Microbial

J Microbiol Immunol Infect, 2002 Mar, 35(1), 29 - 36
Clinical manifestations of strongyloidiasis in southern Taiwan; Tsai HC et al.; The diagnosis and management of strongyloidiasis present a continuous challenge in developing countries including Taiwan . In this study, the clinical characteristics and microbiological findings of 27 patients with Strongyloides stercoralis infection were retrospectively analyzed . Intestinal infection was identified in 17 patients and hyperinfection syndrome or disseminated disease in 10 (including 2 autopsy cases) . The most frequent clinical findings were diarrhea (74%), fever (70%), abdominal pain (59%), cough (37%), dyspnea (33%), and constipation (26%) . The common initial laboratory abnormalities were leukocytosis (81%), anemia (67%), liver function impairment (52%), and eosinophilia (44%) . Most of the 27 patients had comorbid conditions, including malnutrition in 20 (74%), corticosteroid dependence in 15 (55%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 9 (33%), chronic liver disease or cirrhosis in 8 (30%), and peptic ulcer disease in 7 (26%) . There was no difference in the time interval from symptom onset to diagnosis between the intestinal infection group and the hyperinfection/disseminated group (22 +/- 15 vs 17 +/- 9 days) . Larvae of S . stercoralis were identified in the stool of 24 patients, in the sputum smear of 5, in the gastric biopsy of one, and on histology of autopsy specimens in 2 . Twenty-six patients received antiparasitic drug therapy of variable duration (mebendazole in 24, albendazole in 2, combined therapy in one) . The overall cure rate was 52% (14/27) . Relapse occurred in 4 patients . The overall mortality was 26% (7/27) . There was a high mortality (up to 50%) in the hyperinfection/disseminated disease group . In conclusion, diagnosis of strongyloidiasis is often delayed and overlooked because of nonspecific symptoms . Physicians in endemic regions should include strongyloidiasis in the differential diagnosis when patients present with gastrointestinal and/or pulmonary symptoms with peripheral eosinophilia.

Chest, 2002 Apr, 121(4), 1177 - 82
Assessment of lymph node tuberculosis in northern Germany: a clinical review; Geldmacher H et al.; AIM OF STUDY: To evaluate patient profiles, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies in patients with lymph node tuberculosis . METHODS: Demographic data, diagnostic findings, and therapies were retrospectively analyzed in 60 patients with lymph node tuberculosis who were hospitalized between 1992 and 1999 . RESULTS: Thirty percent (n = 18) of patients were natives, and 70% were immigrants (n = 42) . The cervical lymph nodes were most frequently involved (63.3%), followed by the mediastinal lymph nodes (26.7%) and the axillary lymph nodes (8.3%) . All patients (except one patient who was HIV-positive) showed a positive response to tuberculin skin testing . Lymph node excision and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) were similarly effective in obtaining sufficient material for histologic and microbiological analysis . Mycobacterium tuberculosis was identified in 43.3% of patients by microbiological testing, and culture methods showed the highest sensitivity . Despite standard treatment, the initial enlargement of the lymph nodes occurred in 20% of patients and local complications occurred in 10% . CONCLUSION: Lymph node tuberculosis is still an important issue in developed countries and has to be considered in differential diagnosis . The best approach appears to be a combination of skin testing and FNA . Negative results in the identification of M tuberculosis do not exclude the diagnosis of lymph node tuberculosis.

Life Sci Space Res, 1971, 9, 69 - 74
The ecology of micro-organisms in a closed environment; Fox L; Experimental data are presented which have a bearing on the susceptibility of astronauts to infectious diseases . These experiments include the observation of growth by two bacteria in Biosatellite 2, in which higher mean densities were attained than in earth-based controls . In addition, weightlessness combined with the special environment of a space vessel may affect the physiology of the astronauts . Earth-based studies in closed chambers were carried out under a variety of conditions with regard to pressure and oxygen content . One notable result was the transfer of micro-organisms from subject to subject . Comparative experiments were carried out in Antarctica and it was shown that the tests in closed chambers differed markedly from the Antarctica experience . The objectives and procedures of microbiological tests of the Gemini and Apollo programs are outlined.

Lett Appl Microbiol, 2002, 34(4), 283 - 6
Does calculation of the 95th percentile of microbiological results offer any advantage over percentage exceedence in determining compliance with bathing water quality standards?
Hunter PR.
AIMIS: Draft WHO guidance is likely to suggest a calculated 95th percentile method, rather than percentage exceedence, in assessing compliance of bathing waters with microbiological standards . This study set out to determine whether this was an appropriate development . METHODS AND RESULTS: A series of Monte Carlo studies compared five non-parametric methods for calculating the 95th percentile with the parametric method and compares results with percentage exceedence . It is shown that the Hazen method gives the closest proximity to the parametric method for calculating 95th percentile values . However, the difference between 95th percentile results and percentage exceedence, as currently used, is trivial compared to uncertainty due to sample variation . CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that a calculated 95th percentile for beach classification offers little advantage compared to percentage exceedence, other than offering a false sense of certainty . Furthermore, the additional calculation needed in determining 95th percentile values will demand electronic calculation, increase the chance of calculation errors and make the results less understandable to beach managers and the general public . SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study should encourage the European Commission to keep percent compliance rather than calculation of 95th percentiles in any new bathing water directive.

Lett Appl Microbiol, 2002, 34(4), 258 - 62
Arsenic (III) oxidizing Microbacterium lacticum and its use in the treatment of arsenic contaminated groundwater; Mokashi SA et al.; AIMS: To develop a microbially-assisted process for the removal of arsenic from contaminated groundwater . METHODS AND RESULTS: A culture of Microbacterium lacticum oxidizing up to 50 mmol l(-1) arsenic (III) was isolated from municipal sewage by an enrichment culture technique . Using culture immobilized on brick pieces and packed in a glass column, complete oxidation of As (III) from groundwater could be quickly achieved at neutral pH and ambient temperature with methanol as substrate . The oxidized As species were removed from groundwater using three different methods: zero valent iron, activated charcoal and ferric chloride . CONCLUSIONS: The oxidation of groundwater As (III) by a M . lacticum-immobilized column, followed by its removal using activated carbon, could be an efficient method for the treatment of As (III)-contaminated groundwater . SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The study will be useful in developing a combined microbiological-chemical process for treating arsenic-contaminated groundwater.

Anaesth Intensive Care, 2002 Feb, 30(1), 11 - 20
Non-bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage in the microbiological diagnosis of pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients; Arora SC et al.; A prospective study comparing standardized non-bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (sNB-BAL) and non-specific endotracheal aspirate (NsETA) in the microbiological diagnosis of pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients is described . One hundred episodes in 82 mechanically ventilated patients with or without radiological and clinical diagnostic criteria of pneumonia were studied . NsETA and sNB-BAL was performed on the day of study . Fifty-one patients had pneumonia (21 ventilator-associated, 12 hospital-acquired, 18 community-acquired) and 49 had no pneumonia as defined by widely accepted clinico-radiological criteria . The sNB-BAL was found to be significantly more specific (0 . 73) compared to NsETA (0.35) for the microbiological diagnosis of pneumonia . Colonization rates with NsETA were significantly higher compared to sNB-BAL (P value <0.0001) . No patient had complications attributable to the sNB-BAL procedure . We conlude that sNB-BAL is a safe, effective, sensitive, specific and inexpensive procedure for the serial evaluation of pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients.

Vet Rec, 2002 Mar 16, 150(11), 340 - 3
Efficacy of avian pneumovirus vaccines against an avian pneumovirus/Escherichia coli O2:K1 dual infection in turkeys; Van de Zande S et al.; The clinical, pathological and microbiological outcome of a challenge with avian pneumovirus (APV) and Escherichia coli O2:K1 was evaluated in turkeys vaccinated with an attenuated APV vaccine and with or without maternally derived antibodies . Two groups of two-week-old poults, one with and one without maternally derived antibodies against APV, were vaccinated oculonasally with attenuated APV subtype A or B . A third group remained unvaccinated . Eleven weeks later, the turkeys were inoculated intranasally with either virulent APV subtype A, or E . coli O2:K1, or with both agents three days apart . After the dual infection, birds vaccinated with attenuated subtype A or B, and with or without maternally derived antibodies, had lower mean clinical scores than the unvaccinated birds . In the vaccinated birds, virus replication was significantly reduced and no bacteria were isolated, except from the birds vaccinated with attenuated subtype B . In the unvaccinated turkeys, large numbers of E . coli O2:K1 were isolated from the turbinates of the dually infected birds between one-and-a-half and seven days after they were inoculated.

Int J Tuberc Lung Dis, 2002 Apr, 6(4), 295 - 300
Tuberculosis in Spain: epidemiological pattern and clinical practice; Diez M et al.; SETTING: Thirteen Autonomous Regions in Spain . OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of all forms of tuberculosis (TB) and investigate clinical practice in TB . DESIGN: Cases of all forms of tuberculosis diagnosed in the study setting from May 1986 to April 1997 were identified though active search of different databases . Clinical and epidemiological information on cases was collected from clinical records or by interview with physicians . RESULTS: The overall incidence of all forms of tuberculosis was 38.5/100,000 and the incidence of smear-positive disease was 13.83/100,000 . Most cases (97.1%) were Spanish nationals, with rates higher in men than in women (52.7/100,000 vs . 24.87/100,000) and in groups aged 25-34 and 75 years and over (61.35/100,000 and 59.35/100,000, respectively) . Disseminated forms were frequent (6.6%), and the most common risk factor was human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (17.7% of cases) . Hospitalisation was common (71.6%) . Microbiological confirmation of diagnosis was sought for 87.7% of the cases (91.8% of pulmonary vs . 75.5% of extra-pulmonary cases), and 65.2% were culture-positive (73.8% of pulmonary vs . 39.7% of extra-pulmonary cases) . HIV-infected patients were treated in almost equal proportions with three or four drugs (49.7% and 48.2%, respectively), while HIV-negative cases or those whose HIV status was unknown were usually treated with three drugs . CONCLUSION: The epidemiological pattern of TB in Spain is different to other industrialised countries in the age distribution of cases and the proportions of foreigners and cases with HIV infection . Microbiological confirmation of diagnosis is more common in pulmonary than in extra-pulmonary disease, and treatment with four drugs more frequent in HIV-positive cases.

Eur J Ophthalmol, 2002 Jan-Feb, 12(1), 34 - 9
Factors influencing treatment results in pseudophakic endophthalmitis; Koc F et al.; PURPOSE: To evaluate risk factors, therapeutic approaches and factors associated with the poor visual outcome in pseudophakic endophthalmitis . METHODS: Data related to 28 cases with the diagnosis of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery and IOL implantation were gathered retrospectively . RESULTS: Preceding surgery was extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) in 18, phacoemulsification in 8 and scleral fixated intraocular lens implantation in two cases . Posterior capsule rupture and diabetes mellitus were considered to contribute to the development of endophthalmitis because of their high incidences (50% and 25%) in the study group . Microbiological studies from aqueous and vitreous humour were done in 85% of the cases and 58% were positive . S . Epidermidis was the most common organism, accounting for 50% of the isolates . All cases were given topical and systemic antibiotics . Inflammation was controlled by addition of subconjunctival antibiotics to this regimen in two, intravitreal antibiotic injection in 14, pars plana vitrectomy, total capsular and lens extraction and intravitreal antibiotic injection in three, lens exchange, intracapsular and intravitreal antibiotic injection in three cases . Six (21%) cases eventually needed evisceration . Visual acuity of 20/40 or better was achieved in 25%, and 20/100 or better in 64% . CONCLUSIONS: Treatment delay (p=0.039), capsular rupture complicating cataract surgery, especially with extracapsular cataract extraction (p=0.015), and initial visual acuity worse than hand motion (p=0.003) were strong predictors of poor visual outcome . The risk of endophthalmitis was not different forplanned ECCCE (0.26%) andphacoemulsification (0.27%) but the prognosis was better with the latter.

J Chemother, 2001 Nov, 13 Spec No 1(1), 84 - 8
Microbial epidemiology patterns of surgical infection pathogens; Debbia EA et al.; Resistance, as assessed in vitro, has a number of serious consequences in clinical situations . Treatment failures are common when an inappropriate drug has been prescribed and this, in turn, may lead to hospitalization of patients who normally would have been treated on an outpatient basis, as well as to longer hospital stay for inpatients and to the use of alternative drugs, which may be more expensive and more toxic . These factors all contribute to increased health care costs, morbidity and mortality . Microbiological procedures may identify the causative pathogen and provide the appropriate susceptibility pattern to the physician, thus reducing the chances of therapeutic failures . However, for a number of reasons including cost--even in hospitals--not to mention general practice, infections are seldom diagnosed on an etiological basis . From what has been stated, the knowledge of bacterial epidemiology and resistance represents basic support for correct therapeutic decision-making.

Dig Dis, 2001, 19(4), 288 - 91
Parasitic infections and hepatic neoplasia; Abdel-Rahim AY; Parasitic infections are highly prevalent in the general population . Detecting a relationship between a parasitic infection and cancer is not an easy task; it requires epidemiological, microbiological and molecular biology techniques . In this article the important mechanisms by which parasitic infections may induce carcinogenesis are reviewed . The association between Schistosoma japonicum, Schistosoma mansoni and hepatocellular carcinoma is covered . The cause-and-effect relationship between the liver flukes Opisthorchis viverrini, Opisthorchis felineus, Clonorchis sinensis, and cholangiocarcinoma is also reviewed . The evidence supporting the role of schistosomes and liver flukes in carcinogenesis is discussed . Finally the importance of the primary prevention of these parasitic infections with oncogenic potentials is emphasized .

Nutrition, 2002 Apr, 18(4), 334 - 7
Oral glutamine does not prevent bacterial translocation in rats subjected to intestinal obstruction and Escherichia coli challenge but reduces systemic bacteria spread; Salvalaggio PR et al.; OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether oral glutamine prevents bacterial translocation.Methods: Male Wistar rats were fed with isocaloric and isoproteic standard rat chow and randomly assigned to receive glutamine (GLN) or glycine administered through an orogastric tube at 1.5 g.kg(-1).d(-1) for 7 d . On day 8 of the study, the animals were anesthetized and intestinal obstruction was produced by ligature of the terminal ileum . A suspension containing 10(9) colony-forming units per milliliter of Escherichia coli ATCC 25992 was injected into the lumen of the ileum . Twenty-four hours later, blood was withdrawn, and mesenteric lymph nodes and fragments of spleen, liver, and lung were sent for microbiological analysis . Cultures were done on blood agar and MacConkey agar . Student's t test and analysis of variance between two proportions were used . P < 0.05 was considered significant . RESULTS: Rats in both groups lost body weight during the experiment (not significant) . Mesenteric lymph node cultures were positive in both groups . The GLN group had a smaller percentage of E . coli in blood and organ cultures (65.45% versus 82.67% in the glycine group; P = 0.027) . Positive cultures of blood, spleen, liver and lung also were higher on glycine group, although not significantly . CONCLUSIONS: Oral GLN does not prevent bacterial translocation in rats after intestinal obstruction and E . coli challenge . No specific organ was protected by GLN . Nevertheless, its use was associated with a reduced number of positive E . coli cultures in blood and remote organs, and thus diminished bacteria spread . This association suggests a role for GLN in gut barrier protection, possibly by immune system enhancement.

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 2002 Mar, 42(2), 123 - 49
Application of hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP) to organic chemical contaminants in food; Ropkins K et al.; Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) is a systematic approach to the identification, assessment, and control of hazards that was developed as an effective alternative to conventional end-point analysis to control food safety . It has been described as the most effective means of controlling foodborne diseases, and its application to the control of microbiological hazards has been accepted internationally . By contrast, relatively little has been reported relating to the potential use of HACCP, or HACCP-like procedures, to control chemical contaminants of food . This article presents an overview of the implementation of HACCP and discusses its application to the control of organic chemical contaminants in the food chain . Although this is likely to result in many of the advantages previously identified for microbiological HACCP, that is, more effective, efficient, and economical hazard management, a number of areas are identified that require further research and development . These include: (1) a need to refine the methods of chemical contaminant identification and risk assessment employed, (2) develop more cost-effective monitoring and control methods for routine chemical contaminant surveillance of food, and (3) improve the effectiveness of process optimization for the control of chemical contaminants in food.

Int J Food Microbiol, 2002 Mar, 73(2-3), 297 - 304
Modelling bacterial growth in quantitative microbiological risk assessment: is it possible?
Nauta MJ.
Quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA), predictive modelling and HACCP may be used as tools to increase food safety and can be integrated fruitfully for many purposes . However, when QMRA is applied for public health issues like the evaluation of the status of public health, existing predictive models may not be suited to model bacterial growth . In this context, precise quantification of risks is more important than in the context of food manufacturing alone . In this paper, the modular process risk model (MPRM) is briefly introduced as a QMRA modelling framework . This framework can be used to model the transmission of pathogens through any food pathway, by assigning one of six basic processes (modules) to each of the processing steps . Bacterial growth is one of these basic processes . For QMRA, models of bacterial growth need to be expressed in terms of probability, for example to predict the probability that a critical concentration is reached within a certain amount of time . In contrast, available predictive models are developed and validated to produce point estimates of population sizes and therefore do not fit with this requirement . Recent experience from a European risk assessment project is discussed to illustrate some of the problems that may arise when predictive growth models are used in QMRA . It is suggested that a new type of predictive models needs to be developed that incorporates modelling of variability and uncertainty in growth.

Int J Food Microbiol, 2002 Mar, 73(2-3), 275 - 89
Modelling microbial growth in structured foods: towards a unified approach; Wilson PD et al.; Historically, the ability of foods to support the growth of spoilage organisms and food-borne pathogens has been assessed by inoculating a food with an organism of interest, and following its growth over a period of time . Information gained from such challenge tests, together with knowledge of the organoleptic stability of the product, can then be used to determine an appropriate shelf-life for the food . Whilst this approach may be seen as the "gold-standard" of microbiological assessment of food, it is both time-consuming and costly . A major advance to complement challenge testing was the development of predictive modelling, when it was demonstrated that the growth of a wide range of organisms of interest could be quite accurately modelled as a function of only a few environmental parameters-primarily temperature, pH and water activity (a(w)), with perhaps other factors such as nitrite, organic acids and oxygen . This approach to predictive microbiology is embodied in software tools such as the UK Food MicroModel and the Pathogen Modeling Program from the USA . Whilst modelling of this form yields accurate predictions of the growth of organisms in the majority of foods, there are occasions when there are discrepancies between the model and the observed growth . These discrepancies are most often described as "fail-safe", i.e . the observed growth is slower than predicted by the model . This paper examines the role of food structure in the development of microbial populations and communities, and describes the methodologies we propose to begin to tackle some of these complex and interlinked issues.

Microbes Infect, 2002 Apr, 4(4), 425 - 32
Biosensor technologies for detecting microbiological foodborne hazards; Hall RH; The convergence of molecular biology and miniaturized instrumentation has accelerated development of biosensors with the specifications necessary to support pathogen reduction and quality programs in the food supply . Advances in optoelectronics, thin layer deposition, and microfabrication have provided many options for achieving microbiological detection goals . Some promising technologies are reviewed.

Radiologe, 2002 Jan, 42(1), 42 - 5
{Pulmonary aspergillosis as initial manifestation of septic granulomatosis (chronic granulomatous disease, CGD) in a premature monozygotic female twin and FDG-PET diagnosis of spread of the disease}; Theobald I et al.; PURPOSE: To present the unusual case of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) manifestating as pulmonal aspergillosis in female enzygotic twins during the neonatal period . To demonstrate and to discuss the complex diagnosis and the diagnostic value of FDG-PET in monitoring the spread and activity of the disease . PATIENTS: Plain chest x-ray and CT of the lung showed multiple, mostly round lesions in one of the former preterm twins at the age of 8 weeks . The girl with known ASD II was then suffering from dyspnoea and recurrent pulmonary infections . Because of the imaging findings invasive pulmonary aspergillosis due to an underlying immunodeficiency was suspected . RESULTS: Aspergillosis was confirmed histologically and microbiologically by specimens taken from an open lung biopsy . Because of coexisting granulocytic dysfunction the diagnosis of CGD was made . This diagnosis was equally confirmed by noninvasive methods in the asymptomatic sister . FDG-PET did not show any evidence of extra-pulmonary spread of disease . CONCLUSION: CGD can present as isolated pulmonal aspergillosis even in the neonatal period when an immunodeficiency is discussed . In enzygotic twins screening of the asymptomatic twin is mandatory . FDG-PET is a useful tool in screening for spread of the disease and in evaluating disease activity.

Int J Food Microbiol, 2002 Mar 25, 74(1-2), 119 - 30
Prevalence of enterovirus and hepatitis A virus in bivalve molluscs from Galicia (NW Spain): inadequacy of the EU standards of microbiological quality; Romalde JL et al.; A study of the presence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and enterovirus (EV) in shellfish from the northwestern coast of Spain, one of the most important mussel producers in the world, was carried out employing dot-blot hybridization and RT-PCR techniques . In addition, bacterial contamination of the samples was evaluated by Escherichia coli (EC) counts, according to the European Union (EU) standards of shellfish microbiological quality . Shellfish samples included raft-cultured and wild mussels, as well as wild clams and cockles . Bacterial counts showed that the majority of samples (40.8%) could be classified as moderately polluted following the EU standards, and therefore should undergo depuration processes . However, differences in bacterial contamination were observed between cultured mussel and wild shellfish . Thus, percentage of clean samples (<230 EC/100 g shellfish) was clearly higher in cultured mussels (49.1%) than in wild mussels (22.8%) or clams and cockles (10.7%) . HAV was detected in 27.4% and EV in 43.9% of the samples that were analyzed . Simultaneous detection of both viral types occurred in 14.1% of the samples . Statistical tests of dependence (chi-square test) showed no relationship either between viral and bacterial contamination, or between the presence of HAV and EV . Comparative analysis of hybridization and RT-PCR for viral detection yielded different results depending on the virus type that was studied, RT-PCR being effective for HAV but not for EV detection . The obtained results reinforce once again the inadequacy of bacteriological standards to assess viral contamination and suggest that although virological analysis of shellfish is possible by molecular techniques, interlaboratory standardization and validation studies are needed before the routine use in monitoring shellfish microbiological safety.

Ned Tijdschr Tandheelkd, 1997 Sep, 104(9), 342 - 5; discussion 346-7
{Quality of the sterilization process in the dental practice}; de Graaff J et al.; A survey was performed among 249 Dutch dentists on the use and functioning of sterilizers in their practice and on the quality control of the sterilization process . 99% of the dentists use a sterilizer . Only 1% uses only a thermodesinfector . 7.3% of the sterilizers tested did not function properly, based on a microbiological test . 76% of the sterilizers are not serviced on a regular basis . These sterilizers show more often failures in the sterilization process . It is concluded that although over 92% of the sterilizers in Dutch dental offices do function well, improvement on the quality control of the sterilization process is feasible and necessary . Besides an annual service, a regular control of the sterilization process itself, e.g . by using biological indicators, in combination with physical and/or chemical monitoring, is one of het methods to achieve this.

Lab Anim (NY), 2001 Nov, 30(10), 34 - 42
Diagnostic molecular microbiology in laboratory animal health monitoring and surveillance programs; Feldman SH et al.; Molecular microbiology provides a rapid, reliable, sensitive, and specific means of detecting pathogens in laboratory animals . The author discusses the interpretation of the results of molecular microbiological testing done in conjunction with serologic, bacteriologic, and histopathologic tests, focusing on molecular microbiology as it fits in an overall program of animal health diagnostic profiling.

Electrophoresis, 2002 Mar, 23(6), 847 - 57
Evaluation of molecule-microbe interactions with capillary electrophoresis: procedures, utility and restrictions; Berthod A et al.; Understanding the interactions between molecules and living organisms is of paramount importance for the evaluation of pharmaceutical activity, chemical toxicity and all manner of microbiological studies . The capability of capillary electrophoresis (CE) in the evaluation of molecule-microbe interactions is examined in the present paper . The fundamental chemical concept of the binding or association constant for molecular systems measured in free solution is discussed for biological systems where microorganisms uptake or associate with molecules from their environment . The heterogeneity of the living organisms must be understood and accounted for including differences related to semantics such as concentration units and the nature of the associations between two entities and large differences in the size and number of microorganisms as compared to molecules . Finally, the added complexity and even inhomogeneity of a cell compared to most molecular systems must be considered and possibly controlled . The binding of specific molecules to viruses is discussed . CE can be utilized to quickly determine if a molecule binds very strongly or not at all to a cell (i.e., a binary yes/no answer) . This could be useful for initial high-throughput screening purposes when using capillary arrays, for example . CE can be useful for determining unusual (large) molecule/microbe stoichiometries . Finally, CE can sometimes be used to determine the size of binding constants (K(RL)) within certain limits provided experimental conditions can be formulated that minimize problems of biological heterogeneity.

Hematol J, 2000, 1(2), 111 - 6
Surveillance of Aspergillus galactomannan antigenemia for invasive aspergillosis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in neutropenic patients treated for hematological malignancies; Ulusakarya A et al.; INTRODUCTION: The incidence of invasive fungal infections is increasing in patients with hematological malignancies . Invasive aspergillosis is one of the most frequently encountered infections with a high mortality rate . New diagnostic tests for invasive aspergillosis such as the detection of Aspergillus galactomannan antigen by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) have recently been described . The objective of this study was to evaluate this assay as a potential surrogate for invasive procedures used to diagnose IA . MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the performance of a commercially available ELISA test which we routinely use for the surveillance of galactomannan antigenemia in patients with hematological malignancies experiencing chemotherapy-induced prolonged neutropenia (ANC < 500/mm(3) for more than 7 days) . Serum samples were collected on a weekly basis . Test positivity was defined in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations . RESULTS: Over the 2 year study period, we analyzed 507 samples obtained during 193 neutropenic episodes from 135 patients . Ten, six and two patients were considered to have proven, probable or possible invasive aspergillosis, respectively, based on clinical, radiological or microbiological data . Forty-four positive (Index>1.5) and 26 'undetermined' (1.5 > Index > 1.0) test results were observed in 17 and ten patients respectively . All invasive aspergillosis cases had at least a positive or an undetermined test result . Only one positive and one undetermined result were found in two patients before the onset of clinical or radiological signs suggesting invasive aspergillosis . Sensitivity was 69% and specificity 96% if only positive results are considered; when 'undetermined' test results were combined with positive results, sensitivity attained 100% and specificity 92% suggesting that the cutoff value for positivity can be lowered from 1.5 to 1.0 . CONCLUSIONS: Although the ELISA test did not appear to play a role in the early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis and in the anticipation of antifungal therapy in our experience, it clarifies the diagnosis of infection in probable or possible invasive aspergillosis especially when the cutoff value is lowered and is useful for monitoring patients receiving specific therapy.

Aust Fam Physician, 2002 Feb, 31(2), 141 - 4
A child with earache . Are antibiotics the best treatment?
Del Mar C, Glasziou P.
BACKGROUND: Conventional management of acute otitis media, deduced from pathophysiology, embodies scant regard to analgesia, but concentrates on the microbiological cure by the use of antibiotics . OBJECTIVE: A commonly encountered case of uncomplicated acute otitis media in a child of three is presented . An evidence based approach to management is offered . RESULTS: The search for empirical evidence of patient relevant benefits and harms challenges the conventional approach . A Cochrane review of the literature on the use of antibiotics for acute otitis media shows that the benefits of antibiotic use (reduced pain in those children who go on to suffer pain beyond 24 hours) are offset by adverse events from the antibiotics themselves (gastrointestinal symptoms and rashes) . There is insufficient information to be sure about rare complications of not using antibiotics as well using them, but it seems that in either case, catastrophe is very rare . DISCUSSION: Thinking in terms of a balance of harms and benefits would result in a decreased proportion of children prescribed antibiotics for acute otitis media.

Indian J Public Health, 2001 Jan-Mar, 45(1), 8 - 13
Reproductive tract infection in women of reproductive age group in Sitapur/Shahjahanpur District of Uttar Pradesh; Nandan D et al.; CARE India with its UP Office has initiated demand generation and acceptability of services for reproductive health and birth spacing services at community level in two districts in the state of Uttar Pradesh . A total of 3,49,000 women of reproductive age will benefit from participation in program activities over the next five years . Out of total surveyed population of 3662, 798 women of reproductive age group were identified of whom 272 were found to be symptomatically positive in relation of STDs/RTIs giving the overall prevalence rate of 34% . Clinical as well as the microbiological examination was carried out on 193 of these 272 women in field conditions . Those found clinically and/or microbiologically positive were provided treatment and preventive advice . Total of 150 (77.7%) women were diagnosed on the basis of symptoms (syndromic approach) and 151 (78.2%) were diagnosed on the basis of clinical examinations . However, 137 (70.9%) were confirmed microbiologically positive . A large extent was found in the age group of 15 to 24 years . Confirmed cases were comparatively less among nulliparous women (63.6%) than multipara (73.2%) cases . 64.1% women were having watery discharge while 29.1% were having complaint of curd discharge . The discharge was offensive in only 1.9% cases while 4.9% reported mixed discharge . 54.4% women complaining of vaginal discharge were suffering from PID . The discharge were either bacterial alone (26.1%) or bacterial mixed with candidiasis (16.5%) or trichomoniasis (8.7%) . Compared to syndromic approach, an improvement in the sensitivity (81.8%) and predictive accuracy (74.1%) was noted when cases were detected with the help of clinical examination.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2002 Apr, 68(4), 2089 - 92
Propionate formation by Opitutus terrae in pure culture and in mixed culture with a hydrogenotrophic methanogen and implications for carbon fluxes in anoxic rice paddy soil; Chin KJ et al.; Propionate-forming bacteria seem to be abundant in anoxic rice paddy soil, but biogeochemical investigations show that propionate is not a correspondingly important intermediate in carbon flux in this system . Mixed cultures of Opitutus terrae strain PB90-1, a representative propionate-producing bacterium from rice paddy soil, and the hydrogenotrophic Methanospirillum hungatei strain SK maintained hydrogen partial pressures similar to those in the soil . The associated shift away from propionate formation observed in these cultures helps to reconcile the disparity between microbiological and biogeochemical studies.

Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol, 2001, 9(4), 233 - 7
A randomized controlled trial of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in a rabbit model of ascending infection in pregnancy; McDuffie RS Jr et al.; OBJECTIVE: To determine whether treatment with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1-ra) would affect amniotic fluid concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and prostaglandins or clinical or microbiological outcomes in a model of ascending bacterial infection in pregnancy . METHODS: Timed pregnant New Zealand white rabbits at 70% of gestation underwent endoscopic inoculation of the cervices with 10(6) - 10(7) cfu Escherichia coli . Animals were randomly assigned in a blinded manner to a 5-h intravenous infusion of human IL1-ra (10 mg/kg) or placebo beginning 1-2 h after inoculation . Blood was drawn from the does for assay of serum IL1-ra concentration before inoculation, at mid-infusion, after the infusion ended and at necropsy . At necropsy, temperature and cultures were taken, and aspirated amniotic fluid was pooled for assays of TNF-aalpha, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and ILI-ra . RESULTS: Serum IL1-ra concentrations rose to a mean of 2 microg/ml at mid-infusion and fell markedly after the infusion to concentrations barely detectable at necropsy . Between the two groups, there were no significant differences in the rates of fever or positive cultures or in amniotic fluid concentrations of PGE2 or TNF-alpha . One unique finding was the demonstration that administration of human IL1-ra to the does resulted in measurable concentrations of human IL1-ra in the amniotic fluid . CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with an intravenous infusion of human IL1-ra after cervical inoculation with E . coli did not affect clinical or microbiological outcomes or amniotic fluid concentrations of TNF-alpha or PGE2 . This experiment providesthefirstdemonstration of passage of human IL1-ra from the maternal bloodstream to the amniotic fluid.

Life Sci Space Res, 1966, 4, 121 - 30
The possibility of life in outer space; Imshenetsky AA et al.; Experiments were carried out dealing with the effect of extreme factors on microorganisms . Methods for microbiological analysis of meteorites were developed . The effect of temperature, from -20 degrees C to +15 degrees C, on trypsine activity was studied . It was shown that at about -3 degrees C a definite intramolecular reorganization occurs in the enzyme, leading to decreased activation energy . Previously reported resistance of microorganisms to high vacuum was confirmed . New species were tested at l0(-8)-10(-9) mm Hg . It was shown that very thin metal and metal oxide films, as well as films from other substances, may fully protect microorganisms from the hazardous effect of UV rays . By using an artificial climate, camera forms of microorganisms were selected which have the highest resistance to the whole complex of Martian climatic factors . Pigmented and spore-forming microorganisms resist UV up to a dose of 4.04 x 10(8) erg/cm2 . There are microorganisms on Earth which show some activity in soil at a relative humidity of 0.096-0.196% . Preliminary data permit one to assume the possibility of existence of Earth-like forms on Mars . The majority of meteorites are accessible to Earth microorganisms . While choosing a meteorite for microbiological analysis it is necessary to consider the soil and climatic factors of the country where the latter has been found.

Neurochirurgie, 2001 Dec, 47(6), 568 - 71
{Tuberculous abscess of the cerebellum . Apropos of a case}; Kaya JM et al.; A 22-year-old Asian man developed intracranial hypertension with a 38 degrees C fever . Two months earlier, he had undergone surgery and medical treatment for tuberculous otomastoiditis and pulmonary tuberculosis . The CT scan revealed multiple tuberculous abscesses of the cerebellum . Histological, microbiological and biological proof of diagnosis was obtained . We advocate surgical treatment of intracranial tuberculous abscesses associated with antituberculosis chemotherapy for 18 months . The earlier the treatment, the better the prognosis . This pathology must be kept in mind when treating patients from countries with a high endemic rate of tuberculosis and suffering from immunodeficiency syndrome.

Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol, 2002 Apr, 14(2), 195 - 202
Cervical screening for preterm delivery; Welsh A et al.; The ability of sonographic cervical length screening to detect those at risk of spontaneous preterm delivery has been extensively explored over the past few years . This applies both to high-risk and low-risk groups . Cervical length measurement appears to be superior to biochemical, microbiological or hormonal methods of screening . The screening technique has been standardized, but the cervical length for intervention and the timing and nature of intervention have not been defined . Cervical cerclage appears to be of use to prevent or arrest the progress of cervical dilation in high-risk cases, but the management of the screen-positive low-risk case has yet to be determined . Future management may be stratified according to actual cervical length, and prospective randomized trials of treatment for the short cervix are needed.

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd, 2002 Mar 9, 146(10), 464 - 9
{Pleural effusion and empyema as complications of pneumonia}; Bauwens AM et al.; Parapneumonic effusion is observed radiologically in approximately 40% of the patients with a bacterial pneumonia . In most cases the course of the disease is uncomplicated, and the parapneumonic effusion (PPE) resolves with antibiotic therapy . However, in 5-10% of the patients, PPE becomes more complicated (loculation) and the effusion eventually leads to the formation of an empyema if no drainage has been performed . In view of negative impact on morbidity and mortality, it is important to recognise and evaluate a PPE as soon as possible . Intrapleural pus is the only absolute indication for drainage . In all other cases, the risk of a complicated PPE has to be established in the early phase of the illness, based on radiological, biochemical and microbiological parameters of the effusion . Based on these findings one or more of the following therapeutic strategies can be chosen: tube installation with drainage, fibrinolytical therapy, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, thoracotomy with or without decortication, or open drainage . Although every PPE needs to be evaluated on an individual basis, an attempt has been made to formulate a strategy that can be used in clinical practice, based on recent literature and expert opinions.

J Can Dent Assoc, 2002 Mar, 68(3), 165 - 9
Periodontal disease and preterm delivery of low-birth-weight infants; McGaw T; Preterm delivery of low-birth-weight infants (PLBW) remains a significant public health issue and a leading cause of neonatal death and long-term neurodevelopmental disturbances and health problems . Recent epidemiological and microbiological immunological studies have suggested that periodontal disease may be an independent risk factor for PLBW . Postulated mechanisms include translocation of periodontal pathogens to the fetoplacental unit and action of a periodontal reservoir of lipopolysaccharides or inflammatory mediators . However, non-causal explanations for the correlation between periodontitis and PLBW can also be offered . Prospective studies, and eventually interventional studies, will be necessary before periodontitis can be considered as a causal factor for PLBW.

Mikrobiologiia, 2002 Jan-Feb, 71(1), 111 - 8
{Intensity of the microbiological processes of the methane cycle in different types of Baltic lakes}; Dziuban AN; The intensity of the microbiological processes of methane formation (MF) and methane oxidation (MO) was determined in the sediments and water of different types of Baltic lakes . The emission of methane from the lake sediments and methane distribution in the water column of the lakes were studied as functions of the lake productivity and hydrologic conditions . During summers, the intensity of MF in the lake sediments and waters varied from 0.001 to 106 ml CH4/(dm3 day) and from 0 to 3.2 ml CH4/(1 day), respectively, and the intensity of MO in the sediments and water varied from 0 to 11.2 ml CH4/(dm3 day) and from 0 to 1.1 ml CH4/(1 day), respectively . The total methane production (MP) in the lakes varied from 15 to 5000 ml CH4/(m2 day) . In anoxic waters, the MP comprised 9-18% of the total PM in the lakes . The consumption of organic carbon for methanogenesis varied from 0.03 to 9.7 g/(m2 day) . The role of the methane cycle in the degradation of organic matter in the lakes increased with their productivity.

Intensive Care Med, 2002 Feb, 28(2), 147 - 53 Epub 2002 Jan 12.
The combination of a heat and moisture exchanger and a Booster: a clinical and bacteriological evaluation over 96 h; Thomachot L et al.; OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the combination with a new device (Booster ) for active humidification improves the efficacy of a hydrophobic heat and moisture exchanger (HME) . DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective, interventional study in the ICU of a university hospital . PATIENTS: Consecutive patients requiring controlled mechanical ventilation INTERVENTIONS: Patients were ventilated with a HME, and a Booster was added for 96 h to the ventilatory circuit . MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: During the inspiration phase the following factors were measured: peak and mean airway pressures, maximal (beginning of inspiration), minimal (end of inspiration), and mean values of temperature of inspired gases, and relative and absolute humidity of inspired gases . Microbiological samples were obtained from the Booster, the ventilator side of the HME, and the tracheal secretions on days 1 and 4 . Minimal and mean temperatures were increased as soon as the Booster was used and this increase was maintained for 96 h until the Booster was withdrawn . Then the temperature returned to baseline values . Absolute humidity values followed the same course . There was also some indirect evidence of very little, if any, changes in the HME resistance . The ventilatory side of the HMEs remained sterile in each patient, and the Booster was colonized by the same bacteria as those in the tracheal secretions . CONCLUSIONS: Adding the Booster to a hydrophobic HME improved the heat and water preservation of ventilatory gas.

J Hum Nutr Diet, 2001 Oct, 14(5), 397 - 403
Application of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points system to enteral tube feeding in hospital; Oliveira MR et al.; An HACCP system was implemented for the quality assurance of preparation, storage and delivery of enteral feeds to patients in hospital . Routine methods of feed preparation, storage and delivery to patients were studied and a flow chart was initially made . After identifying hazards, an HACCP team was assembled, a flow chart was modified and critical control points were defined using a decision tree . Control measures for each step of the process and its monitoring and corrective measures to be applied were also defined . In addition, feed samples were analysed for microbiological quality and feed storage temperatures were also recorded, before and after the implementation of the HACCP system . When the control measures were applied and monitored, the hazard was reduced . Bacterial counts in feed were reduced from 105 cfu mL-1 to < 101 cfu mL-1 . The results show that contamination of enteral feed may be reduced or eliminated if a systematic approach such as HACCP is applied effectively.

Clin Microbiol Infect, 2002 Jan, 8(1), 14 - 25
Clinafloxacin monotherapy (CI-960) versus ceftazidime plus amikacin for empirical treatment of febrile neutropenic cancer patients; Glauser MP et al.; OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of clinafloxacin as a single agent for the empirical treatment of febrile episodes and bacterial infections in neutropenic cancer patients . METHODS: An open label, active-controlled, randomized, parallel treatment, multicenter study was conducted where clinafloxacin monotherapy was compared to the combination of ceftazidime plus amikacin (plus optional vancomycin or teicoplanin) . Four hundred and nineteen patients were randomized to receive either intravenous clinafloxacin 200 mg every 12 h or intravenous ceftazidime (2 g) iv every 8 h plus intravenous amikacin (15 mg/kg) per day in divided doses . All randomized patients were to receive a minimum of 48 h of primary study drug treatment, after which the primary treatment could be modified . Clinical and microbiological responses were evaluated at 7-21 days post-treatment after study treatment and long term (maximum 28 days), in intent-to-treat and modified intent-to-treat populations . RESULTS: Clinafloxacin and ceftazidime-amikacin were statistically equivalent for the 72-h defervescence rate, overall defervescence rate, time to defervescence, clinical success rate, by-pathogen microbiological eradication rate, and survival rate . Clinical cure was achieved in 84% (59/70) of patients who received clinafloxacin monotherapy . There were no significant differences between treatments in rates of adverse events or treatment discontinuation rates due to adverse events . CONCLUSIONS: Clinafloxacin appears to be an appropriate agent for empirical treatment in febrile neutropenic cancer patients.

Crit Care Med, 2002 Jan, 30(1), 232 - 7
Randomized clinical trial of extended use of a hydrophobic condenser humidifier: 1 vs . 7 days; Thomachot L et al.; OBJECTIVE: To determine whether extended use (7 days) would affect the efficiency on heat and water preservation of a hydrophobic condenser humidifier as well as the rate of ventilation-acquired pneumonia, compared with 1 day of use . DESIGN: Prospective, controlled, randomized, not blinded, clinical study . SETTING: Twelve-bed intensive care unit of a university hospital . PATIENTS: One hundred and fifty-five consecutive patients undergoing mechanical ventilation for > or = 48 hrs . INTERVENTIONS: After randomization, patients were allocated to one of the two following groups: a) heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs) changed every 24 hrs; b) HMEs changed only once a week . Devices in both groups could be changed at the discretion of the staff when signs of occlusion or increased resistance were identified . MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULT: Efficient airway humidification and heating were assessed by clinical variables (numbers of tracheal suctionings and instillations required, peak and mean airway pressures) . The frequency rates of bronchial colonization and ventilation-acquired pneumonia were evaluated by using clinical and microbiological criteria . Endotracheal tube occlusion, ventilatory support variables, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care, acquired multiorgan dysfunction, and mortality rates also were recorded . The two groups were similar at the time of randomization . Endotracheal tube occlusion never occurred . In the targeted population (patients ventilated for > or = 7 days), the frequency rate of ventilation-acquired pneumonia was 24% in the HME 1-day group and 17% in the HME 7-day group (p > .05, not significant) . Ventilation-acquired pneumonia rates per 1000 ventilatory support days were 16.4/1000 in the HME 1-day group and 12.4/1000 in the HME 7-day group (p > .05, not significant) . No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups for duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit length of stay, acquired organ system derangements, and mortality rate . There was indirect evidence of very little, if any, change in HME resistance . CONCLUSIONS: Changing the studied hydrophobic HME after 7 days did not affect efficiency, increase resistance, or altered bacterial colonization . The frequency rate of ventilation-acquired pneumonia was also unchanged . Use of HMEs for > 24 hrs and up to 7 days is safe.

Ann Intern Med, 2002 Mar 19, 136(6), 421 - 8
Clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of early Lyme disease in patients with microbiologically confirmed erythema migrans; Smith RP et al.; BACKGROUND: Lyme disease has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations . Diagnosis is usually based on the clinical and serologic picture rather than on microbiological confirmation . OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical presentation and treatment outcome of early Lyme disease in patients with microbiologically confirmed erythema migrans . DESIGN: Observational cohort study . SETTING: 31 university-based or clinician-practice sites in 10 endemic states . PARTICIPANTS: 10 936 participants enrolled in a phase III trial of Lyme disease vaccine; 118 participants had erythema migrans in which Borrelia burgdorferi was detected by culture or polymerase chain reaction . MEASUREMENTS: Clinical characteristics and treatment outcome were noted . Skin biopsies of erythema migrans were performed for culture and detection of B . burgdorferi by polymerase chain reaction; serologic responses were determined by Western blot . RESULTS: The 118 patients with microbiologically confirmed erythema migrans presented a median of 3 days after symptom onset . Early erythema migrans commonly had homogeneous or central redness rather than a peripheral erythema with partial central clearing . The most common associated symptoms were low-grade fever, headache, neck stiffness, arthralgia, myalgia, or fatigue . By convalescence, 65% of patients had positive IgM or IgG antibody responses to B . burgdorferi . Most patients responded promptly to antibiotic treatment . CONCLUSIONS: In major endemic areas in the United States, Lyme disease commonly presents as erythema migrans with homogeneous or central redness and nonspecific flu-like symptoms . Clinical outcome is excellent if antibiotic therapy is administered soon after symptom onset.

Int J Pharm, 2002 Feb 21, 233(1-2), 207 - 15
The effect of ionizing radiation on some derivatives of 1,4-dihydropyridine in the solid state; Marciniec B et al.; The effect of gamma and beta radiation in doses between 10 and 100 kGy on physico-chemical properties of four derivatives of 1,4-dihydropyridine (nifedipine, nitrendipine, felodipine and nimodipine) in the solid state was analysed . A number of qualitative and quantitative methods such as UV, IR, TLC, GLC, DSC, EPR as well as organoleptic and gravimetric analysis were used to determine and analyse any changes resulting from irradiation . In order to determine the effectiveness of sterilization with ionizing radiation of doses from 10 to 25 kGy, various microbiological tests were used . It was established that only doses 10-20 kGy of both kinds of radiation ensure total sterilization without any degradation of physico-chemical properties of the compounds studied . For the doses 50-100 kGy a decrease in the content of the compounds, appearance of the products of their decomposition and changes in the melting point and IR spectra appeared . Felodipine (with chlorophenyl substituent) was found to be much more sensitive to ionising radiation than nifedipine, nitrendipine and nimodipine (all with nitrophenyl substituent).

J Oral Rehabil, 2002 Mar, 29(3), 232 - 9
Influence of removable partial denture on periodontal indices and microbiological status; Vanzeveren C et al.; Thirty patients (19 men and 11 women) were provided with a removable partial denture (RPD) and assigned randomly to two groups: 15 patients were called back twice a year for plaque control, reinforcement of instructions, denture hygiene control and professional prophylaxis; the other 15 were not called back . The 30 patients were examined after 2-3 weeks following the end of the prosthetic treatment, after 1 and 2 years . At each examination, the following parameters were recorded {gingival inflammation, plaque index (Pl I), tooth mobility, attachment level, pocket depth} and a bacteriological examination of subgingival plaque was carried out . Few differences appeared between the two groups; the values observed show a relatively low level of hygiene and but little motivation with regard to prophylaxis techniques.

J Oral Pathol Med, 2002 Jan, 31(1), 5 - 10
Oral candidiasis as a clinical marker related to viral load, CD4 lymphocyte count and CD4 lymphocyte percentage in HIV-infected patients; Campo J et al.; BACKGROUND: High viral load is currently considered to be one of the main indicators of the progression of HIV-induced immunodepression, but few studies have analysed its relationship to the presence of oral candidiasis (OC) . The aim of this cross-sectional study is to analyse the relationship between viral load, total CD4 lymphocyte count, and percentage of CD4 lymphocytes to the occurrence of OC . METHODS: The present cross-sectional study included 156 HIV-infected patients seen at a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV . We assessed the presence or absence of OC, and microbiological samples were obtained from the palatine mucosa and dorsal tongue for a smear stained with KOH (potassium hydroxide) and culture on Sabouraud's dextrose agar in all patients . Viral load was determined by quantification of viral RNA in peripheral blood with a minimum detectable level of 500 RNA copies/ml . CD4+ counts/CD4+ percentage were categorized as <200/<14%, 200-499/14-28%, and >500/>29%, and HIV viral loads were categorized as <500, 500-10,000, >10,000 copies/ml . RESULTS: Thirty-eight percent (37.8%) of the patients had OC . Patients with CD4+ lymphocyte counts below 200 x 10(6)/l and CD4+ percentages below 14% showed a significantly higher frequency of OC (57.9% and 48.0%, respectively) . Patients with a viral load over 10,000 copies/ml also had OC more frequently (44.8%) . In the multiple logistic regression analysis, OC showed a statistically significant association with high viral load {>10,000 vs <500, odds ratio (OR)=11.4}, low percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes (<14% vs >28%, OR=5), and injection drug use (IDU vs heterosexual transmission, OR=10.2) . In HIV-infected patients, high viral load was associated with more frequent OC, regardless of CD4+ lymphocyte level . CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that oral candidiasis could be a useful clinical marker of patients with high viral load . In view of these results, emphasis should be placed on the importance of systematic examination of the oral cavity in all medical follow-up examinations of HIV-infected patients.

Curr Top Med Chem, 2001 May, 1(1), 31 - 57
Siderotyping--a powerful tool for the characterization of pyoverdines; Fuchs R et al.; Tools for the identification of bacteria are of great importance especially for taxonomical and medical purposes . In the case of fluorescent pseudomonads a quick and unambiguous identification is possible by methods that are referred to as "siderotyping" . All of them are based upon the characterization of the bacterial siderophores or the receptors expressed for the uptake of these compounds . Different microbiological and bioanalytical tests that are accurate, rapid and easy to use will be described.

J Qual Clin Pract, 2001 Sep, 21(3), 86 - 8
Rational prescribing for childhood pneumonia; Dawson KP; The aim of this study was to assess the management and prescribing patterns for community acquired pneumonia in children in a provincial hospital setting and, further, to discover the evidence on which treatment choices were made and ascertain the need for management guidelines . The method employed was to obtain the relevant data by a retrospective audit of the case notes of children admitted with pneumonia to Wairau Hospital, Blenheim, New Zealand . The findings indicated that there were 12 different treatment regimens employed . There appeared to be no rational basis for the choices made and no microbiological evidence to support the frequent use of broad spectrum antibiotics . No difference in clinical efficacy was found between the main regimens used . It is concluded that a simple management protocol for childhood pneumonia using a narrow spectrum antibiotic initially would be as effective, more logical and cheaper.

Nucl Med Commun, 2002 Feb, 23(2), 167 - 70
99m Tc-ciprofloxacin (Infecton) imaging in the diagnosis of knee prosthesis infections; Larikka MJ et al.; The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of 99mTc labelled ciprofloxacin imaging in detecting the presence of infection in patients with symptomatic knee prostheses . Among 16 randomly selected patients of whom seven had infection based on clinical and microbiological findings and nine did not, 99mTc-ciprofloxacin images were obtained at 1, 4 and 24h after the injection of the tracer . While there was some diffuse non-specific accumulation of 99mTc-ciprofloxacin in large synovial joints and in prosthetic knee joints, the infected knee prostheses were found to show more intensive focal uptake, which also extended outside the synovial cavity . The infection related uptake remained visible in the 24h images, whereas non-specific uptake had a fading tendency at this time point . 99mTc-ciprofloxacin imaging showed diagnostic sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 78% for correctly classifying the presence of infection . The data indicate that 99mTc-ciprofloxacin imaging may be used in the diagnosis of knee prosthesis infections . Infection-related uptake remains visible in the 24h images and is typically found also outside the synovial cavity, which should be noted in the evaluation of the images.

Injury, 2002 Mar, 33(2), 151 - 5
Histological assessment of the presence or absence of infection in fracture non-union; Simpson AH et al.; BACKGROUND: Infection is a major cause of non-unions . Infection is not always evident clinically, nor on bacteriological analysis . If it is untreated, non-union treatment may fail . AIM: To establish whether histological analysis is of value as an adjunct to microbiology in establishing the diagnosis of infection . METHODS: Sixty patients who had both bacteriological and histological analysis of their non-unions were studied . Infection was indicated by an acute inflammatory response . In 45 of the 60 fractures, microbiological and clinical diagnoses were in agreement; in this subset the histology results were compared to the established diagnoses . RESULTS: The histological diagnosis for the 45 fractures in the group with a definite diagnosis gave four false negatives but no false positives . This represents a sensitivity of 87.1%, (95% CI, 70-96%) and a 100% specificity (95% CI, 77-100%) . The overall accuracy was 91.1% . (95% CI, 79-98%) The predictive value of a positive test was 100% and of a negative test was 77.8% . In 25% of the series a definite diagnosis could not be made with purely clinical and microbiological information; with the additional histological information it was possible to determine the infection status of the non-union . CONCLUSION: Histology is of particular use when the microbiology is negative or equivocal.

Int Surg, 2001 Jan-Mar, 86(1), 57 - 61
Mesenteric actinomycosis with retroperitoneal involvement; Diaz-Oller J et al.; Mesenteric or retroperitoneal actinomycosis is an extremely rare disease . The international databases have revealed only 10 cases affecting the mesenterium and another 52 cases affecting the retroperitoneum . We report a 78-year-old female who was admitted with complaints of abdominal pain . Laboratory examination revealed anemia and the clinical examination revealed an irregular mass in the abdomen . Ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scans showed a solid mass in the mesenteric-retroperitoneal region . Biopsy of the nonresectable mass revealed the presence of chronic inflammation in the mesenteric area with Actinomyces colonies . The patient was treated with oral amoxicillin, 500 mg every 6 hours for 6 months . The symptoms disappeared, but the mesenteric-retroperitoneal mass remains, but smaller in size . Based on the review of the literature and the case reported here, we conclude that mesenteric-retroperitoneal actinomycosis is difficult to diagnose by means of noninvasive techniques as it can masquerade as a malignant process . An accurate diagnosis is always obtained in a histological or microbiological examination, often requiring surgical intervention . Treatment with penicillin has proven to be effective.

Ostomy Wound Manage, 2001 Oct, 47(10), 38 - 43
Screening evaluation of an ionized nanocrystalline silver dressing in chronic wound care; Sibbald RG et al.; The successful topical treatment of chronic wounds requires adequate debridement, bacterial balance, and moisture balance . An ionized nanocrystalline silver dressing was evaluated through an uncontrolled, prospective study of a case series of 29 patients with a variety of chronic nonhealing wounds . The four arms of the study included nine patients with foot ulcers, six patients with venous stasis ulcers, two patients with pressure ulcers, and 12 patients with miscellaneous wounds . All wounds were assessed for the usual signs of clinical infection, with most of these parameters being measured and recorded . Microbiologically, bacterial load was determined via quantitative biopsies and semi-quantitative swabs . In general, the results showed a marked clinical improvement for the majority of wounds treated with the dressing . Among improved parameters included decreased exudate and decreased purulence . The quantitative bacterial biopsies did not show any decrease in organism numbers, although the semi-quantitative swabs indicated a decrease in the wound surface bacterial loading . This was indicative of the dressing's ability to reduce surface bacteria and achieve an element of bacterial balance in the superficial dermal compartment . The proposed mechanism of action for this ionized nanocrystalline based dressing is through bacterial and moisture balance within the superficial wound space compartment.

Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin, 2002 Feb, 20(2), 53 - 6
{Oral and cervicofacial actinomycosis . Presentation of five cases}; Aguirrebengoa K et al.; BACKGROUND: Actinomycosis is a suppurative and granulomatous chronic infectious disease caused by Actinomyces sp . and most commonly affecting the cervicofacial area . AIM: To study the clinical characteristics of patients with actinomycosis, with regard to clinical history, presentation, method of diagnosis, treatment and follow up . PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on all cases of microbiologically or histologically proven oral or cervicofacial actinomycosis . RESULTS: Five patients were studied, 2 men and 3 women, 25-69 years old . Four patients had a history of surgical procedures and/or dental manipulations . Three patients showed the classic presentation of a lump and fistulization, and two patients presented intra-oral lesions . Four patients were diagnosed by cultures positive to A . israelii on microbiologic study and the remaining patient by cytologic detection of a sulfur granule . The first patient received the classic initial regimen of iv penicillin and 3 were treated with third-generation cephalosporins, continuing with oral amoxicillin during 12 months . Patient no.2 required a second surgical procedure . Patient no . 5, who had an exclusively oral process, received a short course of amoxicillin . There were no relapses during follow-up . CONCLUSION: Actinomycosis is an uncommon disease . Establishment of the definite diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and good clinical-microbiological collaboration . The classic course of iv penicillin and oral amoxicillin during 6-12 months is effective . For the acute phase treatment, iv penicillin can be replaced by third-generation cephalosporins.

J Hosp Infect, 2002 Mar, 50(3), 228 - 31
A survey of rotational use of biocides in hospital pharmacy aseptic units; Murtough SM et al.; A postal survey of biocide rotation in UK hospital pharmacy aseptic units was carried out . Seventy per cent of respondents stated that biocides were rotated, most frequently in areas outside critical work zones . High-level disinfection was employed when 'aseptic' conditions were required . Decisions on frequency of rotation were most often based on in-house validation or consultation with colleagues . Toxicity and corrosiveness were the criteria rated most important in a rotation policy . Microbiological monitoring was carried out most frequently in critical work zones but less often for handwashing . Most QC hospital pharmacists supported rotation and would prefer a standard period for all applications (monthly).Guidelines need to be clarified to assist staff in decisions regarding biocide rotation .

Cytokine, 2002 Jan 7, 17(1), 28 - 35
Interleukin (IL)-4 inhibits phorbol-ester induced HIV-1 expression in chronically infected U1 cells independently from the autocrine effect of endogenous tumour necrosis factor-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-1 receptor antagonist; Goletti D et al.; The anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 4 (IL-4) has shown both inductive and inhibitory effects on the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in primary CD4+ T cells and mononuclear phagocytes . In this study, IL-4 did not induce virus production, but inhibited phorbol esters (PMA)-stimulated HIV expression in chronically infected promonocytic U1 cells . This effect, however, was not accounted for by a decreased secretion of endogenous TNF-alpha induced by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) . We also observed that PMA upregulated the production of both IL-1beta and of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) . IL-4 inhibited the secretion of IL-1beta and strongly increased that of IL-1ra; however, these effects were not responsible of IL-4-mediated inhibition of PMA-induced HIV expression since anti-IL-1ra antibodies did not revert IL-4 mediated suppression . U1 cells were transiently transfected with both wild-type (WT) long terminal repeat (LTR) constructs, or with LTR plasmids containing deletions of either the NF-kappaB or the Sp-1 binding sites . IL-4 inhibited LTR-driven transcription triggered by PMA stimulation of U1 cells, and this effect was dependent upon intact NF-kappaB but not Sp-1 binding sites . Thus, IL-4 may favour a state of microbiological quiescence in infected monocytic cells bypassing the induction of HIV expression mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines .

Clin Experiment Ophthalmol, 2002 Feb, 30(1), 52 - 4
Combined coliform and anaerobic infection of the lacrimal sac; McKeag D et al.; A case is reported of combined coliform and anaerobic bacterial infection of the lacrimal sac, a condition of which there is only one other published case report . In addition, a literature review is presented of the bacteriology of acute dacryocystitis as it applies to this case . Recommendations for the microbiological investigation and management of acute dacryocystitis are made.

Vet Surg, 2002 Mar-Apr, 31(2), 174 - 80
Open peritoneal drainage versus primary closure for the treatment of septic peritonitis in dogs and cats: 42 cases (1993-1999); Staatz AJ et al.; OBJECTIVE: To determine survival rates in dogs and cats with septic peritonitis treated with open peritoneal drainage (OPD) versus primary closure (PC) after laparotomy . STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of medical records from Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1993 to 1999 . SAMPLE POPULATION: Thirty-six dogs and 6 cats with septic peritonitis documented by cytological examination or microbiological culture of abdominal fluid . METHODS: Medical records of dogs and cats with septic peritonitis treated by OPD or PC were reviewed . Age, weight, species, white blood cell (WBC) count, band neutrophil count, platelet count, serum glucose concentration, heart rate, body temperature, duration of hospitalization, and clinical outcome were recorded for each animal . Differences in treatments administered between the OPD and PC groups as well as the underlying cause of septic peritonitis were determined . RESULTS: There was no significant difference in survival between animals in the OPD versus PC groups (P =.26) with an overall survival rate of 71% . White blood cell count, band neutrophil count, platelet count, serum glucose and total bilirubin concentrations, heart rate, age, and weight were not significantly different between groups (P >.05) . A significantly greater number of animals in the OPD group received plasma (P =.009), blood (P =.037), and a jejunostomy tube (P =.02) than animals in the PC group . There was a significant difference in the number of days spent in critical care unit with a mean of 6.0 +/- 4.1 days for the OPD group and 3.5 +/- 2.3 days for the PC group (P =.02) . CONCLUSIONS: Open peritoneal drainage for the management of septic peritonitis in dogs and cats is an acceptable alternative to PC .

Environ Sci Technol, 2002 Feb 15, 36(4), 646 - 52
Influence of phosphate on bacterial adhesion onto iron oxyhydroxide in drinking water; Appenzeller BM et al.; The transport and storage of drinking water in water distribution systems can modify its initial composition and properties . The accumulation of bacteria on corroded pipes is prejudicial and may lower the microbiological quality of the water . Previous results have shown that when pipes are highly corroded, the addition of phosphate, used as an anticorrosion treatment, decreases the bacterial concentration in the water . We studied the possibility of using phosphate to reverse the surface charge of iron oxyhydroxide (FeOOH) to limit bacterial adhesion . Iron oxyhydroxide (IOH) particles and Escherichia coli SH 702 were used as models of corrosion products and bacterial contamination, respectively . Electrophoresis was used to characterize the initial surface charges of both types of particles and the modifications that occurred after the addition of phosphate anions . Flow cytometry and adhesion assays were used to build adsorption isotherms of bacteria on IOH versus (phosphated-) IOH . X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy permitted to determine the chemical composition of the E . coli envelope and to discuss on functional groups responsible for bacterial surface properties . In the present conditions, adding phosphate to water allowed a decrease of 75% of the bacteria adhering to IOH.

J AOAC Int, 2002 Jan-Feb, 85(1), 72 - 81
Determination of vitamin B12 in milk products and selected foods by optical biosensor protein-binding assay: method comparison; Indyk HE et al.; Biomolecular interaction analysis was evaluated for the automated determination of vitamin B12 in a range of foods . The analytical technique was configured as a biosensor-based, nonlabeled inhibition protein-binding assay using nonintrinsic R-protein . Sample extraction conditions were optimized, and both ligand specificity and nonspecific binding considerations were evaluated . Performance parameters included a quantitation range of 0.08-2.40 ng/mL, recoveries of 89-106%, agreement against assigned reference values for 3 independent certified food reference materials, and a mean between-laboratory reproducibility relative standard deviation of 4.9% . The proposed method was compared with reference microbiological and radioisotope protein-binding methods for a range of food samples . A wide selection of milks, infant formulas, meats, and liver were evaluated for their vitamin B12 content . The influence of season was studied in herd milk, early lactation was followed for a single animal, and the cobalamin content of bovine, caprine, and ovine milks was compared.

Life Sci Space Res, 1964, 2, 124 - 32
"Gulliver", an experiment for extraterrestrial life detection and analysis; Levin GV et al.; Based on the probability that extraterrestrial life is biochemically somewhat similar to life on Earth, a life detection experiment is being prepared to explore Mars . The experiment will be performed by an automated device which will carry a microbiological medium being developed to support a wide range of earth microorganisms . Selected ingredients of the medium will be labeled with radioactive isotopes . A sticky string, shot out from and reeled back into the device, will gather a sample of the Martian soil . It is hoped the radioactive atoms in the compounds will be metabolized by the unknown organisms in the soil and evolved in a labelled gas . The gas will be collected by a chemical "getter" and the radioactivity measured for transmission to Earth . A positive response from the test unit and a negative, or lesser, response from a poisoned control unit would constitute evidence of life . The device can also differentiate between photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic metabolic activity . Data from field tests on Earth are presented.

Stomatologiia (Mosk), 2001, 80(6), 18 - 21
{Clinical and microbiological efficiency of silard gel-immobilized ethonium in the treatment of periodontal inflammations}; Rogovaia EP et al.; In the course of examination and treatment of 250 patients studied the effect of medical sorbent, sylard-gel, and aethony immobilized on it upon inflammatory periodontal diseases . The results of the microbiological examination shaved good sorption and inhibitory characteristics of immobilized aethony . The best clinical results were achieved in the treatment chronic generalized gingivitis and chronic generalized periodontitis.

J Clin Microbiol, 2002 Mar, 40(3), 943 - 50
Specificities and functions of the recA and pps1 intein genes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and application for diagnosis of tuberculosis; Saves I et al.; The worldwide recrudescence of tuberculosis and the widespread appearance of antibiotic resistance have strengthened the need for rapid and specific diagnostic tools . The prevailing microbiological identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, which implies the use of in vitro cultures and acid-fast staining microscopy, is time-consuming . Detection of M . tuberculosis directly in clinical samples through PCR amplification of mycobacterium-specific genes, designed to shorten diagnostic delay, demonstrated reliability and high sensitivity . However, the quality of the diagnosis depends on the specificity of the target sequence for M . tuberculosis complex strains . In the present study, we demonstrated the specificity of recA and pps1 inteins for this complex and thus the feasibility of using intein-coding sequences as a new target for PCR diagnosis . Indeed, the recA and pps1 genes of 36 clinical isolates of M . tuberculosis and 10 field strains of M . bovis were found to be interrupted by an intein sequence at the RecA-a and Pps1-b sites, respectively, while a large number of nontuberculous mycobacterial species failed to demonstrate these insertions . Besides, the MtuPps1, which was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, was shown to possess an endonuclease activity . The intein cleaves the 40-bp sequence spanning the intein insertion site Pps1-b in the inteinless pps1 gene . In addition to the PCR amplification of recA and pps1 intein genes as a tool for diagnosis, the specific endonuclease activity could represent a new molecular approach to identify M . tuberculosis.

Immunology, 2002 Feb, 105(2), 213 - 21
Fc receptor regulation of protective immunity against Chlamydia trachomatis; Moore T et al.; The prevailing paradigm for designing potentially efficacious vaccines against the obligate intracellular bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, advocates regimens capable of inducing a mucosal antigen-specific T helper type 1 (Th1) response . However, recent reports indicate that rapid and efficient clearance of a secondary infection also requires certain B-cell functions . We investigated the hypothesis that Fc receptor (FcR)-mediated antibody effector mechanisms are important B-cell-related functions involved in controlling a chlamydial genital reinfection . Microbiological analysis of genital chlamydial infection in FcR knockout (FcRKO) mice lacking the activatory FcgammaRI (CD64) and FcRgammaIII (CD16), as well as the inhibitory FcgammaRIIB1 (CD32), revealed a greater intensity of secondary infection (i.e . bacterial shedding) in FcRminus sign/minus sign as compared to FcR+/+ mice; however, the course of the primary infection was indistinguishable in both animals . Pathologically, FcRKO mice suffered greater ascending infection than immunocompetent wild-type (WT) mice after a secondary infection . Immunological evaluation indicated that the presence of specific anti-chlamydial antibodies enhanced chlamydial antigen presentation for induction of a Th1 response by FcR+/+, but not FcRminus sign/minus sign, antigen-presenting cells . In addition, specific anti-chlamydial antibodies augmented both macrophage killing of infected epithelial cells by antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and macrophage inhibition of productive growth of chlamydiae in co-cultures . These results indicate that B cells participate in anti-chlamydial immunity via FcR-mediated effector functions of antibodies, which are operative during reinfections . Such effector functions include ADCC, and possibly enhanced uptake, processing and presentation of chlamydial antigens for rapid induction of a Th1 response, all facilitating the early clearance of an infection . These findings suggest that a future anti-chlamydial vaccine should elicit both humoral and T-cell-mediated immune responses for optimal memory response and vaccine efficacy.

Artif Organs, 2002 Jan, 26(1), 10 - 7
Atomic force microscopic observation of mechanically traumatized erythrocytes; Ohta Y et al.; Erythrocytes are damaged or stimulated mechanically by artificial organs assisting in circulation . For several decades, a large number of research studies have been conducted to investigate the traumatizing phenomena due to nonphysiological flow conditions . These phenomena are thought to be the physical interaction between the cell membrane and the various fluidic conditions . To elucidate or evaluate the phenomena, however, chemical components emerging into the circulating solution, such as liberated hemoglobin or lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), have been measured as a main parameter . Naturally, the physical reaction caused on the membrane itself cannot be detailed by these parameters because they are the secondary products resulting from the mechanical membrane rupture . The aim of this study is to understand the traumatizing mechanism directly from a microbiological viewpoint . As a first step, we visualized the surface of sheep erythrocytes loaded with shear stress and measured erythrocyte surface roughness by atomic force microscopy (AFM) on a nanometer scale (10(-9) m) . The constant shear rate was set at 1,800 (1/s), and the exposure time was set at 0.5, 1, and 2 h . We also measured the liberated hemoglobin concentration . As a result, it was found that the fine structure on the cell surface was changed drastically by the stress . It was also found that the surface roughness value increased with the exposure time, and correlated to the hemoglobin concentration . The visualization and the measurement of surface roughness of traumatized erythrocytes by AFM were thought to offer a new parameter for both hemolytic and subhemolytic studies.

Toxicol Lett, 2002 Mar 10, 128(1-3), 35 - 44
The EU precautionary bans of animal feed additive antibiotics; Pugh DM; Toxicologists, with good reason, will feel that the biological safety of chemical products across the market sectors rests largely on their efforts . However, one sector has received much adverse attention from the media, consumers, politicians, legislators and advisory groups in recent years . It is food animal production in intensive systems and, within those, various types of chemical additives included in the compound diets fed . No additive class received more adverse comment than those antibiotics used for the purpose of enhancing the efficiency of animal production . This paper considers the safety of the antibiotic feed additives (AFAs) against the background of the regulatory measures in place, defines their role and describes the relevant concerns . It closes with comment on the microbiologically-based health risk which underpinned the AFA bans and sounds a warning over the precedent created by the use of the precautionary principle in the recent banning of six of their number.

EDTNA ERCA J, 2001 Jul-Sep, 27(3), 135 - 9
Dialysis fluid contamination of pathways and life of microbes; Nystrand R; The fluid systems of a dialysis clinic are reviewed from a microbiological standpoint . Water, concentrate and dialysis fluid are the main fluids in the clinic . The quality of these fluids cannot be dealt with, without at the same time reviewing the systems delivering these fluids.The handling of fluids must be seen in a system perspective where every part is important . In the pretreatment of water before reverse osmosis, the incoming water determines the quality.After reverse osmosis,the maintenance in form of disinfection activities is decisive for the microbiological quality in the water system . The dialysis fluid quality is dependent on the water quality as it is produced at the end of the water system . It must be noted that it is not only the number of microorganisms that is of importance but also what the microorganisms do in the fluid systems . Microbiological analysis is not normally able to tell the complete microbiological quality of the fluid systems, as the inner surfaces where the microbial growth takes place are not sent to any laboratory . Consequently, what is seen in samples is only what can come off the surface . The only action that can prevent growth of microorganisms is disinfection but disinfection only is not the solution, it must also be performed regularly . Additionally, all areas of the fluid system must be disinfected . The principle of Quality Assurance including equipment, education and maintenance must be applied in order to ensure microbiological quality.

EDTNA ERCA J, 2001 Jul-Sep, 27(3), 132 - 4
Microbiological survey of dialysate: vantage of use of sterile bag concentrate; Pansini S et al.; Haemodialysed patients are exposed to nearly 400 litres of dialysis water weekly . The bacterial contamination of treated dialysate and water induces acute pyrogenic reactions or chronic damage and cytokine activation . The aim of this study was to value the microbiological parameters of dialysis water and dialysate of our monitors by bacterial culture (measured as colony forming units {CFU}) of water samples at 37 degrees C after 48 hours, at 22 degrees C after 72 hours and after seven days, and by measuring endotoxin levels (endotoxin units {EU}) . In our centre, there are 16 monitors (6 monitors use sterile dialysate fluid and 10 monitors use non sterile dialysate fluid) . The chemicals used for disinfection are chlorine and paracetic acid . Water samples were taken under sterile procedures every three months for a year . No bacteria were found in the samples of water of the dialysis ring; EU were lower than the limit value of 0.25 EU/ml fixed by the European Pharmacopoeia . The concentration of CFU and EU of the dialysate, taken from monitors with a sterile bag, were lower than those of other monitors (p < 0.05 t Student test) . However, the levels of CFU/ml and EU/ml of dialysate samples, taken from monitors with a non-sterile bag, were lower than the guideline value of the European Pharmacopoeia (v.n . CFU < 50 CFU/ml and EU < 0.05 EU/ml) . Frequent examination of CFU and EU is essential to reduce the damage caused by the use of contaminated water, therefore the goal of future dialytic techniques will be the use of "sterile dialysate".

Gravit Space Biol Bull, 2001 Jun, 14(2), 1 - 6
Microbial contamination of spacecraft; Pierson DL; Spacecraft and space habitats supporting human exploration contain a diverse population of microorganisms . Microorganisms may threaten human habitation in many ways that directly or indirectly impact the health, safety, or performance of astronauts . The ability to produce and maintain spacecraft and space stations with environments suitable for human habitation has been established over 40 years of human space flight . An extensive database of environmental microbiological parameters has been provided for short-term (< 20 days) space flight by more than 100 missions aboard the Space Shuttle . The NASA Mir Program provided similar data for long-duration missions . Interestingly, the major bacterial and fungal species found in the Space Shuttle are similar to those encountered in the nearly 15-year-old Mir . Lessons learned from both the US and Russian space programs have been incorporated into the habitability plan for the International Space Station . The focus is on preventive measures developed for spacecraft, cargo, and crews . On-orbit regular housekeeping practices complete with visual inspections are essential, along with microbiological monitoring . Risks associated with extended stays on the Moon or a Mars exploration mission will be much greater than previous experiences because of additional unknown variables . The current knowledge base is insufficient for exploration missions, and research is essential to understand the effects of space flight on biological functions and population dynamics of microorganisms in spacecraft . Equally important is a better understanding of the immune response and of human-microorganism-environment interactions during long-term space habitation.

PDA J Pharm Sci Technol, 2002 Jan-Feb, 56(1), 11 - 9
Definition of a correlation between microbiological and physical particulate barrier performances for porous medical packaging materials; Sinclair CS et al.; An experimental set up, assembled principally from components of commercially available filter test equipment, has allowed assessment of physical particulate barrier performance of porous materials . Employing twelve specially made papers with graded and widely different barrier properties, a physical particulate/microbiological correlation has been derived covering the 50,000 fold range of microbiological barrier performances seen in commercial porous medical packaging materials . The derived correlation has been shown to be independent of sheet structure and is applicable to the diverse structures that comprise commercial materials . A simple measurement of particle penetration is proposed as a means of assessing microbial barrier properties of such materials.

Clin Microbiol Infect, 1998 May, 4(5), 255 - 263
Whole cell protein and partial 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis suggest the existence of a second Rothia species; Kronvall G et al.; OBJECTIVE: To subject ten clinical isolates grouped together based on their biochemical and microbiological profile to further investigations aimed at correct species identification . METHODS: The 16S rRNA gene was partially sequenced using nested amplification . Whole cell protein analysis (SDS-PAGE) and cluster analysis were performed on the 10 strains and also for comparison on 31 reference strains . The API Coryne biochemical kit as well as API 20 Strep were used for analysis of the phenotypic diversity of the strains by use of computerized numerical identification procedures . Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using a standardized disk diffusion test . RESULTS: The 265--556-bp-long 16S rRNA gene sequences of all 10 strains showed highest similarity to Rothia dentocariosa . Three strains showed complete identity between the sequences obtained and the sequence of the type strain of Rothia dentocariosa 16S rRNA gene (M59055), and the other seven ranged between 99.7% and 98.3% similarity . Detailed analysis of the sequences revealed a clustering of the strains into two groups . One group consisted of four isolates with the highest degrees of similarity with the reference strain (type I), while the members of another group (type II) showed differences in their nucleotide sequence at four distinct positions in the variable V7 region . T was replaced by C at position 597, C by T at position 608, T by C at position 610, and G by A at position 684 (position numbers according to reference sequence M59055, EMBL/GenBank) . Whole cell protein analysis (SDS-PAGE) and cluster analysis also segregated the 10 Rothia dentocariosa strains into two different clusters, with one cluster containing all four strains belonging to 16S rRNA gene type I, and a second cluster containing all six strains belonging to 16S rRNA gene type II . CONCLUSIONS: Partial sequence data of the 16S rRNA gene as well as whole cell protein analysis showed a subdivision of the Rothia species into two groups, genomovar I (Rothia dentocariosa sensu stricto) and genomovar II, a possible new Rothia species.

Clin Microbiol Infect, 1998 Feb, 4(12), 717 - 723
Community-acquired pneumonia due to Escherichia coli; Marrie TJ et al.; OBJECTIVE: To describe the features of community-acquired Escherichia coli pneumonia and to compare these patients with patients with pneumonia caused by other etiologic agents . PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study was carried out at five medical institutions in three geographic locations---Pittsburgh, PA, Boston, MA and Halifax, NS . Pneumonia etiology was assigned, based on results of microbiological investigations, by a committee consisting of five investigators using rules established prior to the study . Demographic and clinical features and outcomes of patients with E . coli pneumonia were compared with those of pneumonia due to other microorganisms . RESULTS: Nineteen patients (9 (47.4%) blood culture positive) had pneumonia due to E . coli and 430 (69 (16.0%) blood culture positive) had pneumonia caused by other etiologic agents . E . coli was the second most common cause of bacteremic pneumonia . The E . coli patients were older, and more likely to be female, from a nursing home and confused compared with patients with pneumonia due to other microbial agents . They were more severely ill as measured by a validated pneumonia specific severity of illness scoring measure . Although there was no in-hospital mortality for the patients with E . coli pneumonia, the 90-day mortality was 21% . Thirty-two (7.4%) of the patients with pneumonia due to other agents died in hospital and the 90-day mortality rate was 13.5% (p NS) . Eight of the 19 patients with E . coli pneumonia were admitted from a nursing home and an additional four patients (63.2%) were discharged to such a facility . In contrast, only 44 (10.2%) of the patients with pneumonia due to other agents were discharged to a nursing home (p<0.001) . CONCLUSIONS: Patients diagnosed with E . coli pneumonia are frequently bacteremic . They are older than patients with pneumonia due to other etiologies, and more likely to be female, from a nursing home and severely ill . Despite the absence of in-hospital mortality, 21% of these patients died within 90 days of presentation.

Clin Microbiol Infect, 1998 Feb, 4(12), 710 - 716
Aspergillus species isolated from clinical specimens: suggested clinical and microbiological criteria to determine significance; Greub G et al.; OBJECTIVE: To test a case-definition score for its usefulness in the diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis and to determine microbiological criteria useful in assessing the significance of isolating Aspergillus species from lower respiratory tract specimens (LRTS) . METHODS: With the exception of cystic fibrosis patients, all patients with Aspergillus isolated from LRTS were classified according to a clinical case-definition ratio as: (i) colonized patients; (ii) patients with isolates of undetermined significance; (iii) patients with proven or probable pulmonary aspergillosis . Retrospective review of pathology records led to the identification of additional patients with histologically compatible pulmonary aspergillosis . Microbiological variables were compared between aspergillosis and colonization groups . RESULTS: Seventy-six isolates of Aspergillus species were obtained from 73 patients . For patients with proven (n=2) or histologically compatible pulmonary aspergillosis (n=5), the case definition ratio was always higher than 0.3; no patient with proven disease was classified into the colonized group . Compared to patients considered to be colonized (n=26), patients with proven or probable pulmonary aspergillosis showed a significant difference in the total number of Aspergillus colonies cultured per episode . In addition, for bronchoalveolar lavage specimens, the mean number of Aspergillus colonies/agar plate was also significantly higher in the latter group . The sensitivity and specificity of Aspergillus spp . detection by culture of LRTS for proven or probable pulmonary aspergillosis was 35.7% and 70.4%, respectively . CONCLUSION: The case-definition ratio used in this study helps interpret the clinical significance of Aspergillus isolated from LRTS . Data for assessment should include the absolute number of colonies recovered from culture of any LRTS and, for bronchoalveolar lavage, the mean number of Aspergillus colonies per agar plate.

Clin Microbiol Infect, 1997 Feb, 3(6), 599 - 604
Atypical respiratory pathogens; Saikku P; The main atypical pathogens in respiratory tract infections are classified on the basis of their ability to cause atypical pneumonia . This is not a well-defined clinical entity, and it is evident that atypical pathogens can sometimes cause 'typical' pneumonias and vice versa . This emphasizes the need for microbiological diagnosis, since it affects the selection of proper treatment, in which beta-lactam antibiotics and aminoglycosides are not effective . Moreover, mixed infections caused by atypical and typical pathogens together are common . At this moment rapid and sensitive diagnostic methods are lacking . Besides numerous viruses, the main bacterial pathogens causing atypical pneumonias are Mycoplasma pneumoniae, two chlamydial species, Chlamydia pneumoniae and C . psittaci, one rickettsia, Coxiella burnetti, and several Legionella species . The majority of these pathogens cause upper respiratory tract infections more often than overt pneumonias . An atypical agent, Chlamydia pneumoniae, has also been associated with chronic inflammatory conditions in the cardiovascular system . The most recently discovered pathogen in atypical pneumonias is a hantavirus causing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

Clin Microbiol Infect, 1997, 3(5), 518 - 522
An audit of microbiology laboratory utilization: the diagnosis of infection in orthopedic surgery; Gyssens IC et al.; OBJECTIVE: To analyse the quality of ordering, collection and transport of specimens for microbiological analysis by a department of orthopedic surgery . METHODS: The analysis consisted of a prospective formal evaluation performed by two consultant microbiologists . RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen consecutive requests were audited . These requests belonged to 55 clinical episodes, 39 of which were of (presumed) infection and 16 of surveillance . The main sites sampled were: joint 28 (51%), and extra-articular bone or tissue 6 (11%) . Of 98 surgical specimens, 20 (20%) yielded a relevant microorganism . The requests were classified as definitely appropriate in 67% and 85% of episodes, by the two consultants respectively . No request was considered unjustified . Collection, handling and transport were categorized as definitely appropriate in 56% and 73% of requests . Analysis of compliance with an existing protocol for prosthetic joint revision revealed similar errors . CONCLUSION: Audits of this type can give invaluable information about the area of uncertainty between the clinician and the laboratory and can identify appropriate measures for corrective action.

Clin Microbiol Infect, 1997 Jun, 3(3), 352 - 355
Rapid recovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from clinical specimens using the BACTEC 9000 MB system, a new automated fluorimetric technique; Mosca A et al.; OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the new non-radioactive automated method BACTEC 9000 MB system for the rapid detection of mycobacteria in clinical specimens . METHODS: Ninety clinical specimens from 90 patients with a clinical diagnosis of tuberculosis were tested by both BACTEC 9000 and standard microbiological methods, and the results compared . RESULTS: The BACTEC 9000, in comparison with the standard method, showed significantly higher detection rates (45 of 90 positive versus 34), shorter time to culture positivity (mean time 18.8 versus 27.4 days) and lower contamination rate (2.2% versus 5.5%) . CONCLUSIONS: These results encourage the use of this new system and suggest its use in microbiological laboratories involved in mycobacteriology.

Acta Pharm Hung, 2001 Aug, 71(2), 213 - 4
{Does medicine lose its value near the expiration date?}; Torok I; This is the question raised to the pharmacists by the patients very often . Medicines, being usually not selected by the customers but prescribed for the patients by their physicians are of a special sort of merchandise . As their efficacy is affected even by psychological factors it is necessary to emphasise that the quality and efficacy of medicines are shown to be constant by the date of expiry . In marketing authorization procedure not only the efficacy and safety but also the quality of the medicines are assessed and a special attention is paid to the chemical, physico-chemical and microbiological stability of the products . Detailed documentation on stability together with the good manufacturing practice of the pharmaceutical factories inspected regularly by the authorities and the system of post marketing surveillance assure that medicines do not loose their good quality and consequently their efficacy and safety by the expiry date stated on the label.

Annu Rev Immunol, 2002, 20, 581 - 620 Epub 2001 Oct 04.
Genetic dissection of immunity to mycobacteria: the human model; Casanova JL et al.; Humans are exposed to a variety of environmental mycobacteria (EM), and most children are inoculated with live Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine . In addition, most of the world's population is occasionally exposed to human-borne mycobacterial species, which are less abundant but more virulent . Although rarely pathogenic, mildly virulent mycobacteria, including BCG and most EM, may cause a variety of clinical diseases . Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M . leprae, and EM M . ulcerans are more virulent, causing tuberculosis, leprosy, and Buruli ulcer, respectively . Remarkably, only a minority of individuals develop clinical disease, even if infected with virulent mycobacteria . The interindividual variability of clinical outcome is thought to result in part from variability in the human genes that control host defense . In this well-defined microbiological and clinical context, the principles of mouse immunology and the methods of human genetics can be combined to facilitate the genetic dissection of immunity to mycobacteria . The natural infections are unique to the human model, not being found in any of the animal models of experimental infection . We review current genetic knowledge concerning the simple and complex inheritance of predisposition to mycobacterial diseases in humans . Rare patients with Mendelian disorders have been found to be vulnerable to BCG, a few EM, and M . tuberculosis . Most cases of presumed Mendelian susceptibility to these and other mycobacterial species remain unexplained . In the general population leprosy and tuberculosis have been shown to be associated with certain human genetic polymorphisms and linked to certain chromosomal regions . The causal vulnerability genes themselves have yet to be identified and their pathogenic alleles immunologically validated . The studies carried out to date have been fruitful, initiating the genetic dissection of protective immunity against a variety of mycobacterial species in natural conditions of infection . The human model has potential uses beyond the study of mycobacterial infections and may well become a model of choice for the investigation of immunity to infectious agents.

Contemp Top Lab Anim Sci, 2002 Jan, 41(1), 10 - 2
Alcohol as a disinfectant for aseptic surgery of rodents: crossing the thin blue line?
Huerkamp MJ.
Recently, the use of alcohol (i.e., ethanol or isopropanol) has been discouraged as disinfectants for survival surgical procedures for rats and mice because of perceptions of inadequacy of killing of bacterial spores and lack of efficacy in the presence of organic debris . However, spore-forming bacteria are a minor (essentially nonexistent) threat for causing postoperative infections in rats and mice (but not necessarily hamsters, guinea pigs, or other rodents), and organic debris, with appropriate effort, can be removed from soiled instruments by using physical scrubbing . Although the metal-corrosive properties of alcohol and the lengthy times needed for adequate disinfection are drawbacks, there are essentially no microbiologically relevant reasons to discourage disinfection by ethanol or isopropanol in rat and mouse surgery.

Probl Tuberk, 2002, (1), 15 - 7
{Microbiological blood studies in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in adolescents}; Kosareva MV et al.; Luminescence bacterioscopy of capillary blood has been found to be an additional rapid laboratory method that verifies a clinical diagnosis in cases of negative sputum bacterioscopic tests in 48.8% of the adolescent patients . The Boy luminescence microscopy shows that in adolescent tuberculosis patients, Mycobacteria are significantly more frequently present in the capillary blood (72.4%) than in the sputum (30.9%) and bronchial washes (34.8%) . The detection of Mycobacteria in the capillary blood has been evidenced by cultural tests of some venous blood samples in the BACTEC 460 TB system.

An Otorrinolaringol Ibero Am, 2001, 28(6), 613 - 20
{Head and neck abscesses}; Morales-Angulo C et al.; OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical, microbiological and therapeutic characteristics of all head and neck abscess seen in a Community Hospital . MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of all patients admitted to Sierrallana Hospital (Torrelavega, Cantabria) from January 1995 till June 1998, because of head and neck abscess were reviewed . RESULTS: Fyfty-seven head and neck abscess of 54 patients were considered . Age of patients ranged from 14 to 78-year-old . Periamygdaline region was the most frequent location, where as tonsillar and dental infections were the origins of the abscess in the large majority of cases . Most of the abscess cultures yield mixed flora . Intravenous penicillin was used in 77.3 percent of patients and surgical drainage was required in almost 80 percent of cases . Treatment response was good with no serious complications in any case . CONCLUSIONS: Head and neck abscess are a relative common cause of hospital admissions . Among them periamygdaline abscess are frequently found . The treatment is surgical drainage with local or general anesthesia (depending of location) and simultaneous i.v . course of antibiotic (Penicillin G sodium salt) efficacious in the great number of patients . Serious complications are very rare.

J Med Virol, 2002 Apr, 66(4), 493 - 6
Case report: human herpesvirus 7 associated fatal encephalitis in a peripheral blood stem cell transplant recipient; Chan PK et al.; Previous studies have suggested a neuroinvasive and neuropersistent potential of human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) . In this report, a case of fatal encephalitis is described and its association with HHV-7 infection is discussed . An 8-year-old girl received a peripheral blood stem cell transplant for relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia . The post-transplant period was uneventful and a course of intrathecal chemotherapy was given on Day-30 . On Day-41, she developed acute encephalopathy with diplopia and nystagmus . She ran a rapid downhill course and succumbed despite antiviral treatment . The only positive pathological finding was the multiple microscopic foci of haemorrhage associated with neuronal degeneration detected in the brain stem . All microbiological investigations were negative, except for the presence of HHV-7 DNA in cerebrospinal fluid and brain stem tissue samples .

Clin Microbiol Infect, 1999 Jul, 5(7), 396 - 403
Individual value of each of the Duke criteria for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis; Rognon R et al.; OBJECTIVES: To assess the value of each of the Duke criteria for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) . METHODS: Detailed review was done of charts of all cases discharged with the diagnosis of IE, and classification as 'definite', 'possible' and 'rejected' cases was made according to the Duke criteria . The diagnostic impact of each criterion was assessed by reclassifying each 'definite' case after subtraction of each individual criterion and by reclassifying each 'possible' and 'rejected' case after addition of each individual criterion . RESULTS: From 1983 to 1993, 179 cases were identified in the databases of two hospitals . When the Duke criteria were applied, 124 (6967%) were classed as 'definite', 43 (2466%) as 'possible' and 12 (763%) as 'rejected' cases . Of the 67 pathologically proven cases, 52 (78610%) were 'definite' cases when the criteria were applied before pathology . If the major microbiological criterion is subtracted, 53% (69%) of the 'definite' cases become 'possible' or 'rejected' . When the echocardiographic criterion is subtracted, 34% (68%) of the 'definite' cases become possible or rejected . Among minor criteria, fever and predisposition, contributing to the classification of respectively 31% (68%) and 27% (68%) of the 'definite' cases, were the most powerful . On the other hand, the minor microbiological criterion and immunologic phenomena were responsible for the classification of only 2% (62%) and 6% (64%) respectively, of the 'definite' cases . CONCLUSIONS: Depending on the criterion examined, 47-98% of the 'definite' cases of IE would remain 'definite' if this particular criterion were absent . The major microbiological criterion had the highest relative importance . In this retrospective study, in which only 32 (18%) patients had a transesophageal echocardiogram, the echocardiogram contributed to 15% (66%) of the 'definite' cases according to the major criterion and to 19% (66%) according to the minor criterion . This study illustrates that the degree of certainty of the diagnosis of IE often depends on the presence/absence of only one criterion.

J Appl Microbiol, 2001 Dec, 91(6), 1011 - 22
Effect of oregano essential oil on microbiological and physico-chemical attributes of minced meat stored in air and modified atmospheres; Skandamis PN et al.; AIMS: This study aimed to determine the combined effect of packaging (air, modified atmosphere) with or without the addition of essential oil not only on the selection of microbial association of meat but also to determine any significant difference in microbial metabolites produced from the prevailing bacteria . METHODS AND RESULTS: Samples of minced meat were mixed with different concentration of oregano essential oil (0, 0.05, 0.5 and 1% v/w) and packed under aerobic or with modified atmosphere (Mixed Gas Modified Atmosphere--MGMA, 40% CO2/30% N2/30% O2; or CO2 Modified Atmosphere--COMA, 100% CO2) and stored at 5 degrees C . In all packaging conditions, only concentrations of 0.5% and 1% oregano oil were effective . Inhibition was evident in the order air < MGMA < COMA . Oregano essential oil delayed glucose and lactate consumption aerobically as well as under MGMA . pH changes were also evident . Furthermore, proteolysis was significantly inhibited in aerobically stored samples, and so was the production of acetate under MAP . Similar results were obtained for the other organic acids eluted from HPLC column . CONCLUSIONS: Oregano essential oil delayed microbial growth and suppressed the final counts of the spoilage micro-organisms . It also caused a pronounced alteration in the physico-chemical properties of the minced meat . SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Microbial analysis alone as spoilage index may misrepresent the effect of a hurdle such as essential oils on spoilage.

J Food Prot, 2002 Feb, 65(2), 353 - 61
Anchovy shelf life as affected by different chilling methods during distribution; Careche M et al.; Anchovies are a very labile fish and deteriorate fast under chilling conditions . In the South of Spain, fishing boats land their catches in wooden boxes with ice (12 to 14 kg) . For some years now, fish processors have prepared this species for market distribution by placing about 7 kg fish in expanded polystyrene (EPS) boxes containing water and ice . Then, in the distribution market, boxes are dewatered and re-iced . Transportation of the fish in EPS boxes containing water and ice was recently forbidden on the grounds that boxes for transportation of fish in ice must have holes to let melted ice drain away . In this paper, the effect of preserving the anchovy in water and ice from landing to the distribution market was studied and compared with the more traditional methods of storing the fish in ice in either wooden or EPS boxes . Physical, chemical, microbiological, and sensory analyses were carried out over three different storage trials to account for the effect of seasonality . Little differences were found among lots, but some of the parameters showed that fish transported in water and ice did present less spoilage than fish stored in ice, especially when compared to the wooden boxes . According to these results, chilling of this fish in water and ice can be used as an alternative preserving method during transport.

J Clin Pharm Ther, 2002 Feb, 27(1), 39 - 45
Compatibility of ropivacaine with morphine, sufentanil, fentanyl, or clonidine; Oster Svedberg K et al.; BACKGROUND: Ropivacaine hydrochloride (HCl) ('Naropin') is a long-acting local anaesthetic agent, administered epidurally to patients undergoing various surgical procedures . A combination of local anaesthetic and opioid is often administered for the management of severe pain to ensure that a minimal dose of each is used . Ropivacaine might be used in combination with an alpha2-adrenergic agonist for the management of visceral pain . Stability data have shown that ropivacaine is compatible with the systemic narcotic opioid analgesics morphine sulphate, sufentanil citrate and fentanyl citrate for 14 days in a Polybag (AstraZeneca-AB, Sweden), but no data have been obtained for the longer-term compatibility of ropivacaine with these opioids or with the alpha2-adrenergic agonist clonidine HCl . OBJECTIVE: This study used the Mark II Polybag (AstraZeneca-AB, Sweden) to test the physical and chemical compatibility of these products for up to 30 days . METHODS: Ropivacaine HCl solution for epidural infusion, 2 mg/mL, in 200 mL Mark II Polybag and commercially available additives in glass ampoules or vials were used as starting material . Appropriate admixtures were made and their appearance, pH, and drug concentrations were monitored on days 0, 7, 14, and 30 . The appearance of the admixtures was examined with the aid of a stereomicroscope (Olympus, no . 220186, New York, USA) at 10x magnification . Drug concentration and enantiomeric purity were determined using high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis . RESULTS: All combinations at all doses stayed within the compatibility criteria (if no visible signs of physical changes in the admixture appeared throughout the 30 days of storage, and if pH and drug concentrations in each admixture did not vary by more than 10% between day 0 and days 7, 14, or 30 in storage) . In addition, there were no important differences in the enantiomeric purity of ropivacaine with each combination . CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that ropivacaine was suitable for use in combination with the opioids morphine sulphate, sufentanil citrate, and fentanyl citrate, or with the alpha2-adrenergic agonist clonidine HCl, for up to 30 days of storage before the management of severe or visceral pain . From a microbiological point of view, combinations not prepared under aseptic conditions should be used immediately . 'Naropin' is a trade mark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.

J Clin Periodontol, 2002 Jan, 29(1), 54 - 61
A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of azithromycin as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment of periodontitis in adults: clinical results; Smith SR et al.; BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical and microbiological effects of azithromycin as an adjunct to the non-surgical treatment of periodontitis in adults . Azithromycin is an antibiotic which is taken up by phagocytes and is released over long periods in inflamed tissue but requires a total of only three doses of 500 mg to produce its therapeutic effect . METHOD: 46 patients were treated in a double-blind placebo-controlled study with assessments at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 10 and 22 . Throughout the trial measurements were made of plaque, gingival bleeding, calculus, probing pocket depths and bleeding on probing . Microbiological sampling was carried out from a selected pocket >or=6 mm at each visit . The regime employed consisted of OHI, scaling and root planing at weeks 0, 1 and 2 with reinforcement of OHI and minimal scaling at weeks 6, 10 and 22 . Patients were randomly assigned to receive either azithromycin, (A), or placebo capsules, (C), 500 mg, 1x daily for 3 days at week 2 . 44 patients completed the study . Mean pocket depths were analysed using analysis of covariance in 3 groups with initial pocket depth values of 1-3 mm, 4-5 mm and >or=6 mm . RESULTS: The results of the microbiology have been reported in a separate paper . The clinical data showed that by week 22 a lower % of pockets initially >5 mm deep remained above that level in the 23 patients taking azithromycin (A), than the 21 taking the placebo (C), (A, 5.6%; C, 23.3%) . Also at week 22, for pockets initially 4 mm or more, the test group had fewer pockets >3 mm deep (A, 26.1%; C, 44.3%), fewer failing to improve in probing depth (A, 6.6%; C, 21.6%) and fewer continuing to bleed on probing (A, 46.9%; C, 55.6%) when compared with the control group . Pocket depths initially 4-5 mm or 6-9 mm analysed by analysis of covariance showed lower mean pocket depths in the patients on azithromycin, at weeks 6, 10 and 22, (pockets initially 4-5 mm, p<0.001 on all occasions, pockets initially 6-9 mm, p<0.001, week 6; p< 0.003, week 10; p<0.001, week 22) . CONCLUSIONS: Azithromycin may be a useful adjunct in the treatment of adult periodontitis, particularly where deep pockets are present.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol, 2001 Nov, 22(11), 673 - 6
Presence and chromosomal subtyping of Legionella species in potable water systems in 20 hospitals of Catalonia, Spain; Sabria M et al.; OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence and clonal distribution of Legionella species in the water supply of 20 hospitals in Catalonia, Spain . SETTING: 20 hospitals in Catalonia, an area of 32,000 km2, located in northeast Spain . METHODS: Environmental cultures of 186 points of potable water supply and 10 cooling towers were performed for the presence of Legionella species . Following filtration and acid treatment, the samples were seeded in selective MWY (modified Wadowsky Yee)-buffered charcoal yeast extract-alpha agar . All isolates obtained were characterized microbiologically and genotyped by SfiI pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) . RESULTS: 73 of 196 water samples, representing 17 of the 20 hospitals included in the study, were positive for Legionella pneumophila (serogroups 1, 2-14, or both) . The degree of contamination ranged from 200 to 74,250 colony-forming units/L . Twenty-five chromosomal DNA subtypes were detected by PFGE . A single DNA subtype was identified in 10 hospitals, 2 DNA subtypes were observed in 6 hospitals, and 1 hospital exhibited 3 different DNA subtypes . Each hospital had its own Legionella DNA subtype, which was not shared with any other hospitals . CONCLUSIONS: Legionella was present in the water of most of the hospitals studied; each such hospital had a unique, dominant chromosomal DNA subtype . The verification of several genomic DNA restriction profiles in such a small geographic area demonstrates the great genetic diversity of Legionella in the aquatic environment.

Planta Med, 2002 Jan, 68(1), 5 - 15
Microbial contamination of medicinal plants--a review; Kneifel W et al.; Medicinal plants may be associated with a broad variety of microbial contaminants, which are represented by bacteria, fungi and viruses . Inevitably, this microbiological background depends on several environmental factors and exerts an important impact on the overall quality of herbal products and preparations . Risk assessment of the microbial load of medicinal plants has therefore become an important subject in the establishment of modern Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) schemes . This study intends to contribute to this knowledge by giving a survey of published data regarding the microbial contamination of herbal plants, by dealing with methodological aspects and by considering the influence of different commonly used pharmaceutical preparation techniques on the microbiological status of the products . Finally, quality standards are discussed, which could be considered for guidelines and/or possible inclusion in the Ph.Eur . 2000.

Int J Pharm, 2002 Mar 2, 234(1-2), 205 - 12
Impact of deep freezing on the stability of 25 mg/ml vancomycin ophthalmic solutions; Sautou-Miranda V et al.; For the treatment of certain eye infections, ophthalmic solutions 'laced' with 25 mg/ml vancomycin are sometimes prepared . Their physical and chemical stability and the maintenance of their sterility were studied after deep freezing at -20 +/- 2 degrees C and thawing, followed or not by refrigeration for 48 h at 4 +/- 2 degrees C . Physical and chemical analysis comprised visual inspection turbidity, determination of pH and osmolality, and assay of vancomycin by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection . For microbiological analysis a 25 mg/ml vancomycin ophthalmic solution was filtered through two membranes and cultured on trypticase-soy and Sabouraud-glucose solid media . Any colonies were then counted . These physical, chemical and microbiological analyses demonstrated the stability of 25 mg/ml vancomycin ophthalmic solutions in 5% glucose deep frozen at -20 +/- 2 degrees C for 3 months . The vancomycin concentration varied by no more than 5% of the initial concentration, and no breakdown product was evidenced . Neither pH (mean=3.8 +/- 0.1) nor osmolality (mean=318.3 +/- 5.6 mOsm/kg) varied significantly, and remained compatible with intraocular administration . No particle or bacterial combination was found in the course of the study . The thawing procedure (at ambient temperature or under warm running water from a tap) did not modify the stability of the eye drops . Likewise, storage in a refrigerator for 48 h after thawing did not modify stability . The advantage of storing vancomycin 25 mg/ml ophthalmic solutions for 3 months in deep freeze is that a stock of chemically and microbiologically controlled preparations can be held ready for administration to patients, thereby allowing prompter dispensing, as the eye drops are not made up extemporaneously, while the improved control over production ensures that patients receive solutions of constant quality, as every batch prepared is systematically inspected.

New Microbiol, 2002 Jan, 25(1), 51 - 6
Microbiological indoor air quality in healthy buildings; Sessa R et al.; There is a growing interest in indoor air quality for a better quality environment both at home and at work because many people spend at least 80% of their time indoors . The aim of our study was to evaluate the indoor concentration of airborne bacteria and fungi in a University auditorium, in an office of public buildings and in an apartment in the presence and in absence of building's occupants, building materials and furnishings . The concentrations of airborne bacteria and fungi were determined using a Surface Air System (SAS) . In presence of people and furnishings the average air concentrations of bacteria (University auditorium: 925-1225 CFU m(-3); office: 493 CFU m(-3); apartment: 92-182 CFU m(-3)) were higher than in absence (respectively: 190-315 CFU m(-3); 126 CFU m(-3); 66-80 CFU m(-3)) . The average air concentrations fungal were higher in presence of people and furnishings (University auditorium: 1256-1769 CFU m(-3); office: 858 CFU m(-3); apartment: 147-297 CFU m(-3)) than in absence (respectively: 301-431 CFU m(-3); 224 CFU m(-3); 102-132 CFU m(-3)) . The obtained data can be considered as a step to identify acceptable levels for bioaerosols in common indoor environments.

Ann Chim, 2001 Nov-Dec, 91(11-12), 785 - 93
Microbial growth and air pollution in carbonate rock weathering . Preliminary results of a in situ experimental study; Pitzurra L et al.; Preliminary results on limestone weathering caused by air pollution and microbial colonization are presented in this study . Outdoor exposure experimental assays were performed on Scaglia limestone samples . Samples were exposed in two areas in Perugia (Italy) that differ for degree of urban air pollution . At different times of exposure, ranging from 1 to 12 months, microbial contamination and textural modifications of sampled surfaces were evaluated by microbiological procedures, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy . After one year of exposure a significant fungal colonization and the presence of weathering products (i.e . gypsum) were detected on sampled surfaces.

Pharmazie, 2002 Jan, 57(1), 59 - 61
Microbiological conversion of a beta- and gamma-eudesmol mixture by Rhizopus; Maatooq GT et al.; A mixture of beta- and gamma-eudesmols was microbiologically biotransformed by Rhizopus stolonifer ATCC 6227 . Positions-2 and 3, in both substrates, proved to be accessible by hydroxylase enzyme . Four different metabolites were isolated and their structures were elucidated by different spectroscopic methods . The structures of these metabolites were established as eudesma-3-en-2 beta,11-diol; eudesma-4-en-3 beta,11-diol; eudesma-4(15)-en-2 beta,11-diol and eudesma-4(15)-en-3 beta,11-diol.

Environ Toxicol Chem, 2002 Feb, 21(2), 309 - 18
Mutagenicity and disinfection by-products in surface drinking water disinfected with peracetic acid; Monarca S et al.; The aims of this research were to study the influence of peracetic acid (PAA) on the formation of mutagens in surface waters used for human consumption and to assess its potential application for the disinfection of drinking water . The results obtained using PAA were compared to those found with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and chlorine dioxide (ClO2) . The Ames test, root anaphase aberration assay, and root/micronuclei assay in Allium cepa and Tradescantia/micronuclei test were used to evaluate the mutagenicity of disinfected samples . Microbiological tests were also performed, and disinfection by-products (DBPs) were identified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) . A slight bacterial mutagenicity was found in raw lake and river water, and similar activity was detected in disinfected samples . A plant test revealed genotoxicity in raw river water, and microbiological analysis showed that PAA has bactericidal activity but lower than that of the other disinfectants . The DBPs produced by PAA were mainly carboxylic acids, which are not recognized as mutagenic, whereas the waters treated with the other disinfectants showed the presence of mutagenic/carcinogenic halogenated DBPs . However, additional experiments should be performed with higher concentrations of PAA and using water with higher organic carbon content to better evaluate this disinfectant.

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 2002 Jan, 42(1), 1 - 34
A comparison of the nutritional value, sensory qualities, and food safety of organically and conventionally produced foods; Bourn D et al.; Given the significant increase in consumer interest in organic food products, there is a need to determine to what extent there is a scientific basis for claims made for organic produce . Studies comparing foods derived from organic and conventional growing systems were assessed for three key areas: nutritional value, sensory quality, and food safety . It is evident from this assessment that there are few well-controlled studies that are capable of making a valid comparison . With the possible exception of nitrate content, there is no strong evidence that organic and conventional foods differ in concentrations of various nutrients . Considerations of the impact of organic growing systems on nutrient bioavailability and nonnutrient components have received little attention and are important directions for future research . While there are reports indicating that organic and conventional fruits and vegetables may differ on a variety of sensory qualities, the findings are inconsistent . In future studies, the possibility that typical organic distribution or harvesting systems may deliver products differing in freshness or maturity should be evaluated . There is no evidence that organic foods may be more susceptible to microbiological contamination than conventional foods . While it is likely that organically grown foods are lower in pesticide residues, there has been very little documentation of residue levels.

Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 2001 Dec, 57(10), 723 - 7
Population pharmacokinetics of fluconazole given for secondary prevention of oropharyngeal candidiasis in HIV-positive patients; Csajka C et al.; OBJECTIVES: To determine fluconazole population pharmacokinetics and explore the relationships between fluconazole average concentration and treatment effectiveness or microbiological resistance induction during a study aimed at evaluating the efficacy, tolerability and resistance induction after secondary prevention with fluconazole (150 mg weekly) versus placebo in human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV+) patients with oropharyngeal candidiasis . METHODS: Population pharmacokinetic parameters of fluconazole determined from 458 serum drug concentration measurements obtained over 37 months in 132 HIV + patients not receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy . Mean estimates and variabilities were generated using non-linear regression analysis . Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to explore the relationships between the estimated average concentration of fluconazole and candidiasis relapse or fungal resistance towards fluconazole . RESULTS: Fluconazole kinetics were best described by a one-compartment model with first-order oral absorp tion from the gastrointestinal tract . The pharmacokinetics were influenced only by body weight . No effect was observed for gender, age, height or lymphocyte CD4 counts . The mean apparent population clearance was 0.79 l/h, the volume of distribution 571 and the absorption constant (ka) 0.93 h(-1) . Inter-occasion variability in clearance (45%) was large relative to intersubject variability (21%) . Taking into account the average fluconazole concentration or the time above the minimal inhibitory concentrations did not clinically improve the prediction of the occurrence of oropharyngeal relapse or microbiological resistance . CONCLUSION: The relationship between fluconazole concentrations and preventive effectiveness was poor . Together with the rather large inter-occasion variability in fluconazole clearance, this suggests no role of therapeutic drug monitoring in optimising fluconazole treatment for secondary prevention.

Acta Astronaut, 1976 Sep-Oct, 3(9-10), 633 - 50
Life support system with autonomous control employing plant photosynthesis; Gitelson II et al.; This research was aimed at obtaining a closed control system . This was achieved by placing all the technological processes providing for human vital activities within the hermetically sealed space, and by transferring the entire control and guidance of these processes to people inhabiting the system . In contrast to existing biological life support systems, man has been included not only as a participant of metabolism, but as an operator who is the central figure in collecting information, making decisions and controlling all technological processes . To tackle this problem, the "BIOS-3" experimental complex was created for performing long-term experiments using different structures of biological life-support system . The experiment lasted six months and consisted of three stages . During the first stage the system was comprised of two equivalent phytotrons with the culture of wheat and an assortment of vegetable plants, and the living compartment . At the second stage, one of the phytotrons was removed while a compartment of chlorella cultivators was introduced . The third stage differed from the second, the former using wheat phytotron and the latter employing phytotron with an assortment of vegetable cultures . Three men inhabited the system simultaneously . The experiment demonstrated that a biological life support system controlled autonomously from the inside is feasible within a small confined space . However, immunological and microbiological research shows, that the medium created by the system is not fully adequate for man . In conclusion, some prospects have been outlined for further studies of biological life support systems.

Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi, 2001 Oct, 39(10), 770 - 4
{A case of primary pleural leiomyosarcoma}; Mizunoe S et al.; A 70-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with complaints of chest pain and exertional dyspnea . Chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) revealed right pleural effusion and pleural thickening on admission . The pleural fluid was bloody . Microbiological and cytologic examinations of the fluid were negative . The chest CT revealed progress of pleural thickening after hospitalization . A thoracoscopic pleural biopsy was performed, and the histological finding of the excised specimen was leiomyosarcoma . Because no organ of origin of the leiomyosarcoma, other than the pleura, was detected, this case was diagnosed as a primary pleural leiomyosarcoma . It is thought that leiomyosarcoma originating from the pleura is rare.

Pathology, 2001 Nov, 33(4), 536 - 7
Recurrent Methylobacterium mesophilicum sepsis associated with haemodialysis; Engler C et al.; Methylobacterium mesophilicum is an environmental organism that has infrequently been implicated as a human pathogen . Most reported cases are in immunocompromised hosts . The natural ecology of this organism is related to vegetation or soil . We report the case of a 51-year-old man who developed a recurrent bacteraemia with this organism while receiving haemodialysis through an indwelling intravascular catheter . The literature on the clinical significance of this organism is reviewed together with specific microbiological identifying features which could be of use in the routine diagnostic laboratory.

J Clin Microbiol, 2002 Feb, 40(2), 466 - 74
Experimental infection of domestic cats with Bartonella koehlerae and comparison of protein and DNA profiles with those of other Bartonella species infecting felines; Yamamoto K et al.; Bartonella koehlerae, a recently described feline Bartonella species, was isolated from two naturally infected cats in northern California . We experimentally infected domestic cats with B . koehlerae to establish the microbiological and immunological characteristics of this infection in cats and to compare it to infections with those caused by B . henselae and B . clarridgeiae . Four cats were inoculated intradermally with B . koehlerae (8.6 x 10(7) to 3.84 x 10(8) CFU/ml) . None of the cats presented any obvious clinical signs, but all cats developed bacteremia, which peaked at 3.36 x 10(4) to 1.44 x 10(6) CFU/ml of blood between day 14 and day 36 postinoculation . B . koehlerae-inoculated cats had a bacteremia duration (mean, 74 days) shorter than did cats inoculated with B . clarridgeiae (mean, 324 days) (P = 0.03) . None of the four cats inoculated with B . koehlerae had bacteremia relapse . As shown by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using B . koehlerae outer membrane protein (OMP) antigens, the four cats developed a species-specific antibody response, and ELISA testing using other feline Bartonella OMP antigens showed statistically lower optical density values . All four cats developed similar antibody reactivity patterns to B . koehlerae OMP antigens as seen by Western blotting, each with at least 20 seroreactive protein bands . Using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, protein profile differences were observed for both whole-cell lysate and OMPs from B . koehlerae, compared with B . henselae and B . clarridgeiae . B . koehlerae was more closely related to B . henselae than to B . clarridgeiae by protein profile, and this relatedness was also confirmed by analysis of the genomic DNA profiles by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.

Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin, 2002 Jan, 20(1), 5 - 9
{Tuberculous spondylodiskitis (Pott's disease): Experience in a general hospital}; Garcia-Lechuz JM et al.; BACKGROUND: Pott's disease (PD) is an uncommon extra-pulmonary form of tuberculosis . Dissimilar data about location, diagnosis and treatment from various hospitals and different countries are reported . PATIENTS AND METHOD: We present our experience with Pott's disease at our institution between January 1993 to December 1999, retrospectively, based on cinical bacteriological and pathological research . We found the medical records of 14 patients diagnosed as having PD at our hospital . The following information was obtained: age, sex, symptoms and sings at presentation, PPD tuberculin skin test, imaging techniques, mycobacterium cultures and smear, histopathologic study, treatment and clinical outcome . RESULTS: The number of microbiological diagnosed tuberculosis during the study period was of 1,400 (4 cases per 1,000 admissions) . From them, 1,047 cases (74.8%) were pulmonary and 353 cases (25.2%) extra-pulmonary . We found the medical records of 14 patients diagnosed as having PD at our hospital . There was a diagnostic delay between 2 and 720 days . In 5 cases, cultures were positive (1.4% extra-pulmonary) . The following information was obtained: age, sex, symptoms and signs at presentation, PPD tuberculin skin test, imaging techniques, mycobacterium cultures and smear, histopathologic study, treatment and clinical outcome.The mean age of the patients was 58 years . Pain and dorsal location were more frequent (8/14) . In 6 cases, tuberculosis was diagnosed at other sites . Tuberculin skin test was positive in 7 ases (50%) . The diagnosis was confirmed by positive cultures from biopsies in 5 from 8 cases performed and the histology was compatible in 8 from 11 cases performed . Diskitis was presented in 10 cases, soft tissue abscess in 9 cases (psoas abscess in 2); epidural compression in 9 cases and surgery was necessary in 9 cases (diagnostic in 3) . CONCLUSIONS: Pott's disease is a rare entity even among HIV-patients in whom extrapulmonar disease has increased . Dorsal location, diskitis and advanced forms of the disease that deserve surgical treatment are frequent.

Int J Food Sci Nutr, 2002 Jan, 53(1), 35 - 42
Plasma, liver and kidney folate and plasma homocysteine concentrations are poor response variables at very low dietary folate intakes, in a folate depletion/repletion rat model; O'Leary K et al.; Folate depletion/repletion rat models are popular protocols for assessing the bioavailability of folate . Much of the early work carried out on folate bioavailability concentrated on foods naturally high in folate . However, foods low in folate often contribute significantly to folate intake because of their high consumption in the general population . Therefore, the assessment of the bioavailability of foods low in folate is essential to properly estimate folate intake . The present study investigated plasma, liver and kidney folate and plasma homocysteine concentrations as appropriate response variables for measuring folate bioavailability in the rat at very low dietary folate intakes . One hundred and one weanling male rats (Wistar strain) were fed a folate-deficient diet containing 1% succinyl sulfathiazole for 28 d . Following depletion, six rats were randomly assigned to each of 16 repletion diets containing folic acid, fortified white bread, unfortified wholemeal bread or unfortified rye bread calculated to provide 6.25, 12.5, 18.75 and 25 micrograms folate/kg of each diet . After a further 28 d, plasma, liver and kidney folate concentrations were determined by microbiological assay . Plasma homocysteine was measured by HPLC as a functional indicator of folate status . Only a weak correlation was found between the response variables measured and dietary folate intake, indicating that this folate depletion/repletion rat model is not suitable for testing the response of rats fed diets containing very low levels of folate.

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd, 2002 Jan 12, 146(2), 77 - 9
{Patient with a lung abscess, primarily treated with drainage followed by antibiotics}; Heddema ER et al.; A 45-year-old woman presented herself with coughing, nocturnal sweating, weight loss, and chest pain, left laterally . In the previous 5 months she had been treated twice with antibiotics due to a suspected pneumonia . With the help of a CT scan, 2 subpleural lung abscesses were diagnosed . The primary treatment was CT-guided drainage, as a result of which the largest abscess was emptied and a microbiological diagnosis could be established . Subsequently, the patient made a quick recovery with the help of specific antibiotics . It might be better to drain lung abscesses, especially subpleural ones, at an early stage rather than wait for the results of a trial treatment with antibiotics.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 2002 Feb, 76(2), 149 - 58
Laparoscopic diagnosis of acute lower abdominal pain in women of reproductive age; Gaitan H et al.; OBJECTIVES: To compare the accuracy of laparoscopy performed within 24 h of admission and the conventional method based on clinical observation in the etiological diagnosis of non-specific acute lower abdominal pain (NSLAP) in women of reproductive age . METHODS: A total of 110 patients who met the selection criteria and were seen from November 1997 to June 2000 at the Instituto Materno Infantil, a referral hospital for maternal and perinatal care in Bogota, were randomly divided into two groups . The effectiveness of each method was evaluated according to number of diagnoses reached, length of in-patient stay before diagnosis, complications, and diagnostic accuracy when compared with a standard given by microbiological and histopathological findings as well as clinical course . RESULTS: The early laparoscopy group did not experience more accurate diagnoses (85% vs . 79%, P=0.61) or a greater number of complications (11% vs . 9%, P=0.48), although the patients' stay was shorter (1.3 vs . 2.3 days, P=0.008) than the stay of the conventional-diagnosis group . Sensitivity analysis showed more accurate judgements with laparoscopy in four of the five NSLAP causes, but only in two of the cases did this greater accuracy have clinical significance . CONCLUSIONS: Early laparoscopy did not show a clear benefit in women with NSLAP.

Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax, 2001 Nov 15, 90(46), 2005 - 8
{Lymphadenopathy}; Stockli R et al.; Lymphadenopathy is a very common problem that affects patients of all ages . Differential diagnosis is extensive, in general lymph nodes that have been present for longer than 1 month and measure more than 1 x 1 cm should be considered for further examinations, including laboratory testing and biopsy for histological and microbiological examinations.

Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi, 2001 Aug, 42(4), 262 - 8
{Analysis for microbial contamination in production of Japanese-style confectionery "Monaka"}; Fujikawa H et al.; Food hygiene in Japanese-style confectionery factories is hard to practice because the businesses are small . In a supporting system of voluntary-based hygienic management in this field, we microbiologically investigated the production processes of "Monaka" in a workshop in Tokyo . We microbiologically assessed the processing environments as well as the products in the workshop, then proposed some improvements in the production of the confectionery . After the improvements, microbial contamination of the processing environments was reduced and no microbial contamination was found in the sugared bean, or "An" produced, though the product "Monaka" was still contaminated, especially by molds . It was clarified that the molds came from contaminated baked wheat shells, or "Kawa" and further that the wheat shells were contaminated by molds during storage.

Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi, 2001 Aug, 42(4), 252 - 6
Practical application of predictive microbiology software programs to HACCP plans; Fujikawa H et al.; We studied how predictive microbiology models could practically be applied to HACCP plans with two predictive software programs that are currently available . The software programs were the Food Micromodel elaborated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, U.K . and the Pathogen Modeling Program of Eastern Regional Research Center, U.S . Department of Agriculture . They successfully provided useful information on (i) the determination of Critical Control Points (CCPs), (ii) the estimation of critical limits at CCPs, (iii) the decision of abused products, (iv) the assessment of equivalence of HACCP plans, and further (v) the development of new products . With the information simulated by the software programs, HACCP teams could make scientific and objective decisions for developing their individual plans . It was also confirmed that microbiological process standards for food processing are indispensable for the application of the predictive programs to HACCP plans.

Food Addit Contam, 2002 Jan, 19(1), 76 - 88
Quality and safety aspects of reusable plastic food packaging materials: influence of reuse on intrinsic properties; Jetten J et al.; The aim of the project was to develop a comprehensive package of quality assurance criteria for use by the industry and by regulatory authorities to ensure the quality and safety-in-use (sensory, microbiological and chemical safety) of reused plastics for food packaging . The paper describes the investigations into potential adulteration effects by reuse on the intrinsic properties of plastics in more detail . The plastic articles investigated were bottles of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polycarbonate (PC) and vending cups of polypropylene (PP) . The influence of repeated use on the migration of plastic constituents, degradation products of plastic additives, barrier properties and surface characteristics were investigated . The overall conclusion was that the investigated intrinsic properties of the refillable articles were not significantly influenced by repeated use . Only the hydrophobicity of the refillable PC and PP articles seemed to be influenced by repeated washing . PC bottles washed 15 times were significantly less hydrophobic than unwashed bottles.

J Periodontol, 2001 Dec, 72(12), 1747 - 54
Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome: serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass antibody response to periodontopathic bacteria . A case report; Wara-aswapati N et al.; BACKGROUND: Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder which is characterized by palmar-plantar hyperkeratosis and rapid periodontal destruction of both primary and permanent dentitions . In this case report, we present clinical features, and microbiological and immunological findings of 40 month-old Thai male PLS patient . METHODS: Microbiological examinations consisted of bacterial culture methods utilizing selective media, morphological identification, and biochemical tests . In addition, the specific serum IgG subclass antibody titers reactive with etiologic periodontal bacteria were determined by the dot-blot immunological analysis and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . RESULTS: The examinations revealed that the patient harbored 3 major suspected periodontopathic microorganisms, A . actinomycetemcomitans, P . gingivalis, and P . intermedia . The patient's serum IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3, but not IgG4, titers against A . actinomycetemcomitans were dramatically increased . The predominant IgG subclass was IgG1 . In contrast, the IgG titers against other tested bacteria, P . gingivalis, P . intermedia, and F . nucleatum, appeared to be similar to those of a healthy control . CONCLUSIONS: A . actinomycetemcomitans seems to play a pivotal role in the bacteria-host interaction in PLS periodontal pathogenesis . Response of the specific serum IgG subclass antibody titers against the A . actinomycetemcomitans antigen has been demonstrated . This association warrants further investigation.

J R Soc Health, 2001 Dec, 121(4), 236 - 42
A preliminary assessment of two hospital food service systems using parameters of food safety and consumer opinion; Hartwell H et al.; The goal of any hospital caterer should be to provide food that meets nutritional requirements, satisfies the patient, improves morale and is microbiologically safe . Food distribution to hospital wards plays a critical role . The aim of this study was to compare two hospital food service systems using parameters of food safety and consumer opinion . An NHS hospital was selected where food delivery was due to change from a plated system to a cafeteria trolley system . Samples (50 g) of dishes (n = 27) considered to be high-risk were collected for three consecutive days from breakfast, lunch and supper meals . The samples were taken from a pre-ordered tray (similar to that of a patient) in the plated system and from the trolley on the ward in the cafeteria system of meal delivery (approximately six months after its introduction) . Consumer opinions cards (n = 180) were distributed and interviews also conducted . Microbiologically, the quality of food items delivered by both systems was satisfactory . However, concern was raised with the plated system, not for hot foods cooling down but for chilled foods warming up and being sustained in ambient conditions . Overall consumer satisfaction and experience was enhanced with the trolley system . Food was hotter and generally perceived to be of a better quality . Satisfaction with cold desserts was not dependent on the delivery system.

J Food Prot, 2002 Jan, 65(1), 41 - 9
Assessment and development of procedures and apparatus to reduce contamination of lamb carcasses during pelt removal in low-throughput abattoirs; Whyte RT et al.; Two series of experiments were carried out to investigate methods of reducing contamination of lamb carcasses in low-throughput abattoirs, where cradle dressing is normally employed . In the first series, cradle design and pelt removal procedure were investigated, and a method was developed for assessing gross visible contamination . Significant improvements in microbiological and gross visible contamination (P < 0.01) were achieved by procedural changes only; modifications to the cradle design had no effect . In the second series of experiments, two improved methods of pelt removal and the effect of hand washing prior to carcass contact during the pelt removal procedure were investigated . The improved methods comprised a Frame system, in which the pelt was removed in a manner similar to that in a high-throughput inverted line, and a Hybrid system, in which the pelt was removed from the forequarters on a conventional cradle before the carcass was suspended in an "inverted" vertical position for removal of the pelt from the abdomen and hindquarters . The results of microbiological and gross visible contamination from these methods, with and without hand washing, were compared with the conventional Cradle method of pelt removal . Both the Hybrid and Frame systems had significantly less microbiological and gross visible contamination (P < 0.01) . However, hand washing had no significant effect on the level of carcass contamination for all three methods of pelt removal . Greatest reductions in microbiological and gross visible contamination were achieved using techniques that minimized hand contact with the carcass during pelt removal by adoption of inverted dressing procedures . Equipment redesign did not reduce carcass contamination.

J Food Prot, 2002 Jan, 65(1), 146 - 52
Multicenter study of street foods in 13 towns on four continents by the food and environmental hygiene study group of the international network of pasteur and associated institutes; Garin B et al.; An international multicenter study of ready-to-eat foods, sandwiches, and ice creams or sorbets sold in the streets and their vendors was carried out to assess the microbiological quality of these foods and to identify characteristics of the vendors possibly associated with pathogens . Thirteen towns in Africa, America, Asia, and Oceania were involved in the study . A single protocol was used in all 13 centers: representative sampling was by random selection of vendors and a sample of foods bought from each of these vendors at a time and date selected at random . Microbiological analyses were carried out using standardized Association Francaise de Normalisation methods, and the use of a standardized questionnaire to collect data concerning the characteristics of the vendors . Fifteen surveys were carried out, with 3,003 food samples from 1,268 vendors . The proportion of unsatisfactory food samples was between 12.7 and 82.9% for ice creams and sorbets and between 11.3 and 92% for sandwiches . For ice creams and sorbets, the sale of a large number of units (>80 per day) increased the risk of unsatisfactory food by a factor of 2.8 (95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.5 to 5.1), lack of training in food hygiene by 6.6 (95% CI: 1.1 to 50) . and by a factor of 2.8 (95% CI: 1.4 to 5.4) for mobile vendors . These risk factors were not identified for sandwiches, this difference may be due to the presence of a cooking step in their preparation . These results show that the poor microbiological quality of these street foods constitutes a potential hazard to public health, that the extent of this hazard varies between the cities studied, and that vendors' health education in food safety is a crucial factor in the prevention of foodborne infections.

Indian J Dent Res, 2001 Jul-Sep, 12(3), 181 - 3
Nucleic acid probes in periodontal diagnosis; Mahesh CP et al.; Periodontal Disease is considered as an infection caused by a variety of microorganisms . Considering the vast range of microbial species involved in the causation of periodontal diseases, a specific diagnostic procedure, to identify the various organisms involved is a major necessity . A number of diagnostic procedures, including microbiological and immunological have been utilized in the diagnosis of periodontal disease . The DNA probe technology provides both a sensitive and specific assay and also alleviates concern for transport of the fastidious microorganisms in clinical samples, fulfills the need for a specific and rapid test, that does not require the preservation of viable microorganisms . DNA probes are now being used to identify the various putative pathogen's including; A . actinomycetemcomitans, P . gingivalis, P . intermedia, B . forsythus, etc . Besides DNA probes have also been proven an advantage over the various other available procedures in periodontal diagnosis.

Ann Hematol, 2002 Jan, 81(1), 37 - 43 Epub 2001 Dec 14.
A randomized monocentric trial in febrile neutropenic patients: ceftriaxone and gentamicin vs cefepime and gentamicin; Cornely OA et al.; A prospective, randomized, controlled monocentric trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of once daily ceftriaxone 2 g plus gentamicin 5 mg/kg in comparison to cefepime 2 g t.i.d . plus gentamicin 5 mg/kg q.d . in the treatment of neutropenic fever . In case of fever (oral temperature > or =38.5 degrees C on one occasion or > or =38.0 degrees C twice within 24 h) and a granulocytopenia (neutrophil count below 500 or below 1000/microl when expected to fall below 500 within 72 h), patients with hematological malignancies or solid tumors were assigned to ceftriaxone or cefepime, each with gentamicin . The primary endpoint was defined as defervescence on day 4-6 followed by at least 7 afebrile days . Secondary endpoints were overall response, defined as defervescence on day 28 and toxicity . Two hundred eleven episodes were included . Fever of unknown origin (FUO) accounted for 124 episodes (58.8%), microbiologically defined infection (MDI) for 39 (18.5%), clinically defined infection (CDI) for 25 (11.8%), and both clinically and microbiologically defined infection (CMDI) for 19 episodes (9%) . On an intent-to-treat basis 207 episodes were evaluable for the primary endpoint . Ceftriaxone plus gentamicin and cefepime plus gentamicin were successful in 49.5% and 51%, respectively . Overall response was achieved on study day 28 in 92.5% and 91%, respectively . Diarrhea was more frequent with ceftriaxone/gentamicin (6.5% vs 17%), while nausea/vomiting was less (12.1% vs 5%) . Once-daily ceftriaxone plus gentamicin was not inferior to cefepime t.i.d . plus gentamicin q.d . in the empirical treatment of neutropenic fever.

J Chemother, 2001 Dec, 13(6), 628 - 34
Safety and effectiveness of lomefloxacin in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB) chronically treated with oral theophyllines; Melani AS et al.; Lomefloxacin is a difluorinated quinolone with excellent activity against a wide range of pathogens including those responsible for acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) . This open, cross-sectional, multicenter study has evaluated the efficacy and safety of a once-daily dosage of 400 mg lomefloxacin in patients with AECB chronically treated with theophylline . 137 patients (96 males, 41 females; mean age 66.1+/-11.2 yrs) were enrolled and 133 completed the study . 81% suffered from moderate AECB, 16% severe AECB . The clinical success rate was very high (95%), as well as the microbiological (93%) . Side effects were scarce and were significant only in 3 patients, with 2 dropouts . All patients were using theophylline derivatives twice daily and continued without any variation in dosage during the lomefloxacin treatment . Theophylline plasma levels determined in 103 patients at baseline, during and at the end of the lomefloxacin treatment did not significantly change . We conclude that orally administered lomefloxacin at standard recommended dosage is well tolerated and effective in elderly patients with AECB . No dose adjustment is required even when it is co-administered with methylxanthines.

Akush Ginekol (Sofiia), 2001, 40(4), 42 - 4
{Klion D - possibilities of prophylaxis and treatment during pregnancy}; Vapinov B et al.; OBJECTIVE: To evaluated and dilated possibilities of prophylaxis and treatment of agent Klioton D in pregnant women . MATERIAL AND METHODS: 164 women were evaluated for 1.5 year period between 12 and 40 gest . week . The first group of prophylactic usage was consisted of 118 women, divided in two groups: prophylaxis before cerclage--33 women, between 12 and 20 gest . week, and prophylaxis before delivery--85 cases . The second group was therapeutic usage in 46 women between 16 and 34 gest . week . RESULTS: Microbiologically superiority of unspecific bacterial agents was proved, mixed bacterial aerobic-anaerobic flora was dominated . More common bacterial vaginosis and candidosis were noted . In therapeutic group 80% were cured . The rate of subjective complaints in two groups was evaluated . Complications after delivery were 0.04% . Complications after cerclage weren't noted . CONCLUSION: Microbiological type find in pregnant women and good prophylactic and the therapeutic results make Klion D as appropriate therapeutic agent before cerclage, delivery, in imminent abortions and premature labors.

Ann Transplant, 2001, 6(1), 26 - 31
Lipid extracted freeze-dried bank bone sterilized with low temperature plasma; Shimizu K et al.; Ethylene oxide gas (EOG) is widely used for sterilization of freeze-dried bone . Recently EOG is regulated for clinical use because of cytotoxicity and environmental pollution concerns . Low Temperature Plasma Sterilization (LTPS) has no toxicity and mutagenicity working with a hydrogen peroxide gas plasma at 45 degrees centigrade . We have now used this method experimentally and clinically to sterilize freeze-dried bone . Cortical bone with a thickness of 5 mm and cancellous bone with a 10 mm cubic size were prepared, washed, defatted, dehydrated by freeze drying and finally sterilized by LTPS . As a Microbiological test, defatted freeze-dried bone was contaminated with B . subtilis, and after then the contaminated bone was treated with LTPS and the bacteria was proven inactive . Mechanical testing on rabbit cortical bone was investigated by compression testing using a mechanical testing machine . No differences between EOG treated and LTPS treated bone were found . From December 1996, 52 patients who had small and middle bone defects were treated with defatted, freeze-dried and LTPS sterilized bone . Clinical result was good . No deep infections, no transmission of virus infections or severe graft absorption were noted . The LTPS bank bone is safe and useful to reconstruction to small bone defects.

Clin Infect Dis, 2002 Mar 1, 34(5), 583 - 90 Epub 2002 Jan 16.
Etiological diagnosis of childhood pneumonia by use of transthoracic needle aspiration and modern microbiological methods; Vuori-Holopainen E et al.; Childhood pneumonia is usually treated without determining its etiology . The causative organism can be isolated from specimens of blood, empyema fluid, or lung aspirate, but this is rarely done . The potential of transthoracic needle aspiration for identification of causative agents was tested with use of modern microbiological methods . Aspiration was performed for 34 children who had radiological signs compatible with community-acquired pneumonia and had alveolar consolidation . In addition to bacterial and viral cultures and viral antigen detection, nucleic acid detection for common respiratory pathogens was performed on aspirate specimens . Aspiration disclosed the etiology in 20 (59%) of 34 cases overall and in 18 (69%) of 26 patients from whom a representative specimen was obtained . Aspiration's advantages are high microbiological yield and a relatively low risk of a clinically significant adverse event . Aspiration should be used if identification of the causative agent outweighs the modest risk of the procedure.

Bone Marrow Transplant, 2001 Dec, 28(12), 1167 - 70
Morphologic changes leading to bronchiolitis obliterans in a patient with delayed non-infectious lung disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation; Trisolini R et al.; A 37-year-old man developed delayed non-infectious lung disease after undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for acute myeloid leukaemia . Over a 15-month period, the progression of morphologic changes from cellular interstitial pneumonia to bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia and cicatricial bronchiolitis obliterans was documented . Pulmonary function tests, high-resolution CT, bronchoalveolar lavage, lung biopsy and extensive microbiological studies were used as diagnostic tools either at onset and during the follow-up . This represents the first reported case in which a model--supported by longitudinal biopsy results--for the evolution of histologic lesions toward bronchiolitis obliterans after BMT is suggested; therapeutic implications are discussed.

Bratisl Lek Listy, 2001, 102(10), 454 - 7
Significance of specific antibody determination in Lyme borreliosis diagnosis; Bazovska S et al.; The diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis, except in cases characterised by pathognomonic clinical manifestation, usually requires confirmation by means of microbiological diagnostic assay, mainly by antibody detection methods . In our study antibodies to B . burgdorferi were tested in neurological patients with suspected Lyme borreliosis, depending on syndrome and clinical diagnosis . Antibodies were tested with IFT, ELISA and immunoblot . Blood samples of patients tested with IFT and ELISA tests were positive in 88 patients . Positive indirect immunofluorescence tests were found in 83 patients; in 5 patients the antibody level was borderline . Of these, 40 were positive also in ELISA but a correlation between IF titers and ELISA-positivity was not established . The immunoblot method confirmed specific antibody positivity in 36 of 88 patients (45.45%) who were positive (or borderline positive) in the indirect IF test, and in 28 of 40 (70%) ELISA-positive patients . Antibody specificity was found in 8 indirect IF-positive patients who were ELISA negative . This may be explained by the higher immunoblot sensitivity in comparison with ELISA . The Lyme borreliosis diagnosis was clinically established in 19 patients; antibodies to B . burgdorferi were only found in 13 patients in all three tests, and in 4 patients only in the indirect IF test . The results of serological tests for antibodies to B . burgdorferi should be interpreted with caution, as the tests are not standardized and may show false positive or false negative results . A two-step serological examination with the immunoblot test is recommended, whereby some nonspecific reactions may be eliminated . The results of serological tests have only supportive value and cannot be deemed conclusive when establishing an etiological diagnosis.

Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi, 1999 Sep, 38(9), 625 - 7
{Low fever of unknown reason in patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation after hematopoietic reconstitution: a clinical analysis of 13 cases}; Lou F et al.; OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reason of low fever in patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation after hematopoietic reconstitution . METHODS: The reasons for low fever in 13 patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation after hematopoietic reconstitution were comprehensively analyzed . RESULTS: After analysis of clinical features, laboratory tests, imaging and microbiological data, no reason was found for the low fever . There was no effect on the fever with anti-microbial therapy . However the low fever was controlled by low dose prednisone 5-10 mg/d or dexamethasone 2-4 mg . CONCLUSION: The reason for the low fever is not clear; it is probably nonspecific low fever induced by high-dose radiotherapy or high-dose chemotherapy.

Srp Arh Celok Lek, 2001 Jul-Aug, 129(7-8), 169 - 74
{Risk factors for Clamydia infections of the genital organs in adolescent females}; Sedlecki K et al.; INTRODUCTION: Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infections are the most common bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) . The highest age-specific rates for chlamydia are found in adolescents . Female adolescents are more susceptible to STDs than older women because their cervical anatomic development is incomplete and especially sensitive to infection by certain sexually transmitted pathogens, and for some other features that characterize sexual behavior and health care behavior of the young people . The aim of this study was to identify risk factors and risk indicators statistically associated with the presence of Ct genital infection in adolescent females . METHOD: The study group comprised 300 sexually active 19 years old girls who were attending the Mother and Child Health Care Institute of Serbia in the period from 1995 to 1997 . The participants of this study were interviewed about their sexual behavior, health care behavior and their responsibility level in sexual relationships . Physical examination included microbiological and colposcopic findings . Vaginal and cervical microbiological examinations included the analysis of collected specimens for microscopic and culture analyses . Ct infection of the cervix was identified by direct immunofluorescence staining of smears using monoclonal antibodies . Colposcopic findings were divided in two groups: cervical ectopy and other findings . Data were statistically analyzed using step-wise linear regression . RESULTS: The prevalence of Ct genital infection in the study group was 30.3% . Characteristics in adolescent girls with this infection were mostly as follows: first sexual intercourse was before the age of 17, first sexual partner was older, a great number of sexual partners, (more than 3-25.3% vs 20.1%; more than 4-16.5% vs 10.5%), sexual intercourse during casual contact (44.0% vs 34.4%) and high coital frequency (83.5% vs 72.7%) . Among these characteristics, only the coital frequency was significantly associated with the probability of chlamydial genital infection (p < 0.05) . Statistical findings about the use of contraceptives among the adolescents indicated that the level of safe sexual practice was low in the majority of girls, despite the presence of chlamydial genital infection . Nevertheless, the girls without Ct genital infection more frequently reported the condom as the method of contraception used for the longest adolescence period (41.6%) in comparison with the adolescent females infected by Ct (17.6%) . This difference was statistically significantly associated with the possible manifestation of Ct genital infection (p < 0.05) . Healthy adolescent females used condom more frequently at the last intercourse (37.3%) than girls with Ct genital infection (18.2%) . Adolescent females often experienced only 0-2 methods of contraception (70.3% of girls infected with Ct and 59.8% of healthy girls) . Health care behavior was poor in the examined girls . The suspicion of getting a STD was the reason for their first gynaecological examination in 25.3% of adolescent women with Ct genital infection and in 20.6% of healthy girls . Unwanted pregnancy during adolescence reported 16.5% of girls with Ct cervicitis and 15.8% of healthy girls . The existence of STD previous to examination was noted in 7.9% of infected girls and 7.7% of healthy subjects . Drug abuse reported 23.1% of studied adolescent females with Ct genital infection and 23.0% without it . A large proportion of both the adolescent females and their partners had negative attitudes toward the condom use (54.9% of infected girls and 57.1% of their partners; 32.1% of healthy girls and 35.9% of their partners) . The difference between the attitudes toward the condom use among infected and healthy adolescent women and their partners was statistically significant (p < 0.001) . Clinical findings of cervical ectopy were more frequent in girls infected with Ct (60.4%) in comparison to healthy girls (15.8%) . These differences were also statistically significant (p < 0.001) . Associated genital infections (vaginal and/or cervical) were more frequent in adolescent women with Ct cervicitis (56.0%) than in healthy girls (36.8%) . The observed differences were statistically significant (p < 0.01) . CONCLUSION: Predictors of Ct genital infection in adolescent women, according to the step-wise linear regression analysis, were as follows: the presence of cervical ectopy, negative attitudes of adolescent girls and their partners toward the condom use; associated genital infections; frequent coitus; experience in causal sexual relations and older age of the first sexual partner . However, the possibility that this criterion provides imprecise identification of uninfected adolescent women and separation of only Ct infected women, is limited . Therefore, screening of the presence of Ct genital infections in all sexually active adolescent women is necessary.

Arch Pharm Res, 2001 Dec, 24(6), 485 - 98
Helicobacter pylori infection: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and therapy; Crespo A et al.; Helicobacter pylori is one of the most commonly encountered human pathogens . It has been shown to be closely associated with peptic ulcer disease (PUD), gastric adenocarcinoma, and the gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) that may lead to gastric lymphoma . The current diagnostic methods include histology, microbiological culture, classic serology, urease activity detection, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and stool antigen detection . Its treatment modality options are multiple; however, a triple regimen consisting of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and two antibiotics for 10 to 14 days is preferred . Drug resistance is a growing problem in this organism and new therapeutic options are currently limited.

Transplantation, 2002 Jan 15, 73(1), 151 - 3
Madura foot in the U.K.: fungal osteomyelitis after renal transplantation; O'Riordan E et al.; We report the case of an ethnic Asian patient who attended the renal transplant follow-up clinic complaining of pain in the right great toe . He had undergone transplantation nine months earlier and was maintained on triple immunosuppression . Initially, a clinical diagnosis of gout was made and the patient treated with analgesia . Two weeks later he remained symptomatic and developed a discharging sinus on his toe . A plain X-ray revealed a lytic lesion with minimal periosteal reaction . Aspiration of his first right metatarsal phalangeal joint was performed and fungal hyphae were observed in the fluid . Subsequently, despite surgical debridement and treatment with Itraconozaole amputation of the toe was required . Microbiological analysis revealed the organism to be Madurella grisea,which was resistant to both Itraconazole and Amphotericin B . He has remained well since amputation . We believe this to be the first case of Madurella infection to be described in a transplant patient.

Water Res, 2001 Dec, 35(17), 4217 - 25
Copper and silver ions more effective against legionellae than against mycobacteria in a hospital warm water system; Kusnetsov J et al.; We studied the influence of electrolytically released copper and silver ions on the microbiological quality in a warm water system of a hospital . The concentration of nontuberculous mycobacteria was followed for three, and that of legionellae and other heterotrophic bacteria in the water for four years . The highest concentrations of copper and silver ions were 220 and 68 microg/l, respectively . Silver ion concentration of about 3 microg/l was sufficient to control the growth of legionellae in circulating warm water . The results showed that it is more difficult to eradicate legionellae from taps and showers: these points were colonized by a small number of legionellae after the metal ion concentrations were increased in the circulating water . A regular use of water eradicated legionellae from the shower . One tap was still used irregularly, and this may be a reason why it still contained small concentrations of legionellae also in the last years of the study . Mycobacteria were occasionally isolated from the circulating water and repeatedly from the shower, even when the metal concentrations were high . To control legionella bacteria in warm water systems, silver concentrations of only 3 microg/l are needed if all taps and showers of the system are regularly used . Such low copper and silver concentrations, however, are not efficient against nontuberculous mycobacteria or other heterotrophic bacteria.

Arch Latinoam Nutr, 2001 Sep, 51(3), 303 - 8
{Deep frying snack product of legume/cereal mixture based on corn and three varieties of beans}; Hurtado ML et al.; To increase legume consumption and give a better protein quality in the snack products, mixtures of fried beans-corn were formulate in different proportions: 60:40 (A); 50:50 (B) and 40:60 (C) . Fried corn used in mixtures was previously soaked in a predetermined solution (NaOH/EDTA) and then blanched . Three beans varieties (Pinto 114, Suave 85 and Tortola Inia) were mixed with fried yellow dent corn in the above described proportions, obtaining nine mixtures whose physical, chemical and sensorial characteristics were evaluated . The mixtures were very homogeneous in all the analyzed characteristics . The protein content for the A mix was the greatest, nevertheless the sensorial analysis showed the last acceptance . The moisture content and water activity of these mixtures was low assuring a good microbiological stability under storage conditions . The protein contribution of each species in different prepared mixtures determined the selection of the best cereal/legume mix . From a nutritional stand point the best results were obtained when the 50% of protein was supplied by bans and the 50% by corn . From the mixtures tried in this study, mix C with bean Pinto 114 one closed to the recommended conditions . Nevertheless, for each cereal/legume mix, the best proportion was C, due to its better acceptability, even though it had less nutritional value.

Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung, 2001, 48(3-4), 479 - 95
Pathogenesis, microbiological and clinical aspects of oral candidiasis (candidosis); Hermann P et al.; The clinical significance of the oral candidiasis (either as independent disorder, or as a part of another disease) is increasing with time . The diagnosis and local treatment of the oral candidiasis may not be satisfactory, this disorder cannot be eliminated without the correct diagnosis and management of the underlying disease . At the same time, some disorders, such as Candida induced leukoplakia, may significantly enhance tumor development . Fungal infection of the mouth is often the initial sign of several immunodeficiency diseases . It is, therefore, very important to clarify the background of a fungal infection, since this may be critical regarding the prognosis.

Infection, 2001 Dec, 29(6), 359 - 61
A probable case of herpes simplex encephalitis despite negative PCR findings; Akhan SC et al.; A 54-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital suffering from fever and personality changes . Laboratory examination of her cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed 270 mononuclear cells, 30 polynuclear cells and a clinically low number of erythrocytes/mm3 . Empirical clinical findings from this case suggested treatment with acyclovir . Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilateral temporal hyperintense signals in T2-weighted images . PCR with specific primer for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 were negative . There was no elevation of oligoclonal antibodies specific to HSV in CSF after 2 weeks . Although we did not prove the presence of the agent microbiologically at the clinical onset of the disease, the MRI and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings, erythrocytes in CSF and the dramatic response to acyclovir therapy are suggestive of a diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE).

Mikrobiol Z, 2001 May-Jun, 63(3), 71 - 7
{Assessment of biological corrosion of ferroconcrete of ground-based industrial structures}; Rozhanskaia AM et al.; One of the objects of a nuclear plant built in 1983 and put in 15-years long dead storage with the purpose to estimate the degree of contamination by rust-hazardous microorganisms of ferroconcrete structures and to predict their biocorrosion state after putting in operation was a subject of microbiological investigation . The everywhere distribution of sulphur cycle bacteria (thionic and sulphate-reducing bacteria) on the surface and in the bulk of concrete structures, their confineness to corrosion products of concrete and bars of the investigated building have been shown . It has been demonstrated that sulphate-reducing bacteria were the most distributed group in all the sampling points . An indirect estimation of participation degree of the microbial communities in the processes of ferroconcrete biological damages has been carried out as based on the accumulation intensity of aggressive gaseous metabolites--carbon dioxide and hydrogen . Probability of deterioration of biocorrosion situation under the full-scale operation of the object has been substantiated.

Mikrobiologiia, 2001 Nov-Dec, 70(6), 855 - 9
{Mycological characterisation of cultural layers of soil in medieval Russian settlements}; Marfenina OE et al.; Microbiological analysis showed that the cultural layers of soils in excavated medieval Russian settlements differ from the surrounding soils in that the cultural layers have more fungal spores, their morphology is more diverse, the species diversity of microscopic fungi is higher, and the Penicillium species that are able to grow at an elevated temperature (37 degrees C) are more frequent.

Mikrobiologiia, 2001 Nov-Dec, 70(6), 838 - 46
{Microbiological characterization of the accreted ice of subglacial Lake Vostok, Antarctica}; Poglazova MN et al.; The accreted ice of subglacial Lake Vostok extends upward from the lake water level (a depth of 3750 m) to the bottom surface of the overlying Antarctic ice sheet . All of the accreted ice samples, taken from depths between 3541 and 3611 m, were found to contain pro- and eukaryotic microorganisms, whose number and diversity varied in different ice horizons and correlated, to a certain degree, with the occurrence of organic and inorganic impurities in a given horizon . Some biological objects found in the accreted lake ice, including bacteria, microalgae, and the pollen of higher plants, were morphologically similar to those found earlier in the glacier ice bulk . The others were not . It is suggested that the microorganisms found in the lake ice may come from different locations--the bottom layer of the glacier ice, the bedrock underlying the glacier, and the lake water.

Rev Neurol, 2001 Dec 16-31, 33(12), 1117 - 9
{Epidemiological characteristics of a group of multi organ donors used to transplant organs in Cuba}; Abdo Cuza A et al.; INTRODUCTION: For current transplants, the organ donor is a basic factor . OBJECTIVES: To determine the demographic characteristics of the donors used in the Cuban liver transplant programme, the main causes of brain death, most widely used amines and serology pattern . To report the transplants carried out . PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the clinical histories of the actual donors processed between July 1999 and July 2000 . RESULTS: During the period studied 13 actual donors were used: 9 men (69.2%) and 4 women (30.8%) distributed in the following age groups: 15 30 years: 3 cases (23%); 31 45 years : 4 cases (30.8%); 46 60 years: 5 cases (38.5%), and over 60 years: 1 case (7.7%) . We did 42 transplants: 12 liver, including the first hepato renal in Cuba, 18 kidney, 10 cornea, and 1 heart . The causes of death were: head injury: 10 (76.9%), and hemorrhagic cerebral vascular accident: 3 (23.1%) . Only 3 cases (23.1%) did not require the use of vasoactive amines . These were used in the other 10 (76.9%) . The most commonly used were dopamine and epinephrine, in 6 cases each (46.1%) . In the serological studies for immunoglobulin G for cytomegalovirus all 13 were positive, Epstein Barr virus 6 (46.1%), toxoplasma 12 (92.3%), herpes virus 1: 13, herpes virus 11: 13 . CONCLUSIONS: The typical donor was a man aged 46 60 years with brain death due to head injury following a road traffic accident . A large proportion of donors required the use of amines to maintain hemodynamic stability . There was a large proportion of patients who were found on microbiological serology studies to test positive.

Bone Marrow Transplant, 2001 Nov, 28(9), 883 - 8
Infectious complications in breast cancer patients undergoing peripheral blood stem cell transplantation: a single center retrospective analysis towards outpatient strategy; Morabito F et al.; Infectious complications were retrospectively analyzed in 129 transplants, performed in 90 patients, to identify characteristics that qualify breast cancer patients for outpatient-based PBSCT . Thirty-one cases (24%) did not develop fever . Of the remaining 98 cases, 84.7% developed fever during severe neutropenia . On univariate analysis, disease stages II-III, first PBSCT, mucositis grades II-IV and the use of two alkylators were associated with a higher risk of fever development . The latter two factors also affected fever occurrence on multivariate analysis . A longer median time to fever onset was observed in patients conditioned with single as compared to double alkylating agent-containing regimens (respectively 8th vs 6th day, P < 0.00001) . As compared with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), high risk breast cancer showed a 2.3-fold increased risk of developing early fever during neutropenia (CI 2.3-3.8), remaining the only variable still significant on multivariate analysis (P = 0.0039) . Combination antibiotic therapy was equivalent to single agent therapy . Patients suffering from microbiologically documented fever were at higher risk of undergoing second-line antibiotic therapy . In conclusion, MBC patients treated with a conditioning regimen containing only one alkylating agent and adequate prophylaxis for mucositis may qualify for outpatient-based PBSCT on the basis of a lower risk of infection.

Clin Microbiol Rev, 2002 Jan, 15(1), 125 - 44
Moraxella catarrhalis: from emerging to established pathogen; Verduin CM et al.; Moraxella catarrhalis (formerly known as Branhamella catarrhalis) has emerged as a significant bacterial pathogen of humans over the past two decades . During this period, microbiological and molecular diagnostic techniques have been developed and improved for M . catarrhalis, allowing the adequate determination and taxonomic positioning of this pathogen . Over the same period, studies have revealed its involvement in respiratory (e.g., sinusitis, otitis media, bronchitis, and pneumonia) and ocular infections in children and in laryngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia in adults . The development of (molecular) epidemiological tools has enabled the national and international distribution of M . catarrhalis strains to be established, and has allowed the monitoring of nosocomial infections and the dynamics of carriage . Indeed, such monitoring has revealed an increasing number of B-lactamase-positive M . catarrhalis isolates (now well above 90%), underscoring the pathogenic potential of this organism . Although a number of putative M . catarrhalis virulence factors have been identified and described in detail, their relationship to actual bacterial adhesion, invasion, complement resistance, etc . (and ultimately their role in infection and immunity), has been established in a only few cases . In the past 10 years, various animal models for the study of M . catarrhalis pathogenicity have been described, although not all of these models are equally suitable for the study of human infection . Techniques involving the molecular manipulation of M . catarrhalis genes and antigens are also advancing our knowledge of the host response to and pathogenesis of this bacterial species in humans, as well as providing insights into possible vaccine candidates . This review aims to outline our current knowledge of M . catarrhalis, an organism that has evolved from an emerging to a well-established human pathogen.

Infect Dis Clin North Am, 2001 Dec, 15(4), 1025 - 45
Laboratory diagnosis of community-acquired lower respiratory tract infection; Saubolle MA et al.; This article has focused on the evaluation of outpatients with lower respiratory illness . In large part, the need for microbiological work-up is host-dependent . Healthy patients usually do well, and laboratory data are often unnecessary . The abnormal host requires a different approach and, in general, the more compromised the host, the more aggressive the laboratory evaluation . A renal transplant patient with respiratory symptoms often follows the dictum that "common things happen commonly;" however, the clinician needs that extra level of assurance in this case . Some transplant patients may have respiratory illness caused by strongyloidiasis . Cystic fibrosis is another example of the need for a more comprehensive laboratory evaluation . Specialized selective media and additional susceptibility studies may be needed to evaluate isolates associated with exacerbation of symptoms in these patients . The clinical laboratory should be forewarned of any materials coming from invasive diagnostic techniques, so they can prepare and offer useful advice regarding specimens, transport, and follow-up . Microbiological laboratories are often most knowledgeable regarding what type of testing is appropriate . Direct communication with the laboratory is essential to assure the best patient care.

Orv Hetil, 2001 Dec 2, 142(48), 2667 - 71
{Clinical, microbiological and therapeutic aspects of oral candidiasis (candidosis)}; Hermann P et al.; Exogenic, prosthetical and endogenic factors that may influence and facilitate fungal infections of the oral cavity are summarized . The clinical classification of the oral candidiasis is based on the criteria accepted in the international literature . The main points for the classification are the clinical appearances, the histopathological alterations and the possible manifestation of an underlying disease . In the last part of the review a brief summary is given on the antifungal agents such as polyenes, azole-derivatives and DNA analogs available for candidiasis.

J Microbiol Methods, 2002 Feb, 48(2-3), 149 - 60
Phospholipid analysis as a tool to study complex microbial communities in marine sediments; Rutters H et al.; To complement information on microbial communities in marine sediments that can be obtained using microbiological methods, we developed an analytical procedure to trace microbial lipids in environmental samples . We focused on analyzing intact phospholipids as these membrane constituents are known to be biomarkers for viable cells . Analysis of intact phospholipids from a fractionated and preconcentrated sediment extract was achieved using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) . The combined analysis of phospholipid types and their fatty acid substituents allowed a differentiation between various groups of microorganisms living in the sediment . For comparison three strains of marine sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) were analysed for their lipid content.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol, 2001 Oct, 22(10), 653 - 5
Bacterial contamination of fabric stethoscope covers: the velveteen rabbit of health care?
Milam MW, Hall M, Pringle T, Buchanan K.
To determine if fabric stethoscope covers pose an infection control problem, we studied how they are cared for by our healthcare workers and performed microbiological investigations on 22 covers collected over a 3-week period . Our study suggests that fabric stethoscope covers represent a potential infection control problem because they are used for prolonged periods, are infrequently laundered, and are contaminated with bacteria.

Chin Med J (Engl), 2000 Jun, 113(6), 544 - 6
{Long-term monitoring of artificial vagina reconstructed with sigmoid colon}; Hou X et al.; OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of the artificial plastic vagina on overall patient health . METHODS: Length and width of the artificial vagina were measured . Histological studies were performed under light and electron microscope . Vaginal bacterial flora were analyzed using the drop-implant method . Vaginal HPV and ER were detected with ABC histochemical staining . RESULTS: According to the results of anatomic measurements, artificial vagina was similar to normal vagina . The reductions of glands in the mucosa and collagen fibers as well as interstitial tissue hyperplasia in the lower segment of artificial vagina were documented . Four kinds of bacteria indigenous to the sigmoid colon were found in artificial vagina and were studied microbiologically with only differences in the amount and detection rates of bacteria flora . The positive presentation of HPV was not significantly different from that in the control group . The positive presentation of estrogen receptor (ER) in the epithelium of artificial vagina was not found . CONCLUSION: The reconstruction of artificial vagina with sigmoid colon is a safe, effective and satisfactory procedure for the patient.

Bull Soc Pathol Exot, 2000 Jan, 93(5), 340 - 7
{Microbiological surveillance: viral hemorrhagic fever in Central African Republic: current serological data in man}; Nakounne E et al.; An investigation was conducted between 1994 and 1997 in forested areas of the Central African Republic (CAR) to determine the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against several haemorrhagic fever viruses present in the region . Sera were obtained from 1762 individuals in two groups (Pygmy and Bantu locuted populations) living in 4 forested areas in the south of the country . Sera were tested for IgG antibodies against Ebola, Marburg, Rift Valley fever (RVF), Yellow fever (YF) and Hantaviruses by enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and against Lassa virus by immunofluorescent assay . The prevalence of IgG antibodies was 5.9% for Ebola, 2% for Marburg, 6.9% pour RVF, 6.5% for YF, 2% for Hantaan . No antibodies were detected against Lassa, Seoul, Puumala and Thottapalayam viruses . No IgM antibodies were detected against RVF and YF viruses . The distribution of antibodies appears to be related to tropical rain forest areas . This study indicates that several haemorrhagic fever viruses are endemic in forested areas of the CAR and could emerge due to environmental modification.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2002 Jan, 68(1), 389 - 96
Capsule-transmitted gut symbiotic bacterium of the Japanese common plataspid stinkbug, Megacopta punctatissima; Fukatsu T et al.; The Japanese common plataspid stinkbug, Megacopta punctatissima, deposits small brown particles, or symbiont capsules, on the underside of the egg mass for the purpose of transmission of symbiotic bacteria to the offspring . We investigated the microbiological aspects of the bacteria contained in the capsule, such as microbial diversity, phylogenetic placement, localization in vivo, and fitness effects on the host insect . Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA clones revealed that a single bacterial species dominates the microbiota in the capsule . The bacterium was not detected in the eggs but in the capsules, which unequivocally demonstrated that the bacterium is transmitted to the offspring of the insect orally rather than transovarially, through probing of the capsule content . Molecular phylogenetic analysis showed that the bacterium belongs to the gamma-subdivision of the Proteobacteria . In adult insects the bacterium was localized in the posterior section of the midgut . Deprivation of the bacterium from the nymphs resulted in retarded development, arrested growth, abnormal body coloration, and other symptoms, suggesting that the bacterium is essential for normal development and growth of the host insect.

J Food Prot, 2001 Dec, 64(12), 2027 - 36
Microbiological, sensory, and electronic nose evaluation of yellowfin tuna under various storage conditions; Du WX et al.; Microbiological assessment, sensory evaluation, and electronic nose (AromaScan) analysis were performed on yellowfin tuna stored at 0, 4, 10, and 22 degrees C for 0, 1, 3, 5, and 9 days . Fish color, texture, appearance, and odor were evaluated by a trained sensory panel, while aroma-odor properties were evaluated using an AromaScan . Bacterial enumeration was performed using plate count agar containing 1.5% NaCl . Tuna fillets stored at 22 degrees C for 3 days or longer had a bacterial load of over 10(7) CFU/g and were rated not acceptable for consumption (grade C) by the sensory panel . Tuna fillets stored at 4 degrees C for 9 days or 10 degrees C for over 5 days were rated as grade C products and also had a bacterial load of over 10(7) CFU/g . The change in fish quality as determined by AromaScan followed increases in microbiological counts in tuna fillets, indicating that bacterial load can serve as a useful and objective indicator of gross spoilage . Electronic nose devices can be used in conjunction with microbial counts and sensory panels to evaluate the degree of decomposition in tuna during storage.

J Food Prot, 2001 Dec, 64(12), 1996 - 2000
Simple tests for rapid assessment of the quality of raw milk; Homhual S et al.; Simple and inexpensive tests are described for rapid qualitative assessment of the microbiological quality of raw milk . These tests included the monitoring of dissolved oxygen levels and changes in the color of raw milk with time in a slightly modified methylene blue test using 16 ppm of dye concentration . The initial bacterial population in raw milk determined by standard plate count could be estimated with coefficients of determination (r2) of about 0.697 and 0.613 from the respective normalized voltage outputs of the dissolved oxygen probe and light-sensing probes at selected time intervals in less than 1 h . However, a comparison of experimental and estimated initial bacterial populations in raw milk showed correlation coefficients (r) of about 0.754 and 0.616 for the dissolved oxygen probe and light-sensing probe, respectively . These results clearly indicated the potential and need for improving such empirical models for grading raw milk with both types of probes.

Exp Anim, 2001 Oct, 50(5), 397 - 407
Microbiological contamination in genetically modified animals and proposals for a microbiological test standard for national universities in Japan; Yamamoto H et al.; The Biosafety Committee of the Japanese Association of Laboratory Animal Facilities of National Universities (JALAN) investigated recent episodes of microbiological contamination in genetically modified mice (GMM), and the countermeasures taken when the contaminated GMM were introduced into animal facilities, by questionnaires addressed to 53 animal facilities belonging to JALAN and serological tests . Although almost all of the contaminated GMM were accepted with conditions such as rederivation after or before reception and housing in designated rooms, contamination with a spectrum of microorganisms was demonstrated in GMM transferred domestically and from abroad . In serological tests, Mycoplasma pulmonis, mouse parvovirus, and mouse encephalomylitis virus were detected in GMM transferred from domestic facilities and from abroad . The present results of the questionnaires and serological tests suggest that GMM are highly and widely contaminated with microorganisms compared with mice from commercial breeders . Thus, we propose a microbiological requirement, including microbiological status--excellent, common, and minimum--as a guide for the transfer and procurement of mice and rats in Japan.

Yale J Biol Med, 2001 Sep-Oct, 74(5), 329 - 40
Recent strategies to overcome the hyperacute rejection in pig to human xenotransplantation; Igaz P; Due to the ever increasing shortage of suitable human donors, alternative strategies are sought to moderate the current discrepancy between the number of executable and required transplantations . Xenotransplantation (i.e., the transplantation of organs {tissues or cells} between different species) appears to be a reasonable solution . However, various problems (immunological, physiological, infectious-microbiological, ethical-juridicial) seem to be associated with xenotransplantation . One of the most formidable barriers to xenotransplantation is the phenomenon of hyperacute rejection that may lead to the destruction of the transplanted vascularized organ in a few minutes to hours . In the pathogenesis of hyperacute rejection, xenoreactive antibodies and the complement system appear to be of primary importance . Various methods can be applied to prevent hyperacute rejection; both the recipient and the donor can be treated . In this brief review, the author attempts to present a synopsis of the possible therapeutical interventions to prevent hyperacute rejection..

Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr, 2001 Nov-Dec, 114(11-12), 465 - 9
{Sampling plans in microbiological criteria for food and their "performance criteria"}; Dahms S et al.; Statistically based acceptance sampling plans have been integrated into microbiological criteria for food in international trade for some time . Especially two- and three-class sampling plans for attributes are used, variables plans are applied less . A lot of examples can be found in the so-called ICMSF (International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods) "sampling book" or in EU guidelines . However, quite often the required confidence and the assumptions on tolerable lot qualities on which the choice and design of sampling plans are based can't be deduced from such recommendations and prescriptions . These problems have led to critical discussion of the performance of two- and three-class sampling plans used in microbiological criteria, showing complex dependencies on microbiological limits and on the expected variability of sampling results . As a result means should be considered to use knowledge gained from process analyses in food production in the design of sampling plans . In this context the performance of acceptance sampling plans as prescribed in microbiological criteria for foods will be discussed as well as their role in recently developed food safety concepts.

Can J Microbiol, 2001 Nov, 47(11), 994 - 1012
Physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of microbial mats (kopara) in the South Pacific atolls of French Polynesia; Che LM et al.; Microbial mats that develop in shallow brackish and hyposaline ponds in the rims of two French polynesian atolls (Rangiroa and Tetiaroa) were intensively investigated during the past three years . Comparative assessment of these mats (called kopara in polynesian language) showed remarkable similarities in their composition and structure . Due to the lack of iron, the color of the cyanobacterial pigments produced remained visible through the entire depth of the mats (20-40 cm depth), with alternate green, purple, and pink layers . Profiles of oxygen, sulfide, pH, and redox showed the anoxia of all mats from a depth of 2-3 mm . Analyses of bacterial pigments and bacterial lipids showed that all mats consisted of stratified layers of cyanobacteria (mainly Phormidium, Schizothrix, Scytonema) and purple and green phototrophic bacteria . The purple and green phototrophic bacteria cohabit with sulfate reducers (Desulfovibrio and Desulfobacter) and other heterotrophic bacteria . The microscopic bacterial determination emphasized the influence of salinity on the bacterial diversity, with higher diversity at low salinity, mainly for purple nonsulfur bacteria . Analyses of organic material and of exopolymers were also undertaken . Difference and similarities between mats from geomorphological, microbiological, and chemical points of view are discussed to provide multicriteria of classification of mats.

Curr Opin Pharmacol, 2001 Oct, 1(5), 464 - 9
Glycylcyclines: third-generation tetracycline antibiotics; Chopra I; Although tetracycline antibiotics have some roles in human and veterinary medicine, the widespread emergence of microbial resistance has severely limited their effectiveness . A new generation of tetracyclines, the glycylcyclines, is being specifically developed to overcome problems of resistance to earlier tetracyclines . One of the glycylcyclines, 9-t-butylglycylamido-minocycline (GAR-936, tigilcycline), is currently undergoing clinical trials and microbiological, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic data have recently been presented for several glycylcyclines, including GAR-936 . An ongoing concern is whether resistance to glycylcyclines might arise in the future.

Mikrobiologiia, 2001 Sep-Oct, 70(5), 675 - 86
{Microbial processes of carbon and sulfur cycles in lake Mogil'noe}; Ivanov MV et al.; In the beginning of summer 1999, complex microbiological and biogeochemical investigations of meromictic Lake Mogil'noe (Kil'din Island, Barents Sea) were carried out . The analysis of the results shows clearly pronounced vertical zonality of the microbial processes occurring in the water column of the lake . To a depth of 8 m, the total number and activity of microorganisms was limited by the relatively low content of organic matter (OM) . In the upper part of the hydrogen-sulfide zone of the lake (beginning at a depth of 8.25 m), the content of particulate OM and the microbial number sharply increased . In this zone, the daily production of OM during anaerobic photosynthesis at the expense of massive development of colored sulfur bacteria reached 620 mg C/m2, which was twofold greater than the daily production of phytoplankton photosynthesis and led to a considerable change in the isotopic composition (delta 13 C) of the particulate OM . In the same intermediate layer, the highest rates of sulfate reduction were recorded, and fractionation of stable sulfur isotopes occurred . Below 10 m was the third hydrochemical zone, characterized by maximum concentrations of H2S and CH4 and by a relatively high rate of autotrophic methanogenesis . The comparison of the results obtained with the results of investigations of previous years, performed in the end of summer, shows a decrease in the intensity of all microbial processes inspected . An exception was anoxygenic photosynthesis, which can utilize not only the de novo formed H2S but also the H2S accumulated in the lake during the winter period.

Scand J Infect Dis, 2001, 33(11), 848 - 50
Changes in serotype distribution may hamper efficacy of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in children; Normark BH et al.; During the last 10 y we have observed an increased incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia in Sweden . In order to study the serotype distribution over time we collected 1136 invasive pneumococcal isolates from 1987, 1992 and 1997 from Swedish microbiological laboratories . Currently, new pneumococcal conjugate vaccines are being considered for introduction in the general childhood vaccination program in several countries, including Sweden . We studied the potential vaccine coverage rate for the new conjugate vaccines among our Swedish invasive isolates . We found that the serotype distribution fluctuated with time and observed a surprisingly low potential coverage rate for the 7-valent vaccine in Sweden, in contrast to other countries . Therefore we argue that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines have to be tailored to suit current, local serotype patterns and most likely will need to be changed over time.

Scand J Infect Dis, 2001, 33(11), 832 - 7
A prospective, randomized, multicenter comparative study of clinafloxacin versus a ceftriaxone-based regimen in the treatment of hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia; Petermann W et al.; In an open-label, phase 3, randomized, multicenter study, clinafloxacin (200 mg/d) was compared to ceftriaxone (2 g/d; with or without erythromycin) in 527 patients with acute community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CAP) . Primary efficacy parameters were clinical cure rate and microbiologic eradication rates (by pathogen and by patient) determined 5-9 d post-therapy (test of cure; TOC) . Clinical cure rates at TOC for the 2 treatment groups were equivalent in the intention-to-treat (clinafloxacin 79.3, ceftriaxone 78.6%), clinically evaluable (clinafloxacin 88.1, ceftriaxone 85.0%), modified intention-to-treat (clinafloxacin 82.6, ceftriaxone 86.9%) and microbiologically evaluable populations (clinafloxacin 86.2, ceftriaxone 86.2%) . Microbiologic eradication rates were similar in the 2 treatment groups . Both drugs were tolerated . Treatment of hospitalized CAP patients with clinafloxacin is a reasonable choice, especially when a resistant pathogen is anticipated.

J Hosp Infect, 2001 Aug, 48 Suppl A, S88 - 92
Residuals on medical devices following reprocessing; Martiny H et al.; Micro-organisms may be transmitted by medical devices . A large variety of infectious agents may be involved in infections transmitted by endoscopic procedures . We review a series of examples that demonstrate to what extent micro-organisms can be detected on medical devices and how transmission on to subsequently examined persons due to inadequate reprocessing can occur . Hardly any data are available regarding residuals of process chemicals, although numerous published cases of glutaraldehyde-related colitis demonstrate that this issue requires urgent clarification . A risk of endoscope contamination exists, interalia, if washer-disinfectors are technically defective or are incorrectly operated . In particular, a final rinse water of poor microbiological quality can lead to recontamination of endoscopes.

J Hosp Infect, 2001 Aug, 48 Suppl A, S64 - 8
Surface disinfection: should we do it?
Rutala WA, Weber DJ.
The effective use of disinfectants constitutes an important factor in preventing hospital-acquired infections . Surfaces are considered non-critical items as they come in contact with intact skin . Use of non-critical items or contact with non-critical surfaces carries little risk of transmitting a pathogen to patients . Thus, the routine use of disinfectants to disinfect hospital floors and other non-critical items is controversial . However, surfaces may potentially contribute to cross-transmission by acquisition of transient hand carriage by health care personnel due to contact with a contaminated surface or by patient contact with contaminated surfaces or medical equipment . This paper reviews the epidemiological and microbiological data regarding the use of disinfectants on non-critical surfaces . It concludes that while non-critical surfaces are uncommonly associated with transmission of infections to patients, one should clean and disinfect surfaces on a regularly scheduled basis.

Eur Respir J, 2001 Nov, 18(5), 890 - 2
Pulmonary toxicity with mefloquine; Udry E et al.; This report presents a case of acute lung injury developing within hours after administration of mefloquine for a low-level Plasmodium falciparum malaria, which was persistent despite halofantrine therapy . Extensive microbiological investigation remained negative and video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy demonstrated diffuse alveolar damage . The evolution was favourable without treatment . This is the second report of acute lung injury and diffuse alveolar damage caused by mefloquine . Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency was present in the former case and was thought to contribute to the lung injury . However, glucose-phosphate dehydrogenase was normal in the present case, suggesting that it is not a predisposing condition to the lung injury.

Fed Regist, 2001 Aug 31, 66(170), 45944 - 5
Requirements for facilities transferring or receiving select agents . Final rule; Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) et al.; CDC administers regulations that govern the transfer of certain biological agents and toxins ("select agents") . These regulations require entities that transfer or receive select agents to register with CDC and comply with biosafety standards contained in the Third Edition of the CDC/NIH publication "Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories ("BMBL")." On October 28,1999, CDC published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ("NPRM") seeking both to revise the biosafety standards facilities must follow when handling select agents and to provide new biosecurity standards for such facilities . These new standards are contained in the Fourth Edition of BMBL, which the NPRM proposed to incorporate by reference, thereby replacing the Third Edition . No comments were received in response to this proposal . CDC is therefore amending its regulations to incorporate the Fourth Edition.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 2002 Jan, 46(1), 242 - 4
Single-dose pharmacokinetics and penetration of BMS 284756 into an inflammatory exudate; Wise R et al.; The pharmacokinetics of a single dose of BMS 284756 were determined following oral administration of a 600-mg dose to eight healthy male volunteers . Concentrations of the drug were measured in plasma and a cantharidine-induced inflammatory exudate by a microbiological assay . The mean peak concentration in plasma of 10.4 microg/ml (standard deviation {SD}, 1.3 microg/ml) was attained at a mean time of 1.2 h (SD, 0.5 h) after the dose . The penetration into the inflammatory exudate was 82% (SD, 15.7%) . A mean peak concentration of 7.2 microg/ml (SD, 2.4 microg/ml) was attained in the inflammatory exudate at 5.3 h (SD, 1.5 h) . The elimination half-lives from plasma and inflammatory fluid were 9.8 h (SD, 1.1 h) and 8.5 h (SD, 1.9 h), respectively . The areas under the concentration-time curves for plasma and inflammatory fluid were 96.7 microg x h/ml (SD, 10.3 microg x h/ml) and 77.9 microg x h/ml (SD, 19.2 microg x h/ml), respectively.

Forensic Sci Int, 2001 Dec 15, 124(1), 62 - 7
Sudden death of an infant with 'an early epileptic encephalopathy'; Quan L et al.; This article reports an autopsy case of sudden death of an infant with an infrequent encephalopathy involving epileptic episodes . The infant was a 1-year and 10-month-old boy, who had a history of the first convulsive seizures in the third month after birth . The clinical diagnosis was described as 'an early infantile epileptic encephalopathy with suppression-bursts' (Ohtahara syndrome) . On a winter day, he was collapsed following a high fever and was already dead on the arrival at a hospital . The body was small for the age and poorly nourished . The autopsy and postmortem magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) of formalin-fixed brain revealed advanced unsymmetric brain atrophy with cortical dysplasia, which were prominent in the left temporal and right occipital lobes, and sclerotic atrophy of the parahippocampal gyri, additionally showing a feature of the olivo-ponto-cerebellar atrophy . However, the cause of death was pathologically and microbiologically determined as bacterial bronchopneumonia following pulmonary infection of the influenza A virus . In sudden death cases of physically handicapped infants, the investigation of viral infection in consideration of an epidemiological survey is important even when the death can be pathomorphologically explained.

J Microbiol Methods, 2002 Jan, 48(1), 1 - 17
PNA for rapid microbiology; Stender H et al.; The acceptance of rRNA sequence diversity as a criterion for phylogenetic discrimination heralds the transition from microbiological identification methods based on phenotypic markers to assays employing molecular techniques . Robust amplification assays and sensitive direct detection methods are rapidly becoming the standard protocols of microbiology laboratories . The emergence of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) from its status as an academic curiosity to that of a promising and powerful molecular tool, coincides with, and complements, the transition to rapid molecular tests . The unique properties of PNA enable the development of assay formats, which go above and beyond the possibilities of DNA probes . PNA probes targeting specific rRNA sequences of yeast and bacteria with clinical, environmental, and industrial value have recently been developed and applied to a variety of rapid assay formats . Some simply incorporate the sensitivity and specificity of PNA probes into traditional methods, such as membrane filtration and microscopic analysis; others involve recent techniques such as real-time and end-point analysis of amplification reactions.

Vet Microbiol, 2002 Jan 3, 84(1-2), 29 - 45
Humoral immune responses following experimental infection of goats with Mycoplasma capricolum subsp . capripneumoniae; March JB et al.; Goats housed in microbiologically secure facilities were experimentally endobronchially infected with Mycoplasma capricolum subsp . capripneumoniae (Mccp), causal agent of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) . The animals were monitored over an 8-week period post-infection (p.i.) . Elevated temperatures were observed 2-7 days p.i., reaching a maximum of 41.5 degrees C in one animal (1884) . By 8 weeks p.i . the infection was successfully cleared, with no Mccp being recovered from the lungs, serum or nasal passages . Mccp was not isolated from serum throughout the experiment, either directly by culture or indirectly via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) . Humoral immune responses against Mccp capsular polysaccharide (CPS) were generally poor when measured by ELISA . CPS antigen was present in the serum of all infected animals early in the infection (day 14 p.i.), although in one animal (1855) CPS antigen persisted throughout . This was the only animal to exhibit a serious cough (day 5-19 p.i.) . Successful diagnosis of CCPP was achieved using two different types of latex agglutination test (CPS antibody and CPS antigen detection test), immunoblotting and a blocking ELISA, although the latter lacked sensitivity until later in the infection (35-40 days p.i.) . Only a single animal (1855) was detected positive using the current complement fixation test (CFT) . Strong immune responses to protein antigens were detected by IgG and IgM immunoblotting from the first time point at day 14 p.i . IgM immunodominant bands of 220, 85, 62 and 40kDa were observed in the 3 infected animals and from CFT-positive CCPP field sera . Band intensity gradually diminished throughout the experiment . IgG immunodominant bands of 108, 70, 62, 44, 40 and 23kDa were shared between experimentally-infected and field sera, with band intensity either remaining unchanged or increasing from day 14 p.i . These bands were not present using pre-infection sera . Of the diagnostic tests used, only the CPS antibody detection latex agglutination test and IgG immunoblotting gave positive diagnoses throughout the entire period post-infection (days 14-53 p.i.).

Water Sci Technol, 2001, 44(8), 157 - 76
Digestion and degradation, air for life; Lettinga G; Anaerobic degradation of dead biomass is a natural gasification process, an anaerobic crematorium producing a very useful end-product composed of methane and carbon dioxide, generally polluted with small amounts of some malodorous and quite toxic volatile S-compounds . It leads to the production of essential building elements for new life . This exciting field became my faith, vision, hope and expectation . This paper intends to present a reflection of more than three decades of research, teaching and advertisement in the field of sustainable environmental protection technologies, particularly of systems based on anaerobic digestion and the biological sulphur cycle . Considerable progress has been made during these decades worldwide, both in the basic understanding of the various processes and concepts, but also in the implementation of these systems, despite the fact that particularly the implementation frequently proceeded very laboriously . The difficulties certainly can no longer be attributed to technological limitations and/or insufficient understanding of the microbiology and chemistry only, but mainly to the frustrating social rigidity and short-term self-interest in all sectors of our society . By combining anaerobic processes with other microbiological degradation or transformation processes, like those based on the biological sulphur cycle, micro-aerobic and conventional aerobic and anoxic processes, ideal conditions can be created to valorise residues (wastes) from domestic, industrial and agricultural origin . It is simply not just "technology", but also a route to achieve more sustainability and justice in society . It is a fight against conservative establishments . Decomposition, disintegration disbandment, it also stands for deliverance and liberation, space and air for continuation of life.

Semin Hematol, 2001 Oct, 38(4 Suppl 11), 20 - 6
Bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates: incidence, significance, and prevention; Blajchman MA et al.; Severe transfusion reactions associated with bacteria and/or their products, during or following a blood transfusion, were one of the earliest recognized complications of allogeneic blood transfusions . Bacterial contamination of blood products has thus been a problem for many decades and at present is likely the most common microbiological cause of transfusion-associated morbidity and mortality . Transfusion-associated sepsis due to contaminated platelet concentrates appears to be much more common than that due to contaminated red blood cells . The overall incidence of contaminated cellular blood products is approximately 1 in 3,000 . However, transfusion to a recipient of a contaminated platelet unit may not necessarily be associated with clinically apparent morbidity, because the majority of contaminated platelet units contain relatively few organisms . In a minority of instances, contaminated units contain large numbers of potentially virulent bacteria, as well as endotoxins, and their transfusion is often associated with significant recipient morbidity and mortality . The incidence of severe septic episodes has not been clearly established, but is probably of the order of 1 per 50,000 platelet units transfused . With heightened awareness in recent years of the possibility that platelet transfusion-associated septic episodes can occur, a variety of measures have been proposed, and in some cases implemented, to try to prevent and control this transfusion risk .

CLAO J, 2001 Oct, 27(4), 209 - 11
Chlamydial conjunctivitis in contact lens wearers: successful treatment with single dose azithromycin; Salopek-Rabatic J; PURPOSE: To reveal clinical presentations of chlamydial conjunctivitis in contact lens wearers as well as to evaluate the clinical and microbiological efficacy of oral azithromycin in the treatment of this condition . METHODS: Twenty contact lens users with chlamydial conjunctivitis were included in this retrospective study . Chlamydial infection was diagnosed by isolation of Chlamydia trachomatis in cell culture of conjunctival scrapings . All patients were treated with a single 1 g oral dose of azithromycin . Follow-up clinical and microbiological examinations were performed 1 month after treatment . RESULTS: All patients suffered from some ocular symptoms such as itching, burning, tearing, and nonspecific irritation, but none had apparent conjunctival injection or any conjunctival discharge . The majority (90%) had bilateral complaints . Mild follicular reaction, limited to the lateral part of lower fornices, was present in 17 patients; the remaining patients had normal biomicroscopical findings . Four weeks following the single azithromycin dose, C . trachomatiswas eradicated in all patients and 17 (85%) were free of symptoms . CONCLUSION: Chlamydial infection should be considered more frequently in differential diagnosis of symptomatic contact lens wearers . Azithromycin is the most promising agent for the treatment of chlamydial conjunctivitis due to its excellent bacteriological efficacy and very convenient single dose administration.

Life Support Biosph Sci, 2001, 8(1), 1 - 7
Safety issues associated with processing soybeans in an enclosed habitat intended for long-duration space missions; Vodovotz Y et al.; Soybeans have been selected to be grown in a habitat (BIO-Plex, Bioregenerative Planetary Life Support Systems Test Complex) designed to evaluate advanced life support systems for long-duration space missions . Soymilk and soy bread will be incorporated into this nutritious, plant-based food system . Because all consumables will be recycled and reused, food safety is a particular concern . Critical control points were identified to control microbiological hazards, particularly mycotoxins, and chemical hazards from antinutrients and volatiles emitted during processing of soymilk and soy bread . Volatile compounds, evolved during the manufacturing of soymilk and soy bread, were quantified by GC/MS to assess their impact on this closed loop system . All concentrations of volatiles evolved during soymilk production were below the 24-h Space Craft Maximum Allowable Concentration (SMAC), while acetaldehyde surpassed the SMAC criteria for soy bread . Recommendations were made for processing of soybeans in such environments to minimize risk to crew member health.

Eur J Haematol, 2001 Aug, 67(2), 128 - 32
Successful treatment of invasive mould infection affecting lung and brain in an adult suffering from acute leukaemia; Buxhofer V et al.; We describe in detail a 67-yr-old woman who was treated with a cytostatic combination chemotherapy for newly diagnosed common-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia . At the end of induction therapy, the patient acquired invasive mould infection affecting lung and brain . The patient entered complete remission of her leukaemia . Treatment with liposomal amphotericin B was initiated along with surgical excision of the fungal brain abscess . Intrathecal instillation of amphotericin B deoxycholate was started using an Ommaya reservoir because of an anatomical connection between the postoperative cavity and the ventricle . Full dose cytostatic chemotherapy was continued with little delay . A computerised tomography scan of the chest performed 2 months later revealed no fungal abscesses . Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain did not reveal any fungal manifestation . During maintenance therapy/week 69, the patient relapsed from leukaemia . High doses of intravenous liposomal amphotericin B were administered prophylactically . The patient's leukaemia proved refractory to reinduction chemotherapy and the patient died from pneumonia 8 wk later . Post mortem microbiological investigation and histopathological examination of lung and brain tissue did not reveal any macroscopical or microscopical fungal manifestations . This case underlines the feasibility and successful application of combined antileukaemic, antifungal and surgical therapy in a patient with acute leukaemia.

Rhinology, 2001 Sep, 39(3), 136 - 41
The occurrence of sinusitis in HIV-infected patients with fever; Tarp B et al.; Sinusitis is commonly occurring in patients infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus I (HIV), but the occurrence and etiology have not been established . The purpose of this study was prospectively to determine the occurrence, site and type of paranasal sinus abnormalities seen on MRI in HIV-infected patients with fever, to relate the abnormalities to clinical and immunological parameters, and to determine the microbiological agents found in the sinus aspirates . MRI was performed in 54 HIV-infected patients with 70 evaluable episodes of fever . Patients receiving antibiotics were excluded . Bactrim was permitted, when given as prophylaxis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia . If abnormalities were found on MRI, sinus aspiration was performed and the aspirate investigated . MRI abnormalities were found in 54.3% of the patients with a significantly higher occurrence of pathological changes in AIDS patients compared with HIV-infected without AIDS . In approximately 2/3 of the aspirates a probable, etiologic agent was found . However, 1/3 of these agents were atypical such as cytomegalovirus and mycobacteriae; in one patient Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was found . The high occurrence of sinusitis in HIV-infected patients and the atypical findings in the sinus aspirates stress the importance of searching for sinusitis and the etiology to ensure the correct treatment.

Zhonghua Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi, 2001 Aug, 22(8), 411 - 4
{Establishment of cord blood stem cell bank and its clinical application}; Liao C et al.; OBJECTIVE: To establish unrelated cord blood stem cell bank for providing potential grafts for stem cell transplantation in the treatment of some malignant and nonmalignant disorders . METHODS: All cord blood units(CBU) were obtained from full term normal vaginal and Caesarean-section deliveries . Most of RBC was removed from CBU by the hydroxyethyl starch (HES) method . CBUs were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen using DMSO and LMD as cryoprotectants . For each CBU, automated cell count, manual viability, HLA typing, screening for infectious agents, colony-forming assays and CD34 analysis by FACS were routinely performed . RESULTS: A total of 2,318 CBUs were collected, among which, 1,240 CBUs met all tests and standards . The average volume of collected qualified cord blood was (98.31 +/- 26.95) ml, the average amount of nucleated cells after separation was (1.22 +/- 0.47) x 10(9), and the average recovery percentage of nucleated cells (88.90 +/- 9.65)% . The average viability was (97 +/- 2.61)%, the number of CFU-GM (5.18 +/- 14.35) x 10(5), of BFU-E (10.35 +/- 11.55) x 10(5), and of CFU-GEMM (1.03 +/- 1.47) x 10(5) . The average percentage of CD34+ cells after CBU separation was (0.5 +/- 0.32)% . Four units were positive in microbiological culture and 4 units CMV-IgM positive . In 172 patients registeredd for cord blood transplantation in Guangzhou Cord Blood Bank, the percentage of 4/6 HLA antigens matched units was 91.12% . Up to May 2000, 9 units had been used in unrelated cord blood stem cell transplantation and 6 of them were successfully engrafted . CONCLUSION: It suggested that cord blood bank could be useful in transplantation and the establishment of cord blood bank had a good prospect.

J Hosp Infect, 2001 Nov, 49(3), 167 - 72
A foodborne outbreak of Vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H-phage type 8 in hospital; O'Brien SJ et al.; This paper describes the epidemiological and microbiological aspects of the largest outbreak of Vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 (VTEC O157) infection in a hospital setting in which the route of transmission was foodborne . The outbreak, which was caused by a relatively uncommon phage type of VTEC O157, occurred in four geriatric continuing care wards in May 1997 . The total number of people found to be excreting the organism was 37, of whom 16 were inpatients and 11 were staff . Twelve people displayed enteric symptoms . In addition, all but two of 10 cases identified in the local community were thought to be associated with the outbreak . An epidemiological investigation amongst the hospital patients revealed a statistically significant association between VTEC O157 infection and attendance at a concert party on the continuing care wards on 17 May 1997 (relative risk = 3.22;P= 0.006) . There was an even stronger relationship between consumption of home-baked cream-filled cakes brought to that party and evidence of infection (relative risk = 19.35;P= 0.00002) . Further investigations in the local community, coupled with microbiological evidence, supported the epidemiological finding that homemade cream cakes brought into the hospital were the vehicle of infection for the outbreak . There was no secondary spread within the hospital . The outbreak serves as a reminder of the hazard posed by foodstuffs brought into a hospital from outside .

Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol, 2001 Nov, 76(11), 669 - 72
{Conjunctival microbiological study in corneo-schleral prosthesis users}; Lopez-Sanchez E et al.; PURPOSE: To evaluate conjunctival bacterial flora in carrier patients of corneo-schleral prosthesis, both in the affected and fellow eye . MATERIAL AND METHOD: Samples were obtained from twenty-six corneo-schleral prosthesis carriers and smear from both eyes were cultured . Samples were taken from 24 patients as controls . RESULTS: Significant growth of potentially pathogen bacteria was observed in the corneo-schleral prosthesis and fellow eyes compared to controls . CONCLUSION: Conjunctival bacterial flora showed variations in the eyes of controls, corneo-schleral prosthesis and fellow eyes groups.

Mycoses, 2001, 44(7-8), 261 - 5
Identification of Sporothrix schenckii based on sequences of the chitin synthase 1 gene; Kano R et al.; Sporothrix schenckii is pathogenic to human and animals . To detect S . schenckii in the tissue, we designed specific oligonucleotide primers based on the chitin synthase gene . Amplification products were selectively obtained from S . schenckii DNA . Polymerase chain reaction analysis with the primer pair S2-R2 was able to detect 10 pg genomic DNA of S . schenckii with ethidium bromide staining . This detection system will be useful as a microbiological tool for the diagnosis of human and animal sporotrichosis.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 2001 Sep, 20(9), 636 - 8
Eleven-year study of recurrent pneumococcal bacteremia; Font B et al.; In order to describe the epidemiology and the clinical and microbiological manifestations of recurrent pneumococcal bacteremia, a long-term study was conducted . Between January 1988 and December 1998, a total of 344 episodes of bacteremia caused by pneumococci was detected in 331 patients . Thirteen (3.9%) of these patients experienced recurrent episodes of pneumococcal bacteremia, and all of them had underlying diseases . In 12 of these patients the recurrence was considered to be a reinfection, and in one patient it was considered to be a relapse . Three patients were found to harbor identical strains in both bacteremic episodes, as determined by pulsed-field techniques . Only hematological neoplasia appeared to be a predisposing factor for recurrent pneumococcal bacteremia.

Ann R Australas Coll Dent Surg, 2000 Oct, 15, 299 - 305
Coronal microleakage; Gale MS; The microbiological aetiology of periapical periodontitis of endodontic origin is generally accepted . Therefore, bacterial entry into the tooth both initially and secondarily to endodontic therapy is not desirable . Dental restorations and then root fillings in series are intended to prevent recurrent bacterial entry by blocking the access cavity and pulp canal system . This paper reviews whether this intent is realized practically, and what effect an incomplete seal might have on expressed recurrent disease . The aim is to communicate more recent research findings to a wider clinical audience.

Am J Ophthalmol, 2001 Nov, 132(5), 609 - 17
Fungal endophthalmitis following cataract surgery: clinical presentation, microbiological spectrum, and outcome; Narang S et al.; PURPOSE: To determine the clinical presentation, microbiological spectrum, and outcome in cases of fungal endophthalmitis following cataract surgery . DESIGN: Observational case series . METHODS: Setting: Tertiary referral hospital . PATIENTS: Retrospective analysis of 27 cases of smear- and culture-proven fungal endophthalmitis . INTERVENTION: Pars plana vitrectomy in 18 eyes, where the corneal condition did not preclude the same . All eyes received intravitreal amphotericin B and dexamethasone along with systemic antifungal agents . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Functional success: Final visual acuity of 3/60 or better with attached retina . Anatomical success: Final visual acuity of better than light perception with preserved anatomy of globe . RESULTS: The majority of the eyes (22 of the 27) had early onset and diffuse presentation (that is, anterior segment as well as posterior vitreous exudates) . Substantial corneal involvement was seen in 14 eyes (51.85%) . Aspergillus sp . was the most common isolate . Multivariate analysis using forward stepwise logistic regression showed corneal involvement as the single most important risk factor in determining final visual outcome (P =.0429) . CONCLUSIONS: Early onset and diffuse presentation, which mimics bacterial endophthalmitis, stresses the importance of both bacterial and fungal cultures from intraocular fluids to reach a diagnosis apart from the clinical judgment . Corneal involvement was the most important predictor of outcome in cases of fungal endophthalmitis.

Rev Med Liege, 2001 Sep, 56(9), 635 - 8
{Research on the wisdom between defensins and antiseptics at the skin surface}; Goffin V et al.; The density in the natural bacterial flora is quite controlled at the skin surface . The barrier to their penetration inside the body is a major function of the stratum corneum . Its more or less anfractuous structure, its hydration and acidic pH are important to maintain the microbiological equilibrium . The non-immune innate or inducible natural defenses rely on the production of epithelial peptide antibiotics (defensins, calprotectin) by keratinocytes . The phagocytic and immune defenses are superimposed to such mechanisms . This whole conundrum may be helped by, but it may also suffer from some skin care products and antiseptics.

N Z Med J, 2001 Oct 12, 114(1141), 445 - 7
Intracranial and spinal tuberculosis requiring neurosurgical intervention . The Wellington Hospital experience 1998-2001; Darwish B et al.; AIMS: To describe the Wellington Neurosurgical Unit's recent experience of managing tuberculosis between January 1998 and January 2001 . METHODS: Patients with microbiologically confirmed tuberculosis of the central nervous system and whose management included surgery are described . Personal recall and review of the hospital records were used to extract relevant data . RESULTS: Five patients were identified . As well as involvement of the brain parenchyma, meninges, spinal cord or spinal column, all had evidence of tuberculosis elsewhere . All but one patient deteriorated neurologically after being started on antituberculous chemotherapy . CONCLUSIONS: The number of patients presenting with neurotuberculosis appears to have increased recently in the Wellington region . The high proportion of paradoxical progression in our series is unusual . Neurosurgical intervention may be required for diagnosis, to treat hydrocephalus, or to relieve mass effect . Management is prolonged and often complex, and close co-operation is required between the neurosurgical team and a physician experienced in the management of tuberculosis.

J Dent Educ, 2001 Oct, 65(10), 1126 - 32
Clinical applications and outcomes of using indicators of risk in caries management; Zero D et al.; The aim of this review was to systematically assess clinical evidence in the literature to determine the predictive validity of currently available multivariate caries risk-assessment strategies (including environmental, sociodemographic, behavioral, microbiological, dietary/nutritional, and/or salivary risk factors) in: 1) primary teeth; 2) coronal surfaces of permanent teeth; and 3) root surfaces of permanent teeth . We identified 1,249 articles in the search, and selected 169 for full review . Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established prior to commencement of the literature search . Papers that conformed to these criteria were included (n = 15 for primary teeth; n = 22 for permanent teeth; and n = 6 for root surfaces), and 126 papers were excluded . Included articles were grouped by study design as: longitudinal, retrospective, and cross-sectional . The predictive validity of the models reviewed depended strongly on the caries prevalence and characteristics of the population for which they were designed . In many instances, the use of a single predictor gave equally good results as the use of a combination of predictors . Previous caries experience was an important predictor for all tooth types.

Clin Infect Dis, 2001 Dec 15, 33(12), 1975 - 80 Epub 2001 Nov 06.
Invasive Aspergillus stomatitis in patients with acute leukemia: report of 12 cases; Myoken Y et al.; An 8-year retrospective analysis of invasive Aspergillus stomatitis in neutropenic patients with acute leukemia was performed to characterize the epidemiology and clinical features of the infection . Twelve cases of invasive Aspergillus stomatitis were identified with both clinicohistological and microbiological evidence, and the majority of cases were caused by Aspergillus flavus (10 {83%} of 12 patients) . The infection was strongly suspected when a neutropenic patient developed persistent fever without a known source, symptoms of gingival pain and facial swelling, and a solitary ulcerating lesion of mucogingiva covered with a gray necrotic pseudomembrane . Aspergillus stomatitis was diagnosed a median 23 days after admission . In all 12 patients, the diagnosis was made during the period of neutropenia . Ten patients (83%) were treated with amphotericin B and surgery and survived with recovery of neutrophils . Two patients died, and disseminated aspergillosis was identified in 1 patient.

Braz Dent J, 2001, 12(3), 209 - 13
Subgingival utilization of a 1% chlorhexidine collagen gel for the treatment of periodontal pockets . A clinical and microbiological study; Vinholis AH et al.; This study evaluates the effect of subgingival irrigation with a 1% chlorhexidine collagen gel in periodontal pockets as an adjunct procedure to scaling and root planing (SRP) . Thirty-seven sites with probing depth (PD) of 5-7 mm and BANA positive in 6 patients with chronic periodontal disease were selected . Sites were assigned to different treatment groups consisting of SRP only (group 1), SRP + irrigation with collagen gel (group 2), or SRP + irrigation with collagen gel containing 1% chlorhexidine (group 3) . Subgingival irrigation was performed after initial SRP and at 7, 14 and 21 days . Clinical measurements including PD, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), gingival recession (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were performed at the selected sites at baseline, 60 and 90 days and the BANA test was performed on plaque samples from the same sites at baseline and 90 days . There was an improvement in clinical parameters in all groups with a significantly greater decrease in GI and bleeding in the chlorhexidine group . There was a greater reduction of BANA positive sites in groups 2 and 3 . The authors concluded that 1% chlorhexidine collagen gel is a promising adjunct to SRP in the treatment of adult periodontitis.

Dent Mater, 1997 Jul, 13(4), 258 - 69
Comparison of surface roughness of oral hard materials to the threshold surface roughness for bacterial plaque retention: a review of the literature; Bollen CM et al.; OBJECTIVES: The roughness of intraoral hard surfaces can influence bacterial plague retention . The present review evaluates the initial surface roughness of several intraoral hard materials, as well as changes in this surface roughness as a consequence of different treatment modalities . METHODS: Articles found through Medline searches were included in this review if they met the following criteria: 1) stated threshold surface roughness values and reputed change in surface roughness due to different manipulation techniques; or 2) included standardized surface conditions that could be compared to the treated surface . RESULTS: Recently, some in vivo studies suggested a threshold surface roughness for bacterial retention (Ra = 0.2 micron) below which no further reduction in bacterial accumulation could be expected . An increase in surface roughness above this threshold roughness, however, resulted in a simultaneous increase in plaque accumulation, thereby increasing the risk for both caries and periodontal inflammation . The initial surface roughness of different dental materials (e.g., teeth, abutments, gold, amalgam, acrylic resin, resin composite, glass ionomer or compomer and ceramics) and the effect of different treatment modalities (e.g., polishing, scaling, brushing, condensing, glazing or finishing) on this initial surface roughness were analyzed and compared to the threshold surface roughness of 0.2 micron . The microbiological effects of these treatment modalities, if reported, are also discussed and compared to recent in vivo data . SIGNIFICANCE: Based on this review, the range in surface roughness of different intraoral hard surfaces was found to be wide, and the impact of dental treatments on the surface roughness is material-dependent . Some clinical techniques result in a very smooth surface (compressing of composites against matrices), whereas others made the surface rather rough (application of hand instruments on gold) . These findings indicated that every dental material needs its own treatment modality in order to obtain and maintain a surface as smooth as possible.

Lett Appl Microbiol, 2001 Nov, 33(5), 339 - 43
Formation of guaiacol in chocolate milk by the psychrotrophic bacterium Rahnella aquatilis; Jensen N et al.; AIMS: The aim of this study was to identify the causative agent of a smoky/phenolic taint in refrigerated full cream chocolate milk . METHODS AND RESULTS: Microbiological examination of spoiled and unspoiled milk samples from the same processor showed high numbers of the psychrotrophic coliform Rahnella aquatilis in the spoiled samples only . Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to identify and quantify the taint compound as guaiacol (2-methoxyphenol) in the spoiled milk . Challenge studies in UHT chocolate and white milks inoculated with the isolate and incubated at 4-5 degrees C and 8-9 degrees C for 6 d showed the production of guaiacol in chocolate milk only, which was confirmed and quantified by GC/MS . CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that if present in refrigerated chocolate milk, Rah . aquatilis can produce guaiacol within the expected shelf-life of the product, even without temperature abuse . SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report that the coliform Rah . aquatilis can produce guaiacol in refrigerated chocolate milk products.

Am J Gastroenterol, 2001 Oct, 96(10), 2962 - 7
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with cirrhosis: prevalence and relation with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; Bauer TM et al.; OBJECTIVES: The significance of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with cirrhosis is not fully understood and its diagnostic criteria are not uniform . We examined the association of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and compared various microbiological criteria . METHODS: Jejunal secretions from 70 patients with cirrhosis were cultivated quantitatively and classified according to various definitions . Clinical characteristics of patients were evaluated and the incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was monitored during a 1-yr follow-up . RESULTS: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, defined as > or = 10(5) total colony-forming units/ml jejunal secretions, was present in 61% of patients . Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was associated with acid-suppressive therapy (p = 0.01) and hypochlorhydria (p < 0.001) . Twenty-nine patients with persistent ascites were observed . Six episodes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis occurred after an average 12.8 wk . Occurence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis correlated with ascitic fluid protein concentration (p = 0.01) and serum bilirubin (p = 0.04) but not with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (p = 0.39) . Its association with acid-suppressive therapy was of borderline significance (hazard ratio = 7.0, p = 0.08) . CONCLUSIONS: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in cirrhotic patients is associated with acid-suppressive therapy and hypochlorhydria, but not with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis . The potential role of acid-suppressive therapy in the pathogenesis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis merits further studies.

Clin Infect Dis, 2001 Dec 1, 33(11), 1807 - 15 Epub 2001 Oct 23.
Rifaximin versus ciprofloxacin for the treatment of traveler's diarrhea: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial; DuPont HL et al.; Rifaximin is a poorly absorbed rifamycin derivative under investigation for treatment of infectious diarrhea . Adult students from the United States in Mexico and international tourists in Jamaica were randomized to receive either rifaximin (400 mg twice per day) or ciprofloxacin (500 mg twice per day) for 3 days, following a double-blinded model, from June 1997 to September 1998 . A total of 187 subjects with diarrhea were studied . Time from initiation of therapy to passage of last unformed stool was comparable for those receiving rifaximin or ciprofloxacin (median, 25.7 hours versus 25.0 hours, respectively) . There was no significant difference in the proportion of subjects in the 2 groups with respect to clinical improvement during the first 24 hours (P=.199), failure to respond to treatment (P=.411), or microbiological cure (P=.222) . The incidence of adverse events was low and similar in each group . Rifaximin is a safe and effective alternative to ciprofloxacin in the treatment of traveler's diarrhea.

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2001, 36(9), 1579 - 88
Landfarming in a PAH-contaminated soil; Picado A et al.; The present work describes a coke oven soil treatability study by land-farming, conducted on-site in a field scale facility covering 100 m2 . The soil contamination was mainly due to high concentrations of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) up to 1,140 mg/Kg dry weight (sigma EPA) . Along the treatment process the soil was characterised at the chemical, microbiological and ecotoxicological levels . After 3 months a reduction of 63% in total PAHs concentration was observed, being detected a more pronounced reduction for PAHs with 2, 3 and 4 rings (79%) . Concomitantly, a change in the composition of the microbial population was observed with a significant increase in the PAHs degrading and total heterotrophic colonies . Concerning the ecotoxicity and genotoxicity data no effect was detected in the treated soil samples eluates.

Clin Diagn Lab Immunol, 2001 Nov, 8(6), 1189 - 95
Circulating inflammatory mediators in patients with fever: predicting bloodstream infection; Groeneveld AB et al.; The systemic host response to microbial infection involves clinical signs and symptoms of infection, including fever and elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts . In addition, inflammatory mediators are released, including activated complement product C3a, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and the acute-phase reactant secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) . To compare the value of the latter with the former in predicting (the degree of) microbial infection at the bedside, we determined clinical variables and took blood samples daily for 3 consecutive days in 300 patients with a new fever (>38.0 degrees C rectally or >38.3 degrees C axillary) . Microbiological culture results for 7 days after inclusion were collected . Patients were divided into clinical and microbial categories: those without and with a clinical focus of infection and those with negative cultures, with positive local cultures or specific stains for fungal (n = 13) or tuberculous infections (n = 1), and with positive blood cultures, including one patient with malaria parasitemia . The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) for prediction of positive cultures was 0.60 (P < 0.005) for peak temperature and 0.59 (P < 0.01) for peak WBC count, 0.60 (P < 0.005) for peak C3a, 0.63 (P < 0.001) for peak IL-6, and 0.61 (P < 0.001) for peak sPLA(2) . The AUC under the ROC curve for prediction of positive blood cultures was 0.68 (P < 0.001) for peak temperature and 0.56 for peak WBC count (P < 0.05) . The AUC for peak C3a was 0.69, that for peak IL-6 was 0.70, and that for sPLA(2) was 0.67 (for all, P < 0.001) . The degree of microbial invasion is thus a major determinant of the clinical and inflammatory host response in patients with fever . Moreover, circulating inflammatory mediators such as C3a and IL-6 may help to predict positive blood cultures, together with clinical signs and symptoms of the host response to microbial infection, even before culture results are available . This may help in the designing of entry criteria for therapeutic intervention studies.

Pharmazie, 2001 Oct, 56 Suppl 1, S34 - 41
Microbiological research for the Hungarian pharmaceutical industry; Ambrus G; A 50-year historical survey is presented on the R & D activities of the Institute for Drug Research, Budapest, in the areas of antibiotics, enzyme inhibitors and immunosuppressants of microbial origin as well as in the field of the microbial bioconversion of steroids . Research projects that have led to the elaboration of industrial processes applied by Hungarian pharmaceutical companies have mainly been selected.

Rinsho Byori, 2001 Sep, 49(9), 894 - 9
{Perspective of laboratory examination system for infectious disease}; Murase M; The primary goal of the clinical microbiology laboratory is to provide accurate diagnostic testing and high-quality, rapidly, anytime service at the lowest cost for its customers . In regard to beginning microbiological test as one of emergency test system, the agreement among laboratory staff and the communication with practical conference among clinical divisions are needed, especially about 1 . Place and time for receive, 2 . Methods of handling and store, 3 . Ordering system and information about patients, 4 . Selection of items and method, 5 . Reporting system and 6 . Decision of laboratory staff . As items of microbiological test on this system, smear test, immunoserological test and auto-blood culture equipment are needed . According to the new law of infectious disease, laboratory system should be established in the cases of outbreak . As for the inexperienced cases of import infection, network system of information should be practically used.

Rinsho Byori, 2001 Sep, 49(9), 887 - 93
{Effective clinical information system closely connected with clinical laboratory data for infectious diseases}; Tanimoto A et al.; Nowadays, information on clinical laboratory tests for infectious disease is almost supported by information on such as clinical, identical and susceptible microbiological tests . However, information support necessary for clinical diagnosis and therapy with clinically valuable data remains unsatisfactory . To offer more useful microbiological information to support clinics from clinical laboratory division, exchange of clinical information between clinical divisions, integrated systems of clinical information in the district and establishment of domestic and international information network et al are required . Establishment of these advanced total information network systems for clinical microbiological tests for infectious diseases may exceedingly contribute to earlier diagnosis, control and prevention of various infectious diseases.

Environ Monit Assess, 2001 Oct, 71(3), 279 - 96
The quality of water in the Busko Blato reservoir; Stambuk-Giljanovic N; The article presents the results of chemical and microbiological measurements of the water quality in the Busko Blato reservoir, the largest in Europe, in the period 1989 to 1998 . The aim was to observe possible changes in water quality during the past decade and its influence on the downstream section of the Cetina River and its numerous tributaries and reservoirs, where there are two large regional water supply systems . This reservoir was built in order to exploit the high hydroelectric potential of small streamflows in the karst fields of south-western Bosnia . It has strongly influenced the hydrologic conditions of the downstream section of the Cetina River . Busko Blato is a relatively shallow reservoir with the mean depth of 5 m . It covers an area of 57 km2 . The water exchange in the reservoir is slow, occurring from one to several years . When the water inflow exceeds the hydroelectric plant demands the excess water is delivered by a reversible channel and pre-pumped into the Busko Blato reservoir . The total and carbonate water hardness in the reservoir is lower than in the Cetina River and in typical karst streamflows, since the water in this reservoir comes mainly from surface sources including numerous springs with high capacity oscillations, torrents and rainfall . Measurements, carried out during the past years, showed a significant increase in nitrate content as well as in the coli bacteria and a less significant increase in total phosphorus content . The water quality was evaluated as mezotrophic according to the total phosphorus content based on the Carlson index of trophic level, a lower quality than in the Peruca reservoir, upstream on the Cetina River . The latter contains a smaller phosphorus content and was classed between oligotrophic and mezotrophic . According to these data, employing the Vollenweider equation, the total phosphorus content in this water should not exceed the mean of 20 mg m(-3) P . The results indicate that the water in the Busko Blato reservoir did not deteriorate the water quality on the downstream section of the Cetina River.

Herz, 2001 Sep, 26(6), 379 - 90
{Diagnosis of endocarditis today: Duke criteria or clinical judgment?}; Naber CK et al.; DIAGNOSIS OF INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS: Due to the complexity of the clinical diagnosis of infective endocarditis, standardized diagnostic schemes have been developed to improve the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis . The Von Reyn criteria, introduced in 1981 relied mainly on clinical, microbiological, and histopathological criteria and were for more than 10 years regarded as the diagnostic goldstandard . However, the Von Reyn criteria have a sensitivity of merely about 30-60% and their reliability is especially low in case of negative blood cultures . ROLE OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY: An important step towards an improved sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis was the introduction of transesophageal echocardiography, which is far more sensitive and specific in this indication than the transthoracic approach . Besides the early detection of vegetations and complications such as abscess formation, valvular destructions or perforations, echocardiography may be helpful to identify patients at risk for a prolonged healing, embolization, or may be also used to monitor the therapeutic progress . THE DUKE CRITERIA: Implementation of echocardiography into the Duke criteria, introduced in 1994, yielded as expected, a significant higher sensitivity of up to 100% than the von Reyn criteria with an almost identical specificity . Thus, the latter were completely replaced by the Duke criteria in clinical practice . MODIFICATIONS OF THE DUKE CRITERIA: Nevertheless, some uncertainty remains, especially in culture-negative endocarditis which has led to certain modifications of the Duke criteria . Besides the implementation of unspecific inflammatory parameters such as the C-reactive protein, a positive Q-fever serology has been added and any S . aureus bacteremia is now judged as major criterion . Although a prospective evaluation has to be awaited, these modifications appear promising and should be implemented into clinical practice . CONCLUSIONS: The Duke criteria are currently the most sensitive tool in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis . It can be expected that they will help to significantly shorten the time to diagnosis, and may, thus, improve the clinical outcome.

Nephrol Dial Transplant, 2001 Nov, 16(11), 2181 - 7
Cellular interleukin-1 receptor antagonist production in patients receiving on-line haemodiafiltration therapy; Canaud B et al.; BACKGROUND: Repetitive exposure to cytokine-inducing substances (pyrogens) results in chronic inflammation, which may significantly contribute to some of the long-term complications in dialysis patients . On-line dialysis modalities, such as on-line haemodiafiltration (HDF), raise particular concerns because of the administration of infusate prepared from potentially contaminated dialysis fluid . Hence, great retention capability for pyrogens is of critical importance for the safe performance of on-line systems . METHODS: The microbiological safety of a novel on-line system, ONLINEplus(TM), was assessed in clinical practice in five centres for 3 months . Infusate and dialysis fluid were regularly monitored for microbial counts, endotoxins, and cytokine-inducing activity . Levels of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) were determined in supernatants of whole blood incubated either under pyrogen-free conditions (spontaneous cytokine production) or following low-dose endotoxin exposure (LPS-stimulated cytokine production) . RESULTS: We failed to detect microorganisms or endotoxin contamination of infusate during the entire study period . Moreover, neither infusate nor dialysis fluid demonstrated cytokine-inducing activity . Intradialytic IL-1Ra induction was not detected, as there was no difference between pre- and post-session values for both spontaneous and LPS-stimulated IL-1Ra production (115+/-26 vs 119+/-27 and 2445+/-353 vs 2724+/-362 pg/10(6) white blood cells (WBC), respectively) . Neither the number of immunocompetent cells nor their capacity to produce IL-1Ra declined during this period, indicating that cells were not significantly stimulated during treatment . Spontaneous and LPS-induced exvivo IL-1Ra generation remained unchanged after 3 months of on-line HDF therapy as compared with the start of the study (71+/-30 pre- vs 48+/-14 post-study, and 2559+/-811 vs 2384+/-744 pg/10(6) WBC, respectively) . CONCLUSIONS: The present on-line system performed safely from a microbiological view-point as both the dialysis fluid and infusate were consistently free of microorganisms, endotoxins, and cytokine-inducing substances . As a result, on-line HDF therapy had no effect upon the chronic inflammatory responses in end-stage renal disease patients.

Aust Fam Physician, 2001 Aug, 30(8), 751 - 4
Cat scratch disease . A cause of regional lymphadenitis; Branley J; BACKGROUND: In the last decade, the microbiological cause of cat scratch disease (CSD) has been determined using a combination of traditional culture and modern molecular techniques . A bacterium known as Bartonelia henselae is responsible for the vast majority of cases . The natural history of the disease is being reinterpreted in the light of more sophisticated diagnostic tools . OBJECTIVE: To enable practitioners to have a sound basis for the diagnosis and treatment of cat scratch disease . DISCUSSION: Bartonelia henselae is ubiquitous in the domestic feline and causes zoonotic infection in humans . Although this infection is usually self limiting and benign, it may cause more extensive disease in the immunosuppressed . Antibiotic therapy may hasten recovery.

Arch Latinoam Nutr, 2001 Jun, 51(2), 180 - 6
{Suitability study for super sweet corn on the ears hybrids under refrigerated conditions evaluating chemicals microbiological and sensorial characteristics}; Camacho C et al.; Krispy King, Victor and 324, super sweet hybrids (sh2) were cultivated in San Joaquin, estado Carabobo, Venezuela . The scheme was stablished to produce refrigerated fresh ears to be commercialized . The chemistry, microbiology and sensorial characteristics were evaluated at 0; 7; 14; 21 and 28 days of storage . One hundred ears of each hybrid were picked at the ripe fresh stage and packed in polystyrene trays covered with polyethylene . The storage temperature was 4 degrees C +/- 1 degree C . The scheme used was well adapted, allowing a good stability of the ears until 28 days of storing . The plastic cover avoid the lost of humidity . The soluble solids, total sugars and pH went down during the storage . The acidity and the microorganisms increased as expected . The sensorial variables kept the same for Krispy king and Victor, while the hybrid 324 shown the lowest humidity content, the highest count of microorganisms and the poorest sensorial quality.

Hepatogastroenterology, 2001 Sep-Oct, 48(41), 1275 - 8
Factors effecting the complications in the natural history of acute cholecystitis; Bedirli A et al.; BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gangrenous cholecystitis, empyema, gallbladder perforation, and biliary peritonitis are severe complications of acute cholecystitis associated with increased morbidity and mortality . This study aimed to evaluate perioperative factors associated with complications of acute cholecystitis . METHODOLOGY: Between January 1993 and October 2000, we performed cholecystectomy in 368 patients with acute cholecystitis . All perioperative data were collected on age, sex, medical history, symptoms, laboratory tests, ultrasound, operative and microbiological findings, morbidity and mortality . RESULTS: There were 305 cases (83%) of acute uncomplicated cholecystitis, 26 (7.1%) of gangrenous cholecystitis, 23 (6.3%) of empyema of the gallbladder, 12 (3.3%) of gallblader perforation, and 2 (0.5%) emphysematous cholecystitis . Risk factors for complicated cholecystitis included male gender, advanced age, associated diseases, temperature above 38 degrees C, and white blood cell count on admission greater than 18,000 . Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted on 36 patients (11.8%) with uncomplicated and seven patients (11.1%) with complicated acute cholecystitis . The conversion rate to open cholecystectomy was 19.4% for uncomplicated cases, 28.6% for complicated cases . There were no differences in operative complications between complicated and uncomplicated cases, however, length of hospital stay, postoperative morbidity and mortality were significantly higher in complicated cases . CONCLUSIONS: Sex (male), advanced age, presence of associated disease, high temperature (> 38 degrees C) and leukocytosis are all remarkable risk factors inducing complications in acute cholecystitis . Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed with success in uncomplicated cases.

Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital, 2001 Jun, 21(3), 138 - 43
{Role of endothelial cell autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of sudden hear loss}; Cadoni G et al.; Sudden hearing loss can be found in systemic autoimmune diseases or it can be a symptom of an autoimmune disease of the inner ear . The present work has studied a group of patients with idiopathic sudden hearing loss to determine what role anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECA) play as markers of immuno-mediated vasculitis of the inner ear . The study involved 32 patients with sudden deafness and 14 controls . The patients underwent otofunctional, neuroradiological, sero-microbiological and immunological testing . Using the indirect immunofluorescence technique, serum AECA were determined within 24 hours of hospitalization and three days after the onset of deafness . AECA positive patients (AECA+) were administered corticosteroid therapy (methylprednisone 1 mg/kg/die) for 1 month . A clinical follow-up was performed, including audiometry, 1 month after discharge and thereafter at three-month intervals (follow-up range: 8-18 months) . AECA proved positive in 15/32 patients (47%) and in 2/14 of the controls (14%) . The difference between the patients and the controls was statistically significant (p = 0.03) . The 7 patient who showed no recovery after 1 month were all AECA+ . None of the AECA+ patients showed other symptoms or a worsening of the hearing loss . In conclusion, the determination of non-specific autoantibodies vs . the inner ear, such as AECA, can be considered a useful clinical tool in differentiating between patients with idiopathic sudden hearing loss and those for which a diagnosis of immuno-mediated vasculitis of the inner ear is likely and for which prognosis is particularly unfavorable.

J Prosthet Dent, 2001 Oct, 86(4), 420 - 3
Isolation of Candida species from the oral cavity and fingertips of complete denture wearers; Darwazeh AM et al.; STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Candida species usually colonize in the oral cavity of denture wearers and may also colonize on their fingers because of frequent manual manipulation of the dentures . PURPOSE: This study investigated the association between oral and fingertip candidal isolation in a group of denture wearers . MATERIAL AND METHODS: Oral rinse and fingerprints obtained from 25 healthy male complete denture wearers were microbiologically investigated for candidal growth, and isolated Candida species were identified with a germ tube test and a commercially available yeast identification system . Denture cleanliness, hand washing, and denture wearing and handling habits were recorded for each subject . RESULTS: Candida species were isolated from the oral cavity of 15 (60%) and fingertips of 11 (44%) subjects . Ten (66.7%) subjects had concomitant oral and fingertip candidal isolation, whereas 5 (33.3%) subjects had only oral Candida (P=.005) . CONCLUSION: The hands of denture wearers who had oral Candida were significantly more colonized with Candida species than oral Candida-free subjects . Further studies identifying Candida species to the strain level and the significance of hand Candida as a source for mouth reinfection are needed.

Minerva Med, 2001 Oct, 92(5), 393 - 400
{Instrument applications of three new Bio-Rad kits for HIV, HCV, HBSAG screening: Combo Genscreen Plus HIV 1/2 AG-AB, Monolisa anti HCV Plus V2, Monolisa HBSAG Plus, with the fully authomatic system Plato 3300}; Manetta T et al.; One of the most common technical problems of the virological laboratories is the tests applications on the open microplates systems . Immunoenzymatic methods can present difficulties in terms of results when are apply on several instruments . We have evaluated three different new virological kits from Bio-Rad: Genscreen Plus HIV 1/2 AG-AB, Monolisa anti HCV Plus V.2 and Monolisa AgHBs Plus on the automatic system Plato 3300 . The purpose of this article was to present and summarize some data on these new Bio-Rad kits designed for the screening in the Blood Banks and Virological laboratories . We followed a protocol studied for working on automatic machine with different steps using negative fresh donors sera for: - study of edge effect, - study of specificity, and using also positive high value sera and seroconversion Bio-Rad panels for: - study of contamination, - study of sensitivity . The studies showed that the Bio-Rad kits and instrument were releable, flexible, easy to use and ready for each kind of routine in Blood Banks and Virological-Microbiological centres.

J Org Chem, 1997 Apr 4, 62(7), 2244 - 2251
Microbiological Oxygenation of Bridgehead Azabicycloalkanes; Davis CR et al.; A series of N-substituted bridgehead azabicycloalkanes has been prepared and examined as substrates for microbiological oxygenation using the fungi Beauveria bassiana, Rhizopus nigricans, Aspergillus ochraceus, and Rhizopus arrhizus . Oxygenation using B . bassiana of N-tosyl-7-azabicyclo{2.2.1}heptane gave N-{p-(hydroxymethyl)benzenesulfonyl}-7-azabicyclo{2.2.1}heptane (56% yield), of N-(phenyloxycarbonyl)-7-azabicyclo{2.2.1}heptane gave the 2-endo-ol (56% yield, 51% ee), of N-BOC-7-azabicyclo{2.2.1}heptane gave the 2-endo-ol (10% yield), of N-Cbz-7-azabicyclo{2.2.1}heptane gave the 2-endo-ol (28%), of N-(phenyloxycarbonyl)-8-azabicyclo{3.2.1}octane gave the 3-endo-ol, and of N-(phenyloxycarbonyl)-9-azabicyclo{3.3.1}nonane gave the 3-exo-ol (30%) and 3-one (16%) . Oxygenation using R . nigricans of N-BOC-7-azabicyclo{2.2.1}heptane gave the 2-endo-ol (62% yield, 28% ee) and the 2-exo-ol (27% yield, 42% ee) . Oxidation of the N-BOC-7-azabicyclo{2.2.1}heptan-2-ols gives the 2-ketone, a synthetic intermediate useful for conversion to the natural product, epibatidine . Oxygenation of N-(phenyloxycarbonyl)-7-azabicyclo{2.2.1}heptane using R . arrhizus gives the 2-endo-ol (5% yield, 31% ee) and the 2-exo-ol (18% yield, 22% ee) . Oxygenation of N-(phenyloxycarbonyl)-8-azabicyclo{3.2.1}octane using A . ochraceous gives the 3-endo-ol (36%) and the 3-one (4%).

J Org Chem, 1996 Oct 18, 61(21), 7402 - 7407
Microbiological Transformations . 33 . Fungal Epoxide Hydrolases Applied to the Synthesis of Enantiopure Para-Substituted Styrene Oxides . A Mechanistic Approach; Pedragosa-Moreau S et al.; The biohydrolysis of differently para-substituted styrene oxide derivatives was studied, using whole cells of the fungi Aspergillus niger or Beauveria sulfurescens . These microorganisms proved to be equipped with epoxide hydrolases which are able to achieve these hydrolyses with high enantioselectivity . This allowed the preparation of the optically active epoxides and of the corresponding vicinal diols which were obtained with good to excellent enantiomeric purity . These two microorganisms proved to be enantiocomplementary . A mechanistic study, carried out using a crude lyophilized enzymatic extract from A.niger, indicated via Hammet coefficient plotting that this hydrolysis is very probably due to a general base-catalyzed process.

Gig Sanit, 2001 Sep-Oct, (5), 75 - 7
{Ecologo-hygienic evaluation of the use of petroleum-refining waste for road construction in the lower Volga region}; Rusakov NV et al.; A scheme has been developed for sanitary assessment of the safety of road building materials containing oil slurry waste . It includes 2 units: 1) sanitary and chemical studies and 2) ecological and toxicological ones . The sanitary and chemical unit consists of a preliminary stage, wherein priority waste-specific substances are selected, and two experimental studies air- and water migration ones that evaluate the environmental effects of the substances selected . The ecological and toxicological unit includes microbiological, phytotoxic, hydrobiological, and toxicological studies . This scheme of ecological and sanitary studies of road building composite materials containing oil slurry waste allows their ecological and toxicological safety to be comprehensively evaluated.

Gewina, 1994, 17(3), 191 - 205
Not Available
Theunissen B.
In the late 19th century bacteriology was a predominantly practical discipline . Beijerinck was among the few workers who engaged in pure microbiological research at this time . He is usually regarded as the 'founding father' of the Delft tradition in chemical bacteriology . Beijerinck's focus, however, was not chemical bacteriology, but heredity and variability in microorganisms . His pertinent views provide an instance of the 19th-century 'developmental' view of heredity and evolution . As for the wider context of Beijerinck's work, there are important similarities between Beijerinck and Hugo de Vries . In the 1890s de Vries became a spokesman for the promotion of pure science as the motor of social progress . His final aim was the improvement of practice . According to Beijerinck, successful practice in microbiology also hinged upon detailed knowledge of heredity and variability . Beijerinck and de Vries were agreed however that scientific research would remain pure; the benefits for practice would follow automatically . Beijerinck did not, decades ahead of others, start a tradition in bacterial chemistry . Nor should he be seen as an early worker groping unsuccessfully around in the confused field of bacterial genetics . In his aproach and problem choice he followed contemporary examples, and he worked within the context of an ideology that was shared by the leading Dutch botanists.

Hist Cienc Saude Manguinhos, 1999 Nov - 2000 Feb, 6(3), 577 - 607
{Sanitary battles and scientific clashes: Emilio Ribas and yellow fever in Sao Paulo}; Almeida M; Emilio Ribas, an administrative physician and sanitarian from Sao Paulo, was an advocate of the microbiological conception during the long period when he directed the Servico Sanitario de Sao Paulo (1898-1917) . This article offers a brief analysis of his stance in the flight against yellow fever during the early 20th century, considered a highlight of his career . The scientists and professionals linked to this sanitary agency in Sao Paulo found themselves in a tense, unstable work environment, where experimental proof played an important role in corroborating new medical-sanitary conceptions and practices . The article takes a close look at the medical experiments on yellow fever directed by Emilio Ribas and conducted at Sao Paulo's Hospital de Isolamento in 1902-03 . It examines these same studies in an effort to better understand how the significance of yellow fever was transformed and to explore its implications regarding the history of public health in Sao Paulo.

Hist Cienc Saude Manguinhos, 1996-97, 3(3), 467 - 84
{Lessons for the history of science in Brazil: São Paulo's Pasteur Institute}; Ribeiro MA; The article highlights the role played by Sao Paulo's Pasteur Institute (1903-16) in the development of microbiological science in Brazil and in the emergence of a pharmaceutical industry owned by Brazilian capital.

Med Secoli, 1995, 7(3), 505 - 29
Not Available
Scassellati Sforzolini G, Pasquini R, Moretti M, Monarca S.
The quality of drinking water is known to have positive or negative influences on human health . At present, in the industrialized countries microbiological contaminants in public water supplies are under control, due to the widespread introduction of effective disinfection and potabilization systems . However, of special interest are other public health problems linked with the presence of many water components or contaminants . Since the beginning of this century, fluoride showed to have beneficial effects on dental caries and the practice of adding fluoride to drinking water has been widely followed in many countries for reduction of dental caries . More recently, a large body of scientific information indicates that various characteristics related to water hardness are correlated with incidence of cardiovascular disease . Moreover, the discovery of the presence in drinking water of inorganic and organic contaminants with mutagenic/carcinogenic properties gives rise to public health concern.

Paleopathol Newsl, 1996 Jun, (94), 5 - 8
Experimental paleoparasitology: identification of Trypanosoma cruzi DNA in desiccated mouse tissue; Bastos OM et al.; The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been used for clinical diagnosis of infectious disease and to research ancient animal and microbiological DNA from a wide range of tissues . PCR was used to study the possibility of Trypanosoma cruzi kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) extraction from experimentally desiccated mouse tissue (heart, skeletal muscle, liver, spleen, and pancreas) . The results obtained suggest the application of this technique to T . cruzi detection in archaeological material.

Med Ges Gesch, 1995, 13, 35 - 54
Not Available
Gradmann C.
The text analyses Koch's microbiology and its rapid success within the context of the intellectual history of Wilhelminian {1888-1918} Germany . Studies of visual and verbal popularisations of microbiology show that scientific theory of microbiology, by communicating in the political language of its age, was followed by an equally specific popular image of the same topic . This included both popularisations of microbiology in militaristic metaphors and the analogous use of microbiological concepts as popularisations of imperialistic and agressive concepts of politics . Thus, the development and success of microbiology is linked to the development of the political language of its age.

Res Microbiol, 2001 Sep, 152(7), 631 - 9
Clinical usefulness of microbiological diagnostic tools in the management of periodontal disease; Suchett-Kaye G et al.; Periodontal diseases comprises a group of chronic inflammatory conditions affecting tooth supporting structures . It has been known for a long time that pathogenic oral bacteria colonizing the tooth surface are associated with the initiation of the disease process . However, to date, a dozen or so bacterial species have been implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and no one species by itself is synonymous with disease onset . This multibacterial etiology renders the diagnosis of active periodontal disease based on microbiological data difficult . Numerous studies have attempted to relate the usefulness of microbiological diagnostic aids such as microscopy, bacterial culture, immunological and enzymatic assays . Furthermore, recent technical advances have resulted in the use of nucleic acid probes and amplification techniques for the identification of genetic material belonging to potential periodontal pathogens . Despite the availability of a large number of microbiological testing protocols, identification of the microbial etiological agents remains hampered by the complexity of the microbial challenge during periodontal disease . This review discusses the clinical usefulness of these tests in detection and management of periodontal disease.

Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 2001 Oct, 49(5), 273 - 8
Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and markers of acute-phase response in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) following open heart surgery; Sablotzki A et al.; Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with an immunological injury that may cause pathophysiological alterations in the form of a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or a multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) . Previous studies on this issue have reported different changes of immunological parameters during and after CPB, but there are no reports about the lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) in relationship to other markers of inflammation in patients with MODS following cardiovascular surgery . In the present study, we investigated the acute-phase response of patients with MODS of infectious and non-infectious origin following open-heart-surgery . Plasma levels of procalcitonin (PCT), c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and LBP were measured in the first four postoperative days in 12 adult male patients with the signs of SIRS and two or more organ dysfunctions after myocardial revascularization (MODS-group), and 12 patients without organ insufficiencies (SIRS-group) . There were no significant differences regarding age, weight, height, preoperative NYHA-classification, preoperative LVEDP, or the number of anastomosis . Patients with MODS had a significantly longer operation time, duration of ischemia, and duration of extracorporeal circulation . None of the patients in the SIRS group died, whereas in the MODS group, 4 patients died due to septic multiorgan failure . Plasma PCT and IL-6 concentrations were significantly elevated in all MODS patients . CRP and LBP showed no differences between the MODS and the SIRS group . Comparing the MODS patients with and without positive microbial findings, we found significantly elevated levels of PCT and LBP in those patients with documented infections . Our results indicate that LBP may be a new marker for the differentiation between a severe non-infectious SIRS and an ongoing bacterial sepsis in the early postoperative course following CPB, while a microbiological result is still missing.

Acta Otolaryngol, 2000 Mar, 120(2), 296 - 302
Detection of fungi in sinus fluid of patients with allergic fungal rhinosinusitis; Karpovich-Tate N et al.; We aim to develop a rapid, accurate and sensitive diagnostic assay with which to detect the surface antigens of fungi thought to be involved in allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS), by assessing the usefulness of immunofluorescence microscopy (IMF) and enzyme linked immuno-absorbent assays (ELISA) . The age, sex, clinical symptoms and signs, imaging (CT and/or MRI), microbiological subculture data, sinus contents, blood eosinophilia, aspergillosis precipitins, radioallergoabsorbent technology (RAST) for fungal allergens and histopathology were performed on individuals undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for suspected AFRS . Thirteen patients were examined, and five monoclonal antibodies raised to the surface washings of various fungi were found to recognize and differentiate between fungal species implicated in sinus disease, i.e . Aspergillus niger, Alternaria alternata, Cochliobolus lunata, Penicillium expansum and Cladosporium species . The IMF microscopy proved to be a useful assay to distinguish visually between the cultured fungi, but was less useful for visualization of fungi in the patient samples . However, ELISA assays with 5 monoclonal antibodies gave clear and unambiguous data as to the presence of certain fungi within the patient samples . There is good correlation between the ELISA data and the pathology findings . This preliminary study suggests that both IMF and ELISA techniques may offer an important advance in this area.

J Infect, 2001 Jul, 43(1), 1 - 2
Documentation of positive blood culture results in a London teaching hospital; Cooke FJ et al.; OBJECTIVES: Our current practice is that initial (day 1) positive blood culture results are communicated to clinical teams; the task of recording those results in the notes is left to the clinical team . Microbiological information may be of crucial importance to an on-call doctor asked to review an unwell patient . We therefore sought to establish the extent to which day 1 positive blood culture information is available in patients' notes and its accuracy . METHODS: There were 51 positive blood cultures over a 14-day period . Patient notes of 39 of these were available for examination for evidence of the day 1 culture report, the accuracy of that report and evidence of clinical interpretation . RESULTS: The proportion of notes with a record was disappointingly low (54%), although the record was almost always accurate . Results reported at the weekend were as likely to be recorded in the notes as those given during the week . CONCLUSION: On-call doctors, not previously acquainted with a patient, will find that important information about day 1 positive blood culture results is not available to them in patient notes in around half of all cases . This adds weight to the view that medical microbiologists should give greater priority to ward visits and documentation of significant results, thus ensuring continuity of care from the laboratory bench to the bedside .

Biomed Environ Sci, 2001 Jun, 14(1-2), 145 - 8
The role of science in Codex standards; Jun-Shi C; The key principle in the development of Codex standards is to ensure that the decision-making process is based on sound science . The approval for the use of food additives and other chemicals in foods should be made only when adequate scientific data is available . The same principle applies to the development of maximum tolerable (or residue) levels for contaminants in foods . Using the General Standards for Contaminants and Toxins in Foods as an example, the following criteria are considered, when developing recommendations and standards: Toxicological information; Analytical data; Intake data; Fair trade considerations; Technological considerations; and Risk assessment and risk management considerations . The Codex Alimentarius Commission has repeatedly emphasized the use of risk analysis approach, in particular the use of risk assessment in conducting the safety evaluation of food additives agricultural and veterinary chemicals and environmental and industrial contaminants in foods . In this respect, the well known efforts of the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the FAD/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) provide the much needed information and recommendations for the risk assessment of specific chemicals . The risk assessment approach is also used in the safety evaluation of foods derived from modern biotechnology as well as in the quantitative assessment of microbiological risks in foods.

Biomed Environ Sci, 2001 Jun, 14(1-2), 14 - 20
Practical approaches to risk assessment; Brooke-Taylor S; The importance of using risk assessment in developing food regulations is growing with the globalization of our food supply . The World Trade Organization has entrenched the principles of science-based risk assessment in the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures . The relevant international organization for food standards, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, recognises risk analysis, and its component parts risk assessment, risk management and risk communication, as the basis for scientific decision-making . Risk assessment comprises two activities: hazard evaluation; and exposure estimation . A hazard may be chemical, microbiological or nutritional in origin . The practical application of risk assessment in Australia is illustrated in this presentation by four examples involving: (1) food additives, (2) microbiological safety of imported raw milk cheeses, (3) genetically modified foods and (4) imported food inspection.

Biodegradation, 2000, 11(6), 351 - 7
16S rDNA-based characterization of BTX-catabolizing microbial associations isolated from a South African sandy soil; Ralebitso TK et al.; In the presence of different selection pressures, particularly pH and electron donor concentration, indigenous microbial associations which catabolize selected petroleum hydrocarbon components (benzene, toluene and o-, m- and p-xylene (BTX)) were enriched and isolated from a petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated KwaZulu-Natal sandy soil . Electron microscopy revealed that, numerically, rods constituted the majority of the populations responsible for BTX catabolism . Molecular techniques (polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 16S rDNA fingerprinting by denaturing-gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE)) were employed to explore the diversities and analyze the structures of the isolated microbial associations . Pearson product-moment correlation indicated that the different, but chemically similar, petroleum hydrocarbon molecules, effected the isolation of different associations . However, some similar numerically-dominant bands characterized the associations . A 30% similarity was evident between the m- and o-xylene-catabolizing associations regardless of the molecule concentration and the enrichment pH . PCR-DGGE was also used to complement conventional culture-based microbiological procedures for environmental parameter optimization . Band pattern differences indicated profile variations of the isolated associations which possibly accounted for the growth rate changes recorded in response to pH and temperature perturbations.

Neth J Med, 2001 Sep, 59(3), 152 - 7
Nosocomial transmission of tuberculosis to a nurse demonstrated by means of spoligotyping of a formalin-fixed bronchial biopsy; van der Zanden AG et al.; BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis was diagnosed in a student nurse . The source of infection was unknown and no positive culture was available . METHODS: The diagnosis of tuberculous bronchitis was established on the grounds of a positive Mantoux test, the pathology of a bronchial biopsy and the results of a CT scan of the thorax . Spoligotyping of, for example, formalin-fixed tissue makes it possible to establish the diagnosis in a later phase after all . RESULTS: Cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis were not performed for the student nurse and Ziehl-Neelsen staining of the formalin-fixed bronchial biopsy was negative . The final tuberculosis diagnosis was confirmed by a PCR fingerprint technique, i.e., spoligotyping of a formalin-fixed biopsy specimen . By means of contact investigation and identification of the strain via spoligotyping, comparison of the spoligo patterns made it possible to treat both the patient and those infected by this person correctly . CONCLUSIONS: When there is a pronounced suspicion of tuberculosis and a microbiological culture is not available, it is recommended that supplementary spoligotyping of clinical specimens be carried out . The purpose is to confirm the diagnosis, trace the presumed source case and indirectly to provide information on the drug susceptibility of the relevant M . tuberculosis strain.

Arch Pediatr, 2001 Sep, 8 Suppl 4, 785s - 791s
{Hemolytic-uremic syndrome: microbiological aspects}; Mariani-Kurkdjian P et al.; Escherichia coli O157: H7 became an important pathogen starting in the early 1980s . It has caused epidemics and sporadic cases of often bloody diarrhea which may progress to severe hemolytic and uremic syndrome or thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura . E . coli O157: H7 is mainly transmitted in food, water and interhuman transmission, but direct animal-to-man transmission has also been documented . E . coli O157: H7 can adhere tightly to the enterocyte brush border (eae gene) and produce verotoxins or Shiga-like toxins and hemolysine (ehxA gene) . Diagnosis of E . coli O157: H7 infections is based on evidencing the germ in stools and/or by identifying the genes coding for verotoxins or by serology which increased serum titre of specific antilipopolysaccharide antibodies . Antidiarrheal drugs and antibiotics have little place in the treatment of bloody diarrhea . This public health problem, requires careful identification of animal reservoirs and improved population education in food hygiene.

J Periodontol, 2001 Sep, 72(9), 1151 - 6
Interaction between piroxicam and azithromycin during distribution to human periodontal tissues; Malizia T et al.; BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics are important in the prevention of infections and pain associated with periodontal surgery as well as in the adjunctive therapy of periodontal disease . In this study, patients undergoing oral surgery were treated with piroxicam and azithromycin to examine the interactions of these drugs on periodontal tissues . METHODS: Sixty-six patients were assigned to 3 groups and treated for 3 days as follows: 1) piroxicam 20 mg/day; 2) azithromycin 500 mg/day; or 3) piroxicam 20 mg/day plus azithromycin 500 mg/day . Samples of blood, saliva, gingiva, and alveolar bone were collected during surgery and at days 0.5, 2.5, 4.5, and 6.5 after last dose . Piroxicam concentrations were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography and azithromycin concentrations by microbiological assay . RESULTS: In patients treated with piroxicam alone, the highest drug concentrations were found in plasma at each time point, but consistent piroxicam levels were also detected in gingival samples up to 4.5 days . The combined treatment with piroxicam plus azithromycin was associated with a reduction of piroxicam concentrations in periodontal tissues . In patients receiving azithromycin alone, high drug levels were measured in periodontal tissues up to 6.5 days . This distribution pattern did not vary in patients treated with piroxicam plus azithromycin . CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with piroxicam or azithromycin alone ensures a favorable distribution of these drugs into periodontal tissues . However, upon combined administration, azithromycin interferes negatively with the periodontal disposition of piroxicam . This interaction might depend on the displacement of piroxicam from acceptor sites at the level of periodontal tissues.

J Appl Microbiol, 2001 Oct, 91(4), 660 - 7
The use of Lenticules for the process control of enumeration techniques in food and environmental microbiology; Lightfoot NF et al.; AIMS: Lenticules consist of control-dried plano convex discs in which biologically-active materials are contained within a water-soluble matrix . They can be produced to contain stable numbers of bacteria from 10 cfu lenticule-1 to 108 cfu lenticule-1 with a wide variety of organisms . These experiments were carried out to validate their use as a tool for internal quality control in quantitative microbiology . METHODS AND RESULTS: The Lenticules were used routinely in standard quantitative microbiological procedures across five laboratories . Results showed the materials to be stable, homogeneous and capable of identifying systematic errors . CONCLUSIONS: The Lenticules provide suitable, stable control materials . SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Routine internal quality control of quantitative measurements is greatly improved; the materials are easy to use and enable comparisons between laboratories to be made.

Periodontal Clin Investig, 2001, 23(1), 20 - 30
Clinical significance of antibiotic therapy in guided tissue regeneration with a resorbable membrane; Minabe M et al.; This study was designed to evaluate the clinical significance of antibiotic therapy combined with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) therapy with a collagen membrane . The subjects were 20 adults diagnosed with periodontitis (20 intrabony periodontal defects) . Ten patients were treated with GTR alone (control group) and the other 10 patients were treated with a combination of GTR and antibiotics (antibiotic group) . In the antibiotic group, minocycline ointment was applied locally before GTR therapy, and doxycycline and amoxyline were systemically administered after GTR therapy . Clinical manifestations, the presence or absence of exposed membrane, and microbiological findings were assessed 1 month before, immediately after, and 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months after GTR therapy . The results showed no significant differences in reduction of probing depth, probing attachment gain (PAG), or the ratio of PAG to intraoperative depth of the intrabony defect (vertical relative attachment gain) between the antibiotic group and the control group before and 3 months after GTR therapy . A DNA probe test and specific enzymatic activity test revealed no significant differences in the improvement and the rate of bacterial negativity before, and 6 weeks and 3 months after, GTR therapy . These findings indicate that antibiotic therapy is not clinically beneficial when combined with GTR therapy with a collagen membrane.

Pneumonol Alergol Pol, 2001, 69(3-4), 193 - 7
{Pulmonary tuberculosis during a course of ankylosing spondylitis}; Narejko E; 61 years old man with 30-years history of ankylosing spondylitis was admitted to hospital because of respiratory and cardiac failure . Chest X-ray and CT scan showed nonspecific inflammation but microbiological diagnosis allowed to establish the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis . During antibioticotherapy and antituberculous treatment respiratory failure regressed.

J Clin Microbiol, 2001 Oct, 39(10), 3743 - 6
Diagnostic yield of a PCR assay in focal complications of brucellosis; Morata P et al.; In order to evaluate the diagnostic yield of a PCR assay for patients with focal complications of brucellosis, we studied by PCR and by conventional microbiological techniques 34 nonblood samples from 32 patients with different focal forms of brucellosis . The samples from patients with brucellosis were paired to an equal number of control samples from the same locations of patients whose illnesses had different etiologies . Thirty-three of the 34 nonblood samples (97%) from the brucellosis patients were positive by PCR, whereas Brucella spp . were isolated from only 29.4% of the conventional cultures . For 11.4% of the patients, the confirmatory serological tests were either negative or showed titers below the diagnostic range . Two patients (6.2%) from the control group, both with tuberculous vertebral osteomyelitis, had a positive PCR result . The brucella PCR of blood from these two patients was also positive, and the two strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated were analyzed by the brucella PCR, with no evidence of amplification . These results show that the PCR assay is far more sensitive than conventional cultures, and this, coupled with its speed and reduction in risk to laboratory workers, makes this technique a very useful tool for the diagnosis of focal complications of brucellosis.

Am J Public Health, 2001 Oct, 91(10), 1577 - 9
Impact of the safe water system on water quality in cyclone-affected communities in Madagascar; Mong Y et al.; Cyclone Hudah struck the northeastern coast of Madagascar in the spring of 2000 . Over a 5-month period, 11 700 relief kits consisting of bottles of water disinfectant and foldable jerry cans were distributed to the affected population . Five months after the cyclone, a survey was conducted in 12 villages to determine the impact of these relief kits on water quality . Seventy-six percent of the surveyed households reported using jerry cans, and 65% reported using the disinfectant . Stored water in households using both products had significantly less microbiological contamination than stored water in other households . To improve the prospects for a sustainable intervention, the response plan for future disasters should incorporate a transition to recovery and development, including formative research into local customs, beliefs, and water handling habits, and funding support to initiate social marketing.

Int J Antimicrob Agents, 2001, 18 Suppl 1, S29 - 32
Clinical relevance of laboratory susceptibility data; Perea E; The breakpoints for macrolides proposed by various organisation differ . In vitro studies may not give a true measure of breakpoints as culture conditions are not necessarily analogous to the in vivo situation . The effects of pH, carbon dioxide and culture media can affect the minimum inhibitory concentrations of macrolides; the extent of these effects varies for the different agents . Microbiological efficacy should ideally be proven under clinical conditions, but this is not always feasible . The breakpoints of macrolides should be reviewed taking into account the site of infection.

Rinsho Byori, 2001 Aug, 49(8), 789 - 92
{Importance of a network construction with each division and clinical laboratory in the hospital--from a ground of the infection control nurse}; Takano Y; To reduce the frequency and extent hospital infection, the infection prevention team is required to work properly . Infection control nurses play various roles in the infection prevention team, including surveillance of the occurrence of infection and checking the actual conditions of infection prevention activities, as well as the communication and coordination with other sections . Thus, they take part in almost all the activities of the infection prevention team, except the diagnosis and the medical treatment of infectious diseases; that is to say, they make reports, communicate, consult and cooperate with the staff members of other sections . As for surveillance, the results of microbiological tests by a laboratory are most important . By feedback regarding the results of surveillance measures against infection, infection prevention activities become more effective . The staff members of the microbiological laboratory and the infection control nurses can obtain information about the outbreak of infection at an early stage, which is critical in infection prevention activities . Therefore, good cooperation between nurses and the laboratory staff facilitates prompt and appropriate actions to prevent further spread of infection . The test section, especially the microbiological laboratory, is the most important section with which the infection control nurses should work in close cooperation.

Br J Ophthalmol, 2001 Oct, 85(10), 1158 - 62
Use of a pair of blood culture bottles for sterility testing of corneal organ culture media; Gain P et al.; AIMS: To test the effectiveness and rapidity of a pair of blood culture bottles in the diagnosis of bacterial and fungal contamination of corneal organ culture media . METHODS: 761 microbiological analyses of storage media (Inosol and Exosol, Opsia, Toulouse, France), sampled in all phases of the organ culture at 31 degrees C of 410 consecutive corneas, were analysed . Each medium was inoculated in a pair of Bactec Plus Aerobic/F and Bactec Lytic/10 Anaerobic/F blood bottles and placed in a Bactec 9240 incubator for 14 days at 37 degrees C and in a Sabouraud broth at 20 degrees C . Changes in colour or turbidity of storage media were evaluated daily at the corneal bank . Recipients were screened post-graft for infectious signs . RESULTS: Overall contamination rate was 2.4% (18/761) . Contamination was detected in less than 1 day in 78% (14/18) and less than 2 days in 94% (17/18) . Positivity of the microbiological controls of starting media preceded changes medium colour in 10 out of 14 cases . Bactec blood bottles allowed detection of bacteria as well as yeasts . CONCLUSION: The use of a pair of Bactec blood culture bottles appears reliable for the rapid diagnosis of a wide range of microbiological contaminations of organ cultured corneas during banking.

Nucl Med Commun, 2001 Oct, 22(10), 1145 - 50
Improved method for detecting knee replacement infections based on extended combined 99mTc-white blood cell/bone imaging; Larikka MJ et al.; The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether an extension of the imaging time to 24 h post-injection improves the diagnostic accuracy of technetium-99m-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO) leucocyte imaging in detecting knee replacement infections . Thirty patients were studied, with infection confirmed in eight (27%) and excluded in 22 on the basis of clinical and microbiological findings . Leucocyte imaging was carried out at 2-4 h (routine images) and at 24 h (late images) post-injection . For comparison, bone imaging with technetium-99m-hydroxydiphosphonate (99mTc-HDP) was carried out at arterial, soft tissue and metabolic phases . Late leucocyte imaging was found to be more sensitive (100% vs . 87.5%) and more specific (82% vs . 77%) than routine leucocyte imaging in detecting infections . All the bone imaging methods showed a sensitivity of 100%, whereas the specificity varied from only 5% to 23% . All procedures had high negative predictive values (NPVs) (94 to 100%) for excluding infection . However, the positive predictive value (PPV) was only 28 to 32% for bone imaging and 58% for routine leucocyte imaging, whereas late leucocyte imaging showed a PPV of 67% and a diagnostic accuracy of 87% . The data indicate that late leucocyte imaging may be superior to routine leucocyte imaging for examining patients with symptomatic knee replacements.

Food Addit Contam, 1999 Jan, 16(1), 25 - 36
Quality and safety aspects of reusable plastic food packaging materials: a European study to underpin future legislation; Jetten J et al.; The objective of this study was to develop a comprehensive package of quality assurance criteria for use by industry and regulatory authorities for ensuring the quality and safety-in-use (sensory, microbiological and chemical) of reused plastics for food packaging . The study included thermal degradation effects, flavour carry-over caused by flavour and off-flavour substances, the influence of washing processes on the materials, and the efficiency of washing processes in removing off-flavour substances and surrogate substances representing misuse chemicals as might be put in bottles by consumers . The microbial safety of the refillable plastic articles in relation to commercial washing processes and the industrial procedures applied has also been investigated . Lastly, the suitability of laboratory procedures using strips of bottle material for predicting the sorption and washing properties of refillable plastic bottles has been studied . In general it is concluded that reuse of the articles does not significantly influence any of the properties investigated . Neither the chemical, physical nor surface properties seem to be significantly influenced by repeated washing . It can be concluded, however, that it is very likely that most of the articles investigated will cause flavour carry-over to a new filling if they are contaminated with strongly flavoured products . Finally it can be concluded that the procedures evaluated can serve as a basis for future legislation on refillable articles, but for several procedures (like quick predictive testing with strips) more investigation is required to create a more solid basis.

J Food Prot, 2001 Sep, 64(9), 1315 - 9
Phosphate buffer increases recovery of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from frozen apple juice; Yamamoto SA et al.; It is common practice to dilute food products in 0.1% peptone before microbiological analysis . However, this diluent may not be appropriate for detection of injured organisms present in acidic foods . Shelf-stable unclarified apple juice (pH 3.6) was inoculated with approximately 1 x 10(7) CFU/ml of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and held at 23 +/- 2 degrees C (control) or frozen to -20 +/- 2 degrees C for 24 h to induce injury before sampling . Unfrozen or frozen and thawed juice was diluted 1:1 or 1:10 in 0.1% (wt/vol) peptone (pH 6.1) or 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.2) . Juice samples were plated onto tryptic soy agar with 0.1% (wt/vol) sodium pyruvate (TSAP) to measure survival or onto sorbitol MacConkey agar (SMA) to indicate injury . Counts on TSAP or SMA were the same for control samples held in peptone or phosphate buffer for up to 45 min . However, populations of E . coli in frozen and thawed samples declined rapidly upon dilution in 0.1% peptone . Within 20 min, E . coli underwent a >1-log10 CFU/ml reduction in viability as measured on TSAP and a >2-log10 CFU/ml reduction to below the limit of detection (1.6 or 2.3 log10 CFU/ml) on SMA . In contrast, populations of E . coli in frozen and thawed samples diluted in phosphate buffer did not decrease significantly on TSAP and decreased by <0.6 log CFU/ml on SMA during a 45-min holding period . The acidity of apple juice appears to interfere with the recovery of freeze-thaw-injured E . coli O157:H7 during sampling . Using 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.2) as a diluent results in superior recovery of these organisms on both selective and nonselective plating media.

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop, 2001 Jul-Aug, 34(4), 389 - 93
Low sensitivity of polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis in southeastern Brazil; Brienze VM et al.; Two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols showed low sensitivity (36% and 53% for TB AMPLICOR and MPB64 nested PCR, respectively), when compared with classic microbiological methods (73% and 54% for Ziehl-Neelsen staining and culture, respectively), in the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis in 91 patients in southeastern Brazil . Only three PCR-positive, microbiologically negative patients were found . Analysis of sequential cerebrospinal fluid samples by nested PCR detected Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA up to 29 days after the introduction of antituberculosis chemotherapy.

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz, 2001 Aug, 96(6), 809 - 13
Mycobacterium bovis: polymerase chain reaction identification in bovine lymphonode biopsies and genotyping in isolates from Southeast Brazil by spolygotyping and restriction fragment length polymorphism; Zanini MS et al.; Diagnosis of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex by direct PCR of mediastinal lymphnode DNA and microbiological tests were compared in cattle suspicious of bearing tuberculous-like lesions detected during slaughter . The PCR procedure applied on DNA samples (n=54) obtained by adding alpha -casein into the thiocyanate extraction mix was positive in 70% of the samples . PCR confirmed the identification of 23 samples (100%) that grew in culture, 9 samples (60%) that failed to grow in culture, plus 6 (37.5%) samples that resulted in growth of bacterial contaminants . Genotyping by IS6110-RFLP and DR-spoligotyping analysis of seven samples revealed the presence of several polimorphisms . Seven of the isolates contained multiple copies of IS6110, thus defining the existence of five singular genotypes.

J Craniomaxillofac Surg, 2001 Aug, 29(4), 224 - 31
Culturing primary human gingival epithelial cells: comparison of two isolation techniques; Kedjarune U et al.; BACKGROUND: Cultured epithelial cells offer many potential clinical applications . There have generally been two techniques that have been used to cultivate oral keratinocytes, which include the direct explant technique and the enzymatic method . Little work has been done comparing these two techniques and their capacity to isolate and cultivate oral keratinocytes . Objectives: The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the difference in the percentage of keratinocyte isolation between the direct explant technique and the enzymatic method of human gingival epithelial cell culture and (2) to examine the effect of age and sex of the subjects providing the tissue samples on (a) the success in cultivation and (b) the growth patterns of gingival keratinocytes . MATERIAL AND METHODS: Gingival tissue was obtained from healthy human subjects and was used for keratinocyte isolation using the direct explant technique or the enzymatic method . Epithelial cell cultures from each of the two culture techniques were selected randomly for flow cytometry analysis for cell expression of vimentin and cytokeratin . Growth rate assays were also conducted . RESULTS: The success rate for cultivation from the direct explant technique was higher (82%) than in the enzymatic method (57.9%) . The success rate of both methods was not significantly associated with either age or sex of the subjects providing the tissue . From flow cytometry, the average percentage of cells that was positive to anti-pan cytokeratin was nearly the same for both methods at about 97% . It was noted that the cells from the enzymatic method gave significantly higher percentages of cells that were positive to anti-pan cytokeratin only . CONCLUSION: Both the direct explant technique and the enzymatic method can be used for isolating and culturing human oral keratinocytes . The direct explant technique appeared to be more successful in culturing human oral keratinocytes than the enzymatic method, although there were limitations found with both methods . The age and sex of the subjects providing the gingival samples did not appear to be a factor influencing the success rate in culturing the keratinocytes . However, contamination by oral microbiological flora from the gingival tissue samples remained an ever present problem . Further studies are needed in the investigation of clinical applications of these two epithelial cell isolation methods.

Rheumatology (Oxford), 2001 Sep, 40(9), 1060 - 3
The utilization of synovial fluid analysis in the UK; Amer H et al.; OBJECTIVE: To ascertain what use is being made of synovial fluid analysis in the UK, who is carrying out polarized light microscopy (PLM), and what confidence clinicians have in the results . Subjects and methods . A postal survey was developed, piloted, adjusted and then posted to 535 people, 90% of whom were senior rheumatologists and 10% orthopaedic surgeons, whose names had been obtained from professional lists . RESULTS: Three hundred and eleven replies (59%) were obtained after 1 month . Analysis of the replies showed that only microbiological tests and PLM are used regularly, that these are used mainly for the diagnosis of acute arthritis, and that the majority of respondents would like data from these assays to be available within 24 h . The majority of the respondents (95%) had access to PLM and 80% said that clinicians should be able to use it . However, PLM is currently being undertaken by a variety of people: non-specialist technicians (34% of respondents), specialist technicians (35%) and clinicians (31%) . Respondents were confident in microbiological assays but not in cell counts or PLM, unless they were undertaking it themselves . CONCLUSIONS: There is an urgent need for guidelines, standardization and education about the use of synovial fluid assays in the UK.

Semin Nephrol, 2001 Sep, 21(5), 470 - 9
Hemodialysis in children: principles and practice; Fischbach M et al.; Hemodialysis has benefited from major progress over the last decade, improvements in technology and in clinical management . The morbidity over the sessions have decreased, seizures being exceptional, hypotensive episodes or headaches rare and pain related to the fistula puncture is effectively prevented by xylocaine ointment . The development of urea kinetic modeling allows the calculation of the dialysis dose Kt/V, and an indirect assessment of the protein intake . Even if the validity of these parameters are questioned their analyse provides an assessment and therefore is a "good thing." The patient also benefited from the technological revolution . The newer machines provide for precise control of ultrafiltration volumetrically assessed, buffered bicarbonate became a standard technique, biocompatible and highly efficient membranes and specific material available for infants have been developed . More recently the concept of ultrapure dialysate, ie, free of microbiological contamination, germs and endotoxins was developed, as was the availability of continuous blood volume monitoring during the session . The hemodiafiltration modality especially with the on line concept, because of all the advantages, should not be limited only to patients at risk .

EMBO Rep, 2001 Sep, 2(9), 770 - 4
A matter of bacterial life and death; Bogosian G et al.; Over 50 years ago, standard microbiological methods were established for determining whether bacterial cells were dead or alive . Recently there has been a flurry of reports suggesting that bacteria may exist in an eclipsed state, escaping detection by standard methods . Whether there really is such a state is of more than academic interest, considering the implications for public health . The ensuing debate has been unusually energetic for the normally cultured community of microbiologists.

J Agric Food Chem, 2001 Sep, 49(9), 4508 - 12
Effects of preparation and cooking of folic acid-fortified foods on the availability of folic acid in a folate depletion/repletion rat model; O'Leary K et al.; The practice of food fortification with folic acid offers the potential to increase the folate intake of the general population . To fully exploit the potential of fortification for raising folate nutriture, appropriate food vehicles need to be selected . Selection should involve determination of the availability of folic acid as affected by characteristics of the carrier food, food matrix, food preparation, and cooking . The present study investigated the effects of preparation and cooking of a range of folic acid-fortified foods on the folate status of folate-deficient rats . Fifty-six weanling male rats (Wistar strain) were fed a folate-deficient diet containing 1% succinyl sulfathiazole for 28 days . Following depletion, six rats were randomly assigned to each of eight repletion diets containing cooked or uncooked meringue mix, quick bread mix, brownie mix, or pizza base mix . The test foods were fortified with 1400 microg of folic acid/kg of food and incorporated as 19% of the repletion diets . Each of the first four groups was pair-fed a diet containing a cooked fortified food with another group fed the corresponding uncooked fortified food . After a further 28 days, plasma, liver, and kidney folate concentrations were determined by microbiological assay . Mean plasma and liver folate concentrations of rats fed diets containing cooked fortified foods were similar to those of rats fed uncooked fortified foods . Preparation and cooking did not affect the availability of folic acid from the selected cereal-based convenience foods in this rat model system, suggesting that these foods are appropriate vehicles for fortification with folic acid.

Comput Methods Programs Biomed, 2001 Sep, 66(2-3), 183 - 98
Effective object recognition for automated counting of colonies in Petri dishes (automated colony counting); Marotz J et al.; Determination of the number of colonies (colony forming units, CFU) is a standard method in microbiological analysis to ensure the quality of drinking water . Normally this tedious work is still performed manually . A PC-based method for the automated counting of digitized images of Petri dishes is presented . The method includes highly specific and effective object recognition algorithms that ensure very high detection accuracy . The processing sequence implies internal controls therefore enabling reliable automated evaluations of series of images . Use of the Fuzzy formalism and the high adaptivity of the algorithms lead to an extraordinary user-friendliness . For digitization different devices like flatbed scanners or CCD-cameras can be used . Due to the highly adaptive algorithms samples from the routine standard preparation process in laboratories can be evaluated . The accuracy and quality of the method aim at advancement in objectivity of colony counting and quality control and assurance . The algorithms and the evaluation of the method are presented.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2001 May-Jun, (3), 60 - 5
{Laboratory diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections in chronic inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system}; Gasanova TA; The complex clinico-laboratory examination of 120 infertile married couples and 120 couples with habitual miscarriage was made . For control, 96 healthy married couples were used . The microbiological risk factors of chronic pelvic inflammatory diseases were determined, namely: mixed parasitocenosis, including active anaerobic, viral and fungal components, as well as Chlamydia trachomatis . As shown in this study, metabolically active forms of chlamydial infection were characteristic of infertile married women and persistent forms of C . trachomatis, for pregnant women . At the same time chlamydial infection did not cause infertility in males . The use two of levels of laboratory tests for qualitative, quantitative and functional evaluation of parasitocenoses were proposed.

Chemotherapy, 2001, 47 Suppl 3, 32 - 7; discussion 44-8
Latest industry information on the safety profile of levofloxacin in the US; Kahn JB; This paper reviews the safety data for levofloxacin utilizing reports from clinical and post-marketing surveillance trials . The side effect incidence rates are 1.3% for nausea, 0.1% for anxiety, 0.3% for insomnia, and 0.1% for headache . No levofloxacin-related adverse events were reported at a rate higher than 1.3%, and most were lower . Four clinical trials were reported . Levofloxacin achieved superior clinical and microbiological results compared to ceftriaxone/macrolide combination, and was better tolerated . Results comparing IV azithromycin plus ceftriaxone versus 500 mg levofloxacin in hospitalised CAP demonstrated that levofloxacin performed better, with more adverse events associated with the comparators (levofloxacin 5.3%, comparators 9.3%) . High-dose levofloxacin (750 mg) was also evaluated and found to be well tolerated . Surveillance data reported low ADR rates for levofloxacin: nausea 0.8%, rash 0.5%, abdominal pain 0.4%, and diarrhoea, dizziness, and vomiting 0.3% . Worldwide and US surveillance data confirmed that tendon rupture occurred in less than 4 per million prescriptions, taste perversion in less than 3 per million, convulsions in 2 per million, and photosensitivity, hepatitis, hepatic failure, QT prolongation, torsade de pointes or empyema all in less than 1 per million .

Biotech Histochem, 2001 Jul, 76(4), 183 - 206
Avoiding biohazards in medical, veterinary and research laboratories; Grizzle WE et al.; Personnel in medical, veterinary or research laboratories may be exposed to a wide variety of pathogens that range from deadly to debilitating . For some of these pathogens, no treatment is available, and in other cases the treatment does not fully control the disease . It is important that personnel in laboratories that process human or microbiological specimens follow universal precautions when handling tissues, cells, or microbiological specimens owing to the increasing numbers of individuals infected with hepatitis C and HIV in the US and the possibility that an individual may be asymptomatic when a specimen is obtained . Similar precautions must be followed in laboratories that use animal tissues owing to the possibility of exposure to agents that are pathogenic in humans . Personnel with conditions associated with immunosuppression should evaluate carefully whether or not specific laboratory environments put them at increased risk of disease . We offer here some general approaches to identifying biohazards and to minimizing the potential risk of exposure . The issues discussed can be used to develop a general safety program as required by regulatory or accrediting agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Water Sci Technol, 2001, 44(2-3), 313 - 9
Urban catchment management in a developing country: the Lotus River project, Cape Town, South Africa; Grobicki AM; This paper describes a 2-year pilot project undertaken in an urban catchment in Cape Town, South Africa . The impermeable area of the Lotus River catchment has doubled over 15 years, from 17% in 1983 to 34% in 1997 . Following the abolition of urban influx control in 1990, informal settlements in the catchment grew rapidly and now house about 90,000 out of the catchment's total population of 380,000 people . The informal areas are still largely unserviced, despite a commitment from local government to speed up service delivery to the poorest areas of the city . Within the Lotus River project, hydrological and ecological assessments of the urban watercourses were undertaken, through physico-chemical and microbiological sampling programmes, macro-invertebrate counts, and vegetation sampling . All available information regarding the catchment was integrated within a GIS platform, including demographic and socio-economic data on the various communities, and hydrogeological information on the underlying aquifer obtained from earlier studies . The integrated nature of the project allows a number of conclusions and recommendations to be drawn, regarding the management of this particular catchment . However, important general lessons have also been learned which can be applied by local authorities responsible for urban catchments in developing countries . The necessity of providing the required institutional structures cannot be overemphasised.

Water Sci Technol, 2001, 44(2-3), 135 - 43
Characterisation of the impact of aqueous industrial waste in mesocosms: biological indicators and pilot streams; Basseres A et al.; The use of exposure biomarkers in measuring the impact of aqueous waste holds out promise because such tools have short response times, are of flexible use and give an indication of the type of pollution . However, their ecological significance has not yet been demonstrated . During field studies focusing on aqueous industrial waste, the correlations obtained between several biocoenotic indicators and biomarkers measured in a fresh-water bivalve (Corbicula fluminea), demonstrate the need for work to be carried out under controlled conditions . Working in partnership with the Adour Garonne Water Board, the ELF company has developed a pilot scheme incorporating such controlled conditions . This pilot is made up of 16 canals 40 m in length supplied by river water . The pilot scheme, which is currently at the validation stage, makes it possible to reconstitute an aquatic ecosystem which, once established, will be exposed to perfectly controlled pollution conditions . The responses provided by all the indicators--biocoenotic and microbiological indicators, biomarkers--will then be correlated in order to attribute an ecological significance to the biomarkers.

Annu Rev Microbiol, 2001, 55, 235 - 53
Biological weapons--a primer for microbiologists; Hawley RJ et al.; Biological weapons are not new . Biological agents have been used as instruments of warfare and terror for thousands of years to produce fear and harm in humans, animals, and plants . Because they are invisible, silent, odorless, and tasteless, biological agents may be used as an ultimate weapon-easy to disperse and inexpensive to produce . Individuals in a laboratory or research environment can be protected against potentially hazardous biological agents by using engineering controls, good laboratory and microbiological techniques, personal protective equipment, decontamination procedures, and common sense . In the field or during a response to an incident, only personal protective measures, equipment, and decontamination procedures may be available . In either scenario, an immediate evaluation of the situation is foremost, applying risk management procedures to control the risks affecting health, safety, and the environment . The microbiologist and biological safety professional can provide a practical assessment of the biological weapons incident to responsible officials in order to help address microbiological and safety issues, minimize fear and concerns of those responding to the incident, and help manage individuals potentially exposed to a threat agent.

Arch Oral Biol, 2001 Nov, 46(11), 1065 - 78
Colonization and persistence of rough and smooth colony variants of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in the mouths of rats; Fine DH et al.; Fresh isolates of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) bind avidly to surfaces in vitro, but existing in vivo studies of the adherence of Aa are limited . This study had two goals: (1) to compare the oral colonization of two isogenic strains of Aa-CU1010, a clinical isolate that expresses the adherent phenotype, and CU1012, a minimally adherent laboratory variant-and (2) to check for phenotypic reversion of these strains in a clinical setting . Rifampicin-resistant strains, developed for tracking in Sprague-Dawley rats, were tested in vitro to determine their stability and binding . In study 1, after antibiotic suppression, six rats (group I) received CU1010 in their feed . The eight rats in group II received CU1012 in their feed and four were supplemented by oral swabbing and four by gastric gavage . Group III consisted of three sham-inoculated controls . All rats were inoculated for 4 days . Microbiological data were collected at 1, 4 and 8 weeks after inoculation . Supporting data were supplied by antibody titres and clinical measures of alveolar bone loss . Study 2 consisted of six rats in each of three groups as above, but tagged strains of Aa were delivered by food alone . At all time-points in both studies, Aa was absent before inoculation and controls had no Aa or antibody to Aa . In study 1, all six rats in group I yielded positive cultures for Aa at 8 weeks . In group II, five of eight had positive cultures for Aa at 1 week, two of eight at 4 weeks and none had Aa at 8 weeks (P < or =0.001) . All six rats in group I had serum anti-Aa titres compared to group II, where titres were seen in four of eight rats (P < or =0.015) . In vitro data paralleled those found in vivo . No phenotypic reversion of either strain was seen in vivo . In study 2, four of six rats in group I showed Aa and had titres to Aa, while no other animals showed Aa at any time . The model provides convincing evidence that, unlike laboratory variants, clinical isolates colonize, persist and integrate into an already established, albeit reduced, econiche.

Earth Planet Sci Lett, 2000 Feb 15, 175(3-4), 161 - 7
Bacteria in the Tatahouine meteorite: nanometric-scale life in rocks; Gillet P et al.; We present a study of the textural signature of terrestrial weathering and related biological activity in the Tatahouine meteorite . Scanning and transmission electron microscopy images obtained on the weathered samples of the Tatahouine meteorite and surrounding soil show two types of bacteria-like forms lying on mineral surfaces: (1) rod-shaped forms (RSF) about 70-80 nm wide and ranging from 100 nm to 600 nm in length; (2) ovoid forms (OVF) with diameters between 70 and 300 nm . They look like single cells surrounded by a cell wall . Only Na, K, C, O and N with traces of P and S are observed in the bulk of these objects . The chemical analyses and electron diffraction patterns confirm that the RSF and OVF cannot be magnetite or other iron oxides, iron hydroxides, silicates or carbonates . The sizes of the RSF and OVF are below those commonly observed for bacteria but are very similar to some bacteria-like forms described in the Martian meteorite ALH84001 . All the previous observations strongly suggest that they are bacteria or their remnants . This conclusion is further supported by microbiological experiments in which pleomorphic bacteria with morphology similar to the OVF and RSF objects are obtained from biological culture of the soil surrounding the meteorite pieces . The present results show that bacteriomorphs of diameter less than 100 nm may in fact represent real bacteria or their remnants.

J Geophys Res, 1999 Apr 25, 104(E4), 8489 - 507
A Mossbauer investigation of iron-rich terrestrial hydrothermal vent systems: lessons for Mars exploration; Wade ML et al.; Hydrothermal spring systems may well have been present on early Mars and could have served as a habitat for primitive life . The integrated instrument suite of the Athena Rover has, as a component on the robotic arm, a Mossbauer spectrometer . In the context of future Mars exploration we present results of Mossbauer analysis of a suite of samples from an iron-rich thermal spring in the Chocolate Pots area of Yellowstone National Park (YNP) and from Obsidian Pool (YNP) and Manitou Springs, Colorado . We have found that Mossbauer spectroscopy can discriminate among the iron-bearing minerals in our samples . Those near the vent and on the surface are identified as ferrihydrite, an amorphous ferric mineraloid . Subsurface samples, collected from cores, which are likely to have undergone inorganic and/or biologically mediated alteration (diagenesis), exhibit spectral signatures that include nontronite (a smectite clay), hematite (alpha-Fe2O3), small-particle/nanophase goethite (alpha-FeOOH), and siderite (FeCO3) . We find for iron minerals that Mossbauer spectroscopy is at least as efficient in identification as X-ray diffraction . This observation is important from an exploration standpoint . As a planetary surface instrument, Mossbauer spectroscopy can yield high-quality spectral data without sample preparation (backscatter mode) . We have also used field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), in conjunction with energy-dispersive X ray (EDX) fluorescence spectroscopy, to characterize the microbiological component of surface sinters and the relation between the microbiological and the mineralogical framework . Evidence is presented that the minerals found in these deposits can have multi-billion-year residence times and thus may have survived their possible production in a putative early Martian hot spring up to the present day . Examples include the nanophase property and the Mossbauer signature for siderite, which has been identified in a 2.09-billion-year old hematite-rich chert stromatolite . Our research demonstrates that in situ Mossbauer spectroscopy can help determine whether hydrothermal mineral deposits exist on Mars, which is significant for exobiology because of the issue of whether that world ever had conditions conductive to the origin of life . As a useful tool for selection of samples suitable for transport to Earth, Mossbauer spectroscopy will not only serve geological interests but will also have potential for exopaleontology.

Adv Space Res, 1997, 20(10), 1821 - 6
Integration of waste processing and biomass production systems as part of the KSC Breadboard project; Garland JL et al.; After initial emphasis on large-scale baseline crop tests, the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Breadboard project has begun to evaluate long-term operation of the biomass production system with increasing material closure . Our goal is to define the minimum biological processing necessary to make waste streams compatible with plant growth in hydroponic systems, thereby recycling nutrients into plant biomass and recovering water via atmospheric condensate . Initial small and intermediate-scale studies focused on the recycling of nutrients contained in inedible plant biomass . Studies conducted between 1989-1992 indicated that the majority of nutrients could be rapidly solubilized in water, but the direct use of this crop "leachate" was deleterious to plant growth due to the presence of soluble organic compounds . Subsequent studies at both the intermediate scale and in the large-scale Biomass Production Chamber (BPC) have indicated that aerobic microbiological processing of crop residue prior to incorporation into recirculating hydroponic solutions eliminated any phytotoxic effect, even when the majority of the plant nutrient demand was provided from recycled biomass during long term studies (i.e . up to 418 days) . Current and future studies are focused on optimizing biological processing of both plant and human waste streams.

Acta Astronaut, 1999 Apr-Jun, 44(7-12), 569 - 78
Biological induced corrosion of materials II: new test methods and experiences from MIR station; Klintworth R et al.; During previous long-term manned missions, more than 100 species of microorganisms have been identified on surfaces of materials (bacteria and fungi) . Among them were potentially pathogenic ones (saprophytes) which are capable of active growth on artificial substrates, as well as technophilic bacteria and fungi causing damages (destruction and degradation) to various materials (metals and polymers), resulting in failures and disruptions in the functioning of equipment and hardware . Aboard a space vehicle some microclimatic parameters are optimal for microorganism growth: the atmospheric fluid condensate with its specific composition, chemical and/or anthropogenic contaminants (human metabolic products, etc.) all are stimulating factors for the development of bacteria and mould fungi on materials of the interior and equipment of an orbital station during its operational phase(s) . Especially Russian long-term missions (SALYUT, MIR) {correction of SALJUT} have demonstrated that uncontrolled interactions of microorganisms with materials will ultimately lead to the appearance of technological and medical risks, significantly influencing safety and reliability characteristics of individual as well as whole systems and/or subsystems . For a first conclusion, it could be summarized, that countermeasures and anti-strategies focusing on Microbial Contamination Management (MCM) for the International Space Station (ISS, next long-term manned mission) at least require a new materials test approach . Our respective concept includes a combined aging/biocorrosion test sequence . It is represented here, as well as current status of MCM program, e.g . continuous monitoring (microbiological analyses), long-term disinfection, frequent cleaning methods, mathematical modeling of ISS, etc.

Icarus, 1997, 129, 245 - 53
Biological potential of extraterrestrial materials . 2 . Microbial and plant responses to nutrients in the Murchison carbonaceous meteorite; Mautner MN et al.; Meteoritic materials are investigated as potential early planetary nutrients . Aqueous extracts of the Murchison C2 carbonaceous meteorite are utilized as a sole carbon source by microorganisms, as demonstrated by the genetically modified Pseudomonas fluorescence equipped with the lux gene . Nutrient effects are observed also with the soil microorganisms Nocardia asteroides and Arthrobacter pascens that reach populations up to 5 x 10(7) CFU/ml in meteorite extracts, similar to populations in terrestrial soil extracts . Plant tissue cultures of Asparagus officinalis and Solanum tuberosum (potato) exhibit enhanced pigmentation and some enhanced growth when meteorite extracts are added to partial nutrient media, but inhibited growth when added to full nutrient solution . The meteorite extracts lead to large increases in S, Ca, Mg, and Fe plant tissue contents as shown by X-ray fluorescence, while P, K, and Cl contents show mixed effects . In both microbiological and plant tissue experiments, the nutrient and inhibitory effects appear to be best balanced for growth at about 1:20 (extracted solid : H2O) ratios . The results suggest that solutions in cavities in meteorites can provide efficient concentrated biogenic and early nutrient environments, including high phosphate levels, which may be the limiting nutrient . The results also suggest that carbonaceous asteroid resources can sustain soil microbial activity and provide essential macronutrients for future space-based ecosystems.

Adv Space Res, 1994 Nov, 14(11), 377 - 82
Microbiological characterization of a regenerative life support system; Koenig DW et al.; A Variable Pressure Plant Growth Chamber (VPGC), at the Johnson Space Center's (JSC) ground-based Regenerative Life Support Systems (RLSS) test bed, was used to produce crops of soil-grown lettuce . The crops and chamber were analyzed for microbiological diversity during lettuce growth and after harvest . Bacterial counts for the rhizosphere, spent nutrient medium, heat exchanger condensate, and atmosphere were approximately 10(11) Colony Forming Units (CFU) g-1 10(5) CFU ml-1, 10(5) CFU ml-1, and 600 CFU m-3, respectively . Pseudomonas was the predominant bacterial genus . Numbers of fungi were about 10(5) CFU g-1 in the rhizosphere, 4-200 CFU ml-1 in the spent nutrient medium, 110 CFU ml-1 in the heat exchanger condensate, and 3 CFU m-3 in the atmosphere . Fusarium and Trichoderma were the predominant fungal genera.

Adv Space Res, 1994 Nov, 14(11), 227 - 36
Instrumentation for plant health and growth; Schlager KJ; Comprehensive spectroscopic monitoring of plant health and growth in bioregenerative life support system environments is possible using a variety of spectrometric technologies . Absorption spectrometry and atomic emission spectrometry in combination allow for direct, on-line, reagentless monitoring of plant nutrients from nitrate and potassium to micronutrients such as copper and zinc . Fluorometric spectrometry is ideal for the on-line detection, identification and quantification of bacteria and fungi . Liquid Atomic Emission Spectrometry (LAES) is a new form of spectrometry that allows for direct measurement of atomic emission spectra in liquids . An electric arc is generated by a pair of electrodes in the liquid to provide the energy necessary to break molecular bonds and reduce the substance to atomic form . With a fiber probe attached to the electrodes, spectral light can be transmitted to a photodiode array spectrometer for light dispersion and analysis . Ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectrometry is a long-established technology, but applications typically have required specific reagents to produce an analyte-specific absorption . Nitrate and iron nutrients have native UV absorption spectra that have been used to accurately determine nutrient concentrations at the +/- 5% level . Fluorescence detection and characterization of microbes is based upon the native fluorescent signatures of most microbiological species . Spectral and time-resolved fluorometers operating with remote fiber-optic probes will be used for on-line microbial monitoring in plant nutrient streams.

Adv Space Res, 1996, 18(4-5), 113 - 24
Status and progress in on-line spectrometric monitoring and control of plant nutrient solutions; Schlager KJ; Biotronics has been involved, under NASA sponsorship, in a wide ranging research and development program for instrumentation used in the monitoring and control of controlled environment agriculture . This program has embraced both chemical monitoring of plant nutrient solutions as well as microbiological monitoring of bacteria and fungi in these same solutions . This paper emphasizes the microbiological monitoring aspects of this program . In contrast to traditional methods of microbiological analysis based on culturing, staining and microscopic observation, the development described here is based on spectroscopic measurements, more specifically spectral fluorometry . The rationale, objectives, analytical methods and new instrumentation employed in the development of an on-line microbiological analyzer (MBA) are presented in some detail . Finally, the signal processing/pattern recognition methods used to evaluate the spectral data and produce estimates of microbial populations are described along with experimental test results to conclude the paper.

J Microbiol Methods, 1995 Jan, 21(1), 1 - 13
Physiological assessment of bacteria using fluorochromes; McFeters GA et al.; NASA: This minireview focuses on the application of fluorogenic compounds in the detection of bacteria with particular emphasis on the assessment of physiological activity using epifluorescence microscopy . Microbiological applications of several related methods will also be reviewed . NASA Edited

J Am Water Works Assoc, 1993 Mar, 85(3), 53 - 6
Determining health risks associated with disinfectants and disinfection by-products: research needs; Glaze WH et al.; In order to minimize the levels of potentially toxic disinfectants and disinfection by-products in treated water while maintaining adequate protection against microbiological contamination, the total risks associated with disinfection have to be measured and compared with the risks from microbial agents . Because much work has already been carried out on chlorination and its by-products, it is recommended that research focus on major disinfection alternatives, i.e., ozonation, chloramination, carbon dioxidation, and the most practical combinations of these options . The primary research needs are (1) assessment of the relative toxicological hazards of the disinfectants and their by-products and (2) development of biologically based models for the dose-response relationships of these chemicals.

Adv Space Res, 1984, 4(12), 221 - 9
Current concepts and future directions of CELSS; MacElroy RD et al.; Studies of bioregenerative life support systems for use in space indicate that they are scientifically feasible . Preliminary data suggest that they would provide cost- and weight-saving benefits for low Earth orbit, long duration space platforms . Concepts of such systems include the use of higher plants and/or micro-algae as sources of food, potable water and oxygen, and as sinks for carbon dioxide and metabolic wastes . Recycling of materials within the system will require processing of food organism and crew wastes using microbiological and/or physical chemical techniques . The dynamics of material flow within the system will require monitoring, control, stabilization and maintenance imposed by computers . Future phases of study will continue investigations of higher plant and algal physiology, environmental responses, and control; flight experiments for testing responses of organisms to weightlessness and increased radiation levels; and development of ground-based facilities for the study of recycling within a bioregenerative life support system.

Acta Astronaut, 1991, 23, 275 - 7
Providing a sound habitat for man in space; Stranger-Johannessen M; Microbiological growth on materials in an indoor environment contributes to the well known "sick building syndrome" . The inhabitants' health and well-being is affected by injurious vapours and odours given off to the air . This is particularly pronounced in new and better tightened houses with unconventional building materials and wider employment of air conditioning . The European Space Agency has recognized the problems to be expected in a totally closed and self-supported long-term habitat and has induced work on the selection of materials, resistant to microbiological growth, and on other microbial contamination control measures . Requirements and procedures are being established as a basis for the microbiological cleanliness of the manned space environment and for the avoidance of microbiological growth on materials and equipment . Methods are being developed, suitable for testing and predicting the resistivity to microbiological growth of materials to be used in long-term space habitats.

Pediatr Pulmonol, 2001 Sep, 32(3), 257 - 60
Corticosteroid therapy reversed progressive chronic granulomatous lung disease following deterioration on interferon-gamma treatment; Halamish A et al.; We describe a patient who suffered from chronic progressive granulomatous lung disease . He had no clinical or microbiological evidence of infection . After failure of treatment with interferon-gamma and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, he responded dramatically to corticosteroids .

Stomatologiia (Mosk), 2001, 80(2), 33 - 5
{Prevention of inflammatory complications after mandibular osteosynthesis by a combination of low-frequency ultrasound and laser exposure}; Tarasenko SV et al.; Clinical and laboratory study of the efficiency of separate and combined use of low-frequency ultrasound and laser exposure of the operative wound for prevention of pyoinflammatory complications during mandibular osteosynthesis was carried out . Clinical parameters of wound reparation in the course of healing and microbiological and cytological findings in various methods of treatment are presented . The results evidence a high efficiency of these physical methods, particularly of their combination.

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 2001 Sep, 80(9), 840 - 8
The relationship between cervical dilatation, interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 during term labor; Hebisch G et al.; BACKGROUND: To determine interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 levels in amniotic fluid, retroplacental blood and maternal serum and relate these values with cervical dilatation in term labor . METHODS: Prospective study . n=78 healthy women undergoing term cesarean section, divided into four groups: controls, n=42, (elective cesarean section; no contractions, membrane rupture or cervical dilatation); latent labor, n=12, (latent phase labor; cervix <2 cm dilated); established labor, n=12, (active labor, cervix 2-5 cm); advanced labor, n=12, (active labor, cervix >5 cm) . Interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 were determined by ELISA (pg/ml), placenta and placental bed biopsy examined histopathologically, and amniotic fluid also microbiologically . Results were expressed as median and ranges or mean and standard deviations, as appropriate . For statistical analysis, Mann-Whitney U-tests or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used as applicable (Statview 4.5) . Power and linear regression analyses were performed . p<0.05 was considered significant, p<0.001 highly significant . RESULTS: Compared with controls, IL-6 and IL-8 increased significantly with cervical dilatation in all compartments tested for almost all labor groups (p<0.05 to p<0.0001) . Significant changes were also seen between latent and advanced labor groups in some compartments (p<0.05), but not between established and advanced labor groups . Intrauterine infection was excluded in any of the patients clinically and on histopathological or microbiological analysis of placentae and amniotic fluid . CONCLUSIONS: In term labor without intraamniotic infection, interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 at the fetomaternal interface and in maternal serum rise significantly with cervical dilatation . These cytokines could be used as markers of active labor if vaginal examination is not applicable.

J Infect, 2001 Feb, 42(2), 120 - 5
Clinical characteristics and therapeutic outcome of patients with febrile neutropenia who present in shock: need for better strategies; Malik I et al.; OBJECTIVE: To study the frequency of neutropenic febrile patients who present in shock, to evaluate the influence of this presenting feature on response to antibiotic therapy, morbidity, and mortality and to identify discriminating demographic features and clinical characteristics of these individuals . METHODS: Prospectively collected data on all episodes of fever and neutropenia observed in cancer patients who were hospitalized for parenteral antibiotic therapy . RESULTS: Five hundred and seventy-six patients were evaluated; 22 (3.8%) presented in shock . This group of individuals was compared with the remainder . Patients presenting in shock were more likely to be older (P< 0.01) and have progressive unresponsive cancer (P< 0.01) . They were also more likely to present with septic appearance (P< 0.01), dehydration (P< 0.01), diarrhoea (P< 0.01), altered mental status (P< 0.01) clinical bleeding (P= 0.02) and dyspnoea (P< 0.01) . They more often had anaemia (P< 0.01), thrombocytopenia (P= 0.02) and abnormal liver function tests (P< 0.01) . Eight of the 22 patients presenting in shock had documented bacteraemia . Non-bacteraemic microbiological infections were observed in three patients . Five patients had clinical evidence of infection and another five were severely dehydrated and volume depleted . One patient had cardiogenic shock . Three patients were managed with monotherapy, 19 received combination antibiotics as initial empirical therapy . Overall outcome of these patients was extremely poor, particularly those with infectious aetiology . Eighteen (82%) patients expired . CONCLUSION: Neutropenic febrile patients who present in shock have extremely poor outcomes irrespective of type of initial antibiotic therapy . Intense efforts are required to improve their outcome.

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