Biochim Biophys Acta, 1992 Jul 21, 1117(1), 55 - 9 Identification of a rhodopsin photoreceptor in Euglena gracilis; Gualtieri P et al.; Visual pigments are a class of receptor proteins that absorb light and trigger sensory signals . Retinal-containing proteins are used in nature as photoreceptors mainly in animals vision . Mammalian rhodopsin is the best studied example of a light sensor which couples photon absorption to a cascade of biochemical reactions amplifying the input signal . A surprising discovery was to find rhodopsin also in Archaebacteria and in unicellular eukaryotes . On the basis of absorption microspectroscopic measurements and of inhibition experiments on pigment biosynthetic pathways, we have recently suggested that a rhodopsin could be the functional receptor of the visual process in Euglena gracilis, a flagellate which can use light directly to promote photosynthetic reactions, or as an incident flux of information to adjust its swimming orientation . We here report purification and identification of all-trans-retinal by column chromatography, HPLC and GC-MS in E . gracilis; these findings indicate with absolute certainty that rhodopsin is the photoreceptor molecule of this microorganism. Experientia, 1992 Jul 15, 48(7), 644 - 9 The humoral immune response to heat shock proteins; Mollenhauer J et al.; Humoral immune reactions to heat shock proteins (hsp) from microorganisms are one aspect of microbial infections in humans . The production of antibodies which are specific to epitopes present on procaryotic hsp leads also to the appearance of cross-reactive serum antibodies in the host organism that react with human hsp . This article discusses the consequences of such autoreactive antibodies for the host in context with the development of immune tolerance and autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and in experimental animal models for arthritis such as adjuvant arthritis in rats . On the basis of epitope cross-reactivity between hsp and other host proteins, a hypothesis is presented for the development of autoimmune disease following the production of hsp-specific antibodies. Experientia, 1992 Jul 15, 48(7), 635 - 9 Heat shock proteins and infection: interactions of pathogen and host; Garbe TR; Invasive microorganisms encounter defensive attempts of the host to starve, destroy and eliminate the infection . In experimental model systems aiming to imitate defensive actions of the host, microorganisms respond by the rapid acceleration in the rate of expression of heat shock and other stress proteins . Heat shock proteins (hsp) of most if not all pathogens are major immune targets for both B- and T-cells . Host cells involved in the defensive action cannot avoid exposure to their own reactive compounds, such as oxygen radicals, resulting in premature cell death and tissue damage . Long-term consequences to the host may include cancer . In cells in tissue culture, induction of host-specific hsps occurs upon exposure to oxidants and in viral infections . Drugs that bind to members of the hsp70 family induce peroxisome proliferation and hepatocarcinoma, but may open the way for the development of novel drugs in support of antimetabolite treatment of infections and cancer. Lancet, 1992 Jul 11, 340(8811), 76 - 80 Disseminated "Mycobacterium genavense" infection in patients with AIDS; Bottger EC et al.; We describe 18 patients with advanced HIV infection, most of whom had a chronic illness characterised by fever, diarrhoea, and massive loss of weight . Biopsy and necropsy samples revealed abundant acid-fast microorganisms in intestines, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and many other tissues, which did not grow on solid media, although limited growth was observed in liquid blood cultures . Using primers complementary to bacterial 16S rRNA we amplified DNA sequences from tissue and leucocyte extracts and from blood-culture bottles . The sequences obtained were unique and suggest that the microorganism is a new member of the genus Mycobacterium, for which we propose the name "Mycobacterium genavense" . Disseminated infection with "M genavense" should be considered in the differential diagnosis of HIV-infected patients with extreme immunosuppression, wasting, and fever. Hepatology, 1992 Jul, 16(1), 54 - 9 Isolation and characterization of the mannose receptor from human liver potentially involved in the plasma clearance of tissue-type plasminogen activator; Otter M et al.; Various studies have shown that mannose receptors rapidly eliminate glycoproteins and microorganisms bearing high mannose-type carbohydrate chains from the blood circulation . The purpose of this study was to characterize the mannose receptor in the liver, which in vivo is involved in the rapid clearance of tissue-type plasminogen activator from the circulation . Human liver membranes were solubilized in Triton X-100, and the solution was applied to a tissue-type plasminogen activator Sepharose column . Bound proteins were eluted with ethylenediaminetetraacetate (10 mmol/L) . A second, similar purification step rendered a single liver protein of 175,000 daltons . A combination of ligand blotting and a chromogenic assay for tissue-type plasminogen activator demonstrated that the identified liver protein is a mannose receptor because it bound tissue-type plasminogen activator, this tissue-type plasminogen activator binding being fully inhibited by 0.2 mol/L D-mannose . Western-blot analysis revealed that the isolated liver protein is immunologically identical to the human mannose receptor from placenta . Treatment of the liver protein and the placenta mannose receptor with trypsin yielded the same pattern of proteolytic degradation products as identified on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis . We conclude that the physiologically relevant mannose receptor for tissue-type plasminogen activator clearance isolated from human liver is immunologically and structurally similar to or identical with the human mannose receptor isolated from placenta. Infect Immun, 1992 Jul, 60(7), 2843 - 9 Mycobacterial induction of activated killer cells: possible role of tyrosine kinase activity in interleukin-2 receptor alpha expression; Blanchard DK et al.; Mycobacterium avium is an intracellular opportunistic pathogen commonly seen in AIDS patients . M . avium-infected monocytes have been recently shown to be lysed by interleukin-2 (IL-2)-activated killer cells . Since some bacterial products can directly augment natural killer activity, we examined the ability of these microorganisms to induce killer cell activity . Coculture of M . avium with large granular lymphocytes (LGL) was found to augment the ability of LGL to lyse both tumor cells and bacterially infected autologous monocytes . The induction of tumoricidal activity by M . avium was only partially neutralized by the presence of anti-IL-2 antibodies, indicating that both IL-2-dependent and IL-2-independent mechanisms are responsible for activation of killer cells . Furthermore, only the direct interaction between bacterium and LGL could induce the expression of both IL-2 receptor alpha protein and mRNA, an effect which was abrogated by the presence of genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor . Thus, M . avium was seen to induce killer cells, an activity that is concomitant with the up-regulation of IL-2 receptor alpha, or Tac antigen, expression and which involves signal transduction mechanisms mediated by tyrosine kinase activity. Infect Immun, 1992 Jul, 60(7), 2733 - 40 Penetration of host cells by Rickettsia rickettsii appears to be mediated by a phospholipase of rickettsial origin; Silverman DJ et al.; Internalization of obligate intracellular bacteria belonging to the genus Rickettsia by eukaryotic cells requires participation of both the parasitized host and the microorganism . The term "induced phagocytosis" has been used specifically to describe the entry of Rickettsia prowazekii, although a similar mechanism is likely for R . rickettsii . A role for a phospholipase in the internalization process has been proposed for both of these organisms, with the strongest supporting evidence provided for R . prowazekii . Despite general acceptance of the notion that phospholipase activity is involved in the internalization process of these bacteria, the origin of the enzyme is not known . The results of the study presented here, which used R . rickettsii and Vero cells, suggest that a rickettsial phospholipase, rather than a host cell phospholipase, mediates internalization of the organism . This conclusion is based upon results which show that pretreatment of R . rickettsii, but not of host cells, with a specific chemical inhibitor of phospholipase, and also antiserum to this enzyme, significantly reduces uptake of the organism and its ability to cause plaque formation. CLAO J, 1992 Jul, 18(3), 155 - 60 A critical evaluation of the Multi-item Microbial Challenge Test in ophthalmic disinfectant testing; Sutton SV et al.; The Multi-item Microbial Challenge Test (MIMCT) is a stringent, carrier assay of the disinfecting efficacy of a contact lens care regimen . The test involves four steps: 1) in vitro contamination of contact lenses in the presence of organic load; 2) cleansing the contact lens by mechanical rubbing and subsequent rinsing; 3) disinfection of the cleansed lens; and 4) assaying the contact lens and the disinfecting solution for viable microorganisms . The variability of the individual steps was evaluated in this study by the Contributions of Elements protocol . The efficacy of the cleansing step, while reputed to be highly variable, was found to be reproducible and dependent upon the formulation under test . A contact lens disinfecting regimen must reduce the level of contaminants to approximately 10(-4) CFU/lens to enjoy a 95% chance of passing the MIMCT . This reflects a 10-log unit reduction from the initial inoculum of approximately 10(6) CFU/lens . The stringency of the MIMCT depends on the ability of the recovery system to allow the growth of low numbers of residual challenge microorganisms in the presence of the disinfecting solution . Neutralizers included in the recovery system to inhibit the disinfectant are therefore critically important to the stringency of the assay . The design of experiments to evaluate neutralizers specifically for the MIMCT is discussed with suggestions for an improved procedure. Clin Microbiol Rev, 1992 Jul, 5(3), 302 - 27 Automated systems for identification of microorganisms; Stager CE et al.; Automated instruments for the identification of microorganisms were introduced into clinical microbiology laboratories in the 1970s . During the past two decades, the capabilities and performance characteristics of automated identification systems have steadily progressed and improved . This article explores the development of the various automated identification systems available in the United States and reviews their performance for identification of microorganisms . Observations regarding deficiencies and suggested improvements for these systems are provided. Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr, 1992 Jul 1, 105(7), 217 - 9 {Infectious causes of pregnancy disorders}; Mayr A; During pregnancy infections can entail disorders in many different ways . Damage through direct transmission of pathogens to the fetus occurs in the first place . The organisms are transmitted transovarially, diaplacentally, via endometrium, before or after implantation, via amnion or by the semen when ascending through the infectious environment . Embryo transfer is a new way of transmission . The respective infective microorganisms either directly colonize in the embryo with the well known consequences (fetotrope pathogens) or they colonize the placenta thus indirectly leading to damages to the embryo (placentotrope pathogens) . During the process various overlappings are possible . A second large group of disorders in pregnancy is caused by effects of infections of the mother without pathogens being transmitted to the embryo or the placenta . These diseases are postinfectious allergies, immune complex diseases, damages through microbial toxins or mediators and various other forms of infectious processes found with the mother . The third group of disorders in pregnancy is the result of complications caused by vaccinations of the mother during or shortly before pregnancy: postvaccinal allergies, diseases through vaccinal germs and different other postvaccinal damages or stress because of vaccination. Mol Gen Genet, 1992 Jul, 234(1), 1 - 13 Gene conversion in the Escherichia coli RecF pathway: a successive half crossing-over model; Yamamoto K et al.; Gene conversion--apparently non-reciprocal transfer of sequence information between homologous DNA sequences--has been reported in various organisms . Frequent association of gene conversion with reciprocal exchange (crossing-over) of the flanking sequences in meiosis has formed the basis of the current view that gene conversion reflects events at the site of interaction during homologous recombination . In order to analyze mechanisms of gene conversion and homologous recombination in an Escherichia coli strain with an active RecF pathway (recBC sbcBC), we first established in cells of this strain a plasmid carrying two mutant neo genes, each deleted for a different gene segment, in inverted orientation . We then selected kanamycin-resistant plasmids that had reconstituted an intact neo+ gene by homologous recombination . We found that all the neo+ plasmids from these clones belonged to the gene-conversion type in the sense that they carried one neo+ gene and retained one of the mutant neo genes . This apparent gene conversion was, however, only very rarely accompanied by apparent crossing-over of the flanking sequences . This is in contrast to the case in a rec+ strain or in a strain with an active RecE pathway (recBC sbcA) . Our further analyses, especially comparisons with apparent gene conversion in the rec+ strain, led us to propose a mechanism for this biased gene conversion . This "successive half crossing-over model" proposes that the elementary recombinational process is half crossing-over in the sense that it generates only one recombinant DNA duplex molecule, and leaves one or two free end(s), out of two parental DNA duplexes . The resulting free end is, the model assumes, recombinogenic and frequently engages in a second round of half crossing-over with the recombinant duplex . The products resulting from such interaction involving two molecules of the plasmid would be classified as belonging to the gene-conversion type without crossing-over . We constructed a dimeric molecule that mimics the intermediate form hypothesized in this model and introduced it into cells . Biased gene conversion products were obtained in this reconstruction experiment . The half crossing-over mechanism can also explain formation of huge linear multimers of bacterial plasmids, the nature of transcribable recombination products in bacterial conjugation, chromosomal gene conversion not accompanied by flanking exchange (like that in yeast mating-type switching), and antigenic variation in microorganisms. Vnitr Lek, 1992 Jul, 38(7), 640 - 4 {Hyperbaric oxygenation in the treatment of necrotizing fasciitis}; Krasova Z et al.; The authors present the results of treatment provided to 11 patients with necrotizing fasciitis who were after a surgical operation and after administration of antibiotics treated in a hyperbaric chamber . A total of 8 patients (82%) recovered completely . The authors discuss the theory of action of hyperbaric oxygen on microorganisms and draw attention to the possible reduction of mortality of this serious disease when using hyperbaric oxygenation . The latter is considered an important auxiliary method which supplements surgical treatment, rational antibiotic therapy and in particular careful intensive care. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1992 Jul, 11(7), 620 - 3 Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis by the polymerase chain reaction in young patients with acute epididymitis; Eley A et al.; Specimens from 11 patients presenting with acute epididymitis were tested for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis by an enzyme immunoassay (EIA), growth in McCoy cells and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and for other microorganisms by standard laboratory techniques . Chlamydia trachomatis urethral infection was detected in four patients by tissue culture, in three patients by EIA and in nine patients by PCR . These findings confirm the usually low detection rate of Chlamydia trachomatis by conventional tissue culture and EIA . Detection by PCR indicated both the diagnostic value of this technique and the importance of this organism in epididymitis. J Submicrosc Cytol Pathol, 1992 Jul, 24(3), 407 - 15 Rickettsiae-like microorganisms in the midgut and other visceral tissues during development of Drosophila auraria; Dimitriadis VK et al.; Rickettsiae-like organisms (RLOs) were identified for the first time in midgut, Malpighian tubules, wreath cells (ventral nephrocytes), spermatogonia and gut muscles in a species of Drosophila . Their number in the midgut cells of Drosophila auraria significantly increased at the late third larval instar and at the beginning of pupation . The RLO population in the larval midgut followed the fate of their host cells and was destroyed during metamorphosis . The RLOs pass from the larval to the adult midgut via the RLOs existing in the 'regenerative cells', which will form the adult midgut during population . The total volume of RLOs per anterior midgut cell increased analogically in relation to the absolute volume of the host cells till the 130 h larval stage . However, during the late-third instar and at the beginning of pupation the total volume of RLOs per host cell significantly increased . The physiological significance of the latter data as well as the relationship between RLOs and host cells are discussed. Chest, 1992 Jul, 102(1), 195 - 7 Increased proportions of peripheral blood gamma delta T cells in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis; Ito M et al.; There is a small population of peripheral T cells bearing the gamma delta T-cell receptor, which may be involved in the defense against invading microorganisms and tumor cells . The present study was designed to evaluate the levels of gamma delta T cells in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, bacterial pneumonia, chronic lower respiratory tract infection, lung cancer, and normal control subjects with or without old tuberculous lesion . The results showed that only patients with tuberculosis had significantly increased proportions of peripheral blood gamma delta T cells . This study suggests that the increased proportions of gamma delta T cells in tuberculosis could be related to T-cell activation by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, although it remains to be investigated which components of mycobacteria are the major ligands for gamma delta T cells. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1992 Jul, 45(7), 1096 - 107 Metabolic products of microorganisms . 261 . Obscurolides, a novel class of phosphodiesterase inhibitors from streptomyces . I . Production, isolation, structural elucidation and biological activity of obscurolides A1 to A4; Hoff H et al.; A novel class of butyrolactones, named obscurolides, was isolated from the culture filtrate of Streptomyces viridochromogenes by chemical screening methods . The structural elucidation of the obscurolides A1 to A4 (1 approximately 4) is described . The carboxy group of the 4-aminobenzoic acid moiety of obscurolide A1 (1) is reduced in the other compounds . The isolated natural products have been proved to be diastereomeric mixtures by a partial racemization at C-7 which belongs to an allylic alcohol system . The obscurolides showed a weak inhibitory activity against calcium/calmodulin-dependent and independent phosphodiesterases from bovine. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1992 Jun 16, 653, 88 - 111 Vaccines against coxiellosis and Q fever . Development of a chloroform:methanol residue subunit of phase I Coxiella burnetti for the immunization of animals; Williams JC et al.; We have demonstrated the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of the WC and CMR vaccines in guinea pigs . Vaccination of guinea pigs with either WC or CMR protects animals against challenge with virulent C . burnetii . A total of 2 micrograms of either WC or CMR vaccine was a significant priming dose . A total of 20 micrograms gave complete protection against lethal challenge . Detection of antibodies to phase II cells by microaglutination, after vaccination with either WC or CMR and before lethal challenge, correlated with the ability of guinea pigs to mount a protective immune response . The PD50 values for WC and CMR vaccines, administered as a single dose, were 0.3 and 1.4 micrograms per animal, respectively . In contrast, the PD50 values for the WC and CMR vaccines, administered as two doses, were 0.83 and 0.72 micrograms per animal, respectively . Although the PD50 values for the two vaccines are similar, the CMR vaccine is preferred over the WC vaccine because it induces significantly fewer adverse reactions, and repeat injections can be given . Unvaccinated guinea pigs do not clear infectious microorganisms after challenge infection . Vaccination before challenge infection reduces the infectious load of C . burnetti in the blood and in various organs of the animals . When vaccinated animals were challenge infected and treated with rifampicin, the microorganisms were not eliminated from various organs . However, the combination of vaccination, challenge, and rifampicin treatment is effective in reducing the number of infectious microorganisms in some of these sites . We have demonstrated the safety and immunogenicity of the CMR vaccine in sheep and goats . Animals that were seropositive for one or more antigens developed significant levels of antibodies to alternate antigens, but no adverse reactions were observed at the site of s.c . injection of the CMR vaccine . This demonstrates that seropositive animals can be successfully immunized with this vaccine . These results also indicate that a long-term vaccination program using the CMR vaccine has the potential for producing animals with significant antibody titers to C . burnetii and perhaps lifelong immunity . The goal of a Q fever vaccination program is to produce immunized animals that are able to clear completely the infectious microorganisms . The appropriate vaccination schedule to render adult animals and their offspring "Q fever-free" should now be thoroughly investigated. Gene, 1992 Jun 15, 115(1-2), 35 - 41 Integration of SCP1, a giant linear plasmid, into the Streptomyces coelicolor chromosome; Kinashi H et al.; SCP1, coding for the methylenomycin biosynthetic genes in Streptomyces coelicolor, is a giant linear plasmid of 350 kb . Extensive physical characterization revealed that SCP1 has unusually long terminal inverted repeats (TIR) of about 80 kb on both ends and an insertion sequence, IS466, at the end of the right TIR (TIR-R), and the 5'-ends are attached to a terminal protein . In the NF strain S . coelicolor 2612, SCP1 is integrated into the chromosome at the 9-o'clock position . Analysis of the two junctions between the SCP1 DNA and the chromosomal DNA revealed that the left junction had an almost intact left terminus of SCP1, while the right junction was composed of IS466, completely deleting TIR-R . Based on these results, we presented a possible formation mechanism of the NF strain, which is characterized by integration of SCP1 into the chromosome via an interaction of the target site and the combined ends of the racket-frame structure of SCP1 followed by deletion of TIR-R . We also hypothesized that this type of integration of a giant linear plasmid might be involved in the origin and distribution of the chromosomal antibiotic biosynthetic gene clusters in microorganisms. J Lab Clin Med, 1992 Jun, 119(6), 772 - 81 Nonopsonic uptake of Mycobacterium avium complex by human monocytes and alveolar macrophages; Roecklein JA et al.; The uptake of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) microorganisms by human peripheral blood monocytes (PBMs) and alveolar macrophages (AMs) is not well understood . We have previously shown, under opsonic conditions, that humoral factors are important in mediating the uptake of MAC by PBMs . However, the receptor-ligand interactions occurring under nonopsonic conditions remain unclear . We compared the uptake of untreated human PBMs and AMs in a serum-free medium with phagocytes treated to remove surface receptors . Removal of complement receptors CR1 and CR3, the Fc receptor (FcR), and the transferrin receptor (TfR) resulted in significantly lower levels of MAC uptake in serum-free medium by both PBMs and AMs . The addition of barley beta-glucan or mannan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae inhibited MAC uptake by untreated phagocytes in a dose-dependent manner . MAC uptake by PBMs or AMs was never completely abrogated by combining treatments (removal of CR1, CR3, FcR, and TfR and adding mannan or beta-glucan), indicating still-unknown mechanisms of uptake under nonopsonic conditions . We conclude that CR1, CR3, FcR, TfR, the mannose receptor, and possibly a separate beta-glucan-inhibitable receptor all may be involved in nonopsonic uptake of MAC by both PBMs and AMs. Am J Infect Control, 1992 Jun, 20(3), 122 - 5 Blood culture: comparison of outcomes between switch-needle and no-switch techniques; Thamlikitkul V et al.; BACKGROUND: Because blood culture is a common test at our institution, we hoped to save money and reduce the risk of needlestick injury by modifying our current technique for the preparation of culture specimens without increasing the risk of contamination . METHODS: Objective: To compare the contamination rates of blood culture specimens obtained by the conventional method of switching to another sterile needle before inoculation with those of specimens obtained by a method without switching . DESIGN: Cross-over study . Setting: Department of Medicine of university hospital . Participants: Nursing personnel working in seven acute care medical wards in Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand . Interventions: From March to June 1991, participating nurses prepared blood culture specimens by means of both switch-needle and no-switch techniques in a cross-over study . All blood culture specimens were submitted to microbiology laboratory to determine the growth of microorganisms . Measurement: Growth in a culture was considered to be "true positive" or "contamination" by predetermined criteria . RESULTS: Total number of blood culture specimens was 1619; of these, 813 were prepared by switch-needle technique and 806 were prepared by no-switch technique . The contamination rates were 7.6% and 8.3% for switch-needle and no-switch techniques, respectively (p = 0.61) . CONCLUSIONS: The switch-needle technique may not be necessary for obtaining blood culture specimens unless the needle is obviously contaminated . The no-switch technique for the preparation of blood culture specimens is more convenient and less expensive; it also poses less risk of needlestick injury. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1992 Jun, 58(6), 2066 - 70 Temperature and structural effects on transfer of double-stranded RNA among isolates of the chestnut blight fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica); Friese CF et al.; Cryphonectria parasitica is a unique fungus which can serve as a model for understanding transfer of genes between eukaryotic microorganisms . We studied transfer of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) between compatible and incompatible strains of C . parasitica to determine whether hyphal types or temperature could restrict that exchange . Hyphal connections between incompatible strains occurred at about 30% of the frequency of connections between compatible strains and differed morphologically . Gel electrophoresis and in situ hybridization confirmed that dsRNA was transferred through substrate hyphae but not through aerial hyphae . Freezing temperatures resulted in the loss of dsRNA from the new mycelium of the donor colony and stimulated the production of virulent pycnidiospores . These temperature and structural restrictions may help to explain the lack of spread of the dsRNA despite its presence in the field. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1992 Jun, 58(6), 1945 - 51 Reduction of nitroaromatic compounds mediated by Streptomyces sp . exudates; Glaus MA et al.; Exudates from Streptomyces griseoflavus Tu 2484 effectively mediated electron transfer between hydrogen sulfide and various nitrobenzenes . In general, pseudo-first-order kinetics were observed, except for the initial phase of the reaction at higher pH values . Under fixed pH and Dh conditions, linear free energy relationships were found between the logarithms of the reaction rate constants and the one-electron reduction potentials of the nitroaromatic compounds . No competition was observed between various compounds . Comparison of the results of this study with the results of experiments conducted with model quinones and an iron porphyrin suggest that the secondary metabolites cinnaquinone and dicinnaquinone, excreted by strain Tu 2484 on the order of 100 mg/liter, are responsible for the catalytic activity of the exudate . Further support for this hypothesis comes from the facts that the catalytic activity of the exudate became prominent only after the growth phase of the microorganisms and that the mediating substances have a molecular weight of less than 3,000. Am J Clin Pathol, 1992 Jun, 97(6), 850 - 3 A blood culture study comparing the new Bactec high-volume resin media with hypertonic media; Wajsbort RR et al.; A blood culture study comparing the performance of the new high-volume Bactec resin media to hypertonic medium was conducted in adult patients seen in the emergency department . Twenty milliliters of blood was divided equally among three media: hypertonic (NR8A), aerobic high-volume resin (HV26), and anaerobic high-volume resin (HV27) . During a 5.5-month period, 2,724 blood cultures were collected; there were 417 (15.3%) positive cultures, of which 233 (8.6%) yielded pathogens and 184 (6.8%) contaminants . For the 257 isolates recovered from 233 cultures yielding pathogens, the isolation rates were: NR8A-194 (75.5%), HV26-204 (79.4%), and HV27-189 (73.5%) . We conclude that in this emergency department patient population, the rate and speed of recovery of pathogenic microorganisms is comparable in high-volume resin media and the hypertonic medium but that the high-volume resin media still has a definite advantage over standard nonradiometric media in adults because high-volume blood cultures (20 mL) can be performed using a two-bottle collection set rather than a three-bottle set. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1992 Jun 1, 89(11), 4962 - 6 A single polypeptide catalyzing the conversion of phytoene to zeta-carotene is transcriptionally regulated during tomato fruit ripening; Pecker I et al.; The cDNA of the gene pds from tomato, encoding the carotenoid biosynthesis enzyme phytoene desaturase, was cloned, and its nucleotide sequence was determined . Cells of Escherichia coli that expressed the tomato pds gene could convert phytoene to zeta-carotene . This result suggests that one polypeptide, the product of the pds gene, can carry out phytoene desaturation in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway . Transcripts of the pds gene accumulate in orange tomato fruit, indicating transcriptional control of pds expression during fruit ripening . The deduced amino acid sequence of phytoene desaturase indicates that this enzyme in tomato contains 583 amino acids that are highly conserved with respect to the homologous enzymes in cyanobacteria and algae . The deduced amino acid sequences of the phytoene desaturases from other microorganisms (purple bacteria and fungi) appear to be evolutionarily unrelated to those from green photosynthetic organisms. Chronobiol Int, 1992 Jun, 9(3), 222 - 30 Circadian rhythms in Neurospora crassa: the role of mitochondria; Brody S; Energy metabolism and mitochondria have been discussed with respect to their role in the circadian rhythm mechanism for some time . Numerous examples of inhibitors that affect the mitochondria of plants and animals and microorganisms are known, which cause large phase shifts in the rhythms of these organisms . Analogous studies on the role of mitochondria in the Neurospora circadian rhythm mechanism have also been reported and summarized . This communication differs from previous studies on other organisms in that it will focus on two lines of evidence derived from studies on Neurospora strains carrying mutations affecting the mitochondria . (a) Strains whose growth rate is resistant to oligomycin (oli(r)) owing to an altered protein in the F0 sector of the mitochondrial ATPase, showed no phase shifts when pulsed with oligomycin . Control strains (oli(s)) showed large phase shifts when pulsed with oligomycin . This indicates that the phase-shifting effect of oligomycin is due to the direct inhibition of the mitochondrial ATPase and not some side effect of this inhibitor . (b) In Neurospora, many different strains are known that carry mutations in the nuclear or mitochondrial genome that affect mitochondrially localized proteins . Some of these, such as oli(r), {MI-3}, or cya-5, showed shorter (approximately 19-h) periods compared with the normal (21.5-h) period . Others showed little or no change in period . Those mutant strains exhibiting shorter periods also contained approximately 60% more mitochondrial protein per gram total protein in extracts compared with the normal strains . Assays of the level of a mitochondrial-specific protein, acyl carrier protein, showed that the cellular content of this protein was approximately doubled.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Chest, 1992 Jun, 101(6), 1663 - 73 Fibronectin . A versatile matrix protein with roles in thoracic development, repair and infection; Limper AH et al.; Fibronectin, a dimeric cell-adhesive extracellular matrix glycoprotein, is secreted by mesenchymal cells and assembled into insoluble matrices which have important biological functions in embryologic development as well as in tissue response to injury . Fibronectin interacts with numerous cell types including mesenchymal cells and inflammatory cells which bear appropriate fibronectin receptors . In vitro, fibronectin serves as an adhesive substrate and promotes cell proliferation and cytodifferentiation . During development, fibronectin-rich matrices are deposited in specific location and regulate the directional migration of embryonic cells . In particular, fibronectin matrices appear to be of critical importance to normal cardiopulmonary development . Following embryologic development, the tissue expression of fibronectin is greatly reduced, but increases markedly following tissue injury, where newly expressed fibronectin matrices appear critical to tissue repair . Recent evidence has documented increased expression of fibronectin in numerous pulmonary conditions including the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) . Additionally, fibronectin also interacts with a large number of microorganisms and therefore also is potentially important in microbial adherence to airway epithelium and subsequent infections of the respiratory system. Cell Immunol, 1992 Jun, 142(1), 159 - 76 Distribution and quantitative expression of the complement receptor type 1 (CR1) on human peripheral blood T lymphocytes; Yaskanin DD et al.; The complement receptor, type 1 (CR1) is expressed on a variety of cell types including primate erythrocytes, phagocytic cells, and B lymphocytes . On these cells, CR1 plays a role in a diverse spectrum of biological activities including the clearance of immune complexes from the circulation, down-regulation of the complement system, recognition of complement-coated microorganisms, and cellular activation . CR1 is also expressed by some, but not all, T lymphocytes . The present study was undertaken in order to examine the distribution of CR1 on normal human T cell subsets by flow cytometry and to quantify the expression of T cell CR1 by radioimmunoassay . Data presented here indicate that, in a panel of 19 normal individuals, a mean of 9.7% of the overall peripheral blood lymphocyte population expressed CR1 and that, as assessed by two-color flow cytometry, 12.0% of CD3+, 13.0% of CD4+, and 20.0% of CD8+ cells expressed CR1 . While single peaks of CR1 staining were observed within the CD3 and CD4 subsets, a biphasic pattern of staining was evident within the CD8 subset in which relatively high-intensity CR1 staining was detected within the subpopulation of "dull" CD8+ cells, whereas a lower intensity of CR1 staining was observed within the subpopulation of "bright" CD8+ cells . Duplicate analyses performed over a relatively short time frame suggested that, while the overall percentage of cells that expressed CR1 varied considerably among normal individuals, in at least some individuals the percentage of cells expressing CR1 was relatively stable, especially within the CD4 subset . In cell suspensions enriched for T lymphocytes by rosetting with sheep erythrocytes, 10.0% of the cells were CR1+ and a mean of approximately 3700 CR1 were expressed per CR1+ cell . There was no apparent correlation between the number of CR1 per T cell and the number of CR1 expressed per erythrocyte in the same blood sample . The expression of CR1 on subpopulations within the CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ lymphocyte subsets may play a role in both normal cell function and in the pathophysiology of disease states including the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). FEMS Microbiol Rev, 1992 Jun, 8(3-4), 249 - 62 Enzymes and pathways of polyamine breakdown in microorganisms; Large PJ; The information currently available on the breakdown of spermidine and putrescine by microorganisms is reviewed . Two major metabolic routes have been described, one for the free bases via delta 1-pyrroline (4-aminobutyraldehyde), the other via N-acetyl derivatives . In both pathways oxidases or aminotransferases are the key enzymes in removing the nitrogen atoms . The two routes converge at 4-aminobutyrate, which is then metabolized via succinate . The degradation of putrescine in Escherichia coli has been well characterized at both genetic and biochemical levels, but for other bacteria much less information is available . The C3 moiety of spermidine is broken down via beta-alanine, but the metabolism of this compound and its precursors is poorly understood . In yeasts, a catabolic route for spermidine and putrescine via N-acetyl derivatives has been described in Candida boidinii, and the evidence for its occurrence in other species is reviewed . Except for the terminal step of this pathway, the same group of enzymes can metabolize both the C3 and C4 moieties of spermidine . It is likely that other routes of polyamine catabolism also exist in both bacteria and yeasts. J Dairy Sci, 1992 Jun, 75(6), 1527 - 32 Resistance of fatty acyl amides to degradation and hydrogenation by ruminal microorganisms; Fotouhi N et al.; Two in vitro trials were conducted to determine whether fatty acyl amides are degraded and hydrogenated by ruminal microorganisms . The treatments consisted of ground hay supplemented with either no lipid, linoleoyl Met ethyl ester, or free linoleic acid plus Met ethyl ester . Incubations were carried out in Erlenmeyer flasks at 39 degrees C under CO2 . Cultures were sampled at predetermined times and analyzed for long-chain fatty acids, Met, and VFA . In trial 1, the rate of disappearance of linoleic acid was lower for the amide than for the FFA (.004 and -.047/h, respectively) . In trial 2, there were no differences in the rate of disappearance of linoleic acid from 0 to 6 h (-.237 and -.357/h for amide and FFA, respectively), but the rates from 6 to 48 h (-.003 and -.027/h for amide and FFA, respectively) were different . Linoleoyl Met cultures also had higher acetate to propionate ratio and lower loss of Met compared with free linoleic acid cultures . There was no loss of radioactivity from {14C}stearoyl Met after 24 h of incubation, indicating its resistance to bacterial breakdown . The results showed that fatty acyl amides resist bacterial breakdown and prevent loss of double bonds by microbial biohydrogenation. Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1992 Jun, 66(6), 679 - 85 {A study of enhancing effects of monocyte culture supernatant on polymorphonuclear neutrophils-chemiluminescence--comparison between normal controls and collagen disease patients}; Shimatsu Y et al.; Priming effect of monocyte culture supernatant on polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN)-chemiluminescence (CL) was studied in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 11) and mixed connective tissue disease (n = 4) . In normal controls, N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) induced PMN-CL was enhanced when PMN were previously incubated for 15 minutes with monocyte culture supernatant (MS) or T lymphocyte culture supernatant (TS) or T lymphocyte culture supernatant (TS) . The enhancing effect of MS on PMN-CL was greater than that of TS . This enhancing effect of MS was inhibited by adding of dexamethasone (1 microgram/ml) during the culture . Recombinant human TNF also enhanced PMN-CL as well as MS . When compared the enhancing effects of MS between patients and normal controls, that of patients under corticosteroid therapy (average prednisolone dose 39.5 mg/day) was reduced significantly . Thus, we concluded that the cytokines from monocyte contributed PMN phagocytosis of invading microorganisms, and that this monocyte-mediated PMN phagocytosis was suppressed partly by corticosteroids in collagen disease. Oral Microbiol Immunol, 1992 Jun, 7(3), 165 - 70 Stimulatory effect of bicarbonate on the glycolysis of Actinomyces viscosus and its biochemical mechanism; Takahashi N et al.; The effects of bicarbonate on acid production by 4 human strains of Actinomyces viscosus were estimated under anaerobic conditions . The rate of acid production was accelerated by bicarbonate 3-4 times as much as that without bicarbonate . The analyses of intracellular glycolytic intermediates, NAD and NADH revealed a decrease in NADH:NAD ratio and an increase in the level of 3-phosphoglycerate in the cells when bicarbonate was present . Furthermore, when bicarbonate was available, malate dehydrogenase and fumarate reductase in the succinate pathway were expected to function as NADH-oxidizing enzymes in addition to lactate dehydrogenase . These observations indicate the efficient regeneration of NAD in the presence of bicarbonate . Thus, the stimulation of A . viscosus glycolysis by bicarbonate was thought to stem from the activation of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH) by the decrease in the level of NADH, because NADH was a strong inhibitor of G3PDH in this microorganism. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 1992 Jun, 37(3), 298 - 300 Isolation and identification of ethisolide as an antibiotic product from Penicillium capsulatum; Atienza J et al.; Ethisolide has been isolated from cultures of Penicillium capsulatum, and its structure determined by means of infrared, mass spectrometry, 1H- and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance . Antibiotic activity against a number of microorganisms is reported. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1992 Jun, 58(6), 2016 - 21 Inactivation of poliovirus type 1 in mixed human and swine wastes and by bacteria from swine manure; Deng MY et al.; The persistence of poliovirus type 1 (PO1) in mixed septic tank effluent and swine manure slurry was determined, and the antiviral effects of several bacterial cultures isolated from swine manure slurry were demonstrated . In two field experiments, PO1 was consistently inactivated more rapidly in the mixed waste than in the control Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (D-PBS) . D values (time {in days} for a 90% reduction of virus titer) were 18.7 and 29.9 for the mixed waste and 56.5 and 51.8 for the D-PBS control, respectively . The virus inactivation in the mixed waste was temperature dependent . A comparison of PO1 inactivation in raw mixed waste, autoclaved mixed waste, and bacterium-free filtrate of raw mixed waste at the same pH and temperatures provided an initial demonstration that the virus inactivation in the mixed waste is related, at least in part, to microbial activity . At 25 degrees C, the D value was 6.8 for the mixed waste, 11.2 for the autoclaved mixed waste, and 10.5 for the bacterium-free filtrate of raw mixed waste . At 37 degrees C, D values were 1.3, 3.9, and 3.1 for these three suspending media, respectively . Three bacterial isolates which had shown antiviral effects in a screening test each caused virus inactivation in autoclaved mixed waste, in which the effect of other microorganisms was excluded . Inhibition of PO1 inactivation by protease inhibitors suggests that the virus inactivation in the mixed waste was due in part to proteolytic enzymes produced by bacteria in the waste. Br Dent J, 1992 May 23, 172(10), 369 - 73 The aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis and changing pattern of infective endocarditis, with a note on prophylaxis; Franklin CD; Infective endocarditis remains a life-threatening condition, although the number of deaths due to this disease has fallen by 80% over the past 50 years . Dental undergraduate and postgraduate teaching rightly emphasises the use of prophylactic antibiotics for those patients most at risk of developing the condition . However, the types of patients at risk have also changed with the increased use of antibiotics and availability of heart surgery . While oral microorganisms may be incriminated in infective endocarditis, causal organisms arise from a number of other sites and in many cases the portal of entry is unknown . It is now thought that the proportion of cases that are apparently dentally related is probably smaller than previously believed . This article concentrates on the mechanisms by which this disease occurs, an area which is often poorly understood by undergraduates and postgraduates alike . An extract is included from the Lancet, which provides the most recent recommendations for endocarditis prophylaxis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1992 May 15, 89(10), 4300 - 3 Selection-induced mutations occur in yeast; Hall BG; Selection-induced mutations are nonrandom mutations that occur as specific and direct responses to environmental challenges and primarily in nondividing cells under conditions of intense prolonged selection . Selection-induced mutations have been shown to occur at six loci in Escherichia coli, but their existence has not previously been demonstrated in any eukaryotic organism . Here it is shown that selection-induced mutations occur at the HIS4 locus in the eukaryotic microorganism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr, 1992 May, 99(5), 193 - 4 {The effect of technopathologically limited stress factors on the fertility of cattle}; Badura R et al.; The influence of purulent claw-diseases on the development of uterus infections, its involution and ovary dysfunctions (acyclia, cysts) was examined . It was shown that A . pyogenes, Ps . aeruginosa, Fus . necrophorum and other microorganisms involved in these lesions are potential sources for the infections of the uterus . In comparison with the controls the frequency of endometritis was twice in the group with claw-problems . Similar differences existed in the involution-time of the uterus or its atonia, acyclia and the development of ovarian cysts (p less than 0.01) . The Index of insemination was elevated by about 65%. Naturwissenschaften, 1992 May, 79(5), 213 - 9 {Gene probes and their use in microbiology}; Schleifer KH et al.; A gene probe (nucleic acid probe) is a single-stranded nucleic acid fragment that interacts with a complementary sequence of a target nucleic acid . The test is based upon the principles of nucleic acid hybridization reactions . Different assay formats (dot-blot, colony, whole-cell hybridizations) can be applied . Gene probes can be used for the rapid and specific identification of microorganisms . The phylogenetic identification and in situ detection of uncultured bacteria will be discussed. Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr, 1992 May 1, 105(5), 145 - 9 {Latent Chlamydia infections as the cause of health disorders in swine, cattle and sheep breeders in Czechoslovakia}; Bazala E et al.; For a twelve year period the health condition of a large group of pig-, cattle- and sheep-breeder was controlled and at the same time an inquiry was carried out why these people suffer from high occurrence of specific health problems which among the rest of the population appear in smaller extent . The performed investigation shows that the primary cause of the specific problems is a latent infection caused by the chlamydia microorganism, namely by the Chlamydia trachomatis group, that can be transferred from animals on people . These microorganisms survive permanently and parasite in the living cells of animals and people and they cause a wide range of specific health difficulties, often subjective, painful and very unpleasant ones, without any manifestation of clinical symptoms which could suggest an infectious disease . These properties of the agent and the fact, that neither human nor veterinary medicine inquire the problems of the relationship between the latent infection and the health of people, makes Chlamydia an extremely dangerous factor affecting people's health . Our paper includes anamnestic data of specific health problems of 746 breeders from 31 farms and results of serological examinations of a group of people with antigens Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia trachomatis . The paper also includes a biological experiment which the rise of antibodies of a guinea pig kept and fed with table scraps in the family of one the afflicted breeders as well as the results of serological examinations of a group of animals, the most frequent health problems at the latent course of disease, the course of the disease itself and the author's opinions on necessity of further investigation of the human medicine problems. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1992 May, 58(5), 1636 - 44 Enrichment and properties of an anaerobic mixed culture reductively dechlorinating 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene to 1,3-dichlorobenzene; Holliger C et al.; Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), pentachlorobenzene (QCB), all three isomers of tetrachlorobenzene (TeCB), 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene (1,2,3-TCB), and 1,2,4-TCB were reductively dechlorinated by enrichment cultures in the presence of lactate, glucose, ethanol, or isopropanol as the electron donor . The enrichment cultures originated from percolation columns filled with Rhine River sediment in which dechlorination of TCBs and dichlorobenzenes (DCBs) occurred . A stable consortium obtained by transfer on lactate as the energy and carbon source in the presence of 1,2,3-TCB dechlorinated this isomer stoichiometrically to 1,3-DCB . Dechlorinating activity could only be maintained when an electron donor was added . Lactate, ethanol, and hydrogen appeared to be the best substrates . Optimal temperature and pH for dechlorination were 30 degrees C and 7.2, respectively . The specificity of the enrichment on lactate and 1,2,3-TCB was tested after approximately 60 transfers (after 2.5 years) . HCB and QCB were stoichiometrically dechlorinated to 1,3,5-TCB and minor amounts of 1,2,4-TCB . 1,3,5-TCB was the sole product formed from 1,2,3,5-TeCB, while 1,2,3,4-TeCB and 1,2,4,5-TeCB were converted to 1,2,4-TCB . 1,2,4-TCB, 1,3,5-TCB, and the three isomers of DCB were not dechlorinated during 4 weeks of incubation . For further enrichment of the 1,2,3-TCB-dechlorinating bacteria, a two-liquid-phase (hexadecane-water) system was used with hydrogen as the electron donor and 1,2,3-TCB or CO2 as the electron acceptor . Methanogens and acetogens were the major substrate-competing (H2-CO2) microorganisms in the two-liquid-phase system . Inhibition of methanogenesis by 2-bromoethanesulfonic acid did not influence dechlorination, and acetogens which were isolated from the enrichment culture did not have dechlorinating activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) DNA Cell Biol, 1992 May, 11(4), 321 - 30 Characterization of the clathrin heavy chain from Dictyostelium discoideum; O'Halloran TJ et al.; We report the cloning and analysis of a clathrin heavy-chain cDNA from the eukaryotic microorganism, Dictyostelium discoideum . A single gene, designated chcA, for the clathrin heavy chain encoded a protein of 1,694 amino acids with a molecular mass of 193,618 daltons . Comparison of the amino acid sequence with the rat and with the yeast sequence showed that the highly conserved protein was more similar to the mammalian clathrin heavy chain (57% identity) than to the yeast heavy chain (45% identity) . The mRNA for the clathrin heavy chain was regulated during development . mRNA levels were highest during vegetative growth and declined as the cells progressed through the 24-hr developmental cycle . The concentration of clathrin heavy-chain protein was the same in cells grown in liquid media (high rates of pinocytosis) as in cells grown with bacteria (low rates of pinocytosis), which suggests that regulation of pinocytosis in these cells is not achieved by altering the concentration of clathrin. Neurochirurgia (Stuttg), 1992 May, 35(3), 79 - 84 {Follow-up of spondylodiscitis following intervertebral disk operation--on the etiology, therapy and prevention}; Gruss P et al.; Operations on lumbar disc prolapses are the most frequent operations in German neurosurgery divisions . After such operations, spondylodiscitis is a dreaded complication which is sometimes difficult to diagnose . Treatment of spondylodiscitis is always protracted and a burden for doctors and patients . Hence, it appears worthwhile to present a further report on discitis and spondylodiscitis, infections of the intervertebral space and the surrounding tissues after disk operations . Various clinical pictures are described: septic progress forms with neurological disorders and the necessity of open wound treatment as well as clinical pictures without septic signs with good recovery after immobilisation and antibiotic treatment . In two cases, CT-guided puncture of purulent suppuration with identification of the causative organisms and specific antibiotic treatment was possible . All patients had a relatively good result: pareses and/or bladder/rectal disorders disappeared completely in every case . The causes of discitis are discussed . The condition arises when nosocomial microorganisms, or very frequently even harmless skin bacteria, enter the wound . A large number of operations are carried out under pressure of time and under hectic conditions, as well as in a confined space in operation theatres which are too warm; these factors increase the susceptibility to infection . However, the resistance of the patient to infection is also weakened after longterm prior antiinflammatory treatment and a stay in hospital before the operation . Besides appropria to treatment of the infection (immobilisation, wound treatment, antibiotic therapy), psychological management of the patient is an important component of therapy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 1992 May, 114(1), 166 - 70 A common viral infection can change nickel target organ distribution; Ilback NG et al.; The autoradiographic distribution of the toxic heavy metal nickel (Ni) was studied at 4 and 7 days post-coxsackievirus B3 (CB3) infection in Balb/c mice . The distribution of the iv injected 63Ni was studied 10 min, 4 hr, and 24 hr after administration . Results clearly show that the site of 63Ni accumulation is greatly changed during this viral infection . This newly discovered distribution was mainly visible as a greatly increased accumulation in the pancreas and the wall of the ventricular myocardium . Healthy animals showed almost no 63Ni accumulation in these tissues . These results for the first time show that an invading microorganism can change the distribution of an environmental pollutant. J Clin Microbiol, 1992 May, 30(5), 1156 - 61 Microbial flora in eyes of current and former contact lens wearers; Fleiszig SM et al.; Microbial flora from the right eye conjunctival sac of 84 consecutively presenting contact lens patients were compared with cultures from both surfaces of their lens after aseptic removal and with the flora of their storage cases . Similar results were obtained from contact lens and conjunctival cultures of each individual; however, there was no correlation between storage case isolates and lens or conjunctival flora, suggesting that in uncomplicated lens wear, the eye is highly efficient in eradicating microorganisms introduced via handling . Conjunctival flora during daily contact lens wear was similar to the conjunctival flora of a matched control group of non-lens wearers . However, bacteria that are considered to be part of the normal ocular flora were isolated significantly more often from former contact lens wearers . The data also indicated that the use of nonperoxide chemical lens disinfection was associated with a higher proportion of positive cultures for pathogenic microorganisms than the use of other forms of disinfection, for both current and former contact lens wearers . The isolation of potential pathogens was particularly common among elderly subjects using thick contact lenses for extended wear . These changes to conjunctival flora may contribute to the increased risk of ocular infection associated with contact lens wear. Clin Exp Immunol, 1992 May, 88(2), 269 - 74 Intracellular hydrogen peroxide production by peripheral phagocytes from diabetic patients . Dissociation between polymorphonuclear leucocytes and monocytes; Noritake M et al.; Although the standard assays for reactive oxygen species have been based on the measurement of those released into the extracellular environment, the microbicidal capacity to the engulfed microorganisms is mainly dependent on those released into the intracellular environment, such as phagosomes . We studied intracellular oxidative activities of individual phagocytes by dichlorofluorescein (DCFH) oxidation assay to investigate the relationship between the reactive oxygen species released intracellularly and the impaired microbicidal capacity in diabetic patients . Time courses of intracellular production of hydrogen peroxide by polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL) and monocytes were observed at the resting condition and after the stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA; 160 nM) by flow cytometry . Thirty-four patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and 23 age-matched healthy volunteers were subjected to the studies . PMNL from patients with NIDDM showed a significantly decreased capacity to produce hydrogen peroxide after the stimulation (P less than 0.05 at 15 min, P less than 0.01 at 30 and 45 min) . By contrast, intracellular hydrogen peroxide production by monocytes at the resting condition and an early stimulatory phase (8 min after the stimulation) was significantly (P less than 0.01) enhanced in patients with NIDDM compared with that in controls . Both the changes of intracellular hydrogen peroxide production observed in PMNL and monocytes from patients with NIDDM were in association with an increased haemoglobin Alc level in erythrocytes, but did not relate to total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the serum . The possible mechanisms of these dissociated changes in hydrogen peroxide producing capacity of phagocytes from patients with NIDDM are discussed. J Periodontol, 1992 May, 63(5), 426 - 30 Relative production of IL-1 beta and TNF alpha by mononuclear cells after exposure to dental implants; Perala DG et al.; Interleukin-1 (also known as osteoclast activating factor, OAF) is a cytokine produced primarily by monocytes and macrophages and is thought to mediate many of the immunologic, metabolic, and endocrine alterations seen with microbial infection, tissue injury, inflammatory disease, and bone loss . Stimuli for IL-1 production include microorganisms, endotoxins (LPS), antigen-antibody complexes, clotting components, and other cytokines . The purpose of this study was to determine whether dental implants stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to produce IL-1 beta (OAF) as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF alpha) . This production may lead to bone loss or failure of an implant . Three duplicates of five different implants were incubated with 2 x 10(6) PBMCs/ml in 20% autologous serum; the esterase positive PBMCs amounted to 14.5% . Measured by radioimmunoassay techniques and compared to controls, all of the implants except one caused significant in vitro generation of IL-1 beta and TNF alpha . The stimulation of IL-1 beta/TNF alpha production by these materials suggests that they are not physiologically inert and that the IL-1 beta (OAF) production may contribute to a less favorable osseoadaptation . OAF has a physiologic (homeostatic) role in maintenance and alteration of osseous structures, but the level at which physiologic becomes pathologic is unknown . Although there were statistical differences between the cellular response to these implants, the clinical significance of the differences remains to be determined. Rinsho Byori, 1992 May, 40(5), 453 - 6 {Nucleic acid probes in infectious diseases}; Shimada K; DNA probes are then newest diagnostic reagents now in clinical use to detect or specify infectious microorganisms . The fundamental aspects of DNA probes and their clinical applications are reviewed to provide the clinician new information on the recent progress in infectious diseases. Res Microbiol, 1992 May, 143(4), 398 - 405 Macrophages, mycobacteria and HIV: the role of cytokines in determining mycobacterial virulence and regulating viral replication; Wallis RS et al.; The marriage of two scourges, one old (mycobacterial disease) and one new (HIV), has presented an enormous challenge to the medical and public health communities, and has stirred renewed interest in mechanisms for immune control of mycobacterial infection . Virulence of both M . avium and M . tuberculosis appears to be inversely related to the capacity of the microorganisms to induce production of protective cytokines in infected hosts . TNF alpha and IFN gamma are central to this process, and mycobacterial polysaccharides may be their main determinant . Despite these similarities, M . tuberculosis and M . avium cause illnesses at the polar extremes of HIV disease . Tuberculosis, occurring early in the course of HIV disease, may promote HIV replication in otherwise latently infected cells via induction of cytokines . As such, the potential exists for accelerated progression to AIDS due to the mutual synergy of these pathogens. Mycopathologia, 1992 May, 118(2), 85 - 93 Properties of a partially purified acid phosphatase from pathogenic Nocardia brasiliensis; Colon LS et al.; Like many other bacteria, Nocardia sp . possess acid phosphatase activity . In N . brasiliensis, a human and animal pathogen, this activity was resolved into two enzyme forms by native gel electrophoresis . One (isozyme I) was partially purified and characterized . It exhibited an estimated molecular weight on SDS-PAGE of 50 kDa, a pH optimum of 5.2, and a Km value of 1.25 mM for p-nitrophenylphosphate . The N . brasiliensis enzyme was stable at 4 degrees C for at least 24 h, but readily inactivated at 60 degrees C . Ammonium molybdate, sodium fluoride and L-(+)-tartrate were found to be potent inhibitors of the enzyme . Although its function is presently unknown, by analogy to other bacterial systems it could be envisioned to play an important role in the physiology and pathogenicity of the microorganism. Mikrobiol Zh, 1992 May-Jun, 54(3), 75 - 86 {Factors that affect transduction in microorganisms}; Mukvich NS et al.; Data from literature concerning general and specialized transduction in microorganisms are given in the paper . The process of exogenic DNA penetration to the cells of bacteria and participation of protein products of separate phage genes in this process are described . The so-called E-proteins in a set with DNA penetrate through a cell membrane . In phage P22 they are protein products of phage genes 7, 16, 20 . In P22 mutants with an altered transducing frequencies (HFT and LFT) the due functions are also coded by the phage genes . It is shown that the process of DNA packing in phages P22, phi 80, lambda and others is genetically determined . The gene transfer frequency depends on UV radiation and the very nature of transducing phages itself . In virulent phages the UV radiation up to inactivation level 95-99% evokes a decrease of their "killer" ability, which is accompanied by an increase of survivability of the formed transductants and, as a result, by enhancement of the transduction transfer frequency . An important role of the transduction analysis for fine mapping of a genome of microorganisms and its significance for practice are shown . A mathematical analysis of the data on cotransduction of linkage markers is presented as such that may be used when determining the value of transduced fragment of a chromosome. Int Endod J, 1992 May, 25(3), 134 - 41 Pulp responses to two strains of bacteria isolated from human carious dentine (L . plantarum) (NCTC 1406) and S . mutans (NCTC 10919); Paterson RC et al.; A series of studies has been conducted in which monoinfected gnotobiotic rats were used to study the responses of the dental pulp to micro-organisms isolated from carious lesions in dentine . In this study pulp responses to L . plantarum (formerly odontolyticus) (NCTC 1406) in pure culture and in combination with S . mutans (NCTC 10919) are reported . The incidence of inflammation/necrosis/dentine bridge formation observed in animals monoinfected with L . plantarum was similar to that reported in previous germ-free studies . There was a greater incidence of dentine bridge formation in rats monoinfected with L . plantarum compared with those monoinfected with S . mutans . When the two organisms were combined, periapical inflammation was observed in 14% of the teeth examined after 28 days, but there was no significant difference in the incidence of dentine bridge formation . Considerable variation in the density of staining of the two microorganisms in histological sections was observed. Eur J Epidemiol, 1992 May, 8(3), 460 - 70 Is Pneumocystis carinii a deep mycosis-like agent? Dei-Cas E, Cailliez JC, Palluault F, Aliouat EM, Mazars E, Soulez B, Suppin J, Camus D. Pneumocystis carinii is a widespread eukaryotic microorganism found in the lungs of healthy mammals, including humans . It is able to proliferate extensively in the alveoli, becoming an important agent of severe pneumonitis in immunosuppressed hosts, especially in persons suffering from AIDS . The taxonomic position of P . carinii is uncertain . Typical cytoplasmic organelles of eukaryotic cells have been found and described in the parasite . Biochemical research is hindered by the lack of an efficient in vitro culture system . Results of comparative study of nucleic acid sequences suggest that Pneumocystis is a fungus . However, ultrastructural, biochemical and nucleic acid homology insights appear as clearly insufficient to class Pneumocystis . Pneumocystis infection might be acquired, as deep mycoses, from environmental sources through the respiratory tract . Thus, the hypothesis of an environmental stage of the parasite must be considered . Pneumocystis might be seen as a widespread pathogenic dimorphous fungus . As fungal agents, P . carinii is able to disseminate from the infected lung to other organs . However, deep mycoses and pneumocystosis induce different histopathological changes in the host . Furthermore, deep fungal infections, unlike pneumocystosis, cannot be transmitted from one infested host to another one . Beside these two aspects, pneumocystosis shares many features with deep mycoses . Research on the epidemiology of pneumocystosis is needed. J Med Virol, 1992 May, 37(1), 54 - 7 Infections of the cervix uteri with human papillomavirus and Chlamydia trachomatis; Claas EC et al.; Apart from infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), other microorganisms may be involved in the development of cervical neoplasia . To study concomitant infections with HPV and Chlamydia trachomatis, cervical specimens from 4 groups of women were examined for the presence of these microorganisms by the polymerase chain reaction . The first group consisted of 143 consecutive samples from women with no cytological abnormalities who participated in a triennial screening program to prevent cervical cancer . In this group 2 samples were found positive for HPV and 2 additional samples were found positive for C . trachomatis . In the second group of 46 cytologically abnormal smears, HPV DNA was detected in 71.7% of the samples and C . tra chomatis in 4.3% . In a third group of 94 histological abnormal biopsies, the HPV prevalence ranged from 15% in mild dysplastic lesions up to 92% in invasive cervical carcinomas . Only 2 biopsies of this group (2.1%) were found positive for C . trachomatis . Finally, a group of cervical scrapes was obtained from women attending a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases . In 52 samples positive for C . trachomatis and 60 samples negative for C . trachomatis, no significant (P = 0.57) difference in the frequency of HPV infections was found (11.5% and 8.3%, respectively) . The data show that in these study groups HPV and C . trachomatis are independently occurring agents. Stomatologiia (Mosk), 1992 May-Dec, (3-6), 58 - 61 {The need and possibility for disinfecting impressions in orthodontics (a review of the literature)}; Shcherbakov AS et al.; Reviews the data on a high risk of viral and bacterial infection of dentists in connection with the high prevalence of AIDS and viral hepatitis B and on the possibility of infection of dental patients and the staff by microorganisms transfer on the impressions . Presents the present-day methods and means for disinfection of the impression material . Emphasizes inadequate knowledge of the dentists about the virucidal efficacy and the possibility of the impressions changing their properties in disinfection, which fact results in inaccuracy of the ready articles. Stomatologiia (Mosk), 1992 May-Dec, (3-6), 21 - 3 {Changes in dentin permeability for microorganisms during caries treatment}; Dmitrieva LA et al.; Effects of a number of chemicals and of the time elapsed since the preparation on dentine permeability for microorganisms were under study . Dentine permeability was found the highest immediately after the preparation and after acid treatment . Potassium oxalate and calcium hydroxide reduced dentine permeability. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1992 Apr 17, 1120(3), 239 - 47 Formycins A and B and some analogues: selective inhibitors of bacterial (Escherichia coli) purine nucleoside phosphorylase; Bzowska A et al.; Formycin B (FB), a moderate inhibitor (Ki approximately 100 microM) of mammalian purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP), and formycin A (FA), which is totally inactive vs . the mammalian enzyme, are both effective inhibitors of the bacterial (Escherichia coli) enzyme (Ki approximately 5 microM) . Examination of a series of N-methyl analogues of FA and FB led to the finding that N(6)-methyl-FA, virtually inactive vs . the mammalian enzyme, is the most potent inhibitor of E . coli purine nucleoside phosphorylase (Ki approximately 0.3 uM) at neutral pH . Inhibition is competitive not only with respect to Ino, but also relative to 7-methyl-Guo and 7-methyl-Ado, as substrates . Both oxoformycins A and B are relatively poor inhibitors . For the most potent inhibitor, N(6)-methyl-FA, it was shown that the enzyme preferentially binds the neutral, and not the cationic, form . In accordance with this the neutral, but not the cationic form, of the structurally related N(1)-methyl-Ado was found to be an excellent substrate . Reported data on tautomerism of formycins were profited from, and extended, to infer which tautomeric species and ionic forms are the active inhibitors . A commercially available (Sigma) bacterial PNP, of unknown origin, was shown to differ from the E . coli enzyme by its inability to phosphorylase Ado; this enzyme was also resistant to FA and FB . These findings have been extended to provide a detailed comparison of the substrate/inhibitor properties of PNP from various microorganisms. J Biol Chem, 1992 Apr 15, 267(11), 7582 - 7 Purification of 4S-limonene synthase, a monoterpene cyclase from the glandular trichomes of peppermint (Mentha x piperita) and spearmint (Mentha spicata); Alonso WR et al.; The p-menthane monoterpenes of the Mentha species are biosynthesized from geranyl pyrophosphate via the monocyclic olefin 4S-limonene . A monoterpene cyclase was isolated from both Mentha x piperita (peppermint) and Mentha spicata (spearmint) that catalyzes the cyclization of geranyl pyrophosphate to 4S-limonene . This enzyme, 4S-limonene synthase, was purified to apparent homogeneity by dye ligand, anion exchange, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography . Since the monoterpenes of Mentha are synthesized and secreted in modified epidermal hairs called glandular trichomes, an extract of isolated glandular trichome cells was used as the source of this enzyme . A combination of gel permeation chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that purified 4S-limonene synthase had a native molecular weight of 56,000 and was monomeric . The principal product of the enzyme was enantiomerically pure (-)-4S-limonene, and a catalytic constant of 0.3/s was determined . The basic properties of 4S-limonene synthase from both M . x piperita and M . spicata are identical and, in general, are similar to those of other monoterpene, sesquiterpene, and diterpene cyclases isolated from microorganisms and higher plants. Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1992 Apr, 66(4), 477 - 83 {Isolation of Chlamydia pneumoniae and antibodies to the agent in patients with acute bronchitis}; Ogawa H et al.; Isolation of Chlamydia pneumoniae and serologic tests were performed on 85 children and adults patients with acute bronchitis admitted to the Kitasato Institute Hospital from January 1989 to May 1991 . C . pneumoniae was isolated from sputa or tonsillar swabs in 11 of 57 (19%) patients examined . Of these, 10 patients were tested serologically and 9 (90%) had 16 or higher titer of IgG antibody . A total of 68 patients were tested serologically, and 17 (25%) revealed positive; 14 had a fourfold rise or more in the titer of IgG antibody, or IgM titer of 16 or more, and 3 had IgG antibody with a titer of 512 or greater . In 34 patients, sera were tested for evidence of acute infections not only with C . pneumoniae, but also with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, coxackie A9 virus, parainfluenza virus type I, II, and III . Two of the 34 patients were associated with influenza A virus, 4 with influenza B virus, whereas 6 were associated with C . pneumoniae . The data available suggest that C . pneumoniae cause bronchitis much more than has been suspected, and also confirm earlier suggestions that the agent played an important role in respiratory tract infections . Chlamydia trachomatis was recovered from sputa and tonsillar swabs in 6 adults patients with acute bronchitis . Studies are needed for a better understanding of the epidemiology and clinical relevance of this microorganism to lower respiratory tract diseases in adults. Exp Toxicol Pathol, 1992 Apr, 44(2), 102 - 4 A contribution to the model of biliary infection in rats; Martinkova J et al.; The model of biliary tract infection induced in rats given suspension of E . coli into the bile duct is described . To prevent leakage of microorganisms after the administration, a temporary ligation of the bile duct followed . Contemporary groups of sham-operated and control rats (given saline by intrabiliary injection) were compared to assess the significance of the changes . The effect of biliary infection was concentration dependent . If 0.1 ml of the concentration containing 10(2), 10(3) and 10(6) colony-forming units/ml was injected, the mortality of rats reached 8%, 57% and 65%, respectively within 24 h . Blood and bile cultures from all dead animals grew E . coli . To evaluate the effect of chronic biliary infection, the concentration of 10(2) colony-forming units/ml was used . Serum concentrations of total and conjugated bilirubin, cholesterol and creatinine, activities of S-alanine-aminotransferase, S-aspartate-aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, the count of leucocytes in blood, total body weight with weight of the liver were investigated on days 1, 4 and 12 after the treatment . The results showed: an increase in leucocytes (21 +/- 4.2 10(9)/l, p less than 0.02 vs control animals) on day 4, an augmentation of serum cholesterol on day 1, (2.1 +/- 0.9 mmol/l, p less than 0.02 vs control animals), the presence of E . coli in blood on day 1 and its persistence in the bile on days 1, 4 and 12 . Except the bile, all of the other symptoms were reversible by day 12. Can J Microbiol, 1992 Apr, 38(4), 290 - 5 Utilization of chymotrypsin as a sole carbon and (or) nitrogen source by Escherichia coli; Brecher AS et al.; alpha-Chymotrypsin serves as a sole carbon source, sole nitrogen source, and as sole carbon plus nitrogen source for wild-type Escherichia coli in a totally defined medium . Hence, a mammalian host for E . coli may supply the necessary carbon and nitrogen nutrients for the microorganism . Growth is most rapid when chymotrypsin is a sole nitrogen source and least rapid with chymotrypsin as a carbon source . The approximate doubling times for E . coli utilizing chymotrypsin as a nitrogen source, carbon plus nitrogen source, and carbon source are 1.6, 4.6, and 11.3 h, respectively . The activity of the residual enzyme in the culture supernates falls off asymptotically over the source of time, as followed by cleavage of glutaryl-L-phenylalanine-p-nitroanilide . Chymotrypsin hydrolyzes succinyl-L-ala-L-ala-p-nitroanilide, the elastase substrate, to some extent . Peptidases do not appear to be secreted that hydrolyze such model substrates as benzoyl-DL-arginine-p-nitroanilide, the tryptic and cathepsin B substrate, L-leucine-p-nitroanilide, the leucine amino-peptidase substrate, or L-lysine-p-nitroanilide, the aminopeptidase B substrate . Growth of E . coli is generally directly related to the loss of chymotryptic activity in the medium . Hence, autolysis of chymotrypsin, i.e., self-degradation, is an important factor for the availability of degradation products of the enzyme to the bacterium for growth purposes . Accordingly, the degradation of a host protein by autolysis presents an opportunity for E . coli to survive during periods of host nutritional crisis by utilization of the degradation peptides that are produced during autolysis. J Wildl Dis, 1992 Apr, 28(2), 288 - 91 Mycoplasma gallopavonis in eastern wild turkeys; Luttrell MP et al.; Serum samples and tracheal cultures were collected from eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo sylvestris) trapped for relocation in South Carolina (USA) during 1985 to 1990 . Sera were tested for Mycoplasma gallisepticum and M . synoviae by the rapid plate agglutination and hemagglutination inhibition tests and were found to be negative . Tracheal cultures were negative for all pathogenic Mycoplasma spp., including M . gallisepticum, M . synoviae, M . meleagridis, and M . iowae . However, M . gallopavonis was isolated from every group of wild turkeys tested in 1986 to 1990 . These data suggest that M . gallopavonis, which is generally considered nonpathogenic, may be a common microorganism in eastern wild turkeys. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1992 Apr, 58(4), 1259 - 65 Survival and function of a genetically engineered Pseudomonad in aquatic sediment microcosms; Pipke R et al.; Pseudomonas sp . strain B13 FR1(pFRC20P) is a genetically engineered microorganism (GEM) which is able to degrade chloro- and methylaromatics through a constructed ortho cleavage pathway . The fate of the GEM and its ability to degrade substituted aromatic compounds in two different aquatic sediments was investigated by using a microcosm system which consisted of intact layered sediment cores with an overlying water column . The GEM survived in Lake Plussee and in Rhine river sediments at densities of approximately 10(5) bacteria per g (dry weight) (1 to 5% of the total CFU) throughout a 4-week period of investigation . According to several criteria, the microcosm system was stable and healthy throughout the experiment and the addition of the GEM did not affect the total number of extractable CFU (I . Wagner-Dobler, R . Pipke, K . N . Timmis, and D . F . Dwyer, Appl . Environ . Microbiol . 58:1249-1258, 1992) . When compared with uninoculated controls, the presence of the GEM enhanced the rate of degradation of a mixture of 3-chlorobenzoate and 4-methylbenzoate (25 microns each) which had been added to the water column of the sediment cores. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1992 Apr, 58(4), 1110 - 4 Anaerobic dechlorination of polychlorobiphenyls (Aroclor 1242) by pasteurized and ethanol-treated microorganisms from sediments; Ye D et al.; A polychlorobiphenyl (PCB)-dechlorinating inoculum eluted from upper Hudson River sediments was treated with either heat or ethanol or both . The treated cultures retained the ability to dechlorinate PCBs (Aroclor 1242) under strictly anaerobic conditions . The dechlorination activity was maintained in serial cultures inoculated with transfers of 1% inoculum when the transferred inoculum was treated each time in the same manner . No methane production was detected in any treated culture, although dechlorination of PCBs in the untreated cultures was always accompanied by methane production . All treated cultures preferentially removed meta chlorines, yielding a dechlorination pattern characterized by accumulation of certain ortho- and para-subsituted congeners such as 2-4-chlorobiphenyl (2-4-CB), 2,4-2-CB, and 2,4-4-CB . In contrast, the untreated cultures showed more extensive dechlorination activities, which almost completely removed both meta and para chlorines from Aroclor 1242 . These results suggest that microorganisms responsible for the dechlorination of PCBs in the upper Hudson River sediments can be grouped into two populations according to their responses to the heat and ethanol treatments . Microorganisms surviving the heat and ethanol treatments preferentially remove meta chlorines, while microorganisms lost from the enrichment mainly contribute to the para dechlorination activity . These results indicate that anaerobic sporeformers are at least one of the physiological groups responsible for the reductive dechlorination of PCBs . The selection of a dechlorinating population by such treatments may be an important step in isolation of PCB-dechlorinating microorganisms. Rinsho Byori, 1992 Apr, 40(4), 369 - 70 {Progress of leukocyte research}; Miyazaki T et al.; Over 170 years ago Metchnikoff described the bacteriocidal activity of leukocytes . It has been clarified that leukocytes play an important role in first defense mechanism against infection due to microorganism . Leukocytes immigrate to the lesion, which various microorganisms invade across mucosal barrier, and phagocyte and kill ingested microorganisms . The inability of the chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) granulocytes to generate superoxide has prompted the analysis of NADPH oxidase responsible for superoxide generation . The study on CGD has provided profound informations into NADPH oxidase system of leukocytes . Recruitment leukocytes to inflammatory lesion is essential for the inflammatory process, and it is regulated by various chemotactic factors and the adhesion molecules interaction between leukocytes and endothelium of vessels . Identification of interleukin-8 (IL-8) to be one of chemotactic cytokines and its gene cloning offered the progressive understanding for the immigration mechanism of leukocytes from vessels to inflammatory lesion . On the other hand, LFA-1 deficiency revealed that emigration, adhesion and phagocytosis of leukocytes are associated closely with the adhesion molecules on their surfaces . More recently, the cytokine networks of myelopoiesis or inflammatory process have been clarified . Among various cytokines, the cloning of G-CSF has provided the clinical application of rhG-CSF for neutropenic patients who may be induced by the treatment with anticancer agents . This symposium focused on above-mentioned items for an important aspect of neutrophil research. J Reprod Med, 1992 Apr, 37(4), 343 - 7 Recurrent vaginal candidiasis . Results of a cohort study of sexual transmission and intestinal reservoir; Spinillo A et al.; Yeast cultures from the oral cavity, vagina and rectum were obtained from 125 women experiencing an acute episode of recurrent candidal vaginitis . To investigate the role of sexual transmission, oral, penile and ejaculate cultures were also prepared from all the male sexual partners . The rates of oral and rectal Candida species colonization in the women were 36% (45/125) and 44.8% (56/125), respectively . The male partners' oral cavities were positive in 23.2% (29/125) and the penile coronal sulcus and seminal fluid in 16% (20/125) and 14.4% (18/125), respectively . The susceptibility of the isolated species to the main antimycotic drugs was ascertained with the agar diffusion method . Therapy in the women and the colonized sexual partners was carried out, eliminating the microorganism from every positive site . Control cultures were obtained two weeks after the completion of therapy, and follow-up was continued for one year . The overall clinical and microbiologic cure rate in the study group was 72% (95/125) . The rate of relapse was not influenced by the treatment of Candida colonization of the female intestinal tract . The recurrence rate after treatment in the couples in which the man harbored yeast (oral cavity, penile coronal sulcus, seminal fluid) was lower (15.8% vs . 44.8%, P = .0019) than that recorded in the couples without sexual partner involvement . The identification and treatment of the male sexual partner's Candida colonization seems important in the prevention of recurrent vulvovaginitis. Mikrobiyol Bul, 1992 Apr, 26(2), 177 - 88 {Recombinant DNA technology}; Kocoglu T et al.; Recombinant DNA technology is a method depending on realization of genetic recombination events artificially . It became possible to obtain any ordered gene or its product with this method . Before production step, ordered gene is derived from original chromosome by endonuclease enzyme and integrated to a vector as a plasmid or a phage . After that this vector is transformed into a bacterium or a yeast . Then ordered gene or protein is produced in desired amounts by culturing these microorganisms. J Anim Sci, 1992 Apr, 70(4), 1188 - 94 Effects of high iron and sulfate ion concentrations on dry matter digestion and volatile fatty acid production by ruminal microorganisms; Harrison GA et al.; The inhibitory effects of iron- and sulfate-containing compounds on the in vitro digestion of a balanced forage diet by mixed populations of ruminal microorganisms were examined in batch cultures . Compounds containing ferrous and ferric cations consistently inhibited DM digestion by up to 36% when added Fe concentrations in cultures were between 100 and 1,000 mg/L . Increased sulfate concentrations of up to 200 mg/L or chloride concentrations of up to 635 mg/L were not associated with decreased DM digestion . Ammonium sulfate additions that provided 200 mg/L of added sulfur increased (P less than .05) digestibility by 10% . Sulfate-containing iron salts tended to be less inhibitory than chloride salts and were associated with increased gas production during digestion . Ferric chloride inhibited (P less than .05) microbial activities at lower concentrations than ferrous chloride . Data suggest that excessive iron supplementation or contamination of feeds with iron-containing pollutants may decrease microbial activities in the rumen. J Clin Microbiol, 1992 Apr, 30(4), 1033 - 5 Monoclonal antibodies to a specific 54-kilodalton antigen of Nocardia spp; Boiron P et al.; Two monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) of the immunoglobulin G2A isotype, reacting with a Nocardia-specific 54-kDa antigen, were generated . As determined by Western blot (immunoblot), both MAbs reacted only with the 54-kDa band . As determined by indirect immunofluorescence or enzyme immunoassay with whole microorganisms, the MAbs did not react with Nocardia cells . One of the MAbs showed weak cross-reactivity with mycobacterial antigens, while the other showed no cross-reactivity. J Clin Periodontol, 1992 Apr, 19(4), 288 - 92 A follow-up case report of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in human periodontal disease; Skaar DD et al.; The purpose of this investigation was to compare clinical and microbial parameters in a follow-up case report of adult subjects harboring Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) with clinically matched subjects who did not have detectable Aa . 16 subjects with Aa and 16 subjects without Aa at the baseline examination were re-examined at an average of 46 months following collection of baseline data . Clinical measurements were recorded and subgingival plaque sampled and evaluated for microbial flora from each maxillary first molar . In 16 subjects with Aa at baseline, 4 sites in 3 subjects had detectable actinobacilli at the follow-up appointment . 26 sites in 13 individuals with Aa at baseline had a significantly increased gingival index at the follow-up visit (p less than or equal to 0.05), but there was no significant increase in probing depth or attachment loss . 32 sites in the 16 subjects without Aa at baseline still did not have detectable levels of this microorganism at the follow-up examination nor was there any significant difference between baseline and the follow-up appointment for the gingival index, probing depth and attachment level measurements . In subjects with Aa at baseline, 1 of 12 teeth without Aa and 5 of 20 teeth with Aa had been extracted prior to the follow-up visit . In this population group, having sites where Aa was detected, 6 of 9 teeth which had a probing depth greater than or equal to 5 mm were lost before the follow-up data collection appointment . In the control group, which did not have detectable Aa at baseline, 9 teeth with probing depths greater than or equal to 5 mm were not lost . These observations, although not proving, suggest in this population group, that deeper probing depths taken together with the presence of Aa may have placed an individual at greater risk of tooth loss. Ann Intern Med, 1992 Apr 1, 116(7), 540 - 3 Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents in patients receiving mechanical ventilation: the effect of body position; Torres A et al.; OBJECTIVE: To determine if the semirecumbent position (45-degree angle) decreases aspiration of gastric contents to the airways in intubated and mechanically ventilated patients . DESIGN: A randomized, two-period crossover trial . SETTING: Respiratory intensive care unit . PATIENTS: Nineteen patients requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation . INTERVENTIONS: Patients were studied in the supine and semirecumbent positions on two separate days . MEASUREMENTS: After technetium (Tc)-99m sulphur colloid labeling of gastric contents, sequential radioactive counts in endobronchial secretions were measured at 30-minute intervals over a 5-hour period . Samples of endobronchial secretions, gastric juice, and pharyngeal contents were obtained for qualitative bacterial cultures . RESULTS: Mean radioactive counts in endobronchial secretions were higher in samples obtained while patients were in the supine position than in those obtained while patients were in the semirecumbent position (4154 cpm compared with 954 cpm; P = 0.036) . Moreover, the aspiration pattern was time-dependent for each position: For the supine position, radioactivity was 298 cpm at 30 min and 2592 cpm at 300 min (P = 0.013); for the semirecumbent position, radioactivity was 103 cpm at 30 min and 216 cpm at 300 min (P = 0.04) . The same microorganisms were isolated from stomach, pharynx, and endobronchial samples in 32% of studies done while patients were semirecumbent and in 68% of studies done while patients were in the supine position . CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the supine position and length of time the patient is kept in this position are potential risk factors for aspiration of gastric contents . Elevating the head of the bed for patients who can tolerate the semirecumbent position may be a simple, no-cost prophylactic measure. Am J Dent, 1992 Apr, 5(2), 81 - 7 Pulp reactions to resin cements; Pameijer CH et al.; Several formulas of a resin-filled cement that successfully passed a series of laboratory tests were evaluated for their pulp reactions in primates . Their performance was compared to three controls: a positive control (silicate cement), a negative control (zinc oxide-eugenol) and a control group with the protection of calcium hydroxide . The chemical cure resin cement scored the lowest reactions for the 5-day evaluation . The intermediate and prolonged periods demonstrated no significant differences while average, acceptable responses were recorded . No resin cement formula scored as low as the negative control for the three time periods . Silicate cement, the positive control, scored the greatest inflammatory reaction of any material in the intermediate period, but this response was resolved after 60 days . When the resin cements were used with calcium hydroxide, the traditional reactions to calcium hydroxide were observed; an initial mild irritation that diminished with time and was completely resolved after 60 days . The resin cements, with or without the calcium hydroxide, compared favorably to the negative control IRM after 60 days . If the resin cements are appropriately applied, they are expected to be well tolerated by the human pulp . The microorganisms associated with microleakage (MLM) were minimal and there appeared to be no correlation between the MLM and pulp inflammation. ASAIO J, 1992 Apr-Jun, 38(2), 128 - 30 Hybrid artificial cells: microencapsulation of living cells; Chang TM; In 1965, the use of artificial cells for the microencapsulation of living cells was demonstrated . At that time, this technique was also proposed for use in immunoisolation of endocrine cells, islets, and hepatocytes as hybrid artificial organs . Progress in the biotechnology of cell culture in the last 10 years has allowed this approach to be extensively investigated by an increasing number of centers . The author's recent studies concentrated on microencapsulation of hepatocytes as a model system . Such cells were implanted to increase the survival of galactosamine induced fulminant hepatic failure rats, or to decrease the high bilirubin levels in Gunn rats and xenografts of microencapsulated rat hepatocytes into mice provided immunoisolation . Furthermore, hepatocyte secreted hepatic stimulating factors (mw 110,000 D) accumulating in the microcapsules helps to increase the viability of the hepatocytes . In addition to these studies, a novel, two step cell encapsulation method was developed to improve immunoisolation and biocompatibility . Microencapsulation of microorganisms was also carried out using a model microorganism to convert serum cholesterol to carbon dioxide. Int J Syst Bacteriol, 1992 Apr, 42(2), 257 - 62 Mycobacterium confluentis sp . nov; Kirschner P et al.; A new rapidly growing mycobacterium was isolated from human sputum . This organism grew at 22, 31, 37, and 41 degrees C and possessed catalase, acid phosphatase, acetamidase, urease, nicotinamidase, pyrazinamidase, and nitrate reductase activities . It did not produce nicotinic acid, hydrolyze Tween, or have benzamidase, isonicotinamidase, succinidamidase, and arylsulfatase activities . A mycolic acid analysis revealed a simple, unique pattern . The organism is susceptible to antituberculotic drugs . A comparative 16S rRNA sequence analysis placed this organism within the confines of the genus Mycobacterium, most closely related to the thermotolerant rapidly growing species . On the basis of the pattern of enzymatic activities and metabolic properties, as well as the unique 16S rRNA sequence, we propose that our single strain represents a new species, for which we propose the name Mycobacterium confluentis . The type strain is strain 1389/90; a culture of this strain has been deposited in the German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures as strain DSM 44017. J Periodontol, 1992 Apr, 63(4), 253 - 61 The apical border plaque in chronic adult periodontitis . An ultrastructural study . II . Adhesion, matrix, and carbohydrate metabolism; Vrahopoulos TP et al.; THE AIM OF THIS STUDY was to characterize the plaque matrix and relevant aspects of metabolism of the apical border plaque in relation to teeth affected by chronic adult periodontitis . The material comprised 56 teeth from 24 patients . Ruthenium red, alcian blue, lanthanum nitrate, and safranin 0 were used to label matrix polyanionic macromolecules and periodic acid-thiosemicarbazide-silver proteinate for intracellular polysaccharide (IPS) . The matrix components were amorphous, fibrillar, or globular . Many intact bacteria exhibited extracellular polysaccharides or glycocalyces associated with their cell wall and cytoplasmic IPS granules . The latter varied in size and distribution and were evident even in the most apically-advanced intact microorganisms . The results indicate that the matrix and IPS features of the apical border plaque in chronic periodontitis in certain respects resemble those of subcontact area plaque on children's teeth, associated with chronic gingivitis and approximal caries . They also suggest the establishment of acidic regions in the microniches of the periodontal pocket. J Pharm Pharmacol, 1992 Apr, 44(4), 295 - 9 Development of a prodrug of salicylic acid, salicylic acid-L-alanine conjugate, utilizing hydrolysis by rabbit intestinal microorganisms; Nakamura J et al.; The hydrolysis of salicylic acid-L-alanine conjugate (salicyl-L-alanine) following oral, intravenous, intracaecal and rectal administration (60, 10, 5 and 5 mg kg-1, respectively: salicylic acid equivalent) was examined in rabbits . Salicylic acid was detected in the blood 2 h after oral administration of salicyl-L-alanine and reached a maximum concentration at 10 h, whereas salicyl-L-alanine was rapidly eliminated . In contrast, unchanged salicyl-L-alanine only was found following intravenous administration of salicyl-L-alanine, suggesting that presystemic de-conjugation of salicyl-L-alanine was involved . The intestinal mucosal de-conjugation of salicyl-L-alanine was not recognized in the in-situ intestinal sac preparation with complete mesenteric venous blood collection . Immediate and very extensive salicylic acid formation in the caecum was found following intracaecal administration of salicyl-L-alanine . After oral pretreatment of rabbits with kanamycin sulphate, a significant inhibition of salicylic acid formation following intracaecal administration of salicyl-L-alanine was observed, indicating that the intestinal microorganisms were responsible for the biotransformation of salicyl-L-alanine . In-vitro incubation of salicyl-L-alanine with gut contents showed that the major source of its hydrolysis was the hind gut . Consequently, the blood concentration of salicylic acid was prolonged extensively following rectal administration of salicyl-L-alanine, suggesting the usefulness of salicyl-L-alanine as a prodrug of salicylic acid. G E N, 1992 Apr-Jun, 46(2), 137 - 51 {Bacterial translocation . Its role in the etiology of sepsis and multiple organ failure}; Zapata-Sirvent RL et al.; Under certain conditions or diseases the microorganisms that normally inhabited in the gastrointestinal tract reach the mesenteric lymph nodes, the portal circulation, the intra and extraperitoneal organs and the systemic circulation creating the possibility of infection, sepsis and multiple organ failure . This phenomenon has been termed bacterial translocation and although was described few decades ago, today it has regain critical importance due to the association to the multiple organ failure syndrome in critical and severely injured patients . In this review a series of pathologies where the translocation of bacteria has been demonstrated are described as well as the possible therapeutics maneuvers. Indian J Biochem Biophys, 1992 Apr, 29(2), 115 - 22 Macrophages in host defence--an overview; Moonis M et al.; The importance of macrophages in host defence is well documented . They are distributed in various tissues where they perform functions in normal steady state as well as in diseased condition . Macrophages secrete a number of enzymes, plasma proteins, complement and coagulation factors which regulate the effector functions of the macrophages . Exposure of macrophages to pathogens results in further metabolic changes which activate the former to secrete oxygen metabolites leading to their augmented microbicidal activity . Macrophages respond to the external stimuli by expressing a large repertoire of surface receptors which play an important role in the activation, recognition and endocytosis of foreign microorganisms . A large number of intracellular pathogens are harboured in the macrophages which can reside and replicate in them . A variety of strategem has been employed to target drugs to vacuolar apparatus of the macrophages in order to combat intracellular pathogens . This review covers some of these aspects particularly in relation to hose defence and methods by which therapeutic agents could be specifically delivered to macrophages. Rinsho Byori, 1992 Apr, 40(4), 392 - 6 {Active oxygen generating system in immune cells}; Kanegasaki S; Oxygen metabolites, such as O2-, H2O2 and HClO formed during the respiratory burst in phagocytes are known to be essential for killing certain microorganisms . In the initial reaction of the respiratory burst, an electron is transferred from NADPH to molecular oxygen to generate O2- . Other active oxygen species are formed secondarily from O2- . Patients with chronic granulomatous disease, whose phagocytes can not generate O2-, often suffer from recurrent, life-threatening infections . We have demonstrated recently that B lymphocytes but not T lymphocytes (nor NK cells) have an O2- generating system identical or very similar to that in phagocytes . This article deals with the present status of the research on O2- generating system in phagocytes and B lymphocytes. Bol Med Hosp Infant Mex, 1992 Apr, 49(4), 201 - 4 {Allergic conjunctivitis}; Del Rio-Navarro BE et al.; The eye reacts to foreign substances through a variety of specific and non-specific defense mechanisms . Constantly exposed to a great variety of microorganisms, the eye is capable of protecting itself without altering its own structure and function . Its resistance relies upon anatomic and physiological properties of its external components (eyelids, tears, conjunctiva and cornea) . Most of the times, the conjunctiva becomes affected, resulting in a clinical picture of conjunctivitis where allergy predominates, expressed as allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, giant papillary conjunctivitis and flictenular conjunctivitis . The physiopathology is considered to be of type I reaction (IgE mediated) . Frequent complains often associated with other allergic diseases are: pruritus, tearing, photofobia and ocular redness . The diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis in done by means of a throughout clinical history, conjunctival citology and evaluation of specific IgE with immediate skin tests . Treatment is symptomatic (antihistamines, antibiotics and/or topic steroids), but prevention (environmental control and sodium cromoglycate) and specific immunotherapy must be considered. Rev Argent Microbiol, 1992 Apr-Jun, 24(2), 53 - 9 {Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: laboratory diagnosis}; Zdero M et al.; We worked with 51 samples, 7 bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) and 44 sputa (S) of 31 AIDS patients with clinical and radiographic symptoms compatible with Pneumocystis pneumonia . With the aim of finding a specific sensitive methodology for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii, we evaluated 4 coloration techniques (silver methenamine, its modification without gold chloride, toluidine blue and Giemsa) . 35% of the patients studied were positive . P . carinii were observed in 18% of the 44 sputa . We observed that the analysis of a single sputum sample (S) has a very low sensitivity and that the processing of two or more samples is necessary since only one of the 14 patients who had sent a single sample was found P . carinii positive, while in the remaining ten who had sent more than one (S) sample, the microorganism was detected in 50% . 4 of the 7 BAL were positive . 4 BAL were preceded by the analysis of an (S) sample: in two cases the results were negative while BAL allowed us to make the diagnosis, thus demonstrating its greater efficacy . To enhance sensitivity each sample was centrifuged until exhaustion and 10 slides were prepared for coloration with the final sediment . The four techniques employed were specific and all the Pneumocystis pneumonia patients responded to the treatment . Silver methenamine, its modification without gold chloride, and toluidine blue were very sensitive, in contrast to of Giemsa . The stain to be chosen is either silver methenamine, or its modification, because both achieve the best contrast, allowing optimum P . carinii identification . We suggest the implementation of some of these techniques in laboratory routine. Biochem Pharmacol, 1992 Mar 17, 43(6), 1219 - 27 Vacuolar acidification and chloroquine sensitivity in Plasmodium falciparum; Bray PG et al.; The antimalarial chloroquine concentrates in the acid vesicles of Plasmodium falciparum partially as a result of its properties as a weak base . Chloroquine-resistant parasites accumulate less drug than sensitive parasites . A simple hypothesis is that the intravacuolar pH of resistant strains is higher than that for sensitive strains, as a consequence of a weakened proton pump in the vacuoles of resistant strains, thereby explaining the resistance mechanism . We have attempted to test this hypothesis by the use of bafilomycin A1, a specific inhibitor of vacuolar proton pumping ATPase systems in plant cells, animal cells and microorganisms . Bafilomycin A1 significantly reduces uptake of {3H}chloroquine into both chloroquine-sensitive and -resistant strains of P . falciparum, at concentrations of inhibitor which have no antimalarial effect . Additionally, chloroquine-resistant strains of P . falciparum are more sensitive to bafilomycin A1 than chloroquine-sensitive strains . The use of bafilomycin A1 in combination with chloroquine in the standard in vitro sensitivity assay, produced an apparent reduction in sensitivity of both strains to chloroquine . The reported data support the hypothesis that chloroquine resistance in P . falciparum is associated with increased vacuolar pH, possibly due to a weakened vacuolar proton pumping ATPase. J Dairy Sci, 1992 Mar, 75(3), 718 - 24 Effective cleaning and sanitizing of polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane systems; Bohner HF et al.; Polysulfone UF membranes that were soiled by Cheddar cheese whey were successfully cleaned in place . This cleaning procedure was completed in about 1 h . Most cleaning chemicals used were common and inexpensive . The cleaning procedure consisted of rinsing the membrane system for 2 min with water initially and after each cleaning solution . Sodium hydroxide at pH 11.0, with .1% of a nonionic surfactant added, was circulated for 20 min . After a 2-min rinse with water, a 1:1 mixture of nitric and phosphoric acids at pH 2 was circulated for 20 min and rinsed again with water . Finally, sodium hydroxide at pH 11.0, with 200 ppm of sodium hypochlorite added, was circulated for 20 min and rinsed . All cleaning solutions and all rinse waters were at 54 degrees C . Membranes cleaned by this procedure were found to be free from whey residue under examination by scanning electron microscopy . The cleaning process did not damage the membranes even when it was used continuously for 300 h . Microbial populations on the membrane were estimated by incubating small (4-cm2) sections of membrane in screw-cap vials filled with trypticase soy broth . From the portion of vials showing growth after 72 h at 32 degrees C, a most probable microbial population was calculated . Santizing cleaned polysulfone UF membranes with 100 ppm of sodium hypochlorite or 100 ppm of dichloroisocyanurate at 54 degrees C resulted in membranes free from viable microorganisms . When dichloroisocyanurate was used at 10 degrees C and 200 ppm, a most probable microbial population of 290/m2 was found . No microbial growth was detected when cleaned and sanitized membranes were stored in tap water for 24 h . This technique for cleaning UF membranes does not require the use of a holding solution containing santizers to control the growth of residual microorganisms. Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax, 1992 Mar 10, 81(11), 333 - 5 {Effects of changes in total ozone on solar UV-B radiation and the biosphere}; Blumthaler M; As a consequence of anthropogenic air pollution the total ozone content in the atmosphere on the northern hemisphere has slightly defined over about 20 years . This is accompanied by an increase in the biologically very effective solar UV-B-radiation . The damage of microorganisms and plants by an increase to UV-B-radiation is generally well known, but at the moment it cannot be expressed quantitatively . A consequence of increased UV-B-radiation for human beings would be an increased number of skin and eye damages . An ozone reduction by 1% would produce an increase in the 2 to 3% incidence of skin melanoma. Laryngorhinootologie, 1992 Mar, 71(3), 168 - 73 {Immunohistochemical identification of cholesteatoma-associated macrophage populations}; Negri R et al.; Extensive bone resorption occurring in aural cholesteatoma is responsible for the severe complications of this disease . In the area of active bone destruction, typical multinucleated osteoclasts are rarely seen, but a heavy cellular infiltrate is found . In the present study we tried to characterize the immunophenotype and the functional state of the cells infiltrating the stroma and the epithelial layer of aural cholesteatoma, using a panel of monoclonal antibodies directed against cell type specific anti