Scand J Clin Lab Invest, 1990 Feb, 50(1), 9 - 18 Functional capacity of neutrophil granulocytes in deep-sea divers; Benestad HB et al.; Neutrophil granulocytes (PMN) are main defenders against invading microbes . We evaluated the adaptive response of PMN from divers exposed for weeks to high total and oxygen pressures . Under these conditions PMN could be primed to give a heightened respiratory burst upon stimulation with the bacterial peptide analogue, formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP): blood PMN sampled both shortly after operational saturation dives offshore and during an onshore test-dive gave larger responses than control pre- or post-dive PMN from the same subjects and PMN from laboratory personnel . The assays used measured oxygen consumption, intracellular H2O2 availability, and chemiluminescence . The submaximal responses provoked by the non-metabolizable diacylglycerol analogue phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) were less and less often increased . Such enhanced PMN responsiveness may possibly decrease resistance to skin and other infections that are encountered in divers, if PMN thereby failed to localize correctly to inflamed tissues. J Cell Biol, 1990 Feb, 110(2), 391 - 404 Poleward force at the kinetochore in metaphase depends on the number of kinetochore microtubules; Hays TS et al.; To examine the dependence of poleward force at a kinetochore on the number of kinetochore microtubules (kMTs), we altered the normal balance in the number of microtubules at opposing homologous kinetochores in meiosis I grasshopper spermatocytes at metaphase with a focused laser microbeam . Observations were made with light and electron microscopy . Irradiations that partially damaged one homologous kinetochore caused the bivalent chromosome to shift to a new equilibrium position closer to the pole to which the unirradiated kinetochore was tethered; the greater the dose of irradiation, the farther the chromosome moved . The number of kMTs on the irradiated kinetochore decreased with severity of irradiation, while the number of kMTs on the unirradiated kinetochore remained constant and independent of chromosome-to-pole distance . Assuming a balance of forces on the chromosome at congression equilibrium, our results demonstrate that the net poleward force on a chromosome depends on the number of kMTs and the distance from the pole . In contrast, the velocity of chromosome movement showed little dependence on the number of kMTs . Possible mechanisms which explain the relationship between the poleward force at a kinetochore, the number of kinetochore microtubules, and the lengths of the kinetochore fibers at congression equilibrium include a "traction fiber model" in which poleward force producers are distributed along the length of the kinetochore fibers, or a "kinetochore motor-polar ejection model" in which force producers located at or near the kinetochore pull the chromosomes poleward along the kMTs and against an ejection force that is produced by the polar microtubule array and increases in strength toward the pole. Cancer Res, 1990 Feb 1, 50(3 Suppl), 1049s - 1050s Anticipating, recognizing, and preventing hazards associated with in vivo use of monoclonal antibodies: special considerations related to human anti-mouse antibodies; Hoffman T; The advent of monoclonal antibodies offers abundant potential benefits to diagnosis and therapy of many conditions . However, with widespread use come greater concerns regarding possible side effects and complications . Antibodies, including monoclonals, react with antigens which may be represented on tissues other than those to which they were raised . Although histochemical surveys of tissues may be performed, these may not necessarily be predictive of in vivo cross-reactivities . This consideration mandates carefully performed preclinical toxicological studies prior to use in humans . For murine monoclonal antibodies, the type most commonly available, issues related to potential immunogenicity are of paramount concern . Very little substantive information has accrued regarding the prevalence of these antibodies in the general population, the mechanism by which these antibodies are elicited, or the predictive value of assays for their detection . This knowledge is crucial for the development of strategies for blunting or controlling the human anti-mouse antibody response . Contaminants in manufactured monoclonals also pose inherent danger to recipients . Among those commonly encountered are microbes, DNA, and manufacturing reagents (e.g., sera, column components, and tissue culture additives) . Strict adherence to proper manufacturing technique usually will minimize these concerns . However, in the absence of well-defined cause/effect relationships between toxicity (theoretical or real) and agent, complacency that a given product is safe is ill-advised . The Food and Drug Administration has disseminated a compilation of concerns and suggestions for addressing them in the document "Points to consider in the manufacture and testing of monoclonal antibody products for human use." The precepts outlined in that document and a close working relationship between manufacturers of monoclonal products and scientifically astute regulators together represent an effective approach to minimizing the risks of monoclonal therapy in diverse patient populations. J Bioenerg Biomembr, 1990 Feb, 22(1), 1 - 26 Protein phosphorylation associated with the stimulation of neutrophils . Modulation of superoxide production by protein kinase C and calcium; Heyworth PG et al.; Neutrophils and other phagocytic cells of the immune system possess a superoxide-generating oxidase system which is essential for the efficient killing of microbes . The system is activated by a wide variety of stimuli, some of which operate through pathways involving protein kinase C (PKC), while others appear not to . The PKC-dependent pathway is probably the major signal transduction route for most of the stimuli . Alterations in cellular Ca2+ and diglyceride levels can have a pronounced stimulatory effect on this pathway by their ability to synergistically activate PKC . This review discusses PKC, the different interactions of this kinase with the plasmalemma that are important in superoxide production, the synergy between Ca2+ and diglyceride, and the nature of the phosphoproteins involved . Evidence supporting the existence of the PKC-independent pathway is also reviewed. J Microencapsul, 1990 Jan-Mar, 7(1), 17 - 23 In vitro diffusion in polyacrylamide embedded agarose microbeads; Gin H et al.; 125I Sodium iodide, 125I insulin, 125I albumin, and 111indium IGG were employed to investigate release from, and penetration of different sized molecules into agarose/polyacrylamide microcapsules . The microcapsules were formed by photopolymerization of an acrylamide solution round agarose beads . The indium-chelated antibody gave a particular low background count . The different release times were explained in terms of differences in diffusion coefficient . By retarding in vitro penetration of antibodies, these microcapsules could be of value for the encapsulation of living cells in bioartificial organs. Arch Androl, 1990, 25(1), 85 - 7 Asthenozoospermia/teratozoospermia and infertility; Dahlberg B; Abnormal spermiograms with asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia are often classified as subfertile, and the cause of these findings has been obscure . A new method, the 8-h in vitro motility profile test (MPT), showed a significant difference in motility profile between 130 fertile men and men of infertile couples . In the infertile group, an infertility factor (IF) was found . The method was applied to 133 cases, group A, with asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia . Microbial cultures of semen were also done . Controls, group B, which were 52 males with asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia, were also investigated with MPT and microbial cultures . All 133 cases of group A had abnormal MPT indicating infertility factor . One hundred and twenty-six cases had positive microbial findings (95%) . Long-term treatment with antibiotics of the 126 normalized motility and morphology and eradicated microbes . The MPT was, however, only normalized in 5 cases with two men becoming fathers . The infertility factor, according to the MPT, remained in 128 cases . Though treatment of bacteriospermia has an apparent normalization of parameters as motility, morphology, and cultures, an underlying infertility factor remains in cases of asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia. Acta Microbiol Bulg, 1990, 25, 40 - 5 {The thiobarbituric method for analyzing sugars . III . A method for studying sorbitol dehydrogenase activity}; Lilov L et al.; A method for studying of sorbitol dehydrogenase activity of Acetobacter suboxydans has been worked out which can be applied to other microbe cells too . The enzyme transformation of D-sorbitol into L-sorbose is determined through the reaction between ketohexose and 2-thiobarbituric acid under heating in 1 M oxalic acid (pH = 0.64) medium for 15 or 30 min . The yellow-coloured product was measured at 400 nm . The method is characterized with its high specificity, good reproducibility and accuracy, which allows for its application for quantitative analysis of sorbitol in dietetic foods . For this purpose a sorbitol dehydrogenase preparation isolated from bacterial cells is needed . The main purpose of the spectrophotometric method is to use it as a control in the process of microbial transformation of sorbitol into sorbose both under laboratory and industrial conditions. J Transcult Nurs, 1990 Winter, 1(2), 2 - 12 Health beliefs related to diarrhea in Haitian children: building transcultural nursing knowledge; Kirkpatrick SM et al.; PIP: Interviews conducted by community health workers with 83 Haitian women working in sugar cane fields in the Dominican Republic underscored the importance of understanding local health beliefs so that culturally appropriate interventions are implemented . The respondents all had at least 1 child under 5 years of age; their average age was 29 years and they had a mean parity of 4.9 . The mothers identified gastrointestinal problems, chiefly diarrhea, as the greatest threat to their child's health . 82% of the mothers had at one time had a diarrheal episode among her children and 31% reported that a child currently had diarrhea; 16% said at least 1 child had died of diarrhea . Water, food, and microbes were identified as the major cause of diarrhea . Although not routinely cited as a cause of diarrhea, the evil eye (transmitted by male of female witches) was viewed by all but 1 mother as a powerful factor in child mortality . The foods mothers claimed they would give a child with diarrhea included lemonade, soups, bananas, and other fruit juices . Both cooking oil and milk were considered harmful . Of concern was the finding that 38% of mothers would discontinue breastfeeding during a diarrhea episode . None of the mothers had heard of oral rehydration; however, most were treating diarrhea with a solution prepared by pouring boiling water over herbs and leaves . This practice suggests that these mothers can be instructed to prepare oral rehydration solutions in which all ingredients are precisely measured . Since diarrhea is a major cause of child mortality in these Haitian communities in the Dominican Republic, promotion of oral rehydration could make a significant contribution to child survival . It is essential, however, that all such interventions incorporate existing beliefs and present new information in a culturally relevant framework . J Mol Cell Cardiol, 1990 Jan, 22(1), 83 - 97 Cerium chloride as a histochemical marker of hydrogen peroxide in reperfused ischemic hearts; Shlafer M et al.; Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been implicated in cardiac damage due to ischemia and reperfusion . We adapted an electron microscopic, histochemical method for demonstrating H2O2 produced by isolated cells to isolated, buffer-perfused rabbit hearts . The method involves formation of an electron-dense precipitate when H2O2 reacts with cerium chloride (CeCl3) . We perfused hearts retrograde via the aorta with well-oxygenated bicarbonate-buffered solution, followed by one in which bicarbonate was replaced with imidazole (IPSS) to prevent precipitation of bicarbonate and CeCl3 . Some hearts were made globally ischemic (30 min, 37 degrees C), reperfused 5 min with well-oxygenated IPSS containing 1 mM CeCl3, then processed for electron microscopy . Others were perfused with IPSS containing catalase (300 U/ml) or albumin before ischemia and upon reperfusion, followed by CeCl3 administration . Nonischemic control hearts perfused with IPSS (+/- catalase) were also studied . Electron micrographs were assessed visually and by computer for precipitate localization and amount . There was abundant precipitate on the luminal face of the coronary vascular endothelium in ischemic-reperfused, cerium-treated hearts, including those treated with albumin . There was significantly less in reperfused catalase-treated or nonischemic control hearts . X-ray microbeam analysis of the endothelial precipitate indicated the presence of Ce . This appears to be the first visual demonstration of a CeCl3-H2O2-dependent reaction product in intact isolated ischemic hearts . The data indicate that at the time of reperfusion some H2O2 is accessible to the vascular space, and that its amount can be reduced by perfused catalase . Further modifications this technique may be useful for assessing the sites and pathways by which H2O2 is generated by hearts or other buffer-perfused organs subjected to stresses such as ischemia or hypoxia. Bone Marrow Transplant, 1990 Jan, 5(1), 19 - 22 Relative efficiency of leukemic cell depletion using anti-murine-IgG1(Fc) or anti-murine-IgG coated immunomagnetic microbeads; Janssen WE et al.; Microbeads for immunomagnetic bone marrow purging, to which sheep anti-mouse-IgG1(Fc) antibodies have been linked, and beads linked with antibodies against whole murine immunoglobulin were compared . Competitive binding studies, in which Fc fragments and Fab fragments were titrated onto the microbeads, followed by incubation with 125I-labeled whole mouse Ig, revealed that the beads linked with anti-mouse-IgG1(Fc) specifically bound the Fc region of the murine immunoglobulin molecules . The total amount of antibody of either IgG1 or IgG2 isotype that would adhere to microbeads linked with either type of antibody, as revealed by secondary binding with 125I rabbit antimouse Ig, was identical, suggesting that similar numbers of antibody binding sites were available . In cell depletion studies, it was found that if IgG1 isotype monoclonal antibodies were employed as binding intermediaries between the target cells and the microbeads, the efficiency of target cell depletion was superior with the anti-mouse-IgG1(Fc)-coated beads, even if the amount of MoAb coating the target cells was suboptimal . However, if the intermediary antibodies were of the IgG2 isotype, the efficiency of target cell depletion with these beads was inferior . These findings indicate that the efficiency of immunomagnetic bone marrow purging is dependent upon matching of the targeting MoAb and the secondary antibodies that link to the surface to the microbeads. Mol Cell Biol, 1990 Jan, 10(1), 273 - 81 Steroid hormone regulation of the Achlya ambisexualis 85-kilodalton heat shock protein, a component of the Achlya steroid receptor complex; Brunt SA et al.; The steroid hormone antheridiol regulates sexual development in the fungus Achlya ambisexualis . Analyses of in vivo-labeled proteins from hormone-treated cells revealed that one of the characteristic antheridiol-induced proteins appeared to be very similar to the Achyla 85-kilodalton (kDa) heat shock protein . Analysis of in vitro translation products of RNA isolated from control, heat-shocked, or hormone-treated cells demonstrated an increased accumulation of mRNA encoding a similar 85-kDa protein in both the heat-shocked and hormone-treated cells . Northern (RNA) blot analyses with a Drosophila melanogaster hsp83 probe indicated that a mRNA species of approximately 2.8 kilobases was substantially enriched in both heat-shocked and hormone-treated cells . The monoclonal antibody AC88, which recognizes the non-hormone-binding component of the Achyla steroid receptor, cross-reacted with Achlya hsp85 in cytosols from heat-shocked cells . This monoclonal antibody also recognized both the hormone-induced and heat shock-induced 85-kDa in vitro translation products . Taken together, these data suggest that similar or identical 85-kDa proteins are independently regulated by the steroid hormone antheridiol and by heat shock and that this protein is part of the Achyla steroid receptor complex . Our results demonstrate that the association of hsp90 family proteins with steroid receptors observed in mammals and birds extends also to the eucaryotic microbes and suggest that this association may have evolved early in steroid-responsive systems. Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol, 1990, 43, 11 - 30 Intracellular lytic enzyme systems and their use for disruption of Escherichia coli; Dabora RL et al.; This article focusses on lytic enzyme systems available in E . coli and their potential use for cellular disruption . In the systems described here the genetic information for lysis would be carried within the microbial host, either integrated or naturally occurring on chromosomal DNA, or on extrachromosomal elements such as plasmids . Each microbe would carry complete information for endogenous enzymatic lysis, and lysis would occur in a controlled manner after being triggered by an external factor such as temperature or inducer addition . The lytic systems explored in this review include the autolytic enzymes, colicin lytic enzymes, and bacteriophage lytic enzymes from phage phiX174, T4, lambda, MS2 and Q beta . Many of the colicin lytic enzymes and all of the bacteriophage lytic enzymes described here have been cloned, and in some instances examined as cellular disruption methods . None of the E . coli autolytic enzymes have been cloned, but information pertinent for use as a disruption method is described. Ann Biol Clin (Paris), 1990, 48(7), 489 - 91 DNA hybridization: comparison of liquid and solid phase formats; Soderlund H; In nucleic acid hybridization an oligo- or polynucleotide probe is allowed to anneal to its complementary strand which possibly is present in the sample . This offers an extremely specific way to identify and quantify given genes and thus, for instance, given microbes . The annealing reaction is, however, slow since the reactants are present at very low concentrations and the diffusion rate of DNA is slow . To overcome this problem high concentrations of probe are used in order to "drive" the reaction in a pseudo-first order fashion . As a result a positive hybridization is easily masked by the large excess of unreacted probe molecules, unless a powerful fractionation system is used which removes the free probes . A frequently used method is to immobilize the nucleic acids of the sample on a solid support which then after the reaction is easy to wash . The solid support introduces, however, a diffusion barrier which significantly reduces the reaction rate . Thus kinetically solution phase reactions are preferable to solid phase ones . In this communication a test format is described in which the advantages of both solid and solution phase assays are combined . Two probes are used, one carrying a detectable label (the detector probe) and the other an affinity moiety, e.g . biotin (the capture probe) . After hybridization in solution a sandwich hybrid is formed in which the target nucleic acid is annealed to the two probes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Ann Biol Clin (Paris), 1990, 48(7), 467 - 71 Criteria for the selection of a solid phase to be used in immunoassays; Delagneau JF et al.; Heterogeneous immunoassays are very sensitive and only limited in terms of performance by non specific binding . They require separation of free from bound fractions and concomitant use of a solid phase coated with an immunoreactive component (i.e . immunosorbent) . The improvement of these key immunosorbents is crucial and involves a great deal of expertise and capabilities . Specifications differ according to procedure (e.g . capture or competitive assay) . Each routinely used solid phase, such as polystyrene wells, porous membrane or dispersible microbeads, presents specific performance characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks . Among the tasks to be implemented are optimization of the spatial orientation of immunological reagents, selection of the surface neutral hydrophilic support, acceleration of reactions by increasing the reactive surface area of the supports, streamlining and simplification of procedural steps . These various aspects are abundantly described and emphasized here. Crit Rev Ther Drug Carrier Syst, 1990, 7(2), 149 - 86 Transdermal delivery of contraceptives; Friend DR; Contraceptive agents are administered to the body through a variety of routes . Research has recently been directed at examining the transdermal route for systemic delivery of contraceptive agents, including estrogens and progestins . The transdermal route has several potential advantages over the other routes of administration: (1) improved compliance, (2) once-weekly administration, (3) delivery is easily terminated, and (4) some side effects can be alleviated based on more constant delivery rates . This article reviews the permeability of skin toward contraceptive steroids and how skin permeability is evaluated . The metabolism of contraceptive steroids is also considered . Transdermal delivery systems used to deliver contraceptives are presented, followed by a detailed discussion of several delivery systems for specific contraceptive agents such as levonorgestrel and estradiol . The potential problem of skin irritation is presented as it relates to transdermal contraceptive delivery systems, all of which will be worn chronicallyPIP: This comprehensive review of transdermal delivery systems for estrogens and progestins covers skin structure and absorption of chemical agents by diffusion and partition, permeability and use of enhancers to speed absorption, choices of drugs for transdermal contraceptives, animal and clinical work with estradiol, ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, use of pro-drugs and derivatives, types of transderm delivery systems, metabolism of these drugs by skin and skin flora, and cutaneous side effects, all illustrated graphically and mathematically . Drug absorption entails diffusion through the primarily and mathematically . Drug absorption entails diffusion through the primarily lipophilic stratum corneum, and the hydrophilic epidermis: transport between these layers is often the rate-limiting step . For many drugs, permeability enhancers such as dimethyl sulfoxide, ethanol and ethyl acetate are needed . Good drug candidates for transdermal application must be potent in low doses, have short half-lives, not elicit an allergic response nor be extensively metabolized in skin . The permeability of levonorgestrel has been increased by using esters, and "pro-drugs" which are compounds that increase polarity, but are degraded to the active drug by skin tissue . The estrogens are subject to a minor degree of oxidation, and no significant degradation by skin microbes . There are 3 types of transdermal systems: the membrane, matrix and drug reservoir types . The Estraderm brand system for estradiol is a membrane-moderated design with ethanol as the chemical enhancer . Skin penetration is the rate-limiting step . Levonorgestrel as been tested with ethyl acetate and ethanol as penetration enhancers in rats, rabbits, and in a Phase I trial . The development of a transderm system for a combination of estrogen and progestin is a complex problem because 2 different enhancers must be used . Most transdermal systems are mild skin irritants, but incidence of contact allergy or urticaria are rare, with no cases yet reported from use of Estraderm . Transdermal application of contraceptive steroids is expected to be available eventually . Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 1990, 29(5), 333 - 40 Aeromicrobiology--a review; al-Dagal M et al.; This article reviews the presence of microorganisms in air and their sources, the relation of airborne dust and endotoxin, the sources of atmospheric microbial contamination in food-processing plants, the mechanisms of airborne particle deposition, the importance of airborne microbes, the survival of microorganisms in air, methods of air sampling, airborne microbial populations in food-processing plants, control of airborne microorganisms in food-processing plants, and the general issue of microorganisms in air and their impact on food safety . The purpose was to bring together scattered information about airborne microorganisms and review their importance in food protection and sanitation. Invasion Metastasis, 1990, 10(5), 267 - 80 Intrapulmonary spread of established B16 melanoma lung metastases and lung colonies; Stackpole CW; Spontaneous metastasis of subcutaneous B16 melanoma transplants proceeds in two distinct stages: initially to the lungs, and secondarily, following tumor removal, from established lung metastases to extrapulmonary systemic sites . Coincident with extrapulmonary metastasis, there is a dramatic amplification of visible lung metastases, with death generally resulting from extensive lung metastasis . The progression of lung metastasis, and lung colonization initiated by intravenous injection of tumor cells, was investigated using B16 melanoma clone G3.12 . Analysis of the growth of invisible metastases in organ culture explants of lung revealed that tumors continually disseminated relatively small numbers of lung metastases after reaching a size of about 6 mm in diameter . However, most terminal-stage lung metastases, along with all extrapulmonary metastases, apparently arise from a secondary spread of tumor cells from tumor-derived lung metastases 1-2 mm in size . Individual lung colonies, initiated with G3.12 cells bound to single microbeads, also disseminated large numbers of secondary lung colonies, as well as extrapulmonary colonies, at a 1- to 2-mm size . The mechanism for intrapulmonary spread of secondary metastases and colonies is unclear, but the consequence appears to be a secondary stage of intrapulmonary and extrapulmonary metastasis with selection for tumor cells with rapid growth rates. Gynecol Obstet Invest, 1990, 30(1), 19 - 22 First trimester live pregnancy and subsequent fetal loss . Impact of transcervical CVS and colonization of the cervix; Hammarstrom M et al.; A consecutive series of 224 women undergoing transcervical chorionic villi sampling (CVS) were analyzed for the presence of cervical microbes . The outcome of pregnancy was related to age, number of aspirations and to the presence or not of microbes . The CVS group was compared to a group of 200 women with live fetuses at 8-11 weeks of gestation not undergoing CVS (ultrasound, US group) . In the US group the miscarriage rate was 8.5% with 5.9% occurring after the 16th week of gestation . In the CVS group 20.3% ended as a miscarriage, 28.9% of these after the 16th week . There was no correlation between miscarriage rate and maternal age in the US group . In the CVS group younger women had a prominent rate of fetal loss . In the present study the risk of fetal loss after CVS was associated with a previous history of spontaneous abortions, with several aspirations performed, and with bacterial colonization of the cervix--candida and gardnerella excluded. Prog Clin Biol Res, 1990, 340E, 47 - 56 Activation of promutagens by plant cell systems; Plewa MJ; The plant cell/microbe coincubation assay is a sensitive and flexible assay for use in screening for plant-mediated promutagens as well as in basic mutation research . By using plant cell cultures of crop plants, xenobiotics used in agriculture can be evaluated for their mutagenic properties. Arch Virol, 1990, 110(1-2), 77 - 90 Physical mapping and field inversion gel electrophoresis of Amsacta moorei entomopoxvirus DNA; Hall RL et al.; Agarose in situ digestion was used to prepare intact Amsacta moorei entomopoxvirus (AmEPV) DNA from embedded occlusion bodies (OBs) . Direct dissolution of OBs in agarose eliminated the necessity for separate purification of virions . A physical map of AmEPV DNA was constructed for five restriction enzymes (BamHI, EcoRI, HindIII, PstI, and XhoI) using single and multiple digests, and isolated fragment digestions . End fragments were identified by Bal31 digestion and snap-back analysis . A least squares procedure was used to reconcile fragment lengths . AmEPV genome size estimates were based on restriction enzyme (REN) fragment length totals (222 kb), reconciled physical map distance (225 kb), and field inversion gel electrophoresis (FIGE) (about 242 kb) . Presumably due to the high A + T content (18.5% G + C) of AmEPV DNA, FIGE values for the intact genome and large REN fragments were about 6 to 10% higher than expected . Preparative FIGE was used to concentrate AmEPV DNA from agarose microbead encapsulated insect cells (Estigmene acrea, BTI-EAA) . REN digests of this DNA were identical to those from OBs from caterpillars. Gynecol Obstet Invest, 1990, 29(4), 292 - 5 Peritoneal fluid leukotriene B4 and prostaglandin E2 in acute salpingitis; Heinonen PK et al.; Concentrations of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in peritoneal fluid were measured in 19 women with suspected acute pelvic inflammatory disease . Acute salpingitis was verified by laparoscopy in 16 cases; 11 of them had isolation of microbes from the peritoneal cavity . Means (+/- SD) levels of peritoneal fluid LTB4 and PGE2 in acute salpingitis were 506 +/- 288 and 378 +/- 330 pg/ml, respectively, and higher (p less than 0.001) than the levels in the peritoneal fluid of 20 healthy controls: LTB4 44 +/- 57, PGE2 11 +/- 2 pg/ml, respectively . An inflammatory cytologic pattern was found in the peritoneal fluid in all the cases with acute salpingitis, neutrophils being the prominent cells . These chemical mediators of inflammation in peritoneal fluid may have a role in the development of scarring and peritubal adhesions found after acute salpingitis. Environ Mol Mutagen, 1990, 15(4), 236 - 44 The biochemical mechanisms of the plant activation of promutagenic aromatic amines; Wagner ED et al.; Using specific monooxygenase and oxidase inhibitors in a plant cell/microbe coincubation assay, the biochemical mechanisms of the plant activation of two aromatic amines were compared . The biological endpoints included mutation induction, inhibition of mutagenicity, viability of the plant cells (activating system), and viability of the microbial cells (genetic indicator organism) . The activation of m-phenylenediamine by TX1 cells was mediated by enzyme systems that were inhibited by diethyldithiocarbamate, potassium cyanide, methimazole, (+)-catechin or acetaminophen . The inhibition by metyrapone was attended by toxicity in the plant cells . These data implicate a TX1 cell peroxidase and a FAD-dependent monooxygenase in the plant activation of m-phenylenediamine . The TX1 cell activation of 2-aminofluorene was inhibited by diethyldithiocarbamate, 7,8-benzoflavone, acetaminophen or (+)-catechin . An additional pathway of the plant cells in the activation of 2-aminofluorene may involve a cytochrome P-448-type N-hydroxylase. Prog Clin Biol Res, 1990, 333, 285 - 92 Immunomagnetic microsphere mediated purging of cALLa positive leukemic cells from bone marrow for autologous reinfusion; Janssen WE et al.; Bone marrow from sixteen patients with cALLa positive ALL have been treated with a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) cocktail which includes DuALL-1 (CD9), WCMH15.14 (CD10) and HD-37 (CD19) . Following antibody treatment, marrows were incubated (30 minutes) with anti-murine-IgG1 (Fc) coated magnetic microbeads and passed through a graded magnetic field chamber . Two problems have had to be addressed: (1) More marrow cells must be processed than in marrows from patients with neuroblastoma, for which the separation chamber was originally developed, requiring the use of more beads, causing occlusion of the chamber's collection surface . This has been corrected by using a large surface area pre-magnet for the elimination of excess microbeads prior to processing in the main chamber; (2) Up-modulation (up to 40% positive cells) of the CD9 associated antigen has been detected . To avoid difficulty, marrows are being routinely screened prior to harvest for purging, and purging is delayed for patients with elevated CD9 levels . Eight patients have been reinfused, with no morbidity or mortality associated with the purging or other ex vivo handling of the marrow. Riv Inferm, 1990 Jan-Mar, 9(1), 14 - 8 {Circuses and clowns . Experimental contribution to nursing methodology}; Tognoni G; PIP: The Great Circus of Mocorongo was conceived in 1984 with funds from the state and various educational institutions to disseminate health messages to communities with scarce economic and human resources in Para State, Brazil . The show was aimed at 15,000 people scattered in 13 remote communities afflicted with malnutrition as well as high morbidity and mortality . It used a methodology consisting of medical and pedagogical techniques showing in dramatical and amusing scenes everyday human encounters with diseases, microbes, the problems of hygiene, and various aspects of community health (proper nutrition, diarrhea, use of medicines, respiratory infections, and vaccinations) . The central characters of the show entitled "Health and Merriment" were: the housewife Larimunda, the druggist Salim, and the clowns Banziero, Xulex, and Primentinha . It is difficult to measure the effect of laughter and mirth on changing one's mindset, but in 12 months not a single instance of death of a child occurred resulting from diarrhea or malnutrition . Children played with the characters in scenes that stressed good nutrition in anemia or during diarrhea, they used Salim's medicines for rehydration and vaccination and they witnessed Larimunda's victory over microbes . The goal was to transform the village in a grand scene stressing prevention of ailments . The circus was a timid and hesitant venture at its inception involving children,violence, starvation, hope, and fantasy . Still, it contributed to formal research by introducing innovative approaches to nursing materials and methods . Biosystems, 1990, 23(4), 345 - 57 Distribution of phototrophic microbes in the flat laminated microbial mat at Laguna Figueroa, Baja California, Mexico; Stolz JF; The microbial mat community in the saltmarsh/evaporate flat interface at Laguna Figueroa involved in the deposition of laminated sediments was investigated . Pigment analysis, light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to determine the relative abundance and distribution of phototrophic species . The community is vertically stratified into four distinct phototrophic populations . The layering could be distinguished by pigment and species composition . The two layers closest to the surface contained mostly oxygenic phototrophs and chlorophyll a as the primary photosynthetic pigment . Anoxic phototrophs predominated in the bottom two layers with bacteriochlorophylls a and c in the third layer and bacteriochlorophyll a and b in the bottom layer . The surface yellow layer was composed primarily of Navicula, Rhopalodia and other diatom species as well as the cyanobacteria Aphanothece sp . and Phormidium sp . Microcoleus chthonoplasces and Chroococcidiopsis sp . were the major cyanobacteria in the green colored second layer . In the third layer, pinkish-purple in color, purple photographs (Chromatium sp., Thiocapsa roseoparsicina) and filamentous green phototrophs (Chloroflexus sp., Oscillochloris sp.) were abundant . The fourth and deepest photosynthetic layer was salmon colored and composed primarily of Thiocapsa pfennigii, and other purple sulfur phototrophs . The pattern of alternating light (oxygenic community) and dark (anoxygenic community) layering preserved in older laminae is a consequence of this community structure . Study of the flat laminated mat over the 10-year period (1978-1988) including and after its destruction by catastrophic flooding events in 1978 and 1980, showed a succession of stratified communities culminating in the return of Microcoleus and the full compliment of layers by the fall of 1984. Braz J Med Biol Res, 1990, 23(8), 697 - 700 Seropositivity to Chlamydia trachomatis in prostitutes: relationship to other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); Caterino-de-Araujo A et al.; The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and its relationship with other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) was investigated by serological determinations in a group of 45 women working as prostitutes in Santos, State of Sao Paulo . Seropositivity to HIV-1 was demonstrated in 4 (9%) of the cases and to HIV-2 in one case . Syphilis and hepatitis B were detected in 29% and 43% of the 45 women, respectively . Specific antibodies to C . trachomatis were found in all subjects . The high seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), syphilis and C . trachomatis in this population was related to predisposing factors such as number of sexual contacts, sexual practices, drug use and episodes of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)PIP: Researchers enrolled 600 prostitutes from an AIDS control and prevention program in a study to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in prostitutes and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) . The prostitutes worked in the port city of Santos, Brazil where many people use intravenous (IV) drugs . Only 45 prostitutes met the study criterion of 5-100 sexual partners/day . Health practitioners took sera from each woman to test for HIV-1, HIV-2, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody (HBsAb), Treponema species (syphilis), and C . trachomatis . All the women tested positive for C . trachomatis . This high percentage may have been due to previous contact with the microbe and not necessarily due to an active infection . 42% had been exposed to Treponema . 20% were HBsAb seropositive and 9% HBsAg seropositive . 9% tested positive for HIV-1 and 2% for HIV-2 . In another study in Campinas, Brazil, HIV-1 and seropositivity was 21.5% for prostitutes and transvestites . In addition, in a study in metropolitan Sao Paulo, HIV infection prevalence varied from 18-73% among 935 women and 22% among prostitutes . 58% of the prostitutes in Santos had had sexual intercourse with bisexuals or IV drug users . 44% had previously experienced an STD . 42% used IV drugs . 42% practiced both oral and vaginal sex . 36% practiced oral, vaginal, and anal sex . Only 22% limited themselves to oral sex . Since C . trachomatis can cause infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and spontaneous abortion and since every prostitute in the study had been exposed to it, health workers should institute regular STD screening for prostitutes . Soc Biol, 1990 Fall-Winter, 37(3-4), 215 - 22 A scale to measure microbehaviors of oral contraceptive pill use; Oakley D et al.; The ways in which contraceptive methods are actually used is of increasing interest to researchers, clinicians, and policy makers . Although contraceptive "use" has multiple dimensions, existing indicators measure only one aspect of use or combine unidimensional measures to produce a questionable pastiche . This study uses a subsample of 612 respondents from a larger study of first-time patients at a public-health-department family planning clinic to develop a new measure . Psychometric properties of this measure are examined and discussedPIP: Researchers asked 612 women from a health department's family planning clinic to complete a questionnaire, interviewed them to collect outcome data, and used chart data to test a new scale of specific use, or microbehaviors, in taking oral contraceptives (OCs) . They applied 6 items to the Guttman scale to assess microbehaviors of OC pill use: own pills only, always same order, none left at end of month, backup method used if needed, pill taken every day, and pill taken at same time every day . 98% of the women only used their own OC pills and in the same order within the pack . 15.7% had pills left over in at least 1 of the months . 40% did not use a back up method when needed . Only 41.8% took a pill every day . Moreover a mere 16.7% took the pill at the same time every day . Using the Guttman scale, the researchers learned that the coefficient of reproducibility stood at .949 and that of scalability stood at .739 . Therefore, using the marginal total, the answer to an item contributing to the construction of the scale can be predicted . Since the positive responses for using only own pills and in the same order were nearly identical, the researchers next conducted an analysis using 4 and 5 item scales . The coefficients of reproducibility and scalability were strong (.956 and .879 for 5 item and .939 and .787 for 4 item) . The 5 item scale was especially strong . Therefore knowing the score will help family planning providers assess a client's specific behaviors to help her prevent pregnancy . These researchers want to test the scale for predictive validity and test similar scales for users of diaphragms and condoms . Exp Clin Immunogenet, 1990, 7(4), 221 - 33 Genetics of acute inflammation: inflammatory reactions in inbred lines of mice and in their interline crosses; Stiffel C et al.; Acute inflammation is induced by the subcutaneous injection of swollen polyacrylamide microbeads, its intensity measured by the cell and protein concentration of the local exudates . A large and continuous range of responses is obtained in different inbred strains of mice, which suggests a polygenic control of the inflammatory response . The variable levels of the global dominance observed in F1 hybrids issued from several parental combinations indicated that the pattern of alleles controlling high or low response was different in each parental strain . Balanced intercrossing of the 8 inbred strains studied has provided a genetically heterogeneous F3 population, presenting a high variability of responses . The value of the genetic part of F3 phenotypic variance, the spread of the interstrain differences, as well as the polygenic nature of the regulation of inflammatory responses pointed out the possibility to perform a bidirectional genetic selection by using the F3 mice as the foundation population, and response to microbeads as the selective phenotypic character. Acupunct Electrother Res, 1990, 15(3-4), 217 - 33 Simple non-invasive early detection and localization of specific cancer tissues of internal organs and differentiation of cancer tissue from surrounding areas infected by cancer related viruses, as well as evaluation of their micro-circulatory condition & drug uptake using the BI-Digital O-Ring Test; Omura Y; In 1984, the author first developed a simple, quick, non-invasive, economical method of detecting cancer in specific internal organs, using the Bi-Digital O-Ring Test (BDORT), with a microscope slide of specific cancer of a specific internal organ as a reference control substance . The detection rate for cancer screening was much greater than with any standard diagnostic tests . When imaging was performed using the BDORT, the area of positive response to the cancer positive slide was often much greater than the actual size of the cancer itself . This was due to the fact that most of the cancer tissue of the lungs or digestive system contained viruses such as HTLV-3 (often found in adenocarcinoma of the lung, stomach, head of pancreas, and colon) or HTLV-1 (often found in small-cell carcinoma of the lung and certain types of leukemia) . The extent of the virus positive area was often far greater than that of the cancer tissue itself and was distributed in a much greater area surrounding the cancer . For this reason, the virus alone showed a response which could be mistaken for cancer tissue . The author succeeded in differentiating the exact location of cancer tissue itself from surrounding cancer related virus (with or without other microbes) positive area by using a pair of identical microscope slides with the same cancer tissue . One of the slides was exposed to ultra-violet rays (peak wavelength of 253.7 nm mercury vapor atomic resonance spectral line) for 40 seconds-4 minutes . After this exposure, the BDORT response to the virus (with or without other microbes) associated with the cancer tissue was completely eliminated, while the response to the cancer tissue was maintained . Using an ultraviolet exposed cancer slide, the imaging of the part of the body which responded to this virus-free cancer slide indicated the actual location of the cancer tissue, which was often confirmed by standard X-ray or other imaging methods when the thickness of the tumor was relatively large . These cancers detectable by standard laboratory tests had strikingly weakening response to the BDORT (-3.5 and -4), with ultra-violet exposed cancer slide as well as for antibody of Oncogen C-fos . The smallest size of cancer tissue detected by this method was less than 1mm in diameter in the very early stage of the cancer, which usually cannot be detected by current laboratory tests.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Shoni Shikagaku Zasshi, 1990, 28(2), 449 - 58 {The crystallinity of hypomineralized rat enamel caused by fluoride administration}; Wakamatsu N et al.; It has been well known that there are extreme amounts of inter-crystalline spaces and large amounts of enamel matrix in fluorosed human enamel . Our previous study discussed the fact that amelogenins in developing fetal enamel matrix protein may have a role in regulating or controlling enamel crystal growth . These results positively suggest that amelogenins degradation may be associated with the etiology of fluorosed enamel . The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of the crystallinity of fluorosed enamel of rats and the molecular weight of enamel matrix protein . The crystallinity of fluorosed enamel of rats, caused by the ingestion of fluoride containing water was evaluated with the microbeam x-ray diffraction analysis and the molecular weight of enamel matrix protein was examined by SDS-polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis . The results obtained in the study are summarized as follows . 1) The plasma fluoride level of rats increased linearly with the fluoride concentration in the drinking water . 2) The microradiographs of maturing incisor enamel of the group with 100 ppmF- and 200 ppmF- injected showed diffused radiolucent zone from the subsurface toward the dento-enamel junction . The disturbances in enamel mineralization were most apparent in the 200 ppmF- group . 3) The crystallinity of the radiolucent zone of the fluorosed enamel decreased in both the a and c-axis directions, and particularly decreased more in the a-axis compared with the control . 4) The pattern of the SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the enamel protein in the mature stage showed higher remaining molecular weight of amelogenins in rats in the 100 ppmF- and 200 ppmF- group . These results suggest that in hypomineralized enamel caused by long-term administration of fluoride containing water, the degradation of amelogenin protein was disturbed, and consequently the crystallinity of enamel apatite decreased. Prog Clin Biol Res, 1990, 333, 293 - 301 Lipid coating of paramagnetic microspheres reduces non-specific binding to Kelly neuroblastoma cells; Kedar A et al.; In an effort to reduce non-specific binding interactions (binding in the absence of antibody), sheep anti-mouse IgG1 (Fc) antibody linked to magnetic microspheres (also referred to as microbeads or beads) were treated with phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), or a mixture of PC and PG . The lipid-treated microspheres were mixed with Kelly neuroblastoma cells, which had been pre-labelled with Hoechst fluorochrome . After 30 minutes of incubation, the microsphere adherent cells were separated from the non-adherent cells and counted . PC or mixed lipid treatment of beads reduced nonspecific binding to 8.3%, compared to 25.8% in the untreated samples . PG, on the other hand, increased non-specific binding . Lipid treatment of beads did not adversely affect specific antibody mediated binding . When a non-specific antibody was added to the incubation mixture, non-specific binding of untreated control beads to cells was increased, but binding of PC-treated beads was unaffected. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 1990 Jan, 32(4), 470 - 2 A new cyclodextrin-agar medium for surface cultivation of microbes on lipophilic substrates; Bar R; Inclusion of cyclodextrins into an agar gel enabled a homogeneous incorporation of water-immiscible lipophilic organic liquids and solids as substrates for surface microbial growth or conversion . Surface cultivation of Candida lipolytica and C . tropicalis was demonstrated in alpha- and beta-cyclodextrin/hexadecane-agar media. Aust Dent J, 1989 Dec, 34(6), 548 - 58 Differential diagnosis of severe periodontal lesions; Hirsch RS et al.; In current clinical practice, a differential diagnosis of severe localized periodontal lesions is rarely made; such lesions are considered to be manifestations of periodontitis caused by specific microbes from the commensal oral flora . However, deep seated lesions of the periodontium which are in communication with the alveolar crest, are well documented periodontal consequences of pulpal pathoses and can mimic the signs and symptoms of 'periodontitis' . The very low incidence of tooth-threatening periodontal disease in ancient and modern man is revealed when differential diagnoses are used in the examination of alveolar defects in anthropological materials and when epidemiological studies use more appropriate indices . However, no periodontal index to date has incorporated a differential diagnosis between gingival and pulpal causes of alveolar bone loss . The gingival and periodontal signs of severe localized periodontal lesions are reviewed and the imprecise nature of current clinical diagnostic tests (radiography, 'pulp testing', darkfield microscopy, bleeding on probing, periodontal probing) is discussed . None of these tests is able to detect disease activity and cannot be used to predict future patterns of disease behaviour . However, the commonly held belief that the tests are accurate has resulted in most severe periodontal lesions being falsely labelled as periodontitis . Failure to carry out differential diagnosis of severe periodontal lesions has resulted in the instigation of periodontal therapy for many lesions of non-gingival origin . Whenever severe localized lesions of the periodontium are detected, the differential diagnosis between pulpal and periodontal origins should be made . The results of diagnostic tests in current use should be interpreted with extreme caution; clinicians are left to exercise their judgment based on consideration of all the available evidence. J Cell Sci, 1989 Dec, 94 ( Pt 4), 625 - 34 The behaviour of microtubules in chromosomal spindle fibres irradiated singly or doubly with ultraviolet light; Wilson P et al.; Areas of reduced birefringence (ARBs) produced by ultraviolet microbeam irradiation are areas of depolymerized microtubules . ARBs probably move poleward either by microtubule subunit addition at the kinetochore and loss at the pole, or by microtubule subunit addition at one edge of the ARB and loss from the other edge . In this paper we have used two approaches to try to distinguish between these two models . First, we determined whether the edges of the ARB move at the same rate; if ARB motion is due solely to addition at the kinetochore and loss at the pole, with the ARB edges unable to exchange subunits, then the two edges of each ARB should move at the same rate . On the other hand, if the exchange is at the ARB edges, then, from data from microtubules in vitro, the poleward edge should move much faster than the kinetochoreward edge . We found that the two edges of the ARB move at the same rate about half the time, but half the time they do not . Second, we studied the behaviour of two ARBs on a single fibre . If ARB motion is due solely to subunit addition at the kinetochore and loss at the pole, then the two ARBs must move poleward together . We found that after two ARBs are formed on a single fibre the region between the ARBs is unstable and rapidly depolymerizes . These results do not fit either model and suggest that influences of kinetochores and poles or other factors need to be considered that are not duplicated in experiments on microtubules in vitro. Zentralbl Hyg Umweltmed, 1989 Dec, 189(3), 235 - 47 Breathing filters for use in inhalation anaesthesia and long-term respirator therapy . An analysis using pall breathing filters as an example; Koller W; The breathing filters tested in this investigation showed a high filtration effect . Therefore these filters can be assumed to protect the patient's airways very effectively from exogenous microbial loads, thus reducing the risk of extrinsic colonisation and infection . Of course intrinsic causes of infection, which prevail in long-term ventilation of patients, will respond neither to the use of breathing filters nor to disinfection of the ventilation equipment . Breathing filters protect both the patient's environment and the ventilation equipment from microbes exhaled by the patient . Hydrophobic filters with large inner surfaces such as those tested also act as heat and moisture exchangers; thus they reduce the need for air-humidification and eliminate a notorious source of respiratory-tract infection . Gain in dead space, blockage by condensed humidity and a tendency for thicker secretions are possible drawbacks which must be kept in mind when using breathing filters . The tested filters may be disposed of safely; neither dipping nor heat-sterilization or incineration will create hazard for the environment . The use of these filters may reduce significantly the frequency of respirator cleaning and disinfection as well as the costs incurred for staff, equipment repair and renewal . On the other hand, purchase, storage and disposal of the filters create running costs. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1989 Dec, 55(12), 3140 - 2 Aromatic hydroxylation and sulfation of 5-hydroxyflavone by Streptomyces fulvissimus; Ibrahim AR et al.; The conversion of 5-hydroxyflavone by various microorganisms was studied . Among them, Streptomyces fulvissimus was the sole microbe which produced a new polar metabolite from 5-hydroxyflavone in addition to 5,4-dihydoxy- and 5,3,4-trihydroxyflavone . The structure of this polar metabolite was determined to be 5,4-dihydroxyflavone-4-sulfate on the basis of mass, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies . These results demonstrate that S . fulvissimus catalyzes sulfation at the 4 position of 4,5-dihydroxyflavone. Nippon Hotetsu Shika Gakkai Zasshi, 1989 Dec, 33(6), 1398 - 407 {Microbeading resin-bonded retainers . 1 . Tensile bond strengths and durability}; Kato T et al.; With the development of adhesive luting resins that adheres both dental alloys and tooth enamel has been widely used the resin-bonded fixed partial denture recently . Since we experienced, however, that the metal retainers without mechanical retention such as channels were often dislodged with metal interface failure, the more durable bonding between a luting resin and a metal has been desired . This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of microbeading onto the adherent metal surface on the tensile adhesive strength between an adhesive luting resin and a dental alloy . Maxgold equivalent to Type IV gold and Panavia EX were used as an adherent metal and a luting resin, respectively . The following conclusions were drawn: 1 . Microbeading on the adherent metal surface made no contribution to an increase of the tensile adhesive strength, unless the adherent surface treatment was achieved . However, once 50 microns alumina blasting and tin plating were achieved on the microbeaded metal surface, the tensile adhesive strength was significantly increased . 2 . Taking into account the fabrication technique and the tensile adhesive strength, the optimum diameter of microbeads seems to be 150 microns . 3 . In the result of various accelerative durability tests (invasion tests in 70 and 100 degrees C water, thermal cycling between 4 and 60 degrees C water), the durability of 150 microns microbeaded metal surface on which 50 microns alumina blasting and tin plating were achieved was much better than that of the smooth metal surface. J Acoust Soc Am, 1989 Nov, 86(5), 1797 - 804 The design, calibration, and use of a water microjet for stimulating hair cell sensory hair bundles; Saunders JC et al.; The design, calibration, and use of a noninvasive, noncontact device for stimulating hair cell hair bundles in vitro are described . This device employed a piezoelectric crystal, driven at high frequencies, to generate sinusoidal pressure in a contained fluid volume . The pressure was propagated to the tip of a glass micropipette and the oscillating water jet stimulus produced at the tip was used to stimulate sensory hair bundles . The movements of glass microbeads, caught in the oscillating pressure field of the water jet, provided a means of calibrating this stimulus . The linearity of the jet, its waveform and frequency response, the influence of pipette shape and tip diameter, as well as models to explain the operation of the water jet, are described . The use of this stimulus for measuring hair bundle micromechanics at high frequencies is then demonstrated. Stomatologia (Athenai), 1989 Nov-Dec, 46(6), 359 - 72 {Microbial permeability of dentin}; Sourai PG; This is a review of the literature about the contemporary aspects of microbial permeability of dentin . They are discussed the factors that are responsible for this question and analytically: the structure of dentin, the composition of dentin in organic and inorganic ingredients, the response mechanisms of dentin, that is the irritation dentin and sclerotic dentin, the hypermineralized zone under carious lesions, the role of saliva and dentinal fluid, the role of pulp and its microcirculation against the invasion of microbes and, the role of smear layer . Also this article refers to the immunological reaction of the pulp and finally to the role of dentist in the permeability of dentin, because the more conservative is a tooth preparation the less is the permeability of dentin . In conclusion, the microbial permeability of dentin is a very complicated biological phenomenon that needs more study and further investigations. J Dairy Sci, 1989 Nov, 72(11), 3070 - 8 A simple continuous culture system for rumen microbial digestion study and effects of defaunation and dilution rates; Fuchigami M et al.; Ground substrates and a buffer solution were continuously supplied into 500 ml culture vessels in which the contents were mixed slowly by a stirrer (6 rpm) and the excess medium removed via a small outlet chamber (overflow) by a turning wing (30 rpm) . This procedure resulted in the formation of three layers in the culture vessel with different local dilution rates . The top and bottom layers, with slower dilution rates, successfully served to harbor and thus maintain the slowly growing microbes that would otherwise wash out of the system . The effects of defaunation on the microbial digestion were studied with varying nominal dilution rates of .5, 1.5, 2.5, and 4.0/d . Dry matter and cellulose digestibilities and VFA production were depressed by defaunation, and the depressions were more pronounced at higher dilution rates, suggesting a favorable effect of protozoa on rumen microbial digestion in higher producing animals. Lab Anim Sci, 1989 Nov, 39(6), 582 - 6 Antigen delivery to gut associated lymphoid tissue of rabbits; Banks RE et al.; A rabbit model was developed so that antigens, microbes or potential mucosal vaccines could be delivered in multiple doses directly to the luminal surface of the gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) located in the cecal appendix . A polyethylene catheter was implanted surgically into the tip of the appendix . It exited the body wall and progressed subcutaneously around the thorax to the dorsocervical region where it was attached to a subcutaneous obturator . The catheters were flushed every day with sterile saline . To assess patency of the system, radiographic contrast media was injected and the animals were radiographed . Rabbits were necropsied at 10, 30 and 60 days and tissues evaluated by histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic means . The microbial flora was evaluated also . All tissues examined were free of significant abnormalities . The advantage of this delivery system is its ability to provide multiple doses of immunogenic agents directly to a physiologically normal appendix over an extended period. J Dent Res, 1989 Nov, 68(11), 1519 - 24 Microscopic and crystallographic examinations of the teeth of the X-linked hypophosphatemic mouse; Abe K et al.; Teeth from the C57BL/6J-Hyp mouse (Hyp mouse) were examined histologically, radiographically, and crystallographically . Microscopic examinations of the ground sections, the decalcified and H-E-stained sections, and the contact microradiograms of molars and incisors from the Hyp mouse showed several abnormalities--such as large pulp chamber, wide predentin, thin dentin at the pulp floor, and multiple occurrences of interglobular dentin . Powder and microbeam x-ray diffraction analyses showed that the crystallinity of hydroxyapatite in incisor globular dentin from the Hyp mouse was higher than that in incisor dentin from the normal mouse . On the other hand, the findings of transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that the sizes of hydroxyapatite crystals of globular dentin in the Hyp incisor were larger than those in normal incisor dentin . These results demonstrated that the findings in Hyp mouse teeth were in accord with those of human XLH teeth. Cytometry, 1989 Nov, 10(6), 681 - 8 Flow cytometry chamber with 4 pi light collection suitable for epifluorescence microscopes; Watson JV; A compact, solid, spherico-ellipsoidal chamber (SEC), which has approaching 4 pi ("all around") light collection, has been developed for flow cytometry . This was mounted onto the stage of a standard fluorescence photomicroscope, and the camera was replaced by a photomultiplier . Both components can be added or removed in minutes . The increased light collection efficiency of the SEC (about 85%) compared with about 4% from standard chambers enabled a fluorescence microscope with a 50 W mercury vapour lamp to "double" as a flow cytometer . The system was tested with microbeads and cells stained for DNA with ethidium bromide, and results were comparable to those obtained with our laser-based instrument. Biochimie, 1989 Nov-Dec, 71(11-12), 1125 - 43 Roles of O-acetyl-L-homoserine sulfhydrylases in micro-organisms; Yamagata S; O-Acetyl-L-homoserine sulfhydrylase (EC 4.2.99.10) is essential for certain micro-organisms, functioning as a homocysteine synthase in the pathway of methionine synthesis . It participates in an alternative pathway of L-homocysteine synthesis for those microbes in which homocysteine is synthesized mainly via cystathionine . The protein can also catalyze the de novo synthesis of L-cysteine and O-alkyl-L-homoserine in some microorganisms . The enzyme possibly recycles the methylthio group of methionine. Chromosoma, 1989 Nov, 98(5), 351 - 7 Telomeric sequences derived from laser-microdissected polytene chromosomes; Ponelies N et al.; Telomeric fragments from salivary gland squashes of Drosophila melanogaster Oregon R . were produced by a new microdissection technique, UV laser microbeam dissection . Microdissection, an essential step in microcloning procedures, is usually performed using micromanipulators and microneedles . Recently it has been shown that microdissection can be improved to very high precision if a laser coupled into a microscope is used . A laser microbeam, generated by an excimer pumped dye laser, allows chromosomes to be cut into slices of less than 0.5 micron . Here it is shown, that single copy DNA probes prepared from Drosophila chromosomes by laser microdissection and microcloning relocalize to the chromosomal regions from which they are derived . The combination of laser technique and microcloning provides an advantageous approach for rapid genetic analysis with potential for the study of genetic diseases and genome mapping. ASDC J Dent Child, 1989 Nov-Dec, 56(6), 452 - 7 A study of behavior modification for developmentally disabled children; Boj JR et al.; A tape-slide series, using a desensitization and modeling approach, was developed in order to prepare three- and four-year-old developmentally disabled children for an initial dental examination . The tape-slide series pleasantly describes what to expect during the first visit to the dental office . A clown and a four-year-old girl were used as models . Twenty-eight children participated in the study, divided into two groups: control and experimental . A requirement for qualification as a patient was that the child not have had any previous dental experience . Three techniques for measuring behavior were used: heart rate, a modified Melamed's scale, and a dentist's subjective evaluation . The results demonstrated that: a) The experimental group was in a high state of arousal when starting the dental procedures; b) Children exposed to the tapeslide series showed worse behavior and a higher heart rate than children not exposed to the series; c) Heart rate was sensitive and objective in measuring anxiety and arousal in the dental setting; d) Modified Melamed's scale was not sensitive enough to measure microbehavior in this study; e) The subjective dentist's evaluation showed the impossibility of preventing a biased interpretation of behavior by the evaluator. Cell Biol Int Rep, 1989 Oct, 13(10), 823 - 32 Identifying the site of microtubule polymerization during regrowth of UV-sheared kinetochore fibres using antibodies against acetylated alpha-tubulin; Wilson P et al.; Areas of reduced birefringence (ARBs) produced on chromosomal fibres of crane-fly spermatocyte spindles by ultraviolet microbeam irradiation move poleward . The ARB is due to the depolymerization of the microtubules in that area, and its poleward motion is due in part to the lengthening of that part of the kinetochore fibre which is left attached to the kinetochore after shearing the microtubules . We tested whether the lengthening of this fibre is due to the polymerization of microtubules at the growing edge of the ARB by staining growing fibres in irradiated spindles with antibodies to tubulin and to acetylated tubulin . We have previously argued that newly-polymerized kinetochore microtubules are not acetylated, whereas older kinetochore microtubules are (Wilson & Forer, 1989) . Therefore we expected to see an absence of staining with antibodies to acetylated tubulin at the edge of the ARB if microtubules were polymerizing there . There is no absence of staining, however, which suggests that growth of the sheared microtubules does not occur at the ARB edge . Other possibilities are discussed. Immunol Today, 1989 Oct, 10(10), 336 - 9 Solid matrix-antibody-antigen (SMAA) complexes for constructing multivalent subunit vaccines; Randall RE; For successful vaccination to many diseases, it is necessary to induce both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to the infectious agent: this may require the incorporation of multiple antigens from the same microbe into the vaccine . In this article, Richard Randall proposes that one of the most practical and effective ways of producing multivalent vaccines may be through the construction of solid matrix-antibody-antigen (SMAA) complexes . The advantages of such vaccines and their future potential is discussed. Am Rev Respir Dis, 1989 Oct, 140(4), 1086 - 8 Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis from a contaminated dump site; Kramer MN et al.; The inhalation of Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) spores liberated from a municipal leaf compost site led to the development of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in a patient living in the area . The patient developed characteristic symptoms of ABPA and demonstrated precipitins against Af antigens in his sera . The potential hazard caused by uncontrolled composting resulting in the dissemination of several allergenic fungi and other microbes is exemplified by this case. Neuron, 1989 Oct, 3(4), 473 - 85 Pharyngeal pumping continues after laser killing of the pharyngeal nervous system of C . elegans; Avery L et al.; Using a laser microbeam to kill specific subsets of the pharyngeal nervous system of C . elegans, we found that feeding was accomplished by two separately controlled muscle motions, isthmus peristalsis and pumping . The single neuron M4 was necessary and sufficient for isthmus peristalsis . The MC neurons were necessary for normal stimulation of pumping in response to food, but pumping continued and was functional in MC- worms . The remaining 12 neuron types were also unnecessary for functional pumping . No operation we did, including destruction of the entire pharyngeal nervous system, abolished pumping altogether . When we killed all pharyngeal neurons except M4, the worms were viable and fertile, although retarded and starved . Since feeding is one of the few known essential actions controlled by the nervous system, we suggest that most of the C . elegans nervous system is dispensable in hermaphrodites under laboratory conditions . This may explain the ease with which nervous system mutants are isolated and handled in C . elegans. Antibiot Khimioter, 1989 Oct, 34(10), 736 - 9 {Determining the sensitivity of Pseudomonas to chemotherapeutic preparations by the micromethod in liquid synthetic medium}; Orlova GM et al.; Ever increasing interest is being displayed lately to simple, economic and standard systems for assay of antibiotic sensitivity of microbes with microtechniques in nutrient media requiring no raw materials in short supply . For determining sensitivity of Pseudomonas spp . to chemotherapeutics a liquid synthetic medium balanced by its cationic composition and containing no competing agents of sulfanylamides was used . Three procedures were comparatively estimated: the method of serial dilutions in the liquid medium with using immunological trays, the method of serial dilutions in agar and the diffusion test . In the estimation 185 strains of various Pseudomonas species were used: P . aeruginosa, P . cepacia, P . fluorescens, P . stutzeri, P . putida and P . pseudomallei . The method using the liquid synthetic medium and trays provided more precise interpretation of the results of the assay of the Pseudomonas spp . sensitivity to aminoglycosides, tetracycline, polymyxin and sulfamonomethoxine that the routine procedures . It showed some other advantages such as simplicity, low cost, low medium requirement and glassware economy . The application of the method allowed to exclude the use of expensive imported nutrient media in assay of sulfanylamide sensitivity. Int J Cancer, 1989 Sep 15, 44(3), 512 - 7 Discrepancy in the abilities of lymphokines and bacteria to mediate tumor protection in vivo and/or tumoricidal activity by macrophages in vitro; Keller R et al.; In the present study, the ability of lymphokines (MAF and IFN gamma) and microbial agents (CP and LM) to induce and maintain tumoricidal activity in BMMP in vitro and to enhance local resistance to the DA rat D-12 ascites tumor in vivo was assessed comparatively . Under standard conditions in vitro, i.e., when present during the 24-hr induction and the 36-hr effector phase, both lymphokines and microbes were similarly potent for eliciting tumoricidal activity in BMMP . When the activating agents were present only during the induction phase, and effector cells were interacted with tumor targets after a 24-hr interval, clear differences were observed: BMMP which had been incubated with lymphokines had largely if not completely lost their tumoricidal activity; in contrast, BMMP which had been incubated with microbes still manifested considerable tumoricidal activity . Experiments performed to assess the in vivo significance of the discrepancy established in vitro have shown that resistance to the D-12 ascites tumor was markedly enhanced after local inoculation of microbes but was affected very little or not at all by soluble lymphokines . The causes responsible for the discrepancy in the antitumor potential of lymphokines vs . microbes are probably manifold . Extensive attempts to improve the efficacy of lymphokines by repeated administration or by incorporation into liposomes were not successful. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen, 1989 Sep 10, 109(25), 2572 - 4 {Drinking water for tourists in the Tropics}; Berdal BP et al.; The modern Norwegian tourist may need a simple and rapid procedure to ensure that water is potable . Convenient available products for such include chemicals and microfilters . We describe and comment on the chemicals currently available in Norway . We have also evaluated a series of portable filters . The microfilters reduced the number of microbes quite efficiently . Some also had good flow capacity, and can certainly be recommended as useful traveller's equipment. Sci Total Environ, 1989 Sep, 85, 29 - 51 The quantification of dietary intake, digestion and metabolism in farm livestock and its relevance to the study of radionuclide uptake; Mayes RW; The transfer coefficient and biological half-life have been widely used to describe the uptake of radionuclides by farm animals . However, these parameters may be inadequate, for they take little account of the effects of the processes occurring in the animal upon the behaviour of a radionuclide . The aim of this paper is to review techniques which could be used to study the uptake of dietary radionuclides by farm animals . The main factors affecting uptake can be categorised in terms of intake, digestion and absorption, and metabolism . The estimation of the intake of a radionuclide by grazing animals is difficult . Intake estimation by determining amounts of standing herbage before and after grazing is rarely a valid method because of herbage growth . Methods based on animal measurements have wider application . Many intake methods give short-term estimates (measured over a few hours), whereas for most radionuclide studies, longer-term estimates (over days or weeks) are required . The most suitable methods use indigestible markers to determine the output of faeces and the digestibility of grazed herbage . Considerable variability in the distribution of radionuclides may exist among different plant species . To accurately estimate radionuclide intake on mixed pastures it is necessary to determine the plant species composition of the diet of animals; present methods may be inadequate and new techniques may be required . If contaminated, the drinking-water intake by animals would need to be determined . The processes of digestion (the physical disintegration and chemical breakdown by gut microbes and secreted enzymes) may affect the radionuclide uptake by an animal . Other factors, including the chemical form of the radionuclide, rate of passage of material along the gut, degree of incorporation into microbial tissue, and the absorption mechanism might also affect the degree to which the radionuclide can cross the gut wall . The apparent absorption coefficient (apparent digestibility) has been widely used in nutritional studies to quantify net uptake of a component from the gut . However, as this parameter does not adequately indicate the ability of a substance to cross the gut wall, its value in radionuclide uptake studies is rather limited . More useful, since it gives an indication of transfer across the wall of the gut, is the true absorption coefficient . The use of animals with cannulae in the digestive tract, allows the quantitative measurement of digestion and absorption in the different functional parts of the gut . The metabolism of absorbed substances by an animal involves transport (through the circulatory system), uptake into tissue cells, modification by biochemical reactions, and excretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Eur J Haematol, 1989 Sep, 43(3), 220 - 5 Heme-binding plasma membrane proteins of K562 erythroleukemia cells: adsorption to heme-microbeads, isolation with affinity chromatography; Majuri R; Heme-microbeads attached themselves to the surface of viable K562 cells in a manner inhibitable by free hemin, indicating heme-receptor interaction . The microbeads were at first evenly distributed, but after prolonged incubation at 37 degrees C they formed a cap on one pole of the cells indicating clustering of the membrane heme receptors . Membrane proteins were labeled by culturing the cells in the presence of 35S-methionine and were then solubilized with Triton X-114 . The hydrophobic proteins contained about 20% of the total bound label . The solubilized membrane proteins were subsequently adsorbed to a heme-Sepharose affinity gel . According to SDS-electrophoresis and subsequent autoradiography, the immobilized heme captures two proteins or a protein with two polypeptides of 20,000 and 32,000 daltons . The larger of these was only weakly labeled with 35S . The same two bands were observed if the cell surface proteins were labeled with 125I by the lactoperoxidase method and the subsequently solubilized membrane proteins were isolated with heme-Sepharose. Rev Infect Dis, 1989 Sep-Oct, 11(5), 707 - 15 Infection and periodontal diseases; Hirsch RS et al.; Contemporary hypotheses that consider the severe forms of periodontal disease to be infections caused by site-specific microbes fail to satisfactorily explain the epidemiologic, anthropologic, and clinical features of periodontal diseases . The microbes that have been designated as periodontopathogens are commensal bacteria present in periodontal health and disease . Association of specific bacteria with various disease forms has been established, but association is confused with causation . None of the periodontal diseases can be transmitted between individuals or between diseased and healthy sites of a susceptible person . Past and present concepts of the etiology of the periodontal diseases are reviewed, and the deficiencies of contemporary periodontal theory are outlined . Host factors rather than bacteria determine whether gingivitis extends to horizontal periodontitis . Angular alveolar lesions, the severe form of periodontal bone loss, are hypothesized to be caused by the spread of pulpal inflammation to the adjacent periodontal tissues . When the resultant dental abscess becomes contiguous with the alveolar crest and gingival sulcus, secondary colonization of deep pockets by site-specific oral bacteria-selected for by the complex conditions of the site-can occur . This explanation accounts for the distribution of periodontopathogens, the localization of angular alveolar lesions, and the bursts of activity by which the disease progresses. Parazitologiia, 1989 Sep-Oct, 23(5), 427 - 9 {Enhanced blocking capacity of the plague microbe in the body of the flea}; Voronova GA; During the stay of plague microbe in the organism of flea, under the effect of bactericidal factor increases its ability to form the block of proventriculus in these insects . Thus, in fleas infected on white mice, which were infected in a natural way through blocked individuals, the block of proventriculus appears 2 to 3 times as often (59.5 and 34.0%) as in insects (15.02%) infected on animals, which were infected artificially. Trends Genet, 1989 Sep, 5(9), 304 - 9 Site-specific recombination by Tn3 resolvase; Stark WM et al.; Site-specific recombination processes in microbes bring about precise DNA rearrangements which have diverse and important biological functions . The sites and recombinase enzymes used for these processes fall into two distinct families . Here we describe how experiments with one family, exemplified by the resolution system of transposon Tn3, have provided insight into the ways in which DNA and protein interact to bring together distant recombination sites and promote strand exchange. J Immunol, 1989 Aug 15, 143(4), 1206 - 9 IFN-beta 2/IL-6 augments the activity of human natural killer cells; Luger TA et al.; MHC nonrestricted cytotoxic cells play an important role in the killing of tumor cells in vitro and potentially in vivo . The activity of these cells is regulated by several cytokines such as IL-2 and IFN . In the present study we provide first evidence that IL-6 significantly augments the cytotoxic activity of human NK cells . IL-6 is produced by many different cells and is also known as IFN-beta 2, B cell stimulatory factor 2, hybridoma growth factor, hepatocyte-stimulating factor, and 26 kDa protein . IL-6 stimulates the activity of human CD3- NK cells but not that of CD3+ non-MHC-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes . As is the case with IL-2, the IL-6-mediated augmented cytotoxicity was a result of a more efficient lysis, but was not caused by an increased effector to target cell binding . Moreover, the effect of IL-6 on NK cell activity was blocked by a mAb directed against IL-2, and IL-6 itself was found to be a potent inducer of IL-2 production in cultured human PBMC . Thus it may be concluded that IL-6 enhances the cytotoxic activity of NK cells via IL-2 . This newly recognized property of IL-6, which is produced by almost any cell, may be of importance in host defense against microbes and malignancies and therefore could contribute to improve the adoptive immunotherapy by using lymphokine-activated killer cells. J Chromatogr, 1989 Aug 4, 476, 49 - 57 Polymer support synthesis . XV . Behaviour of non-porous surface-coated silica gel microbeads in oligonucleotide synthesis; Seliger H et al.; Non-porous silica gel microbeads of diameter 1.5 microns have been investigated as supports for oligonucleotide synthesis . In the preparation of oligothymidylates of chain length up to 150 bases, with 5'-di-p-anisylphenylmethyl-3'-phosphoramidite as an intermediate, the average yields per chain elongation were up to 99% . Lower overall yields were observed in the case of a support which developed a strong tendency towards aggregation after the build up of an oligonucleotide coating. J Cell Biol, 1989 Aug, 109(2), 637 - 52 Polewards microtubule flux in the mitotic spindle: evidence from photoactivation of fluorescence; Mitchison TJ; I have synthesized a novel derivative of carboxyfluorescein that is nonfluorescent, but can be converted to a fluorescent form by exposure to 365-nm light . This photoactivable, fluorescent probe was covalently attached to tubulin and microinjected into mitotic tissue culture cells, where it incorporated into functional spindles . To generate a fluorescent bar across the mitotic spindle, metaphase cells were irradiated with a slit microbeam . This bar decreased in intensity over the first minute, presumably due to turnover of nonkinetochore microtubules . The remaining fluorescent zones, now presumably restricted to kinetochore microtubules, moved polewards at 0.3-0.7 microns/min . This result provides strong evidence for polewards flux in kinetochore microtubules . In conjunction with earlier biotin-tubulin incorporation experiments (Mitchison, T . J., L . Evans, E . Schulze, and M . Kirschner . 1986 . Cell . 45:515-527), I conclude that microtubules polymerize at kinetochores and depolymerize near the poles throughout metaphase . The significance of this observation for spindle structure and function is discussed . Local photoactivation of fluorescence should be a generally useful method for following molecular dynamics inside living cells. J Toxicol Sci, 1989 Aug, 14(3), 215 - 25 Potentiality of protamine sulfate as mutagen; Sarwar G et al.; The mutagenicity of protamine sulfate has been clarified based on chromosomal aberration of cultured chinese hamster lung cells (cell line) in direct and metabolic activation methods and microbial mutagenesis (Ames test) . In chromosomal aberration test, protamine sulfate caused cytotoxicity in the high doses (2500 and 5000 micrograms/ml) in the presence of rat liver homogenates (S-9) . But very negligible or no cytotoxicity occurred in direct method at high dose (5000 micrograms/ml) . Structural aberration of chromosome was not occurred in either of the methods . In microbial mutagenesis study, protamine sulfate did not show any cytotoxicity to microbes up to the dose of 5000 micrograms per plate . Furthermore, it did not have any effect in microbes like mutagens or like some toxic agent . The study reveals that protamine sulfate is not mutagen. Baillieres Clin Rheumatol, 1989 Aug, 3(2), 303 - 19 Bowel infection predisposing to reactive arthritis; Aho K; Postenteric reactive arthritis is one of several syndromes in which arthritis appears to be secondary to gastrointestinal tract pathology . A wide range of microbes may trigger this type of arthritis . On the other hand, there are differences between strains in their arthritogenic potential . Two possible mechanisms, not mutually exclusive, can be forwarded to explain these findings: first, particular characteristics of the infective organisms are necessary to initiate events leading to reactive arthritis and, second, particular anatomical locations and a certain degree of mucosal involvement are needed to initiate the process . Studies on humoral and cellular immune responses have not revealed any unifying feature that could explain the pathogenesis of reactive arthritis . The HLA allele B27 plays some kind of key role . Yet the elucidation of the fine structure of B27 specificity has not led to any immediate breakthrough in the understanding of the pathogenetic pathways . Experience of reactive arthritis associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome suggests that helper T cells are not involved . Antigen persistence may be connected with continuation of the inflammation . Recent developments in the serology of enteric bacterial infections will provide additional tools for uncovering the triggering agents in reactive arthritis . 'Idiopathic reactive arthritis' associated with clinically silent terminal ileitis is an interesting disease entity requiring further characterization. Antibiot Khimioter, 1989 Aug, 34(8), 563 - 6 {Effect of storage conditions on population variability and activity of Streptomyces recifensis var . lyticus}; Babenko IuS et al.; The results of the study on survival and variation of Streptomyces recifensis var . lyticus 2435 producing lytic enzymes are presented . The culture was maintained for 2.5 years under a layer of vaseline oil, at a temperature of -20 degrees C and in lyophilized state . It was shown that irrespective of the storage method strain 2435 preserved its viability . However, the most intensive growth was observed in the lyophilized cultures . During the storage the content of the productive colonies characteristic of the morphological type culture in the population decreased while the number of the low active variants increased . Lyophilization of the strain spores in the sucrose-gelatine medium provided insignificant morphological variation of the culture and preservation of the initial level of its lytic activity against a number of test-microbes except S . aureus and M . lysodeikticus . Storage of the culture under vaseline oil and at a temperature of -20 degrees C resulted in lowering of its lytic activity against all the test-microbes used . For long-term maintenance of Streptomyces recifensis var . lyticus 2435 the method of lyophilization in the sucrose-gelatine medium is recommended. Tsitologiia, 1989 Aug, 31(8), 874 - 81 {The effect of the laser microirradiation of the cell center on neutrophil motility}; Uzbekov RE et al.; The cell center of human neutrophils spread on polylysine-coated coverslips was irradiated with an argon laser microbeam . After the cells were pretreated with acridine orange, the irradiation of the cell center in a dose of over 0.1 J completely and irreversibly suppressed the motility of neutrophils (both random migration and chemotaxis), even though the cells retained their polarization . The same dose, applied to the cell nucleus and the forward and backward edges of the cytoplasm, resulted in little, if any, effect on cell motility, and did not inhibit their movement toward the target . Electron microscopy of the cells with the irradiated center showed the microtubules to persist for no less than 30 minutes; no visible destruction was caused in the cell center structure . Consequently, the cell center directly controls (not through polymerization of microtubules) the motility of neutrophils. Biomed Environ Mass Spectrom, 1989 Aug, 18(8), 581 - 91 On the use of laser microprobe mass spectrometry for the analysis of organic biomolecules; Van Vaeck L et al.; Laser microprobe mass spectrometry has been applied to a variety of organic polyfunctional molecules, covering a wide range of polarity and mass spectrometric behaviour . The technique apparently combines desorption under relatively soft conditions with extensive fragmentation and hence allows much structural information from intactly released thermolabiles to be obtained . The mass spectra appear unfamiliar in comparison to conventional techniques . Interpretation is attempted in a purely empirical way by means of the evidence from our database and tentative hypotheses to rationalize the desorption and ionization by laser microbeam irradiation of organic solids . Selected examples are presented to illustrate the potential and limitations of the method in the field of biomolecules, such as pyridoxine and pyridoxal phosphate, nucleosides, nucleotides and related analogues, drugs and the corresponding N-oxides. J Immunol Methods, 1989 Jul 26, 121(2), 289 - 94 Non-specific cell binding characteristics of para-magnetic polystyrene microspheres used for antibody-mediated cell selection; Janssen WE et al.; The binding of cells to paramagnetic polystyrene microbeads in the absence of coupling antibodies was measured . Cells from normal bone marrow, from an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell line or from a neuroblastoma cell line, were labeled with the fluorochrome Hoechst 33342 and incubated with microbeads by rotation at 4 degrees C . Following this incubation, the microbeads with all attached cells were collected using an externally applied magnetic field and visualized by microscopic examination under ultraviolet illumination . The incubation variables included the protein content of the medium, and the period of rotation . Normal bone marrow was found to adhere sparingly to the microbeads; less than 1.0% of the total nucleated cell population was recovered with the beads, whereas greater than 5% of the ALL cells and greater than 30% of the neuroblastoma cells were found to bind non-specifically to the microspheres . Neither changes in the protein concentration of the medium or in the incubation period significantly altered the non-specific binding of the cell types examined . It is thus apparent that the use of these microspheres for positive selection of cells, such as the collection of hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation, would be compromised by a sizeable non-specific interaction . Modification of the surface of the microspheres to substantially reduce this interaction will be necessary before efforts at positive selection using the magnetic microspheres can be fruitful. FEBS Lett, 1989 Jul 3, 250(2), 437 - 40 Binding of plasminogen to Escherichia coli adhesion proteins; Parkkinen J et al.; Immobilization of plasminogen via its lysine-binding sites is regarded as a prerequisite for its activation and function in fibrinolysis and pericellular proteolysis . In the present study, the interaction of plasminogen with fimbriae found on Escherichia coli strains causing invasive human infections was studied . Plasminogen displayed concentration-dependent and saturable binding to immobilized type 1 fimbriae and, several fold lower binding to P and S fimbriae . The binding to fimbriae was effectively inhibited by epsilon-aminocaproic acid indicating that it was mediated by the lysine-binding sites of plasminogen . Binding studies with mutated fimbriae and inhibition tests indicated that the interaction was not dependent on the lectin subunit of the fimbriae . These results indicate the existence of a novel type of host-microbe interaction which may be important in the invasion by bacteria of host tissues. J Cell Biol, 1989 Jul, 109(1), 253 - 63 Progressive and spatially differentiated stability of microtubules in developing neuronal cells; Lim SS et al.; The establishment of neural circuits requires both stable and plastic properties in the neuronal cytoskeleton . In this study we show that properties of stability and lability reside in microtubules and these are governed by cellular differentiation and intracellular location . After culture for 3, 7, and 14 d in nerve growth factor-containing medium, PC-12 cells were microinjected with X-rhodamine-labeled tubulin . 8-24 h later, cells were photobleached with a laser microbeam at the cell body, neurite shaft, and growth cone . Replacement of fluorescence in bleached zones was monitored by digital video microscopy . In 3-d cultures, fluorescence recovery in all regions occurred by 26 +/- 17 min . Similarly, in older cultures, complete fluorescence recovery at the cell body and growth cone occurred by 10-30 min . However, in neurite shafts, fluorescence recovery was markedly slower (71 +/- 48 min for 7-d and 201 +/- 94 min for 14-d cultures) . This progressive increase in the stability of microtubules in the neurite shafts correlated with an increase of acetylated microtubules . Acetylated microtubules were present specifically in the neurite shaft and not in the regions of fast microtubule turnover, the cell body and growth cone . During the recovery of fluorescence, bleached zones did not move with respect to the cell body . We conclude that the microtubule component of the neuronal cytoskeleton is differentially dynamic but stationary. ASAIO Trans, 1989 Jul-Sep, 35(3), 702 - 5 Microbiologic survey of prosthetic blood pumps presterilization and poststerilization and at explant retrieval; Pantalos GM et al.; Device-associated infection remains a major complication of implanted total artificial hearts (TAH) . The possibility of microbes being introduced on the device was investigated by conducting a gross microbial assay, pre- and poststerilization, and following explant retrieval . Culture samples were obtained from the housing, base, and blood-contacting diaphragm of Utah-100 artificial ventricles . Additional samples were obtained from atrial sewing cuffs, outflow grafts, drive lines, and percutaneous leads, along with reference control samples prior to ethylene oxide sterilization (ETO) . Culturing was repeated poststerilization and at device explant retrieval . Positive bacterial and fungal cultures were found in 24% of the presterilization samples; in the poststerilization samples, positive cultures were found in 6% . Following device explant retrieval, 84% of the cultures were positive . The reference control samples were positive in a limited number of the poststerilization samples . There was no correspondence of the species of micro-organisms found at the same location for each sampling condition . These data demonstrate that the surfaces of the TAH can become contaminated during fabrication . The presence of microbial activity poststerilization raises the possibility of inadequacy of the ETO protocol used with these devices, or contamination of the surgical field . Hearts at explant retrieval had cultures positive for microbes differing from those identified prior to implantation . This finding suggests that device-associated micro-organism colonization occurs through a source other than manufacturing or surgical contamination. J Neurobiol, 1989 Jul, 20(5), 422 - 34 Laser microbeam axotomy and conduction block show that electrical transmission at a central synapse is distributed at multiple contacts; Gu XN et al.; Touch (T) sensory neurons in the leech innervate defined regions of skin and synapse on other neurons, including other T cells, within the ganglionic neuropil . The cells' receptive fields in the periphery are comprised of a central region, innervated by thick axons, and adjoining regions (minor fields) innervated by thinner axons . Secondary branches, known to be sites of synapses, emerge from the thinner and thicker axons . Pairs of T cells appear to make up to 200 separate contacts distributed within the neuropil . When the T cell is hyperpolarized, as occurs during natural stimulation of the cell, action potentials generated in the minor field and travelling into the ganglion along the thin axons may fail to conduct at central branch points . Evidence is presented, using axon conduction block and laser axotomy of cells filled with 6-carboxy-fluorescein, that synapses between separate groups of branches can function independently . Thus, selective activation of branches of the thin anterior axon produced a synaptic potential 36 +/- 6% of control amplitude, which was consistent with counts of 39 +/- 6% of contacts made by these branches . Laser axotomy of postsynaptic neurons showed that the anterior contacts indeed made the principal or only contacts activated during anterior conduction block . The results show that conduction block can modulate transmission within the ganglion, and it operates by silencing particular contacts between cells. ASAIO Trans, 1989 Jul-Sep, 35(3), 361 - 4 Polymorphonuclear cell phagocytosis and surface receptor modulation after extracorporeal circulation; Busnach G et al.; Polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) from patients treated with hemodialysis (HD) or plasma exchange (PE) were analyzed by flow cytometry to determine modulation in phagocytic capacity and Fc-gamma and C3bi receptor expression following extracorporeal circulation (EC) . Fluorescent microbeads (phi 2.02 m) were used in the evaluation of phagocytosis, and phycoerythrin conjugated Leu11c and Leu15 monoclonals identified Fc-gamma and C3bi receptors respectively . The percentage of positive cells and mean receptor density on PMN surfaces were calculated for each antibody before and after the procedures . Fc-gamma receptor expression was reduced overall in HD and PE cases, but unaffected after EC even with specific paraprotein removal . C3bi receptor was normally expressed on PMNs before and after EC, but receptor density on the cell surface increased, and phagocytosis was qualitatively and quantitatively depressed after EC . The resulting effect of EC on PMNs was therefore a temporary increase in C3bi receptor density after the procedure, which was independent of HD or PE technique, of the primary disease, and of the quality of the PE reinfusion solutions, suggesting a procedure-related effect, and a down-regulation of PMN phagocytic activity . Both effects may be related to membrane biocompatibility. Neurosci Lett, 1989 Jun 19, 101(2), 138 - 42 Retrotrapezoid nucleus in the rat; Pearce RA et al.; The retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), recently described in the cat, is an anatomically identified cell group of the ventral medulla . It is of interest because of its possible role in the generation or control of breathing . The present investigation confirms the existence in the rat of an analogous cell group, as identified by retrograde transport of rhodamine microbeads from an injection site in the ventral respiratory group of the ventral medulla . Electrophysiological recordings from the region of RTN reveal individual units with respiratory related activity . These results support a possible role for the RTN in the control of breathing. Mol Gen Mikrobiol Virusol, 1989 Jun, (6), 39 - 42 {Transcription map of a recombinant plasmid carrying a gene for the synthesis of pesticine I and a protein for pesticine I immunity in the plague microbe}; Sorokin VM et al.; Molecules of the plasmids pBR322 and pRD17 have been compared by electron microscopy technique of R-loops visualization . Comparative location of R-loops on the plasmids has been computerized on minicomputer HP9825A due to the program making possible to define the coordinates of the transcription start and direction . The 5.1 kb fragment coding for pesticin I and immunity protein to pesticin I and cloned in pBR322 vector plasmid is flanked by Bam HI-EcoRI sites . Five promoter regions and direction of transcription were localized on the fragment. Wei Sheng Wu Xue Bao, 1989 Jun, 29(3), 204 - 15 {Studies on harmful microbes in recirculating cooling water system of oil refinery}; Lu RH et al.; The microbiol counts, type, distribution as well as interrelation between microbial counts and biofouling of the main harmful microbes including slimeforming heterotrophic bacteria, sulfate reducing bacteria, iron bacteria and fungi has been studies in 16 oil refineries of China . The control guideline of the harmful microbes for recirculating cooling water system of refinery were suggested, that is slime-forming bacteria less than 10(5)/ml, sulfate reducing bacteria less than 10(2)/ml . iron bacteria less than 10(3)/ml, fungi less than 10/ml . The appearing rate of the predominant strains from cooling water system of various refineries were calculated and identified and the composition of the main harmful representative microbes in cooling water system were determined. Psychol Rep, 1989 Jun, 64(3 Pt 1), 683 - 94 Which employment interview skills best predict the employability of schizophrenic patients? Charisiou J, Jackson HJ, Boyle GJ, Burgess PM, Minas IH, Joshua SD. To examine the effects of verbal and nonverbal interview microbehaviors and interview characteristics on employability, Simulated Employment Interviews were conducted with 46 psychiatric inpatients who each met the DSM-III criteria for a diagnosis of schizophrenia . Each interview was videotaped and shown to two raters, who generated independent ratings for six microbehaviors (eye-contact, facial gestures, body posture, verbal content, voice volume, and length of speech) and six subject characteristics (motivation, self-confidence, ability to communicate, manifest adjustment, manifest intelligence and overall interview skill) . A panel of three Commonwealth Employment Service psychologists viewed the same videotaped interviews and generated employability ratings . Verbal and nonverbal microbehaviors were relatively independent while subject characteristics were highly interdependent . Microbehaviors and characteristics correlated at a high level . Of the 12 interview microbehaviors and characteristics, manifest adjustment and ability to communicate accounted for 64% of the total variance in predicting employability . Interviewees who were perceived as behaving in an adjusted manner and as being good communicators were rated as more employable. Am J Pathol, 1989 Jun, 134(6), 1275 - 84 Colocalization of elastase and myeloperoxidase in human blood and bone marrow neutrophils using a monoclonal antibody and immunogold; Cramer EM et al.; The authors have localized elastase in human blood and bone marrow neutrophils by immunoelectron microscopy using a monoclonal anti-human elastase antibody (NP 57) and compared its distribution with myeloperoxidase (MPO) and lactoferrin (LF), which mark primary and secondary neutrophil granule, respectively . Human bone marrow and blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), either unstimulated or after phagocytosis of latex microbeads, were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde . Ultrathin frozen sections were immunolabeled with NP 57, followed by an immunogold probe . In bone marrow granulocyte precursors elastase appeared simultaneously in the immature first granules of myeloblasts with MPO . As these granules became denser with maturation, labeling for both enzymes became weaker and sometimes negative (possibly due to masking of immunoreactivity) . The ellipsoidal primary granules were strongly labeled by NP57 . LF positive granules appeared later, at the myelocyte stage, and contained neither MPO nor elastase . In mature neutrophils, immunolabeling for elastase was found together with MPO in the large electron-dense primary granules and in a different granule population from the LF-positive secondary granules . Double labeling with two different-sized gold particles was used to compare the kinetics of degranulation of secondary and primary granules . The observation and the analysis of single phagosome content was made possible by this new technique . In conclusion, immunoelectron microscopy was used to show elastase in the primary granules of neutrophils, where it appears simultaneously with MPO . This technique has also allowed comparison of the kinetics of degranulation of both types of granules, and could be applied to different experimental and pathologic conditions. Cytometry, 1989 May, 10(3), 294 - 302 Model system evaluating fluorescein-labeled microbeads as internal standards to calibrate fluorescence intensity on flow cytometers; Vogt RF Jr et al.; Fluorescence intensity calibration was evaluated in a model system for flow cytometers using commercially available fluorescein-labeled microbeads as internal standards and stabilized fluoresceinated thymus cell nuclei (Fluorotrol) as surrogates for stained mononuclear cells . Spectrophotometrically determined calibration values for the microbeads were used to generate a standard curve that converted green fluorescence histogram channels into molecular equivalents of soluble fluorescein (MESF) . In 19 analyses repeated during a single run, the coefficients of variation (CVs) for the derived MESF values on both dimly and brightly stained Fluorotrol populations were less than 2% . In 26 separate determinations over 14 weeks, the CVs of the derived MESF values were less than 3% . The MESF values of the dim and bright Fluorotrol populations derived from the microbead standard curves were both about 50% lower than those determined by direct spectrophotometric analysis of Fluorotrol . The analytical imprecision of fluorescence intensity measurements in this idealized model system has a CV less than 3%, and the analytical inaccuracy shows that calibration in MESF units remains uncertain over about a two-fold range. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1989 May, 55(5), 1196 - 202 Environmental significance of the potential for mer(Tn21)-mediated reduction of Hg2+ to Hg0 in natural waters; Barkay T et al.; The role of mer(Tn21) in the adaptation of aquatic microbial communities to Hg2+ was investigated . Elemental mercury was the sole product of Hg2+ volatilization by freshwater and saline water microbial communities . Bacterial activity was responsible for biotransformation because most microeucaryotes did not survive the exposure conditions, and removal of larger microbes (greater than 1 micromole) from adapted communities did not significantly (P greater than 0.01) reduce Hg2+ volatilization rates . DNA sequences homologous to mer(Tn21) were found in 50% of Hg2+-resistant bacterial strains representing two freshwater communities, but in only 12% of strains representing two saline communities (the difference was highly significant; P less than 0.001) . Thus, mer(Tn21) played a significant role in Hg2+ resistance among strains isolated from fresh waters, in which microbial activity had a limited role in Hg2+ volatilization . In saline water environments in which microbially mediated volatilization was the major mechanism of Hg2+ loss, other bacterial genes coded for this biotransformation. Stomatologiia (Sofiia), 1989 May-Jun, 71(3), 57 - 9 {Method of ultrasound treatment of purulent focus in abscesses and phlegmons in maxillofacial region}; Lalabonova H et al.; The authors propose a method for ultrasound treatment of a purulent focus in abscesses and phlegmons in the maxillofacial region . They use the properties of the ultrasound for that purpose, namely: stimulation of both local and general reactivity of organism, alteration of the immunologic properties of microbes and cells at the granulation swelling, destruction of microorganisms . After a broad excision of the purulent focus, a fixed tube drainage is inserted, through which the focal tissues are perfused by antiseptic and proteolytic solutions . At the same time the skin surface over the inflammatory region is treated with ultrasound . The application of that method results in reduction of the size of the inflammatory infiltration, reduction of purulence time and its definite arrest . The favourable therapeutic effect of the method is a good reason to be recommended for the surgical practice. Z Gesamte Hyg, 1989 Apr, 35(4), 238 - 9 {The use of oily saw dust in cleaning floors at health facilities}; Jatzwauk L et al.; The effect of sweeping hospital floors by means of saw dust oil soaked to microbe contamination is examinated . Because of the primary microbe contamination of that mean an application for medical treatment rooms is rejected . But for precleaning of public and traffic zones of hospitals that method is recommended due to its good receptivity of dust particles and pathogens. Minerva Med, 1989 Apr, 80(4), 357 - 61 {The results of bile culture after selective sampling of the main biliary tract via endoscopic catheterization . The relation of the microbes isolated, the anatomicopathologic picture and the possibility of septic complications following endoscopic cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)}; Catanzano C et al.; Selective sampling from the main bile way using endoscopic catheterization was used in the attempt to establish parameters capable of identifying patients at risk of septic complications following endoscopic cholangiopancreatography . The results obtained evidenced a significant relationship between neoplastic type obstructions of the main bile way, age of patient and positive bile culture with increased risk of septic complications . The advisability of using local and/or systemic antibiotic prophylaxis in elderly patients with suspected neoplastic obstruction of the bile way and thus candidates for endoscopic cholangiopancreatography is considered. J Econ Entomol, 1989 Apr, 82(2), 519 - 23 Reduced productivity in adult yellowfever mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) populations; Rodriguez PH et al.; Male and female Aedes aegypti (L.) mosquitoes of the laboratory strain ROCK were irradiated with 130 mw of argon 514.5 nm laser microbeams for 0.04, 0.25, 0.4, and 0.5 s, respectively . Egg production, percentage hatch, and productivity (average number of adults surviving after 3 wk) were used to assess mutagenic effects . Mortality was high for males in all laser radiation groups and increased with time of exposure . Except for the group treated for 0.25 s, significant reductions in total F1 progeny also were demonstrated for all other experimentals when male parents were exposed to laser radiation . Females showed a high mortality when subjected to 0.4- and 0.5-s laser radiation . No F1 progeny were produced when parental females were exposed for 0.25, 0.4, and 0.5 s . Numbers of F1 progeny from females exposed to 0.04 s of laser radiation were significantly reduced . A comparison of weekly mean number of progeny showed that the important differences in productivity occurred during the first and second week, respectively, when either male or female adult parents were subjected to laser radiation. J Cell Sci, 1989 Apr, 92 ( Pt 4), 595 - 605 Incorporation of tubulin from an evolutionarily diverse source, Physarum polycephalum, into the microtubules of a mammalian cell; Prescott AR et al.; Physarum myxamoebal tubulin was injected into PtK2 cells to determine whether tubulin from this eukaryotic microbe could act as a reporter for microtubule growth and dynamics in a mammalian cell . The distribution of Physarum tubulin was determined by the use of a monoclonal antibody specific for Physarum tubulin and unable to detect mammalian tubulin . Physarum tubulin was incorporated into the microtubules of both interphase arrays and the mitotic spindle . Measurements of microtubule turnover kinetics were found to be similar to those of other studies in which chemically modified brain tubulin has been used . Results using this heterologous system demonstrate that tubulin from an evolutionarily diverse organism can be used as a marker for microtubule growth in mammalian cells . Furthermore, the Physarum tubulin was able to endow the injected cells with novel properties . Resistance to colchicine-induced microtubule disassembly, a characteristic of Physarum tubulin, was conferred on the injected PtK2 cells . Use of this heterologous reporter tubulin system has also revealed features of variation in microtubule dynamics both within individual cells and between cells. Bioessays, 1989 Apr, 10(4), 99 - 104 Cytoplasmic determination and distribution of developmental potential in the embryo of Caenorhabditis elegans; Schierenberg E; Development of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been described completely on a cell-by-cell basis . In an invariant pattern five somatic founder cells and the primordial germ cell are generated within the first hour after the onset of cleavage . Using a laser microbeam for manipulation of individual blastomeres several aspects of early embryogenesis have been investigated, including the expression of cellular polarity, the localization of lineage-specific cleavage potential, the necessity for early cell-cell interaction, and the control of differential cell-cycle timing . The experiments demonstrate the central importance of a correct partitioning of cytoplasmic components during early embryogenesis and suggest a stepwise, binary segregation mechanism associated with the unequal cleavages in the germline. Arch Surg, 1989 Apr, 124(4), 449 - 52 The association of Escherichia coli virulence and pulmonary microvascular damage; Barke RA et al.; Bacterial virulence indicates the degree of pathogenicity of a given strain of microbe for a given host . The effect of Escherichia coli virulence on lung microvascular permeability was studied in sheep with chronic pulmonary