widely recognized, today's wound care practitioners are influenced primarily by the 10 5 guideline, with treatment being based on the microbial count in deep or superficial tissue . However, to appropriately manage microbially challenged wounds (eg, heavily colonized and clinically infected), a more balanced awareness of the broader issues relating to micro-organisms and wounds is needed . The types of micro-organisms, their interactions with each other and with the wound environment, the local conditions, and host resistance are all key factors that collectively influence healing . From a microbiological perspective, successful wound healing is dependent on maintaining a host-manageable bioburden . If local conditions favor microbial growth, a wound may fail to heal and become infected, requiring topical antiseptics or antibiotics to supplement the host inflammatory response and restore balance in favor of the host . This paper provides a critical examination of the 10 5 guideline to enhance clinician understanding and utilization of a commonly applied diagnostic consideration.

Vestn Khir Im I I Grek, 2002, 161(3), 48 - 52
{False aneurysms of anastomoses after aorto-femoral reconstruction}; Tiukachev VE et al.; The results of clinical, microbiological and histological studies in 141 patients with complications of the aorto-femoral graft revascularization were analyzed . The main group consisted of 44 patients with false aneurysms of vascular anastomoses . The findings obtained show that in 91.3% of cases the alterations in the wall of the artery adjacent to the anastomosis with false aneurysms resulted from chronic inflammatory reaction, the most common pathogens being St . Aureus and St . epidermidis . The optimal variants of revascularization of the extremity after resection are proposed . In case of distal anastomotic pseudoaneurysm the surgical strategy depends on the primary localization of the false aneurysm.

Pediatr Pulmonol, 2003 Feb, 35(2), 91 - 8
Comparative randomized trial of azithromycin versus erythromycin and amoxicillin for treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in children; Kogan R et al.; Our objective was to compare the clinical efficacy of azithromycin vs . erythromycin and amoxicillin in the treatment of presumed bacterial community-acquired pneumonia in ambulatory children, and to evaluate the etiologies of these illnesses . One hundred and ten children, aged 1 month to 14 years, were enrolled between January 1996-January 1999 . Children were distributed into two groups according to clinical and radiological patterns: classic or atypical pneumonia . Patients with classic pneumonia were randomly assigned to receive oral amoxicillin 75 mg/kg/day for 7 days, or azithromycin 10 mg/kg/day for 3 days; patients with atypical pneumonia received azithromycin 10 mg/kg/day for 3 days, or erythromycin 50 mg/kg/day for 14 days . Chest X-ray, clinical, and laboratory parameters were obtained on enrollment . Clinic visits were performed on days 3, 7, and 14, and chest X-ray follow-up on days 7 and 14 . Microbiological diagnosis of classic pathogens was based on blood and bronchial secretion cultures . The diagnosis of atypical pathogens C . pneumoniae, C . trachomatis, and M . pneumoniae was based on PCR and serologic tests.Forty-seven children met the criteria for classic pneumonia (23 children received azithromycin, and 24 received amoxicillin), and 59 children had atypical pneumonia (33 children were treated with azithromycin, and 26 with erythromycin) . Demographic characteristics at enrollment were similar between children with classic pneumonia treated with azithromycin and erythromycin and children treated with azithromycin and erythromycin for atypical pneumonia . However, on day 7, children with classic pneumonia who received azithromycin normalized their chest X-ray more often than those who received amoxicillin (81.0% vs . 60.9%, respectively, P = 0.009) . The same was true for children with atypical pneumonia; their chest X-rays had normalized by day 14 (100% in those with azithromycin vs . 81% in those with erythromycin, P = 0.059) . Also, children with atypical pneumonia treated with azithromycin had earlier cessation of cough than children treated with erythromycin (3.6 +/- 1.9 vs . 5.5 +/- 3.6 days respectively, P = 0.02) . There were only three children with side effects (mild diarrhea, all in the erythromycin group) . Etiological agents were identified in 41% of children.In conclusion, azithromycin is an effective therapeutic option for the treatment of community-acquired classic and atypical pneumonia in children .

Vopr Pitan, 2002, 71(6), 3 - 10
{Hygienic aspects of food safety in Russia: tasks and ways to accomplish them}; Onishchenko GG; The article gives an account of the hygienic aspects of food safety of Russia, the questions of chemical and microbiological contamination of food products, vitamin and microelement deficiency in the diet of the population of this country . It outlines the ways of elimination of defects of the Russian population's diet.

Intern Med, 2002 Dec, 41(12), 1103 - 10
Clinical analysis of pulmonary tuberculosis in association with corticosteroid therapy; Kobashi Y et al.; OBJECTIVE: Due to the increased incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in association with corticosteroid therapy during the last five years in our associated hospitals, we studied the clinical characteristics of these patients . PATIENTS: Fourteen cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were collected which occurred in association with corticosteroid drugs in our associated hospitals during the last 10 years; four patients (2.1%) from April 1991 to March 1996 and 10 patients (4.3%) from April 1996 to March 2001 . RESULTS: The average age of the 14 patients was 74.1 years old and the male:female ratio was 9:5 . Regarding underlying diseases, respiratory diseases (7 patients) were the most frequent and a past history of pulmonary tuberculosis was recognized in six patients . The duration of corticosteroid administration ranged from two months to seven years and the total dose of corticosteroids ranged from 1.20 g to 12.05 g . Pulmonary tuberculosis was detected by chance during a health examination in eight patients and radiological findings showed an infiltration shadow without cavity located in a portion other than the predominant location in four patients . A microbiological examination was smear positive in eight patients but tolerance was not shown to any antituberculous drugs . The prognosis was poor because the mortality rate was high, but the cause of death was not related to the progress of pulmonary tuberculosis . CONCLUSION: Careful observation of patients is considered to be important because pulmonary tuberculosis in association with corticosteroid drugs was found among inpatients, there was no relationship to the total dose or duration of administration of corticosteroid drugs, there were no clinical symptoms, and the patients exhibited atypical radiographic findings.

J Clin Microbiol, 2003 Jan, 41(1), 144 - 8
Development and evaluation of a PCR-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for diagnosis of human brucellosis; Morata P et al.; In order to overcome some of the limitations of conventional microbiological techniques in the diagnosis of human brucellosis, a simple PCR-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (PCR-ELISA) was developed . After amplification of a 223-bp sequence of a gene that codes for the synthesis of an immunogenetic membrane protein specific for the Brucella genus (BCSP31), the digoxigenin-labeled amplified product was hybridized with a biotinylated capture probe which was complementary to the inner part of the amplicon . The hybrid was captured on streptavidin-coated microtiter plates and detected by using an antidigoxigenin Fab-peroxidase conjugate . The detection limit of the PCR-ELISA in a background of 3.5 micro g of human genomic DNA was 10 fg (two bacterial cells) . The PCR-ELISA showed an analytical sensitivity higher than that of ethidium bromide staining and equal to that obtained by conventional PCR followed by dot blot hybridization . In 59 peripheral blood samples from 57 consecutive patients with active brucellosis and 113 control samples, the PCR-ELISA was found to be 94.9% sensitive and 96.5% specific, whereas the sensitivity of the blood culture was only 70.1% . Since the assay can be performed in 1 day, is very reproducible, is easily standardized, and avoids the risk of infection in laboratory workers, this PCR-ELISA seems to be a practical and reliable tool for the diagnosis of human brucellosis.

J Agric Food Chem, 2003 Jan 15, 51(2), 443 - 52
A new approach to examine the relationships between sensory and gas chromatography-olfactometry data using Generalized Procrustes analysis applied to six French Chardonnay wines; Le Fur Y et al.; Six French Chardonnay wines were submitted to both sensory and combined headspace/gas chromatography-olfactometry analyses . The detection frequencies allowed five hierarchical levels to be distinguished: P25, the odorant areas (OAs) having a detection frequency > or =25% (the complete olfactogram without the odor noise); P40, > or =40%; P55, > or =55%; P70, > or =70%; and P85, > or =85% . Moreover, the detection frequencies were analyzed to distinguish 21 discriminative OAs . Wines tested by sensory analysis and the headspace samples analyzed by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) were described by a heterogeneous vocabulary distributed into nine overall classes of descriptors . The new statistical treatment to examine hierarchical or discriminative OA categories with respect to sensory data used Generalized Procrustes analysis (GPA) from coordinate tables provided by correspondence analysis (CA) . The successive data sets supplied by CA were subjected to GPA to yield consensus method maps . The more selective levels of detection frequency (P70 and P85) were responsible for incomplete or distorted information with respect to sensory data . The most appropriate segmentation of the OA distribution (olfactogram) to represent the sensory profile of the six samples would correspond to the intermediate pattern (P40 and P55) . The other interest was to study the reasons of distortion due to the dynamic headspace extraction . The highest proportions of the variance were at all times related to the same classes: spicy, herbaceous, and, to a lesser degree, microbiological . This would indicate that the dynamic headspace analysis induces a distortion with respect to sensory data, which systematically affected the perception of both spicy and herbaceous characters of wines.

J Agric Food Chem, 2003 Jan 15, 51(2), 354 - 61
A method for the analysis of natural and synthetic folate in foods; Doherty RF et al.; The essentiality of dietary folates for human beings has been known for many years . Over the shorter term, biological activities associated with several human maladies and the attenuation of biomarkers for several chronic diseases also have been assigned to folates . In the United States, these observations have led to the addition of folic acid to several foods and food ingredients (food fortification) and to dietary recommendations that assign biological activity to each of the forms of folate in the food supply . There currently is unavailable a robust, instrumental procedure that will distinguish between naturally occurring food folates and synthetic folic acid as part of the routine analysis of foods . The procedure proposed in this publication is unique in that it uses "off-the-shelf" supplies and instrumentation, to the extent possible, and was developed with "normal" corporate work schedules in mind . This method takes advantage of the tri-enzyme food digestion and folate deconjugation steps but was optimized with a commercially available rat plasma as the source of conjugase . A high-capacity styrene-divinylbenzene-based solid-phase extraction column was identified, and conditions were developed for quantitative recovery of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and folic acid (FA) with it . The various forms of food folates are separated on a C-18 high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column which is resistant to degradation at low pH . As a result, the mobile phase was simplified to a gradient of low-pH phosphate buffer (pH 2.2) and acetonitrile . Although FA does not exhibit fluorescence, a UV-induced photolysis system was added, which is controlled by the HPLC system, so that an appropriate segment of the HPLC column effluent is subjected to photolytic conditions and, thereby, FA can be measured as a fluorescent product . The application of the system was verified by analyzing several certified reference materials and foods and comparing results with certified values and/or total folate values as determined by microbiological assay.

MMWR Recomm Rep, 2002 Dec 6, 51(RR-19), 1 - 6
Laboratory security and emergency response guidance for laboratories working with select agents . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Richmond JY et al.; In recent years, concern has increased regarding use of biologic materials as agents of terrorism, but these same agents are often necessary tools in clinical and research microbiology laboratories . Traditional biosafety guidelines for laboratories have emphasized use of optimal work practices, appropriate containment equipment, well-designed facilities, and administrative controls to minimize risk of worker injury and to ensure safeguards against laboratory contamination . The guidelines discussed in this report were first published in 1999 (U.S . Department of Health and Human Services/CDC and National Institutes of Health . Biosafety in microbiological and biomedical laboratories {BMBL} . Richmond JY, McKinney RW, eds . 4th ed . Washington, DC: US Department of Health and Human Services, 1999 {Appendix F}) . In that report, physical security concerns were addressed, and efforts were focused on preventing unauthorized entry to laboratory areas and preventing unauthorized removal of dangerous biologic agents from the laboratory . Appendix F of BMBL is now being revised to include additional information regarding personnel risk assessments, and inventory controls . The guidelines contained in this report are intended for laboratories working with select agents under biosafety-level 2, 3, or 4 conditions as described in Sections II and III of BMBL . These recommendations include conducting facility risk assessments and developing comprehensive security plans to minimize the probability of misuse of select agents . Risk assessments should include systematic, site-specific reviews of 1) physical security; 2) security of data and electronic technology systems; 3) employee security; 4) access controls to laboratory and animal areas; 5) procedures for agent inventory and accountability; 6) shipping/transfer and receiving of select agents; 7) unintentional incident and injury policies; 8) emergency response plans; and 9) policies that address breaches in security . The security plan should be an integral part of daily operations . All employees should be well-trained and equipped, and the plan should be reviewed annually, at least.

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 2002 Dec, 127(6 Suppl), S10 - 6
Pharmacodynamic considerations for the selection of oral cephalosporins in the treatment of rhinosinusitis; Dandekar PK et al.; The elimination of an infection occurs when the antibiotic reaches the site of the pathogen in adequate concentrations for an appropriate length of time . To predict whether an antibiotic will achieve this goal, one must have a familiarity with pharmacodynamic concepts that integrate the drug's microbiological activity, its pharmacokinetic properties, and its mode of bacterial killing . For the cephalosporins, it is the time or duration that the concentrations in serum or interstitial fluid remain above their mean inhibitory concentration for the pathogen that best correlates with clinical outcomes . The application of this pharmacodynamic profile can assist in the decision process to distinguish one oral cephalosporin from another and, therefore, provides an opportunity for maximizing the probability of good clinical outcomes while minimizing the potential for the selection of resistance.

Refuat Hapeh Vehashinayim, 2002 Oct, 19(4), 53 - 66, 70
{Techniques for immediate restoration of teeth following root canal therapy}; Smidt A et al.; It is incumbent upon the dentist to restore the form and function of endodontically treated teeth . Different approaches and materials are described in the literature for restoring the missing tooth structure, either with a cast post and core or immediately with a chair-side post and core system . This article briefly reviews the available data regarding the microbiological, prosthetic, mechanical, and periodontal aspects while emphasizing the immediate approach using amalgam, composite and glass ionomer materials . The factors affecting retention of the post are presented to guide the clinician in selecting a suitable post and core system in preserving optimal root structure to prevent root fracture . Two clinical cases are presented in which tooth structure was restored using two techniques: in one, a provisional acrylic resin shell was used to house a dowel coronal-radicular amalgam core material, the other used a copper band for a composite post and core system . Both cases emphasize the ease of production and the short chair-time in the stages of crown fabrication.

Ann Ig, 2002 Sep-Oct, 14(5), 419 - 26
{Efficacy and critical implications of food handlers' professional training: analysis of an experience}; Furnari G et al.; Our study aimed at both assessing the efficacy of the same training course in different contexts and training course repeated in the same context . We examined the most critical aspects, on which to develop further aimed course . In 1998 the Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology of the Institute of Hygiene (UCSC) has implemented 2 professional training courses both for food handlers of a refectory (course A) and of a hospital canteen (course B) . Two years after a following course (C) in the hospital canteen . At the beginning and at the end of every course a questionnaire of 25 questions has been gathered in five areas . The data drawn by the questionnaires have been compared using the percentage of exact answers before and after the course . Correct answers beginning and end course: A 89% and 94%, B 68% and 77%, C 76% and 78% . The correct answers beginning course C and end course B are not significatively different (p = 0.1963) . Critical areas of the C and B courses have been "microbiological risks" and "correct temperatures"; at the end of the training both the areas had sensitive improvements (C 40% to 59%, 60% to 78%-B 31% to 69%, 45% to 78%) . CONCLUSION: Food handlers professional training have been effective both in the same context and in a different context; the training should be based on both the operator's knowledge and difficulties met during the training; knowledge obtained by training is kept unchanged for some years, and it is supposed to repeat the course after one or two years; the analysis of the areas has confirmed the existence of critical problems, common causes of epidemics in collective catering services.

Vet Rec, 2002 Dec 7, 151(23), 699 - 703
Outbreak of pneumonia and arthritis in beef calves associated with Mycoplasma bovis and Mycoplasma californicum; Hewicker-Trautwein M et al.; During an outbreak of pneumonia and arthritis in beef calves and young cattle on a large farm in north-west Germany, Mycoplasma bovis and Mycoplasma californicum were isolated from tracheobronchial lavage fluids and synovial fluids . The microbiological findings in dead and living animals and the immunohistochemical demonstration of M californicum antigen in lung and arthritic joint tissue, indicated that under poor housing conditions and possibly other predisposing factors, this mycoplasma, like M bovis, can colonise the respiratory tract and may be able to cross the respiratory mucosal barrier to spread through an infected animal and cause systemic infections that may contribute to severe arthritis.

Adverse Drug React Toxicol Rev, 2002, 21(4), 219 - 29
How natural are 'natural herbal remedies'? A Saudi perspective; Bogusz MJ et al.; OBJECTIVE: There is a rapidly growing trend in the consumption of herbal remedies in industrialised and developing countries . Users of herbal remedies are at risk of toxicity and adverse interactions of herbal preparations due to their frequent contamination with metals and adulteration with synthetic drugs . The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of herbal remedies present on the market in Saudi Arabia in recent years . METHODOLOGY: 247 herbal remedies and related preparations were examined from 2000-2001 at the Toxicology Laboratory, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia . Herbal powder samples were the most common sample type examined (n = 80), followed by complete, packed preparations (n = 59), single undescribed capsules or pills (n = 46), loose plant leaves or seeds (n = 28), creams (n = 18) and liquid or jelly samples (n = 16) . All samples were subjected to toxicological screening for organic substances using gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis, screening for heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, and lead) using inductive coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and microbiological examination . RESULTS: The preparations analysed were used to treat the following indications: leukaemia and other forms of cancer (n = 22); obesity (n = 18); diabetes mellitus (n = 14); rheumatic disorders (n = 14); skin pigmentation problems (n = 11); or to enhance male sexual activity (n = 9) . In 123 cases, the indication of use was not known . 39 samples contained high concentrations of heavy metals . This was particularly striking in remedies used to treat leukaemia (arsenic content of 522-161,600 ppm) and in creams for whitening skin (mercury content of 5,700-126,000 ppm) . Eight preparations contained synthetic drugs (e.g . benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants in sedative preparations, cyproheptadine in a remedy to gain bodyweight, ibuprofen and dipyrone in herbal capsules used to treat rheumatism) . 18 samples were contaminated with micro-organisms . 14 samples contained toxic substances of natural origin . Of the 247 examined preparations, 77 (i.e . over 30%) were disqualified due to high heavy metals content, bacterial contamination or presence of toxic organic substances . CONCLUSION: The study shows an urgent need to control the production, importing and selling of herbal preparations.

Jpn J Infect Dis, 2002 Oct, 55(5), 170 - 3
Leptospirosis among rice mill workers of Salem, South India; Natarajaseenivasan K et al.; Leptospirosis is not commonly reported from the Salem district in central Tamil Nadu in India . In October 2000, a rice mill worker, who had fever and jaundice, tested positive in leptospiral IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . Microbiological and serological investigations were performed on the patient, a sample population of the rice mill workers, and the animal and rodent populations living in the same premises . Leptospira was isolated from the patient about 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms when he had recovered from illness following a course of doxycycline . The isolate was serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae of serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae . The patient also showed a fourfold rise in titers in microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and IgG ELISA . The rice mill workers had a seroprevalence rate of 68.3%, which was significantly higher than that among a control group consisting of persons engaged in other occupations . Serological studies conducted among cattle, dogs, cats, and rats showed seroprevalence rates of 52.9%, 50.0%, 66.6%, and 52.1%, respectively . Leptospires were isolated from two rats, but the isolates were lost during subculturing and could not be characterized . The most predominant serogroup identified by MAT was Autumnalis for rice mill workers and all animal populations . The other serogroups that reacted in MAT were Icterohaemorrhagiae, Australis, Grippotyphosa, and Patoc . Although Australis and Grippotyphosa showed agglutination in the case of human samples, none of the animals had detectable titers to these serogroups . The rice mills of Salem, having large rodent populations, various animals living in close proximity, a wet environment, and unprotected exposure of the workers to the environment, constitutes an ideal setting for transmission of leptospirosis and could be an epidemiological niche of leptospirosis.

J Clin Pathol, 2003 Jan, 56(1), 43 - 7
Corridor consultations and the medical microbiological record: is patient safety at risk?
Heard SR, Roberts C, Furrows SJ, Kelsey M, Southgate L; General Medical Council . Specialty Assessment Working Group for Medical Microbiology.
The performance procedures of the General Medical Council are aimed at identifying seriously deficient performance in a doctor . The performance procedures require the medical record to be of a standard that enables the next doctor seeing the patient to give adequate care based on the available information . Setting standards for microbiological record keeping has proved difficult . Over one fifth of practising medical microbiologists (including virologists) in the UK (139 of 676) responded to a survey undertaken by the working group developing the performance procedures for microbiology, to identify current practice and to develop recommendations for agreement within the profession about the standards of the microbiological record . The cumulative frequency for the surveyed recording methods used indicated that at various times 65% (90 of 139) of respondents used a daybook, 62% (86 of 139) used the back of the clinical request card, 57% (79 of 139) used a computer record, and 22% (30 of 139) used an index card system to record microbiological advice, suggesting wide variability in relation to how medical microbiologists maintain clinical records.

Presse Med, 2002 Nov 30, 31(38), 1813 - 7
{Smallpox, bioterrorism agent}; Bossi P et al.; A CONSIDERABLE RISK: Among the infectious agents that might be used as terrorist weapons, the smallpox virus represents a sufficiently high risk, which is difficult to manage and must be seriously taken into account . FROM A MICROBIOLOGICAL POINT OF VIEW: Two viral strains of the smallpox virus, which belong to the Poxviridae and orthopoxvirus-type families, are known . They are associated with various clinical presentations of smallpox, i.e., variola major and variola minor or "alastrim" . VARIOLA MAJOR: Five clinical forms of varying prognosis are described . Common smallpox, haemorrhagic smallpox (the most severe form of the disease), mild smallpox (predominantly observed in vaccinated patients), flat-type smallpox (defined by coalescent and slowly progressive lesions) and so-called "sine eruptione" smallpox . VARIOLA MINOR: This form is not as severe as variola major and the mortality rate is lesser . DIAGNOSIS: Smallpox must be systematically evoked on clinical elements and confirmed by electronic microscopy of a sample of liquid from a vesicle or pustule or a scab . The strains can be characterised by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) . TREATMENT: It is symptomatic . Early vaccination, within 4 days following exposure to the virus, permits the reduction in mortality by 50% . The only efficient prevention is vaccination prior to any exposure to the virus . In the case of a bioterrorist attack, the United States and most of the EC countries propose to vaccinate only the health professionnals most exposed to the virus and those having contacted identified cases.

Ned Tijdschr Tandheelkd, 2002 Nov, 109(11), 434 - 8
{Full mouth one stage disinfection of the oropharynx . A new treatment strategy for periodontitis}; De Soete M; Most periodontal pathogens colonise different niches such as the oral mucosa, tongue, saliva, periodontal pockets, all hard intra-oral surfaces and the tonsils . Since intra-oral translocation of these pathogens between these niches is possible, a 'one stage' disinfection of the whole mouth in one or two consecutive days as treatment strategy for periodontal infections must be considered . A one stage full-mouth disinfection is achieved by a scaling and root planing of all periodontal pockets within 24 hours, in combination with a chlorhexidine application in all niches (subgingival irrigation, mouth wash, brushing of the tongue, and spray for the pharynx) . As such, reinfection by bacteria of recently instrumented sites is inhibited . This approach results in significant additional clinical and microbiological results compared to the classical approach (scaling and rootplaning per quadrant with several days or weeks between each session).

Rinsho Byori, 2002 Nov, 50(11), 1055 - 60
{Rapid diagnosis of infectious complications after transplantation}; Ishii KK; Transplantation has become a standard therapy offering potential cures for a numbers of disorders . Patients undergoing transplantation are exposed to the risk of developing bacterial, viral and fungal infections due to underlying diseases, transplantation protocols, and treatment regimens . Severe infections are a major course of morbidity and mortality . Early diagnosis is essential for the prompt initiation of appropriate therapy and the management of such complications . Posttransplant microbiological surveillance is used for identifying patients at high risk and when infection is suspected . Microbiological examinations are also performed in some instances to monitor the patient's response to therapy . Molecular detection of microorganisms is a rapid diagnostic technique and becomes a useful tool for early recognition and treatment of viral and fungal infections.

Chemosphere, 2002 Dec, 49(10), 1389 - 98
Nitrogen trace gas emissions from a riparian ecosystem in southern Appalachia; Walker JT et al.; In this paper, we present two years of seasonal nitric oxide (NO), ammonia (NH3), and nitrous oxide (N2O) trace gas fluxes measured in a recovering riparian zone with cattle excluded and adjacent riparian zone grazed by cattle . In the recovering riparian zone, average NO, NH3, and N2O fluxes were 5.8, 2.0, and 76.7 ng N m(-2) S(-1) (1.83, 0.63, and 24.19 kg N ha(-1) y(-1)), respectively . Fluxes in the grazed riparian zone were larger, especially for NO and NH3, measuring 9.1, 4.3, and 77.6 ng N m(-2) S(-1) (2.87, 1.35, and 24.50 kg N ha(-1) y(-1)) for NO, NH3, and N2O, respectively . On average, N2O accounted for greater than 85% of total trace gas flux in both the recovering and grazed riparian zones, though N2O fluxes were highly variable temporally . In the recovering riparian zone, variability in seasonal average fluxes was explained by variability in soil nitrogen (N) concentrations . Nitric oxide flux was positively correlated with soil ammonium (NH4+) concentration, while N2O flux was positively correlated with soil nitrate (NO3-) concentration . Ammonia flux was positively correlated with the ratio of NH4+ to NO3- . In the grazed riparian zone, average NH3 and N2O fluxes were not correlated with soil temperature, N concentrations, or moisture . This was likely due to high variability in soil microsite conditions related to cattle effects such as compaction and N input . Nitric oxide flux in the grazed riparian zone was positively correlated with soil temperature and NO3- concentration . Restoration appeared to significantly affect NO flux, which increased approximately 600% during the first year following restoration and decreased during the second year to levels encountered at the onset of restoration . By comparing the ratio of total trace gas flux to soil N concentration, we show that the restored riparian zone is likely more efficient than the grazed riparian zone at diverting upper-soil N from the receiving stream to the atmosphere . This is likely due to the recovery of microbiological communities following changes in soil physical characteristics.

Int J Food Microbiol, 2003 Mar 25, 81(3), 255 - 60
Microbial contamination on beef and sheep carcases in South Australia; Sumner J et al.; A total of 523 chilled beef and lamb carcases were sampled from four abattoirs and 13 very small plants (VSPs) in South Australia during March 2002 in order to develop a microbiological profile of meat produced for domestic consumption within the State . Aerobic viable counts (AVCs) and Escherichia coli counts were obtained from samples taken by sponge-sampling the muscle-adipose tissue at sites designated for each species in the Microbiological Guidelines to the Australian Standard for Hygienic Production of Meat for Human Consumption (identical with those of the USA Pathogen Reduction: hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) systems: final rule) . On beef carcases (n=159) mean log AVC/cm(2) was 1.82 and E . coli was detected on 18.8% of carcases (area sampled 200 cm(2)) for which the mean log of the positives was -0.34; for lamb carcases, on which 75 cm(2) was sampled (n=364), corresponding values were 2.59, 36.2% and log(10) 0.27, respectively . There was little difference in mean log AVC/cm(2) of carcases produced at abattoirs and VSPs, 1.72 versus 1.81, respectively, for beef, and 2.80 versus 2.44, respectively, for sheep . Prevalence of E . coli was lower at VSPs, however, with abattoirs having 28.4% for beef and 61.5% for sheep, compared with corresponding values of 4.7% and 18.5% at VSPs . In VSPs, the range of mean log AVC/cm(2) was 0.47-3.16 for beef and 1.63-3.65 for sheep carcases, data which will allow the Controlling Authority to assist plants to improve performance of slaughter and dressing techniques . The present survey is part of an assessment by the State meat authority of the effectiveness of co-regulation of meat hygiene between government and industry.

Lett Appl Microbiol, 2003, 36(1), 9 - 14
Role of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris in the development of a disinfectant taint in shelf-stable fruit juice; Jensen N et al.; AIMS: This study was undertaken to identify the bacterium and metabolic products contributing to a disinfectant taint in shelf-stable fruit juice and to determine some of the growth conditions for the organism . METHODS AND RESULTS: Microbiological examination of tainted and untainted fruit juice drinks detected low numbers of acid-dependent, thermotolerant, spore-forming bacteria in the tainted juices only . The presence of omega-cyclohexyl fatty acids was confirmed in two of the isolates by cell membrane fatty acid analysis . The isolates were subsequently identified as Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris by partial 16S rDNA sequencing . Studies on the isolates showed growth at pH 2.5-6.0 and 19.5-58 degrees C . Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to identify and quantify 2,6-dibromophenol (2,6-DBP) and 2,6-dichlorophenol (2,6-DCP) in the tainted juice . Challenge studies in a mixed fruit drink inoculated with the two isolates and the type strain of A . acidoterrestris, incubated at 44-46 degrees C for 4 d, showed the production of both metabolites, which were confirmed and quantified by GC/MS . CONCLUSIONS: The results show that A . acidoterrestris can produce 2,6-DBP and 2,6-DCP in shelf-stable juices . SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report detailing experimental methodology showing that A . acidoterrestris can produce 2,6-DCP in foods . Control of storage temperatures (to < 20 degrees C) immediately after processing may provide an effective control measure for the fruit juice industry to prevent spoilage by A . acidoterrestris.

Ann R Coll Surg Engl, 2002 Nov, 84(6), 422 - 5
An investigation into the sensitivities of translocating bacteria to a prophylactic antibiotic regimen; Woodcock NP et al.; INTRODUCTION: It is well established that bacterial translocation is associated with a significant increase in septic morbidity . The purpose of this study was to determine the antibiotic sensitivities of translocating bacteria on the basis that this information may influence antibiotic prophylaxis in surgical patients . METHODS: Routine microbiological techniques were used to assess the antibiotic sensitivities of those bacteria cultured from a mesenteric lymph node harvested at laparotomy in a large series of patients . RESULTS: Culture of the mesenteric lymph nodes yielded growth in 51 out of a total of 447 patients studied (11.4%) . The isolates from 40 patients, a total of 60 organisms, were available for sensitivity testing . The most common species grown was Escherichia coli (48% of isolates) . Thirty-three patients (83%) grew organisms sensitive to the antibiotic prophylaxis used, but there was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative septic complications between these patients and those in whom resistant bacteria were grown (39% versus 29%, P = 0.64 Fisher's Exact test mid P) . CONCLUSIONS: The majority of translocating bacteria are sensitive to the prophylactic antibiotics commonly used in patients undergoing laparotomy . However, the occurrence of postoperative septic morbidity is independent of this variable.

J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg, 2002, 9(4), 515 - 8
Pancreatic tuberculosis; Sanabe N et al.; A 63-year-old Japanese man visited our institute with fever of unknown origin . Findings on preoperative imaging modalities were consistent with pancreatic carcinoma, but a positive tuberculin skin test indicated tuberculosis infection . Negative results for MycobacteriumDNA polymerase chain reaction from sputum and bone-marrow aspiration biopsy specimens ruled out pulmonary and miliary tuberculosis, respectively . Positron emission tomography (PET) with 2-{fluorine-18}-fluoro-2-deoxy- d-glucose (FDG) showed multiple labeled spots within the pancreas body and chest . Distal pancreatectomy was performed with a diagnosis of suspected pancreatic carcinoma, but the histological and microbiological diagnosis was Mycobacterium infection . A rare case of pancreatic tuberculosis evaluated by FDG PET is reported and discussed herein.

An Med Interna, 2002 Oct, 19(10), 521 - 3
{Acute hepatic failure in a teaching hospital: a review of 20 cases in the past seven years}; Iglesias Oliva L et al.; Acute liver failure (ALF) is a medical emergency which entails a multisistemic affectation almost always . Twenty cases of ALF have been reviewed in a teaching hospital with active liver transplantation programme . A high percentage of patients with alcohol abuse was observed although these patients did not have previously known hepatic damage . Although microbiological, toxicological and anatomopatological studies were performed in all cases, an important difficulty for establishing the etiologic agent was observed . We observed a worse prognosis in those patients older than 40, those with grade IV encephalophaty and those that did not undergo a liver transplantation . Most patients needed UCI attention and more than half died.

Gig Sanit, 2002 Sep-Oct, (5), 22 - 4
{New microbiological approach to analyzing the sanitary and ecological status of natural water reservoirs}; Bukharin OV et al.; The paper shows that in addition to the qualitative characteristics that are of rather informative value for evaluation of the sanitary and ecological conditions of environmental objects, there are suitable qualitative characteristics that may reveal the changes preceding irreversible changes in the natural environment . As such, the factors of persistence which are rather widely prevalent in aquatic microorganisms . By taking into account that the persistent properties of microorganisms label an ecological affiliation of bacteria, ecological type-specific differences of hydrobionts in persistent characteristics, they may be used as informative criteria for an indicator value in sanitary and ecological work . The value of these materials is great in the applied point of view as just now they open up vistas for microbiological monitoring and ecological studies of natural water reservoirs.

Eur J Nutr, 2002 Dec, 41(6), 279 - 86
Study of wheat breakfast rolls fortified with folic acid . The effect on folate status in women during a 3-month intervention; Johansson M et al.; BACKGROUND: Folate has come into focus due to its protective role against child birth defects such as neural tube defects (NTD) . Swedish authorities recommend all fertile women to increase their folate intake to 400 microg/day by eating folate-rich foods . Because not all women follow these recommendations, there is a discussion today about whether Sweden should introduce folic acid fortification in wheat flour and sifted rye flour . This decision needs knowledge about the bioavailability of folic acid from fortified foods . AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate effects of two folic acid fortification levels on folate status in healthy female volunteers and to study the folic acid stability during the baking procedure and storage of the fortified breakfast rolls . METHOD: Twenty-nine healthy women were recruited . Folic acid-fortified wheat breakfast rolls were baked with the purpose to contain 200 microg folic acid/roll (roll L) and 400 microg folic acid/roll (roll H) . Fourteen women were given one roll/day of roll L (group L) and 15 one roll/day of roll H (group H) during 12 weeks of intervention . Fasting venous blood samples were collected on days 0, 30, 60 and 90 . Serum homocysteine concentrations were determined using an immunoassay . Serum and erythrocyte folate concentrations were analysed using a protein-binding assay with fluorescent quantification . The folic acid concentration in the breakfast rolls was analysed by HPLC on days 0, 30, 60 and 90 . Total folate concentration was measured with microbiological assay on day 45 . RESULTS: Group L Group L had initially an average erythrocyte folate concentration of 577 +/- 93 nmol/L . After 90 days of intervention, an increase of 20 % (p < 0.05) was observed . At day 0, mean serum folate concentrations were 16.9 +/- 4.3 nmol/L . The mean serum folate concentrations increased by 30 % (p < 0.001) after 90 days . At day 0, mean serum homocysteine concentrations were 9.1 +/- 2.0 micromol/L, which decreased by 20 % (p < 0.01) after 30 days . Group H Group H had an initial erythrocyte folate concentration of 784 +/- 238 nmol/L . After 90 days, an increase of 26 % (p < 0.05) was observed . Serum folate increased at least 22 % after 30 days, from a level of 18.7 +/- 4.8 nmol/L at day 0 . Thereafter, all women of group H had serum concentrations at or above the upper limit of quantification (23 nmol/L) . At day 0, mean serum homocysteine concentrations were 8.4 +/- 1.7 micromol/L, which decreased by 16 % (p < 0.05) after 30 days . The baking procedure resulted in 20-25 % loss of fortified folic acid in the rolls used in the present study . The size of the rolls affected the retention of folic acid during baking . No significant loss was seen in folic acid concentration in the rolls during the intervention period . CONCLUSION: The present study showed that in healthy women, subjected to a 12-week intervention with breakfast rolls fortified with either 166 microg or 355 microg folic acid, serum homocysteine concentration decreased (p < 0.05) and erythrocyte folate increased (p < 0.05) . The lower level of fortification seems to be sufficient to improve the folate status . Together with the average daily intake of natural folates, these women reach the recommended intake of 400 microg/day . Folic acid is stable in fortified bread for 90 days storage at -20 degrees C.

Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol, 2002 Dec, 16(6), 913 - 22
Treatment of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in pregnancy; Genc MR; This chapter gives a systematic review of the literature on treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in pregnant women . The benefits of timely treatment of chlamydial infections in pregnant women are discussed . Antibiotic regimens commonly used for this purpose are identified . A meta-analysis based on randomized trials on pregnant women was performed to compare various antibiotic regimes in terms of microbiological cure, side-effects and tolerance . Data on safety related to the use of these antibiotics during pregnancy are summarized . Cost-effectiveness analyses on relevant antibiotic regimes for the treatment of uncomplicated chlamydial infection in women are identified . Their relevance and their shortcomings regarding the obstetric population are discussed . Treatment options for those who failed initial antibiotic treatment, as well as for the sexual partners of infected patients, are mentioned.

Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol, 2002 Dec, 16(6), 789 - 99
Microbiological aspects of the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis; Ostergaard L; The available diagnostic methods for Chlamydia trachomatis infection comprise serology (indirect detection) and culture, antigen detection and nucleic acid amplification (direct detection) . The rationale, applications, advantages and disadvantages of the methods and diagnostic targets are discussed . Compared to conventional methods, nucleic acid amplification tests have increased sensitivity . This allows samples to be taken at home by the patient herself and mailed directly to the laboratory . Public health strategies implying home sampling for asymptomatic men and women result in a lower prevalence and a lower risk of short-term complications in terms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) . The importance of predictive values and the association with prevalence are highlighted.

J Nutr, 2002 Dec, 132(12), 3566 - 76
(n-3) Fatty acids and infectious disease resistance; Anderson M et al.; The current view of the manner in which (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) affect the immune system is centered on their ability to alter cytokine production and secondarily to diminish eicosanoid biosynthesis . The purpose of this article is to review the evidence that (n-3) PUFA affect host infectious disease resistance . Although there have been a few human clinical trials involving (n-3) PUFA and human infectious disease, the data are equivocal and the study designs confounded by the simultaneous inclusion of other immunonutrients (i.e., arginine and nucleotides) with the (n-3) PUFA . Thus, this review focuses on animal feeding trials that include an in vivo challenge of the host with a live infectious agent . Host survival and pathogen clearance are the most common end points measured in these studies . The data suggest that (n-3) PUFA can both improve and impair host resistance to a number of pathogens . However, the data are still quite limited in breadth and depth . For those pathogens for which data exist, the number of published studies in general does not exceed two or three . Emphasis is placed on defining important microbiological and immunological differences in various host-pathogen interactions that might help explain the incongruity in the findings published to date . The authors believe that direct examination of (n-3) PUFA on human infectious disease resistance is warranted.

Semin Gastrointest Dis, 2002 Oct, 13(4), 221 - 31
Tropical malabsorption; Farthing MJ; Tropical malabsorption remains an important clinical problem for both the indigenous population of tropical countries and for short-term visitors and longer-term residents from the industrialized world . In young children, persistent diarrhea and malabsorption can result in severe retardation of growth and development . The most common cause is an intestinal infection notably the small intestinal protozoa including Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Isospora belli, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and the microsporidia . Tropical sprue still remains an important diagnostic option but is less common than it was 20 to 30 years ago . It is important to attempt to make a specific microbiological diagnosis as this will influence the choice of antibiotic . However, if laboratory facilities are not available, it is possible to offer empirical therapy although this may involve a trial of more than one antibiotic.

J Immunoassay Immunochem, 2002, 23(4), 479 - 96
Immunofluorescence detection of Escherichia coli in seawater: a comparison of various commercial antisera; Caruso G et al.; Through a microscopical method, relying on the interaction between fluorescent antibodies and target antigen, it is possible to detect and enumerate Escherichia coli in seawaters . Various commercial monoclonal and polyclonal antisera have been tested in an indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assay developed for microbiological monitoring of coastal waters . Prior to use, they have been titrated and screened for cross-reactions with a collection of clinical and environmental isolates . A comparison among counts obtained on field samples showed higher performance for microscopical than for plate methods, due to the ability of all antisera to label target cells specifically, regardless of their viability . Because of their different specificities, polyclonal antisera yielded better quantitative results than monoclonal antisera . The study further suggested the usefulness of the immunofluorescence assay as a rapid alternative analytical tool for the specific detection of bacterial pathogens in aquatic environments.

Med Microbiol Immunol (Berl), 2002 Dec, 191(3-4), 151 - 6 Epub 2002 Sep 14.
Acute respiratory diseases/influenza sentinel 2000/2001; Bigl S et al.; A sentinel surveillance system of the public health service for acute respiratory diseases (ARD), especially influenza, has been realized in the Free State of Saxony of Germany for 25 years . The epidemiological sentinel is based on weekly registration of morbidity and mathematical-statistical calculations . For a microbiological sentinel, a fast diagnosis by nucleic acid amplification techniques and improvements of sample management in connection with the rapid transmission of results have been introduced . In the present report, the ARD/influenza sentinel is demonstrated for the season 2000/2001 . The sentinel system provides scientific and practical information for a prophylactic and therapeutic control program . Economic significance has been proved by verifiable numerical data derived from several epidemiological and microbiological investigations . The realized system has been considered superior to the influenza surveillance scheme of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Influenza (AGI, Marburg, Germany) for all Germany and another system of a pharmaceutical company which is under construction.

J Clin Microbiol, 2002 Dec, 40(12), 4547 - 53
Normalized quantification of human cytomegalovirus DNA by competitive real-time PCR on the LightCycler instrument; Stocher M et al.; The development of a novel normalized quantitative competitive real-time PCR on the LightCycler instrument (NQC-LC-PCR) and its application to the quantification of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in clinical samples are described . A heterologous competitor DNA was spiked into test samples and served as an internal amplification control . The internal control (IC) DNA in the test samples was coamplified with the CMV DNA and was tested against a calibrator sample that contained equal amounts of IC DNA and CMV reference standard DNA . An algorithm was developed to normalize possible varying amplification efficiencies between the standard and the samples . After normalization, CMV DNA copy numbers were determined in absolute terms . In a routine clinical setting, normalized quantification by NQC-LC-PCR using a single IC concentration led to results ranging from 500 to 50,000 CMV DNA copies/ml . The results obtained with conventional real-time quantification on the LightCycler instrument were almost identical to those obtained with the NQC-LC-PCR-based quantification . This was the case only for samples in which the PCR was not inhibited . With partially inhibited samples, NQC-LC-PCR was still able to correctly quantify CMV DNA copy numbers even when the PCR was inhibited by about 70% . By analyzing 80 undefined clinical samples, we found that NQC-LC-PCR was suitable for the routine assessment of CMV DNA in clinical plasma samples . Since the ICs were already added to the samples during the DNA purification, almost the entire assay was controlled for sample adequacy . Thus, false negative results were precluded . The NQC-LC-PCR approach developed should be adaptable for additional microbiological applications.

BMC Microbiol . 2002 Nov 26;2(1):35.
Dynamics of success and failure in phage and antibiotic therapy in experimental infections; Bull JJ et al.; BACKGROUND: In 1982 Smith and Huggins showed that bacteriophages could be at least as effective as antibiotics in preventing mortality from experimental infections with a capsulated E . coli (K1) in mice . Phages that required the K1 capsule for infection were more effective than phages that did not require this capsule, but the efficacies of phages and antibiotics in preventing mortality both declined with time between infection and treatment, becoming virtually ineffective within 16 hours . RESULTS: We develop quantitative microbiological procedures that (1) explore the in vivo processes responsible for the efficacy of phage and antibiotic treatment protocols in experimental infections (the Resistance Competition Assay, or RCA), and (2) survey the therapeutic potential of phages in vitro (the Phage Replication Assay or PRA) . We illustrate the application and utility of these methods in a repetition of Smith and Huggins' experiments, using the E . coli K1 mouse thigh infection model, and applying treatments of phages or streptomycin . CONCLUSIONS: 1) The Smith and Huggins phage and antibiotic therapy results are quantitatively and qualitatively robust . (2) Our RCA values reflect the microbiological efficacies of the different phages and of streptomycin in preventing mortality, and reflect the decline in their efficacy with a delay in treatment . These results show specifically that bacteria become refractory to treatment over the term of infection . (3) The K1-specific and non-specific phages had similar replication rates on bacteria grown in broth (based on the PRA), but the K1-specific phage had markedly greater replication rates in mouse serum.

J Appl Microbiol, 2002, 93(6), 1059 - 64
Sterilization of instruments in solar ovens; Jorgensen AF et al.; AIMS: The sterilization of instruments in rural health clinics in less developed countries is an increasing problem as chemical methods can no longer be recommended and fuel wood is becoming increasingly scarce . It seems obvious, therefore, to utilize solar energy for sterilization purposes . METHODS AND RESULTS: A solar oven was designed and manufactured using local materials and simple tools . It was tested by physical, chemical and microbiological methods and, after successful testing, installed in a rural clinic . The oven was able to generate temperatures above 180 degrees C . On days with direct sunlight the oven fulfilled the international recommendations for hot air sterilization . The chemical indicators, Browne's tubes type 3 and 5, also changed colour . It was difficult to reach the right value for the sterilization effect during months with a low sun position . A moveable oven, or two ovens, must be installed to solve this problem . CONCLUSIONS: The solar oven has proven to be a realistic method for the sterilization of instruments . SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The solar oven is easy to make and use . It saves fuel and can be used in most tropical areas.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol, 2002 Nov, 23(11), 665 - 70
An outbreak of diarrhea in a neonatal medium care unit caused by a novel strain of rotavirus: investigation using both epidemiologic and microbiological methods; Widdowson MA et al.; OBJECTIVE: In December 1999, an outbreak of diarrhea was reported in a general hospital neonatal medium care unit (NMCU) caused by a novel strain of rotavirus with genotype P{6}, G9 . An investigation was conducted to determine risk factors for illness among neonates . DESIGN: Rotavirus diagnosis was by latex agglutination and typing by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction . A case-control study was performed using data collected from medical records on exposures in a 3-day period before illness (cases) or a random 3-day period (controls) . Environmental swabs were tested for rotavirus . Antenatal blood samples from mothers and blood samples provided by hospital staff were analyzed for rotavirus antibodies . RESULTS: Fifty-six cases of rotaviral illness were confirmed by latex agglutination . Forty-seven of these were among 118 neonates exposed to the NMCU (attack rate, 40%) . There was a 4-week period with no clinical cases in the course of the outbreak . Increased frequency (> or = 15 times in 3 days) of ungloved nasogastric feeding was a significant risk factor (adjusted odds ratio, 8.79), controlling for birth weight and gestational age . Environmental sampling showed persistence of the virus on ward surfaces despite cleaning . None of 24 NMCU staff members had high levels of antibodies against P{6}, G9 . Three (8%) of 38 mothers had high antibody levels; 2 had infants who became ill . The outbreak ended with a 7-day ward closure, disinfection, and introduction of gloved nasogastric feeding . CONCLUSIONS: Case-control studies can be successful in identiffying risk factors for nosocomial outbreaks of diarrhea . High levels of rotavirus antibodies in mothers may not protect infants . The environment may be the most important reservoir of rotavirus during outbreaks.

Ugeskr Laeger, 2002 Nov 4, 164(45), 5245 - 9
{Vaginal discharge--diagnosis and treatment in general practice}; Bro F et al.; Based on a review of the literature, this article describes the most common causes of vaginal discharge including changes in the woman's perception of her vaginal secretion, disturbances in the vaginal microbiological environment (vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis), and infection with Chlamydia trachomatis . The article attempts to answer a number of questions which this condition poses to the clinician . It is concluded that with the available diagnostic possibilities the general practitioner is in a good position to make a correct diagnosis and institute an effective treatment.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2002 Dec, 68(12), 5990 - 8
Distribution of human virus contamination in shellfish from different growing areas in Greece, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom; Formiga-Cruz M et al.; Viral pollution in shellfish has been analyzed simultaneously across a wide range of geographical regions, with emphasis on the concomitant variations in physicochemical characteristics and social features . The methods for sample treatment and for the detection of human enteric viruses were optimized by the participating laboratories . The second part of this study involves the selection of a protocol for virus detection, which was validated by analyzing the distribution and concentration of human viral pathogens under diverse conditions during an 18-month period in four European countries . Shellfish-growing areas from diverse countries in the north and south of Europe were defined and studied, and the microbiological quality of the shellfish was analyzed . Human adenovirus, Norwalk-like virus, and enterovirus were identified as contaminants of shellfish in all the participating countries . Hepatitis A virus was also isolated in all areas except Sweden . The seasonal distribution of viral contamination was also described . Norwalk-like virus appeared to be the only group of viruses that demonstrated seasonal variation, with lower concentrations occurring during warm months . The depuration treatments currently applied were shown to be adequate for reducing Escherichia coli levels but ineffective for the elimination of viral particles . The human adenoviruses detected by PCR correlate with the presence of other human viruses and could be useful as a molecular index of viral contamination in shellfish.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 2002 Aug, 81(1-4), 271 - 82
Biogeochemistry and microbial ecology of methane oxidation in anoxic environments: a review; Valentine DL; Evidence supporting a key role for anaerobic methane oxidation in the global methane cycle is reviewed . Emphasis is on recent microbiological advances . The driving force for research on this process continues to be the fact that microbial communities intercept and consume methane from anoxic environments, methane that would otherwise enter the atmosphere . Anaerobic methane oxidation is biogeochemically important because methane is a potent greenhouse gas in the atmosphere and is abundant in anoxic environments . Geochemical evidence for this process has been observed in numerous marine sediments along the continental margins, in methane seeps and vents, around methane hydrate deposits, and in anoxic waters . The anaerobic oxidation of methane is performed by at least two phylogenetically distinct groups of archaea, the ANME-1 and ANME-2 . These archaea are frequently observed as consortia with sulfate-reducing bacteria, and the metabolism of these consortia presumably involves a syntrophic association based on interspecies electron transfer . The archaeal member of a consortium apparently oxidizes methane and shuttles reduced compounds to the sulfate-reducing bacteria . Despite recent advances in understanding anaerobic methane oxidation, uncertainties still remain regarding the nature and necessity of the syntrophic association, the biochemical pathway of methane oxidation, and the interaction of the process with the local chemical and physical environment . This review will consider the microbial ecology and biogeochemistry of anaerobic methane oxidation with a special emphasis on the interactions between the responsible organisms and their environment.

Water Res, 2002 Dec, 36(20), 5045 - 56
Survey of users and providers of recycled water: quality concerns and directions for applied research; Higgins J et al.; Users and providers of recycled water in Queensland, Australia, were canvassed to ascertain concerns about recycled water quality and directions for applied research . Some 79% of respondents had concerns about recycled water quality including microbiological components, such as viruses, parasites and bacteria, salinity related components, aggregate components, such as pH and solids, nutrients, organic components, including pesticides and endocrine disruptors, as well as quality variability . Relative differences in the proportion of concern for some quality characteristics were observed between the areas of different population density with those from the low population areas being more concerned than those from medium or high areas . Some users and providers observed changes in recycled water quality during distribution including nutrients, chlorine, solids, colour and odour . Some 52% of providers and 19% of current users propose to expand their usage and 30% of non-users propose to commence doing so in the next 5 years . Recycled water quality characteristics identified for applied research included microbiological components, organic components, nutrients and salinity.

Am J Hematol, 2002 Dec, 71(4), 248 - 55
Cefepime or carbapenem treatment for febrile neutropenia as a single agent is as effective as a combination of 4th-generation cephalosporin + aminoglycosides: comparative study; Tamura K et al.; 1998, a consensus meeting was held in Miyazaki, Japan, to develop an approach to management of febrile neutropenia (FN) . The K-HOT study group decided to examine whether this proposal was applicable to clinical practice in a multicenter study . Patients who developed fever with neutrophil counts <1,000/microL were randomized to receive either a single antibiotic, cefepime or one of the carbapenems, or a combination of cefepime and an aminoglycoside . Patients who became afebrile within the first 3 days were continued on the same treatment . Patients who remained febrile were switched to a combination regimen if they were randomized to receive a single agent, and patients on combination medication were changed from cefepime to another cephalosporin . A total of 165 patients were entered into the trial . One hundred fifty-three patients were evaluable for response . The average age was 52 years, and 70% of the patients had acute leukemia . Severe neutropenia, defined as <100/microL at the time of FN, was seen in 62% of the patients on entry and during the course of treatment 71% of patients experienced neutrophil counts of <100/microL . Microbiologically documented infection was seen in 6.5% for monotherapy, and 10.5% for a combination treatment, and fever of unknown origin occurred in 75.3% and 59.2% of the patients in each regimen, respectively . Excellent to good response was seen in two-thirds of the patients in all treatment groups . Adverse events were minimal, and three early deaths were observed at days 9, 16, and 16 among patients treated with a single antibiotic and three in the combination regimen group at days 14, 15, and 20 . These results indicate that cefepime or a carbapenem alone is as effective as a combination of cefepime and an aminoglycoside for treating FN .

J Clin Periodontol, 2002 Oct, 29(10), 910 - 21
Use of barrier membranes and systemic antibiotics in the treatment of intraosseous defects; Loos BG et al.; OBJECTIVES: Current literature is ambivalent on the use of barrier membranes for regeneration of intraosseous defects . One of the reasons for unpredictable results may be related to infection before, during and after the surgical procedure . Therefore, the purpose of the present controlled study was to evaluate both the use of membranes (MEM) and antibiotics (AB), separately and in combination . METHODS: In all, 25 patients with two intraosseous periodontal defects each were randomized in two groups: AB+ group receiving systemic antibiotics (n = 13) and AB- group without antibiotics (n = 12) . After raising flaps and after debridement, both defects in each patient were covered by a bioresorbable membrane (MEM+) . However, just before suturing the flaps in a coronal position, the membrane over one of the two defects was removed at random (MEM-) . This protocol resulted in four groups of defects: (i) . MEM- AB-; (ii) . MEM+ AB-; (iii) . MEM- AB+; (iv) . MEM+ AB+ . Patients were monitored clinically and microbiologically for 1 year . Data were analyzed in repeated measures ancova's and adjusted means for clinical variables were obtained from the final statistical model . RESULTS: Reduction in probing pocket depth (PPD) at 12 months postoperatively varied between 2.54 and 3.06 mm between the four treatment modalities, but overall no main effect of MEM or AB was found . Gains in probing attachment level (PAL) at 12 months postoperatively varied between 0.56 and 1.96 mm for the 4 treatments . In the overall analysis for PAL, no main effect of MEM or AB was found . Gains in probing bone level (PBL) 12 months postoperatively ranged from 1.39 to 2.09 mm between the treatment groups . Again, overall, no main effects of MEM or AB were found for PBL . Explorative statistical analyses indicated that smoking and not MEM or AB is a determining factor for gain in PBL (P = 0.0009) . Nonsmokers were estimated to gain 2.04 mm PBL compared to 0.52 mm in smokers . The prevalence of several periodontal pathogens, at the day of surgery or postoperatively, and specific defect characteristics, were not determining factors for gain in PAL and PBL . CONCLUSIONS: Neither the application of barrier membranes nor the use of systemic antibiotics showed an additional effect over control on both soft and hard tissue measurements in the treatment of intraosseous defects . In contrast, smoking was a determining factor severely limiting gain in PBL in surgical procedures aimed at regeneration of intraosseous defects.

J Clin Periodontol, 2002 Oct, 29(10), 875 - 81
Effect of a controlled-release chlorhexidine chip on clinical and microbiological parameters of periodontal syndrome; Grisi DC et al.; AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a controlled-released chlorhexidine chip (CHX) as adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis . MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients with at least four sites with probing depth >or= 5 mm and bleeding on probing were selected . This randomized single-blind study was carried out in parallel design . The control group received SRP alone, while the test group received SRP plus CHX chip . The clinical parameters, Plaque Index (PlI), Papillary Bleeding Score (PBS), Bleeding on Probing (BOP), Gingival Recession (GR), Probing Depth (PD) and Relative Attachment Level (RAL), and the microbiological parameter BANA test were recorded at baseline and after 3, 6 and 9 months . RESULTS: Both groups presented significant improvements in all parameters analyzed over the study period . There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups for any parameter analyzed after 9 months, except for BOP, which was significantly reduced in the control group . The mean reductions on PD and RAL were 2.4 mm and 1.0 mm for the control group and 2.2 mm and 0.6 mm for the test group, respectively . CONCLUSION: The CHX chip did not provide any clinical or microbiological benefit beyond that achieved with conventional scaling and root planning, after a 9-month period.

Lik Sprava, 2002 Jul-Sep, (5-6), 59 - 62
{The role and place of long-term intraarterial catheter therapy in the treatment of pyo-necrotic lesions of the foot in the presence of diabetes mellitus}; Karimov ShI et al.; Results were studied of examination and treatment of 127 patients with diabetes mellitus complicated by pyo-necrotic lesions of the foot . Group I (control group) comprised 90 patients who were given a long-term intraarterial catheter therapy involving administration of antibiotics on a continuous drop-by-drop basis . Group II (main group) was 37 patients who received the above therapy with a stream-like (half the daily dose) intraarterial administration of antibiotics at regular intervals against the background of their drop-by-drop administration . Exudation and necrotic tissues taken from the wound served as material for the microbiological procedures to be done . In the control group, results were considered to be good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory in 24 (36.4%), 36 (40.5%), 25 (27.5%) patients respectively . There were five fatalities (5.6%) . Eight patients were reoperated on . In the main group, good results were obtained in 37.7 percent of cases (n = 12), with 24 (59.8%) patients having displayed satisfactory, 1 (2.7%) patient--unsatisfactory results . There were two deaths . Four patients were reoperated on.

J Vet Sci, 2002 Jun, 3(2), 135 - 40
Study on Histoplasmosis (epizootic lymphangitis) in cart-horses in Ethiopia; Ameni G et al.; A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Histoplasma farciminosum in 2,907 carthorses using clinical and microbiological examinations at three towns (Debre Zeit, Mojo and Nazareth), Central Ethiopia, between December 1999 and January 2001 . An overall prevalence of 26.2% (762/2,907) was recorded; the highest prevalence (39.1%) being recorded at Mojo whereas the lowest (21.1%) was recorded at Nazareth . The difference in prevalence among the three towns was highly significant (chi(2) = 76.92, P<0.0001) . Carthorses found at Mojo {OR =2.4, CI=(1.9-3.0), P<0.0001} and Debre Zeit {OR=1.9, CI=(1.5-2.3), P<0.0001} were at higher risk of infection than those found at Nazareth . The mycelial and yeast forms of the Histoplasma capsulatum variety farciminosum were isolated on the Sabouraud's dextrose agar . The results of the present study showed the rampant occurrence of histoplasmosis farciminosi at the three towns and indicates the need for further nationwide investigation into the disease to design sound control strategy.

Akush Ginekol (Sofiia), 2002, 41(5), 28 - 33
{Pelvic inflammatory disease-- microbial findings}; Shopova E; During the period 1997-2001 in the Microbiological laboratory of University Hospital "Maichin don" 20 women with clinical diagnoses of obs . kysta ovarii, 3 with obs . grav . extrauterina, 9 with pyosalpinx, 37 with TOA, 14 women with pelveoperitonitis were examined . The microbial findings of examined aspirates from CD and materials taken by means of surgical intervention have been presented . The importance of the evaluation of direct microscopical preparation (dmp) from the materials examined fir any existing inflammatory process has been clearly defined . In 14 of the cases (19.1%) in the presence of lot of Leuc in dmp the examined purulent collections didn't show evidence of growth of microorganisms . In the age group 16-25 in 4 of the examined 29 women with acute PID there has been found a positive culture of N . gonorrhoeae . The highest percentage as the cause of TOA and pelveoperitonitis has been attributed to association of microorganisms with anaerobic species having the leading part.

Clin Transplant, 2002 Dec, 16(6), 450 - 4
A standardized protocol for the treatment of severe pneumonia in kidney transplant recipients; Sileri P et al.; Although the incidence of pneumonia after kidney transplantation is the lowest among all solid organ transplants, it is associated with high mortality rate (40-50%) . We evaluated the efficacy of a protocol consisting of bronco-alveolar-lavage (BAL) for early microbiological diagnosis, reduction of the immunosuppressive therapy, and prompt administration of standardized antibiotic regimen in renal transplant recipients with severe pneumonia . Between 6/1989 and 5/1999, 40 kidney transplant recipients developed 46 episodes of severe pneumonia (hypoxia and/or infiltrate on the chest X-ray) . According to protocol, in all these cases, a BAL was immediately performed and empirical antibiotic therapy was initiated with erythromycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole i.v . Furthermore, the immunosuppressive therapy was drastically reduced . Analyses of BAL fluid included cell differential count, cytopathologic examination and cultures for bacteria, fungi and viruses . Within 48 h, the therapy was switched to proper i.v . antibiotics, if necessary, according to the results of sensitivity testing of BAL specimens . The mortality rate was 12.5% (5 of 40) . Mechanical ventilation was required in 20 cases (34.5%) and four of the patients that required intubation died . BAL alone established a diagnosis in 67.4% (31 of 46) of the patients . Bacteria were responsible for 61% of the episodes, with fungi responsible for 29% and viruses for 10% . Seven cases of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia were treated with the prolongation of the initial therapy . We conclude that a combination of early detection of the responsible pathogen by BAL, aggressive reduction of the immunosuppressive therapy and the immediate empirical administration of erythromycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is an effective strategy to treat pneumonia kidney transplantation (KTX) recipients.

Minerva Stomatol, 2002 Jul-Aug, 51(7-8), 319 - 26
{Environmental monitoring of infective risks in Italian dental offices}; Monarca S et al.; BACKGROUND: Bacterial contamination in dental offices plays a primary role in the evaluation of infective risks for patients and dental personnel . The aim of the research was to study bacterial contamination in eight Italian dental offices by investigating the water of dental units, the air and certain surfaces (push-button panel and instrument cabinet) in order to evaluate potential risks in dental practices . METHODS: The water underwent a microbiological test as specified by Italian law (DPR 236/88) . The water was sampled from the hoses and air/water syringes of twenty dental units . The microbiological analysis of the air was performed using sedimentation plates to evaluate microbial fall-out . The microbiological analysis of the surfaces was performed using membrane filters to evaluate microbial accumulation . RESULTS: The research showed bacteriological contamination of the dental unit water in all the dental offices . During the working activity total bacteriological counts in the air fall-out were fairly high and the surfaces examined showed some widespread bacterial contamination in dental practices . The results of this study show the importance of routine monitoring of microbial contamination of dental offices and, in case of contamination, the need to apply disinfection treatments for the waterlines and preventive measures for the aerosol reduction . CONCLUSIONS: Our research was used to work out a program for the prevention of environmental contamination in dental offices.

JOP, 2002 Nov, 3(6), 162 - 8
Mechanisms involved in the onset of post-ERCP pancreatitis; Pezzilli R et al.; In various prospective studies, the frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis ranges from 1 to 14% . After exposure to trigger events, injury to the gland occurs extremely rapidly . In experimental models of acute pancreatitis, it has been suggested that digestive enzyme activation might occur within acinar cells and it has been shown that in the early stages of acute pancreatitis induced by secretagogues or by diet, there is a co-localization of digestive enzymes and lysosomal hydrolases within large cytoplasm vacuoles; this co-localization mechanism might result in activation of the digestive enzyme . In this article, we will review the trigger events which may determine the final effect of acute pancreatitis during ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy: mechanical, chemical, enzymatic and microbiological . Nonetheless, factors related to the patient and the physician will be considered . Finally, the hypothesis of activation of chemokines by endoscopic maneuvers as a cause of acute pancreatitis will be described.

Eur J Haematol, 2002 Oct, 69(4), 254 - 6
Imatinib-induced acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) in two patients with chronic myeloid leukemia; Schwarz M et al.; Imatinib mesylate blocks bcr/abl kinase activity effectively, and thus is a promising drug in Philadelphia chromosome positive leukemias . While under imatinib treatment high hematological and cytogenetic response rates could be observed, usually only mild non-hematological side-effects like skin rash, edema, and muscular cramps occur . Here we report two severe cases of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis due to imatinib . In both patients the generalized pustular eruptions could be observed 12 wk after initiation of imatinib treatment . Numerous microbiological investigations excluded an infectious etiology, and histopathology of cutaneous lesions was consistent with acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis . Accordingly, withdrawal of imatinib led to a restitutio at integrum of the integument . Our report confirms another single observation of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis in chronic myeloid leukemia under imatinib therapy, and confirms that this is a rare but proven adverse effect of imatinib.

Int J Food Microbiol, 2003 Jan 15, 80(1), 55 - 9
Candida humilis--dominant species in sourdoughs for the production of durum wheat bran flour bread; Gullo M et al.; Yeasts present in the sourdough that is generally used for the production of durum wheat bran flour bread wereisolated and identified . Samples were taken during the rebuilding phase and at different intervals of time in order to monitor the population dynamics . The results obtained from the phenotypic studies were further confirmed by the molecular studies and enabled us to affirm that most of the strains, more than 95%, belong to the species Candida humilis . The dominance of C . humilis was steady in time . The isolations were carried out at sufficiently long intervals so that it was possible to ascertain that the conditions in which the sourdough is kept are fundamental to the microbiological stability of the dough.

Nat Prod Rep, 2002 Oct, 19(5), 650 - 72
Natural sesquiterpenoids; Fraga BM; This review covers the isolation, structural determination, synthesis and chemical and microbiological transformations of natural sesquiterpenoids . The literature from January to December 2001 is reviewed, and 404 references are cited.

J Food Prot, 2002 Nov, 65(11), 1780 - 3
Combined effects of lactic acid and nisin solution in reducing levels of microbiological contamination in red meat carcasses; Barboza de Martinez Y et al.; Changes in bacterial counts on beef carcasses at specific points during slaughter and fabrication were determined, and the effectiveness of nisin, lactic acid, and a combination of the lactic acid and nisin in reducing levels of microbiological contamination was assessed . Swab samples were obtained from the surfaces of randomly selected beef carcasses . Carcasses were swabbed from the neck, brisket, and renal site after skinning, splitting, and washing . Treatments involving lactic acid (1.5%), nisin (500 IU/ml), or a mixture of nisin and lactic acid were applied after the neck area was washed . A control group was not sprayed . Results indicated that the highest prevalence of aerobic plate counts (APCs), total coliforms, and Escherichia coli was found in the neck site after splitting, and the lowest level of microbial contamination was found after skinning . Washing with water did not significantly reduce the bacterial load . The largest reduction in APCs, total coliforms, and E . coli occurred on carcasses treated with a mixture of nisin and lactic acid . A mixture of nisin and lactic acid can be applied to beef carcasses through spray washing and can reduce bacterial populations by 2 log units.

Fam Pract, 2002 Dec, 19(6), 658 - 60
How do GPs diagnose and manage acute infective conjunctivitis? A GP survey; Everitt H et al.; OBJECTIVE: To determine GPs' diagnosis and management of acute infective conjunctivitis (AIC)-one of the commonest but least researched acute infections seen in primary care . METHODS: A postal questionnaire survey of 300 GPs from two Health Authorities in Southern England . RESULTS: 236 (78%) GPs returned the questionnaire . 92% of those responding felt confident or very confident in the diagnosis of AIC . 95% usually prescribe topical antibiotics for AIC despite 58% stating that they thought at least half of the cases they see are viral in origin and only 36% believing that they could discriminate between bacterial and viral infection . There was considerable variability in GPs' use of individual signs to make the diagnosis of AIC (from 99% using eye discharge to 31% using conjunctival oedema) and in the features used to discriminate viral from bacterial infection (from 87% using type of discharge to 47% using amount of discharge) . GPs rarely perform eye swabs or give patient information leaflets to patients with AIC . CONCLUSION: Most GPs still prescribe topical antibiotics for most cases of AIC-a condition where only half of the cases are likely to be due to a bacterial infection, and even bacterial infections are self-limiting . Further research is needed to explore the potential benefits and disadvantages of topical antibiotics, and to develop clinical or microbiological methods to help GPs to target antibiotic prescription.

Nutr Hosp, 2002 Sep-Oct, 17(5), 223 - 30
{Experimental study of the immunomodulator effect of pentoxifylline in bacterial translocation produced by lipid-free parenteral nutrition}; Garcia Coret MJ et al.; INTRODUCTION: Bacterial translocation (BT) leads to sepsis of intestinal origin and, despite current advances, there is a high level of mortality and morbidity as a result of this . We have attempted to investigate whether such an immunity modulating substance as Pentoxiphylline (PX) might diminish or inhibit BT . We have chosen PX because it has immunity modulation actions and inhibits the synthesis and action of TNF-alpha, which seems to be linked to the progress of these conditions towards multiple organ failures . MATERIAL AND METHOD: An experimental study was performed with 4 groups of 20 Wistar rats subjected to lipid-free parenteral nutrition (PN) over 7 days . Group A: PN; group B: PN + 50 mg/kg of PX; group C: PN + 100 mg/kg; and group D: PN + 134 mg/kg . On day 7, a sterile extraction was effected to remove the mesenteric ganglial chain, liver, blood and intestine, and these samples were processed for the quantitative and qualitative microbiological study, the histological study of the intestinal mucosa and the quantification of TNF-alpha . The data obtained were subsequently analyzed statistically . RESULTS: The quantitative microbiological study revealed that, with statistically significant differences, more colonies grew in the lymphatic ganglion, liver and blood of animals belonging to group A . The germ most frequently identified was E . Coli . In the study of TNF-alpha, the greatest value corresponded to group A, again with statistically significant differences . In the histological study, it was observed that group A showed the greatest atrophy . CONCLUSIONS: Our experimental model is valid as a model of BT, in group A, without PX, a total of 16 BT occurred while in the groups with PX the number of BT fell, as did the serum figures for TNF-alpha.

Clin Microbiol Infect, 2002 Sep, 8(9), 541 - 4
Tuberculosis in children-is PCR the diagnostic solution?
Gomez-Pastrana D.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been recently incorporated as a diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of tuberculosis . The benefit of rapid results and greater sensitivity compared with traditional microbiological methods makes PCR a suitable technique in childhood tuberculosis, especially when diagnosis is difficult or when urgent diagnosis is needed . However, the possibility of false-positive results must be considered, especially if the clinical and epidemiologic context of the child make the diagnosis of tuberculosis improbable . The commercial 'Amplicor PCR test' lacks good sensitivity and specificity and it would be necessary to develop other commercial easy-to-use PCR kits that provides better yield.

Pharmacol Toxicol, 2002 Sep, 91(3), 123 - 8
Antidiabetogenic effect of fusidic acid in diabetes prone BB rats: a sex-dependent organ accumulation of the drug is seen; Hageman I et al.; Fusidic acid and its sodium salt (fusidin) are widely used antistaphylococcal drugs which possesses immunomodulatory properties . This prompted us to investigate whether high concentrations of fusidin could lower the diabetes incidence in diabetes-prone BB (BioBreeding) rats . As fusidin has previously been claimed to be poorly absorbed in rats after oral administration we wanted to measure the activity of the drug in various organs . Three groups of BB rats were used: 63 rats received fusidin dissolved in drinking water; 65 rats received chow containing fusidin; and 72 rats served as controls . The content of fusidin in the organs were examined microbiologically . The incidence of diabetes was significantly lower in the two fusidin-treated groups compared to the control group . The incidence was lower for male than for female rats in both experimental groups while no gender difference was seen in the control group . The female rats had a substantially higher content of fusidin in their organs than the males regardless of the administration way and regardless of diabetes outbreak or not . Interestingly, the fusidin treated non-diabetic rats displayed a lower random blood glucose level than the controls . In conclusion, fusidin is well absorbed after oral administration and it significantly reduces the diabetes incidence in BB rats . Fusidin accumulates substantially more in female rats which may be due to the steroid structure of fusidin . Whether the same phenomenon takes place in human beings is not known.

Z Rheumatol, 2002 Aug, 61(4), 378 - 88
{New aspects of bacteriological pathogen diagnosis in rheumatic diseases}; Kuipers JG et al.; Microbiological diagnosis for rheumatic diseases is increasingly used as part of the diagnostic work-up in rheumatological practice due to growing knowledge about bacteria-induced rheumatic diseases . This review's focus lies on rheumatic diseases, which in contrast to septic-infectious arthritis, are characterized by the inability to culture bacteria from the inflammed joint . These reactive arthritides occur after primary extraarticular bacterial infection . The etiological diagnosis of reactive arthritis is based on the detection of a previous or ongoing bacterial infection . Diagnosis is performed by serology or direct detection of the bacterial organism or parts thereof at the site of entry and recently by molecularbiology-based detection of the bacteria in the inflamed joint . This review reflects the current diagnostic approaches and formulates diagnostic algorithms for specific and well-directed microbiological diagnosis.

Clin Nephrol, 2002 Nov, 58(5), 356 - 62
Eleven years of experience with dialysis associated tuberculosis; Malik GH et al.; BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in dialysis patients and to determine its clinical features and results of short-course (6 months) chemotherapy, mortality and risk factors of mortality . METHODS: The study included 48 TB patients among 330 patients on dialysis of whom 37 were on hemodialysis and 11 were on peritoneal dialysis at Security Forces Hospital in the period from October 1989 to October 2000 . The diagnosis of TB was established by a combination of clinical, radiological, biochemical, microbiological and histological examinations . Treatment with anti-TB drugs, the results of therapy and the outcome of patients were noted . RESULTS: There were 32 males and 16 females with age ranges of 18 -89 (mean = 53.4) and 40 - 70 (mean 57.9) years, respectively . Their duration on dialysis ranged from 1 month to 10 years (mean = 26 months) . The presenting clinical features were fever (32), cough (16), weight loss (9), and anorexia (7) . The organ systems involved were pulmonary (23), peritoneal (15), lymphadenopathy (11), pericardial (4), bone TB (3), bone marrow (2), epididimo-orchitis (1), right infraclavicular chest wall cold abscess (1), right infrascapular cold abscess (1) and right renal mass (1) . Single organ system involvement was noted in 36 patients, 2 systems in 10 patients and 3 systems in 2 patients . Two patients were treated empirically with good response . Evidence of tuberculosis was obtained from chest X-rays (23), bone X-rays (3), spinal MRIs (1), AFB (stain and culture) of sputum and fluid (15), ascitic fluid examination with exudate and raised adenine deaminase (ADA) levels (12), lymph node biopsy (8), pleural fluid examination with exudate and raised ADA levels (5), bone marrow aspiration (2), exudative pericardial fluid with raised ADA levels (2), nephrectomy and histopathology (1), dorsal spine biopsy (1) and laparotomy and biopsy ofperitoneum (1) . Thirty-two patients received 4 anti-TB drugs: isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (Rif), pyrazinamide (Pyra) and ethambutol (Eth), 10 received 3 drugs (INH, Rif and Pyra or Eth), 2 received 2 drugs (INH + Rif) and a modified regimen was used in 3 . The drug toxicities noted were hepatoxicity (5) and INH encephalopathy prior to the routine use of pyridoxine 100 mg daily (3), INH-induced SLE (1) and pyrazinamide-induced thrombocytopenia (1) . The outcome of the patients was cured (35), expired (13), and 1 patient expired before starting therapy . Tuberculosis was not the direct cause of death in any of the patients . CONCLUSION: The incidence of TB in dialysis patients is 26 times more common than in the general Saudi population and a high index of suspicion is needed for early diagnosis and treatment . Extrapulmonary TB was noted in 52% of the patients . Short-course (6 months) chemotherapy is effective . INH-induced CNS toxicity is significant.

Eur J Pediatr, 2002 Nov, 161(11), 563 - 74 Epub 2002 Sep 11.
Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised children; Muller FM et al.; Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a serious life-threatening complication in immunocompromised children . The commonest risk groups are children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, leukaemia, corticosteroid and other immunosuppressive therapy, chronic granulomatous disease and severe combined immunodeficiency as well as neonates . The clinical manifestations are heterogeneous and many organ systems can be involved . Diagnosis based on the clinical presentation alone is cumbersome . Innovative and sensitive laboratory test systems which detect fungal antigens or DNA in clinical specimens have been recently developed . Specific Aspergillus antibody detection using recombinant antigen technique has also been introduced . Although each individual technique has drawbacks, the combined use of culture with antigen and antibody ELISA as well as PCR should result in an earlier and more definitive diagnosis of IA in children presenting with clinical and/or radiological signs of aspergillosis . In high risk children these methods are valuable for serial screening and early detection of Aspergillus infection . The implementation of accurate diagnostic criteria and standardised diagnostic flow charts in children at risk will lead to a better outcome of IA in the future . CONCLUSION: definite, well-timed early diagnosis and sufficient therapy is elementary for a successful outcome of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised children . To date, the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis remains a combination of clinical presentation, radiology and microbiological tests.

J Clin Virol, 2002 Dec, 25(3), 303 - 7
Confirmation of an outbreak of parvovirus B19 in a primary school using IgM ELISA and PCR on thumb prick blood samples; Hoebe CJ et al.; BACKGROUND: Although parvovirus infections are usually benign and self-limiting, it is important to confirm the diagnosis in a public health setting which might involve pregnant women and in which an outbreak could lead to medical consequences . In these situations, microbiological confirmation by thumb prick is a relatively low-invasive method that is simple to carry out . OBJECTIVE AND STUDY DESIGN: Because relatively small blood volumes are obtained in thumb prick blood samples, we compared the results of two different techniques during an outbreak of erythema infectiosum: the usual serological detection of IgM antibodies (ELISA) versus PCR-based detection of viral DNA . RESULTS: In a school-based outbreak, 39 cases (33 schoolchildren, three parents, three pre-schoolers) were registered over a period of 11 weeks . Sera were obtained from 23 of the school cases and two of the three parent cases . Of all thumb prick serum samples, 65% (15/23) tested positive or borderline positive for parvovirus IgM with ELISA, while 70% (16/23) tested positive or borderline positive with PCR . Although the overlap between the two tests was large (11 samples tested positive or borderline positive in both), a substantial number of samples showed contradictory results (nine samples) . CONCLUSION: The overall picture of 37 clinical cases of erythema infectiosum and two adult cases with arthritis, linked to a primary school, fits in well with positive diagnostic results by either technique for parvovirus B19, convincingly demonstrating an outbreak of fifth disease . The considerable number of discrepancies in sample results demonstrates that maximum sensitivity of parvovirus testing would require both tests to be performed.

J Infect, 2002 Nov, 45(4), 268 - 71
Disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection among HIV-infected patients in Manipur state, India; Ranjana KH et al.; OBJECTIVE: To further describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Penicillium marneffei infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients in India . METHODS: In continuation of our earlier report of four autochthonous cases of P . marneffei infection in HIV infected patients from Manipur, a northeastern state of India, we studied additional 46 cases of penicilliosis marneffei from the same area over a period of 19 months (April 1998-October 1999) . Clinical, microbiological features, and therapeutic responses were analyzed in 36 of the 46 patients as ten patients were lost to follow-up . RESULTS: Of the 198 HIV positive patients attending the J . N . Medical Hospital, Imphal, Manipur state during the period mentioned, 46 (25%) had P . marneffei disseminated infection . Of the 36 patients analyzed 31 (86%) were intravenous drug abusers, 1 had multiple sex partners, and 3 females acquired HIV infection from their respective spouses . A 9-year-old child acquired HIV infection by vertical transmission . The common clinical symptoms included fever (97%), weight loss (100%), weakness (86%), anemia (86%), and characteristic skin lesions (81%) . Presumptive diagnosis was made by microscopic examination of Wright's-stained smears of fine needle aspirated material from skin lesions and lymph nodes showing numerous intracellular and extracellular, oval, elongated, yeast-like cells dividing by fission . The etiologic agent P . marneffei was isolated in culture from clinical materials in 10 cases when isolation was attempted . All patients were treated with oral itraconazole . All, except one patient, responded favorably to treatment within 7 days . CONCLUSION: Thus, the present cases further confirm the endemicity of penicilliosis marneffei in Manipur and resemble the epidemiology and clinical course of patients from other parts of south-east Asia.

J Microsc, 2002 Nov, 208(Pt 2), 116 - 33
Determination of the water droplet size distribution of fat spreads using confocal scanning laser microscopy; Van Dalen G; Knowledge of the water droplet size distribution of fat spreads is necessary for the development and production of high quality microbiological safe products . Fat spreads are water-in-oil emulsions . The water droplet size distribution can be determined by confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) after staining the fat with Nile Red . The profiles of the non-fluorescent water droplets in the 2D images are identified and measured using image analysis . The 'true' water droplet size distribution is calculated from the distribution of the measured profile diameters using a Wicksell transformation of log-normal distributions . The influence of the fluorescent staining and CSLM parameters on the information were studied . The CSLM method was tested on fat spreads with a fat content ranging from 40% to 80% . The results were compared with those obtained by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) . The distribution parameters {volume weighed geometric mean diameter (D3,3) and the standard deviation (sigma) of the logarithm of the droplet diameter} calculated for 80% fat spreads are in good agreement with those obtained by NMR (within +/- 7% relative) . Small differences were found for 65% fat spreads and large differences were identified for 40% fat spreads . The precision for the determination of the D3,3 value by CSLM is worse than that of NMR, even when three images were used to calculate this parameter {3-11% and 1-6% relative standard deviation (RSD), respectively} . The precision for the determination of exp(sigma) by CSLM is comparable or better than that of NMR (1-5% and 3-6% RSD, respectively) . CSLM proved to be a reliable method for the determination of the water droplet size distribution of margarines (80% fat) . The advantage of CSLM compared to NMR is that visual information is given about the water droplet size distribution in the sample.

Wien Klin Wochenschr, 2002 Jul 31, 114(13-14), 591 - 600
Quality of Lyme disease serology . Lessons from the German Proficiency Testing Program 1999-2001 . A preliminary report; Hunfeld KP et al.; OBJECTIVE: External quality control surveys are an important tool in regulating the quality of infection serology in general and of borreliosis serology in particular . We report on the results of a Lyme disease proficiency testing program which is regularly organised twice a year by our institutions in close cooperation with the Institute of Standardisation in the Medical Laboratory (INSTAND) . METHODS: From 1999 to 2001, between 226 and 337 microbiological laboratories participated in each of the four surveys that have been held so far . In addition, between 23 and 30 laboratories from 13 other European countries also participated in each trial . In each survey two serum samples which had been unambiguously characterised by six reference laboratories to contain or not to contain antibodies against the Lyme disease spirochete were distributed in order to determine the accuracy of the diagnostic methods used in participating laboratories . The laboratories also reported interpretative statements of whether or not the test constellation suggested a possible borrelial infection and if an early or late phase of the specific antibody response was suspected . RESULTS: Test results were found to be in part highly variable and clearly correlated with the manufacturers and the applied test methodology . It was also clear that IgM tests were more difficult to handle than were IgG tests . ELISA-testing was more reproducible and proved to be more sensitive and specific than IFA and IHA testing . Quantification of test results and reporting of specific immunoblot bands also showed high variability . Moreover, for some assays a high number of false positive and false negative test results were reported by the participants . CONCLUSION: In view of our results further standardisation of Lyme disease serology is not just desirable but is urgently needed . Moreover, stronger criteria for the validation of available test kits must be applied.

Folia Microbiol (Praha), 2002, 47(4), 435 - 40
Soil microbial community of abandoned sand fields; Elhottova D et al.; Microbiological evaluation of sandy grassland soils from two different stages of secondary succession on abandoned fields (4 and 8 years old fallow) was carried out as a part of research focused on restoration of semi-natural vegetation communities in Kiskunsag National Park in Hungary . There was an apparent total N and organic C enrichment, stimulation of microbial growth and microbial community structure change on fields abandoned by agricultural practice (small family farm) in comparison with native undisturbed grassland . A successional trend of the microbial community was found after 4 and 8 years of fallow-lying soil . It consisted in a shift of r-survival strategy to more efficient C economy, in a decrease of specific respiration and metabolic activity, forced accumulation of storage bacterial compounds and increased fungal distribution . The composition of microbial phospholipid fatty acids mixture of soils abandoned at various times was significantly different.

Transpl Infect Dis, 2002 Sep, 4(3), 148 - 51
Incidence of histoplasmosis following allogeneic bone marrow transplant or solid organ transplant in a hyperendemic area; Vail GM et al.; Questions have arisen regarding the risk of developing symptomatic Histoplasma capsulatum infection among patients who undergo transplant-related immunosuppression in areas endemic for histoplasmosis . Our medical center is located in a hyperendemic area for histoplasmosis, where three large outbreaks occurred since 1978 . We undertook a retrospective chart review of 137 patients who received allogeneic bone marrow transplant and of 449 patients who received solid organ transplant from January 1994 to December 1996 in order to assess the incidence of active histoplasmosis . Charts were reviewed before and after transplantation for clinical outcomes, H . capsulatum serologies and antigen results, and microbiological and radiological results . After a mean follow-up duration exceeding 16 months, no patient was diagnosed with histoplasmosis . In the absence of an outbreak, histoplasmosis is a rare infection following the immunosuppression of allogeneic bone marrow or solid organ transplantation even in a hyperendemic area . Pre-transplant serologies or chest radiographs consistent with prior infection were not associated with post-transplant histoplasmosis.

Mycoses, 2002 Nov, 45(9-10), 358 - 63
Invasive aspergillosis in cancer; Sridhar H et al.; Ten confirmed cases of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in cancer patients were analysed retrospectively . Eight were pulmonary, one was sinonasal and one was cutaneous . The majority of patients had haematological malignancies (7), the remaining three were cases of solid tumours . Fever was present in all 10 cases . Cough and lung signs were present in all eight cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis . Haemoptysis was encountered in three of nine cases of pulmonary and sinonasal aspergillosis . Mortality was low (2%) . While corticosteroids, antibiotics and anticancer chemotherapy/radiotherapy were factors predisposing the patients to IA, neutropenia was perhaps responsible for their mortality . Seven of the patients had other associated pathogens isolated in culture in addition to Aspergillus spp . Aspergillus fumigatus was the predominant species, followed by A . flavus, A . glaucus, A . nidulans and A . niger . Direct microscopic examination (in six of seven cases) and culture (six of seven cases) correlated well with radiographic and clinical findings in cases with lung involvement . Serology for anti-Aspergillus antibodies performed by gel diffusion precipitin test was positive in one case of sinonasal aspergillosis, wherein only one precipitin band was observed . Correlation of clinical symptoms, consistent radiographic findings and microbiological work-up (the latter including a triad of direct microscopy, culture and serology) are required to arrive at a diagnosis of IA, especially where histology cannot form the mainstay of diagnosis.

Vet Res Commun, 2002 Oct, 26(7), 563 - 9
Pharmacokinetic disposition of subcutaneously administered enrofloxacin in goats; Ramesh S et al.; The pharmacokinetic disposition of enrofloxacin was studied in goats after subcutaneous (s.c.) administration at a single dose of 7.5 mg/kg body weight . Blood samples were drawn from a jugular vein into heparinized tubes at predetermined time intervals after administration of the drug and the plasma was separated by centrifugation . The concentrations of enrofloxacin in the plasma were determined by a microbiological assay using Escherichia coli as the test organism . The plasma concentration-time data were analysed by non-compartmental methods . Enrofloxacin was rapidly absorbed, an appreciable concentration of the drug (0.30 +/- 0.13 microg/ml) being present in the plasma by 5 min after s.c . administration . The maximum plasma concentration of enrofloxacin and the time to reach that maximum were 2.91 +/- 0.39 microg/ml and 2.9 +/- 0.51 h . respectively . A detectable concentration of enrofloxacin persisted in the plasma for 12 h . The elimination half-life and mean residence time of enrofloxacin were 2.84 +/- 0.57 and 5.74 +/- 0.28 h, respectively . It is suggested that enrofloxacin given subcutaneously may be useful in the treatment of susceptible bacterial infections in goatsPublication Types:

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