Microorganisms

Experientia, 1993 Mar 15, 49(3), 201 - 9
Evaluating the fate of genetically modified microorganisms in the environment: are they inherently less fit?
Lenski RE.
Genetically modified microorganisms hold great promise for environmental applications . Nonetheless, some may have unintended adverse effects . Of particular concern for risk assessment is the simple fact that microorganisms are self-replicating entities, so that it may be impossible to control an adverse effect simply by discontinuing further releases of the organism . It has been suggested, however, that genetically modified microorganisms will be poor competitors and therefore unable to persist in the wild due to energetic inefficiency, disruption of genomic coadaptation, or domestication . Many studies support the hypothesis that genetically modified microorganisms are less fit than their progenitors, but there are a few noteworthy counter-examples in which genetic modifications unexpectedly enhance competitive fitness . Furthermore, subsequent evolution may eliminate the maladaptive effects of some genes, increasing the likelihood that a modified organism or its engineered genes will persist . Evaluating the likelihood that a genetically modified microorganism or its engineered genes will persist is a complex ecological and evolutionary problem . Therefore, an efficient regulatory framework would require such evaluations only when there are plausible scenarios for significant adverse environmental effects.

Med J Aust, 1993 Mar 15, 158(6), 390 - 4
Microsporidia in the small intestine of HIV-infected patients . A new diagnostic technique and a new species; Field AS et al.; OBJECTIVES: To determine whether microsporidian infections occur in Australian patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), to assess the incidence, and to discuss microscopic detection methods . DESIGN AND PATIENTS: 180 consecutive HIV-infected patients (109 with chronic diarrhoea and 71 with other indications) underwent upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy and pinch biopsies of the second part of the duodenum . The biopsies were handled by a protocol: four levels, with haematoxylin and eosin stain (H&E) at each level, periodic acid Schiff reagent after diastase (DiPAS) and auramine stain at the second level, and Warthin-Starry (WS) stain and cytomegalovirus early antigen immunoperoxidase study at the third level . Electron microscopy was carried out on samples from the first 95 patients, and thereafter from selected patients . SETTING: The patients came from the HIV Medicine Unit of a teaching hospital and from the practice of a gastroenterologist . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Diagnosis of microsporidia was to based on the H&E stain, with electron microscopy as the definitive test because the microsporidia are often difficult to see with H&E . Empirically, the WS stain was found to stain the microorganisms and it replaced electron microscopy during the study as the screening diagnostic test . RESULTS: Microsporidia were present in 36 of the 109 patients with diarrhoea (33%) and one of 71 patients without diarrhoea . The WS stain in all cases showed developing spores in the enterocytes and in four cases in macrophages as well . The H&E stain showed non-specific duodenitis and was not diagnostic in some cases . Electron microscopy on samples from the first 95 consecutive patients showed 100% concordance with the WS stain . In 33 cases, electron microscopy showed the multinucleated plasmodia and the spores of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and in the four cases confirmed the spores in macrophages and showed a new Encephalitozoon-like species with a septate parasitophorous vacuole . Other causes of duodenal infection were cytomegalovirus (11 cases), mycobacteria (8), cryptosporidia (8) and Giardia lamblia (5) . CONCLUSION: E . bieneusi was the commonest microorganism found in our series of 180 consecutive patients . The actual prevalence of the two microsporidia species within the HIV-positive population and general community awaits further study . The WS stain provides a sensitive diagnostic test for the presence of E . bieneusi and the new Encephalitozoon-like species, avoiding the cost and potential sampling error of electron microscopy . The detailed ultrastructure and taxonomy of the new species requires further study.

J Biol Chem, 1993 Mar 15, 268(8), 5879 - 85
Human gastric mucin . Identification of a unique species by expression cloning; Toribara NW et al.; Gastric mucin is a large glycoprotein which is thought to play a major role in the protection of the gastrointestinal tract from acid, proteases, pathogenic microorganisms, and mechanical trauma . In this paper we describe the isolation by expression cloning and characterization of cDNAs which code for human gastric mucin . The cDNA sequence is characterized by a tandem repeat region whose individual repeat unit is 507 base pairs (169 amino acids) long . The translated sequence is rich in threonine, serine, and proline (31, 18, and 15%, respectively) and contains a relatively large amount of histidine (7.1%) and alanine (5.6%) . RNA blot analysis shows a polydisperse pattern which is characteristic of mucins . Expression of this gene is highest in the stomach and gall bladder, with weaker expression in the terminal ileum and right colon . This expression pattern is different from other human mucins and indicates that this gene codes for a unique mucin . Fluorescence in situ hybridization techniques have localized this gene to chromosome 11p15.4-11p15.5 . This is the third mucin to be localized to the 11p15 region and suggests a clustering of secretory mucin genes . We propose that this gene for human gastric mucin be called MUC6.

Ital J Neurol Sci, 1993 Mar, 14(2), 153 - 64
Monocyte chemotactic and phagocytic responses in migraine and tension-type headache patients; Gallai V et al.; Monocyte chemotactic and phagocytic responses were assessed in two groups of migraine patients (with and without aura) and in two groups of tension-type headache patients (episodic and chronic) . The chemotactic but not the phagocytic response, assessed interictally, is significantly lower in migraine patients (p < 0.006) and in episodic tension-type headache patients, though not so significantly in the latter (p < 0.05), than in the control individuals . The chemotactic response tends to increase significantly during attack in migraine patients both with and without aura (p < 0.008 and p < 0.007 respectively) . The same was evident for the phagocytic response in both migraine patient groups (p < 0.007 and 0.0004) . No modifications of monocyte functions were found during attacks neither in episodic nor chronic tension-type headache patients . These findings suggest that one or more mediators of neurogenic inflammation having phagocytic and chemotactic enhancing properties (substance P, prostaglandin E and thromboxane A2 etc.) are implicated in the modification of monocyte function . The demonstration of a defect in monocyte function during the interictal period in migraine patients confirms the results of recent research which evidenced reduced capacity of monocyte to phagocyte and kill microorganisms in the course of migraine.

Histochemistry, 1993 Mar, 99(3), 201 - 11
Cathepsin E in follicle associated epithelium of intestine and tonsils: localization to M cells and possible role in antigen processing; Finzi G et al.; A specific rabbit anti-human serum was used selectively to localize the aspartic proteinase cathepsin E to follicle associated epithelium (FAE) of human and rat intestine, including jejunum, ileum, appendix, colon and rectum, as well as of human palatine, pharyngeal and lingual tonsils . Coexpression of class II histocompatibility antigen HLA-DR antigen has been observed in some of the cathepsin E-positive epithelial cells . In addition, cathepsin E has been detected in a few mononuclear cells of intestinal lymphoid structures and tonsils resembling interdigitating reticulum cells of lymph nodes . Another aspartic proteinase, cathepsin D, has been found to be poorly represented in FAE and intensely expressed by macrophages . Electron immunocytochemistry localized cathepsin E to endosomal vesicles and endoplasmic reticulum of M cells in rat and human ileum as well as of M-like cells in human palatine tonsil . The results suggest a possible role of endosomal cathepsin E in the processing of macromolecules and microorganisms transported by M cells and related epithelial cells to mucosal associated lymphoid tissue (MALT).

Bioorg Khim, 1993 Mar, 19(3), 327 - 36
{Structure of the repeating link of the acid polysaccharide of Alteromonas haloplanktis KMM 156}; Gorshkova RP et al.; An acidic capsular and an O-specific polysaccharide were isolated from the marine microorganism Alteromonas haloplanktis KMM 156 . Both polysaccharides have the identical structure and are built up of tetrasaccharide repeating units, containing two residues of L-rhamnose as well as a 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose and a 3-O-{(R)-1-carboxyethyl}-D-glucose (Glc3Lac) residue . On the basis of methylation studies, 1H- and 13C-NMR-spectroscopy including nuclear Overhauser effect and two-dimensional heteronuclear 13C/1H correlation spectroscopy, the following structure was suggested for the polysaccharide repeating unit: {formula: see text}

Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1993 Mar-Apr, 29(2), 292 - 8
{The stimulation and inhibition of the secondary growth of microorganisms by metals}; Aitkhozhina NA et al.; A selective (inhibitory and stimulatory) effect of metal salts on secondary growth of representatives of 5 genera of actinomycetes and 5 genera of fungi was established . The effect of metal salts on the growth of procaryotes and eucaryotes have both common and specific features . Differences in the biosorption of metals (Mo, Mn, Cu, Zn) by cells of primary and secondary growth were revealed . The possibility of enhancing the sorption capacities of cells in secondary colonies of mycelial microorganisms should be taken into account as selecting cultures for the purification of environment from heavy metals.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1993 Mar, 31(3), 385 - 92
Interference by antimalarial drugs with the in-vitro production of reactive nitrogen intermediates by murine macrophages; Kremsner PG et al.; The production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) by host macrophages has long been recognized as an important defense mechanism against microorganisms . More recently, reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI), also produced by activated macrophages, have been shown to be part of the host's first line of defense against malaria . In the present in-vitro study we have investigated the effects of antimalarial drugs on RNI production by murine macrophages stimulated by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and/or malaria antigen, and on ROI production induced by phorbol myristate acetate . At concentrations exceeding the peak serum levels achieved with therapeutic dosages, chloroquine, in a dose-dependent manner, inhibited IFN-gamma- and malaria antigen-induced RNI production . Quinine, at a concentration of 10 mg/L also caused a significant reduction in IFN-gamma and malaria antigen-induced RNI synthesis; this concentration was well within the therapeutic range . High concentrations of artelinate significantly inhibited IFN-gamma-induced RNI production but clindamycin had no effect on RNI synthesis . In contrast, halofantrine, in concentrations attainable with therapeutic dosages, significantly enhanced IFN-gamma-induced RNI production . ROI production by murine macrophages was unaffected by the antimalarial drugs over the same concentration ranges . It remains to be determined whether these in-vitro effects of antimalarial drugs on RNI production also influence the clinical and parasitological response in patients with malaria.

Cesk Epidemiol Mikrobiol Imunol, 1993 Mar, 42(1), 16 - 21
{Antigens for the ELISA test for serodiagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection}; Buchvald D et al.; Semipurified urease and outer membranes of Helicobacter pylori were isolated and used as antigens for the construction of new ELISA tests for the serodiagnosis of infections caused by this microorganism . The highest discriminating capacity between infected and not infected subjects was obtained by the test detection of IgG antibodies against the urease antigen which reached a 100% sensitivity, 90% specificity, a 100% negative and 91% positive predictive value . Examination of sera of healthy children and blood donors revealed the possibility of asymptomatic infection and an increase of specific antibody levels with age.

Monatsschr Kinderheilkd, 1993 Mar, 141(3), 178 - 200
{Treatment of secondary infections in symptomatic HIV-infections in childhood}; Wahn V et al.; Treatment of secondary infections in HIV infected children represents a problem of increasing importance in several children's hospitals . As it is unlikely that the AIDS-problem will be solved by itself within the next years it seems reasonable to summarize our current knowledge about opportunistic infections in order to establish standards for therapy . We will mainly focus on microorganisms endemic in Germany.

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1993 Mar 1, 107(2-3), 321 - 6
Artificial neural network analysis of pyrolysis mass spectrometric data in the identification of Streptomyces strains; Chun J et al.; Sixteen representatives of three morphologically distinct groups of streptomycetes were recovered from soil using selective isolation procedures . Duplicated batches of the test strains were examined by Curie-point pyrolysis mass spectrometry and the first data set used for conventional multivariate statistical analyses and as a training set for an artificial neural network . The second set of data was used for 'operational fingerprinting' and for testing the artificial neural network . All of the test strains were correctly identified using the artificial neural network whereas only fifteen of the sixteen strains were assigned to the correct group using the conventional operational fingerprinting procedure . Artificial neural network analysis of pyrolysis mass spectrometric data provides a rapid, cost-effective and reproducible way of identifying and typing large numbers of microorganisms.

J Lipid Res, 1993 Mar, 34(3), 429 - 35
Metabolism of sulfonate analogs of ursodeoxycholic acid and their effects on biliary bile acid composition in hamsters; Mikami T et al.; The metabolism of sodium 3 alpha,7 beta-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholane-24-sulfonate and sodium 3 alpha,7 beta-dihydroxy-24-nor-5 beta-cholane-23-sulfonate was studied in hamsters . In bile fistula animals these sulfonate analogs of ursodeoxycholic acid were absorbed mainly from the terminal ileum and secreted rapidly into the bile without biotransformation or conjugation . After oral administration, the sulfonate analogs were excreted in the feces at the same rate as chenodeoxycholic acid and its metabolic products . The intestinal microorganisms transformed chenodeoxycholic acid largely into lithocholic acid; the sulfonate analogs were completely resistant to biotransformation . After a 2-week feeding period, the sulfonate analogs of ursodeoxycholic acid accounted for 24.0% and 16.9% of total biliary bile acids . These sulfonates did not affect the proportions of the natural bile acids in the bile, and the ratio of glycine-conjugated bile acids to taurine-conjugated bile acids was not altered by feeding the sulfonates . In contrast, when ursodeoxycholic acid was fed, the proportions of the natural bile acids and the glycine/taurine ratio were changed . These results suggest that the sulfonate analogs had no profound effect on endogenous bile acid metabolism and did not cause a depletion of the hepatic taurine pool during enterohepatic circulation . The sulfonates had no effect on intestinal cholesterol absorption and serum cholesterol levels.

Infect Dis Clin North Am, 1993 Mar, 7(1), 21 - 36
Adherence events in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis; Johnson CM; Infective endocarditis begins with adherence of microorganisms to cardiac tissues . These tissues have often been previously damaged, creating a thrombotic lesion consisting of platelets and fibrin . Circulating microorganisms localize to this lesion . The tissue specificity of endocarditis likely results from interactions between cell-surface determinants on the endocardium, platelet, and microorganism . Interference with these binding events may offer a means of modifying the course of the infection.

J Clin Microbiol, 1993 Mar, 31(3), 569 - 71
Septicemia and meningitis caused by Helicobacter cinaedi in a neonate; Orlicek SL et al.; Helicobacter cinaedi has been most frequently isolated from rectal swabs of homosexual men with proctocolitis . The microorganism is a normal intestinal inhabitant of hamsters . We report a case of septicemia and meningitis by H . cinaedi in a neonate whose mother cared for pet hamsters during the first two trimesters of her pregnancy . The isolate was detected after 3 days of incubation in a Bact/Alert pediatric blood culture vial and an enrichment broth culture of the cerebrospinal fluid . H . cinaedi should be added to the list of unusual fastidious organisms that cause sepsis and meningitis in the newborn.

J Am Acad Dermatol, 1993 Mar, 28(3), 443 - 8
The Demodex mite population in rosacea; Bonnar E et al.; BACKGROUND: The cause of rosacea is unknown; among other factors a causative role has been postulated for the hair follicle mites Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis . OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to compare the population density of Demodex mites in facial skin of defined categories of patients with rosacea with control subjects . We also assessed the impact of tetracycline therapy on the mite population . METHODS: The population density and distribution of Demodex mites were studied in the facial skin of 42 patients with rosacea and 42 age- and sex-matched control subjects . Mites were counted in measured skin surface biopsy specimens obtained from six standard facial sites with cyanoacrylate glue . RESULTS: The mean mite count was 49.8 (range 2 to 158) in patients with rosacea and 10.8 (range up to 97) in control subjects (p < 0.001); the highest density of mites was found on the cheeks . A statistically significant increase in mites was found in all subgroups of rosacea, being most marked in those with steroid-induced rosacea . Mite counts in patients with rosacea before and after a 1-month course of oral tetracycline showed no significant difference . CONCLUSION: Increased mites may play a part in the pathogenesis of rosacea by provoking inflammatory or allergic reactions, by mechanical blockage of follicles, or by acting as vectors for microorganisms.

Arch Surg, 1993 Mar, 128(3), 284 - 8
Long-term follow-up of positive cultures in 500 abdominal aortic aneurysms; Farkas JC et al.; Routine aneurysm culture is frequently performed as it is thought that a positive culture could be a risk factor for secondary graft infection . Five hundred aneurysms, in a series of 796 patients, had microbiologic examination of the thrombus and/or aneurysm wall . Cultures were positive in 185 cases (37%), mostly due to normal skin flora microorganisms (80%), whereas 16 patients (3.2%) had infectious aortitis . Gram-stained smears were positive in nine of these 16 patients compared with two of the other 169 . Of the 185 patients with positive culture, after a mean length of follow-up of 35 months, only one had a graft infection that occurred 6 years later and was not due to the same microorganism . Graft sepsis was diagnosed in six of the 296 patients who did not have a positive culture, and was related to clinically obvious locoregional or systemic foci . In this series, positive cultures from aneurysm without rupture or signs of infection were not a risk factor for secondary graft sepsis . Therefore, in cases of asymptomatic unruptured aneurysm, routine culturing is not necessary as a positive result has no pathogenic significance or therapeutic implication.

J Nucl Med, 1993 Mar, 34(3), 458 - 61
Gallium-67-citrate and bone scintigraphy in disseminated North American blastomycosis; Even-Sapir E et al.; We present a patient with North American blastomycosis involving lung and bone . Chest radiographs and CT scan showed a mass in the lung . Bone scintigraphy detected a photon-deficient area in the sternum and 67Ga SPECT showed uptake in the right upper lung and in the sternum . A diagnostic thoracotomy and needle biopsy from the sternal lesion revealed granulomatous infection due to Blastomyces dermatitidis . After 3 mo of antifungal therapy, the follow-up 67Ga study showed no evidence of the original lesions but demonstrated a new, asymptomatic, unsuspected lesion in the left infraspinatous muscle . This case illustrates that North American blastomycosis should be included in the differential diagnosis in cases of atypical pulmonary disease with bone involvement, even in geographic regions that are not considered endemic for this microorganism . Gallium-67 and bone scintigraphy may be useful in determining the extent of dissemination, in detecting occult lesions and in the follow-up of response to therapy.

Clin Obstet Gynecol, 1993 Mar, 36(1), 107 - 21
Vaginal flora in health and disease; Larsen B; This chapter has portrayed the normal vaginal flora as a range of microbial species that associates in a stable way with human vaginal epithelium . The human vagina provides these microorganisms with the physical and chemical environment that allows them to use this tissue as a normal habitat . Because the relationship of the normal flora to the underlying tissue is that of an ecosystem, the components of this system are in dynamic equilibrium . Consequently, a change in the environmental conditions provided by the vaginal epithelium will result in changes in the population density or the species composition of the normal flora . Although the microbial flora appears to provide a benefit to the host by reducing the probability of colonization by exogenous microorganisms, it may participate in various undesirable symptoms, including various types of vaginitis or postoperative, postabortion, and post-Caesarean section infections, and upper tract invasion after lower tract infection . All future attempts to understand vaginitis in all its manifestations necessarily must include recognition of the importance of the normal flora because all types of vaginitis are superimposed on an existing endogenous microbial flora.

J Infect Dis, 1993 Mar, 167 Suppl 1, S8 - 12
Conventional versus interferon-gamma therapy in chronic granulomatous disease; Curnutte JT; Chronic granulomatous disease is a rare, genetically heterogeneous group of disorders in which NADPH oxidase deficiency severely hampers the ability of phagocytes to kill ingested microorganisms . Characterized by recurrent pyogenic infections with granuloma and abscess formation, the disease appears in childhood and may be fatal . Conventional therapy consists of prophylactic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and aggressive infection control measures . Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) has been shown in vitro and in vivo to correct alterations of oxidative metabolism . In the most recent multicenter study, IFN-gamma was efficacious in reducing the frequency of severe infections; however, at odds with previous results, this effect appeared to be due to some mechanism other than improvement in respiratory burst function . Although further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of IFN-gamma's action, it appears to have potential application in many infectious diseases.

Eur J Morphol, 1993 Mar-Jun, 31(1-2), 103 - 6
Microorganisms found in secondary cataract material of ECCE patients, a study with SEM and TEM; Kalicharan D et al.; Globular secondary cataract material, removed from 24 patients with ECCE after ophthalmic cleaning of the anterior capsule, were investigated with SEM and TEM . Besides spherical, somewhat oval shaped bodies of various shape and size comparable with those found in cataractous lenses, (an)aerobic bacteria and yeast cells were found in approximately 70% of the cases, all of them in eyes without intra-ocular inflammation . Probably these bacteria have been transferred from the conjunctiva during IOL.-implantation and were encapsulated without starting an inflammation.

FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol, 1993 Mar, 6(2-3), 195 - 8
Occurrence of Porphyromonas gingivalis with Prevotella intermedia in periodontal samples; Torkko H et al.; To further examine the previously suggested inverse relationship between Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia in periodontal disease, 1016 samples taken from single or multiple (pooled) subgingival sites were cultured anaerobically and examined for the simultaneous occurrence of the microorganisms . P . gingivalis was isolated from 297 (29%) and Pr . intermedia from 501 (49%) samples . P . gingivalis was found as frequently with (14%) as without (15%) Pr . intermedia . The type of sampling had no effect on the occurrence of P . gingivalis with Pr . intermedia . However, female subjects harboured them in combination more frequently than male subjects . The mean proportions of P . gingivalis in the cultivable flora appeared to be lower when found with than without Pr . intermedia . Whether the detection of the combination, or P . gingivalis alone, has clinical relevance needs further clarification.

Mol Biol Cell, 1993 Mar, 4(3), 261 - 9
Requirement for posttranslational processing of Rac GTP-binding proteins for activation of human neutrophil NADPH oxidase; Heyworth PG et al.; Rac1 and Rac2 are closely related, low molecular weight GTP-binding proteins that have both been implicated in regulation of phagocyte NADPH oxidase . This enzyme system is composed of multiple membrane-bound and cytosolic subunits and when activated catalyzes the one-electron reduction of oxygen to superoxide . Superoxide and its highly reactive derivatives are essential for killing microorganisms . Rac proteins undergo posttranslational processing, primarily the addition of an isoprenyl group to a carboxyl-terminal cysteine residue . We directly compared recombinant Rac1 and Rac2 in a human neutrophil cell-free NADPH oxidase system in which cytosol was replaced by purified recombinant cytosolic components (p47-phox and p67-phox) . Processed Rac1 and Rac2 were both highly active in this system and supported comparable rates of superoxide production . Under different cell-free conditions, however, in which suboptimal amounts of cytosol were present in the assay mixture, processed Rac2 worked much better than Rac1 at all but the lowest concentrations . This suggests that a factor in the cytosol may suppress the activity of Rac1 but not of Rac2 . Unprocessed Rac proteins were only weakly able to support superoxide generation in either system, but preloading of Rac1 or Rac2 with guanosine 5'-O-(3-thio-triphosphate) (GTP gamma S) restored activity . These results indicate that processing is required for nucleotide exchange but not for interaction with oxidase components.

Mycoses, 1993 Mar-Apr, 36(3-4), 131 - 4
Clinical efficacy and tolerability of saperconazole for tinea of glabrous skin . A report on four cases; Zienicke H et al.; In a randomized controlled trial three different treatment protocols with the new broad-spectrum peroral antifungal saperconazole were evaluated . The treatment regimens were as follows: 100 mg per day for 7 days, 200 mg per day for 7 days, 100 mg per day for 14 days . Of four assessable cases of dermatophytosis of glabrous skin treated with one of these three therapeutic regimens, one was cured . In this patient, however, the dermatophytosis relapsed after the end of the observation period, but due to a different microorganism . While partial improvement was seen in the other cases definite cure was not obtained . No adverse events were recorded.

Microb Pathog, 1993 Mar, 14(3), 229 - 38
Inability to detect mycobactin in mycobacteria-infected tissues suggests an alternative iron acquisition mechanism by mycobacteria in vivo; Lambrecht RS et al.; Although most species of mycobacterium are capable of producing mycobactin, it is not known if conditions within the host allow for mycobactin synthesis or whether it even plays a role in iron acquisition in vivo . We employed the mycobactin-auxotroph, Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, in a bioassay to examine tissues from animals infected with either Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium or M . paratuberculosis for the presence of mycobactin or compounds which demonstrate mycobactin-like activity . Other iron-binding compounds, including purified siderophores from unrelated organisms and host iron-binding proteins were also evaluated in the bioassay for growth induction of M . paratuberculosis in the absence of mycobactin . Although mycobactin could be easily demonstrated in tissues artificially seeded with mycobacteria, no mycobactin could be detected in heavily infected tissues . None of the purified siderophores from unrelated microorganisms were found to support growth of M . paratuberculosis in the absence of mycobactin . Host iron-binding proteins (transferrin, lactoferrin, ferritin, hemin) also failed to induce growth in the bioassay at pH 6.8, however, when the pH was adjusted between 5-6.2, transferrin and lactoferrin promoted growth of M . paratuberculosis without mycobactin, probably as a result of the dissociation of iron rather than a specific interaction . We confirm that mycobacteria are incapable of iron uptake when iron is chelated to siderophores from unrelated organisms and conclude that mycobactin-mediated mechanisms of iron-acquisition by mycobacteria do not appear to have as significant a role in vivo as in vitro . In addition, evidence is presented that suggests iron-containing transferrin and lactoferrin at low pH may circumvent the need for mycobactin by M . paratuberculosis.

Acta Med Port, 1993 Mar-Apr, 6(3-4), 157 - 63
{Cerebral toxoplasmosis in a kidney transplant patient . A clinical case and review of the literature}; da Cunha S et al.; Infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii is a frequent event in Portugal . When this occurs in immunocompetent individuals it is rarely a matter of concern; the contrary occurs with immunosuppressed patients or in pregnancy . Transplant patients are treated with immunosuppressive drugs which mainly disturb their mechanisms of cellular immunity, and that opens the way to infections by opportunistic intracellular microorganisms . We recently treated a renal transplant patient who suffered from cerebral toxoplasmosis, and this provided an opportunity for a review of the other 20 patients reported in medical literature to date.

Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo, 1993 Mar-Apr, 35(2), 117 - 21
Chronic gastritis and Helicobacter pylori in digestive form of Chagas' disease; Barbosa AJ et al.; Patients with the digestive form of Chagas' disease frequently present chronic gastritis . As the microorganism Helicobacter pylori is now accepted as the most common cause of human chronic gastritis, the present work was undertaken to verify a possible relationship between the presence of this bacterium and inflammatory changes of antral mucosa in chagasic patients . Seventeen chagasics, with megaesophagus and or megacolon were studied . Fragments from two different regions of antral mucosa were obtained by endoscopy, fixed in 4% neutral formaldehyde and embedded in paraffin . The sections were stained by haematoxylin and eosin for histology analysis, and by carbolfuchsin for H . pylori identification . H . pylori was found in 16 (94.1%) chagasic patients, all of them presenting chronic gastritis . Superficial gastritis was seen in 9 (52.9%) while atrophic gastritis was present in 8 (47.1%) patients . H . pylori was present on gastric mucosa of 8 (100%) patients with atrophic gastritis and of 8 (88.8%) patients with superficial gastritis . We concluded that the microorganism H . pylori should be considered a possible factor connected with the etiopathogenesis of chronic superficial and atrophic gastritis frequently observed in patients with the digestive form of Chagas' disease.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1993 Mar-Apr, (2), 23 - 7
{The possibility of using a bacteriological peptone from whole blood as the nutrient base for growing microorganisms}; Zhurbenko RS et al.; Study of some parameters of the process of hydrolysis in addition to other experiments has made it possible to develop a method for obtaining a nutrient base for the cultivation of microorganisms with the use of cattle whole blood as protein substrate and papain as a hydrolyzing agent . The product thus obtained is characterized by high levels of amino and total nitrogen (4% and 14% respectively) . Biological studies with the use of this product in different culture media and observations on the growth and characteristics of many microbial strains have shown the possibility of its use for the diagnosis of infectious diseases, for the control of the quality of foodstuffs and water.

Endeavour, 1993 Mar, 17(1), 21 - 6
Plasmid replication and maintenance in binary fissile microorganisms; Dunn A et al.; The mechanisms of nonconjugative plasmid replication (in the single cell) and maintenance (at the population level) are of concern to the microbiologist and to the genetic engineer who wishes to exploit their ability to express cloned genes . This article concentrates mainly on Escherichia coli as the host organism and examines the mechanisms by which both naturally occurring and genetically engineered plasmids persist in populations during periods of growth . Additional strategies to ensure high yields of recombinant product are briefly considered.

Mutat Res, 1993 Mar, 293(3), 249 - 57
Induction of the adaptive response of Escherichia coli to alkylation damage by the environmental mutagen, methyl chloride; Vaughan P et al.; Methyl chloride (MeCl) is an abundant environmental mutagen and carcinogen and may be one of several environmental alkylating agents against which the protection of an adaptive response is required in microorganisms . Both MeCl and methyl iodide (MeI), at micromolar concentrations, induced the adaptive response to alkylation damage in Escherichia coli . This response is regulated by the Ada protein which is converted into a transcriptional activator by self-methylation on repair of methylphosphotriesters in methylated DNA . However, using high amounts of Ada protein, activation of Ada occurred in vitro following direct protein methylation by both MeI (in agreement with previously published data) and MeCl . Activation was enhanced when methyl halide treatments were performed in the presence of DNA . An unadapted E . coli cell contains only 2 to 4 molecules of Ada protein, and presents an extremely small target of 2 to 4 specific cysteine residues per cell for activation of Ada by direct protein methylation in vivo . Thus, it is proposed that induction of the adaptive response in vivo initially occurs via efficient repair by the Ada protein of a low number of methylphosphotriesters in DNA . When the cellular Ada protein level has substantially increased, a greater probability of direct methylation and activation of Ada at cysteine-69 by MeCl may sustain and further increase induction of the adaptive response.

Gene, 1993 Feb 28, 124(2), 191 - 7
The dhod gene and deduced structure of mitochondrial dihydroorotate dehydrogenase in Drosophila melanogaster; Rawls J et al.; We have carried out experiments to determine the structural organization of dhod and its apparent dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHOdehase) product . Germline transformation with dhod genomic DNA sequences permitted assignment of the functional limits of the gene to a 5-kb region, providing an experimental system for detailed analysis of this gene, as well as the DHO dehase protein . As expressed in embryos, the gene is a simple transcriptional unit containing two exons totalling 1347 nucleotides (nt) and a single small 5' intron of 54 nt . Compared to the enzyme from microorganisms, the deduced DHOdehase protein of 405 amino acids shows strong similarities within the presumptive catalytic portions of the protein . However, the N-terminal portions of these proteins are highly dissimilar, presumably reflecting diversity in the intracellular localization of DHOdehase in the different organisms . The Drosophila melanogaster protein contains N-terminal sequences that are typical of other mitochondrial intermembrane space proteins in animal cells.

Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, 1993 Feb 27, 339(1288), 139 - 46
Genetic maps; Goodfellow PN et al.; The same genetic principles are common to all animals, plants and microorganisms . One consequence of the generality of genetic principles is that methods developed in one organism can often be used in other species . Recent advances in mammalian molecular genetics, genome analysis, and gene mapping have been found to be directly applicable to other animals and even plants . This is facilitating the rapid construction of detailed genetic maps in a wide variety of species . Similar advances are being made in the development of manipulation techniques, which allow the genomic deletion and addition of specific genes as well as more subtle alterations . Armed with detailed maps and precise manipulation techniques it is possible to associate genes with phenotypes, test the function of genes and to unravel complex traits that depend on the interaction of different genes.

Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen, 1993 Feb 10, 113(4), 465 - 9
{Optimal use of acid-inhibitors in acid-related diseases . Physiological and physiopathological considerations with implications on therapeutic choice}; Waldum HL; Most animal species produce gastric acid . This acid denaturates the proteins in the food and thus makes them accessible to the proteolytic enzymes . The main function of the gastric acid is probably to kill swallowed microorganisms . However, the gastric acid plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of common and important diseases like peptic ulcer and reflux oesophagitis . Drugs that inhibit the secretion of gastric acid suppress both symptoms as well as lesions in patients with peptic ulcer or reflux oesophagitis . However, both reflux oesophagitis and peptic ulcer tend to recur when the acid-inhibitory treatment is stopped . In this overview the author warns against long-term profound inhibition of acid, since, in the long term, both the reduced killing of microorganisms as well as the secondary hypergastrinemia may induce increased risk of gastric cancer . In this context the role of the enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cell in gastric carcinogenesis is thoroughly discussed . There is probably a spectrum of neuroendocrine tumours in the stomach as like in the lungs, which also are foregut derived . Gastrin regulates the function (release of histamine) as well as the growth of the ECL cell, and a maximal trophic effect seems to be reached at a lower gastrin concentration than previously realized.

J Biol Chem, 1993 Feb 5, 268(4), 2976 - 83
Genomic organization of human surfactant protein D (SP-D) . SP-D is encoded on chromosome 10q22.2-23.1; Crouch E et al.; Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a member of the family of mammalian C-type lectins . SP-D is secreted into the pulmonary airspaces by lung epithelial cells and is believed to contribute to the lung's defense against inhaled microorganisms . We have previously characterized cDNAs specific for human SP-D (hSP-D) . We now describe the partial characterization of genomic clones for hSP-D and present evidence for an SP-D gene with coding sequences spanning > 11 kilobases on the long arm of chromosome 10 . Genomic sequencing demonstrated that the signal peptide/amino-terminal domain, the carbohydrate recognition domain, and the linking sequence between the collagen domain, and carbohydrate recognition domain are each encoded by a single exon, as for surfactant protein A and the mannose-binding protein C . However, sequencing also demonstrated a unique intron-exon structure for the collagen domain which is encoded on five exons, including four tandem exons of 117 bp . The latter exons show marked conservation in the predicted distribution of hydrophilic amino acids, consistent with tandem replication of this collagen gene sequence during evolution . Segregation analysis of HindIII digests of genomic DNA using specific cDNA probes demonstrated selective hybridization of radiolabeled hSP-D cDNA to chromosome 10- and 10q-containing human/hamster somatic hybrids . The presence of SP-D gene sequences was confirmed by DNA amplification using oligomers specific for sequences within the collagen domain of the hSP-D gene . Fluorescence in situ hybridization of metaphase chromosomes using genomic probes gave selective labeling of 10q22.2-23.1 . We speculate that SP-D is encoded at a locus on 10q that includes the genes for surfactant protein A.

Rinsho Ketsueki, 1993 Feb, 34(2), 183 - 9
{Idiopathic interstitial pneumonitis possibly associated with chronic graft-versus-host disease}; Gondo H et al.; We described two cases of idiopathic interstitial pneumonitis (IP) after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT), who were successfully treated with prednisolone (PSL) . A 40-year-old male with AML (M3) in the first remission (case 1) and a 36-year-old male with CML in chronic phase (case 2) were treated with BMT from HLA genotypically identical female siblings . Both patients were conditioned with busulfan (16mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (120mg/kg), and given a combination of cyclosporin A and methotrexate to prevent acute GVHD (aGVHD) . Engraftment of donor marrow was documented in both cases . Grade I of aGVHE developed in case 1 and no aGVHD in case 2 . Both patients had clinical manifestations of chronic GVHD (cGVHD), which were followed by dyspnea and cough without fever 120 days (case 1) or 100 days (case 2) after BMT . Abnormal lung function tests and radiographic infiltrates indicated that patients developed IP, but causative microorganisms could not be detected in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens . Subjective symptoms disappeared in a few days after administering PSL (1mg/kg/day) . Laboratory data also improved thereafter . These observations, including the development of radiographic infiltrates along with clinical manifestations of cGVHD, absence of febrile episodes, absence of causative microorganisms in the BAL specimens, and effectiveness of immunosuppressive drugs, suggested that idiopathic IP observed in our cases might be a manifestation of cGVHD.

Cesk Pediatr, 1993 Feb, 48(2), 109 - 11
{Neonatal sepsis--still a real problem}; Zibolen M et al.; Neonatal sepsis is characterized by bacteraemia and clinical symptoms caused by microorganisms or their toxic products . The authors pay attention to epidemiological and predisposing factors, to the aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs and conditions for assessment of the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis as well as its therapy and prognosis.

Acta Paediatr, 1993 Feb, 82(2), 198 - 201
Chronic lung disease of preterm infants in Finland is not associated with Ureaplasma urealyticum colonization; Saxen H et al.; The occurrence of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis in the airways and the association of these microorganisms with chronic lung disease was studied in preterm infants with a gestational age less than 30 weeks . Tracheal aspirates from 49 preterm infants were cultured; 14 (29%) infants were positive for U . urealyticum, and 1 (2%) was positive for M . hominis . Of the 16 patients who developed lung disease, 6 (38%) were positive for U . urealyticum, while the expected number of Ureaplasma-positive patients in this group, based on the overall incidence of Ureaplasma, was 4.6 . On the other hand, 8 patients were positive for U . urealyticum but did not develop chronic lung disease, nor did samples taken from 10 patients with chronic lung disease show any Ureaplasma growth . From these data we conclude that colonization of the airways with U . urealyticum has no significant role in the development of chronic lung disease in preterm infants in the Finnish (Caucasian) population.

Nippon Shokakibyo Gakkai Zasshi, 1993 Feb, 90(2), 97 - 104
{An efficient method for quantification of Helicobacter pylori in biopsy specimen using PCR}; Negishi M et al.; A procedure for the detection and quantification of Helicobacter pylori in gastrointestinal tissue biopsy specimens by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is presented . This method provides an accurate quantitative and sensitive measurement of the amount of H . pylori in the gastrointestinal tract without cultivation of this microorganism . We have used 30 cycles of PCR in the presence of 3.5mM Mg++ and demonstrated that the DNA content of one H . pylori cell is 0.0076pg . Using this approach, we analyzed samples of gastrointestinal tissue biopsies from 10 patients with various gastrointestinal disorder . Each of these patients had detectable H . pylori at levels ranging from 0.10 to 60.61 cells for each tissue cell . This new technique thus provides a useful way to detect H . pylori in gastrointestinal tissue biopsy specimens.

Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr, 1993 Feb, 100(2), 79 - 81
{Legal protection of industry and animal welfare--legal and ethical problems}; Krausslich H; The first animal patent for the so called "Harvard-onco-mouse" has been widely discussed in the media and in public respectively . The opinion of veterinarians on animal patents should be based as far as possible on objective information, such as the legal situation and consideration of ethical discussion . The paper contains information on the following subjects: definition, aim and purpose of patents, patentability of microorganisms and genes, animal patents, animal rights and patents, ethics and animal patents.

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 1993 Feb, 48(2), 216 - 21
Mortality and sequelae due to cerebral malaria in African children in Brazzaville, Congo; Carme B et al.; This study was carried out on 170 children admitted to the University Hospital of Brazzaville (Congo) for cerebral malaria between January 1, 1988 and June 30, 1989 . The selection criteria were 1) unarousable coma, cerebrospinal fluid without microorganisms or a marked cellular reaction, and the absence of other causes, and 2) that the children lived in Brazzaville . The case fatality rate was 15% . In 75% of the cases, death occurred within the first 48 hr . The prognosis worsened with the stage of the coma and a younger age . At discharge from the hospital, 9% of the cases presented with sequelae . The postcerebral malaria mortality was high; indeed, death occurred in six (7%) of 90 children discharged from the hospital whose parents were contacted between nine and 27 months later . Two deaths were directly related to neurologic sequelae . Among the 58 children examined under satisfactory conditions between nine and 27 months (mean 16.9 months) after discharge, 50% (3 of 6) still presented with attenuated forms of the sequelae observed immediately after the episode of cerebral malaria (cortical blindness had regressed completely, unlike ataxia and loss of balance) . Disorders that may have been related to the episode of cerebral malaria were observed in 31% of these 58 cases.

Neth J Med, 1993 Feb, 42(1-2), 73 - 9
The role of Helicobacter pylori in non-ulcer dyspepsia and gastritis; Loffeld RJ et al.; A review is presented on the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastritis and its possible significance in non-ulcer dyspepsia . Although there is consensus about the pathogenetic role of H . pylori in gastritis, the correlation between H . pylori and gastritis does not appear to be qualitative, as generally thought and accepted, but rather quantitative . It is not a black and white relationship; in other words the microorganism is present in large quantities in inflamed tissue but is also present in normal healthy mucosa in low numbers . The hypothesis is proposed of an equilibrium between virulence of H . pylori on the one hand and mucosal defence mechanism on the other hand . Distortion could lead to an attack of gastritis . The present view is that the bacterium is neither commensal nor pathogen, but is able to change its role depending on the local and momentary situation . Given the presence of H . pylori infection in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia, with or without gastritis, the significance of the infection is probably greater than thought.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1993 Feb, 168(2), 514 - 9
Sexual intercourse during pregnancy and preterm delivery: effects of vaginal microorganisms . The Vaginal Infections and Prematurity Study Group; Read JS et al.; OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate the influence of vaginal colonization with specific microorganisms on the relationship between sexual intercourse during pregnancy and preterm delivery . STUDY DESIGN: As part of a multicenter, prospective study interviews and physical examinations were conducted with and genital cultures were obtained from women seeking prenatal care from 23 to 26 weeks' gestation . At 31 to 36 weeks interviews were conducted with a randomly selected sample of these patients . RESULTS: Frequent intercourse (defined a priori as once per week or more) at 23 to 26 weeks was associated with a significantly reduced risk of subsequent preterm delivery in women without Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, or bacterial vaginosis, possibly because of the relative health and lack of complications in the pregnancies of those women engaging in sexual intercourse . Frequent intercourse was not significantly associated with preterm delivery in women with T . vaginalis, M . hominis, or bacterial vaginosis . Neither T . vaginalis, M . hominis, nor bacterial vaginosis was associated with preterm delivery among women with infrequent intercourse at 23 to 26 weeks . However, T . vaginalis and M . hominis were risk factors for preterm delivery among those with frequent intercourse . CONCLUSIONS: Frequent sexual intercourse by itself is not associated with an increased risk of preterm birth . However, women who are colonized with specific microorganisms and who engage in frequent intercourse are at increased risk of preterm delivery.

J Am Acad Dermatol, 1993 Feb, 28(2 Pt 2), 336 - 40
Primary lymphocutaneous nocardiosis caused by an unusual species of Nocardia: Nocardia transvalensis; Schiff TA et al.; We present the first case of lymphocutaneous nocardiosis caused by Nocardia transvalensis and the seventh report of infection caused by this microorganism . The patient was allergic to sulfonamides but responded to amikacin and cefotaxime and later to erythromycin . The treatment and criteria for differentiation of cutaneous Nocardia species infection are discussed.

Eur J Biochem, 1993 Feb 1, 211(3), 635 - 41
Reduction and mobilization of iron by a NAD(P)H:flavin oxidoreductase from Escherichia coli; Coves J et al.; Iron is an essential element in all living cells . Solubilization, uptake and transport of iron by microorganisms is controlled by highly efficient and specific Fe(3+)-chelating agents named siderophores . However, mechanisms of mobilization of iron from ferrisiderophores are still enigmatic . Here, we demonstrate that Escherichia coli contains a powerful enzymatic system for the reduction of ferrisiderophores . Siderophores have a much lower affinity for ferrous iron, which then can be liberated . This system has been previously purified and characterized as a NAD(P)H:flavin oxidoreductase {Fontecave, M., Eliasson, R . and Reichard, P . (1987) J . Biol . Chem . 262, 12,325-12,331)} . It catalyzes the reduction of free flavins, FMN, FAD or riboflavin by NADH or NADPH . Reduced flavins, in turn, transfer their electrons to physiological ferric complexes: ferrisiderophores, ferric citrate and ferritins . The reaction is inhibited by molecular oxygen and greatly stimulated by Fe(2+)-acceptors such as ferrozine or the iron-free form of ribonucleotide reductase subunit R2 . We suggest that the reduction and the mobilization of iron from ferrisiderophores in the cell might be regulated by the presence of physiological ferrous traps such as apoproteins.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1993 Feb, 59(2), 594 - 8
Survival differences among freeze-dried genetically engineered and wild-type bacteria; Israeli E et al.; Because the death mechanisms of freeze-dried and air-dried bacteria are thought to be similar, freeze-drying was used to investigate the survival differences between potentially airborne genetically engineered microorganisms and their wild types . To this end, engineered strains of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas syringae were freeze-dried and exposed to air, visible light, or both . The death rates of all engineered strains were significantly higher than those of their parental strains . Light and air exposure were found to increase the death rates of all strains . Application of death rate models to freeze-dried engineered bacteria to be released into the environment is discussed.

Vet Hum Toxicol, 1993 Feb, 35(1), 15 - 8
Resistance of ruminal microorganisms to supermethrin; Javorsky P et al.; The effect of the pyrethroid insecticide supermethrin on the growth and cyanogenic activity of 8 ruminal bacterial species (S bovis A0 24/85, S xylosus 310, E faecium 2, L plantarum, M elsdenii 4MJ, S ruminantium A17, B succinogenes 16J and B ruminicola 3/3) in pure culture was examined . Bacteria grown in 0.66 and 6.6 mg supermethrin/ml had similar growth rates and resistance to supermethrin . Production of cyanide from supermethrin occurred by all examined strains of ruminal bacteria, but the enzyme activity varied considerably with species and with the supermethrin concentrations.

J Clin Microbiol, 1993 Feb, 31(2), 221 - 6
Detection of Pneumocystis carinii DNA in sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage samples by polymerase chain reaction; Olsson M et al.; A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay was developed for the detection of Pneumocystis carinii DNA in induced sputum and bronchoscopic alveolar lavage samples . The primer pair was selected from the published sequence of the thymidylate synthase gene of P . carinii derived from infected rats . The amplified DNA fragment of 403 bp was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis and by Southern and slot blot hybridization . No positive reaction was seen with DNA from different microorganisms typically found in the respiratory tract . P . carinii DNA was demonstrated in 30 of 42 sputum samples from immunosuppressed patients, whereas 21 of 42 sputum samples were positive by indirect immunofluorescence (IFL) . Among the 42 patients, 14 were receiving prophylactic chemotherapy . In that group, PCR detected P . carinii in nine sputum samples, whereas IFL detected P . carinii in only four sputum samples . A positive PCR result was also seen in 5 of 43 IFL-negative bronchoscopic alveolar lavage samples from patients with respiratory symptoms . The PCR assay detected 10 copies of the target DNA, which corresponds to 10(-18) g of the specific P . carinii sequence . The results indicate that PCR amplification in combination with DNA hybridization is specific and is a more sensitive diagnostic method than IFL for the detection of P . carinii.

J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 1993 Feb, 51(2), 174 - 6
Treatment of mammalian bite wounds of the maxillofacial region; Ruskin JD et al.; Infected human bites may result in devastating consequences . Failure to recognize the destructive potential of infections of bone, tendons, joints, and soft tissue caused by oral microorganisms can lead to serious loss of intrinsic functions . Rapid prevention or resolution of infection by appropriate use of antibiotics and surgical treatment continues to be a therapeutic challenge.

J Infect Dis, 1993 Feb, 167(2), 487 - 90
A prospective study of the catheter hub as the portal of entry for microorganisms causing catheter-related sepsis in neonates; Salzman MB et al.; The hypothesis that catheter-related sepsis (CRS) may be preceded by contamination of the catheter hub was tested in neonates with central venous catheters . Cultures of the catheter hub were obtained three times per week . One hundred thirteen catheters were placed in 88 patients . Of 35 episodes of sepsis, 28 were catheter-related, for a catheter sepsis rate of 1.03/100 catheter-days . CRS occurred in 26 (23%) of 113 catheters . In 10 of 28 episodes, the infecting microorganism was cultured from the hub before its culture from blood obtained at the time of clinical sepsis . In an additional 5 cases, a culture of the catheter hub at the time of clinical sepsis yielded the same isolate as the blood culture . Thus, 54% of episodes of CRS were preceded by or coincided with contamination of the hub . The catheter hub may be a major portal of entry for microorganisms causing sepsis in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Zhonghua Jie He He Hu Xi Za Zhi, 1993 Feb, 16(1), 24 - 5, 62
{Renal transplantation with pulmonary infection}; Wang ZG et al.; Ten cases of renal transplantations with pulmonary infection are reported . Nine cases were diagnosed by autopsy, one case clinically . Because of compromised immunological function, in these cases the causative microorganism, clinical manifestations, courses of the disease, therapies and result of the disease were different from those of ordinary pneumonia . The causative microorganisms were mainly opportunistic bacteria including virus, protozoa and fungus . During infection, symptoms were insidious and the disease disseminated rapidly, the mortality rate was high . Therefore in any case when the cause of the fever is unknown and no abnormal signs in the chest is find, it is necessary to take chest X-ray film immediately and repeatedly . Once diagnosis of pulmonary infection is established, series of bronchoscopic examination and lung biopsy are needed to find out the causative organism in order to treat the disease specifically, then the life of the patient can be saved.

Immunol Rev, 1993 Feb, 131, 79 - 92
The bacterial and mouse mammary tumor virus superantigens; two different families of proteins with the same functions; Marrack P et al.; In conclusion, the bacterial toxins are completely unlike the MTV superantigens in primary sequence and structure . The former are soluble globular proteins which do not have to be proteolytically cleaved before they act . The latter are synthesized as type II membrane proteins and may be clipped before they reach the cell surface and act to stimulate T cells . Table III summarizes the similarities and differences between the two sets of superantigens . The most notable quality of these molecules is that both sets of families have developed strategies whereby they bind to Class II and engage V beta . As far as the microorganisms which produce them are concerned, these two properties appear to be essential since they are absolutely conserved over proteins of a number of different structures . Several questions can now be addressed as follows . a . Why do all known superantigens bind to Class II? For the microorganism which produces them, the function of superantigens appears to be T-cell and perhaps directly or indirectly B-cell and macrophage stimulation . Activation of virgin T cells requires engagement with antigen plus MHC on professional antigen-presenting cells . Unlike other cell surface proteins, for example Class I, most Class II in animals is expressed on such cells . Therefore it is likely that superantigens have evolved to engage Class II because presentation to T cells by Class II-bearing cells offers the superantigen the best chance of activating its target T cells . b . Why do superantigens engage TCR V beta and not V alpha or CD3? It is possible that superantigens bind to the V beta portion of the TCR rather than V alpha because the latter does not have a consistently well exposed face for engagement . The fact that it is perhaps relatively easier to produce anti-V beta rather than anti-V alpha antibodies supports this idea . We have shown that N-glycosylation of V beta can interfere with recognition by vSAGs (Pullen et al . 1991), perhaps glycosylation of V alpha tends to conceal otherwise available sites . As far as C beta, C alpha or CD3 engagement is concerned, this may be just too dangerous for MTVs . The role of MTVs SAgs in the life history of the virus seems to be to stimulate T cells in the suckling recipient and thereby create a pool of activated lymphocytes in which the virus may survive until the mouse gives birth and transmits the virus to her own progeny (Hainaut et al . 1990, Golovkina et al . 1992).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Acta Virol, 1993 Feb, 37(1), 11 - 20
A rickettsia-like organism from Ixodes uriae ticks collected on the Kerguelen Islands (French Subantarctic Territories); Chastel C et al.; A rickettsia-like microorganism was isolated in suckling mice from Ixodes uriae ticks collected from penguins breeding on Mayes Island, Kerguelen Archipelago, French Subantarctic Territories . At isolation, this agent mimicked a tick-borne arbovirus . Finally, electron microscopy studies of infected suckling mouse livers showed the presence of inclusions filled with pleomorphic microorganism in the cytoplasm of some hepatocytes, sometimes dividing by binary fission and thus of obviously non-viral nature . No firm serological relationship was demonstrated with Chlamydia psittaci, C . trachomatis, C . pneumoniae, Coxiella burnetti, Cowdria ruminentium, Ehrlichia canis, E . phagocytophila, E . risticii or the WSU/1044 agent . The exact taxonomic position of the "Mayes" agent remains to be clarified.

Endosc Surg Allied Technol, 1993 Feb, 1(1), 57 - 8
Sterrad Sterilization System: a new technology for instrument sterilization; Jacobs P et al.; The Sterrad Sterilization System by Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) exploits the synergism between peroxide and low temperature gas plasma (an excited or ionized gas) to rapidly destroy microorganisms (Figure 1) . At the completion of the sterilization process based on this technology, no toxic residues remain on the sterilized items . The technology is particularly suited to the sterilization of heat and moisture sensitive instruments since process temperatures do not exceeded about 50 degrees C (140 degrees F) and sterilization occurs in a low moisture environment . Total process time is about one hour . The efficacy of the process has been demonstrated against a broad spectrum or microorganisms and on a large number of substrates used in medical instruments.

Mol Ecol, 1993 Feb, 2(1), 17 - 26
Typing method for N2-fixing bacteria based on PCR-RFLP--application to the characterization of Frankia strains; Jamann S et al.; DNA sequences of an intergenic spacer (IGS) and parts of genes in the nif cluster were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using two primers derived from nifD- and nifK-conserved sequences . The PCR products were cleaved by ten 4-base cutting restriction enzymes and the restriction patterns were used as fingerprints to type Frankia strains . The feasability of this PCR-RFLP method for typing Frankia strains was investigated on Frankia reference strains belonging mainly to the Elaeagnaceae infectivity group but also on new Frankia isolates and on other N2-fixing microorganisms . By modulating the stringency of the amplifications, we showed the method allowed to target either Frankia strains or the whole N2-fixing microbial community . DNA digestion patterns were used to estimate the sequence divergence between the Frankia nifD-K fragment . The estimated relationships deduced from these genotypic data correlated well with established Frankia taxonomic schemes.

Enzyme Microb Technol, 1993 Feb, 15(2), 90 - 99
The Trichoderma cellulase regulatory puzzle: from the interior life of a secretory fungus; Kubicek CP et al.; Novel applications for cellulases have reinitiated interest in the regulation of production of these enzymes by the soft rot fungus Trichoderma reesei and related species . This paper reviews the current state of knowledge concerning the question "How can insoluble molecules like cellulose initiate their own breakdown by a microorganism?" The evidence available--based on biochemical as well as molecular biological approaches--favors a model in which conidial bound cellobiohydrolases carry out a first exo-exo-wise attack on the cellulose molecule . The disaccharides so formed (cellobiose, alpha-cellobiono-1,5-lactone) are then taken up by the mycelia and promote further cellulase biosynthesis . Evidence available suggests that they are further metabolized to, rather than being, the "true" inducer . Speculations on the nature of the inducer are presented . The roles of the beta-glucosidases of Trichoderma in this process are discussed . The pathway of cellulase secretion is discussed on the basis of electron microscopical as well as gene sequence information.

J Calif Dent Assoc, 1993 Feb, 21(2), 34 - 44
Antibiotics for acute orofacial infections; Pallasch TJ; By virtue of their activity against common and microbial pathogens, three antibiotic groups have real or potential application in the routine management of acute orofacial infections: beta-lactams (penicillins and cephalosporins), macrolides (erythromycin and congeners) and the lincosamides (clindamycin) . The beta-lactam agents, principally the penicillins, remain drugs of choice . The macrolides have gained a resurgence in popularity due to their low toxicity, improved pharmacokinetics with azithromycin and clarithromycin, and the ability to penetrate into white blood cells to attack intracellular microorganisms . Clindamycin may be useful in penicillin-allergic patients and when directed by culture and sensitivity tests.

Microbiologia, 1993 Feb, 9 Spec No, 96 - 103
{Informatics in food microbiology: applications for the identification of microorganisms}; Prieto Maradona M; Recent progress in analytical procedures (chemotaxonomy, molecular biology) and its contribution to the development of microbial Systematics and Identification have been examined . The benefit that these techniques have gained from the technological progression experienced by computer hardware and software (artificial intelligence and numerical taxonomy) and the improvement in tools for the study of characteristics and interrelationships between microorganism are also reported.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1993 Jan 15, 1161(1), 47 - 51
Actinomycins as proteinase inhibitors; Betzel C et al.; A novel actinomycin (Act SG3) from a strain of Streptomyces galbus var . C-72, as well as actinomycin D (Act D) were found to act as competitive inhibitors of serine proteinases from microorganisms . The inhibitory properties of Act SG3 and Act D are compared with these of other peptide antibiotics, namely bacitracin A (Bac A) and gramicidin S (Gr S) . The last compound has only a weak inhibitory effect . The following order of affinity for the four peptide antibiotics towards subtilisin DY and proteinase K was observed: Bac A > Act D > Act SG3 = Gr S . The affinity towards thermitase changes as follows: Act SG3 = Act D > Bac A > Gr S.

Nature, 1993 Jan 7, 361(6407), 66 - 8
Molecular identification of microorganisms associated with parthenogenesis; Stouthamer R et al.; Cytoplasmically interited microorganisms are widespread in insects and have been implicated as causes of female parthenogenesis (females developing from unfertilized eggs) and cytoplasmic incompatibility . Normal sexual reproduction can be restored by treatment with antibiotics . Sequence analysis of the DNA encoding 16S ribosomal RNA has shown that cytoplasmic incompatibility bacteria from diverse insect taxa are closely related (they share >95% sequence sililarity) and belong to the alpha subdivision of Proteobacteria . Here we show that parthenogenesis-associated bacteria from parasitoid Hymenoptera also fall into this bacterial group, having up to 99% sequence similarity to some incompatibility microorganisms . Both incompatibility and parthenogenesis microorganisms alter host chromosome behaviour during early mitotic divisions of the egg . Incompatibility bacteria act by interfering with paternal chromosome incorporation in fertilized eggs, whereas parthenogenesis bacteria prevent segregation of chromosomes in unfertilized eggs . These traits are adaptive for the microorganisms . On the basis of their sequence similarities, we conclude that parthenogenesis bacteria and cytoplasmic incompatibility bacteria form a monophyletic group of microorganisms that 'specialize' in manipulating chromosome behaviour and reproduction of insects.

J Biol Chem, 1993 Jan 5, 268(1), 399 - 404
Structural requirements for high affinity binding of complex ligands by the macrophage mannose receptor; Taylor ME et al.; The mannose receptor of macrophage and hepatic endothelial cells discriminates between endogenous and exogenous sugar-bearing structures . Previous competition studies have indicated that the receptor binds the monosaccharides mannose, fucose, and N-acetylglucosamine but displays much higher affinity for multivalent oligosaccharides, such as those found on the surface of potentially pathogenic microorganisms . The hydrodynamic properties of the receptor have been examined, revealing that the receptor is a monomer . This result suggests that multiple carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) in the extracellular domain of a single receptor polypeptide cooperate to achieve high affinity binding of complex ligands . In order to determine the importance of individual CRDs, properties of receptor segments containing groups of CRDs expressed in insect cells have been examined . The results indicate that two of the CRDs (4 and 5) form a protease-resistant, ligand-binding core but that five CRDs in tandem (4-8) are required to match the affinity of the intact receptor for yeast mannan . A consequence of the organization of the receptor is that both valency and geometry of glycoconjugates are important determinants of binding affinity.

J Biol Chem, 1993 Jan 5, 268(1), 252 - 61
Limulus hemocyte transglutaminase . Its purification and characterization, and identification of the intracellular substrates; Tokunaga F et al.; To investigate further the molecular events of the intracellular coagulation cascade in limulus hemocytes, a transglutaminase (TGase), which may be involved in the formation of a stabilized gel, was purified and characterized . Through the purification procedures consisting of six steps, 1.6 mg of TGase with a specific activity of 940 amine incorporation unit/mg was obtained from 32.4 g of Tachypleus tridentatus hemocytes . The purified TGase gave a single band on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with a molecular mass of 86 kDa, and demonstrated mammalian-type II TGase-like enzymatic properties . The TGase activity was Ca(2+)-dependent and was inhibited by primary amines, EDTA, and SH-reagents . Moreover, two major potential substrates for TGase were identified in the hemocyte lysate by using dansylcadaverine (DCA) incorporation in the presence of 10 mM CaCl2 and 10 mM dithiothreitol . Of these protein substrates, an 80-kDa protein contained a large number of proline residues, amounting to about 22% of the total amino acids . On the other hand, an 8.6-kDa protein abundantly present in the hemocytes was characterized as a Cys-rich protein consisting of 81 amino acid residues and a calculated molecular mass of 8,671 . The entire amino acid sequence of this protein was established . Also, the 8.6-kDa protein was readily cross-linked intermolecularly by TGase, forming multimers as large as pentamers . We speculate that like plasma factor XIIIa, limulus TGase and its two protein substrates in the hemocytes may play an important role in the defense of this animal against invading microorganisms.

Ugeskr Laeger, 1993 Jan 4, 155(1), 25 - 9
{Deficiency of mannan-binding protein--a recently discovered complement defect syndrome}; Garred P et al.; Mannan-binding protein (MBP) is a newly discovered serum protein which activates the complement system by the classical pathway by binding to mannose-rich surfaces on microorganisms . MBP deficiency predisposes to infection in infancy . MBP is a C-type lectin with collagen structure, a so-called collection . The paper discusses the structure and physiological functions of MBP . MBP may be an important parameter in the investigation of immunodeficiencies in children.

J Anim Sci, 1993, 71 Suppl 3, 34 - 40
Patents for genetically modified animals; O'Connor KW; Should genetically engineered animals be patented? This issue has been one of the most contentious as lawmakers have grappled with how best to protect intellectual property . Since the 1980 case of Diamond v . Chakrabarty, in which the U.S . Supreme Court ruled that a living microorganism is patentable, the U.S . Patent and Trademark Office has determined that plants and nonhuman animals can be patented . These policy decisions have led to congressional debate on whether animals should be patentable subject matter . Patenting of living organisms is unique for three reasons: the invention itself is alive; the invention in some instances can reproduce itself; and the invention sometimes cannot be adequately described for patent specification purposes, leading to the need for deposit of the invention for patent purposes.

Gastroenterol Clin Biol, 1993, 17(2), 98 - 102
{Validation and clinical and epidemiological use of a serologic test recommended in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection}; Debongnie JC et al.; A commercial serologic test using purified antigens of Helicobacter pylori has been evaluated in the diagnosis of this infection . In a series of 250 patients undergoing endoscopy with antral biopsies for cytology, histology and culture, serology was positive in 68 of 71 patients with a positive culture (sensitivity: 96%) and negative in 67 of 69 patients with a normal mucosa and no microorganisms on biopsy (specificity: 97%) . In the entire series, serology was positive in 33 patients with no infection on biopsies (13%) . In a group of 205 blood donors, we confirmed an increasing prevalence with age, ranging from 13% in subjects less than 30 years old to 38% in subjects more than 60 years old.

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg, 1993, 7(4), 193 - 9
Alterations of cell-mediated immune response following cardiac surgery; Markewitz A et al.; Nosocomial infections in patients following cardiac surgery are frequently associated with opportunistic microorganisms indicating a dysregulation of cell-mediated immune response . The objective of this prospective randomized trial, therefore, was to investigate the mechanisms of dysregulation and the counterregulatory effects of immunomodulation . Twenty patients underwent conventional postoperative therapy, another 20 patients received indomethacin, which inhibits synthesis of the down-regulating mediator prostaglandin E2, and a further 20 patients were given thymopentin in addition to indomethacin, thereby augmenting activation and differentiation of the T-lymphocytes . The immunologic parameters studied included T-lymphocytes and monocytes as well as interleucin (IL)-1 and IL-6 synthesis by monocytes, and IL-2 and IL-6 synthesis by T-lymphocytes . Following cardiac surgery a significant, persistent reduction of T-lymphocytes and IL-2 synthesis as well as significant monocytosis could be observed . Indomethacin treatment resulted in a normalization of the cellular imbalance at the end of the first postoperative week, but IL-2 synthesis remained significantly reduced during the entire observation period . Conversely, with combined indomethacin and thymopentin treatment restoration of cellular distribution as well as protection of IL-2 synthesis could be achieved . These results indicate a quantitative and functional impairment of the forward regulation of cell-mediated immunity . It was shown for the first time that combined indomethacin and thymopentin treatment could successfully counteract these immunomechanistic alterations.

Annu Rev Immunol, 1993, 11, 637 - 85
Gamma/delta cells; Haas W et al.; Before TCR rearrangements, T cell progenitors are committed not only to the alpha beta and gamma delta T cell lineage but also to various subsets of both lineages . In the mouse, distinct gamma delta T cell subsets can develop in the fetal thymus, the adult thymus, or independently of a thymus, probably in intestinal epithelia . The two subsets that develop in the fetal thymus home to and are maintained throughout adult life in the skin and the mucosa of the uterus, vagina, and tongue . They are monospecific . This unusual restriction in receptor repertoires is the result of severe limitations in the generation of diversity in the fetal progenitors of these subsets and the thymic selection . After birth, one gamma delta T cell subset appears in the blood, spleen, and lymph nodes and one in the intestinal epithelia . The receptor repertoires of these subsets are characterized by the preferential usage of particular V gamma gene segments and extensive junctional diversity . Several murine and human gamma delta T cell clones have been shown to recognize classical MHC class I and class II proteins or MHC class I-like proteins, and in very few cases the presented peptides are known . We suspect that the various murine gamma delta T cell subsets interact with different antigen presenting cells which utilize different antigen presenting proteins and reside in different tissues . The function of gamma delta T cells remains unknown . Preliminary results of experiments with gene knock out mice which lack either alpha beta T cells or gamma delta T cells or both suggest that gamma delta T cells do not function as helper cells in humoral immune responses but may complement alpha beta T cells in the defense against various microorganisms.

Acta Otorrinolaringol Esp, 1993 Jan-Feb, 44(1), 51 - 2
{Eikenella corrodens as a pathogen of lateral cervical abscess}; Fresnillo Cuesta M et al.; We show a case of right neck abscess, in which the Eikenella corrodens, acted as pathogen together which other microorganism . We call attention to this germ that has a slow growing in culture and generally intervene in infections in which it is assumed the presence of anaerobic germs (intrathoracic abscess, neck abscess, etc.) and the are habitually treated with clindamycin, antibiotic which Eikenella corrodens is systematically resistant (to this antibiotic).

Z Naturforsch {C}, 1993 Jan-Feb, 48(1-2), 52 - 7
Microbial reduction of aromatic carboxylic acids; Arfmann HA et al.; Several benzoic, cinnamic and phenylacetic acid derivatives were screened with 20 micro-organisms, mainly fungi, for the reduction of their carboxylic function . For all organisms several compounds were reduced in fairly good yields up to 80% to the corresponding alcohol . No general rule could be established, concerning the substitution pattern, as to which compounds were transformed to the alcohol . Generally the reactions were accomplished within 48-70 h . Only minor, if any, side products were detected . Dicarboxylic acids, such as phthalic or phenylglutaric acids and similar compounds could not be reduced by the microorganisms tested.

West J Med, 1993 Jan, 158(1), 56 - 63
Epidemiology of health and safety risks in agriculture and related industries . Practical applications for rural physicians; Zejda JE et al.; Epidemiologic studies document that work in the agricultural sector is associated with many occupational health hazards . Exposure to organic dusts and airborne microorganisms and their toxins may lead to respiratory disorders . The burden of exposure-related chronic bronchitis, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, organic-dust toxic syndrome, and chronic airflow limitation can be diminished by appropriate preventive measures . The contribution of exposures to agricultural chemicals to cancers and neurodegenerative disorders is being investigated . Some studies document that farmers and those in related industries are at higher risk for the development of cancer of the stomach, soft tissue sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and multiple myeloma . Chronic encephalopathy and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases are being studied in relation to agricultural chemicals . The possible carcinogenicity and neurotoxicity of pesticides emphasize the need to promote the safe use of chemicals . Another area for health promotion programs is disabling injuries and traumatic deaths . Farm accidents are important because of their frequent occurrence among young people and disturbing fatality rates . Other health issues of concern in these industries include skin diseases, hearing loss, and stress.

New Microbiol, 1993 Jan, 16(1), 43 - 9
Adherence of Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia hermsii to mammalian cells in vitro; Sambri V et al.; This study investigated the ability of Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia hermsii to attach the surface of several types of in vitro-cultured mammalian cells . Borreliae showed different adhesion efficiencies depending on cell type and temperature . Temperatures both lower and higher than 33 degrees and 37 degrees C respectively, decreased the adhesion of borreliae which preferentially adhere to human fibroblast-like cells . The adhesion process, mediated by structures exposed onto the surface of the microorganisms, also proved to be sensitive to the treatment of mammalian cells with hyaluronidase and sialidase, confirming that carbohydrate receptors are involved in the adhesion of borreliae to eukaryotic cells.

Mikrobiol Zh, 1993 Jan-Feb, 55(1), 101 - 11
{Biosensors in biotechnology and medicine}; Krivoshein IuS et al.; The work is a review of the state-of-art of research in the field of biological sensors . The enzymatic and immune biosensors are described . Problems concerning application of microorganisms as biosensors have been reported in detail . The use of luminescent bacteria and luciferase sensors is under discussion . The principles of operation of fibrous-optic and semiconducting biosensors are stated.

Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis, 1993 Jan, 16(1), 1 - 10
Principles of paramunization . Option and limits in veterinary medicine; Buttner M; The so-called primitive immune system has not changed during evolution . Even in primates it plays the most important role in first line defence against invading microorganisms . Cellular components such as macrophages, granulocytes, Natural Killer cells and gamma delta-T cells and soluble humoral factors--the cytokines--are the representatives of the primitive immune system . An interlocking communicative network regulates flexible response of effector cells towards "non-self" antigens . It also ensures close connection with the repertoire of specific immune response, e.g . antibody formation . Multifactorial diseases, nosocomial infections, tumour diseases and various forms of immuno-suppression initiated alternative methods in immunotherapy . Immunostimulation at the non-specific defense level has first been noticed as "side effects" of vaccination . Today it should be differentiated between substitution of the immune system with cytokines and induction of the non-specific defense repertoire mimicking natural antigen contact that is called paramunization . Advantages and disadvantages of both methods are discussed . In vitro as well as in vivo experiments with poxviruses document safety and efficacy of purified and inactivated virus particles in paramunization protocols . The main stimulative components of the poxvirus particles are located in the envelope of the virions . Poxvirus-induced stimulation of non-specific defense reactions is likely to have remote effects on the quality of further antigen processing . Besides the induction of a high short-term alertness in the primitive immune system paramunization may efficiently influence ongoing specific responses, e.g . immunoglobulin isotype selection . Therefore the term paramunization should not be used to characterize a separate part of the immune system, however, for didactic reasons it will facilitate the understanding of principles of the immune system.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1993 Jan, 59(1), 219 - 26
Monitoring airborne fungal spores in an experimental indoor environment to evaluate sampling methods and the effects of human activity on air sampling; Buttner MP et al.; Aerobiological monitoring was conducted in an experimental room to aid in the development of standardized sampling protocols for airborne microorganisms in the indoor environment . The objectives of this research were to evaluate the relative efficiencies of selected sampling methods for the retrieval of airborne fungal spores and to determine the effect of human activity on air sampling . Dry aerosols containing known concentrations of Penicillium chrysogenum spores were generated, and air samples were taken by using Andersen six-stage, Surface Air System, Burkard, and depositional samplers . The Andersen and Burkard samplers retrieved the highest numbers of spores compared with the measurement standard, an aerodynamic particle sizer located inside the room . Data from paired samplers demonstrated that the Andersen sampler had the highest levels of sensitivity and repeatability . With a carpet as the source of P . chrysogenum spores, the effects of human activity (walking or vacuuming near the sampling site) on air sampling were also examined . Air samples were taken under undisturbed conditions and after human activity in the room . Human activity resulted in retrieval of significantly higher concentrations of airborne spores . Surface sampling of the carpet revealed moderate to heavy contamination despite relatively low airborne counts . Therefore, in certain situations, air sampling without concomitant surface sampling may not adequately reflect the level of microbial contamination in indoor environments.

Mol Gen Genet, 1993 Jan, 236(2-3), 347 - 54
Effects of protein kinase inhibitors on in vitro protein phosphorylation and cellular differentiation of Streptomyces griseus; Hong SK et al.; In vitro phosphorylation reactions using extracts of Streptomyces griseus cells and gamma-{32P}ATP revealed the presence of multiple phosphorylated proteins . Most of the phosphorylations were distinctly inhibited by staurosporine and K-252a which are known to be eukaryotic protein kinase inhibitors . The in vitro experiments also showed that phosphorylation was greatly enhanced by manganese and inhibition of phosphorylation by staurosporine and K-252a was partially circumvented by 10 mM manganese . A calcium-activated protein kinase(s) was little affected by these inhibitors . Herbimycin and radicicol, known to be tyrosine kinase inhibitors, completely inhibited the phosphorylation of one protein . Consistent with their in vitro effects the protein kinase inhibitors inhibited aerial mycelium formation and pigment production by S . griseus . All these data suggest that S . griseus possesses several protein kinases of eukaryotic type which are essential for morphogenesis and secondary metabolism . In vitro phosphorylation of some proteins in a staurosporine-producing Streptomyces sp . was also inhibited by staurosporine, K-252a and herbimycin, which suggests the presence of a mechanism for self-protection in this microorganism.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1993 Jan, 46(1), 131 - 4
Microbial hydroxylation and glucuronidation of the angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonist MK 954; Chen TS et al.; The microbial metabolism of MK 954 (Fig . 1), a novel nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonist, was investigated using 40 microorganisms in an initial screen for cultures that will produce metabolites similar to those produced in the mammalian liver . The microbial transformation occurred under aerobic conditions in shake flasks incubated at 27 degrees C . Three metabolites of MK 954 were isolated and identified as the 1'-hydroxy M2, 3'-hydroxy M1, and glucuronic acid conjugated M3 derivatives . The structures of the metabolites were established by UV, 1H-NMR spectroscopy and FAB-MS spectrometry and are identical to metabolites produced by incubation of MK 954 with mammalian liver slices.

J Leukoc Biol, 1993 Jan, 53(1), 112 - 6
Immunotherapy of tularemia: characterization of a monoclonal antibody reactive with Francisella tularensis; Narayanan RB et al.; An IgM monoclonal antibody (mAb) recognized surface antigens specific to Francisella tularensis wild-type (Schu4) and live vaccine strain (LVS), and reacted with both in ELISA and slide agglutination tests . This mAb also reacted with LVS microorganisms in tissues of infected mice as assessed by an indirect fluorescence technique . Western blot analysis showed the mAb to react with antigens associated with F . tularensis LPS.

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis, 1993 Jan, 16(1), 31 - 4
Recovery of clinically important microorganisms from the BacT/Alert blood culture system does not require testing for seven days; Wilson ML et al.; Recently, we published a comparison of the BacT/Alert blood culture system with the BACTEC 660/730 nonradiometric blood culture system using blood inocula of 5 ml per bottle . By reanalyzing data collected during that study, we found that, for true-positive isolates causing bacteremia or fungemia, 363 (97.6%) of 376 and 341 (97.7%) of 349 isolates were recovered by the end of day 5 of testing, and 364 (97.9%) of 376 and 343 (98.3%) of 349 isolates were recovered by the end of day 6 of testing for aerobic and anaerobic bottles, respectively . Most isolates recovered on days 6 (24 of 27) and 7 (20 of 25) of testing were either contaminants or indeterminate as a cause of sepsis . When used as recommended by the manufacturer, only six (1.3%) of 464 clinically important isolates recovered on test days 6-7 would have gone undetected had testing been limited to 5 days and four (0.9%) of 464 had testing been limited to 6 days . We conclude that BacT/Alert bottles can be tested for as few as 5 days and then discarded with minimal loss of true-positive isolates and maximal reduction of contaminants.

Am Rev Respir Dis, 1993 Jan, 147(1), 211 - 4
Diagnosis of pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients . Repeatability of the protected specimen brush; Marquette CH et al.; The repeatability (i.e., the variation in repeated measurements of the same quantity) of the protected specimen brush (PSB) with quantitative cultures was assessed in 22 consecutive mechanically ventilated (MV) patients with suspected nosocomial pneumonia . Five PSB samples were collected in the same lung area during the same bronchoscopic procedure and processed for bacteriologic identification and quantitative culture . A laboratory control was also performed in order to assess the in vitro repeatability of the quantitative culture technique . The five PSB always recovered the same microorganisms, indicating a 100% qualitative repeatability for the PSB . Conversely, the quantitative repeatability was somewhat lower since in 59% of the patients the quantitative results varied by more than one log10, which is the minimal precision affordable with quantitative cultures . The distinction between presence or absence of infection based on the 10(3) cfu/ml recommended diagnostic threshold was, however, only moderately affected by the variability of the quantitative results since only three of 22 patients (13.6%) displayed results spread out on each side of the 10(3) cfu/ml break point . Intrasubject variability of quantitative results was not explained by problems with the quantitative culture technique, which proved excellent repeatability in the laboratory . This study indicated that, although the PSB technique with quantitative cultures displays an acceptable level of repeatability, caution is advisable when interpreting PSB results in critically ill patients with suspected pneumonia, especially if one refers to the 10(3) cfu/ml recommended diagnostic threshold and if a decision to treat or to abstain from treating is to be made.

Chest, 1993 Jan, 103(1), 236 - 42
A reappraisal of blind bronchial sampling in the microbiologic diagnosis of nosocomial bronchopneumonia . A comparative study in ventilated patients; Papazian L et al.; STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the usefulness of fiberscopy for microbiologic diagnosis of nosocomial bronchopneumonia (NBP) in ventilated patients . DESIGN: Data were collected prospectively . We compared the results of semiquantitative cultures obtained by protected specimen brush (PSB), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and blind bronchial sampling (BBS) . Positive thresholds were 10(3) CFU ml-1 for PSB and BAL and 10(4) CFU ml-1 for BBS . We also evaluated the diagnostic performance of direct examination of samples obtained by BAL and BBS . PATIENTS: We carried out this study in 64 ventilated patients admitted to a medico-surgical ICU . RESULTS: During the study, 85 sets of samplings were obtained . The concordance between the results of specimen cultures obtained with the three techniques was 87 percent . The concordance between BBS and PSB or between BBS and BAL was 91.8 percent . In two of seven patients with discordant results between BBS and PSB, the microorganisms isolated from blood cultures were found on BBS, but not on PSB samples . As for direct examination, the thresholds for the diagnosis of NBP using BBS were as follows: > or = 10 polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN)/high-power field (HPF), > or = 1 bacteria/oil immersion field (OIF), presence of intracellular bacterial inclusions . Using BAL, the thresholds were as follows: > or = 1 PMN/HPF, presence of bacteria/OIF, presence of intracellular bacterial inclusions . The specificity of the presence of bacterial inclusions was excellent regardless of the sampling technique, but the sensitivity of this criteria was mediocre (30.8 percent with BBS and 19.2 percent with BAL) . Except for the number of PMN on BBS, all the other diagnostic criteria (PMN count on BAL, bacterial count, count of cells exhibiting inclusions) provide a similar prediction of NBP (correctly classified: 61.2 to 81.2 percent) . No combination of criteria enabled significantly better classification regardless of the sampling technique . CONCLUSIONS: In view of these findings and the high cost and morbidity of fiberscopy, it is arguably better to use a simple, repeatable, and risk-free technique for obtaining culture specimens from mechanically ventilated patients . Obviously, protected brushing techniques remain the most effective for nonintubated patients.

Microbios, 1993, 75(303), 125 - 9
A simple DNA polymerase chain reaction method to locate and define orientation of specific sequences in cloned bacterial genomic fragments; Skinner DD et al.; A simple DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, to rapidly locate and define the orientation of a particular sequence within a cloned bacterial genomic fragment several kilobases (kb) long, is described . The technique is particularly useful when cloning (by DNA PCR amplification) a specific sequence of a conserved gene from several microorganisms following an homology probing approach . The method requires two universal primers derived from the vector, two specific primers derived from each end of the specific sequence in inverted tail-to-tail directions, and a single round of PCR . In addition, PCR conditions applicable to DNA inserts having a G + C content up to 75% (e.g . Pseudomonas and actinomycete genomic fragments), and allowing efficient amplification of DNA fragments up to 7 kb long, are described and discussed.

Curr Opin Periodontol . 1993;:28-42.
Current concepts in juvenile periodontitis; Wisner-Lynch LA et al.; Juvenile periodontitis is one of the more debilitating periodontal diseases . The disease entity includes two manifestations of aggressive bone destruction, a localized and a generalized form, which affect adolescents at puberty . Recent studies have defined the prevalence of the disease with regard to locale, gender, and ethnicity . In addition, significant advances have been made in evaluating host response effects in juvenile periodontitis . Studies have identified changes in cell surface receptors on neutrophils, which appear to be related to both receptor density and structure . Various molecular techniques, including restriction fragment length polymorphism, have enabled researchers to identify clonal variants of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans--the microorganism most closely associated with the disease . This may prove to be very useful in identifying virulence factors that have a role in disease initiation and progression . Treatment modalities using debridement, surgery, and anti-infective therapy have been proposed for management of the disease.

Biomater Artif Cells Immobilization Biotechnol, 1993, 21(3), 383 - 9
Bioencapsulation revisited; Saucedo JE et al.; Methods to encapsulate biological materials are now widely used . Sometimes bioencapsulation is considered as a universal technique conducting to identical results independently on the biological material used . For instance, a similar behavior is frequently waited for different strains of immobilized microorganisms without taking into account substantial differences in its physiological and morphological characteristics . Often interactions with the matrix support are also neglected . Thus, some concepts developed throughout all these years working in bioencapsulation merits to be revisited.

Vet Med (Praha), 1993, 38(4), 193 - 202
{Detection of bovine herpesvirus-1 using the dot-blot hybridization method}; Vilcek S et al.; With the development of molecular biology in the 1980s methods of microorganism detection start to innovate . One of the main advantages of the molecular-genetic methods, namely hybridization of nucleic acids and PCR methods, is the detection of genome of microorganism without the need for cellular cultivation . To detect BHV-1 (etiological agens IBR-IPV) the dot-blot hybridization method on nitrocellulose filters was used together with different types of DNA probes (two-fiber recombinant plasmids, one-fiber recombinant phages M 13 and 40 bp synthetic oligonucleotide) . Genome DNA BHV-1 was isolated from samples (virions, infested cells, nasal smears and secretions by phenol extraction) . The highest sensitivity of detection was achieved with 32P-pUR-1 probe (1.8kb random EcoRI-Hind III fragment ligated into plasmid pUC 9) which detected genome BHV-1 in 5 x 10(3) infested MDBK cells . This probe did not respond with herpetic viruses BHV-2, BHV-3, BHV-4 and the virus of Aujeszky's disease . The quality of pUR-1 probe was further tested for IBR diagnostics in animals experimentally infested with the virus BHV-1 (intranasal infection) . BHV-1 could be detected in nasal smears and secretions in experimentally infested calves as early as on the first day following infection, while the agens amount reached its peak on the days 2-3 and on the days 6-7 the occurrence of virus fell markedly . When digoxigenin-pUR-1, i.e . non-radioactively marked probe, the virus presence was confirmed only on the days 2-3, in the time of the highest occurrence of infection agens . To detect the virus through the dot-blot hybridization nasal secretions were confirmed as better compared with nasal smears . The technology of virus isolation on cell cultures confirmed also the occurrence of agens as soon as on the first day from infection, with maximum on the days 2-5, but much more reliably it detected the virus on the days observed from the day 3 and their peak was obtained on the day 6 from infection . Experiments, comparing classical methods of IBR diagnostics (detection of specific antibodies, the method of isolation on cellular cultures) with the dot-blot hybridization using the samples obtained from farms with natural occurrence of IBM, are under progress.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1993 Jan, 31 Suppl A, 79 - 85
A randomized multicenter trial of piperacillin/tazobactam versus imipenem/cilastatin in the treatment of severe intra-abdominal infections . Swedish Study Group; Eklund AE et al.; The efficacy and safety of piperacillin plus tazobactam and of imipenem plus cilastatin were compared in an open randomized multicentre study . In the piperacillin/tazobactam group, 40 men and 29 women (mean age 53 years, range 18-92) received 4 g piperacillin with 500 mg tazobactam every 8 h; in the imipenem/cilastatin group 40 men and 25 women (mean age 54 years, range 16-91) received 500 mg imipenem with 500 mg cilastatin, also every 8 h . Antibiotics were administered intravenously for at least three days and for not more than 14 days . Infections were verified by culture of material obtained at laparotomy or by puncture of an abscess before the start of therapy . Fifty of 55 evaluable patients in the piperacillin/tazobactam group (91%) and 40 of 58 evaluable patients in the imipenem/cilastatin group (69%) were clinically cured . Four relapses or failures were recorded in the piperacillin/tazobactam group and 18 in the imipenem/cilastatin group (P < 0.005) . Eradication of the microorganisms isolated were similar in both groups . Adverse reactions in both groups were mild and dominated by nausea and diarrhoea . At the dosage used piperacillin/tazobactam was as safe as, and statistically more effective than, imipenem/cilastatin in the treatment of intra-abdominal infections caused by sensitive organisms.

Infect Immun, 1993 Jan, 61(1), 204 - 12
Genetic structure of populations of Porphyromonas gingivalis associated with periodontitis and other oral infections; Loos BG et al.; One hundred isolates of the oral pathogenic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis were genetically characterized by determining the electrophoretic mobilities of 16 metabolic enzymes and the presence or absence of catalase activity . A total of 78 distinct electrophoretic types (ETs), representing multilocus genotypes, were identified, and cluster analysis placed them in three major phylogenetic divisions . Division I (71 ETs) included all 88 human isolates examined, most of which had been recovered from patients with periodontitis, together with 4 monkey isolates . The strains in division II (four ETs) and division III (three ETs) are strongly differentiated from those in division I and apparently represent two previously unclassified (cryptic) species . The mean genetic diversity per enzyme locus among the 92 isolates of division I (P . gingivalis, strict sense) was 0.321, and the strains were distributed among 14 phylogenetic clusters and single-ET lineages . The population structure is basically clonal, with some clonal genotypes being widespread, and even global, in distribution . There was no evidence of association between specific genetic lineages or clusters of ETs and the type of disease (periodontitis or root canal infections), invasive potential, serogroup, or fimbrial restriction fragment length polymorphism group . The finding that dental patients are infected by strains of a wide variety of chromosomal genotypes suggests that interstrain variation in pathogenicity is small . On the basis of the observed genetic structure of natural populations of P . gingivalis, we hypothesize that the role of this microorganism in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and other dental infections is largely opportunistic.

Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1993, 38(2), 159 - 60
Chitinase and changes of microbial community in soil; Hanzlikova A et al.; Enrichment of soil with chitin (0.6%) significantly stimulated growth of chitinolytic microorganisms (the relative proportion was increased from 1.7 to 26.5%) and the formation of chitinase in soil . In a soil enriched with chitin and glucose (0.6%), the proportion of chitinolytic microorganisms remained similar to that in the nonenriched soil (1.4%), the enzyme formation was negatively affected.

Scand J Infect Dis, 1993, 25(3), 305 - 9
The C-reactive protein responses in HIV-infected patients with pneumonia; Storgaard M et al.; The acute phase C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured in serum of HIV-infected patients suffering from Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) (32 patients), bacterial pneumonia (10 patients), and in 19 immunocompetent patients with bacterial pneumonia . The HIV-infected patients with bacterial pneumonia had a significantly lower CRP level than the immunocompetent patients (50% versus 95% had an s-CRP level > 80 mg/l) . No significant difference was found in the CRP response to P . carinii or bacteria in HIV-infected patients with pneumonia due to these microorganisms (20% versus 50% had s-CRP > 80 mg/l) . In the group of PCP patients, a significantly lower CRP level was found in those with CD4 positive lymphocyte counts below 50 x 10(6)/l . There was no correlation between the CRP response and the severity of the PCP as estimated by the degree of hypoxia . We conclude that the CRP level cannot be used to discriminate between PCP and bacterial pneumonia in HIV-infected patients.

Digestion, 1993, 54(3), 160 - 2
Congestive gastropathy versus chronic gastritis: a comparison of some pathophysiological aspects; Guslandi M et al.; In order to investigate some pathophysiological aspects of the two diseases, 15 patients with congestive gastropathy and 15 with chronic gastritis have been studied and compared with 15 healthy controls . Gastric blood flow as determined during endoscopy by means of laser Doppler flowmetry was found to be significantly increased (p < 0.001) in congestive gastropathy, whereas a significant reduction (p < 0.001) was noted in chronic gastritis . On the other hand, Helicobacter pylori was detected in 80% of cases in chronic gastritis, while the prevalence of the microorganism in congestive gastritis was similar to that in healthy controls . It is concluded that chronic gastritis and congestive gastropathy are related to different pathogenetic factors and require different therapeutic approaches.

Crit Rev Microbiol, 1993, 19(2), 83 - 97
Calcium and microorganisms; Youatt J; This review followed from experiments suggesting that some fungi do not require calcium . It was found that many studies of a calcium requirement in microorganisms had assumed specificity for chelation agents such as EGTA and A23187, which the reagents did not possess . Early studies still cited today often preceded the recognition that microorganisms required manganese and zinc . As a result of both of these misunderstandings, there was rarely any attempt to replace calcium by other important trace elements . In some studies that seem to have been overlooked, the apparent requirement for calcium depended on the growth conditions used . Escherichia coli, Neurospora crassa, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were then selected for detailed consideration and it is concluded that further experiments are needed before the involvement of calcium is proved.

Riv Inferm, 1993 Jan-Mar, 12(1), 22 - 8
{A window on the past: lay nurses and nun nurses in hospital modernization at the start of the 20th century}; Dimonte V; The presence of nuns in Italian hospitals raised hot debates since the beginning of the century . Though recognised by a large majority as ideal nurses, for the devotion and the amount of time spent working in the hospital, physicians, feminist movements and nursing leagues expressed much criticism against nuns, for several reasons: a . nuns were more liable to the Mother Superior than to the hospital administration, therefore could not be neither controlled nor sanctioned; b . misplaced "religious" behaviors and beliefs (i.e . the body as an occasion of sin; suffering means spiritual salvation) which may threaten proper care for patients; c . nuns could not act as educators or role model for nurses because they were mainly involved in organizational and management activities and not in direct patient care; d . among other problems, the way of dressing, with large hats and long sleeves was a source of transport of microorganisms) . Lack of properly educated and trained lay nurses, able to substitute nuns, some improvement in nuns' education, strongly promoted by Pope Pio X and the dissolution of nursing leagues put an end to the fight for the secularization of hospitals.

Chirality, 1993, 5(8), 596 - 601
Microbial metabolism of 2-arylpropionic acids: chiral inversion of ibuprofen and 2-phenylpropionic acid; Hutt AJ et al.; The metabolism of (R,S)-ibuprofen has been investigated in 24 microbial cultures . Of these Cunninghamella elegans, Mucor hiemalis, and Verticillium lecanii catalyzed the oxidation of the drug to 2-{4-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)phenyl}propionic acid, a known mammalian metabolite . The extent of metabolism was greatest with V . lecanii, with some 47% of the substrate being consumed over a 7-day incubation period . Enantiomeric analysis indicated stereoselective metabolism of (R)-ibuprofen, the enantiomeric composition of the residual substrate being R/S = 0.25 . Following a preparative scale incubation of (R,S)-ibuprofen with V . lecanii, in which the reaction was allowed to go to completion, the metabolite was found to be predominantly of the S-configuration (S/R = 2.1), suggesting that chiral inversion of either the drug and/or the metabolite had taken place . Analysis of extracts following incubation of (R,S)-, (R)-, and (S)-2-phenylpropionic acid with V . lecanii, for 21 days, indicated that chiral inversion of the (R)-enantiomer to its optical antipode had taken place . The results of these investigations indicate that microorganisms, in addition to mammals, are able to mediate the chiral inversion of 2-arylpropionic acids . This observation may have implications for the preparation of optically pure 2-arylpropionic acids.

Ann Epidemiol, 1993 Jan, 3(1), 78 - 85
The severity of fetal membrane infection and pregnancy complications; Krohn MA et al.; The purpose of this report is to examine the association of histologic chorioamnionitis with microorganisms isolated from the fetal membranes and to evaluate whether microorganisms with or without inflammation are associated with labor characteristics and with pregnancy complications . Inflammation was more common among membranes that yielded pathogenic bacteria (47%, P = 0.002) or Urea-plasma urealyticum (34%, P = 0.03) than among membranes that yielded no growth or nonpathogenic bacteria (20%) . Prolonged membrane rupture (P = 0.0001), infant birth weight less than 2500 g (P = 0.02), and intraamniotic infection (P = 0.001) occurred more frequently among those women whose membranes yielded pathogenic bacteria than among those whose membranes yielded no growth or nonpathogenic bacteria . Our findings suggest that placental membranes in which pathogenic bacteria are accompanied by inflammation are associated with the highest risk of pregnancy complications.

Neurosci Biobehav Rev, 1993 Fall, 17(3), 237 - 69
Fever: causes and consequences; Moltz H; The present review distinguishes pathogenic, neurogenic, and psychogenic fever, but focuses largely on pathogenic fever, the hallmark of infectious disease . The data presented show that a complex cascade of events underlies pathogenic fever, which in broad outline - and with frank disregard of contradictory data - can be described as follows . An invading microorganism releases endotoxin that stimulates macrophages to synthesize a variety of pyrogenic compounds called cytokines . Carried in blood, these cytokines reach the perivascular spaces of the organum vasculosum laminae terminalis (OVLT) and other regions near the brain where they promote the synthesis and release of prostaglandin (PGE2) . This prostaglandin then penetrates the blood-brain barrier to evoke the autonomic and behavioral responses characteristic of fever . But then once expressed, fever does not continue unchecked; endogenous antipyretics likely act on the septum to limit the rise in body temperature . The present review also examines fever-resistance in neonates, the blunting of fever in the aged, and the behaviorally induced rise in body temperature following infection in ectotherms . And finally it takes up the question of whether fever enhances immune responsiveness, and through such enhancement contributes to host survival.

Insect Mol Biol, 1993, 1(3), 123 - 31
Genetic transformation and phylogeny of bacterial symbionts from tsetse; Beard CB et al.; Two isolates of bacterial endosymbionts, GP01 and GM02, were established in cell free medium from haemolymph of the tsetse, Glossina pallidipes and G . morsitans . These microorganisms appear similar to rickettsia-like organisms reported previously from various tsetse species . The 16S rRNA sequence analysis, however, placed them within the gamma subdivision of the Proteobacteria, phylogenetically distinct from most members of the Rickettsiaceae which align with the alpha subdivision . Distinct multiple endogenous plasmids are harboured by GP01 and GM02, suggesting that the two isolates are different . Restriction mapping analysis showed that one of the conserved plasmids is present in high copy number and is at least 80 kb in size . A heterologous plasmid pSUP204, which contains the broad host range oriV replication origin, was used to transfect bacterial cultures . The symbiont GM02 was transformed, and it expressed plasmid encoded resistance to the antibiotics ampicillin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol . Transformation of these symbionts may provide a novel means for expressing anti-parasitic genes within tsetse populations.

Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1993, 38(5), 371 - 5
Degradation of 2-chlorobenzoic and 2,5-dichlorobenzoic acids in pure culture by Pseudomonas stutzeri; Kozlovsky SA et al.; A strain of Pseudomonas stutzeri KS25 utilizing 2-chlorobenzoic and 2,5-dichlorobenzoic acids as the sole carbon and energy source was isolated from polychlorophenol-contaminated soil and sewage, using the method of enrichment cultures . This strain was also able to grow on 2-fluoro-, 2-iodo-, 2-bromo- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoate, but did not utilize 3-, 4-chloro-, 2,4- and 2,6-dichlorobenzoates as the sole carbon and energy source, however, it cometabolized 3-chloro-, 2,4- and 2,6-dichlorobenzoates, but not 4-chlorobenzoate . The yield of released chlorine during utilization of 2-chloro- and 2,5-dichlorobenzoates amounted to 100% of the theoretical . The concentration of 2-chloro- and 2,5-dichlorobenzoates, not substantially inhibiting the isolated microorganism, was within the range 0.25-0.5 and 2.5-3.0 g/L, respectively.

Nahrung, 1993, 37(5), 422 - 7
Effect of freezing and mincing technique on microbial load of minced meat; Khalafalla F et al.; This experiment was carried out to explain the variation between the use of either fresh or frozen meat cuts in manufacturing of minced meat; in this connection the role of the mincer and the hygienic condition of handling as well as of the temperature under which the raw material and product was handled should be investigated . The achieved results indicated that the minced meat manufactured from fresh meat has low microbial load as compared with that produced from frozen one . However, the mincing at butcher's shops may expose the meat to more sources of contamination than that minced at home (self-made mincing) . The handling of raw meat either fresh or frozen in butcher's shops exposed the produced minced meat to high numbers of either spoilage or food poisoning microorganisms . The sources of contamination of produced minced meat were discussed.

Annu Rev Microbiol, 1993, 47, 913 - 44
Release of recombinant microorganisms; Wilson M et al.; This review addresses current environmental applications of naturally occurring, nonrecombinant microorganisms and potential future genetic modifications of such organisms, as well as releases of recombinant microorganisms that have occurred to date . Awareness of the current uses of nonrecombinant microorganisms provides insight into the diversity of habitats in which recombinant microorganisms may be released in the future, while an examination of potential and realized genetic modifications provides insight into the variety of applications for which recombinant microorganisms may be used . Analysis of the behavior, persistence, and dispersal of nonrecombinant strains further provides valuable information required for the assessment of the risk involved in release of recombinant derivatives of those strains . Approximately 27 distinct releases of recombinant microorganisms have occurred to date . This review assesses what has been learned from such releases regarding persistence, dispersal, and potential deleterious environmental effects.

Annu Rev Microbiol, 1993, 47, 467 - 504
Adaptive mutation: the uses of adversity; Foster PL; When populations of microorganisms are subjected to certain nonlethal selections, useful mutants arise among the nongrowing cells whereas useless mutants do not . This phenomenon, known as adaptive, directed, or selection-induced mutation, challenges the long-held belief that mutations only arise at random and without regard for utility . In recent years a growing number of studies have examined adaptive mutation in both bacteria and yeast . Although conflicts and controversies remain, the weight of the evidence indicates that adaptive mutation cannot be explained by trivial artifacts and that nondividing cells accumulate mutations in the absence of genomic replication . Because this process tends to produce only useful mutations, the cells appear to have a mechanism for preventing useless genetic changes from occurring or for eliminating them after they occur . The model that most readily explains the evidence is that cells under stress produce genetic variants continuously and at random, but these variants are immortalized as mutations only if they allow the cell to grow.

Annu Rev Microbiol, 1993, 47, 263 - 90
Dissimilatory metal reduction; Lovley DR; Microorganisms can enzymatically reduce a variety of metals in metabolic processes that are not related to metal assimilation . Some microorganisms can conserve energy to support growth by coupling the oxidation of simple organic acids and alcohols, H2, or aromatic compounds to the reduction of Fe(III) or Mn(IV) . This dissimilatory Fe(III) and Mn(IV) reduction influences the organic as well as the inorganic geochemistry of anaerobic aquatic sediments and ground water . Microorganisms that use U(VI) as a terminal electron acceptor play an important role in uranium geochemistry and may be a useful tool for removing uranium from contaminated environments . Se(VI) serves as a terminal electron acceptor to support anaerobic growth of some microorganisms . Reduction of Se(VI) to Se(O) is an important mechanism for the precipitation of selenium from contaminated waters . Enzymatic reduction of Cr(VI) to the less mobile and less toxic Cr(III), and reduction of soluble Hg(II) to volatile Hg(O) may affect the fate of these compounds in the environment and might be used as a remediation strategy . Microorganisms can also enzymatically reduce other metals such as technetium, vanadium, molybdenum, gold, silver, and copper, but reduction of these metals has not been studied extensively.

J Assoc Acad Minor Phys, 1993, 4(4), 138 - 42
Enteroenteric fistula of the duodenum in a patient with AIDS and Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection; Simko V et al.; Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a double lumen in the second portion of the duodenum in a 39-year-old man with advanced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) . The lesion was not lined with an epithelium and improved with antituberculous therapy . These findings, as well as both an extensive transmural inflammation with foamy macrophages laden with acid-fast microorganisms and the destruction of the bowel wall, were consistent with Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection, but not with congenital duplication . An upper gastrointestinal series was falsely negative . Deep, penetrating lesions and double-barreled lumen are not infrequent in AIDS-related esophageal disease . We propose that similar lesions related to M avium-intracellulare occur in the bowel, especially when immune impairment and mycobacterial infection are severe . Awareness of mycobacterial infections of the gut is important in the era of AIDS.

Caries Res, 1993, 27(5), 417 - 23
The effect of glass-ionomer cement on carious dentine: an in vivo study; Weerheijm KL et al.; The effect of a glass-ionomer cement sealant on carious dentine was investigated clinically and bacteriologically . The study group consisted of 24 molar teeth, with small clinical visible occlusal dentine lesions, in 13 children (aged 7-18 years) . Twenty of these molars were filled and sealed with a glass-ionomer cement (Fuji Ionomer Type III) and 4 with a resin sealant (Delton) . From each molar, two dentine samples were collected aseptically with a time interval of 7 months . The first sample was taken after opening the lesion just beneath the dentino-enamel junction before application of the filling material (sample A), and the second beneath the removed filling material (sample B) 7 months later . Before collecting sample B the sealant was clinically evaluated and impressions were prepared in order to (re)evaluate the sealants later by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) . After taking the second sample, the remaining fissures were opened to a standard depth, the caries which was still present was removed, and a composite resin restoration was applied . In all teeth, more glass-ionomer cement material was found by SEM compared to the clinical evaluation . In both the glass-ionomer- and the resin sealant-treated group, the median value of the total number of microorganisms (CFU) on blood agar was 100 times smaller in the B sample . Microorganisms were found in 90% of the B samples in the group treated with glass-ionomer cement; hard dentine was also found in 45% of the B samples from this group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Braz Dent J, 1993, 3(2), 95 - 8
The use of Histoacryl in endodontics; Lage-Marques JL et al.; The oral environment is one of the most complex systems of the human body . It is populated by a variety of microorganisms, with some of the species still not classified . Tissue adhesives, such as cyanoacrylates, have been used in dentistry and in medicine because of their adhesiveness potential to the human tissue, even in the presence of moisture, their biological compatibility, surface isolation, hemostatic properties and bacteriostatic features . Based on these observations, the authors investigated the use of a tissue adhesive (Histoacryl; Laboratorio Braun, RJ, Brazil) with the purpose of sealing the remaining dentin, especially in endodontically treated molars and premolars . The results strongly suggest that Histoacryl controls micro-leakage of oral fluids at the filling/tooth interface.

Med Pr, 1993, 44(3), 277 - 88
{Biological effect of wood dust}; Maciejewska A et al.; The biological effect of exposure to wood dust depends on its composition and the content of microorganisms which are an inherent element of the dust . The irritant and allergic effects of wood dust have been recognised for a long time . The allergic effect is caused by the wood dust of subtropical trees, e.g . western red cedar (Thuja plicata), redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon), cocabolla (Dalbergia retusa) and others . Trees growing in the European climate such as: larch (Larix), walnut (Juglans regia), oak (Quercus), beech (Fagus), pine (Pinus) cause a little less pronounced allergic effect . Occupational exposure to irritative or allergic wood dust may lead to bronchial asthma, rhinitis, alveolitis allergica, DDTS (Organic dust toxic syndrome), bronchitis, allergic dermatitis, conjunctivitis . An increased risk of adenocarcinoma of the sinonasal cavity is an important and serious problem associated with occupational exposure to wood dust . Adenocarcinoma constitutes about half of the total number of cancers induced by wood dust . An increased incidence of the squamous cell cancers can also be observed . The highest risk of cancer applies to workers of the furniture industry, particularly those dealing with machine wood processing, cabinet making and carpentry . The cancer of the upper respiratory tract develops after exposure to many kinds of wood dust . However, the wood dust of oak and beech seems to be most carcinogenic . It is assumed that exposure to wood dust can cause an increased incidence of other cancers, especially lung cancer and Hodgkin's disease . The adverse effects of microorganisms, mainly mould fungi and their metabolic products are manifested by alveolitis allergica and ODTS . These microorganisms can induce aspergillomycosis, bronchial asthma, rhinitis and allergic dermatitis.

J Basic Microbiol, 1993, 33(5), 357 - 68
Phosphorylated nutrient uptake by Treponema denticola and other potential periodontopathogens; Yotis WW et al.; Nutrient uptake may contribute to the survival of certain potential periodontopathogens in the competitive environment of the gingival sulcus . This study was conducted to assess the uptake of commercially available, key radiolabelled phosphorylated compounds by Treponema denticola . There was a linear relationship in the uptake of ATP and G-1-P with cell concentrations of 0.1-2.5 mg of cell dry weight . This uptake reached a steady state within 15 min, and at temperatures of 25-37 degrees C the uptake ranged between 13-21% . At 50 degrees C, or above 50 degrees C the assay cells took up 0-1% of the assay nutrients . The maximum uptake of ATP was 47.5, 38 and 47.6 pmoles for serovars a, b and c . G-1-P yielded maximum uptake values of 306, 304, and 306 pmoles respectively . Significant uptake of ATP, or G-1-P occurred at pH 4.8 for serovars a, or c, while serovar b showed a broad pH range for the uptake of G-1-P . Stannous fluoride at a concentration of 0.17 mM enhanced the uptake of ATP while chlorhexidine digluconate inhibited the uptake of ATP . At concentrations usually employed (0.05-0.5 mM) the metabolic poisons 2,4-dinitrophenol, sodium azide, sodium arsenite and the ATPase inhibitor N,N1-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide did not alter significantly the uptake of ATP . The uptake of ATP, by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and T . denticola at pH 4.8 was 13.4, 1.5, 6.9, and 18-20.4%, respectively . At pH 6.5 the uptake for the microorganisms indicated above was 22, 1.3, 6.6 and 6.2%, respectively . G-1-P showed the same trend in its uptake by A . actinomycetemcomitans, P . gingivalis, F . nucleatum and T . denticola . This study provides for the first time specific examples of phosphorylated nutrient uptake by potential periodontopathogens, and that the uptake of phosphorylated nutrients can be suppressed by oral hygienic compounds.

Biol Cell, 1993, 78(1-2), 111 - 21
Recent applications of flow cytometry in aquatic microbial ecology; Troussellier M et al.; Microorganisms (unicellular algae, bacteria) constitute fundamental compartments of aquatic ecosystems because of their high concentrations and activities . The evaluation and understanding of their behavior and role raise different problems for which traditional methodologies are often inadequate, whether they refer to global or classical microscopic analyses . Flow cytometry (FCM) has been recently used to study microorganisms in aquatic environments . Although this technology is still applied on a limited scale in our field, a large number of works has been done showing that FCM seems to be a promising tool for aquatic microbial ecology . This paper summarizes, from the literature produced during the last decade and with original data obtained in our laboratory, the main questions related to the cell identification, the evaluation of cell viability, biomasses and productions and the measurements of bacterial and phytoplanktonic activities . The representatives of sampling and observation scales is also discussed within the framework of the FCM measurements.

Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol, 1993, 50, 21 - 44
Synthesis of L-carnitine by microorganisms and isolated enzymes; Jung H et al.; L-Carnitine, a quaternary ammonium compound, plays an important role in beta-oxidation of fatty acids in mammals . The increasing demand for this compound in medicine has led to the development of numerous procedures for L-carnitine production . This review discusses the possibilities of microbial and enzymatical synthesis of L-carnitine and gives an overview on the pathways of L-carnitine metabolism and related enzymes in microorganisms.

Bull Soc Belge Ophtalmol, 1993, 247(1), 8 - 11
{Care of contact lenses}; Vanhakendover C; Though there is a large variety of lens care systems, the following steps are always required: clearing, disinfection and rinsing . The goal to reach is removing of deposits and microorganisms to prevent infections.

Ther Hung, 1993, 41(3), 114 - 8
Clinico-bacteriological examination of Betadine skin disinfectant fluid and liquid soap in hospitalized patients and hospital employees; Major T Sr et al.; The effectivity of Betadine skin and mucosa disinfectant solution and Betadine hand disinfectant soap (MUNDIPHARMA A . G . and EGIS Pharmaceuticals has been examined in hospitalized patients and hospital employees . The history of the production of polyvynilpyrrolidone-iodine (PVP-Iodine) the mechanism of actions and the biological effects of these products have been discussed . Bacteriological samples were collected from the skin of four regions most frequently used for injection (fossa cubitalis, right and left hands and gluteal region, right and left sides) of 10 hospitalized patients before and after washing these regions with Betadine . The average of 68 microorganisms Colony Forming Unit (CFU) recorded before disinfection decreased below 1 CFU on average in the samples taken after disinfection . From both hands of 6 hospital employees 190 CFUs could be demonstrated following washing hands with the commonly used soap . After washing hands with Betadine soap a total of 1 CFU could be demonstrated . The hands of 44 hospital employees were infected with E . coli of non-pathogenous reference strain whereafter samples were collected . After the disinfection of the hands with Betadine liquid soap samples were taken again . In the samples taken before disinfection an average of 745 CFUs, in samples taken after disinfection an average total of 11 CFUs were found . The results prove the outstanding disinfectant action of the two examined Betadine products.

Rev Med Interne, 1993, 14(9), 871 - 6
{Infectious endocarditis, risk factors, prevention . Research group for infectious endocarditis and jury of the consensus conference}; Lacassin F et al.; Infective endocarditis, resulting from deposition of circulating microorganisms during a period of bacteremia on damaged endothelial heart valves, remains a serious disease . Its overall incidence did not decline in recent years, 24 cases/year/million inhabitants, in France . This can be explained by a modification of the type of underlying cardiac conditions with regression of rheumatic fever and increase of degenerative heart diseases, prosthetic valves and mitral valve prolapse . The risk of bacterial seeding on a damaged valve remains difficult to evaluate, the highest risk being for patients with prosthetic valve, previous infective endocarditis and cyanotic congenital heart disease . A case-control study, done in 1991, confirmed that procedures are risk factors for infective endocarditis and that the multiplicity of procedures increases the risk . A French consensus conference on the prophylaxis of infective endocarditis has updated the recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis . Two groups of cardiac patients were identified, based on the incidence and the severity of endocarditis occurring in patients with these conditions, 1) patients considered at risk which require specific prophylaxis, and 2) patients considered non at risk which do not require antibiotic prophylaxis . Procedures which require antibiotic prophylaxis are dental procedures and specific gastrointestinal and urologic procedures . As complex protocols are associated with poor compliance by practitioners and patients, the jury has aimed for simplicity and feasibility.

Braz Dent J, 1993, 4(1), 3 - 8
Determination of the presence of spirochetes in the subgingival plaque of Brazilian children; Fonseca L et al.; In the present study we investigated the presence of spirochetes in the subgingival plaque of 66 boys and girls aged 5 to 10 years . A total of 264 samples were removed from 4 different sites using wooden wedges held with hemostatic pliers and introduced into tubes containing 0.6 ml reduced transport fluid (RTF) . After dispersal of the material, smears were prepared and stained by the Fontana-Tribondeau and Giemsa methods for spirochete visualization . Slides were examined under a binocular light microscope with a 100X objective and at least 200 microorganisms were counted, including spirochetes . Spirochetes were detected in 27.27% of the samples and were absent in 72.73% of them, i.e., 65.15% of the children harbored spirochetes in at least one of the sites studied . The relative frequency of percentage of spirochetes observed was quite low in 6-year old children (9.09%), and was higher in 7- and 10-year old children (41.76% and 36.62%, respectively) than in the remaining age groups studied . The spirochete-age correlation was statistically significant (P < 0.01).

J Fr Ophtalmol, 1993, 16(11), 595 - 601
{Role of antisepsis in the preventive chemo-antibiotic treatment of postoperative endophthalmitis}; Haut J et al.; A protocol associating chemoprophylaxis and two-agent flash antibioprophylaxis was performed for more than two years in order to prevent postoperative endophthalmitis in elective open-globe surgery . The aim of this study is to appreciate whether antibiotic therapy is really useful as a complement to chemoprophylaxis . Three successive conjunctival scrapings were performed in the operating room: two before surgery (one before and one after conjunctival disinfection by povidone iodine), and the third one at the end of the operation . The total number of positive scrapings significantly decreased after disinfection but, some changes appeared on the final scrapings positive and negative . The risks of a positive scraping after the disinfection are greater if the scraping was initially positive . The persistence of a positive scraping after disinfection is noted in about 20% of cases . Therefore, there is a risk for microorganisms to penetrate into the eye, still present on the conjunctiva after povidone iodine . This risk is an argument to carry on the flash antibiotic therapy before surgery, in order to obtain a high intravitreal concentration of antibiotics at the precise time when the bacteria may penetrate into the eye, and to stop their multiplication.

Virchows Arch B Cell Pathol Incl Mol Pathol, 1993, 64(6), 395 - 400
Ultrastructural interaction between multinucleate giant cells and the fungus in aspergillomas of human paranasal sinuses; el-Shoura S; The interaction between multinucleate giant cells (MGCs) and the fungus Aspergillus flavus as seen by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is described in paranasal granulomas occurring in a Saudi patient dying from chronic aspergillosis . Two morphologically different types of MGCs were recognized; these were: a) 'Unhealthy looking' type I cells, rich in well organized organelles and containing few, partially degenerated and necrotic fungal elements . b) 'Healthy looking' type II cells that contained scanty, randomly dispersed cell organelles and normal, or partially degenerated fungal hyphae . The fungal elements had very thick and multilayered cell walls, and were found either in close contact to the host cell cytoplasm, or enclosed within phagosomes . The mechanism of the fungus destruction by the host MGCs is described and compared with that previous reports of MGCs involved in the elimination of extracellular microorganisms . The morphology and the various physiological activities of MGCs seems to depend mainly on whether the pathogen is extra- or intracellular . However, this study showed that MGCs are the cells best suited for killing pathogenic fungi.

J Reprod Fertil Suppl, 1993, 48, 207 - 15
Optimizing semen production for artificial insemination in swine; Colenbrander B et al.; Efficient production of high quality semen is of major importance to artificial insemination (AI) organizations . The semen produced should be free of contagious organisms, be of high quality, have good storage properties, fertilizing capacity and be of high genetic value . The best approach to prevent the spreading of microorganisms via semen in the process of AI is to collect semen from boars free from specific diseases, for example pseudorabies virus or leptospirosis . Antibiotics are added to the semen to suppress proliferation of microorganisms or even reduce their number . Sperm production is influenced by many factors such as season, collection frequency, breed and age . The average number of sperm cells produced per boar per week can vary more than 30% within one AI station, depending on the breed . Boar selection and boar management markedly influence the efficiency of sperm production . Sperm quality should be evaluated by fertility results obtained at breeding farms related to both farrowing rate and litter size to ensure a good quality monitoring system . A quality control system should be established to provide maximum reliability to customers.

Reprod Nutr Dev, 1993, 33(6), 551 - 5
Effect of anaerobic fungi on the ruminal proteolysis in gnotobiotic lambs; Bonnemoy F et al.; The establishment of a fungal population composed of the main species usually found in ruminants in the rumen of gnotobiotic lambs did not significantly alter the in sacco digestibility of meat meal and soybean cake . The proteolytic activity of the rumen fluid against 14C-casein was not affected by the fungi . Therefore, these microorganisms probably do not play an important role in the degradation of proteins in the rumen.

Rev Elev Med Vet Pays Trop, 1993, 46(1-2), 115 - 20
Detection of antibodies to Cowdria ruminantium in the serum of domestic ruminants by indirect ELISA; Martinez D et al.; A solid phase enzyme immunoassay for the detection of antibodies to Cowdria ruminantium in the serum of domestic ruminants was developed by using microorganisms cultivated on bovine umbilical endothelial cells as antigen . When the culture showed 90% lysis, the supernatant was centrifuged, sonicated and coated on polystyrene microtiter plates . Antibodies were detected as early as 9 days after experimental immunization of goats . The sensitivity of the ELISA calculated with 73 ruminant sera ranged between 97.3% and 98.6% . The overall specificity of the test was 97% (N = 2925) . However, the specificity was far lower for sheep (94.4%, N = 881) than for goats (98.6%, N = 651) and cattle (97.8%, N = 1393) . Crossreactivity which could explain some of the false positive reactions, was found between Cowdria antigen and sera raised against Ehrlichia bovis (1 bovine positive out of 2 inoculated) or E . ovina (2 sheep out of 2 inoculated became positive) but not with E . phagocytophila . The intra-assay and inter-assay variability were 7.5% and 7.8% respectively, indicating a good reproducibility of the ELISA.

Ann Soc Belg Med Trop, 1993, 73 Suppl 1, 35 - 9
Enzyme electrophoresis in taxonomy of mycobacteria; Ridell M; Taxonomical analyses of mycobacteria were performed by using multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MEE) . The studies showed that the mycobacteria tested advantageously could be differentiated on species level . The MEE method could also be used for subspecies differentiation, but the method seemed less well suited than some other methods for this purpose . The results are discussed in relation to MEE analyses of other microorganisms.

Ann Ist Super Sanita, 1993, 29(1), 131 - 7
Risk assessment of drug use in pregnancy: prevention of birth defects; Peters PW; Some developmental disorders are preventable by primary prevention, i.e . by avoiding exposure to microorganisms or chemicals that cause developmental disorders . This is not only important for physicians prescribing drugs, midwives monitoring pregnancies, but especially for parents taking the responsibility of having a baby; moreover, this fact is of importance for teratogen information services and public health authorities, both having preventive roles to play . Knowledge of the different pre- and postnatal developmental stages and the reproductive cycle is essential to understand this statement . The basic principle in reproductive toxicology and teratology is that the response of an organism to a teratogen depends upon the nature and the dosage of the substance, the stage of development of the embryo/fetus and its genetic make up . Chemical agents of different nature can induce developmental disorders either via the mother and perhaps via the father . The common consent that the vulnerable stage of development is only the first trimester of pregnancy is not correct . From oogenesis and spermatogenesis to at least the first years of life the developing organism is susceptible to harmful effects of chemical agents, including drugs . Developmental disorders include not only malformations visible at birth, but also spontaneous abortions, fetal death and functional deficits including behavioural defects . Studies both in the human and in laboratory animals make it possible to select substances to avoid exposure to developmental toxicants which are already on the market or still under development . This implicates a multi-step procedure leading from risk-evaluation, risk-assessment, and risk-communication to risk-perception and the according action (risk-management).

Nahrung, 1993, 37(6), 613 - 8
Effect of time, temperature and humidity on biodeterioration of corn cake snack; Adebajo LO et al.; Food spoilage microorganisms representing 5, 6 and 10 genera of moulds, yeasts and bacteria, respectively were isolated from corn cake snack . Each of the samples analysed had initial pH value favourable to microbial growth and activities while only 28% had spoilage-enhancing moisture contents (> 13%) . The effect of temperature and relative humidity (RH) on biodeterioration during a 24-day storage period was determined by monitoring changes in the pH and total microbial colony counts . Whereas very little or no deterioration was recorded for samples contained in 51% and 71% RH chambers at 30 and 45 degrees C, substantial deterioration was obtained at the same temperatures under 89.5% and 100% RH . At 15 degrees C, very little or no deterioration was detected except under 79.5%, 89.5% and 100% RH when slight spoilage changes were recorded as from the 12th or 18th day . The overall results show that the obtained colony counts and pH values monitor spoilage equally.

Acta Vet Hung, 1993, 41(1-2), 103 - 21
Contribution to the pathobiochemistry of furazolidone-induced oxidative toxicity in chickens; Sas B; Furazolidone (F) and its 5-nitrofuran derivatives, occasionally used in veterinary and human medicine, are active against some microorganisms . This drug is considered to be mutagenic in special bacterial test systems . For public health reasons, the presence of F and other 5-nitrofuran residues in edible mammalian and poultry tissues is strictly prohibited . One-month-old experimental chickens (n = 2 x 25) were fed 300 mg.kg-1 furazolidone for 3 days . A separate subgroup (n = 11) was used for monitoring the kinetics of F in the blood plasma . Liver, lung and blood plasma samples taken from the experimental and control chickens after treatment were tested for glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-R), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG), malondialdehyde (MDA), alpha-tocopherol (vE), selenium (Se) and F concentrations . On post-treatment day 2, SOD activity was significantly lowered in the liver only . GSH-Px did not show any characteristic change in any of the tissues . CAT and GSH-R activities were significantly reduced in both organs until post-treatment day 5 . At the same time, a significant decrease of GSH accompanied by an increase in GSSG concentration, was found in both tissues . Oral F treatment produced a transient increase in lipid peroxidation levels measured by the formation of MDA . Alpha-tocopherol content significantly decreased in both organs by post-treatment day 2 . Se concentrations showed an insignificant rate of decrease . F concentration in the blood plasma reached its peak already 30 min after treatment . In the liver and lungs, F decreased sharply, reaching the detection limit between days 2-5 after treatment . Furazolidone administered per os was found to alter the in vivo antioxidative enzymatic defense mechanisms . Increased lipid peroxidation and the concomitant oxidative stress may affect the functional integrity of the tissues.

Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1993, 38(4), 285 - 7
Resistance to heavy metals by some Nigerian yeast strains; Olasupo NA et al.; The heavy metal resistance of yeasts isolated from sugary substrates such as orange, palm wine and pineapple and identified as Saccharomyces carlsbergensis and S . cerevisiae was studied . The yeast isolates were tested against different concentrations of cadmium, copper, manganese, silver and zinc salts ranging from 1 to 20 mmol/L . Local yeasts showed resistance to 3-15 mmol/L cadmium, 18-20 copper, 16-20 manganese, 1-9 silver and 16-19 for zinc . The significance of the results is discussed in relation to the effects of heavy metals on growth of microorganisms and selection of yeasts for the brewing industry in Nigeria.

J Submicrosc Cytol Pathol, 1993 Jan, 25(1), 71 - 7
Endosymbiotic relationship between a rickettsia-like microorganism and the male germ-cells of Culex tigripes; Ndiaye M et al.; The male mosquitoes of the species Culex tigripes possess endosymbionts localized in the cytoplasm of the germ-cells . The somatic cells of the testis do not exhibit this particularity . The spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids all possess a few symbionts . They are eliminated in the residual body at the end of spermiogenesis when the spermatozoon matures . They are absent from the seminal vesicles . A few spermatocytes and spermatids show a proliferation of the endosymbionts . This seems to be associated with an abnormal spermiogenesis . These symbionts are comparable to the Wolbachia described in two other species of mosquitoes: Culex pipiens and Aedes scutellaris.

Int J Radiat Biol, 1993 Jan, 63(1), 105 - 30
Detection of irradiated food--methods and routine applications; Schreiber GA et al.; Irradiation of food for the purpose of extension of shelf life, control of microbial load, reduction of pathogenic microorganisms and disinfection is regarded by many consumers with suspicion . One reason is the lack of methods within food-controlling laboratories which can detect irradiation treatment and which are applied to control correct labelling . This review describes the potential of various methods to reveal irradiation treatment . Special emphasis is given to the three most successful methods, thermoluminescence, electron spin resonance spectroscopy and detection of volatiles . The possibilities and limitations of applying the methods in routine control are discussed.

Pediatrie, 1993, 48(11), 759 - 69
{Recent advances in physiopathology of autoimmune diseases and their therapeutic implications}; Revillard JP; Auto-immune diseases (AID) represent an heterogeneous group of chronic inflammatory diseases which do not seem to result from the direct pathogenic effect of microorganisms or xenobiotics . Some AID are associated with the production of autoantibodies which, in some patients, may be involved in the development of tissue damages . In other AID, as in most experimental models of AID, T cells are responsible for the generation of tissue lesions by their cytotoxic activity or by the synthesis of cytokines . Mechanisms by which T and B cells are educated to tolerate self antigens are numerous and operate both in central lymphoid organs (thymus, fetal liver, bone marrow) and at the periphery . They imply either the destruction of autoreactive lymphocytes (clonal deletion) or their inactivation (clonal anergy) . Recent advances in analyzing the mechanisms of autoimmunity have opened new therapeutical possibilities which are evaluated in spontaneous and experimental animal models of AID . Among the most promising approaches are the intervention on the cytokine network, T cell and peptide vaccination, oral tolerance and non depleting monoclonal antibodies.

Blood Purif, 1993, 11(6), 384 - 91
Dialyzer reprocessing using heat . Scientific and technical considerations; Holmes CJ; Reprocessing of used dialyzers with chemical disinfectants is practiced commonly in the United States and in some areas of Western Europe . Concern over residual toxic or allergenic agents has encouraged the search for other practical methods to disinfect or sterilize used hemodialyzers . The use of moist heat has been proposed as an attractive alternative to chemical disinfection, as the effectiveness of moist heat in inactivating microorganisms is well established and, inherently, should be less toxic than chemical means . However, despite the initial appeal of heat reprocessing, validation and maintenance procedures necessary to ensure a reproducible heat cycle are likely to be burdensome with the currently available hardware . This paper discusses the potential requirements for and barriers to implementation of a dialyzer reprocessing system using heat.

Akush Ginekol (Sofiia), 1993, 32(3), 36 - 8
{Changes in the fertility indices among professional drivers}; Moskova P et al.; With the purpose of studying the supposed risk for the male inseminative ability, the fertile indices of 80 professional drivers (main group) and 159 representatives of professions accepted as not having professional harms (control group) have been examined . The results show significantly higher percentage part for the drivers with disturbed inseminative ability (66.25%) compared to the males of the control group (35.85%)-(P < 0.001) . The date for the frequency of pyospermia are analogical: 28.75% of the drivers versus 16.98% of the control group (P < 0.05) . Statistically main differences in the percentage distribution among the smokers, sufferers from chronic prostate or varicocele, carriers of pathogenic microorganisms in the sperm are not noticed, but in all these cases there is an unfavourable tendency for the drivers . The representatives of this widely spread profession among men have to be warned of the risk for possible changes in the fertility.

Acta Microbiol Hung, 1993, 40(4), 265 - 302
Neuroendocrine defence in endotoxin shock (a review); Berczi I; Mild infection or sublethal dose of endotoxin elicits a brief elevation of GH and PRL in the serum . These hormones have proinflammatory and immunostimulatory effect . In severe trauma, sepsis and shock, GH and PRL are suppressed, whereas glucocorticoids and catecholamines are elevated . Under these conditions an acute phase response is initiated by tissue derived (cytokine) hormones, namely IL-1, IL-6, TNF alpha, and several others, which elicit a neuroendocrine response and initiate major metabolic alterations . There is fever and catabolism prevails, whereas the synthesis of acute phase proteins in the liver, cell proliferation in the bone marrow, and protein synthesis by leukocytes is elevated . This is an emergency reaction to save the organism after the local immune/inflammatory response has failed to contain and eliminate the infectious agent . During sepsis and endotoxin shock the systemic activation of the complement system and of leukocytes releasing enzymes and highly toxic cytokines seriously threaten survival . Glucocorticoids suppress proinflammatory cytokine production and potentiate the secretion of acute phase proteins . Some of these proteins, such as C reactive protein, or LPS binding protein, are designed to combine with microorganisms and trigger their destruction by the activation of complement system and of phagocytes . The increased production of some complement components also helps host resistance . The rise in serum fibrinogen promotes blood clotting which can serve to isolate the invading agent by triggering thrombosis in infected tissues . A number of enzyme inhibitors are produced as acute phase proteins, which are likely to serve to curb the nonspecific damage inflicted by enzymes released from activated phagocytes and from damaged cells into the circulation during sepsis and shock . Catecholamines are also elevated, which serve to inhibit inflammatory responses and to promote, even initiate, the acute phase response . If the acute phase reaction fails to protect the host, shock will develop . Patients with subclinical adrenal insufficiency succumb to septic shock almost invariably if glucocorticoid therapy is not given . However, glucocorticoid treatment of septic patients with normal adrenal function has not been helpful . The use of antibiotics to control infection did not lead to spectacular success either because of the emergence of resistant bacterial strains or the enhanced release of endotoxin by this therapy . The new approaches to prevent and treat septic shock involve the use of antibodies capable of neutralizing LPS and of cytokines and the inhibition of cytokine action by antagonist agents.

Autoimmunity, 1993, 15(3), 201 - 7
Thymus changes in experimentally induced myasthenia gravis; Damjanovic M et al.; Experimental myasthenia gravis (EMG) was elicited in female AO rats, 8-12 weeks of age, by injection of 100 micrograms/rat Torpedo marmorata acetylcholine receptor (AChR)-protein incorporated in CFA . Bordetella pertussis, 24 x 10(9) microorganisms, rat, was injected simultaneously as additional adjuvant . Rats were sacrificed on the day of appearance of the clinical signs of EMG, and thymuses were used for histological analysis using stereologic method, and thymocyte subsets were estimated by flow cytometry . Two and three colour fluorescence was applied to determine DN (CD4-CD8-), DP (CD4+CD8+), SP-CD4+ (CD4+CD8-) and SP-CD8+ (CD4-CD8+) subsets, as well as thymocytes expressing TCR alpha/beta . Rats immunized with BSA and rats injected with saline were used as controls . From 56 rats immunized with AChR-protein, 44 rats developed the disease, between day 7 and 11 after immunization . Severity of disease varied from + to + + + . Stereologic analysis of tissue sections revealed a highly significant reduction of thymic cortex and hypertrophy of medulla in EMG thymuses . Similar, but very slight changes were observed in thymuses of rats immunized with BSA . Percentages of DN, SP-CD4+, and SP-CD8+ subpopulations were significantly increased, while the percentage of DP population showed a marked decrease . These preliminary data suggest an alteration of thymocyte maturational events . Whether these changes could be responsible for the initiation of autoimmunity, or are occurring as a secondary phenomenon, after EMG was already established following the injection of cross reactive antigen, is a matter for discussion.

J Chem Technol Biotechnol, 1993, 58(3), 281 - 5
Covalent immobilization of Aspergillus niger on pHEMA membrane: application to continuous flow reactors; Arica MY et al.; Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) membrane was prepared via photopolymerization and activated with epichlorohydrin . The conidia of Aspergillus niger strains (wild type 'NRRL-3' and genetically improved strain 'NRRL-3/2-2A') were covalently-immobilized on the membranes . Uniform growth of A . niger cells on membrane surfaces was verified by SEM . The glucose oxidase (GOD) activity of the immobilized cells was determined in a continuous flow membrane reactor (CFMR) by assaying for hydrogen peroxide produced . The activity was also determined in the culture fluids of A . niger strains, freely grown in batch cultures . The CFMR was run with 0.1 mol dm-3 glucose with a fixed flow rate of 20 cm3 h-1 for 60 h during which a 10% loss of the original activity was detected . The loss of the activity with the freely cultivated mycelia was about 50% after 30 h . The GOD activity of the improved strain NRRL-3/2-2A was about 20 times higher whether in immobilized or in free form . The GOD activity of the immobilized A . niger strains in the continuous flow membrane reactor was found to be 2.5 times better than their counterparts freely grown in batch cultures indicating that immobilization increases the activity and the stability of the microorganisms.

J Biotechnol, 1993 Jan, 27(2), 143 - 57
Control of microbial activity by flow injection analysis during high cell density cultivation of Escherichia coli; Ding T et al.; The application of an automated flow injection analysis (FIA) system for on-line determination of microbial activity, during high cell density cultivations of Escherichia coli is reported . Based on a bioelectrochemical principle, the FIA method used a redox mediator (potassium hexacyanoferrate(III)) to facilitate electron transfer from the microorganisms to an electrochemical detector . Assays were carried out using a new sampling device which provided aseptic operation by use of a valve and chemical sterilisation . No sample dilution or pretreatment was necessary for biomass concentrations up to approx . 40 g l-1 . The sample volume was 0.5 ml and the overall analysis time was 5 min . FIA signals were found to correlate well with the oxygen uptake rate (OUR) . Changes in metabolic activity due to low substrate levels or high inhibitor concentrations in the cultivation medium became obvious from the FIA signals.

Chirality, 1993, 5(5), 393 - 9
Enantioselective and nonenantioselective degradation of organic pollutants in the marine ecosystem; Huhnerfuss H et al.; Enantiomeric ratios of 11 chiral environmental pollutants determined in different compartments of the marine ecosystem by chiral capillary gas chromatography and chiral high-performance liquid chromatography allow discrimination between the following processes: enantioselective decomposition of both enantiomers with different velocities by marine microorganisms (alpha-HCH, beta-PCCH, gamma-PCCH); enantioselective decomposition of one enantiomer only by marine microorganisms (DCPP); enantioselective decomposition by enzymatic processes in marine biota (alpha-HCH, beta-PCCH, trans-chlordane, cis-chlordane, octachlordane MC4, octachlordane MC5, octachlordane MC7, oxychlordane, heptachlor epoxide); enantioselective active transport through the "blood-brain barrier" (alpha-HCH); nonenantioselective photochemical degradation (alpha-HCH, beta-PCCH).

Crit Rev Oral Biol Med, 1993, 4(3-4), 325 - 33
The high-molecular-weight human mucin is the primary salivary carrier of ABH, Le(a), and Le(b) blood group antigens; Prakobphol A et al.; Because many bacteria interact with the carbohydrate portions of receptor molecules, factors controlling glycosylation probably influence the ability of salivary components to mediate bacterial adherence/clearance . Important sources of diversity in glycosylation are the ABO, secretor, and Lewis genes, which code for glycosyltransferases that add specific sugar sequences to the termini of carbohydrate chains of glycolipids and glycoproteins . We identified, by Western blotting, salivary glycoproteins carrying the ABH and Le(a) or Le(b) antigens . Samples of whole, unstimulated saliva were obtained from 19 subjects whose blood group was determined by agglutination of red blood cells with specific antisera . After centrifugation, the samples were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and blotted onto nitrocellulose . Glycoproteins carrying blood group antigens were identified by staining the blot with monoclonal antisera specific for the A, B, H, Le(a), or Le(b) antigens . The most intensely staining component from all the samples migrated at the same position as the high-molecular-weight mucin . Saliva samples from the nonsecretors contained only the Le(a) antigen . Samples from the secretors contained one or more of the ABH antigens and, variably, the Le(b) antigen . In all cases, the salivary blood group antigens corresponded to those found on the red blood cells of the same subject . The functional consequences of the expression of blood group antigens on the high-molecular-weight mucin are not known, but their presence could modulate the adherence of certain oral microorganisms that interact preferentially with this molecule.

Vestn Ross Akad Med Nauk, 1993, (2), 31 - 7
{Recombinant strains: their biological properties and the safety measures in working with them}; Vorob'ev AA et al.; The review covers the problems of environmental safety of industrial microbial strains derived by genetic engineering techniques and used to prepare biologically active substances . E . coli was used as an example to show the significance of studying their biological characteristics, taxonomy, interaction with other microorganisms and macroorganisms . Based on the data available in the literature it is concluded that there is a need to work out a set of measures to continuously monitor recombinant microorganisms used in biotechnological industry.

Vestn Ross Akad Med Nauk, 1993, (3), 16 - 20
{Quantitative and qualitative criteria for assessing the efficacy of antimutagens in an experiment}; Semenov VV et al.; The antimutagenic effect of para-aminobenzoic acid, tocopherol, adenosine and caffeine has been studied in experiments with microorganisms, Crepis capillaris seed cells, human lymphocytes, murine bone marrow cells in vivo . The activity, of antimutagens, their nature and action range, effective concentrations have been assessed . The type and severity of removable damages have been identified . Quantitative criteria for evaluating the effects of antimutagens have been defined.

J Anim Sci, 1993 Jan, 71(1), 205 - 12
Effect of the protein matrix on the digestion of cereal grains by ruminal microorganisms; McAllister TA et al.; Experiments were conducted to investigate the role of the protein matrix in the digestion of barley and corn by ruminal microorganisms . Grains, ground and collected on sieves as two particle fractions .25 to .89 mm (small particles) and 2.00 to 3.00 mm (large particles), as well as isolated barley and corn starch granules, were incubated with ruminal inocula . For both grains, digestion of starch in small particles was greater (P < .001) than that of large particles . At 16 and 24 h starch digestion was greater (P < .01) in barley than in corn, for small and large particles . Digestion of barley starch granules did not differ (P > .05) from that of corn starch granules at any incubation time . A 4-h preincubation of small-particle corn and barley with protease increased (P < .001) microbial digestion of starch in corn at 16 h but did not affect digestion of barley . When four ruminally cannulated steers were fed diets containing 80% barley, corn, or wheat or 100% alfalfa hay in a 4 x 4 Latin square experiment, amylolytic activity of ruminal inoculum was higher for steers fed grains than for those fed alfalfa . However, when standardized for total viable counts of bacteria, ruminal amylolytic activity did not differ (P > .05) among diet treatments, but proteolytic activity of ruminal inoculum for steers fed alfalfa was higher (P < .01) than that for steers fed cereal grains . Activity of serine proteases in ruminal inoculum was higher (P < .05) for steers fed alfalfa than for steers fed grains.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cytometry, 1993, 14(2), 136 - 43
Optimizing fluorescent in situ hybridization with rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes for flow cytometric identification of microorganisms; Wallner G et al.; A combination of fluorescent rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes ("phylogenetic stains") and flow cytometry was used for a high resolution automated analysis of mixed microbial populations . Fixed cells of bacteria and yeasts were hybridized in suspension with fluorescein- or tetramethylrhodamine-labeled oligonucleotide probes complementary to group-specific regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) molecules . Quantifying probe-conferred cell fluorescence by flow cytometry, we could discriminate between target and nontarget cell populations . We critically examined changes of the hybridization conditions, kinetics of the hybridization, and posthybridization treatments . Intermediate probe concentrations, addition of detergent to the hybridization buffer, and a posthybridization washing step were found to increase the signal to noise ratio . We could demonstrate a linear correlation between growth rate and probe-conferred fluorescence of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas cepacia cells . Oligonucleotides labeled with multiple fluorochromes showed elevated levels of nonspecific binding and therefore could not be used to lower the detection limits, which still restrict studies with fluorescing rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes to well-growing microbial cells . Two probes of different specificities--one labeled with fluorescein, the other with tetramethylrhodamine--could be applied simultaneously for dual color analysis.

Exp Hematol, 1993 Jan, 21(1), 70 - 3
Erythrophagocytosis increases the expression of erythroid potentiating activity mRNA in human monocyte-macrophages; Bergamaschi G et al.; The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the erythropoietic response to hemolysis can be mediated by other regulatory peptides in addition to erythropoietin . For this purpose, we have investigated the influence of erythrophagocytosis by human monocytes and macrophages on the mRNA expression of several growth factor genes, including interleukin-3 (IL-3), granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and erythroid potentiating activity (EPA), which are supposed to influence erythropoiesis . Immunologically mediated erythrophagocytosis increased the expression of EPA mRNA (2 to 3 times) . Such increase appeared to be specifically associated with phagocytosis of erythrocytes, since phagocytosis of yeast microorganisms or antibody-coated latex particles had no effect on EPA gene expression . Yeast, however, powerfully stimulated the expression of GM-CSF, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNAs which, with the exception of G-CSF, were not influenced by erythrophagocytosis . Erythropoietin and IL-3 mRNAs were never detected in cultured monocytes, either in control or in treated samples . Our findings may suggest that phagocytosis of erythrocytes by monocytes/macrophages increases the expression, and possibly the production, of EPA . This could in turn potentiate the erythropoietic response to extravascular hemolysis by increasing the number of cells responsive to erythropoietin . Thus, EPA might be a mediator of an end-product positive feedback on the rate of red cell production.

Sci Prog, 1993-94, 77 ( Pt 3-4), 183 - 206
Nucleic acid amplification mediated microbial identification; Bruce IJ; Nucleic acid amplification techniques have and are revolutionising the way research, academia, medicine, environmental and quality control issues are dealt with . In particular, the polymerase chain reaction, (PCR), originally mentioned in 1985 has greatly modified the ways in which scientists and clinicians go about nucleic acid sequence analysis and manipulation and has great implications for molecular biology in general and diagnostics in particular . This report attempts to review the use of PCR and isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques in the rapid identification of microorganisms . Key methodologies have been noted, their strengths and weaknesses commented upon and comparisons have been drawn between isothermal and thermally cycled nucleic amplification techniques in rapid microbial identification.

Ann Med Univ Bialyst Pol, 1993, 38(1), 1 - 6
The role of respiratory tract infections in asthma; Chyrek-Borowska S; In this article the author presents the latest data on the role of bacterial and viral respiratory tract infections in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma . The effect of microorganisms and their products on immunological and non-immunological mechanisms of cell mediator release, cytokine activity, bronchial hyperreactivity and acute and late asthmatic reactions are discussed . As this brief review shows, the role of respiratory infections in the development of different types of asthma is very important.

Immunol Res, 1993, 12(3), 258 - 75
Membrane defence against complement lysis: the structure and biological properties of CD59; Davies A et al.; The complement system is an important branch of the innate immune response, constituting a first line of defence against invading microorganisms which activate complement via both antibody-dependent and -independent mechanisms . Activation of complement leads to (a) a direct attack upon the activating cell surface by assembly of the pore-forming membrane attack complex (MAC), and (b) the generation of inflammatory mediators which target and recruit other branches of the immune system . However, uncontrolled complement activation can lead to widespread tissue damage in the host, since certain of the activation products, notably the fragment C3b and the C5b-7 complex, can bind nonspecifically to any nearby cell membranes . Therefore it is important that complement activation is tightly regulated . Our own cells express a number of membrane-bound control proteins which limit complement activation at the cell surface and prevent accidental complement-mediated damage . These include decay-accelerating factor, complement receptor 1 and membrane cofactor protein, all of which are active at the level of C3/C5 convertase formation . Until recently, cell surface control of MAC assembly had been attributed to a single 65-kD membrane protein called homologous restriction factor (alternatively named C8-binding protein and MAC-inhibiting protein) . However a second MAC-inhibiting protein has since been discovered and it is now clear that this protein plays a major role in the control of membrane attack . This review charts the rapid progress made in elucidating the protein and gene structure, and the mechanism of action of this most recently discovered complement inhibitor, CD59.

J Biol Chem, 1992 Dec 25, 267(36), 25644 - 7
Visible light-inducible photolyase gene from the goldfish Carassius auratus; Yasuhira S et al.; By introducing and expressing a cDNA library constructed from mRNA of the cultured goldfish Carassius auratus cells in Escherichia coli, a gene encoding photolyase of the vertebrate was isolated, the first example from metazoa . The amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence differs significantly from those of microorganisms . Five out of 6 tryptophan residues strictly conserved in photolyases from microorganisms and thought to play important roles in DNA and chromophore binding of the enzyme are substituted by other residues of different characteristics . By Northern analysis the expression of the photolyase gene was found to be induced more than 10 times by exposure of the cells to visible light . These results indicate a unique evolution of the photolyase gene and a novel mechanism of gene regulation, in which visible light triggers the production of the light-dependent enzyme for repair of DNA damages induced by harmful ultraviolet part of sunlight.

J Immunol, 1992 Dec 15, 149(12), 3984 - 9
V delta 1+ subset of human gamma delta T cells responds to ligands expressed by EBV-infected Burkitt lymphoma cells and transformed B lymphocytes; Hacker G et al.; Human gamma delta T cells of peripheral blood can be divided in two groups in terms of their TCR as well as their behavior upon in vitro stimulation . The major subset expresses the TCR V-segments V gamma 9 and V delta 2 and proliferates in response to ligands revealed by various microorganisms, and the cell line Daudi in addition . The minor group is less homogenous on the gamma-chain but is almost completely identified by mAb against the V delta 1 segment; there is no ligand known to promote growth of these cells . Here we demonstrate that gamma delta T cells out of this subgroup are strongly stimulated in vitro by cells from several Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines . EBV infection of the Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines enhanced the stimulatory ability towards the T cells . Although EBV infection influenced the expression of a variety of cell surface molecules including ICAM-1 and LFA-3, no correlation to the gamma delta T cell-stimulating capacity became apparent . We conclude that Burkitt's lymphoma cells and transformed B cells express ligands of cellular origin for a hitherto poorly characterized subgroup of human gamma delta T cells.

Presse Med, 1992 Dec 2, 21(41), 1939 - 40
{Residual lymphocytes after specific depletion . Functional study}; Valteau-Couanet D et al.; We previously demonstrated that, following a 2-day stimulation of T cells by MHC incompatible cells, a ricin A-chain conjugated to a monoclonal anti-IL2 receptor p55 subunit can kill 1.5 log of the activated alloreactive T cells while non specific killing of alloreactive T cells of a third partner does not exceed 0.5 log . This methodology is of potential use for selective alloreactive T cell depletion in MHC incompatible bone marrow transplantation in order to prevent both graft versus host disease and graft rejection . This study shows that this T cell depletion method does not alter T cell reactivity to microorganism antigens encountered in infection following BMT . It was found that T cell proliferation to cytomegalovirus and to candida antigens is not affected as shown in proliferative assays and by limiting dilution analysis for the latter antigen.

Mol Biol Cell, 1992 Dec, 3(12), 1403 - 13
Inducible expression of calmodulin antisense RNA in Dictyostelium cells inhibits the completion of cytokinesis; Liu T et al.; The single gene encoding calmodulin in the eukaryotic microorganism Dictyostelium discoideum was cloned and sequenced . The gene was found to contain three introns, one lying immediately after the translation initiation codon . The deduced amino acid sequence indicated that Dictyostelium calmodulin contains 19 amino acid differences from vertebrate calmodulin, including extensions at both termini . Northern blot analysis showed that similar levels of calmodulin mRNA are present throughout growth and development of wild-type cells . A complete copy of the calmodulin cDNA was prepared, and an 87-base pair fragment complementary to the 5'-end of the calmodulin mRNA was subcloned into the Dictyostelium transformation vector pVEII, such that expression of the antisense transcript was driven by the discoidin I gamma promoter . Transformed cells were selected and maintained at low cell density, a condition resulting in minimal activity of the discoidin I promoter . High level expression was induced by allowing the transformants to reach high cell density or by growing them in the presence of medium conditioned by high density cells . Under these conditions, in which calmodulin mRNA and protein levels were reduced about twofold, the calmodulin antisense transformants lost the ability to complete cytokinesis . A contractile ring formed and constricted, but the midbody linking daughter cells failed to break . The resulting cell population contained multinucleated cells and networks of cells connected by cytoplasmic bridges . Normal cell division was restored when the cells were diluted to low density . These observations have identified a new point at which calmodulin may regulate cell cleavage.

J Neurobiol, 1992 Dec, 23(10), 1557 - 73
Neuroethology of olfactory preference development; Leon M; Young mammals come to approach the odor of their mother, a response that facilitates their survival during early life . Young rats induce a cascade of events in their mother to induce the emission of her odor . The pups increase circulating prolactin levels, which increases food intake and the emission of large quantities of cecotrophe containing the maternal odor . This odor is synthesized by the action of cecal microorganisms and changes with maternal diet . The diet-dependence of the odor requires the pups to acquire their attraction to the odor postnatally . The acquisition of this preference occurs when an odor is paired with the tactile stimulation that pups receive during maternal care . The action of the tactile stimulation appears to be mediated by noradrenaline . The development of this type of olfactory attraction is accompanied by changes in the regions of the olfactory bulb that are responsive to the attractive odor . Metabolic, anatomical, and neurophysiological changes in response to the attractive odor emerge in such regions of the bulb after early olfactory preference training.

Microbiol Rev, 1992 Dec, 56(4), 677 - 94
Molecular mechanisms of genetic adaptation to xenobiotic compounds; van der Meer JR et al.; Microorganisms in the environment can often adapt to use xenobiotic chemicals as novel growth and energy substrates . Specialized enzyme systems and metabolic pathways for the degradation of man-made compounds such as chlorobiphenyls and chlorobenzenes have been found in microorganisms isolated from geographically separated areas of the world . The genetic characterization of an increasing number of aerobic pathways for degradation of (substituted) aromatic compounds in different bacteria has made it possible to compare the similarities in genetic organization and in sequence which exist between genes and proteins of these specialized catabolic routes and more common pathways . These data suggest that discrete modules containing clusters of genes have been combined in different ways in the various catabolic pathways . Sequence information further suggests divergence of catabolic genes coding for specialized enzymes in the degradation of xenobiotic chemicals . An important question will be to find whether these specialized enzymes evolved from more common isozymes only after the introduction of xenobiotic chemicals into the environment . Evidence is presented that a range of genetic mechanisms, such as gene transfer, mutational drift, and genetic recombination and transposition, can accelerate the evolution of catabolic pathways in bacteria . However, there is virtually no information concerning the rates at which these mechanisms are operating in bacteria living in nature and the response of such rates to the presence of potential (xenobiotic) substrates . Quantitative data on the genetic processes in the natural environment and on the effect of environmental parameters on the rate of evolution are needed.

Curr Opin Genet Dev, 1992 Dec, 2(6), 943 - 6
Selection-induced mutations; Hall BG; Some spontaneous mutations are specifically 'adaptive' in two ways: in that they occur more often when they are useful than when they are irrelevant to the survival of the cell; and in that they occur as specific responses to selective pressures . These 'selection-induced mutations' occur both in bacteria and in the eukaryotic microorganism, yeast.

FEMS Microbiol Rev, 1992 Dec, 9(2-4), 231 - 5
Polyhydroxyalkanoate production in recombinant Escherichia coli; Fidler S et al.; The bacterial species Escherichia coli has proven to be a powerful tool in the molecular analysis of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biosynthesis . In addition, E . coli holds promise as a source for economical PHA production . Using this microorganism, clones have been developed in our laboratory which direct the synthesis of poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) to levels as high as 95% of the cell dry weight . These clones have been further enhanced by the addition of a genetically mediated lysis system that allows the PHB granules to be released gently and efficiently . This paper describes these developments, as well as the use of an E . coli strain to produce the copolymer poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHB-co-3HV).

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1992 Dec, 58(12), 3857 - 63
Microbial transformation of deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin); He P et al.; Microbial inocula from rumen fluid, soil, and contents of the large intestines of chickens (CLIC) and of swine (SLIC) were tested for their ability to transform deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin) in vitro . Microorganisms in (CLIC) completely transformed pure vomitoxin, and this activity was retained through six serial subcultures . No alteration of the toxin by incubation with SLIC was detected, whereas 35% of the vomitoxin was metabolized in the original culture of rumen fluid and 50% was metabolized by the soil sample, though metabolism was decreased in subsequent subcultures of either sample . A single metabolite was isolated and identified as deepoxy vomitoxin . The increase in concentration of deepoxy vomitoxin in the culture medium corresponded with the decrease in vomitoxin concentration . The vomitoxin transformation rate was not affected by either the ratio of CLIC to vomitoxin (5 to 0.2 g of CLIC per mg of vomitoxin) or the initial concentration of vomitoxin (14 to 1,400 ppm) in the medium . Biotransformation of vomitoxin was completely inhibited when the pH in the medium was lowered to 5.20 . Sodium azide at a 0.1% (wt/vol) concentration in the medium blocked the transformation of vomitoxin, suggesting that the deepoxidation of vomitoxin is an energy-dependent process . About 50% of the vomitoxin in moldy corn in culture medium was transformed by microorganisms from CLIC . The vomitoxin transformation rate in moldy corn was not affected when the concentration of CLIC changed from 0.2 to 0.8 g/ml of medium . Vomitoxin in the moldy corn was not transformed when CLIC were added to corn without culture medium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Am J Vet Res, 1992 Dec, 53(12), 2364 - 70
Isolation, propagation, and cryopreservation of equine articular chondrocytes; Nixon AJ et al.; Equine articular chondrocytes were isolated from explant cartilage cultures by digestion in a 0.075% collagenase solution for 15 to 19 hours . Cartilage from late-term fetal and neonatal foals resulted in mean chondrocyte yield of 51.99 x 10(6) cells/g of cartilage (wet weight), compared with a yield of 17.83 x 10(6) cells/g for foals 3 to 12 months old . Propagation of chondrocytes in monolayer and 3-dimensional culture was accomplished, using Ham's F-12 as the basal medium, with supplements of fetal bovine serum (10%), ascorbic acid, alpha-ketoglutarate, and L-glutamine . The medium was buffered with HEPES, and penicillin and streptomycin were added for microorganism control . In primary monolayer cultures of freshly isolated chondrocytes, the population doubling time was approximately 6 days . Dedifferentiation of chondrocytes toward a more fibroblastic-appearing cell was observed after the fifth passage (subculture), but was hastened by lower cell-plating density . Chondrocytes were frozen for periods of up to 9 months, using 10% dimethyl sulfoxide as the cryoprotectant . Cell viability of late-term fetal and neonatal foal chondrocytes after storage at -196 C decreased from 86% at 3 weeks to 31% at 12 weeks . Viability of cells derived from older foals and young adult horses was considerably better than that of cells from neonatal foals . Frozen chondrocytes can be stored for extended periods and thawed for immediate implantation or can be sustained in vitro in monolayer or 3-dimensional culture . Such cultures would be suitable for cartilage resurfacing experiments or in vitro assessment of various pharmaceuticals.

Experientia, 1992 Dec 1, 48(11-12), 1082 - 91
Photon emission of phagocytes in relation to stress and disease; Lilius EM et al.; Phagocytes, the first-line cells of the body's defence mechanisms against invading pathogens, kill microorganisms by means of lysosomal degradative enzymes and highly toxic reactive oxygen intermediates . The reactive oxygen compounds are produced, in a process called the 'respiratory burst', by the NADPH oxidase complex in plasma membranes, and by myeloperoxidase in phagolysosomes after degranulation . These processes generate electronically excited states which, on relaxation, emit photons, giving rise to phagocyte chemiluminescence (CL) . This paper describes the conditions for the measurement of CL, and reviews the activity of phagocytes from individuals undergoing stress or disease . The capability of phagocytes to emit photons reflects remarkably well the pathophysiological state of the host . In many cases even the magnitude of the stress, the presence of a pathogen in the body, or the activity of the disease can be estimated . Physiological changes, e.g . in the reproductive cycle, can also be predicted.

Experientia, 1992 Dec 1, 48(11-12), 1030 - 41
The effect of stress factors on the spontaneous photon emission from microorganisms; Tilbury RN; The results of recent work on the photon emission from three yeasts and a bacterium is presented . Both visible region and ultraviolet photon emission is observed; however, no luminescence is observed in the absence of oxygen . The visible region emission is attributed to excited carbonyl groups and excited singlet oxygen dimers formed during the decomposition of lipid hydroperoxides . Possible sources of the ultraviolet photon emission are also examined . The use of microorganisms in the study of ultraweak photon emission and its relation to oxidative, temperature and chemical stress is reviewed and the applications and (or) functions of this photon emission are also discussed.

Trends Biochem Sci, 1992 Dec, 17(12), 481 - 5
Enter a new post-translational modification: D-amino acids in gene-encoded peptides; Mor A et al.; The post-translational processing of peptides plays a key role in conferring biological activity on those peptides . Recently, ribosomally made peptides that contain D-amino acids at specific positions have been discovered in microorganisms as well as in vertebrates and invertebrates . This points to yet another strategy of circumventing stereochemical limitations imposed by the genetic code and conveying biological activity to otherwise inert molecules.

Free Radic Biol Med, 1992 Dec, 13(6), 651 - 7
Reactive oxygen intermediates and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; Muller F; HIV infection affects various parts of the immune system, including the CD4+ lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes, and causes a progressive immunodeficiency . This renders the patient susceptible to various opportunistic infections and neoplasms . Reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) are important for the intracellular killing of microorganisms by mononuclear phagocytes and neutrophils . Although data are discrepant, several studies suggest that the generation of ROI is impaired in mononuclear phagocytes, and possibly also in neutrophils, from HIV-infected individuals . This may lead to deficient killing of intracellular microorganisms predisposing the HIV-infected patient to certain opportunistic infections . Recently, in vitro studies have shown that ROI activate the intracellular transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) which stimulates HIV replication . Intracellular antioxidant systems, such as the glutathione system, seem to be of importance for the regulation of ROI levels and thus probably for HIV replication in vitro . However, the role of ROI in regulation of HIV replication in vivo is unknown at present . The role of ROI in HIV infection is thus difficult to assess, both at the cellular and clinical level . Reduced intracellular concentrations of ROI may lead to impaired phagocyte microbicidal functions, thus predisposing HIV-infected patients to various opportunistic infections . On the other hand, increased ROI levels may be associated with a stimulation of HIV replication leading to clinical deterioration.

Gastroenterology, 1992 Dec, 103(6), 1777 - 82
Differential induction of major histocompatibility complex molecules on mouse intestine by bacterial colonization; Matsumoto S et al.; The aim of this study was to determine what factors induce major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on the mouse small intestinal epithelium by using immunohistochemical methods . In germ-free mice, although MHC class I molecules such as H-2K and thymus leukemia antigen (TLa) were expressed on the small intestinal epithelium, class II molecules were absent . The introduction of microorganisms into germ-free mice induced characteristic MHC molecules on the small intestinal epithelial cells . The I-A molecule was induced on the villus tip and crypt epithelial cells 7 days after conventionalization, and the I-E molecule was induced on the mid villus and crypt epithelial cells 14 days after conventionalization . The staining intensity of the H-2K molecules was increased 4 days after conventionalization . In contrast, TLa did not change during conventionalization of germ-free mice . These results suggest that the expression of MHC molecules, except for the TLa, is greatly dependent on the presence of intestinal microorganisms.

Infect Immun, 1992 Dec, 60(12), 5197 - 203
T-cell-independent stimulation of immunoglobulin secretion in resting human B lymphocytes by the mannose-specific adhesin of Escherichia coli type 1 fimbriae; Ponniah S et al.; Purified Escherichia coli type 1 fimbriae have been shown previously to stimulate T-cell-independent proliferation of human B lymphocytes . The response is mediated by the mannose-specific, lectin-like adhesin protein FimH . Here we show that type 1 fimbriae also stimulate immunoglobulin (Ig) secretion by B cells . The response was maximal at three days of culture and consisted predominantly of the IgM isotype . It was independent of serum components, T lymphocytes, monocytes, and natural killer cells . Highly purified resting B cells were induced to proliferate and secrete Ig in response to the fimbriae . The role of FimH in the response was shown by the failure of FimH- type 1 fimbriae to stimulate and by inhibition of the response with alpha-methyl mannoside . In light of the fact that carbohydrate-binding adhesins have been found on a wide variety of microorganisms, these studies suggest the possibility that responses of other cell types to other microbial adhesins will be discovered.

Semin Respir Infect, 1992 Dec, 7(4), 243 - 55
Normal host defenses and impairments associated with the delayed resolution of pneumonia; Mason CM et al.; The lung is constantly exposed to infectious challenges and depends on a complex system of defense mechanisms to facilitate the clearance of pathogens and prevent the development of infection . Both the upper airway and lower respiratory tract have mechanical, humoral, and cellular mechanisms in place to protect the airways from diverse microorganisms . Impairment in any arm of this system can result in the predisposition of the host to respiratory infections, which may be of a recurrent nature . Defects may be congenital or acquired, and may be iatrogenic in the hospitalized patient . An understanding of these defects may lead to more effective therapies and preventive modalities for decreasing the number and severity of respiratory infections.

Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper, 1992 Dec, 68(12), 769 - 73
Comparison of three different methods for evaluation of Helicobacter pylori (H.P.) in human dental plaque; D'Alessandro A et al.; Helicobacter pylori (H.p.) is a microorganism involved in peptic ulcer disease . To clarify the role of human dental plaque as a reservoir of H.p . and to compare different methods of investigation the authors studied 20 patients, 17 males main age 56 +/- 12 and 3 females 52 +/- 7, gastro-duodenal H.p . positive . The trial was carried out by cultural, biochemical and microscopical plaque analysis . Cultural and microscopical method were H.p . positive in 80% patients, urease in 100%, alkaline phosphatase in 80%, gamma glutamyltransferase in 70%, nitrate in 70% . To minimize the possibility of false results in H.p . plaque analysis it is necessary to use the three methods simultaneously . Further trials both on human plaque and on food and beverages will be useful to clarify the role of H.p . in human pathology.

Hum Mol Genet, 1992 Dec, 1(9), 709 - 15
High frequencies in African and non-African populations of independent mutations in the mannose binding protein gene; Lipscombe RJ et al.; We have previously identified, in three British families having an index child with frequent infections, a point mutation (GGC-->GAC) in codon 54 of exon 1 of the gene for the human lectin mannose binding protein (MBP) . This was associated with low serum levels of this complement activating protein and would be anticipated to impair opsonization of mannose rich microorganisms . We now report a second point mutation (GGA-->GAA) in Gambians from West Africa, involving codon 57 of exon 1 . By substituting carboxylic acids for axial glycines in the translated proteins both mutations would be expected to disrupt the secondary structure of the collagenous triple helix of the 96 kDa MBP subunits . In the Gambians the codon 57 mutation was studied by PCR, sequence analysis and restriction analysis and found to be remarkably common (frequency of the mutant gene 0.29 in adults and 0.23 in newborns) whereas the codon 54 mutation was very rare (frequency 0.003) . However, the codon 54 mutation was frequent in both a British Caucasian and a Hong Kong Chinese population (frequency of the mutant gene 0.17 and 0.11 respectively) . It was predicted that both homozygous and heterozygous individuals would have profoundly reduced serum levels of the protein and this was confirmed by immunoassay as was the reduced capacity of such sera to activate complement through the MBP initiated classical pathway . Our data indicate that the two mutations have arisen independently since the divergence of African and non African populations and both have attained high frequencies.

Antibiot Khimioter, 1992 Dec, 37(12), 36 - 8
{Resistance of hospital strains of microorganisms to antibiotics and antiseptics}; Palii GK et al.; The development of resistance of collection and freshly isolated S . aureus and C . albicans strains to the antiseptic decamethoxim and an original diarylcyclohexane derivative was studied comparatively in vitro . It was shown that the rate of the resistance development was low . After 20 subcultures in the presence of increasing concentrations of decamethoxin, its sensitivity of S . aureus and C . albicans decreased 16-32 and 16-fold respectively . After 20 subcultures in the presence of increasing doses of the diarylcyclohexane derivative, its sensitivity S . aureus and C . albicans decreased 4- and 4-8-fold, respectively . It was found that in the hospital strains of S . aureus and C . albicans, the antibiotic resistance and sensitivity to decamethoxin and the diarylcyclohexane remained high, which indicated that there was no cross resistance to these compounds in the strains studied.

Vet Med (Praha), 1992 Dec, 37(12), 667 - 74
{Inhibitory effects of organic acids and salts on selected micromycetes}; Lanikova A et al.; Inhibitory effects of two fungistatic preparations (A and B) and of propionic acid were tested in a complete feed mixture for broiler chickens (starter mixture) . The water content of this mixture was 25.4%, environmental temperature was 24 degrees C and relative air humidity 90% . Propionic acid, which has a high fungistatic effect, served as a standard . The composition of the preparation A was as follows: propionic acid, acetic acid, sorbic acid, citric acid and calcium propionate . The preparation B contained: sorbic acid, citric acid and calcium propionate . Examinations were performed in a naturally contaminated and subsequently sterilized (25 kGy) feed mixture; it was then infected with Aspergillus fumigatus, A . niger, A . parasiticus and Penicillium purpurogenum from the Collection of Animal Pathogenic Microorganisms, Brno . A . flavus, A . fumigatus, A . glaucus, Penicillium sp., Absidia corymbifera, Mucor sp., Rhizomucor pusillus were detected in the naturally contaminated feed mixture . The mycoflora which was found in the native substrate was resistant to both tested fungistatic preparations; and this resulted in mycelium growth from 7th day of incubation . The efficiency of the preparations A,B and of propionic acid in the feed mixture was identical at concentrations of 4 mg/kg, 7 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg, respectively, and their inhibitory effects were lowest at these concentrations (Fig . 2) . A high water content in the nutrient substrate resulted in the rapid growth of fungi of the Mucorales species . The relative humidity of the environment (90%) and water content of tested samples affected markedly micromycetes growth in this experiment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Semin Arthritis Rheum, 1992 Dec, 22(3), 181 - 7
Geographic distribution of rheumatoid arthritis in ancient North America: implications for pathogenesis; Rothschild BM et al.; The fifth centennial of Columbus stimulates renewed interest in New World origins of disease . The earliest documentation of rheumatoid arthritis was in the New World . Subsequent study of its distribution in the New World in antiquity defines localization to a very specific geographic region . The absence of rheumatoid arthritis in 63 archaeological sites surrounding the original "catchment area" and in five Old World sites, with documented spread over time, suggests that it is a vector (microorganism or allergen)-transmitted disease.

Aging (Milano), 1992 Dec, 4(4), 273 - 86
The role of mitochondrial DNA rearrangements in aging and human diseases; Osiewacz HD et al.; Instabilities and point mutations of the high molecular weight mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were shown to be correlated with various degenerative processes in both lower eukaryotes as well as in mammals . In filamentous fungi, circular and linear plasmids were demonstrated to be involved in mtDNA rearrangements and in the genetic control of senescence . In addition, in these eukaryotic microorganisms, which have proved to be ideal model systems in experimental gerontology, a number of nuclear genes were identified controlling the stability of the mitochondrial genome . Although the mitochondrial genome of mammals, including humans, appears to be quite stable in comparison to other species, mtDNA instabilities of the type described in fungi were observed in mitochondria of patients with different mitochondrial degenerative disorders (CPEO, KSS, Pearson syndrome, LHON, MERRF, MELAS) . It was later demonstrated that such mtDNA rearrangements appear to accumulate progressively during aging in human subjects . These data suggest that instabilities of the mitochondrial genome may play an important role in the control of life span not only in lower eukaryotes, but also in humans.

Farmaco, 1992 Dec, 47(12), 1513 - 28
2-substituted 1H-pyrrolo {3,2-h} quinoline derivatives: synthesis and aspects of their biological activity; Ferlin MG et al.; Certain 2-substituted 1H-pyrrolo {3,2-h} quinolines have been prepared and their biological activity in mammalian cells and in some microorganisms have been studied . These compounds represent a simplified ellipticine heterocyclic moiety: in addition they have a different ring condensation, leading to an angular molecular structure instead of a linear one . In mammalian cells all compounds appeared to be able of inducing an antiproliferative effect and an extensive DNA fragmentation, similarly to ellipticine, even if to a reduced extent . The new derivatives behaved in a comparable way also on some microorganisms, such as T2 bacteriophage (which appears to be less sensitive than mammalian cells) and in mutagenesis tests carried out with E . coli WP2 TM9 and S . typhimurium TA 98, which are reverted by base substitution and frame-shift mutagens, respectively . Similarly to the reference compound, all ellipticine analogues appeared to be no mutagenic . The obtained results suggest that they induce the antiproliferative activity in mammalian cells mainly as topoisomerase inhibitors, similarly to ellipticine itself . Therefore, they represent an interesting model to design new potential anticancer drugs.

Zentralbl Hyg Umweltmed, 1992 Dec, 193(4), 295 - 317
Drinking water fluoridation and caries prophylaxis: with special consideration of the experience in the former East Germany; Schweinsberg F et al.; Drinking water fluoridation for caries prophylaxis is not a means of primary prevention: i.e., avoidance of sugar and microorganisms in the oral cavity; but rather a means of secondary prevention: e.g., prevention of bacterial production of carboxylic acid from sugar, and therapy: e.g., enhancement of enamel resistance to demineralization by incorporation of fluoride in remineralization of the enamel surface . Currently available epidemiologic studies on the effects of drinking water fluoridation reveal: reduction of the incidence of caries, particularly in children no detrimental health effects; cosmetically undesirable dental fluorosis may occur, however . Nevertheless, introduction of drinking water fluoridation in Germany is not recommendable because of: the greater effectiveness of primary caries prevention, the acceptance of which is reduced, however, by drinking water fluoridation the at least equal prophylactic effect of fluoride via other routes, e.g . via toothpaste the narrow range between beneficial and detrimental dosage the avoidance of fluoride-enriched waste water the prerogative of minimal manipulation of drinking water content.

Rev Fr Transfus Hemobiol, 1992 Dec, 35(6), 417 - 24
{Molecular engineering of hemoglobin for transfusion}; Poyart C et al.; The search for a safe alternative to conventional blood transfusion has been directed towards either the use of synthetic perfluorochemicals or the biochemical manipulation of highly purified stroma-free Hb solutions prepared from outdated bank blood . However when using human blood, one does not eliminate the risks of viral infections . A novel source of Hb appeared with recent biotechnology techniques enabling one to synthesize recombinant Hb from microorganisms (E coli or S . cerevisiae) whose genome has been modified to contain globin genes . Normal human Hb A in solution, i.e . outside the red cells, is not suited for direct usage as a blood substitute because i) its high oxygen affinity, due to the absence of 2,3 DPG in the plasma, precludes sufficient O2 unloading to the tissues; ii) at low concentration, relative to that in the red cells, tetrameric Hb dissociates into dimers which escape the circulatory system by renal filtration or rapidly oxidize to the non functional metHb form . Expression of alpha- and beta-globins in Escherichia coli and in Saccharomyces cerevisiae enables one to introduce appropriate mutation(s) in the globin genes resulting in the expression of a synthetic Hb with low oxygen affinity, resembling that of normal whole blood; functional Hb has also been produced in a soluble form either in E . coli or in yeast . The coexpression of beta globin chains and alpha globin subunits linked by a peptide bond results in the direct synthesis of stabilized and fully functional Hb tetramers . Lastly, dilute haemoglobin solutions are prone to autooxidize and the rate of oxidation appears to be inversely proportional with the oxygen affinity of the heme groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Infect Dis Clin North Am, 1992 Dec, 6(4), 769 - 75
Diagnostic techniques; Brinser JH; Use of the ocular microbiology techniques described in this article when inoculating specimens greatly reduces, if not eliminates, the confusion that occurs when an organism that is part of the normal flora or that is common in the environment is found in specimens of ocular material . The growth of microorganisms can be quantified . The results of lid and conjunctival cultures can be compared with growth from the cornea or anterior chamber and vitreous fluids to provide clues to the likely significance of the isolate.

Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1992 Nov 28, 122(48), 1831 - 7
{Swiss quality control in bacteriology and mycology 1989-1991}; Siegrist HH et al.; Since 1983 there has been a voluntary quality assessment scheme (QAS) for bacteriology and mycology laboratories in Switzerland directed by the Committee for Quality Control of the Swiss Society for Microbiology . For the first time, the results of this QAS for the period between 1989 and 1991 are made available to a wider public . During the period in question, a steadily increasing number of participants received three samples containing microorganisms four times a year for identification and susceptibility testing . A mean percentage value of a point rating, with a maximum of 12 points, was calculated every year for each laboratory . Values of < or = 75% were defined as insufficient . For a first evaluation, laboratories were assigned to the categories of cantonal (and university) laboratories (C/U), private laboratories (P), and hospital laboratories (H, in hospitals which are neither university nor other tertiary care centres) . Significant differences were detected between C/U and P on the one hand and H on the other . As a rule, H obtained poorer results than the two categories, examined fewer specimens, and their percentage with results < or = 75% was significantly higher . The second evaluation classified laboratories according to their recognition by the Swiss Federal Department of Public Health (FDPH) . For statistical reasons, H had to be grouped with C/U . Nevertheless, their share of non-recognized laboratories was exceedingly high (15 out of 17 participants in 1991) . Recognized laboratories constantly showed a better performance than non-recognized laboratories, examined more specimens, and their number of laboratories obtaining results < or = 75% was much lower.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

J Biol Chem, 1992 Nov 25, 267(33), 23575 - 82
Purification and characterization of Rac 2 . A cytosolic GTP-binding protein that regulates human neutrophil NADPH oxidase; Knaus UG et al.; Human neutrophils and other phagocytes generate superoxide anion (O2-) as a means of destroying ingested microorganisms . O2- is produced by an NADPH-consuming oxidase composed of membrane and cytosolic components . Activation of the NADPH oxidase is absolutely dependent upon GTP, indicating the requirement for a GTP-binding protein in this process . We have utilized a five-step chromatographic procedure to isolate a GTP-binding protein from human neutrophil cytosol which can stimulate NADPH oxidase activity in a cell-free assay . Oxidase enhancing activity was shown to coisolate with this GTP-binding component, which was purified to apparent homogeneity . The GTP-binding protein was identified as Rac 2 by immunological reactivity and amino acid sequencing . Thus, Rac 2 appears to be a third cytosolic component required for human neutrophil NADPH oxidase activation . Recombinant Rac 2 was shown to bind guanine nucleotides in a Mg(2+)-dependent fashion . GDP dissociation rates were determined and shown to be regulated by the free Mg2+ concentration . Rac 2 was found to possess the highest rate of intrinsic GTP hydrolysis of any of the characterized members of the Ras superfamily . The biochemical properties of Rac 2 indicate it is likely to be subject to regulatory cofactors in vivo.

Proc R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, 1992 Nov 23, 250(1328), 91 - 8
Wolbachia endosymbionts responsible for various alterations of sexuality in arthropods; Rousset F et al.; Rickettsia-like maternally inherited bacteria have been shown to be involved in a variety of alterations of arthropod sexuality, such as female-biased sex ratios, parthenogenesis, and sterility of crosses either between infected males and uninfected females or between infected individuals (cytoplasmic incompatibility) . We have characterized several of these microorganisms through partial sequences of the small (16S) and large (23S) subunit ribosomal DNA . All the symbionts identified, which include several cytoplasmic incompatibility microorganisms, several endosymbionts of terrestrial isopods, and symbionts of two thelytokous Trichogramma wasp species, belong to a monophyletic group of related symbionts, some of which have previously been detected in several insects exhibiting cytoplasmic incompatibility . Three molecular lineages can be identified on the basis of 16S as well as 23S sequences . Although they are only known as endocellular symbionts, Wolbachia spread by horizontal transfer across host lineages as evidenced by their diversification which occurred long after that of their hosts, and by the non-congruence of the phylogenetic relationships of symbionts and their hosts . Indeed, symbionts of two different lineages have been found in the same host species, whereas closely related endosymbionts are found in distinct insect orders . Isopod endosymbionts form a separate lineage, and they can determine feminization as well as cytoplasmic incompatibility . The ability to determine cytoplasmic incompatibility, found in all lineages, is probably ancestral to this group.

Ugeskr Laeger, 1992 Nov 23, 154(48), 3411 - 6
{Clinical use of intravenous immunoglobulin IgG}; Permin H et al.; Intravenous human immunoglobulins (IVIG) are valuable in the treatment of several immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases . The classic, well-known indications are primary hypogammaglobulinaemic conditions, immune thrombocytopenia and Kawasaki's syndrome . IVIG's content of specific antibodies toward a series of known, pathogenic microorganisms has led to the treatment of a number of infectious conditions and IVIG has a documented effect on AIDS in children, prophylactically in cases with potentially life-threatening CMV infections in certain types of transplants and prophylactically in hypogammaglobulinaemic patients with the most common variety of leukaemia, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia . Immunotherapy with IVIG in diseases of autoimmune character such as acute and chronic demyelinating neuropathy has recently shown promising results and encouraging reports have been published in the treatment of severe, steroid-dependent asthma, juvenile chronic arthritis and systemic vasculitis and dermatomyositis where IVIG possibly has a favourable immunomodulating effect on the patient's immune response . Future treatment will probably consist of polyvalent immunoglobulins as well as monoclonal or recombinant monovalent antibodies.

Radiobiologiia, 1992 Nov-Dec, 32(6), 881 - 6
{Comparative analysis of mechanisms of the modification of microorganism viability under the effect of UHF heating and hyperthermia}; Kuchma TN et al.; In experiments with models of isogenic Escherichia coli strains, a comparative study was made of the effect of SHF of electromagnetic field and hyperthermia . The survival rate of bacteria was determined and, simultaneously, injuries to genetic supramolecular structures were registered through measuring the anomalous time dependence of cell lysate viscosity . The combined effects of the mixture of these factors with H2O2 microconcentrations were studied . The differences observed in their realization were attributed to the different mechanisms of action of these factors on the repair enzyme systems of the studied cells . It has been found that the effect of microwaves on microorganisms causes much severer damages to DNA that hyperthermia does.

Acta Pharm Hung, 1992 Nov, 62(6), 318 - 32
{Cytochrome P-450: structure, function, induction and practical significance}; Monostory K et al.; The liver contains a series of microsomal hemoproteins, called cytochromes P-450 which are mixed-function oxygenases involved in the metabolic oxygenation of diverse xenobiotic chemicals (drugs, pesticides, etc.) . This enzyme system converts lipophilic foreign compounds into more water soluble products, thereby facilitating their elimination from the body . In general, cytochrome P-450-catalyzed oxidation results in detoxification, however the cytochromes P-450 can also convert certain xenobiotics to more toxic or carcinogenic products . Many of the individual isoenzyme forms of cytochrome P-450 are inducible by a wide variety of chemicals . After induction the concentration of total cytochrome P-450 in liver microsomes and the activity of different cytochrome P-450 forms increase . Elevated levels of cytochrome P-450 are the result of multiple mechanisms . Increased transcription of P-450 genes is a major mechanism of cytochrome P-450 induction . Higher levels of specific mRNAs are detectable soon after treatment with either "phenobarbital-like" or polycyclic aromatic compounds . Although increased transcription plays some role in the induction of cytochromes P-450 by other inducers like pregnenolone-16 alpha-carbonitrile (PCN)/glucocorticoids and "ethanol-type" compounds, post-transcriptional events are also very important . Cytochrome P-450 induction can be achieved by message stabilization and enhanced transport of mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm that also increase the specific mRNA levels at the site of protein synthesis . Elevated cytochrome P-450 levels may also result from protein stabilization . Stabilization of cytochrome P-450 protein and/or mRNA are the main processes of induction by PCN/glucocorticoids and ethanol-type inducers . Although these mechanisms exist, they do not seem to be important in the induction by "phenobarbital-like" and "3-methylcholanthrene-like" inducers . The fact that induction is produced by a large variety of xenobiotics and is mediated by multiple mechanisms suggests that cytochrome P-450 system can provide increased protection for organisms in potentially hostile chemical environment . Since cytochrome P-450 induction is a characteristic response to chemicals for various living organisms ranging from microorganisms to man, it seems to be an adaptive mechanism for organisms to increase the chance for survival.

Dev Comp Immunol, 1992 Nov-Dec, 16(6), 453 - 62
Immune system activation associated with a naturally occurring infection in Xenopus laevis; Haynes L et al.; Immune system activation correlated with a naturally occurring infection has been found in the South African clawed frog Xenopus laevis . The microorganism thought to be the cause of this infection is coccobacilloid and approximately 1 micron in diameter . Since this microorganism does not grow on conventional bacterial media and it has been observed intracellularly, it may be an obligate intracellular bacterium . It has been found in Xenopus peripheral blood and in highly vascularized organs such as the spleen and liver . Splenomegaly is the only pathology thus far described for infected frogs; infection is not associated with increased morbidity or mortality . This infection has been found in all outbred frogs examined in shipments from one South African and three separate North American vendors, and has been transmitted to animals bred and raised in our laboratory . This infection has a profound effect on the immune system of Xenopus . Significant numbers of splenocytes from infected individuals exhibit morphology commonly associated with activated T lymphocytes . There is constitutive production of T-cell growth factor (TCGF) and both IgM and IgY . Freshly harvested splenocytes from infected animals proliferate in response to a TCGF-containing supernatant, indicating that they express receptors for TCGF, a trait exclusively exhibited by activated lymphocytes . These splenocytes also show an increase in the activation marker recognized by the monoclonal antibody FJ17.

Genetics, 1992 Nov, 132(3), 713 - 23
Dynamics of cytoplasmic incompatibility and mtDNA variation in natural Drosophila simulans populations; Turelli M et al.; In Drosophila simulans a cytoplasmically transmitted microorganism causes reduced egg hatch when infected males mate with uninfected females . The infection is rapidly spreading northward in California . Data on a specific mtDNA restriction site length polymorphism show that changes in the frequency of mtDNA variants are associated with this spread . All infected flies possess the same mtDNA allele, whereas the uninfected flies are polymorphic . Given that both paternal inheritance of the infection and imperfect maternal transmission have been demonstrated, one might expect instead that both infected and uninfected flies would possess both mtDNA variants . Our data suggest that imperfect female transmission of the infection (and/or the loss of the infection among progeny) is more common in nature than paternal transmission . A simple model of intrapopulation dynamics, with empirically supported parameter values, adequately describes the joint frequencies of the mtDNA variants and incompatibility types.

Cornea, 1992 Nov, 11(6), 493 - 9
Mycobacterium fortuitum keratitis . Clinicopathologic correlates and corticosteroid effects in an animal model; Paschal JF et al.; Mycobacterium fortuitum keratitis is an indolent infection of traumatized corneas in humans . To study this disorder in an animal model, 10(4) M fortuitum organisms (10 microliters) were inoculated into the stroma of both corneas of 16 New Zealand albino rabbits . Eight of the rabbits were also given bilateral subconjunctival injections of methylprednisolone acetate (20 mg in 0.5 ml) at the time of inoculation . Two corticosteroid-treated and two untreated rabbits were selected each week after inoculation for histopathological examination and quantitative cultures . Corneal lesions in corticosteroid-treated eyes were characterized clinically by indolent ulcerations and satellite lesions that slowly enlarged; on histopathologic examination at each week, acute inflammation and microorganisms were consistently present . Corneal lesions in untreated eyes were characterized clinically by small infiltrates that progressed little over time; at weeks 1 and 2, light microscopic examination showed intrastromal granulomatous and/or mixed acute and chronic inflammation with focal intrastromal necrosis, but at weeks 3 and 4 there was no evidence of active disease . Organisms could not be identified microscopically in corneas of any untreated rabbits . Mean values for quantitative cultures of corneas were higher in corticosteroid-treated rabbits after week 1, although standard deviations were large . These results suggest that M fortuitum keratitis in rabbits is made worse by corticosteroid use . Clinical and histopathologic changes were compared with human disease and found to be similar in corticosteroid-treated rabbits.

Lab Invest, 1992 Nov, 67(5), 628 - 34
Langerhans cells, macrophages and lymphocyte subsets in the cervix and vagina of rhesus macaques; Miller CJ et al.; BACKGROUND: The lower reproductive tract is an important site of contact with pathogenic microorganisms and local immune responses to a variety of antigens have been reported . The purpose of this investigation was to define the morphology of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue in the genital tract of rhesus monkeys . EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Monoclonal antibodies were used in an immunoperoxidase staining technique to identify immunophenotypic markers on mononuclear cells in the vaginal and cervical mucosa of 14 cycling, multiparous rhesus macaques . RESULTS: CD1a+ Langerhans cells were present in the stratified squamous epithelium of the vagina (14 animals) and ectocervix (11 animals) . Surprisingly, CD1a+ dendritic cells were also found within the columnar epithelium of the endocervix (5 animals) . Moderate numbers of CD68+ macrophages were located in the submucosa of the vagina, ectocervix, and endocervix of all the monkeys . In all of the animals, moderate numbers of CD8+ lymphocytes were present in the submucosa and squamous epithelia of the vagina and ectocervix . Variable numbers of CD20+ B cells and CD4+ lymphocytes were located in the submucosa of all the areas examined . Lymphoid nodules were present in the submucosa of vagina (14 animals) and ectocervix (4 animals), and these nodules contained macrophages, CD4+ T cells and B cells, with fewer numbers of CD8+ T cells and Langerhans cells . CONCLUSIONS: These observations provide a morphologic basis for mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue in the female genital tract . Langerhans cells in the vaginal mucosa and endocervix may be well suited to sample antigen in the lumen of the reproductive tract, travel to the draining lymph node, present the antigen to T lymphocytes and initiate an immune response . This pathway of antigen presenting cell migration from the mucosa to the genital lymph node may represent the inductive arm of the mucosal immune system in the lower female reproductive tract.

Hum Pathol, 1992 Nov, 23(11), 1278 - 83
Necrotizing funisitis: a study of 45 cases; Jacques SM et al.; Necrotizing funisitis (NF) is a distinctive inflammatory condition of the umbilical cord, characterized by perivascular concentric rings of inflammatory cells, necrotic debris, or calcium deposits . Necrotizing funisitis has been strongly associated with syphilis by some investigators, while others have failed to link NF with any consistent infectious agents . We examined 45 cases of NF to determine its relationship with syphilis . Five (11%) mothers had syphilis as confirmed by a positive rapid plasma reagin test and a positive fluorescent antibody absorbed test, 31 (69%) had a negative rapid plasma reagin test or venereal disease research laboratory test, and test results were not available for the remaining nine (20%) . There was no record of syphilis in those babies born to mothers without confirmed syphilis . Estimated gestational age at the time of delivery ranged from 18 to 40 weeks (mean, 28 weeks) . Prolonged rupture of membranes was present in 28 (62%) of the mothers, and ranged from 1 to 51 days (mean, 9 days); this was the most frequently seen maternal factor in connection with NF . Fourteen (31%) of the babies were stillborn or nonviable, including three (60%) of the five born to mothers with syphilis . Maternal and fetal cultures revealed no consistent microorganisms . Placental histology was significant for chronic villitis in 26 (58%) cases, including all five (100%) with maternal syphilis . Acute chorioamnionitis was present in each case (100%) and varied from mild to severe . We conclude that (1) NF has a polymicrobial etiology, (2) in the absence of other placental findings associated with syphilis NF should not be considered presumptive of this disease, and (3) factors leading to NF may also contribute to acute chorioamnionitis, premature rupture of membranes, and stillbirth.

Blood, 1992 Nov 1, 80(9), 2363 - 73
Characterization of the murine macrophage mannose receptor: demonstration that the downregulation of receptor expression mediated by interferon-gamma occurs at the level of transcription; Harris N et al.; The macrophage mannose receptor (MMR) is a 175-Kd cell-surface transmembrane glycoprotein that is expressed on tissue macrophages where it functions both to mediate the uptake of mannose-rich glycoproteins and as a phagocytic receptor for bacteria, yeasts, and other pathogenic microorganisms . In this report we describe the cloning of the full-length cDNA of the mouse macrophage mannose receptor and we investigate the level at which interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) downregulates mannose receptor expression . The latter is a marker of the functional state of the cell as high levels are expressed on resident and inflammatory macrophages, whereas cells activated by treatment with IFN-gamma have decreased-to-absent cell-surface mannose receptor expression . The murine MMR cDNA contains an open reading frame that predicts a protein of 1,456 amino acids . Transient expression of the protein in heterologous cells shows that this cDNA encodes a functional mannose receptor . The deduced amino acid sequence of this protein has an overall 82% homology with the human mannose receptor and as such, the ectodomain contains an N-terminus that is cysteine-rich followed by a fibronectin type II domain and eight carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) . The ectodomain is linked to a hydrophobic transmembrane region and a 46-amino acid cytoplasmic tail . All of the eight CRDs are particularly well conserved, especially CRD4, which shows 92% homology with the equivalent region of the human protein . Steady-state levels of murine MMR mRNA were measured in the macrophage cell line J774E, which is known to express the protein at the cell surface . These levels were decreased by a 4- to 8-hour incubation with IFN-gamma, but were almost abolished by overnight treatment with this cytokine . Nuclear run-on experiments showed that IFN-gamma inhibits MMR gene transcription . Therefore, the regulation of mannose receptor expression by IFN-gamma provides a novel system in which to study the mechanisms by which this cytokine represses gene expression.

Biotechniques, 1992 Nov, 13(5), 764 - 71
A PCR-based method for manipulation of the vaccinia virus genome that eliminates the need for cloning; Turner PC et al.; A general method is described for altering specific genes of vaccinia virus (VV) . We demonstrate and evaluate the procedure by gene inactivation, using a dominant selectable marker in conjunction with recombinant polymerase chain reaction (PCR) . Primers based on the sequence of the target gene enable amplification of flanking arms and their subsequent attachment to the gpt cassette that confers resistance to mycophenolic acid . Linear PCR constructs are transfected into cells infected with wild-type vaccinia virus . Mutant viruses with gpt inserted into the target gene by homologous recombination are then selected by growth in the presence of MPA . This technique was applied to the vaccinia virus thymidine kinase gene and compared to the traditional method of constructing gpt-containing plasmids by cloning . The PCR scheme was found to be highly efficient and could theoretically be used to insert any foreign DNA element into any nonessential target gene for which partial or complete sequence information is available . The procedure can potentially be used for a wide variety of genetic modifications, including the insertion of foreign genes, with poxviruses and other DNA viruses . Genomes of microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeast that can be transformed with linear DNA, are also candidates for manipulation by this methodology.

J Biotechnol, 1992 Nov, 26(2-3), 111 - 42
Purification of lipases; Taipa MA et al.; Interest on lipases from different sources (microorganisms, animals and plants) has markedly increased in the last decade due to the potential applications of lipases in industry and in medicine . Microbial and mammalian lipases have been purified to homogeneity, allowing the successful determination of their primary aminoacid sequence and, more recently, of the three-dimensional structure . The X-ray studies of pure lipases will enable the establishment of the structure-function relationships and contribute for a better understanding of the kinetic mechanisms of lipase action on hydrolysis, synthesis and group exchange of esters . This article reviews the separation and purification techniques that were used in the recovery of microbial, mammalian and plant lipases . Several purification procedures are analysed taking into account the sequence of the methods and the number of times each method is used . Novel purification methods based on liquid-liquid extraction, membrane processes and immunopurification are also reviewed.

Trends Biotechnol, 1992 Nov, 10(11), 395 - 402
A perspective on the biotechnological potential of extremophiles; Herbert RA; It is well recognized that many environments considered by man to be extreme are colonized by microorganisms which are specifically adapted to these ecological niches . A diverse range of bacteria, cyanobacteria, algae and yeasts have been isolated from such habitats and it is now widely accepted that these microorganisms provide a valuable resource not only for exploitation in novel biotechnological processes but also as models for investigating how biomolecules are stabilized when subjected to extreme conditions . This short review summarizes our current state of knowledge of this unique group of microorganisms and their enzymes, and attempts to identify their future biotechnological potential.

Rev Med Interne, 1992 Nov, 13(6), 438 - 40
{Syndrome of macrophagic activation with hemophagocytosis in human immunodeficiency virus infection}; Pellegrin JL et al.; The authors report two cases of hematophagic histiocytosis in HIV positive patients . In the first case, a patient with Kaposi sarcoma and Mycobacterium avium infection had a rapidly deteriorating course with progressive pancytopenia and death, as generally described in the literature . In the second case, hematophagic histiocytosis appeared during HIV primo infection and reversed spontaneously . Although few cases of hemophagocytic syndrome have been reported in HIV positive patient, it could represent an underestimated cause of pancytopenia . Both opportunistic microorganisms and HIV are able to cause hematophagic histiocytosis.

Srp Arh Celok Lek, 1992 Nov-Dec, 120(11-12), 353 - 5
{Modern concepts of anti-inflammatory therapy in bacterial meningitis}; Nikolic S; Pathophysiologic disorders in bacterial meningitis and their influence on the course and prognosis of the disease are analysed . Deterioration of the CNS is due to inflammatory response of the host combined with other pathophysiological disorders . Inflammatory response in the subarachnoid space is the most intensive, but the most deleterious, as well, in the first several hours of antibiotic therapy when bacterial disintegration ensues . Fragments of the cell wall and endotoxin are very active components, independent of the presence of living bacteria in the subarachnoid space . Each microorganism induces different inflammatory response, and the course of the disease is, therefore, also different . Bacterial disintegration reta and release of the components are determined by the intensity of the inflammatory response in the subarachnoid space . Which, in turn, determine the degree of tissue damage . Bacterial products stimulate release of inflammatory mediators--cytokines from macrophages and other sources . Local production of cytokines from astrocytes and macroglial cells (macrophage equivalents in the CNS) is the first stage in development of the inflammatory response and tissue destruction . Cytokines induce damage of the CNS by attracting the inflammatory cells and by releasing superoxide anions inducing arachidonic acid metabolism and production of vasoactive metabolites of arachidonic acid which result in damage of blood-brain barrier, having, therefore, a direct cytotoxic effect . Consequences of these pathophysiologic disorders are cerebral oedema and elevated intracranial pressure . Current concepts of antiinflammatory therapy are, in the light of pathophysiological events in the CNS, directed to interruption of cytokine activation (steroids), prevention of production of vasoactive arachidonic acid metabolites (non-steroidal agents), and prevention of leukocyte transfer into the subarachnoid space (antileukocyte, anti-integrin antibodies).

Pract Periodontics Aesthet Dent, 1992 Nov-Dec, 4(9), 59 - 64
The use of free gingival grafts to improve the implant soft tissue interface: rationale and technique; Sevor JJ; Utilization of implants of all types to restore partially or fully edentulous patients to occlusal form and function continues to increase . The ability of the implant/bone/soft tissue interface of the implant-retained prosthesis to ward off a constant influx of microorganisms and their byproducts becomes a critical factor in the health and longevity of dental implants . The purpose of this article is to describe the rationale and technique for providing an improved quality of tissue adjacent to implant abutments.

Ann Gastroenterol Hepatol (Paris), 1992 Nov-Dec, 28(6-7), 287 - 94
{The intraluminal transport of vitamin B12}; Nicolas JP et al.; Since the existence of vitamin B12 was suggested by Castle in the first few decades of this century, vitamin B12 has been the subject of many studies which have proved the high complexity of its assimilation by the organism . Over the last few years the marked progress in functional digestive exploration methods and the physical and the chemical characteristics of biological molecules have revived the established idea of the vitamin's intraluminal transit . Our recent studies have been concentrated on the bilio-duodenopancreatic stage of the vitamin B12 transport . In nature, vitamin B12 is only exceptionally met in its free form, it is always associated with a binder . Like a ball being passed from one player to another it moves between binders . Alimentary vitamin B12 released from its protein complexes by culinary preparation and gastric secretions, is combined with haptocorrin . In the duodenum the transfer of B12 on intrinsic factor is due to partial degradation of haptocorrin by pancreatic enzymes and intraluminal pH balance . Then combined with intrinsic factor the vitamin can be caught by the ileal receptor . The partial degradation haptocorrin joins vitamin B12 analogs from excreted bile or synthesized by the intestinal microorganisms.

Rheum Dis Clin North Am, 1992 Nov, 18(4), 729 - 40
Genetic and environmental factors in the immune pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis; Albani S et al.; Our experiments have led us to conclude that the rheumatoid arthritis shared epitope may act as a peptide that is important for positive and negative selection of T lymphocytes, that T lymphocytes are skewed by positive selection to recognize epitopes that are similar but not identical to self, and that peptide sequences that are similar to the RA-shared epitope are abundantly expressed by microorganisms that chronically infect most people . This combination of events could partly explain the association of the shared epitope with the severe forms of RA . The hypothesis cannot be tested directly, because we do not postulate that any unique population of autoreactive T cells is expanded in RA; however, the role of positive selection in molding the human T-cell repertoire to exogenous antigens can be tested by mapping T-cell antigenic determinants on the E . coli dnaJ protein or the gp110 protein of EBV in people with different HLA-DR types . Moreover, positive selection models imply that maternal antigens that cross the placenta can influence the T-cell repertoire . Thus, one might expect to find that the frequency of HLA-DR4 in the mothers of patients with RA who themselves lack the DR4 antigen, would be more frequent than predicted by chance alone . As the principles of positive selection are more precisely delineated in animal systems, it should become possible to ascertain more clearly how the shared epitope on HLA-DR molecules enhances the severity of autoimmune reactions; however, RA only occurs in humans; possibly because of the unique inability of human macrophages to replicate . Thus, only the direct analysis of patients can directly reveal the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis.

J Periodontol, 1992 Nov, 63(11), 890 - 6
The "plaque-free zone" in health and disease: a scanning electron microscope study; Friedman MT et al.; A "plaque-free" zone has been described on the enamel surface of healthy extracted teeth . This study examined this zone on chronic adult periodontitis-affected teeth (CAPT) . Ten healthy controls and 16 CAPT were collected immediately after extraction, fixed, dehydrated, critical point dried, coated, and viewed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) . The "plaque-free" zone was observed in both groups as an area with few bacteria between the apical plaque border and the coronal limit of an epithelial layer on the root surface, extending to the residual periodontal ligament . On the healthy specimens, the apical plaque border consisted mainly of cocci and short rods, while on the CAPT specimens spirochetes predominated . Isolated or small groups of microorganisms were always present in the "plaque-free" zone and at its apical limit, close to or in contact with junctional epithelial cells . This zone is therefore not completely free of plaque, as suggested . It was concluded that a tissue complex, analogous to that in health on enamel, persists on the root surfaces of CAPT throughout the disease process . It comprises a discrete plaque border, a dental cuticle with sparse organisms, and an epithelium analogous to junctional epithelium . Its main function would appear to be to prevent bulk access of plaque to the surrounding tissues, including direct contact of bacteria with underlying ligament.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1992 Oct 27, 1117(3), 279 - 86
Purification, characterization and partial amino acid sequences of a xylanase produced by Penicillium chrysogenum; Haas H et al.; An extracellular xylanase (1,4-beta-D-xylan xylanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.8, endo 1,4-beta-xylanase) was found to be the major protein in the culture filtrate of Penicillium chrysogenum when grown on 1% xylan . In contrast to other microorganism no xylanase multiplicity was found in P . chrysogenum under the conditions used . This enzyme was purified to homogeneity by high performance anion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography . It had an M(r) of 35,000 as estimated by SDS-PAGE and was shown to be active as a monomer . No glycosylation of the protein could be detected neither by a sensitive glycostain nor by enzymatic deglycosylation studies . The enzyme hydrolyzed oat spelt and birchwood xylan randomly, yielding xylose and xylobiose as major end products . It had no cellulase, CMCase, beta-xylosidase or arabinogalactanase activity but acted on p-nitrophenylcellobioside . The pH and temperature optima for its activity were pH 6.0 and 40 degrees C, respectively . Eight peptides obtained after endoproteinase LysC digestion of xylanase have been sequenced, six of them showed considerable amino acid similarity to glucanases and high M(r)/acidic xylanases from different bacteria, yeasts and fungi.

Vet Rec, 1992 Oct 10, 131(15), 342 - 4
Investigations into causes of death of endangered molluscs (Partula species); Cooper JE et al.; Molluscs of the genus Partula are threatened with extinction; captive populations of some species have shown a marked and unexplained decline in numbers . Histopathological, electron microscopical and bacteriological studies were carried out on normal and 'pathological' specimens of Partula species . Although tissue changes and microorganisms were detected, the findings did not suggest that infectious or non-infectious disease contributed significantly to the disease or death of the snails . Additional investigations are suggested.

Presse Med, 1992 Oct 3, 21(32), 1516 - 8
{Treatment of wounds with honey . 40 cases}; Ndayisaba G et al.; Honey has been used long ago to treat wounds and cutaneous ulcers, and its healing properties have recently been rediscovered . Its applications on wounds or infected burns give satisfactory results . In a study of 40 patients with wounds of various origin honey provided healing in 88 percent of the cases . At the end of the healing process a few microorganisms were isolated from the wounds, but they did not prevent consolidation . This treatment, therefore, seems to be effective; moreover, as it is simple and inexpensive it should be better known and added to the list of commonly used antiseptic products.

J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 1992 Oct, 50(10), 1055 - 9
Evaluation of the substantivity of a chlorhexidine oral rinse in irradiated head and neck cancer patients; Toljanic JA et al.; A trial was conducted to evaluate the substantivity of chlorhexidine in a population of patients who had undergone primary or adjunctive radiation therapy for tumors of the head and neck . Subjects were instructed to first rinse with 0.12% chlorhexidine as per manufacturer instructions, followed by a releasing rinse provided 1 minute, 1 hour, and 4 hours later . All expectorants were collected, pH adjusted, and introduced to the test microorganism . Zones of bacterial inhibition were then measured and recorded . The results suggest that 0.12% chlorhexidine is retained in the oral cavity for at least 4 hours after an initial rinsing and that the property of substantivity remains active in spite of radiation-induced changes in the oral cavity and salivary glands.

Math Biosci, 1992 Oct, 111(2), 261 - 78
The attractiveness of the Droop equations; Lange K et al.; The Droop equations are a system of three coupled, nonlinear ordinary differential equations describing the growth of a microorganism in a chemostat . The growth rate of the organism is limited by the availability of a single nutrient . In contrast to the better known Monod equations, the nutrient is divided into external and internal cellular pools . Only the internal pool can catalyze growth . This paper proves that the Droop equations are globally stable . Based on a single combination of parameters, either the chemostat organism goes extinct or it tends to a fixed, positive concentration.

Curr Opin Genet Dev, 1992 Oct, 2(5), 748 - 55
Heat-shock proteins and stress tolerance in microorganisms; Lindquist S; Heat-shock proteins help microorganisms cope with the toxic effects of a wide variety of stresses . Some help the organism grow under moderately stressful conditions, others help it to survive more extreme conditions . Surprisingly, the relative importance of individual proteins differs between organisms.

Zentralbl Hyg Umweltmed, 1992 Oct, 193(3), 253 - 61
{RoTrac capillary pore membranes for laboratory filtration . II . Bacteria-free filtration}; Gemende B et al.; Because of their special characteristics Capillary pore membranes (CPM) are now applied in several branches of separation techniques and analytics . Besides applications in particle analytics and microfiltration of different media capillary pore membranes can be used in microorganism separation . It was shown that RoTrac CPM can be used for bacteria free (or so called sterile) filtration . Acceptable fluxes were reached in separation of Pseudomonas diminuta (test species ATCC 19146) . Membranes with pore diameters of 0.2 micron and smaller always assure a bacteria free filtrate even for a very high bacteria count of about 10(7)-10(8) bacteria/ml . In filtration of Mycoplasma arginini no sterile filtrate was obtained for a pore diameter of 0.08 micron and a high bacteria count of 3 * 10(7) bacteria/ml . The bacteria rejection by a factor of 10(5) was however remarkable . Only for 0.05 and 0.08 micron with reduced bacteria load the filtrate was bacteria free.

Pharm Res, 1992 Oct, 9(10), 1252 - 5
Suppression of inflammation by cyclosporin A is mediated via a T lymphocyte-independent process; Miller TE et al.; An athymic mutant rat strain was used to examine the hypothesis that modification of diseases with an inflammatory component by cyclosporin A (CsA) results from the suppression of nonspecific inflammatory mechanisms, rather than T-lymphocyte function, as is commonly inferred . Confirmation that the animal host was grossly depleted of T cells was obtained from anatomic and morphologic examination and functional tests of T-lymphocyte responsiveness . The experimental approach was to determine the effect of CsA on the course of experimentally induced infection with Escherichia coli, and extracellular pathogen . Host protection against this microorganism is dependent on an effective nonspecific inflammatory response . CsA administration prior to bacterial challenge resulted in a highly significant increase in bacterial numbers in the kidneys of both euthymic and athymic hosts . The data have provided a direct demonstration that modulation of the nonspecific inflammatory response by CsA can occur via a T lymphocyte-independent process.

Cornell Vet, 1992 Oct, 82(4), 371 - 7
Bacteria and yeast on the surface and within non-inflamed hair follicles of skin biopsies from cats with non-neoplastic dermatoses; Scott DW; Coccoid bacteria and/or yeasts were found in the surface keratin or exudate or, rarely, the pilar canal of non-inflamed hair follicles upon light microscopic examination of skin biopsies from 57 of 338 cats (16.9%) with non-neoplastic skin disorders . The presence of these microorganisms did not appear to suggest a specific dermatosis, nor the existence of a clinically relevant infection in the majority of cases.

Pediatr Emerg Care, 1992 Oct, 8(5), 255 - 7
Human bites in children; Leung AK et al.; Human bites are common during childhood and usually result from fights or aggressive play with another child . Bites may present as indentation marks, scratches, abrasions, contusions, or lacerations . Most human bite wounds are sustained on the upper extremities, followed by the face and neck, the trunk, and the lower extremities . Infection is the most common complication . Cultures of an infected bite wound yield an average of five microorganisms . This article reviews the current recommendations on the management of human bite wounds in children.

J Environ Sci Health B, 1992 Oct, 27(5), 545 - 64
Microbial degradation of propoxur in turfgrass soil; Ou LT et al.; This study was conducted to determine the degradation rates in turfgrass soil over a 12-month period after a single field application of propoxur and to isolate microorganisms from the soil capable of degrading the insecticide . Soil samples were collected from a turfgrass experimental site near Fort Lauderdale, FL one week before the field application of propoxur, and over a 12-month period after the field application . Mineralization rates in surface (0-15 cm depth) and subsurface (15-30 cm depth) soil samples collected before the field application were low . Mineralization in surface and subsurface samples collected 1, 6 and 8 months after the field application was much higher than for corresponding samples collected before the field application . Mineralization in the subsurface samples collected 12 months after the field application had reverted back to the similar rate for the corresponding sample collected before field application . Half-life values (t1/2) for propoxur showed similar trends to the results of mineralization . After a single application of propoxur, degradation in turfgrass soil was enhanced . Such enhancement lasted less than 12 months for the subsurface, but more than 12 months for the surface . A strain of Arthrobacter sp . capable of degrading propoxur was isolated from the soil.

Infect Immun, 1992 Oct, 60(10), 4015 - 23
Immunoelectron microscopic studies reveal differences in distribution of sialo-oligosaccharide receptors for Mycoplasma pneumoniae on the epithelium of human and hamster bronchi; Loveless RW et al.; Long-chain sialo-oligosaccharides with poly-N-acetyllactosamine backbones (Ii antigen type) are major host cell receptors for the human pathogen Mycoplasma pneumoniae . Previous immunofluorescence studies of the human bronchial epithelium, using sequence-specific monoclonal antibodies to the branched I-type and linear i-type backbones, have indicated that sialylated and nonsialylated long-chain sequences of both types are richly expressed on the ciliated cells, where they are polarized at the apical aspects . These sequences are lacking in the goblet cells . In the present study, the display of these oligosaccharides has been investigated by electron microscopy (immunogold labelling) in the human bronchial epithelium and in that of the hamster, an animal model commonly used for M . pneumoniae infection . In the human bronchial epithelium, the long-chain branched sequences have been detected along the entire length of the cilia and on microvilli, whereas the linear sequences are confined to the microvilli and the basal aspects of the cilia . On the ciliated epithelial cells of the hamster, by contrast, the branched and linear sequences (sialo- and asialo-) have been detected exclusively on microvilli . A further striking difference is that in the hamster these structures are expressed in abundance on the goblet cells and in the intracellular globules . We suggest that the latter finding may partly explain the relatively large doses of M . pneumoniae required to establish experimental infection in the hamster, as the receptor-bearing secreted mucus may have a protective role in binding to the microorganisms, leading to their clearance by bronchociliary action.

Int J Syst Bacteriol, 1992 Oct, 42(4), 529 - 35
Mycobacterium alvei sp . nov; Ausina V et al.; A new species of rapidly growing, nonphotochromogenic mycobacteria, Mycobacterium alvei, is described . The inclusion of this organism in the genus Mycobacterium is based on its acid fastness, its mycolate pattern, and its G + C content . A study of six strains showed that they form a homogeneous group with an internal phenotypic similarity value of 97 +/- 2.22% . DNA relatedness studies showed that the six M . alvei strains which we studied form a single DNA hybridization group which is less than 49% related to 14 other species of the genus Mycobacterium; the deltaTm values determined for the strains which exhibited higher levels of DNA homology were all greater than 7.9 degrees C . A lipid analysis showed that tuberculostearic acid was present . Docosanoic and tetracosanoic acid methyl esters were detected as mycolic acid cleavage products . All six isolates which we tested contained alpha-mycolic acids and relatively large amounts of a new kind of mycolic acid containing a methoxy group of omega-1 position, a characteristic that has not been described previously in mycobacteria . Strain CR-21 is the type strain; a culture of this strain has been deposited in the Collection Nationale de Cultures de Microorganismes de l'Institut Pasteur, Paris, France, as strain CIP 103464.

Eur J Biochem, 1992 Oct 1, 209(1), 257 - 65
Release of 14-kDa group-II phospholipase A2 from activated mast cells and its possible involvement in the regulation of the degranulation process; Murakami M et al.; Group II phospholipase A2 was detected in appreciable amounts in rat peritoneal mast cells . The effect of several inhibitors specific to 14-kDa group-II phospholipase A2, including two proteinaceous inhibitors and a product of microorganisms with a low molecular mass, on mast-cell activation was examined . When rat peritoneal mast cells were sensitized with IgE and then challenged with antigen, the specific phospholipase-A2 inhibitors suppressed histamine release in a concentration-dependent manner . By contrast, these inhibitors showed no effect on prostaglandin generation under the same conditions . Histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells subjected to non-immunochemical stimuli, such as concanavalin A, the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, compound 48/80 and substance P was also suppressed . When rat peritoneal mast cells were treated with 14-kDa-group-II-phospholipase-A2-specific inhibitors, washed and stimulated, histamine release was not affected appreciably . Similar suppressive effects of the inhibitors on histamine release were observed with mouse cultured bone-marrow-derived mast cells . When bone-marrow-derived mast cells were activated, they secreted both a soluble and an ecto-enzyme form of 14-kDa group-II phospholipase A2, although appearance of the enzyme associated with the external surface of cells was observed transiently . An appreciable amount of membrane phospholipids was degraded during activation of mast cells, which was decreased by treatment with 14-kDa-group-II-phospholipase-A2 inhibitor . These observations suggest that degranulation and eicosanoid generation in mast cells are regulated independently by discrete phospholipases A2 and that the 14-kDa group-II phospholipase A2 released from mast cells during activation may play an essential role in the progression of the degranulation process.

Australas Biotechnol, 1992 Oct, 2(5), 288 - 91
Improved animal production by genetic engineering of ruminal bacteria; Brooker JD et al.; Ruminant production is a major focus of Australian agriculture . The ability of ruminant animals such as sheep and cattle to make productive use of low quality plant materials depends on the activity and efficiency of the anaerobic microbial population that resides in the rumen . Factors that affect ruminant production include the ability of cellulolytic microorganisms to digest plant structural polysaccharides (primarily cellulose and hemicellulose), the capacity of microorganisms to metabolise and detoxify otherwise inhibitory plant products and the efficiency of nitrogen utilisation by ruminal organisms . This review will consider some current Australian research programs aimed at improving ruminant production efficiency by genetic engineering of ruminal bacteria.

Bioessays, 1992 Oct, 14(10), 651 - 9
Mammalian origins of replication; Hamlin JL; It has been almost twenty-five years since Huberman and Riggs first showed that there are multiple bidirectional origins of replication scattered at approximately 100 kb intervals along mammalian chromosomal fibers . Since that time, every conceivable physical property unique to replicating DNA has been taken advantage of to determine whether origins of replication are defined sequence elements, as they are in microorganisms . The most thoroughly studied mammalian locus to date is the dihydrofolate reductase domain of Chinese hamster cells, which will be used as a model to discuss the various methods of investigation . While several laboratories agree on the rough location of the 'initiation locus' in this large chromosomal domain, different experimental approaches paint different pictures of the mechanism by which initiation occurs . However, a variety of new techniques and synchronizing agents promises to clarify the picture for this particular locus, and to provide the means for identifying and isolating other origins of replication for comparison.

Acta Virol, 1992 Oct, 36(5), 479 - 82
The effect of an Egyptian isolate of Streptomyces afghanensis on some plant viruses; Hussein ME; An Egyptian isolate of Streptomyces afghanensis was examined for the production of antiviral metabolites . Concentrated broth exudates of this microorganism were tested against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) and potato virus X (PVX) infecting Nicotiana tabacum L . cv . White Burley . Both concentrated metabolites and their acetone extract inhibited local lesion development of the tested viruses . In all cases, maximum antiviral effect was observed 2 hr after infection . The ultrafiltrate of broth culture reduced the number of local PVX lesions produced on the challenged half leaves in the case of later applications.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1992 Oct, 45(10), 1587 - 91
Cyclooctatin, a new inhibitor of lysophospholipase, produced by Streptomyces melanosporofaciens MI614-43F2 . Taxonomy, production, isolation, physico-chemical properties and biological activities; Aoyagi T et al.; Cyclooctatin has been isolated from Streptomyces melanosporofaciens MI614-43F2 as part of a program designed to find microorganism-produced inhibitors of lysophospholipase . It was purified by chromatography on silica gel, Capcell Pak C18 (HPLC) and Sephadex LH-20 followed by solvent extraction and then isolated as a colorless powder . Cyclooctatin has the molecular formula of C20H34O3 . It is competitive with the substrate, and the inhibition constant (Ki) was 4.8 x 10(-6) M.

Gastroenterology, 1992 Oct, 103(4), 1336 - 48
Infectious agents in the etiology of esophageal cancer; Chang F et al.; Extensive epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that some chemical agents, nutritional deficiencies, and physical factors are associated with the development of esophageal cancer (EC) . Recent evidence also suggests an etiologic role of certain microorganisms in esophageal carcinogenesis either by producing carcinogens or promotors or by acting directly on the host cells . The mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of several fungi and bacteria isolated from the grains and foodstuffs in high-risk areas have been shown by in vitro and in vivo studies . Certain viruses, e.g., human papillomavirus, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of human cancers, and all of them are known to produce tumors in animals and cell transformation in vitro . These viruses also have been shown to infect the esophageal epithelium . Therefore, although many of the key issues of their mechanisms of action are unclear as yet, they should be considered potential etiologic agents of EC . The present review summarizes the data available on the etiology of EC, emphasizing the current evidence implicating an etiologic role of microorganisms in the pathogenesis of this malignancy.

Protein Sci, 1992 Oct, 1(10), 1288 - 92
Disulfide bridges in tomato pectinesterase: variations from pectinesterases of other species; conservation of possible active site segments; Markovic O et al.; Analysis of tomato pectinesterase by carboxymethylation, with and without reduction, shows that the enzyme has two intrachain disulfide bridges . Analysis of fragments obtained from the native enzyme after digestion with pepsin identified bridges connecting Cys-98 with Cys-125, and Cys-166 with Cys-200 . The locations of disulfide bridges in tomato pectinesterase are not identical to those in three distantly related pectinesterases (18-33% residue identities) from microorganisms . However, one half-Cys (i.e., Cys-166) position is conserved in all four enzymes . Sequence comparisons of the overall structures suggest a special importance for three short segments of the entire protein . One segment is at the N-terminal part of the tomato pectinesterase, another in the C-terminal portion near the distal end of the second disulfide loop, and the third segment is located in the central part between the two disulfide bridges . The latter segment, encompassing only 40 residues of the entire protein, appears to high-light a functional site in a midchain segment.

Bioorg Khim, 1992 Oct-Nov, 18(10-11), 1424 - 40
{Some results and prospects of studies in the area of marine biochemistry and biotechnology}; Eliakov GB et al.; Recent studies on bioactive metabolites from marine macro- and microorganisms are reviewed with 83 refs . Structures of new sulphated and glycosylated secondary metabolites, which have been reported to have antifungal, immunomodulatory, and cytotoxic properties, are given . Some peculiarities of biosynthesis of natural compounds in marine organisms are revealed . It was shown that some natural products, isolated earlier from sponges, are produced by microbial symbionts . Different physiological activities associated with 8000 marine microbial (mainly symbiotic) strains are discussed as well as some prospects of marine biochemistry and biotechnology development.

Bratisl Lek Listy, 1992 Oct, 93(10), 538 - 40
{Super Duo latex fixation test--an alternative diagnostic method for trichomoniasis?}; Gombosova A et al.; The reliability of the new latex-agglutination test super duo for the detection of antigens of T.vaginalis and Candida, a prospective screening method for trichomoniasis, was verified . In a group of 27 women the microscopic and culture diagnosis of trichomoniasis was established in 22 patients and 21 of them were positive in the latex-agglutination test for T.vaginalis . The immunochemical examination was not positive in either of the five women with findings of negative cultivation for the parasite . The intensity of agglutination was in good correlation with the clinical signs of inflammation . In asymptomatic women the reaction was indistinct . Vaginal candidiasis was revealed by culture in two women, one of them was positive on the latex-agglutination test for Candida . One woman with negative cultivation finding for yeast microorganisms was positive in the immunochemical test . Examination of asymptomatic sexual partners of trichomoniasis patients would be necessary to evaluate the suitability of the set for T.vaginalis infection screening.

Infect Agents Dis, 1992 Oct, 1(5), 245 - 53
Identification of uncultured microorganisms: expanding the spectrum of characterized microbial pathogens; Relman DA et al.; The combination of enzymatic nucleic acid amplification techniques with 16S rRNA-based molecular phylogeny has brought about a new approach to the identification of microbial pathogens that can not be cultivated in the laboratory . The applications of this experimental approach to bacillary angiomatosis and to Whipple's disease have revealed the presence of two previously uncharacterized organisms . These results suggest the existence of a far greater microbial diversity among human pathogens than has been so far appreciated with culture-dependent methods . PCR-based studies of aquatic environmental microbial communities have already reached similar conclusions . As a result, new and provocative questions are raised concerning the association of amplified 16S rRNA sequences with diseased tissue . The answers must await the results of further investigations and the expansion of sequence data bases.

Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen, 1992 Sep 20, 112(22), 2859 - 62
{Cell surface carbohydrates are involved in various biological processes}; Bryne M et al.; All human cells show carbohydrate structures on the surface . New knowledge about the genetic mechanisms for the synthesis of these carbohydrates and the generation of monoclonal antibodies with high specificity shows that carbohydrates are involved in various cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions . For instance, cell surface carbohydrates seem to be important in connection with fertilization, embryonic development, cell differentiation, cancer, adhesion of microorganisms and immunological processes . This new knowledge will increase our understanding of various biological phenomena, and will thus be of value for diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1992 Sep 15, 89(18), 8532 - 6
Convergent evolution among immunoglobulin G-binding bacterial proteins; Frick IM et al.; Protein G, a bacterial cell-wall protein with high affinity for the constant region of IgG (IgGFc) antibodies, contains homologous repeats responsible for the interaction with IgGFc . A synthetic peptide corresponding to an 11-amino acid-long sequence in the COOH-terminal region of the repeats was found to bind to IgGFc and block the interaction with protein G . Moreover, two other IgGFc-binding bacterial proteins (proteins A and H), which do not contain any sequences homologous to the peptide, were also inhibited in their interactions with IgGFc by the peptide . Finally, a decapeptide based on a sequence in IgGFc blocked the binding of all three proteins to IgGFc . This unusually clear example of convergent evolution emphasizes the complexity of protein-protein interactions and suggests that bacterial surface-protein interaction with host protein adds selective advantages to the microorganism.

J Chromatogr, 1992 Sep 11, 608(1-2), 205 - 10
Capillary electrophoretic determination of the protease Savinase in cultivation broth; Vinther A et al.; The highly basic washing enzyme Savinase and various analogues were analysed by micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) and electrophoresis . Broth samples were withdrawn during the cultivation of Savinase by recombinant microorganisms . Savinase peak areas obtained by MEKC-electrophoretic analysis were normalized with respect to migration time and compared with traditional enzyme activity measurements . The electropherograms indicated thermal degradation of the Savinase molecule at high field strengths . Baseline separation of Savinase and two analogues was achieved.

Ugeskr Laeger, 1992 Sep 7, 154(37), 2475 - 80
{Parasitic diseases in patients with impaired immune response . Clinical picture and diagnosis}; Petersen E et al.; Patients with impaired immune system are frequently infected with various parasitic diseases . The clinical picture is characterized by unusual manifestations and frequently severe recurrences of infections which are not normally serious . Some almost parasitic microorganisms produce symptoms exclusively in patients with impaired immune system . Parasitic infections have become increasingly common with the increasing number of patients who live for prolonged periods with impaired immune systems, often as a result of infection with HIV . Among the numerous parasitic infections which are observed in man, there are a few which occur particularly frequently in patients with impaired immune systems . This is a brief review of the clinical pictures and diagnostic options in parasitic disease in individuals with impaired immune system with particular emphasis on infections caused by: Pneumocystis carinii, Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium ssp., Microspora, Entamoeba histolytica, Leishmania ssp., and Strongyloides stercoralis . In patients with impaired immunity, parasitic infections frequently cause nonspecific symptoms and, on account of the impaired immunity, antibodies to the parasite are not always produced . The diagnosis of these infections is, therefore, based on morphological demonstration of the microorganism concerned, culture, specific antigen or DNA defections.

Clin Lab Med, 1992 Sep, 12(3), 393 - 410
Use of the laboratory in infertility and recurrent spontaneous miscarriage; Smith S; The laboratory is an important contributor to patient evaluation for infertility or recurrent spontaneous miscarriage . Hormonal determinations, cultures for microorganisms, andrology tests, immunologic tests, karyotype analysis, and histopathology are valuable components of laboratory evaluation . The use of clinical laboratory tests must be integrated with other clinical and radiologic studies.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1992 Sep 1, 89(17), 8215 - 9
Three human elastase-like genes coordinately expressed in the myelomonocyte lineage are organized as a single genetic locus on 19pter; Zimmer M et al.; The human neutrophil and monocyte-derived serine protease homologues neutrophil elastase (NE), proteinase 3 (PR3), and azurocidin (AZU) are involved in a variety of immune defense reactions . NE and PR3 assist in the destruction of phagocytosed microorganisms, cleave the important connective-tissue protein elastin, and generate chemotactic activities by forming alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor complexes and elastin peptides . AZU is cytotoxic to certain microorganisms and chemotactic for monocytes . All three proteins are produced and packaged into azurophil granules in large quantities during neutrophil differentiation . We have isolated several cosmid clones each of which contains the functional genes for AZU, PR3, and NE in this order . The PR3 gene is separated by 8 kilobases from the 3' end of the AZU gene and by 3 kilobases from the 5' end of the NE gene . We report a physical map of the gene cluster, its location on chromosome 19pter, and the exon-intron organization of the AZU and PR3 genes . Our fluorescence in situ hybridization studies disprove the previous chromosomal assignment of the human NE gene to 11q14 . The five exons of AZU and PR3 are organized like those of NE and other granule-associated serine proteases of hematopoietic cells . NE, PR3, and AZU are coordinately downregulated in the premonocytic cell line U937 during induced terminal differentiation . The cluster-like physical organization of these genes and concerted regulation during hematopoietic differentiation suggests that they are located in a developmentally activated chromatin domain promoting high-level, cell-specific expression in the monocyte-myelocyte lineage.

J Infect Dis, 1992 Sep, 166(3), 660 - 3
Diagnosis of Mediterranean spotted fever by indirect immunofluorescence of Rickettsia conorii in circulating endothelial cells isolated with monoclonal antibody-coated immunomagnetic beads; Drancourt M et al.; Rickettsia conorii, an obligate intracellular bacterium that infects vascular endothelial cells, is the etiologic agent of Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) . A new procedure using indirect immunofluorescence was used to directly detect R . conorii in circulating endothelial cells (CEC) . CEC were separated from other blood components by using anti-endothelial cell monoclonal antibody-coated magnetic beads . An anti-R . conorii polyclonal rabbit antiserum was used to stain rickettsiae . The entire procedure took 3 h . R . conorii was detected in CEC from 9 of 12 patients ultimately confirmed as having MSF . Among the patients, 5 with R . conorii isolated by centrifugation-shell vial assay were also positive by the new technique . None of 3 patients whose diagnosis was other than MSF had R . conorii detected in CEC . The procedure may be helpful for rapid diagnosis of MSF and may lead to new technical approaches for the diagnosis of infectious diseases caused by intracellular pathogenic microorganisms.

J Periodontol, 1992 Sep, 63(9), 783 - 9
Biochemical and clinical factors influencing oral malodor in periodontal patients; Yaegaki K et al.; The amounts of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) and methyl mercaptan/hydrogen sulfide ratio in mouth air from patients with periodontal involvement were 8 times greater than those of control subjects . Our studies demonstrated that, in patients with periodontal disease: 1) the concentration of disulfide, which is converted to VSC, increased in proportion to the total pocket depth; 2) 60% of the VSC was produced from the tongue surface; 3) the amount of tongue coating was 4 times greater than in control subjects; and 4) VSC production and the methyl mercaptan/hydrogen sulfide ratio of the tongue coating were increased . 2-Ketobutyrate, which is a byproduct of the metabolism of methionine to methyl mercaptan, was higher in the saliva of patients with periodontal disease . This implies that metabolism of methionine to methyl mercaptan increases in the oral cavity of patients with periodontal pockets . Since free L-methionine, rather than protein, is the main source for methyl mercaptan, we estimated the methionine supply from the gingival fluid into the oral cavity of patients with periodontal involvement . The results showed that the ratio of methionine to whole free amino acids was significantly higher than that of cysteine . Our studies suggest that not only microorganisms, but also the tongue coating and gingival fluid are factors which enhance VSC production in patients with periodontal disease.

Immunopharmacology, 1992 Sep-Oct, 24(2), 91 - 9
Mannan-binding protein, a complement activating animal lectin; Thiel S; Mannan-binding protein is an animal serum lectin (i.e . a molecule with the ability to bind specifically to certain carbohydrate structures) . The relevant carbohydrate ligands are found on many pathogenic microorganisms . After binding to suitable carbohydrate ligands, mannan-binding protein is found to be an activator of the classical pathway of complement via an activation of the C1r2C1s2 complex, i.e . antibody and C1q independent . The molecular organization of MBP resembles that of C1q with a distinct division of collagen-like and globular amino acid sequences . This molecular similarity seems to be the basis for the common functional activity of the two proteins . MBP may play an important protective role, especially at early stages of infection prior to the generation of the specific humoral and cellular defence system . The paper explores the structure and the physiological functions of mannan-binding protein.

Immunopharmacology, 1992 Sep-Oct, 24(2), 135 - 48
Interplay of complement and cytokines in the pathogenesis of septic shock; de Boer JP et al.; Sepsis is a clinical syndrome that is usually induced by bacterial infections . It is generally assumed that the syndrome results from an excessive triggering of endogenous inflammatory mediators by the invading microorganisms . These mediators include substances released by activated monocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells and neutrophils such as cytokines, reactive oxygen species and proteases, as well as activation products of coagulation, fibrinolysis, contact and complement systems . Recent studies have suggested that cytokines and complement activation products may have overlapping biological activities . In addition, multiple interactions in vitro as well as in vivo between cytokines and complement have been described . Here we will review some of these recent studies and will discuss their relevance for the pathogenesis of sepsis and septic shock.

Biomed Chromatogr, 1992 Sep-Oct, 6(5), 231 - 5
High performance ion exclusion chromatographic characterization of the vaginal organic acids in women with bacterial vaginosis; Stanek R et al.; Vaginal organic acids have previously been detected by gas-liquid chromatography, but we have applied an ion exclusion high performance liquid chromatographic procedure to the analysis of vaginal discharge samples . This procedure has the advantage of not requiring derivitization of non-volatile acids and provides the convenience of a technique which does not require the use of flammable gasses, while allowing the identification of at least 18 different acids from the same chromatographic analysis . Vaginal discharge from women with symptoms of bacterial vaginosis was collected on weighed swabs and analysed for the presence of organic acids . The results were compared to the organic acid content of samples obtained from the same cohort of women after treatment with metronidazole . In addition, samples were obtained from asymptomatic women and these samples were analysed in the same manner . The number of organic acids present in samples from women with bacterial vaginosis was greater than the number found after treatment or among asymptomatic women . Succinic acid appeared to be inversely related to lactate concentration and succinate:lactate ratios were greater among women with bacterial vaginosis before treatment than after treatment . Liquid chromatography has proven useful as a means of evaluating the metabolic end-products of vaginal microorganisms in situ.

Z Naturforsch {C}, 1992 Sep-Oct, 47(9-10), 641 - 53
Sialic acid-binding proteins: characterization, biological function and application; Zeng FY et al.; The last decade has witnessed steadily growing support for the notion that the carbohydrate portion of glycoconjugates is not merely an inert structural addition to the protein or lipid backbone . Considerable attention has been given to the chemical composition of glycosidic residues in such heteropolymers . Sialic acids are frequently occurring components of oligosaccharide side chains in glycoconjugates of most higher animals and a few microorganisms . They appear to play an important role as ligands in glycobiological interactions . Mediation of a proposed protein-carbohydrate recognition will necessarily involve a binding protein with the respective specificity . Such proteins thus are able to serve as receptors for certain types of carbohydrate moieties like sialic acids in vivo . Various members of this class of proteins have already proven their value as analytical tools in studying expression and localization of defined sialoglycoconjugates . These proteins attract much attention due to both their functions in situ and their potential as laboratory tools in glycoconjugate research in areas like biochemistry or histology . We present a survey of the purification, characterization and application of this class of proteins to illustrate the status of knowledge and the current directions of research in this field.

Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo), 1992 Sep, 40(9), 2572 - 5
Effect of oral pretreatment with antibiotics on the hydrolysis of salicylic acid-tyrosine and salicylic acid-methionine prodrugs in rabbit intestinal microorganisms; Nakamura J et al.; We examined the hydrolysis mechanism of salicylic acid-tyrosine (salicyl-tyrosine) and salicylic acid-methionine conjugate (salicyl-methionine) in rabbits by exploring their behavior following intraduodenal and intracecal administration (72 and 36 mumol/kg, respectively: salicylic acid equivalent) . A large amount of salicyl-methionine was absorbed following intraduodenal administration of salicyl-methionine, without being metabolized to salicylic acid in the small intestinal mucosa . On the contrary, salicylic acid was detected in the blood following intraduodenal administration of salicyl-tyrosine, suggesting that salicyl-tyrosine was metabolized in the small intestinal mucosa . After oral pretreatment of rabbits with kanamycin sulfate (6 x 400 mg) or tinidazole (6 x 160 mg), the hydrolysis of salicyl-tyrosine and salicyl-methionine following intracecal administration was inhibited significantly, indicating that the intestinal microorganisms were responsible for the biotransformation of these prodrugs . Furthermore, in rabbits orally pretreated with both kanamycin sulfate and tinidazole, a significant inhibition of salicylic acid formation from salicyl-tyrosine and salicyl-methionine following intracecal administration was observed.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1992 Sep, 58(9), 3088 - 94
Establishment of polychlorinated biphenyl-degrading enrichment culture with predominantly meta dechlorination; Morris PJ et al.; Enrichment of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-dechlorinating microorganisms from PCB-contaminated sediments from the Upper Hudson River, N.Y., was attempted . The enrichment strategy was to use pyruvate as the electron donor and dechlorination of Aroclor 1242 as the electron acceptor . The enrichment medium also contained non-PCB-contaminated Hudson River sediments, which were required for the PCB-dechlorinating activity . An enrichment culture (that had stable PCBT-dechlorinating activity over nine serial transfers during 1 year) was established under these conditions; however, the rate of dechlorination did not increase after the second serial transfer . Dechlorination occurred primarily from the meta positions of the biphenyl molecule . Hydrogen could be substituted for pyruvate as the electron donor with equal activity, but when acetate was used as the electron donor a delay in dechlorination was observed . Sulfate and bromethane sulfonate inhibited dechlorination activity . The pyruvate-Aroclor 1242 enrichment also dechlorinated Aroclors 1248, 1254, and 1260; the extent of chlorine removed was the greatest for Aroclor 1254 . For comparison, nonautoclaved non-PCB-contaminated Hudson River sediments used in the assay also dechlorinated Aroclors, but only after 12 to 16 weeks of incubation . This suggests that PCB-dechlorinating organisms were also present in these sediments but in numbers lower than those in the enrichment culture.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1992 Sep, 58(9), 2965 - 70
Distribution of viruses in the Chesapeake Bay; Wommack KE et al.; High virus counts were found in water samples collected from the Chesapeake Bay . Viruses were enumerated by ultracentrifugation of water samples onto grids which were visualized by transmission electron microscopy . Virus counts in September 1990, April 1991, June 1991, August 1991, and October 1991 ranged between 2.6 x 10(6) and 1.4 x 10(8) viruses ml-1 with a mean of 2.5 x 10(7) viruses ml-1 . Virus counts were usually at least three times higher than direct bacterial counts in corresponding samples . Virus counts in August and October were significantly higher than at the other sampling times, whereas bacterial counts were significantly lower at that time, yielding mean virus-to-bacterium ratios of 12.6 and 25.6, respectively . From analysis of morphology of the virus particles, it is concluded that a large proportion of the viruses are bacteriophages . The high virus counts obtained in this study suggest that viruses may be an important factor affecting bacterial populations in the Chesapeake Bay, with implications for gene transfer in natural aquatic bacterial populations and release of genetically engineered microorganisms to estuarine and coastal environments.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1992 Sep, 58(9), 2854 - 60
Screening for microorganisms producing D-malate from maleate; van der Werf MJ et al.; More than 300 microorganisms were screened for their ability to convert maleate into D-malate as a result of the action of maleate hydratase . Accumulation of fumarate during incubation of permeabilized cells with maleate was shown to be indicative of one of the two enzymes known to transform maleate . The ratio in which fumarate and malate accumulated could be used to estimate the enantiomeric composition of the malate formed . Many strains (n = 128) were found to be capable of converting maleate to D-malate with an enantiomeric purity of more than 97% . Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes NCIMB 9867 was selected for more detailed studies . Although this strain was not able to grow on maleate, permeabilized cells were able to degrade maleate to undetectable levels, with a concomitant formation of D-malate . The D-malate was formed with an enantiomeric purity of more than 99.97%.

Anat Histol Embryol, 1992 Sep, 21(3), 256 - 62
{The heterogenicity of the vascular endothelium}; Plendl J et al.; The vascular endothelium has long been considered to be a homogeneous cell type . It is only recently that its remarkable heterogeneity has been shown . The selective and organ-specific adhesion of cells of the immune system, of metastasizing tumor cells and of microorganisms underscores the central position of the endothelium between the circulation and each organ . The use of antibodies and lectins led to the recognition of species-, organ-, and age-specific endothelial cell surface receptors . Identification of the endothelial adhesion molecules and -mechanisms, which are part of the "endothelial organ- and tissue address" would lead to the possibility of blocking the adhesion of cells, such as e.g . tumor cells.

J Parenter Sci Technol, 1992 Sep-Oct, 46(5), 146 - 9
Improved direct epifluorescent filter technique for rapid bioburden control in intravenous solutions; Esteban JM et al.; Epifluorescence microscopy of the microcolonies obtained after filtration of a deliberately contaminated intravenous solution, was used for the rapid detection and enumeration of the bacteria . The technique is adequate for the test of low volume solution (with low contamination) . Also it allows one to detect a single colony forming unit (c.f.u.)/mL, with great correlation between fluorescence counts and pour plate colony counts; the morphology of microcolonies is typical for most of the microorganisms and it allows a primoidentification (for a trained analyst).

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1992 Sep, 45(9), 1385 - 90
Benastatins A and B, new inhibitors of glutathione S-transferase, produced by Streptomyces sp . MI384-DF12 . I . Taxonomy, production, isolation, physico-chemical properties and biological activities; Aoyagi T et al.; Benastatins have been isolated as part of a program designed to find microorganism-produced inhibitors of glutathione S-transferase from Streptomyces sp . MI384-DF12 . They were purified by chromatography of reversed-phase silica gel, silica gel and Capcell Pak C18 (HPLC) followed by solvent extraction and then isolated as yellow powders . Benastatins A and B have the molecular formulae, C30H28O7 and C30H30O7, respectively . They were competitive with 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene as the substrate, and the inhibition constants (Ki) of benastatins A and B were 5.0 x 10(-6) and 3.7 x 10(-6), respectively.

An Med Interna, 1992 Sep, 9(9), 421 - 4
{Infections in the diabetic . Comparative study of infections in the foot and other locations}; Gomez J et al.; Given the high morbi-mortality of foot infections among the diabetics and the poor knowledge of their predictive, clinical and evolutive factors, we have retrospectively studied a group of patients with these characteristics, comparing them with infections among diabetics affecting other locations . We studied 66 infections among diabetics: 34 patients with diabetic's foot and 32 with infections at other locations: 20 pyelonephritis and 12 pneumonias . Medical records were obtained in all cases and all patients underwent a complete physical exploration in order to assess their risk factors . We observed as a significant predictive factor of diabetic's foot, diabetes type I, with an evolution longer than 10 years, neuropathy, vasculopathy or retinopathy . From the clinical point of view and compared with the other infections, these patients showed longer hospitalization, greater initial clinical severity, glucemias higher than 200 mgr/l., anemia and high GSR . Ethiologically, the infection of diabetic's foot was polymicrobian in 42.3% of all cases, being S . aureus the microorganism more frequently isolated . On the contrary, in infections at other locations, monomicrobian flora was more frequent, being E . coli the most frequent in pyelonephritis and S . pneumoniae in pneumonias . The evolution was satisfactory in all cases, with a close medical and surgical combined treatment and the appropriate use of antibiotic combinations, mainly clindamicine + tobramicine in the diabetic's foot and cefuroxime in the other locations.

Bol Med Hosp Infant Mex, 1992 Sep, 49(9), 549 - 57
{Central nervous system pathology in children with AIDS}; Cabrera-Munoz ML et al.; The neuropathological manifestations of AIDS in children vary widely and includes, among others: cerebral atrophy, basal ganglia calcification, corticospinal tract demyelinization, and HIV encephalomyelitis with multinucleated cells . The purpose of this work is to inform the postmortem CNS findings in 14 pediatric AIDS patients which were studied from January 1986 to February 1992, at the Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez . Basal ganglia vascular calcification, HIV multinucleated cells, and corticospinal tract demyelinization, were significantly less frequent (P < 0.01) in our patients than those informed in the literature . Opportunistic CNS infections found in our patients were produced by microorganisms commonly described in adults . We think that these differences may be explained because the majority of our patients acquired the infection trough blood transfusion at an age in which the CNS is fully developed . The pattern of HIV transmission in our country has been changing recently with an increase in the number of perinatal cases . We also think that in the near future we will observe a change in the neuropathological findings of our pediatric AIDS population.

Mutat Res, 1992 Sep, 277(3), 221 - 38
Review of the genotoxicity of ozone; Victorin K; Ozone is a powerful oxidant, reactive to biomolecules . In aqueous solution it decomposes to give hydrogen peroxide, superoxide and hydroxy radicals which can take part in secondary reactions . Ozone is a disinfectant that inactivates both viruses and bacteria . Although other reactions are primarily responsible for the inactivation, cellular DNA is also damaged . Ozone is genotoxic to microorganisms, plants and cell cultures in vitro . The results from in vivo cytogenetic studies with laboratory animals after inhalation exposure are contradictory . Chromosome aberrations in lymphocytes, but not SCEs, have been demonstrated in Chinese hamsters but not in mice . Chromatid deletions were induced in pulmonary macrophages in rats . No cytogenetic effects have been reported for bone marrow cells or spermatocytes . The few experimental and epidemiological studies with human subjects do not allow a conclusion on the cytogenetic effects of ozone in lymphocytes in humans . No life-long cancer studies have been performed with ozone . However, after 4 and 6 months of inhalation exposure, lung adenomas were induced in strain A/J mice, but not in Swiss-Webster mice.

J Ind Microbiol, 1992 Sep, 10(3-4), 135 - 56
Thom Award Lecture . Trends in the search for bioactive microbial metabolites; Omura S; Bioactive microbial metabolites are attracting increasing attention as useful agents for medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, and as unique biochemical tools . A review of the current trends in the discovery of new metabolites shows that the number of active compounds with non-antibiotic type of activity has increased, resulting in an expansion of the variety of bioactivity of microbial metabolites . Factors that contribute to the increased rate of discovery include: development of new methods for activity measurement, exploitation of novel groups of microorganisms as sources of active compounds, new directions for chemical modification, and incorporation of newer knowledge of biotechnology into screening systems . To exemplify this, typical screening methods, and chemical and biological properties of several bioactive compounds obtained by these methods are discussed.

J Pharm Pharmacol, 1992 Sep, 44(9), 713 - 6
A novel prodrug of salicylic acid, salicylic acid-glycylglycine conjugate, utilizing the hydrolysis in rabbit intestinal microorganisms; Nakamura J et al.; The hydrolysis of salicylic acid-glycylglycine conjugate (salicyl-glycylglycine) following oral, intravenous, intracaecal and rectal administration (434, 72, 36 and 36 mumol kg-1, respectively: equivalent to salicylic acid) was examined in rabbits to develop a novel prodrug of salicylic acid . Salicylic acid was detected in the blood 2 h after oral administration of salicyl-glycylglycine and it reached a maximum level (55.6 micrograms mL-1) at 15 h, whereas a small amount of salicyl-glycylglycine was found in the blood . In contrast, unchanged salicyl-glycylglycine was found mainly in the blood following its intravenous administration, suggesting the involvement of presystemic deconjugation in the hydrolysis of salicyl-glycylglycine . Immediate and very extensive salicyclic acid formation in the caecum was observed following intracaecal administration of salicyl-glycylglycine, suggesting that the intestinal microorganisms were responsible for the biotransformation of this compound . In-vitro incubation of salicyl-glycylglycine with caecal content showed that salicyl-glycylglycine was hydrolysed efficiently in the caecum . Consequently, the blood concentration of salicylic acid was prolonged extensively following rectal administration of salicyl-glycylglycine, indicating the usefulness of salicyl-glycylglycine as a prodrug of salicylic acid.

Arch Latinoam Nutr, 1992 Sep, 42(3), 316 - 21
{Nutritional and taste properties of canned cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp . II . Effect of storage}; Lira GM et al.; In order to evaluate the effects of storage on nutritional and sensory properties of canned cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp), a batch of 180 cans was stocked at room temperature (22 degrees C to 32 degrees C) for a period of six months . At intervals of 0, 30, 90 and 180 days, 26 samples collected randomly were submitted to physicochemical, sensory and biological analyses . Significant statistical reductions (p < or = 0.01 to p < or = 0.05) were observed due to storage time, having this significance increased for proteins after 90 days and for lipids after 30 days, as well as a decrease on the amino acid values, thus indicating the occurrence of chemical reactions, although acceptance of the product was found to be satisfactory throughout the whole experiment . No evidence was discovered of the presence of gas producer microorganisms . According to physicochemical analyses, quantitative losses in protein, lipids, available methionine and lysine did not seem to affect protein quality, in spite of a significant reduction (p < or = 0.01) in weight gain and Coefficient of Food Efficiency of samples stored for 180 days when compared to those freshly canned on day 0, though values for Net Protein Ratio (NPR) showed no discernible decrease; these data lead to the conclusion that canned cowpeas stored can be consumed without, restrictions, in spite of the slight decrease in biological value caused by the time of storage.

Eur J Med, 1992 Sep, 1(5), 308 - 10
Fibronectin in HIV-infected patients: a prospective study; Raffi F et al.; Fibronectin, a non-specific opsonin involved in the clearance of microorganisms, is thought to play a role in various infectious disease processes . Its diagnostic value as a biological marker of infection and/or prognosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients is questionable . We conducted a prospective study to evaluate plasma fibronectin levels in patients with HIV infection at different stages of the disease . Eighty-one consecutive HIV-infected patients seen in our department were evaluated clinically and biologically . Classifications according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stages were: Group II (n = 22), Group III (n = 17), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (n = 17) and AIDS related complex (n = 25) . Plasma fibronectin levels were measured by a radial immunodiffusion assay . Plasma fibronectin levels were not different between HIV-infected patients (344 +/- 128 mg/L) and controls (n = 20, 335 +/- 45 mg/L) . Among the 81 patients, plasma fibronectin levels were within normal value in 79%, with no significant difference of mean plasma fibronectin between the different CDC groups . No correlation was found between plasma fibronectin and other biological parameters including CD4+ cells, p24 antigen, beta-2-microglobulin . Furthermore, no correlation was noted between fibronectin and complement levels or presence of circulating immune complexes . These results suggest that plasma fibronectin is not a useful marker in patients with HIV infection.

Rev Paul Med, 1992 Sep-Oct, 110(5), 222 - 6
Semiquantitative culture in diagnosing venous catheter-related sepsis; Capone Neto A et al.; Since Aubaniac (1) described the puncture of the subclavian vein in 1952, and specially after the standardization of parenteral nutrition by Dudrick et al . (11) in 1968, much has been published about complications caused by percutaneous central venous catheterization . Among the various complications provoked by this procedure, a very important one is "primary sepsis" or "catheter-related sepsis", both because of its frequency and because of the morbidity and mortality it causes (18,19) . It is, however, difficult to diagnose this complication . The main difficulty lies in differentiating catheters that are really causing sepsis from those that, though showing "positive culture" do not cause bacteremia and are not responsible for the occasional signs of infection that a patient may show (6,7) . This difficulty in diagnosing has led to the recommendation that all catheters suspected of causing sepsis be systematically removed . This procedure has the effect of exposing patients in serious condition and with limited venous access to the risks of new punctures . Usually these risks are unnecessary, since 75 to 90% of the catheters removed for this reason are not the real source of infection (3, 17, 19, 21, 22) . In 1977, Maki et al . (18) proposed a semiquantitative catheter tip culture that showed considerable correlation with positive hemoculture for the same microorganisms; that is, capable of identifying which "positive catheters" were really causing sepsis . Subsequent research confirmed these results, showing that the semiquantitative catheter tip culture had specificity and sensibility over 80% (10, 15).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Medsurg Nurs, 1992 Sep, 1(1), 29 - 32
Effectiveness of glove barriers used in clinical settings; Korniewicz DM; Gloves are the most common barrier used to prevent the transmission of microorganisms between patients and nurses, and clinicians should be familiar with factors that affect glove choice, including the type of unit, exposure to bloodborne pathogens, tasks performed, and personal safety . In addition to selecting the proper gloves for clinical practice, nurses can play an important role in the evaluation, quality control, and development of new effective barriers for hand protection.

Microb Pathog, 1992 Sep, 13(3), 237 - 41
Detection of a vascular permeability factor in the extracellular products of Renibacterium salmoninarum; Bandin I et al.; The presence of vascular permeability factors in the extracellular products (ECP) of 10 strains of Renibacterium salmoninarum with different geographical origin and serological characteristics are reported . All the ECP produced haemorrhagic and/or oedematous zones at the injection site with a diameter ranging from 10-30 mm . However, the ECP samples did not display toxic effect in fish at the same dose as inoculated in rabbit (180-400 micrograms protein/0.1 ml) . No differences were observed in the production of this dermatotoxic factor between the two antigenic groups found in this microorganism . Whereas heating (80 and 100 degrees C/15 min) the ECP samples resulted in a complete loss of their proteolytic activity, only a decrease (but not total inactivation) of the dermatotoxic effects was detected . Therefore, although proteases could be implicated in the permeability factor, they are not totally responsible for this activity.

Cephalalgia, 1992 Aug, 12(4), 197 - 201
Headache associated with non-cephalic infections: classification and mechanisms; De Marinis M et al.; A classification of headache associated with non-cephalic infections is proposed . The classification is supported by published case series and reports . The head pain can be explained by direct activation of pain producing mechanism by microorganisms or can be secondary to fever or to a combination of both.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1992 Aug, 58(8), 2663 - 6
Complete mineralization of benzene by aquifer microorganisms under strictly anaerobic conditions; Edwards EA et al.; Benzene was mineralized to CO2 by aquifer-derived microorganisms under strictly anaerobic conditions . The degradation occurred in microcosms containing gasoline-contaminated subsurface sediment from Seal Beach, California, and anaerobic, sulfide-reduced defined mineral medium supplemented with 20 mM sulfate . Benzene, at initial concentrations ranging from 40 to 200 microM, was depleted in all microcosms and more than 90% of 14C-labeled benzene was mineralized to 14CO2.

Clin Pharmacokinet, 1992 Aug, 23(2), 106 - 31
Pharmacokinetic drug interactions of macrolides; Periti P et al.; The macrolide antibiotics include natural members, prodrugs and semisynthetic derivatives . These drugs are indicated in a variety of infections and are often combined with other drug therapies, thus creating the potential for pharmacokinetic interactions . Macrolides can both inhibit drug metabolism in the liver by complex formation and inactivation of microsomal drug oxidising enzymes and also interfere with microorganisms of the enteric flora through their antibiotic effects . Over the past 20 years, a number of reports have incriminated macrolides as a potential source of clinically severe drug interactions . However, differences have been found between the various macrolides in this regard and not all macrolides are responsible for drug interactions . With the recent advent of many semisynthetic macrolide antibiotics it is now evident that they may be classified into 3 different groups in causing drug interactions . The first group (e.g . troleandomycin, erythromycins) are those prone to forming nitrosoalkanes and the consequent formation of inactive cytochrome P450-metabolite complexes . The second group (e.g . josamycin, flurithromycin, roxithromycin, clarithromycin, miocamycin and midecamycin) form complexes to a lesser extent and rarely produce drug interactions . The last group (e.g . spiramycin, rokitamycin, dirithromycin and azithromycin) do not inactivate cytochrome P450 and are unable to modify the pharmacokinetics of other compounds . It appears that 2 structural factors are important for a macrolide antibiotic to lead to the induction of cytochrome P450 and the formation in vivo or in vitro of an inhibitory cytochrome P450-iron-nitrosoalkane metabolite complex: the presence in the macrolide molecules of a non-hindered readily accessible N-dimethylamino group and the hydrophobic character of the drug . Troleandomycin ranks first as a potent inhibitor of microsomal liver enzymes, causing a significant decrease of the metabolism of methylprednisolone, theophylline, carbamazepine, phenazone (antipyrine) and triazolam . Troleandomycin can cause ergotism in patients receiving ergot alkaloids and cholestatic jaundice in those taking oral contraceptives . Erythromycin and its different prodrugs appear to be less potent inhibitors of drug metabolism . Case reports and controlled studies have, however, shown that erythromycins may interact with theophylline, carbamazepine, methylprednisolone, warfarin, cyclosporin, triazolam, midazolam, alfentanil, disopyramide and bromocriptine, decreasing drug clearance . The bioavailability of digoxin appears also to be increased by erythromycin in patients excreting high amounts of reduced digoxin metabolites, probably due to destruction of enteric flora responsible for the formation of these compounds . These incriminated macrolide antibiotics should not be administered concomitantly with other drugs known to be affected metabolically by them, or at the very least, combined administration should be carried out only with careful patient monitoring.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

J Egypt Soc Parasitol, 1992 Aug, 22(2), 293 - 7
Ultrastructure of symbiont-like microorganisms associated with the sperm of ixodid ticks; el Said A; The endospermatophores found in the seminal receptacles of three species of Ixodid ticks: Hyalomma marginatum, H . dromedarii and Amblyomma hebraeum were examined . The seminal receptacles showed the presence of symbiont-like microorganisms in association with the sperm cells . These yeast-like microorganisms represent extracellular symbionts, produced by the male and introduced in the genital system of the female through copulation . The symbionts frequently occur freely in large agglomerations surrounded by a large amount of alpha-glycogen rosettes . They do not alter their shape nor do they attach to the sperm cells . Another kind of Rickettsia-like microorganisms is present in tissues of some tick organs . This could be a form of disease agents or naturally occurring microorganisms in the tissue of tick organs.

Allergy, 1992 Aug, 47(4 Pt 1), 343 - 5
Recurrent pericarditis: a rare complication of allergen immunotherapy; Quirce S et al.; We report on a 29-year-old woman suffering from hay fever due to grass and olive tree pollens . She developed recurrent pericarditis during her first course of immunotherapy with an alum-adsorbed pollen extract . A causal relationship was established between the allergen injections and the acute pericarditis episodes on two consecutive occasions, which presented with blood eosinophilia . Blood cultures and serological tests for microorganisms were negative . There were no signs of autoimmune disease or systemic vasculitis . To the best of our knowledge, allergen immunotherapy-induced pericarditis has not been previously reported.

Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo), 1992 Aug, 40(8), 2164 - 8
A novel prodrug of salicylic acid, salicylic acid-glutamic acid conjugate utilizing hydrolysis in rabbit intestinal microorganisms; Nakamura J et al.; The fate of salicylic acid-glutamic acid conjugate (salicyl-glutamic acid) following oral, intravenous, intracecal and rectal administration (60, 10, 5 and 5 mg/kg, respectively: salicylic acid equivalent) was examined in rabbits . Salicylic acid was detected in the blood 2 h after oral administration of salicyl-glutamic acid and it reached the maximum level (69.4 micrograms/ml) at 18 h after the dose . A high blood concentration of salicylic acid (24.8 micrograms/ml) was observed up to 36 h . But only a small amount of salicyl-glutamic acid was detected in the blood (less than 2.5 micrograms/ml, as salicylic acid) . In contrast, unchanged salicyl-glutamic acid was found mainly in the blood following intravenous administration of salicyl-glutamic acid, suggesting that presystemic de-conjugation of salicyl-glutamic acid predominantly occurred . The intestinal mucosal de-conjugation of salicyl-glutamic acid was negligible in the in situ intestinal sac preparation with complete mesenteric venous blood collection . Immediate and very extensive salicylic acid formation in the cecum was found following intracecal administration of salicyl-glutamic acid . After oral pretreatment of rabbits with kanamycin sulfate (6 x 400 mg), a significant inhibition of salicylic acid formation following intracecal administration of salicyl-glutamic acid was observed, indicating that the intestinal microorganisms were responsible for the biotransformation of salicyl-glutamic acid . Also, in vitro incubation of salicyl-glutamic acid with gut contents showed that the primary location of hydrolysis was the hind gut.

Lipids, 1992 Aug, 27(8), 629 - 31
Incorporation of n-3 fatty acids of fish oil into tissue and serum lipids of ruminants; Ashes JR et al.; This study examines the biohydrogenation and utilization of the C20 and C22 polyenoic fatty acids in ruminants . Eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic (22:6n-3) acids were not biohydrogenated to any significant extent by rumen microorganisms, whereas C18 polyenoic fatty acids were extensively hydrogenated . The feeding of protected fish oil increased the proportion of 20:5 from 1% to 13-18% and 22:6 from 2% to 7-9% in serum lipids and there were reductions in the proportion of stearic (18:0) and linoleic (18:2) acids . The proportion of 20:5 in muscle phospholipids (PL) increased from 1.5% to 14.7% and 22:6 from 1.0% to 4.2%; these acids were not incorporated into muscle or adipose tissue triacylglycerols (TAG) . In the total PL of muscle, the incorporated 20:5 and 22:6 substituted primarily for oleic (18:1) and/or linoleic (18:2) acid, and there was no consistent change in the porportion of arachidonic (20:4) acid.

J Biochem (Tokyo), 1992 Aug, 112(2), 253 - 7
Purification and characterization of a novel dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase from a Streptomyces species; Miyoshi S et al.; An extracellular protease derived from the culture broth of a microorganism, a Streptomyces species, produced Boc-Pro-Pro and diproline from Boc-Pro-Pro-Pro-Pro . The enzyme was purified 726-fold, with a yield of 2.6%, by ammonium sulfate fractionation, ion-exchange chromatography, and gel filtration chromatography . The molecular weight of the enzyme was determined to be 65,000 by gel filtration and 70,000 by SDS-PAGE . The enzyme released a C-terminal dipeptide from peptide substrates having a C-terminal proline and a penultimate proline or alanine residue, but did not hydrolyze angiotensin I or bradykinin . When the enzyme hydrolyzed Leu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Pro-Pro, it produced Leu-Pro-Pro-Pro and Pro-Pro before producing Leu-Pro . The enzyme thus seems to be a kind of dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase, its substrate specificity being very different from that of the well known dipeptidyl carboxypeptidases {EC 3.4.15.1} such as the angiotensin-converting enzyme.

Biol Reprod, 1992 Aug, 47(2), 227 - 32
Histological assessment of the mouse uterus from birth to puberty for the appearance of LGL-1+ natural killer cells; Kiso Y et al.; The appearance of natural killer (NK) cells during growth and maturation of the murine uterus was studied by immunohistochemistry, using the monoclonal antibody LGL-1 . To determine the contributions of microorganisms in the environment and of T-cell and B-cell regulation to the establishment of a uterine NK cell population, uteri from barrier-raised, flora-defined, random-bred CD-1 mice and from genetically T-cell- and B-cell-deficient SCID mice (genotype C.B-17 scid/scid) were compared to uteri from conventionally raised CD-1 mice . Uteri were studied from birth to the ages at which these mice are normally paired for mating (7-10 wk) . Absolute uterine weight and the ratio of uterine weight to body weight increased remarkably between 3 and 5 wk of age in each group of animals . Growth continued beyond Week 5 of age, and in all groups the ratio of uterine weight to body weight was similar at puberty, although both the flora-defined CD-1 and SCID mice were significantly smaller than conventionally reared mice . LGL-1+ cells could not be detected in any of the neonatal uteri examined . LGL-1+ cells were first detected at 2 wk of age in uteri from the conventional and flora-defined CD-1 mice . A significant increase in the number of LGL-1+ NK cells occurred in the CD-1 uterus between Weeks 2 and 3 of age and again between Weeks 5 and 7 of age . Environmental conditions did not alter the frequency of LGL-1+ cells between the two groups of CD-1 mice at any age studied.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 1992 Aug, 37(5), 626 - 30
Elimination of by-products in 11 beta-hydroxylation of substance S using Curvularia lunata clones regenerated from NTG-treated protoplasts; Wilmanska D et al.; Stable mutants showing improved 11-hydroxylation of Substance S were isolated, following treatment with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG) and regeneration of uninucleate protoplasts of the appropriate fungal strains . This procedure was especially suitable for obtaining more directed 11 beta-hydroxylation of Substance S with Curvularia lunata IM 2901 . Apart from producing cortisol (11 beta-hydroxy-S), the parent strain formed several by-products that significantly lowered the yield of the desired 11 beta-hydroxyderivative . Isolated mutants of this microorganism carried out directed 11 beta-hydroxylation with only a small amount of one of the by-products, which resulted in a much higher yield of cortisol.

Bioessays, 1992 Aug, 14(8), 527 - 33
Role of the interleukin 5 receptor system in hematopoiesis: molecular basis for overlapping function of cytokines; Tominaga A et al.; Interleukin 5 (IL-5) is a kind of peptide hormone released from T lymphocytes of mammals infected with microorganisms or parasites . It is an acidic glycoprotein with a molecular mass of 40 to 50 kDa that consists of a homodimer of polypeptides . It controls hematopoiesis so that it increases natural immunity . In the mouse, IL-5 acts on committed B cells to induce differentiation into Ig-producing cells and on common progenitors for CD5+ pre-B cells and CD5+ macrophages to support their survival . The antibodies secreted by CD5+ B cells seem to be responsible for the primary protection against the infection with microorganisms or parasites . It also supports the growth and/or differentiation of eosinophil precursor and mature eosinophils, which can be effective for the removal of parasites in combination with the antibodies against them . Murine IL-5 receptor (IL-5R) consists of two different polypeptide chains; alpha chain and beta chain . The IL-5R alpha chain is 60 kDa protein that binds IL-5 with low affinity . The IL-5R beta chain is a 130 kDa protein which does not bind IL-5 by itself but is necessary to form the high affinity IL-5R . The beta chain was identified by using one of the anti-IL-5R mAb and anti-IL-3R mAb as the IL-3R homologue . This beta chain is also used as the beta chain of GM-CSF receptor . This fact suggests that there is a common signaling mechanism among these cytokines and efficient cooperation among them . At the same time, these findings may explain the overlapping role of these cytokines in the development of granulocytes.

Infect Immun, 1992 Aug, 60(8), 3186 - 92
Cloning, expression, and sequencing of a protease gene (tpr) from Porphyromonas gingivalis W83 in Escherichia coli; Bourgeau G et al.; Porphyromonas gingivalis is a highly proteolytic organism which metabolizes small peptides and amino acids . Indirect evidence suggests that the proteases produced by this microorganism constitute an important virulence factor . In this study, a gene bank of P . gingivalis W83 DNA was constructed by cloning 0.5- to 20-kb HindIII-cut DNA fragments into Escherichia coli DH5 alpha by using the plasmid vector pUC19 . A clone expressing a protease from P . gingivalis was isolated on LB agar containing 1% skim milk . The clone contained a 3.0-kb insert that coded for a protease with an apparent molecular mass of 64 kDa . Sequencing part of the 3.0-kb DNA fragment revealed an open reading frame encoding a protein of 482 amino acids with a molecular mass of 62.5 kDa . Putative promoter and termination elements flanking the open reading frame were identified . The activity expressed in E . coli was extensively characterized by using various substrates and protease inhibitors, and the results suggest that it is possibly a thiol protease.

Hindustan Antibiot Bull, 1992 Aug-Nov, 34(3-4), 100 - 3
Effect of different fractions of methanolic extract of the seeds of Dolichos biflorus on some microorganisms; Basak B et al.; Extracts from different parts of plants (1) including seeds are reported to act upon pathogenic microorganisms . A few active principles were isolated . The present preliminary report shows significant role of the seeds of Dolichos biflorus (Linn), locally known as Kulthi, against some test organisms using different fractions of defatted seed extracts with methanol.

What Is Nitrification?, What Is MIC?, What Is Anthrax?, What Is Pcr?, What Is Genome?, i, Microbes, c, Bacteriology, r, Microorganisms, a, Bacteria, a, Bacterium, o, Bacillus, c, Bacillus subtilis, s, Amikacin, e, Escherichia coli, e, Clostridia, a, Enterobacters, s, Anaerobic bacteria, a, Enterobacteriacea, a, Antibiotics, a, Citrobacter, a, Escherichia coli, s, Antibiotics, o, Cell cultures, a, Multidrug resistant, s, Escherichia coli, s, Bacteria, s, Streptococci, e, Erythromycin, r, Salmonella, c, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, e, Bacteriological

Scientific Publications - Work Done by Microbiology Reader Bioscreen C
Agricultural Microbiology Anaerobic Microbiology Antimicrobial Susceptibility Artificial Atmosphere Bioassay of Antibiotics Biofilm Microbiology Bioreactor Technology Biotechnology Cell Biology Clinical Microbiology Environmental Microbiology Experiments with Yeast	Fermentation Food Microbiology Functional Genomics Gene Technology Growth Media Development Growth Rate and Lag Time Industrial Microbiology Medical/Pharmaceutical Field Microbiological Assay Microbiological Research Microbiology of Cosmetics go to a specific theme...	Military Microbiology Molecular Microbiology Mutagenicity and Genotoxicity Oral Microbiology Patents Postantibiotic Studies Soil Microbiology Spore Microbiology Veterinary Microbiology Waste/Wastewater Treatment Water Microbiology Wine Microbiology

� 2005 Transgalactic Ltd (manufacturer of Bioscreen C software) | Privacy Statement | P.O. Box 1393, 00101 Helsinki, Finland, phone: +358 9 85172920, fax: +358 9 8749481, e-mail: microbiology@bionewsonline.com

Last modified: May 25, 2005