J Infect Dis, 1991 Jan, 163(1), 176 - 9 Chemorepulsion of trichomonads by products of neutrophil oxidative metabolism; Styrt B et al.; To determine whether secreted neutrophil products affect the migration of motile microorganisms such as Trichomonas vaginalis, stimulated human neutrophils and cell-free oxygen metabolites were used as stimuli in a multiwell filter chemotaxis assay using tritiated T . vaginalis . When stimulated neutrophils were present on the opposite side of the filter, migration of T . vaginalis into the filter was significantly diminished, and this reduction varied with the dose of neutrophil stimulus . The reduction of movement was abrogated by the addition of catalase and superoxide dismutase to scavenge oxygen metabolites . Studies with cell-free hydrogen peroxide or hypochlorite preparations indicated that the reduction in trichomonal trapping in the filter was due to chemorepulsion and not to a nonspecific decrease in motility or adherence . These findings suggest that active migration away from neutrophil products might be a means by which trichomonads avoid the microbicidal functions of host phagocytes. Nephron, 1991, 59(2), 250 - 3 Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies in patients on chronic intermittent haemodialysis; Loffeld RJ et al.; The presence of IgG antibodies against Helicobacter pylori in haemodialysis patients was studied . Furthermore the presence of antibodies in different age cohorts was compared with a population of patients suffering from non-ulcer dyspepsia and healthy blood donors . Antibodies were present in 43% of the haemodialysis patients . In the younger age groups the presence was low compared with the control populations; this difference was not present in the older age cohorts . There was an increasing prevalence of antibodies with rising age . We did not find a correlation between the height of the blood urea levels, before and after haemodialysis, and the presence of antibodies against H . pylori . In conclusion, a high blood urea level does not seem to be a risk factor, per se, for acquiring H . pylori, and the presence of the microorganism probably does not contribute, to a large extent, to the frequent dyspeptic complaints in haemodialysis patients. Drug Metab Rev, 1991, 23(3-4), 253 - 309 Metabolism of azo dyes: implication for detoxication and activation; Levine WG; Azo dyes are consumed and otherwise utilized in varying quantities in many parts of the world . Such widely used chemicals are of great concern with regard to their potential toxicity and carcinogenic properties . Their metabolism has been studied extensively and is significant for detoxication and metabolic activation . Both oxidative and reductive pathways are involved in these processes . The majority of azo dyes undergo reduction catalyzed by enzymes of the intestinal microorganisms and/or hepatic enzymes including microsomal and soluble enzymes . The selectivity of substrate and enzyme may to a large extent be determined by the oxygen sensitivity of reduction since a normal liver is mainly aerobic in all areas, whereas the microorganisms of the lower bowel exist in an anaerobic environment . However, it should be pointed out that the pO2 of centrilobular cells within the liver is only a fraction that of air, where pO2 = 150 torr . Therefore, an azo dye reduction experiment performed aerobically may not be an accurate predictor of reductive metabolism in all areas of the liver . Many of the azo dyes in common use today have highly charged substituents such as sulfonate . These resist enzymic attack and for the most part are poorly absorbed from the intestinal tract, providing poor access to the liver, the major site of the mixed-function oxidase system . Lipophilic dyes, such as DAB, which are often carcinogenic, readily access oxidative enzymes and are activated by both mixed-function oxidase and conjugating systems . Reduction of the carcinogenic dyes usually leads to loss of carcinogenic activity . By contrast, most of the highly charged water-soluble dyes become mutagenic only after reduction . Even then, most of the fully reduced amines required oxidative metabolic activation . An outstanding example is the potent human bladder carcinogen benzidine, which derives from the reduction of several azo dyes . Many problems regarding mutagenic and carcinogenic activation remain to be solved . At the present time, it is apparent that both oxidative and reductive pathways yield toxic products . Toxicologic assessment of azo dyes must consider all pathways and particularly the oxygen sensitivity of azoreduction . This is critical in the treatment of waste from chemical plants where there is a great need for soil bacteria which catalyze reduction aerobically . Consideration of secondary pathways are also of great concern . For example, azoreduction of carcinogenic dyes such as DAB removes carcinogenic activity although oxidative metabolism of the primary amines yield mutagenic products . Such apparent dilemmas must be dealt with when considering metabolism/toxicity relationships for azo dyes. Electron Microsc Rev, 1991, 4(2), 319 - 42 Ultrastructure of the apical zone of Euglena gracilis: photoreceptors and motor apparatus; Rosati G et al.; Euglena is an organism that every student of biology has observed; its morphology has been a subject of interest since the early microscopic literature for its enigmatic role of "plant-like" or "animal-like" organism . Therefore, this review has no pretensions to absolute novelty, but, like a journey to the centre of the earth, will attempt to arouse the reader's curiosity by taking him inside the cell Euglena, through the canal opening into the reservoir chamber . In light of the most recent knowledge, though much remains to be clarified, the aim is to provide information from ultramicroscopical studies on the apical zone of Euglena and possible functional meanings of the structures present therein . The survey of these structures is carried on as a study in correlation: TEM of cells after various treatments is correlated with SEM of cells fixed by means of different techniques . Notes on locomotion and other features of cytological and biological interest are added to assist with the comprehension of this microorganism. Nahrung, 1991, 35(5), 431 - 48 Modern immunoassays in meat-product analysis; Fukal L; The increased regulation of foodstuffs in modern society requires analytical methods which are easy to perform, sensitive, specific and relatively inexpensive . The basic antigen-antibody reaction provides means for very specific analytical procedures . Immunoassays are powerful analytical tools that permit the specific and rapid detection or measurement of antigens and haptens to which antibodies can be produced . Sensitive recognition of the interaction is made possible by labelling the analyte or antibody, mainly with radioisotope (RIA) and enzyme (ELISA) . Wide applications of these modern immunoassays to food analysis began about 1980 . The paper reviews investigations, where various types of RIA and ELISA were developed for the use in meat product analysis . Detection and determination of various meat species, non-meat proteins, microorganisms and bacterial toxins, drugs, anabolic hormones, pesticides, mycotoxins, and other contaminants in meat and meat products by the means of immunoassays is described . Now, the commercial kits are available for most of these compounds . They make possible to perform analysis in different laboratories under standard conditions . The reason of an enthusiasmic acceptance of this technology is related to its inherent specificity, high sensitivity, and the facility of application . In fact, immunoassays compete with other analytical technics . They have the advantage of economy when screening large numbers of samples. Probl Tuberk, 1991, (4), 7 - 10 {The effect of an ozone-oxygen mixture on Mycobacterium tuberculosis and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms}; Priimak AA et al.; The impact of a gaseous ozone-oxygen mixture (OOM) on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MBT) and opportunistic microorganisms was studied . It was demonstrated that on 15- and 30-min exposure, OOM caused a significant decrease in the number of colonies of the grown microorganisms as compared with the control . The OOM mixture produced the highest effect of the MBT suspension, which is likely to be related to a greater surface of ozone contact with a cell than with a dense medium, and higher concentration of ozone and its highly active radicals that arise from a treatment process . After treatment with a gaseous mixture, 80-90% of the microbial cells lost their reproductive ability . The strains grown after OOM action retain drug sensitivity of the original strain . The results suggest that the use of a gaseous OOM mixture is promising in the treatment of tuberculosis to cleanse the destruction cavities and pleural empyemas, including those of nonspecific etiology. Crit Rev Biotechnol, 1991, 10(4), 275 - 304 Microbial beta-glucanases different from cellulases; Bielecki S et al.; The beta-glucans different from cellulose are the most abundant class of polysaccharides . They are found in microorganisms and higher plants as structural entities of cell wall, as cytoplasmic and vacuolar reserve materials, and as extracellular substances . Enzyme systems capable to hydrolyze beta-glucans are produced by different microorganisms . The occurrence and nature of beta-glucanases and their substrates are reviewed . The regulation of biosynthesis of these enzymes, their properties, substrate and product specificities, mode of action and molecular cloning are described . The participation of beta-glucanases in the morphogenetic events of yeast cell is presented . The role and synergism of different types of 1,3-beta-glucanases in microbial cell wall lysis and the potential application for isolation of intracellular materials like proteins, carbohydrates, enzymes and as an analytical tool are discussed in the light of current knowledge. C R Acad Sci III, 1991, 312(9), 455 - 9 {Urticating hairs of "brown-tail" moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea L.) (Lepidoptera): preliminary studies in urban and laboratory}; Werno J et al.; Urticating hairs of the brown-tail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea L.) are detectable in the air using apparatus designed for the collection of airborne microorganisms and pollen research studies . The hairs are produced by caterpillars and are distributed by air currents or via moths . They were collected in Bordeaux . In the laboratory a nycthemeral cycle of hair emission is observed and is correlated with the biological activities of these species. Lasers Surg Med, 1991, 11(1), 69 - 71 Comparison of three lasers for dental instrument sterilization; Powell GL et al.; The sterilization of dental instruments is an area of great interest and recent concern in the field of dentistry . The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of three lasers (argon, CO2, and NdYAG) to sterilize dental instruments . Endodontic reamers were contaminated with microorganisms, lased at various levels of energy, placed in Trypticase soy broth, incubated, and read for growth or no growth to determine sterility . Results indicated that the argon laser is capable of sterilizing selected dental instruments at the lowest energy level (1 watt for 120 seconds) of the three lasers tested . The other two lasers were able to sterilize the instruments also, but at higher energy levels . Results indicated all three lasers capable of sterilizing selected dental instruments; however, the argon laser was able to do so consistently at the lowest energy level of 1 watt for 120 seconds. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr, 1991, 4(10), 930 - 7 Jejunal biopsy in HIV-infected patients; Madi K et al.; Forty-nine HIV-infected patients were submitted to peroral jejunal biopsy in order to evaluate the presence of microorganisms and the histomorphometric aspects of the enteric mucosa with subsequent correlation of these findings to the appropriate clinical stage of the disease . Thirty-seven patients fulfilled the CDC criteria for AIDS, of whom 23 presented with diarrhea . Of the 12 patients who had not yet been given an AIDS diagnosis . 3 had persistent generalized lymphadenopathy and 9 were asymptomatic carriers . Flat mucosa was observed in two patients (8.7%) with diarrhea and coccidea . Subtotal villous atrophy and severe lamina propria (LP) mononuclear infiltrate (13%) were found only in patients with diarrhea . Moderate to severe histologic changes were more frequently observed in this group, not always related to the presence of microorganisms . Crypt hyperregeneration was a constant finding . Intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) count was decreased in patients with diarrhea . Specific infectious agents were unexpectedly rare for the tropical developing country population studied . The organism most commonly associated with diarrhea was Cryptosporidium sp . (21.7%) . The etiology of diarrhea in a significant number of patients remains unclear. Mikrobiyol Bul, 1991 Jan, 25(1), 108 - 17 {Hypersensitivity (allergy) and infection}; Cicioglu R et al.; In this subject, we would attempt to discuss some specific and non-specific mechanisms involved in immunity as well as hypersensitivity reactions against to infectious agents . Figure 1 presents a simplification of the response of allergic patient to microorganisms . Immunity, hypersensitivity and unresponsiveness to different antigens of the same infectious agents can occur simultaneously . For example, a patient who is sensitized and partially protected to toxins and other antigenic components of an infectious agents can be allergic to harmless components of the same organism . Sufficient exposure to the infectious agent may cause an allergic as well as an infectious disease . An allergic component of an infectious disease is suspected when the symptoms are unusually severe, protracted or occur in a known allergic patient . Modification of the hypersensitivity reactions becomes an important part of the treatment of the infection. Infection, 1991, 19 Suppl 4, S202 - 5 Microbial strategies for intracellular survival; Hof H; Not only viruses but also certain bacteria, fungi as well as protozoa are able to reside and multiply within host cells; some of these microorganisms are facultative, others obligate intracellular hosts . They differ from each other in their mode of entry and in their strategies to survive intracellularly . Some remain in the phagocytic vacuole where they either block the fusion of lysosomes or resist the attack of the acidic milieu as well as the enzymatic digestion and multiply . Others escape from the vacuole to the cytoplasm where they travel around . This implies that chemotherapy has to respect these various intracellular life cycles . Therefore an antibiotic treatment can only be effective when the drug arrives in an active form at the special site of microbial residence. Exp Pathol, 1991, 42(2), 81 - 93 Leptospiral antigens (L . interrogans serogroup ictero-haemorrhagiae) in the kidney of experimentally infected guinea pigs and their relation to the pathogenesis of the renal injury; Alves VA et al.; The search for leptospiral antigens (L . interrogans serogroup icterohaemorrhagiae) was carried out in 24 guinea pigs experimentally inoculated with 1 ml of culture containing 10(7)-10(8) leprospires and sequentially sacrificed from the first until the 6th day of infection . Semiquantitative analysis of histopathological variables comprising kidney interstitium, tubules and glomeruli was done in 1 micron sections of tissue embedded in glycolmetacrylate . Leptospiral antigen (LAg) and its glycolipoprotein (GLP) expression were detected through PAP in paraffin embedded tissue . The mild interstitial involvement of the kidney, manifested chiefly by oedema and focal interstitial nephritis seen at the 4th day, progressed to tubular damage at the 6th day, characterized by either swelling or cytoplasmic acidophilia of epithelial cells with loss of cell cohesion and sloughing of cells into the tubular lumina . Brush border alterations and mitochondrial changes were observed . Endothelial cell injury was noted in the interstitial vessels . LAg expression was parallel to the kidney changes: small deposits of elongated forms of LAg were detected at the 4th day either within the vascular lumen or free in the interstitium . A rise in the antigen expression was observed at the 5th day when it was seen either around tubules or in their walls . LAg was detected inside the tubular lumina at the 6th day of infection when granular LAg and GLP were abundant . This sequence reproduces the pathway of leptospires in the kidney and the crescent amounts of antigens detected toward the end of the experiment, with antigen concentration in cases of major tissue damage suggesting a direct action of the microorganisms and/or their products in the pathogesis of the lesions. Probl Tuberk, 1991, (3), 5 - 9 {Diagnosis of granulomatous lung diseases}; Khomenko AG; The accumulated experience and the literature data allow for the separation of a group of granulomatous pulmonary diseases among pulmonary diseases of different etiology . Etiologically heterogeneous granulomatous diseases are united by the general signs: granuloma development, immunologic disturbances mainly within the cellular system and mediators as well as systemic vascular affection in the form of vasculitis . In our opinion, granulomatous diseases include disseminated tuberculosis, sarcoidosis of respiratory organs, exogenic and idiopathic fibrous alveolitis, Wegener's granulomatosis, histiocytosis X, primary hemosiderosis, Goodpasture's syndrome and some other rare diseases . Granulomatous diseases are diagnosed on the basis of the ++clinico-roentgenologic findings with an obligatory cytological and histological study of the bioptic specimen; immunologic diseases are diagnosed proceeding from the study of the immunologic status and detection of specific antibodies; of great significance for the diagnosis of pulmonary granuloma caused by infectious pathogens are microbiologic studies which provide for the detection of microorganisms and fungi . Study of the clinicoroentgenologic and laboratory data made it possible to distinguish a number of features typical for each disease and to unite them into diagnostic symptom complexes . Despite the different course of granulomatous pulmonary diseases they may end in recovery and granuloma resolution, development of lung fibrosis in a chronic course and in certain diseases in lung tissue destruction with cavity formation (tuberculosis, Wegener's granulomatosis) . A fatal outcome may also ensue due to an acute or chronic course of the diseases. Pediatr Radiol, 1991, 21(4), 254 - 7 Percutaneous needle aspiration of neonatal lung abscesses; Lee SK et al.; Three premature infants (mean gestational age 27 weeks) ranging in age from 3 to 11 weeks, were treated for lung abscesses, with a combination of antibiotics and percutaneous needle aspiration under either ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance . Antibiotics, to which microorganisms cultured from aspirated pus were sensitive, were continued for a further period of two weeks, with no relapse in any of the patients . The lung abscesses resolved in all cases without the need for catheter drainage or surgery . In conclusion, needle aspiration under either ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance is a simple and effective diagnostic and therapeutic method of managing neonatal lung abscesses . Its early use allows selection of the most appropriate antibiotics and may hasten recovery, prevent further complications and obviate the need for surgery . The use of a drainage catheter does not appear to be necessary for resolution of the abscesses . The procedure appears reasonably safe, since complications arising from the procedure were benign. Schweiz Monatsschr Zahnmed, 1991, 101(2), 151 - 61 {The etiopathogenesis of periodontal diseases: the role of microorganisms . A review}; Zafiropoulos GG et al.; The microbiology of periodontal diseases as well as associations between certain microorganisms and types/stages of periodontal diseases are discussed and the ecology and the composition of the subgingival plaque are included in this discussion, too . Furthermore, the possible role of microorganisms associated with periodontal diseases, their pathogenic mechanisms and their virulence factors are treated in the present article . Periodic upsets of the host-parasite equilibrium seem to be responsible for the bursts of disease progression . Several plaque hypotheses (specific, non-specific, opportunistic) have been proposed as likely models to explain the nature of periodontal infections and diseases . However, none of these theories is widely accepted at the moment . Therefore, we suggest that further investigations concerning the complex bacterial interactions and the manner in which the host responds to the mass and the composition of the dental plaque must be carried out in the future. Crit Rev Microbiol, 1991, 18(1), 1 - 13 Biochemical activities of entomophagous fungi; Domnas AJ et al.; This review is directed toward the study of the physiology and biochemistry of parasitic fungi on insects and stresses the usefulness and utility of these organisms from the standpoint of applied research and biotechnology . The review covers the principal contributions made by investigators toward elucidation of the infective mechanisms of the entomogenous fungi, and the various biochemical attributes of these organisms . The interplay of the various enzymes and associated biochemical substances which are involved in the infective process is discussed as well as the important studies of the peculiar physiology frequently associated with these microorganisms. Lab Anim Sci, 1991 Jan, 41(1), 57 - 62 An attempt to predict anergy in tuberculosis suspect cynomolgus monkeys; Corcoran KD et al.; Acid-fast microorganisms were identified from the tuberculous lesions of a male cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) . Twenty-two other cynomolgus monkeys housed in the same room were presumed exposed to tuberculosis (Mycobacterium spp.) . In addition to standard intradermal (ID) tuberculin testing, clinicians attempted to evaluate the immune status of these monkeys in order to identify animals exhibiting false negative (anergy) ID tuberculin tests . Twenty-one of the potentially exposed monkeys were immunized with tetanus toxoid (TT) . Tetanus antitoxin (TAT) titers were measured before and after immunization . The delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity (DCH) reaction to TT was evaluated using a commercially available human test panel . Some animals did not exhibit a DCH reaction to TT . At necropsy 1 of the 21 animals exhibited tuberculous lesions, and acid-fast microorganisms were identified on direct smears of lymphatic tissue of a second animal . Although reported to be of value in assessing the cellular immune status of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), the delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity response to tetanus toxoid was not helpful during this outbreak in identifying cynomolgus monkeys infected with M . tuberculosis, or in interpreting suspect ID tuberculin tests. J Leukoc Biol, 1991 Jan, 49(1), 73 - 82 Killing of Leishmania parasites in activated murine macrophages is based on an L-arginine-dependent process that produces nitrogen derivatives; Mauel J et al.; The experiments described in this report were aimed at determining whether L-arginine (L-arg)-derived nitrogen oxidation products (nitric oxide, nitrous acid, nitrites) are involved in the intracellular killing of Leishmania parasites by activated murine macrophages in vitro . Peritoneal or bone marrow-derived macrophages were infected with L . enriettii or L . major, then activated by exposure to recombinant murine interferon-gamma or to macrophage activating factor (MAF)-rich media in the presence of lipopolysaccharide . Activation of macrophages in regular (i.e., arginine-containing) culture medium led to complete destruction of the microorganisms within 24 h (L . enriettii) or 48 h (L . major), concomitant with accumulation of nitrites (NO2-) in the culture fluids . When macrophage activation was carried out in L-arg-free medium, however, neither parasite killing nor NO2- production was obtained . A similar inhibition of macrophage leishmanicidal activity and of NO2- release was observed using media treated with arginase (which converts L-arg to urea and ornithine), or supplemented with NG-monomethyl-L-arg or guanidine (which inhibit the conversion of L-arg to nitrogen oxidation products) . In all these situations, an excellent correlation between the levels of NO2- production by macrophages and intracellular killing of Leishmania was observed, whereas no strict correlation was detectable between leishmanicidal activity and superoxide production . Intracellular parasite killing by activated macrophages could be prevented by addition of iron salts to the incubation fluids . Incubation of free parasites with NaNO2 at acid pH (which permits the production of nitrous acid) led to immobilisation, multiplication arrest, and morphological degeneration of the microorganisms . Similarly, exposure of infected cells to NaNO2 led to killing of the intracellular parasite without affecting macrophage viability . These experiments strongly suggest that the leishmanicidal effect of activated murine macrophages involves the agency of L-arg-derived nitrogen oxidation products. G Ital Med Lav, 1991 Jan-Nov, 13(1-6), 51 - 4 Human health and air conditioning systems; Rossi GL et al.; In air-conditioned buildings indoor air quality is closely dependent on the efficiency of air-conditioning and humidifier systems since these systems provide a suitable environment for the proliferation of microorganisms . Pollutants released by microorganisms are termed 'bioaerosols' and may be spread in the indoor environment through the air-conditioning system . Moreover, the tightening of the buildings in which central air-conditioning systems are usually located increases the levels of indoor pollutants . Both hypersensitivity and infectious diseases are associated with bioaerosol exposure, whereas the sick building syndrome (a complex of symptoms described among workers in modern office buildings which are hermetically sealed and mechanically ventilated) is very unlikely to have a bioaerosol component. G Batteriol Virol Immunol, 1991 Jan-Dec, 84(1-12), 61 - 6 {Evaluation of the fungicidal-fungistatic activity of various preparations for the cure and prevention of seborrheic dermatitis}; Penna R et al.; Fungistatic and fungicide activity of 4 preparations available on the market for the prevention and treatment of infection due to P . ovale has been defined . P . ovale is a microorganism which complicates phlogosis of seborrhoeic dermatitis . The advantages of the presence of a limited antifungal activity are considered. Acta Otolaryngol Suppl, 1991, 485, 15 - 7 Lymphocyte-macrophage activity in the human endolymphatic sac; Rask-Andersen H et al.; The human endolymphatic sac was analysed electron microscopically in patients undergoing acoustic Schwannoma surgery or vestibular nerve section . In addition, endolymphatic sacs from cadavers were analysed light microscopically . The results show that the human sac is endowed with a variable number of leucocytes and that there is a continuous recirculation of immuno-competent cells in this area of the inner ear that may be of importance for clearance of the inner ear from foreign substances and microorganisms derived from nearby located infection-prone areas . The possibility in Meniere's disease of a disturbed immunological activity in the sac is discussed. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz, 1991, 86 Suppl 2, 211 - 8 Plant lectins, chemical and biological aspects; Moreira Rde A et al.; Lectins, carbohydrate-binding proteins of non-immune origin, that agglutinate cells or precipitate polysaccharides and glycoconjugates, are well distributed in nature, mainly in the Plant Kingdom . The great majority of the plant lectins are present in seed cotyledons where they are found in the cytoplasm or in the protein bodies, although they have also been found in roots, stems and leaves . Due to their peculiar properties, the lectins are used as a tool both for analytical and preparative purposes in biochemistry, cellular biology, immunology and related areas . In agriculture and medicine the use of lectins greatly improved in the last few years . The lectins, with few exceptions, are glycoproteins, need divalent cations to display full activity and are, in general, oligomers with variable molecular weight . Although the studies on lectins have completed a century, their role in nature is yet unknown . Several hypotheses on their physiological functions have been suggested . Thus, lectins could play important roles in defense against pathogens, plant-microorganism symbiosis, cell organization, embryo morphogenesis, phagocytosis, cell wall elongation, pollen recognition and as reserve proteins . A brief review on the general properties and roles of the lectins is given. Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1991, 36(6), 542 - 8 Production of alditols from D-xylose by yeasts; Stankovic L et al.; Production of glycerol, tetritols, pentitols, hexitols and heptitols was tested with 193 strains of yeasts and yeast-like microorganisms belonging to 13 genera . According to the production of alditols, the yeast species were divided into four groups . The largest group consisted of pentitol-producing yeasts . Only few species produced glycerol, tetritol and hexitol . Production of heptitols was found mainly in sporulating yeasts. Biol Met, 1991, 4(4), 223 - 32 Characterization of the pyoverdines of Azotobacter vinelandii ATCC 12837 with regard to heterogeneity; Menhart N et al.; Azotobacter vinelandii strain ATCC 12837 produces peptide siderophores of the general class known as pyoverdines . In the past, it was assumed that a single well-defined pyoverdine was produced by each parent microorganism . However, there are a number of reports of incompletely characterized pyoverdines that demonstrate heterogeneity in pyoverdine preparations obtained from a single organism, but the nature of this phenomena has not been explained . This study shows that A . vinelandii does indeed produce more than one pyoverdine and that these compounds differ in their peptide components . The metabolism of these siderophores suggests that only one of them is a true siderophore while the others are metabolic byproducts . It was demonstrated that this phenomenon is likely due to intrinsic limitations of the synthetase complex involved in the biosynthesis of these compounds . Characterization of two of the major pyoverdines produced demonstrated that they are novel compounds, although they belonged to the Azotobacter-type family of pyoverdines. Dermatologica, 1991, 183(3), 191 - 6 Pityrosporum ovale/orbiculare in papillomatous nevus cell nevi; Mittag H et al.; 62% of 200 papillomatous nevus cell nevi compared to 45% of 40 seborrheic keratoses showed the presence of Pityrosporum ovale/orbiculare (Malassezia furfur) on their surface, supposedly representing a saprophytic state of the microorganisms in vivo . The papillomatous nevus cell nevi were of the compound or dermal type . Significant inflammation, dysplasia or major changes in color were absent . Electron microscopy revealed the characteristic, sometimes budding fungal cells . A relationship between the presence of Pityrosporum organisms and papillomatosis is discussed. Med Microbiol Immunol (Berl), 1991, 180(3), 135 - 41 Immunosuppression of the host and delivery of iron to the pathogen: a possible dual role of siderophores in the pathogenesis of microbial infections? Autenrieth I, Hantke K, Heesemann J. Iron is an essential growth factor for procaryotes as well as for eucaryotes . Microorganisms have developed specific iron-uptake systems by producing low-molecular weight iron-chelating compounds (siderophores) . We have examined the effect of the siderophores desferrioxamine (DFO), desferrichrome (DFC), desferriaerobactin (DFAB) and desferrienterobactin (DFEA) on the mitogen-stimulated activation and proliferation of mouse T cells . The hydroxamate siderophores DFO, DFC and DFAB cause an immunosuppressive effect on T cells which is related to the iron complexation constant of the siderophores and can be reversed by equimolar ferric iron . In contrast, the catecholate siderophore DFEB and its ferrated derivative turned out to be cytotoxic for T cells . These results suggest a dual role of siderophores in the infectious process, i.e., growth enhancement of the invading pathogen and inhibition of the host immune defense. Gig Tr Prof Zabol, 1991, (2), 3 - 6 {Problems of work hygiene and occupational pathology in industrial poultry breeding farms}; Eglite ME et al.; The major hazardous factors of the labour conditions in modern poultry farms are presented by dust mixtures including both vegetable and organic substances, biologically active substances and microorganisms, gaseous products, as well as unfavourable microclimate conditions and physical overload . Detailed medical examinations of poultry farmers revealed dependence of respiratory and pulmonary diseases, cardiovascular and nervous disorders on the labour conditions, the major etiologic factor being such allergens as feathers, down, blood serum, poultry excrements, bacteria and fungi. Cesk Epidemiol Mikrobiol Imunol, 1991 Jan, 40(1), 43 - 8 {Torulopsis glabrata . Morphologic characteristics, biotyping and sensitivity to isolates of antifungal agents in vitro}; Pospisil J; The authors described morphological and biochemical properties of twenty strains of Torulopsis glabrata and two strains of T . candida and T . sphaerica, mostly of human origin . By means of eight biotyping tests based on the evaluation of so-called resistograms the isolates of T . glabrata were divided into eight biotypes . The authors discussed the problem of possible use of biotyping of T . glabrata in investigations of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of mycoses caused by this microorganism . In investigations of the sensitivity of strains of Torulopsis spp . to nine antimycotic agents in vitro it was revealed that the isolates were sensitive to all polyene antibiotics (amphotericin B, nystatin and pimaricin) and to 5-fluorocytosine . The sensitivity to azole chemotherapeutic agents (clotrimazole, econazole, miconazole, ketoconazole and itraconazole) was more varied: some strains were resistant to clotrimazole and econazole. Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1991, 36(2), 99 - 111 Immunomodulators isolated from microorganisms; Vanek Z et al.; Microbial products are surveyed that have an immunoregulatory activity, both from the realm of low-molar-mass compounds and from the group of naturally occurring polymers . The data include in most cases the producer organism or source, a brief chemical characteristic and biological activity . Various groups of substances are compared, the drawbacks attendant on their acquisition and application are pointed out and their advantageous properties are specified. Bull Soc Pathol Exot, 1991, 84(5 Pt 5), 597 - 602 {Epidemiology and prevention of the neonatal transmission of gonococcus and Chlamydia}; Coulaud JP; Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum may be severe with a high risk of blindness, therefore prophylaxis is mandatory . Antibiotic eye drops and ointments are less effective to prevent chlamydial ophthalmia, usually less severe . Both microorganisms may be responsible to prematurity and perinatal deaths. Bull Soc Pathol Exot, 1991, 84(5 Pt 5), 436 - 40 {Sexually transmitted diseases and mother-infant transmission (epidemiology and prevention)}; Coulaud JP; Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum may be severe with a high risk of blindness; therefore prophylaxis is mandatory . Chlamydial ophthalmia is less severe and prevention remains less effective . Both microorganisms may be responsible of preterm labour and perinatal deaths . Congenital syphilis is an important public health problem in developing countries . Some recent papers underline the decrease of infestation when mothers may be screened during pregnancy (at least two times in initially seronegative mothers) and correctly treated by beta-lactamines. Dtsch Stomatol, 1991, 41(12), 455 - 6 {The influence of an amine fluoride/stannous fluoride-containing gel on the oral microorganisms}; Bley A et al.; We examined the influence of an aminefluoride/stannous fluoride-containing gel (250 ppm F-) on the anaerobic metabolism of oral microorganisms in saliva specimens of 22 adult probands . A long lasting inhibition of the bacterial metabolism could be demonstrated. Acta Vet Scand, 1991, 32(4), 519 - 26 Impairment of neutrophil functions in a dog with an eosinophilic dermatosis; Thomsen MK et al.; An eosinophilic dermatosis was diagnosed in a dog with a multifocal distribution of pruritic, pustular and erosive lesions on the trunk . Ectoparasites, fungi and bacteria were not detected in the skin of the dog . At a subsequent admission to the university clinic, bacterial conjunctivitis and superficial pyoderma had developed . At a time when the dog received no medical therapy, evaluation of phagocytosis and chemotactic migration towards a variety of chemotactic factors revealed a general suppression of patient neutrophil responsiveness, as compared to a control dog . Viability of the patient's neutrophils was normal . It was proposed that deactivation of neutrophil functions occurred following exposure to suppressive factors from mast cells, or as a consequence of surface receptor down-regulation due to prolonged cell activation by as yet unknown stimulants . The observed susceptibility to infections in the dog suffering from a primary, sterile eosinophilic dermatosis may be related to impaired host defence against opportunistic microorganisms. Acta Vet Scand, 1991, 32(4), 425 - 9 Mycoplasma hyosynoviae isolation from the upper respiratory tract and tonsils of pigs; Friis NF et al.; The occurrence of Mycoplasma hyosynoviae at different locations of the upper respiratory tract and tonsils of pigs was investigated in herds with problems of arthritis apparently caused by this microorganism . The isolation of M . hyosynoviae was facilitated by the use of a medium selectively suppressing the growth of Mycoplasma hyorhinis . M . hyosynoviae was cultured from 106 of 178 tonsils of slaughterhouse pigs from 8 herds but could not be isolated from the mucosa of the nasal cavity or the oral-pharyngeal area of 100 living, 10-20 weeks old pigs in 5 of the herds . The value of the selective principles in the medium appears from the circumstance that 86 of the 106 isolates were obtained despite the presence of M . hyorhinis . It is concluded that the tonsil is a reservoir for M . hyosynoviae and is probably the location of choice for an easy demonstration of the presence of this mycoplasma in a pig herd. Polim Med, 1991, 21(1-2), 23 - 30 {Clinical evaluation of hydrogel-type dressing materials after their 8-year use}; Misterka S; The subject to assessment were hydrogel dressings (in 42 patients) compared with the classical gauze dressing with an addition of various pharmaceuticals (in 65 patients) . We found out that the gauze dressings get dry 24 hours after they have been applied, their replacement being very painful . The hydrogel dressings, on the other hand, do not cause any pain when replaced after the 24 hours . The hygroscopic properties of hydrogel dressings allow a quick cleaning of the wound from microorganisms . Permitting an easy absorption of antibiotics and other drugs, they contribute to an acceleration of the healing process and epidermis development. Gesnerus, 1991, 49 Pt 3-4, 395 - 408 {Contribution of Friedrich Wilhelm Zahn (1845-1904) to the study of inflammation}; Benaroyo L; Prior to being named to the first chair of Pathology at Geneva University, Friedrich Wilhelm Zahn had published, in 1871, his doctoral thesis entitled Zur Lehre von der Entzundung und Eiterung . This work, written under the direction of Edwin Klebs, at Berne, demonstrated experimentally that the so-called Microsporon septicum (an infectious fungus identified by Klebs) provoked a local inflammation as well as remote secondary focal suppurations . This study apparently confirmed Kleb's hypothesis that Microsporon septicum, usually present in wounds, is the cause of an infectious disease . Zahn's research as well as the work of Klebs fell under attack: the method of identifying the microorganism as well as the demonstration of his causal relationship to inflammation were not conclusive . At the end of the discussion, it was admitted that the status of a cause of infection could be attributed to a microorganism only under the two following conditions: the latter must be identified with Koch's method, and his causal relationship to the infectious disease must be specific . This is precisely what Zahn's thesis was unable to prove . The analysis of his work as well as of the critical arguments enables us to follow and understand the controversy on the cause of inflammation and suppuration at the dawn of the bacteriological age. Toxicon, 1991, 29(11), 1359 - 71 Methods for correlation analysis of toxins and species present in random samples of phytoplankton; Sevcik C et al.; We developed and tested two new procedures to find which species present in samples of phytoplankton is responsible for the production of a toxin . The procedures represent a different form of correlation analysis that uses information on the presence or absence of the toxin, and on the relative abundance of each species of plankton in the samples . The efficiency of the algorithms is tested by random process simulation . The algorithms were clearly superior to known techniques dealing with correlations between binary variables to show the toxin producing microorganism . We used experimental toxin isolation from phytoplankton as an example of practical success using the most efficient of the algorithms tested. Microbiol Immunol, 1991, 35(9), 795 - 802 Effects of biocidal treatments to inhibit the growth of legionellae and other microorganisms in cooling towers; Yamamoto H et al.; The effects of biocidal treatments for cooling towers were examined through the use of chemicals and ultraviolet irradiation to inhibit the growth of legionellae and other microorganisms . In the water of cooling towers without continuous biocidal treatments, heterotrophic bacteria and bacterivorous protozoan first appeared, and then legionellae increased up to 10(4) CFU/100 ml . When a UV sterilizer was connected to the cooling tower, the legionellae count was 1/10 or 1/100 of that in the nontreated tower water . In the water of towers supplemented continuously with the biocidal chemicals, legionellae were not found during a 4-month period . The biocidal treatments tested were proved to suppress the increase of legionellae in cooling-tower water, and thus are useful in preventing the outbreak of legionellosis due to inhalation of contaminated aerosol from the cooling tower system. Ann Biol Clin (Paris), 1991, 49(10), 528 - 35 International Federation of Clinical Chemistry . The expanding role of robotics in the clinical laboratory; Ozawa K et al.; Increasing numbers of robots are going to be employed industrial chemical laboratories . Most of these will be used to reduce the monotonous tasks of sample preparation, to minimize human exposure to dangerous environments or to carry out huge numbers of repetitive experimental procedures . For example, looking for the most effective condition or combination in chemical synthesis or the best microorganism in a large number of cultures . In the clinical laboratory the situation is slightly different and robotics is not so widely applied in clinical laboratories, but there is a definite trend to employ robots or robotic systems both to reduce labor volume and exposure of employees to possible biohazards and to help get more precise and correct results . These needs will be hard to fulfill via the usual automated devices and especially when adequate devices are not available . Specially designed machines will have to be produced to satisfy these demands and robotics will play a part . Finally we need to evaluate the effectivity of introduction of robotics in terms of economy, strategy, biosafety and other aspects . Typical examples of implementation of robotics in the clinical laboratory are transportation of specimens, front-end automation of sample preparation, separation and aliquotting as well as selected processes in a large scale automation systems . As described previously, robots that are commercially available now, are not intelligent enough to be easily handled by personnel who are not trained for robotics . There is a need for personnel dedicated to robotics who join the project from the very beginning of the plan and who can maintain the system properly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 1991, 61(4), 319 - 24 Branched-chain amino acids overcome cycloleucine growth inhibition in B12 and non-B12-requiring microorganisms; Baker H et al.; Because cycloleucine (CL) inhibits methionine, and probably B12, we studied CL activity in some B12 or methionine dependent microorganisms to determine whether methionine or other amino acids are targeted by CL . We found that branched-chain amino acids, valine in particular, effectively annulled CL growth inhibition, whereas B12 was ineffective . alpha-Ketoisovalerate was the only intermediate in pathways of branched-chain amino acids catabolism that overcome CL toxicity; propionate, methylmalonate, succinate, alpha-ketoisocaproate and alpha-ketoglutarate were inactive by themselves or in combination . This study suggests that CL antagonizes the action of not only B12 and methionine but also branched-chain amino acids . Results seem comparable to those with B12-deficient fruit bats having neurologic involvement. Arch Insect Biochem Physiol, 1991, 16(3), 201 - 12 Digestive proteinases of larvae of the corn earworm, Heliothis zea: characterization, distribution, and dietary relationships; Lenz CJ et al.; Proteinases and peptidases from the intestinal tract of fifth-instar larvae of Heliothis (= Helicoverpa) zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) were characterized based on their substrate specificity, tissue of origin, and pH optimum . Activity corresponding to trypsin, chymotrypsin, carboxypeptidases A and B, and leucine aminopeptidase was detected in regurgitated fluids, midgut contents, and midgut wall . High levels of proteinase activity were detected in whole midgut homogenates, with much lower levels being observed in foregut and salivary gland homogenates . In addition, enzyme levels were determined from midgut lumen contents, midgut wall homogenates, and regurgitated fluids . Proteinase activities were highest in the regurgitated fluids and midgut lumen contents, with the exception of leucine aminopeptidase activity, which was found primarily in the midgut wall . Larvae fed their natural diet of soybean leaves had digestive proteinase levels that were similar to those of larvae fed artificial diet . No major differences in midgut proteinase activity were detected between larvae reared under axenic or xenic conditions, indicating that the larvae are capable of digesting proteins in the absence of gut microorganisms . The effect of pH on the activity of each proteinase was studied . The pH optima for the major proteinases were determined to be pH 8.0-8.5 for trypsin, when tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester was used as the substrate; and pH 7.5-8.0 for chymotrypsin, when benzoyl-L-tyrosine ethyl ester was used as the substrate. Dev Biol Stand, 1991, 75, 97 - 102 Inactivation of BSE agent; Taylor DM; Although there are no data reported yet for inactivation of BSE agent it is reasonable in the interim, to draw upon existing data for other transmissible degenerative encephalopathies (TDE), much of which derives from experiments with the scrapie agent . Such studies suggest that no standard chemical or physical decontamination procedure will reliably inactivate the amount of scrapie/BSE infectivity present in worst-case situations but high concentrations of sodium hypochlorite or sodium hydroxide have been shown respectively to be completely effective or almost so . Regarding physical inactivation procedures, it is clear that some infectivity survives exposure to doses of UV and ionising radiations which represent "overkill" for conventional viruses . With dry heat, survival of infectivity is also remarkable, and it is only through autoclaving that apparently secure standards can be achieved for thermal inactivation; even so, autoclaving procedures need to be more rigorous than for conventional microorganisms, and can be compromised by prior chemical treatment of infected material. Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig, 1991, 42(1), 75 - 9 {Sensitivity of surface microorganisms to disinfectants}; Krzywicka H et al.; The influence of humidity and temperature on survival of S . aureus and P . aeruginosa on the surfaces of titles, glass and blanket carriers has been estimated . The number of CFU was examined after exposure time 6 and 24 hours in temperatures of 21 degrees C, 37 degrees C and RH 35%, 95% . It was observed: 1 . The important reduction of numbers of both microorganisms at temperature 37 degrees C and RH 95%, 2 . The relatively high number of survival cells of P . aeruginosa on the surface of blankets at temp . 21 degrees C and RH 95% . The microorganisms on the carriers were previously kept for 24 h at temp . 21 degrees C, RH 35% and 95% and then exposed to solutions of chloramine, formalin, lysol and Sterinol (QAC) . It was observed that there was a great dependence of the disinfecting effect on the degree of dessication of the surfaces . In all cases the resistance of contaminated carriers stored 24 h was higher at 95% RH than at 35% RH. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl, 1991, 187, 47 - 55 Mucolytic effects of Helicobacter pylori; Sarosiek J et al.; The mechanisms associated with colonization of human gastroduodenal mucosa by Helicobacter pylori remain unclear . To colonize gastric-type epithelium H . pylori must enter the gastric lumen, resist damage by all bactericidal factors operating within the acidic gastric milieu, penetrate the mucus gel despite highly viscous and hydrophobic properties of the mucus layer, and, finally, secure optimal conditions for its further multiplication . Since the H . pylori microorganism has been seen freely spread throughout the entire mucus layer thickness as well as in intimate contact with surface epithelium, the interrelationship between this spiral microorganism and the mucus seems to be of paramount importance . H . pylori has been shown to affect adversely the chemical and physical properties of the mucus layer . Therefore, the mucus layer compromised by the presence of this microorganism may become an easy target for acid and peptic damage, which ultimately leads to mucosal pathology, inflammation and/or peptic ulcer disease. Prog Growth Factor Res, 1991, 3(2), 87 - 102 Interleukin 5 and its receptor; Takatsu K et al.; IL-5 is a cytokine mainly produced by T lymphocytes, especially when they are sensitized with microorganisms, which induce eosinophils and Ly-1 positive B lineage cells, both of which are probably engaged in the primary protection against micro-organisms . These possibilities are discussed by analyzing IL-5 transgenic mice . We also discuss the possibility of using these mice as animal models for the diseases which may be caused by increased levels of eosinophils . Although IL-5 is not produced by bone marrow stromal cells, it is involved in the early development of eosinophils and Ly-1 positive B-lineage cells that can differentiate into macrophages . The clue to the role of IL-5 may exist in the constitution of IL-5 receptor . The IL-5 receptor consists of alpha and beta chains . The alpha chain is a 60 kDa glycosylated protein which binds IL-5, by itself, with low affinity . On the other hand, the 130 kDa beta chain does not bind IL-5 by itself, but forms high affinity IL-5 receptors together with the alpha chain . Surprisingly, this beta chain is probably shared with the GM-CSF receptor and is very homologous to the IL-3 receptor . It seems that the beta chain is expressed in the very early stage of hematopoiesis . The alpha chain may be directly related to the cell lineage commitment. Adv Exp Med Biol, 1991, 294, 437 - 44 Induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in tumor cells transplanted into allogeneic mouse: interferon-gamma is the inducer; Takikawa O et al.; Tryptophan depletion observed during induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in cultured cells has been suggested to involve a mechanism identical to that employed in self-defense against inhaled microorganisms and tumor growth . We recently reported that a dramatic induction of IDO occurred in i.p . transplanted tumor (Meth-A) cells undergoing rejection from allogeneic mice (C57BL/6), and that soluble factor(s) released from infiltrated host cells was responsible for the IDO induction . Here we report on the characterization of the soluble factor . To assay the factor, we used a 35 mm special culture dish (Transwell), which consisted of two wells divided vertically with a membrane (0.4 micron pore) . Host cells (mainly lymphocytes) that infiltrated into the transplantation loci were cultured in the upper well, and untreated Meth-A cells in the lower well . With this in vitro system, the membrane-permeable factor, released by the host cells (upper well), induced IDO in the tumor cells (lower well) . The culture superna tants, obtained by centrifuging the culture media from the upper and lower wells, contained the IDO inducer . The inducer activity was completely neutralized by the addition of antibody against interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) but not by antibody against IFN-alpha/beta . The concentration of IFN-gamma in the medium after 1-day culture with a Transwell culture dish was found to be 2-3 U/ml based on the neutralization curve with the antibody . At this concentration, recombinant IFN-gamma induced IDO in Meth-A cells to the same extent as the inducer in the culture medium . These observations indicate that the in vivo factor for IDO induction in the allografted tumor cells is IFN-gamma. Acta Derm Venereol Suppl (Stockh), 1991, 163, 1 - 54 Protective gloves of polymeric materials . Experimental permeation testing and clinical study of side effects; Mellstrom G; In the occupational use and handling of hazardous chemicals and infectious materials, exposure must be minimized . To diminish the risk of direct skin contact and percutaneous toxicity, the use of protective gloves is one of the most important measures to consider . For effective protection, the selection process must include evaluation of permeation test data as well as the risk of side effects possibly caused by the glove materials . In permeation testing (in vitro), breakthrough time and permeation rate are key values measured . Test conditions such as size and design of the permeation test cell, flow rate of the collecting medium through the test cell, measurement systems, testing procedures and analytical equipment can vary and can have crucial influence on the test results . In the present investigation, five permeation test cells of different sizes and design were used, the collecting gas flow rate was varied between 60 and 120 ml/min and 120 to 500 ml/min, the ASTM F 739 and ISO/DIS standard test procedures were performed using two different measurement systems, and in vitro versus in vivo testing techniques were studied . Gloves and glove materials of neoprene were exposed to four organic solvents . The breakthrough times (in vitro) for the test chemicals were slightly influenced by variations in cell size and design, flow rate and test procedure . The only significant influence on the breakthrough time values was between the two measurement systems, direct flow and automatic sampling . On the other hand, the permeation rate values were affected to a much greater extent, in most cases significantly . The test conditions in the in vitro and in vivo procedures differed in many ways and the test results were therefore compared on a relative basis . The breakthrough time values for the solvents through gloves of vinyl, natural rubber and butyl rubber were in the same rank order in both in vitro and in vivo testing . There was no evident correlation between the relative permeation rate values (in vitro) and the relative absorption rate values (in vivo) . Disposable gloves of latex or plastic materials are also commonly used in health care as protection against microorganisms . Therefore contact with disinfectants is frequent . The resistance of gloves made of natural rubber latex, vinyl (PVC) and polyethylene to permeation by ethanol, isopropanol, m-chlorocresol and glutaraldehyde-based disinfectant was studied mainly according to the ISO/DIS permeation test procedure . In addition, glove pieces exposed to isopropanol and ethanol were studied with the scanning electron microscope (SEM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Nauchnye Doki Vyss Shkoly Biol Nauki, 1991, (11), 105 - 8 {Microorganisms oxidizing maleic acid in sewage}; Arkad'eva ZA et al.; The bacteria of genera Pseudomonas oxidizing maleic, fumaric, italic acids and their anhydrides in sewage of industry of maleic anhydride have been isolated from active sludge . During the autoselection a strain of P . stutzeri 832 capable to oxidize 12.5 - 25.0 g/l of maleic acid on 90 - 70% correspondingly in 3 days has been isolated . Destructive activity of isolated strain was retained after 5-year storage in lyophylized state and under vaseline oil. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 1991, 70(6), 483 - 5 Reproductive failure and antisperm-antibody production among prostitutes; Bahraminejad R et al.; Reproductive failure and anti-sperm antibody (ASA) production among prostitutes were investigated . A questionnaire including the subject's age, years of prostitution, date of most recent birth, number of children and contraceptive method used at the beginning of prostitution were asked of 109 prostitutes, but only 53 agreed to complete the questionnaire . ASA was detected by ELISA in the prostitutes (n = 109) and in the control group (n = 40) sera . The tests revealed a high ASA rate (43.1%) among the prostitutes . The difference in the incidence of ASA between controls (5%) and the prostitutes (43.1%) was highly significant (p less than 0.01) . It was found that ASA positivity incidence in 27 prostitutes who had never use any contraception method and who became infertile within 9.3 years (average) was 61.3% . These results may be explained by repeatedly inoculations with multiple sperm antigens and/or microorganismsPIP: Health workers at the National Health Centre Laboratories in Izmir, Turkey took blood samples from 109 prostitutes to test for antisperm antibodies (ASA) and for Treponema pallidum (the causative agent for syphilis) . Researchers analyzed the results to determine the role of ASA incidence in reproductive failure . 40 fertile women who were not prostitutes comprised the control group . Significantly more prostitutes (43.1%) tested positive for ASA than did the controls (5%) (p.01) . 53 prostitutes tested positive for T . pallidum . T . pallidum positive women were slightly more likely to also be ASA positive women were slightly more likely to also be ASA positive than T . pallidum negative women (49.1% vs . 37.5%) (p.05) . 27 (51%) prostitutes did not use any contraception . ASA incidence for these women stood at 61.31% compared to only 28.3% for the control group (p.01) . 23 of these women had had children, but the last birth occurred on average 9.3 years prior to the study . It was significant that these 23 women had not used any contraception since the last birth . Mean length of prostitution stood at 9.6 years . Of the prostitutes who did use contraception, most (24.5% of all prostitutes) used oral contraceptives . The researchers could not determine if the prostitutes who used contraception would have also become infertile if they did not use contraception . In conclusion, repeated exposure to multiple sperm antigens and/or microorganisms may explain the high incidence of ASA and reproductive failure among prostitutes . Ann Biol Clin (Paris), 1991, 49(6), 338 - 44 Oral ecology and its pathogenic relation with the origin of primary periodontitis associated with plaque; Liebana J et al.; Microbial factors involved in the genesis of periodontitis are related with supragingival (coronal) and subgingival plaque . The microorganisms in the supragingival plaque reach the gingival sulcus, and are influenced by ecological determinants in this zone which condition the establishment of adherent plaque . This plaque may subsequently form the substrate for particularly periodon to pathogenic bacteria, which may then form plaques adhered to the epithelium, or develop as floating (nonadhered) populations . After microbial colonization of the gingival sulcus, bacteria or substances they produce may reach the junctional epithelium and alveolar bone, leading to direct tissular destruction to an extent determined by the host's immune response . Damage may be local or generalized, depending on additional factors. Nauchnye Doki Vyss Shkoly Biol Nauki, 1991, (9), 136 - 53 {Microorganisms synthesizing enzymes with thrombolytic action}; Demina NS et al.; The literary and experimental data obtained by the authors concerning the ability of various microorganisms to synthesize exoproteases lysing the thrombi of human blood are presented in the article . Various methods of enhancing the thrombolytic activity of microorganisms cultures, the properties of some isolated and purified preparations, methods of enlarging the specificity of the enzymes to fibrin and of reduction of their toxicity are considered. Acta Vet Hung, 1991, 39(1-2), 77 - 82 Effect of some electrolytes on in vitro rumen microbial protein synthesis in buffaloes; Sood S et al.; In vitro studies were carried out to examine the effect of MnCl2, MgCl2, CoCl2 and CaCl2 on protein synthesis by rumen microorganisms obtained from fistulated buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis) . The concentration of the electrolytes in stained rumen fluid (SRF) ranged from 1 to 20, 1 to 20, 0.25 to 5 and 1 to 20 mM, respectively . MnCl2 (15 mM), MgCl2 (10 mM), CoCl2 (2.5 mM) and CaCl2 (20 mM) increased the protein content in the incubation mixture (IM) by 501, 230.8, 537.6 and 84% and the per cent incorporation of 35S from (NH4)2 35SO4 into microbial protein by 125.6, 108.5, 113.4 and 40.3, respectively, over the control values, when the incubation lasted 8 h . The NH3-N content in IM decreased by 8, 14, 43 and 16% when 10 mM MnCl2, 20 mM MgCl2, 1 mM CoCl2 and 1 mM CaCl2, respectively, was added and the incubation lasted 6 h . The reasons for increased protein biosynthesis by rumen microorganisms in the presence of the above electrolytes are discussed. Adv Exp Med Biol, 1991, 302, 599 - 613 Determination of moisture content by pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; Schmidt SJ; Water is vital to all life processes . In foods, water is often the key component which determines the extent and rate of several chemical reactions, as well as the growth of microorganisms . There are several methods available to measure water content in foods; however, one of the most successful methods is Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy . The NMR method is rapid and accurate and, most importantly, non-destructive to the sample . The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the use of NMR, both as a research tool and as a quality control (off- and on-line) method, to measure moisture content in food components and food systems. Adv Exp Med Biol, 1991, 302, 305 - 13 Trends in research related to the influence of "water activity" on microorganisms in food; Troller JA; The use of humectants and drying to make foods safe and stable has been one of the underlying principles of food preservation for centuries . With the more recent discovery that the ratio of water vapor pressure to that of pure water (aw) is a useful parameter when related to microbial growth and other stabilizing factors in foods, a valuable means of predicting stability factors based on water limitation has become available . Microorganisms have been categorized with respect to their capacity to grow and produce metabolites in various conditions of limited aw . In addition, the metabolic basis for microbial inhibition has now been determined and schemes for its genetic control have been uncovered . The implications that these discoveries have in a wide variety of applications are far-reaching. Int J Rad Appl Instrum B, 1991, 18(6), 605 - 12 Technetium-99m-labeled proteins for imaging inflammatory foci; Thakur ML et al.; Polyclonal human IgG (IgG), antinuclear antibody (TNT-1), and human serum albumin (HSA), were labeled with 99mTc by a method recently developed in our laboratory, and administered i.v., each to a separate group of five mice, bearing inflammatory foci induced by an i.m . injection of 40 microL turpentine or 5 x 10(8) E . coli and 5 x 10(8) Entercocci . TNT-1 labeled with 125I served as a control and 67Ga-citrate as a "gold standard" . At 4 or 24 h post injection, animals were imaged and sacrificed for tissue distribution studies . At 4 h in the turpentine group, the abscess-to-muscle ratios were: 67Ga, 4.8 +/- 2.1, 125I-TNT-1, 4.3 +/- 1; 99mTc-TNT-1, 3.5 +/- 1.8; 99mTc-IgG, 3.9 +/- 0.6; and 99mTc-HSA, 4.3 +/- 1 . In the microorganism group, these ratios were 2.6 +/- 0.6, 3.3 +/- 0.5, 3.4 +/- 0.08, 3 +/- 1.1 and 4.1 +/- 0.6, respectively . Autoradiographic examination of infected tissues indicated that leakage of labeled proteins into interstitial space due to increased capillary permeability may be one of the major mechanisms of uptake. Rev Latinoam Microbiol, 1991 Jan-Mar, 33(1), 35 - 9 Modulation for antigen presentation in tuberculosis by using synthetic peptides; Mendez-Samperio P et al.; Competition assay technology has been a very useful tool in the study of parasite antigens and has been inferred but never proven that this approach can be applied to select T-cell epitopes by using another microorganisms . In this study, HLA-restricted T-cell clones specific to synthetic peptides derived from the 65 kDa mycobacterial protein were used to investigate whether these peptides are able to compete with each other at the level of MHC-binding sites in tuberculosis . Fixed APCs were pulsed with suboptimal concentration of stimulator peptide in the presence of various concentrations of competitor peptide . The results showed that two peptides from this protein were able to compete with each other inducing a significant inhibition in the proliferation assays while there was no competition by using a control peptide . The amount of cross-reactivity was influenced by the peptide concentrations . More important was the observation that these peptides were able to bind to the same HLA-class II molecules therefore blocking the binding of each other . The fact that these peptides have not an identical amino acid sequence support the idea that the MHC-peptide interaction must have a broad specificity to be able to bind a large number of peptides . These results demonstrate that it is possible to modulate the antigen presentation by blocking the peptide MHC-class II interaction in tuberculosis and support the idea that this approach facilitates the selection of appropriate T-cell epitopes to be incorporated in a vaccine. Lab Delo, 1991, (10), 64 - 6 {A rapid method of determining the anti-lysozyme activity of microorganisms}; Sokolov VIu; Rapid methods for anti-lysozyme activity measurements, developed by the author, permit reducing the time of investigation to 24 and 4 hrs . Both the modifications are based on the routine technique and are not inferior to it in sensitivity and specificity. South Med J, 1991 Jan, 84(1), 55 - 64 The efficacy of palliative and definitive percutaneous versus surgical drainage of pancreatic abscesses and pseudocysts: a prospective study of 85 patients; Lang EK et al.; We compared the efficacy of percutaneous to surgical drainage in a prospective study in 85 patients with pancreatic abscesses and pseudocysts . Percutaneous drainage of pancreatic abscesses in 18 patients cured three and palliated 12 who were eventually cured by elective surgical ablation; three patients died . This compares well to our 15 surgical patients, of whom four were cured by surgery alone and six were palliated . All were subsequently cured by additional computerized tomography-guided or ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage and medical management or surgery . Five of the 15 died . Percutaneous drainage cured 11 of 14 infected pseudocysts and palliated two, which were subsequently cured by surgery; one was palliated but the patient was lost to follow-up . Surgical drainage cured six of 12 infected pseudocysts and palliated the other six, of which four were cured by further surgery and the other two were cured by secondary percutaneous drainage . Nine of 12 noninfected pseudocysts were cured by percutaneous aspiration, and two were palliated and later cured . In one patient, disease progressed, and he was ultimately lost to follow-up . Thirteen of 14 noninfected pseudocysts were cured by surgical drainage . The other patient died of pulmonary embolus . In patients treated by percutaneous techniques, there were four major complications . Our study established distinct advantages of percutaneous drainage under computerized tomographic and ultrasonic guidance: (1) the procedures can be carried out under ultrasonic guidance in an intensive care unit on critically ill patients, (2) the technique proved highly effective for initial palliation, with defervescence and stabilization occurring in most critically ill patients within 48 hours, (3) findings from fine needle aspiration provided valuable information as to microorganisms and antibiotic sensitivities and differed in 29 of 85 patients from those of concomitant blood cultures, and (4) definitive eradication of the process (surgical ablation of residual necrotic material) can be elected after the patient's clinical condition stabilizes. Subcell Biochem, 1991, 17, 167 - 90 Restriction fragment length polymorphism in plants and its implications; Kochert G; In the last decade RFLP analysis has evolved from an idea that seemed promising to a well-established tool that has led to fundamental advances in several fields . Construction of genetic maps has now become feasible in many organisms where it would previously have been impractical . Since genetic maps are of general utility for many sorts of biological research, they cannot fail to have a significant impact in the immediate future . As genetic maps become reconciled with physical maps in several plants, it will become possible to clone virtually any gene . For a plant breeder this will have the effect of broadening the gene pool available for plant improvement to include virtually all organisms, including animals and microorganisms . Much remains to be done, however . We need basic studies of the biochemistry, physiology, and genetics of plants and the insects and pathogens infesting them to be able to identify target genes for cloning . We need basic studies of transformation and gene expression to be able to have introduced genes expressed in transformed plants in the proper amounts and in the desired tissues . It must also be kept in mind that the best of our present technologies only suffice to clone and transform single genes . We will have to make another large jump in capabilities to be able to transfer QTL between plants . Since the most important agronomic traits are controlled by QTL, this effort will have to be undertaken . However, the future looks promising for plant breeding and RFLP analysis . The molecular genetic revolution now has every indication of being transferrable to practical problems such as plant breeding, and the first steps in this transferral have already occurred through the medium of RFLP analysis. Postepy Hig Med Dosw, 1991, 45(3-4), 157 - 71 {Ribosomal RNA-specific DNA probes used in microbiology}; Zakrzewska-Czerwinska J et al.; Recent advances in molecular biology and gene technology made it possible to identify microorganisms on the basis of most stable characters directly linked to the molecular structure of the genome . One of the most basic technics in this field is reassociation between two complementary strands of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) isolates from different microorganisms . A probe is a specific fragment of single stranded nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) that binds to the complementary, target nucleic acid . Several aspects of probes designation and diagnostic application are presented and discussed. Adv Perit Dial, 1991, 7, 204 - 7 Effectiveness of microwave moist-heat intraluminal disinfection of CAPD connectology; Fessia SL et al.; Studies were performed to quantify the microbial population reduction achieved with the Peritoneal Dialysis Moist Heat Device (PDM-1) . This microwave method is used to disinfect the inner lumen of connectors used in the exchange process for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) . The microwave heating technique was evaluated on different connector systems containing a suspension of 10(6) microorganisms . The most prevalent and most problematic peritonitis-causative microorganisms were tested . After heating, the degree of disinfection was measured by enumerating bacterial colonies of the treated suspension . D-value determinations were then performed . The D-value for spores of A . niger was found to be 7.1 seconds for one type of connector system . Two other connector systems containing different intraluminal solution volumes were also tested using spores of A . niger and D-values were determined to be 7.6 seconds and 9.5 seconds, respectively . Other organisms tested were determined to have D-value times shorter than that for A . niger . Rapid heating of the solution contained within the CAPD connectors is a key characteristic of the microwave technique since temperatures rise high enough for destruction of microorganisms while leaving the plastic safe to touch . Thus, this technique is a safe and effective method for providing intraluminal disinfection. Biomed Biochim Acta, 1991, 50(4-6), 755 - 61 Leukodiapedesis, release of PMN leukocyte proteinases and activation of PMNL procollagenase; Tschesche H et al.; Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes mainly protect the body against invading microorganisms . Therefore, cells must migrate to the site of infection, whereby they traverse the endothelial cell layer of the blood vessels, basement membranes and the connective tissue . We investigated the unknown mechanism of penetration of basement membranes by scanning electron microscopy . Our findings indicate a three-step mechanism--adhesion, locally limited proteolytic degradation of matrix components and mechanical loosening of the matrix . Finally, cells locomote in the stroma tissue to the site of infection . These processes are induced by formyl-peptides amongst others . In addition, an increased release of collagenase induced by formyl-peptides was observed . In contrast, incubation with prostaglandin F2 alpha led to significantly higher levels of secreted collagenase, while elastase failed to be detected in the supernatant of stimulated cells . Since it has been shown that collagenase is secreted in a latent form, we have focussed our attention on the activation mechanism of the proenzyme, which was investigated by determination of the N-terminal sequences of intermediate and final, activated forms. Nahrung, 1991, 35(8), 867 - 86 {Lactose--a potential dietary fiber . The regulation of its microecological effect in the intestinal tract . 2 . The nutrient effect of lactose}; Zunft HJ et al.; In the small intestine lactose is subjected to the hydrolytic impact of beta-galactosidase originating mainly from the mucosa . In rats about two thirds of the enzyme activity are located in the first part of the small intestine, and one third in the second one . A part of the mucosal enzyme does not remain in the mucosa . It becomes detached and can be determined in the chymus . The ratio of the transient to the resident proportion amounts to 1.8: 1 in germfree and 0.23: 1 in conventional rats . Bacterial settlement causes an increase in the mucosal mass resulting in higher total activity whereas the specific activity of the mucosal enzyme remains unchanged . Microorganisms occurring close to the small intestine mucosa take part in lactose degradation . Lactose-containing diet leads to an increase in both the bacterial and the mucosal activity, the latter one to varying degrees . Lactose concentration in the ileal chymus rises with increasing intake of lactose and decreasing protein and phosphate intake . Following a saturation kinetics the velocity of lactose hydrolysis is correlated with the lactose concentration of the diet . alpha-lactose is hydrolysed more rapidly in the small intestine of both human sucklings and rats than beta-lactose . As the results of a mathematical model show lactose mutarotation does not effect on the degree of lactose degradation in the small intestine . Depending on the intake of lactose and the food composition the rate of lactose hydrolysis amounts to: --max . 50% after small intestine perfusion in human sucklings, --max . 80% after small intestine perfusion in rats, --max . 60% in rats with ileostomata. Free Radic Biol Med, 1991, 11(3), 263 - 8 Role of superoxide dismutase in the oxidation of N-alkanes by yeasts; Kujumdzieva-Savova AV et al.; Yeast microorganisms from Candida genus are investigated for their superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity during cultivation on N-alkanes . The later caused a considerable increase of Cu/Zn SOD activity of yeast cells in comparison with glucose . A correlation between SOD and catalase activity existed . It is further observed that cells of Candida lipolytica 68-72 which contain a high level of Cu/Zn SOD were more resistant to lethality of exogenous O2- . An over-production of Cu/Zn SOD during the assimilation of N-alkanes by yeasts is also connected to their considerable resistance to increased concentrations of Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions in the nutrient medium . The results are consistent with the assumption that the enhanced resistance of yeast cells to O2- and high concentrations of Cu2+ and Zn(2+)-ions are due to the increased activity of Cu/Zn SOD and that SOD is involved in the protection of some cellular components . Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of Candida lipolytica cell-free extracts revealed the same chromatic bands of SOD activity under growth on glucose and N-alkanes . The type of the carbon source used from yeast cells as a single source of carbon and energy had no influence on the SOD profile of the cell. Biodegradation, 1991, 2(2), 129 - 37 Dichloromethane utilized by an anaerobic mixed culture: acetogenesis and methanogenesis; Stromeyer SA et al.; Dichloromethane (8.9 mg/l) was eliminated from industrially polluted, anaerobic groundwater in a fixed-bed reactor (43 m3) which was packed with activated charcoal and operated continuously for over three years . The elimination of dichloromethane over this period was some ten-fold in excess of the sorptive capacity of the charcoal, and the elimination (3.7 mg/h.{kg of charcoal}: residence time, 49 h) was tentatively attributed to dehalogenative microorganisms immobilized on the charcoal . Anaerobic enrichment cultures, with dichloromethane as the sole added source of carbon and energy, were inoculated with material from the reactor . Reproducibly complete substrate disappearance in subcultures was observed when traces of groundwater (1%) or yeast extract (0.01%) were supplied . Fed-batch experiments under an atmosphere of CO2 plus N2 led to the conversion in 11 days of 11 mM dichloromethane to 3 mM acetate and 2 mM methane, with a growth yield of 0.4 g of protein/mol of dichloromethane; insignificant amounts (less than 1 microM) of chloromethane accumulated . Methanogenesis could be inhibited by 50 mM 2-bromoethane sulfonate without any effect on the dehalogenation rate . The maximum dehalogenation rate was 0.13 mmol dichloromethane/h.l (2.6 mkat/kg of protein). Bioseparation, 1991, 2(4), 231 - 6 A kinetic analysis of cell disruption by bead mill . The influence of bead loading, bead size and agitator speed; Melendres AV et al.; The influence of operating parameters such as bead loading, peripheral velocity and bead size on the kinetic behavior of cell disruption in a bead mill was investigated . The bead mill was equipped with a single rotating disc and operated batchwise . Analysis of the data showed that the frequency of bead collision may be correlated to the observed first-order process, applying a new concept called effective disruption volume . It was found that the first-order rate constant was proportional to the square of bead loading within the other experimental conditions examined and increased with the decrease in bead diameter . A new disruption kinetics was proposed, explaining all the observed data in terms of the frequency of bead collision and the concept of effective disruption volume . Although other types of microorganisms were not examined, the concept may well be extended to various kinds of cells. J Chem Technol Biotechnol, 1991, 50(4), 523 - 33 Isolation of delta-(L-alpha-aminoadipyl)-L-cysteinyl-D-valine from culture broths by covalent chromatography; Orford CD et al.; An efficient procedure for the isolation of reduced delta-(L-alpha-aminoadipyl)-L-cysteinyl-D-valine (ACV) from culture supernatants of beta-lactam antibiotic-producing microorganisms is described . The method utilises covalent chromatography to isolate thiols from culture broths that have been deproteinised and undergone borohydride reduction . 2-Pyridyl disulphide activated thiopropyl Sepharose was employed batchwise to isolate the thiols present in such broths from cultures of the known ACV excreter Cephalosporium acremonium N2 and the penicillin producer Penicillium chrysogenum P2 . ACV was separated from these mixtures of thiols by gel permeation chromatography . Reversed-phase HPLC analysis showed the ACV to be of a high purity unless isolated from a highly complex culture medium. Bioprocess Technol, 1991, 13, 415 - 24 Second-generation products: antibiotics; Fayerman JT; There has been outstanding progress in gene cloning from microorganisms producing useful antibiotics . Especially noteworthy is the cloning of a gene for cephalosporin biosynthesis that, with increased copy number, helps to overcome a rate-limiting step in biosynthesis . Although this technology is often fraught with unexpected difficulties, not the least of which is gene expression, yield improvement is a practical application with clear financial benefits to the pharmaceutical industry . Although access to cloned genes for antibiotic biosynthesis is becoming common, expression of the cloned genes in a manner such that yield improvement is achieved is a challenge that will be exciting and beneficial in years to come . Heterologous (interspecies) gene expression in antibiotic-producing microorganisms, particularly the actinomycetes, must be successful if hybrid antibiotics are to be produced . Currently, there are no documented examples of heterologous gene cloning to yield a hybrid antibiotic of utility . Even though a hybrid antibiotic structure has been reported as a result of heterologous gene cloning, the antibiotic is not clinically useful, and the two species used in the experiments are closely related . Although technological advances have enabled successful gene cloning, insufficient attention has been given to the issue of gene expression, particularly heterologous gene expression . The need to develop heterologous gene expression systems is urgent . Until this is done, the inability to express cloned antibiotic biosynthesis genes in heterologous hosts could be a barrier to the generation of useful hybrid antibiotics . The potential for a wide array of new antibiotic compounds that could be generated by gene-cloning technology is vast . At least until the limitations of heterologous gene expression are overcome, the best available screening technology (including molecular and immunological screens) and chemistry might best serve as the most prolific means of discovering useful new antibiotics for agriculture and medicine. Aust J Biotechnol, 1991 Jan, 5(1), 37 - 40, 43 Opportunistic infections in AIDS and their diagnosis; Farram E et al.; AIDS patients are susceptible to a variety of infections from microorganisms as a result of their immunosuppressed condition . These infections are mainly responsible for the morbidity and mortality in these patients . The organisms responsible include protozoa, bacteria, fungi and viruses . Their presence may be a result of reactivation of latent or previous infection, or exposure to opportunistic agents . The seriousness of the patients' condition makes rapid and early diagnosis imperative so that appropriate treatment can be instituted . Methods of diagnosis including more recent technology are discussed. Med Arh, 1991, 45(1-2), 27 - 9 {The significance of synergism between cervical infections and prostaglandins in inducing preinduction priming in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy}; Bukvic I et al.; The length of labour and foetal trauma could be significantly reduced by reduction of cervical resistance in the cause of labour . It is well known that the most effective way of priming is by prostaglandins . Microorganisms of cervico-vaginal flora, with or without inflammatory component, can produce factors which can create predisposition for preterm delivery . Namely, increased levels of prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha could be noticed in amniotic fluids, compared with these levels in pregnant women without signs of infection . The study included 60 parturients with low Bishop score (less then 5), with average gestational age of 40.5 weeks . Group A: Prepidil gel with 0.5 mg of prostaglandin E2 was applied to cause priming . Group B: Half of doses of Prepidil gel (0.25 mg) was applied to the 30 patients with clinical signs and with positive laboratory findings of cervical infection . After 12 hours all patients were induced with oxytocin . All obstetrically important parameters were closely followed in the course of priming and induction . Presence of cervical infection could be beneficial, because priming can be produced with half of doses of prostaglandin, which means medical (reduction of side-effects and dangers of hyperstimulation) and significant economical benefits regarding the high price of prostaglandins. J Anim Sci, 1990 Dec, 68(12), 4236 - 42 Effect of carbadox on net absorption of ammonia and glucose into hepatic portal vein of growing pigs; Yen JT et al.; Chronic cannulas were placed into the hepatic portal vein, ileal vein and carotid artery of growing pigs trained to consume their daily allowance of 1.2 kg of feed (16% protein corn-soybean meal basal diet) in a single meal . The average preoperative BW of pigs was 44.7 kg for Trial 1 (three pigs) and 35.3 kg for Trial 2 (seven pigs) . In Trial 1, net absorption of ammonia (NH3) and glucose into the portal vein was determined three times at weekly intervals . The net portal absorptions were derived by multiplying the porto-arterial plasma concentration difference of NH3 and glucose by portal vein plasma flow rate estimated with the p-aminohippuric acid indicator-dilution technique . Differences in the net portal absorptions of NH3 and glucose among the three weekly measurements were small (P greater than .05) . In Trial 2, the first sequence of net portal absorption measurements was conducted when pigs were fed the basal diet, and the second sequence of measurements was conducted after the pigs had been fed the diet supplemented with 55 ppm of carbadox for 7 d . Carbadox supplementation reduced (P less than .05) plasma NH3 concentration in portal plasma during the 2.5-h to 5-h postprandial period and decreased (P less than .05) net portal absorption of NH3 during the 2.5-h to 4-h postprandial period . Carbadox, however, did not affect (P greater than .05) net portal absorption of glucose . We suggest that carbadox suppresses the production of cell-toxic NH3 by intestinal microorganisms and, thus, reduces the injury and turnover of intestinal cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Scand J Work Environ Health, 1990 Dec, 16(6), 428 - 33 Relationship of airborne microorganisms with the lung function and leucocyte levels of workers with a history of humidifier fever; Kateman E et al.; An influenza-like illness appeared recently among workers in a plant processing synthetic yarn . A humidifier, a cold-water spraying system, was the suspected cause . Lung function changes over the day and week and changes in blood leucocytes were studied among the workers from the suspected department and two reference populations . Exposure to colony-forming units of bacteria and fungi and to endotoxins was also monitored . The workers from the suspected department had statistically significantly lower lung functions on the first workday of the week than the referents . Their blood leucocytes were also raised statistically significantly . The exposure to fungi, bacteria, and endotoxins differed significantly between the various departments, but the measured levels were low . It was concluded that the observed effects were suggestive of a "Monday morning fever" type of reaction and that adverse effects occurred at exposure levels lower than those found to date in the literature. J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Dec, 28(12), 2761 - 4 Longitudinal study of the biotypes of Gardnerella vaginalis; Briselden AM et al.; Gardnerella vaginalis is the predominant vaginal microorganism in women with bacterial vaginosis . However, this organism is also frequently isolated from women without signs or symptoms of vaginitis . Earlier studies have not revealed whether certain biotypes of G . vaginalis are more often associated with bacterial vaginosis or are more common in women who acquire bacterial vaginosis . We used a typing scheme based on tests for beta-galactosidase, hippurate hydrolysis, and lipase, using oleate as a substrate . Of 261 strains tested, the distribution of biotypes observed was as follows: 1, 13%; 2, 9%; 3, 5%; 4, 7%; 5, 41%; 6, 15%; and 8, 10% . Biotype 7 was not observed . The distributions of biotypes from women with and without bacterial vaginosis were found to be significantly different, with the lipase-positive biotypes (biotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4) being more predominant in women with vaginosis (41 versus 23%, P = 0.003) . Of 40 women with normal vaginal flora at the index visit who remained normal at follow-up, 23 (57%) acquired a new biotype of G . vaginalis . By comparison, 90% of the 30 women who developed bacterial vaginosis acquired a new biotype of G . vaginalis (P = 0.003) . Women with bacterial vaginosis at the index visit who were not treated were no more likely than normal women to have a shift in G . vaginalis biotype . However, 86% of the 30 women with bacterial vaginosis who were treated with an antibiotic at the index visit acquired a different biotype (P = 0.04 compared with the value for untreated women) regardless of treatment success . A trend toward the acquisition of a new biotype was observed among women who had contact with a new sexual partner (81 versus 65%, P = 0.15) . These data demonstrate that the lipase-positive isolates of G . vaginalis are associated with bacterial vaginosis . Women who acquire bacterial vaginosis are more likely to have a shift in biotype than women who had normal flora at he follow-up, suggesting that the G . vaginalis isolates recovered from women who develop bacterial vaginosis represent newly acquired strains rather than overgrowth of previously colonizing biotypes. J Biomed Mater Res, 1990 Dec, 24(12), 1599 - 614 Amount and surface structure of albumin adsorbed to solid substrata with different wettabilities in a parallel plate flow cell; Uyen HM et al.; In this article we studied the adsorption of serum albumin to substrata with a broad range of wettabilities from solutions with protein concentrations between 0.03 and 3.00 mg.mL-1 in a parallel-plate flow cell . Wall shear rates were varied between 20 and 2000 s-1 . The amount of albumin adsorbed in a stationary state was always highest on PTFE, the most hydrophobic material employed and decreased with increasing wettability of the substrata . Increasing stationary amounts of adsorbed albumin were observed with increasing wall shear rates at the lowest protein concentration . Inverse observations were made at the highest protein concentration . Transmission electron micrographs of replicas from the albumin-coated substrata showed that proteins were mostly adsorbed in islandlike structures on the hydrophobic substrata . The tendency to form islandlike structures was shear rate- and concentration-dependent and disappeared gradually going to more hydrophilic substrata . On glass, the most hydrophilic material employed, a homogeneous, well distributed, fine knotted, reticulated structure was found . In conclusion, this study demonstrates that both the amount of adsorbed albumin as well as the surface structure of the adsorbed proteins are regulated by the substratum wettability . This observation may well account for the fact that substratum properties can be transferred by an adsorbed protein film to the interface with adhering cells or microorganisms. Int Dent J, 1990 Dec, 40(6), 369 - 73 Anterior open bite and gingival recession in children and adolescents; Machtei EE et al.; Gingival recession is a manifestation of periodontal breakdown . Plaque microorganisms are the primary aetiological factor, but other secondary conditions are also associated with its presence . This study examined the hypothesis that localized gingival recession is more prevalent in open-bite cases . The study included 26 children with untreated anterior open bite and a matched control group . Clinical crown length, recession depth, oral habits and periodontal indices were recorded for each individual . Although the plaque index was not significantly different between the two groups, the open-bite group showed significantly greater clinical crown length and gingival inflammation . This may be attributed to increased virulence of dehydrated plaque and it is suggested that open bite may predispose to the development of localized gingival recession in the anterior segments of young individuals. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1990 Dec, 70(6), 773 - 9 Reactions of rat odontogenic tissues to heat; Nelson JF et al.; Twenty-four Wistar rats were anesthetized and 200 degrees C heat was applied for 4 minutes to each mandibular left first molar . Eight of these rats were then killed at 2, 8, and 14 weeks . The subject and control teeth were radiographed and compared . They were then prepared for histologic evaluation and scored for levels of inflammation in both the pulpal and periradicular tissues . Furcal, interproximal, and apical radiographic changes were found at all three time intervals . These changes involved progressively larger percentages of teeth at 8 and 14 weeks . Histologically, complete necrosis and/or abscess formation were found in the coronal portions of all experimental pulps . With time, inflammatory changes increased in intensity and progressed through the radicular pulps, resulting in necrosis or calcific changes and, finally, inflammatory changes in the periradicular areas . The pathosis created by the application of heat was devoid of microorganisms as evaluated by the Brown and Brenn stain. J Invest Dermatol, 1990 Dec, 95(6 Suppl), 111S - 120S Cytokine modulation of adhesion molecules in the regulation of immunologic cytotoxicity of epidermal targets; Norris DA; Immunologic cytotoxicity is an important endpoint of the immune response to tumors, viral infected cells, grafted tissues, and exogenous microorganisms, and is also an important mechanism of disease, especially in autoimmunity . There are multiple mechanisms of immunologic cytotoxicity, but each has three major stages: leukocyte/target attachment, specific recognition, and target lysis following effector activation . Adhesion molecules present on leukocytes and potential targets appear to be involved in all three stages of cytotoxicity . A major factor in all types of cellular cytotoxicity is the interaction of LFA-1 on leukocytes and CAM-1 on targets . Modulation of ICAM-1 levels on target by the cytokines TFN-g, IL-1, and TNF-a is a major point of control of the susceptibility of targets to cytotoxicity by many different cytotoxic mechanisms . It also appears that modulation of the avidity of LFA/ICAM-1 binding is another important control point in modulating immunologic cytotoxicity . Cytokines also have important effects on immunologic cytotoxicity in ways other than adhesion molecule induction: effector priming to better respond to specific recognition signals, effector mobilization into tissue, and expansion of cytotoxic effector populations . ICAM-1 on the surface of epidermal keratinocytes and melanocytes is likely to greatly influence cytotoxic damage of these cells in diseases as photosensitive lupus erythematosus, lichen planus, erythema multiforme, and vitiligo . It has been found that the epidermal staining pattern for ICAM-1 in each of these diseases in distinctive and different in each disease . It is proposed that disease-specific induction of ICAM-1 by factors such as UVR and herpes-virus is an important determinant in triggering these skin diseases and in determining the pattern of disease. Math Biosci, 1990 Dec, 102(2), 127 - 81 A discrete, stochastic model for microbial filter feeding: a model for feeding of ciliated protists on spatially uniform, nondepletable suspensions; Hatzis C et al.; Suspension-feeding ciliates, either bacteriovorous or planktonic, are adapted to feed on particulate food matter of size much smaller than their own size . These microorganisms collect their prey by generating water currents that draw prey toward their capture surfaces . Under such conditions food particles are treated in bulk, and captures of individual food particles from a suspension by individual single-celled organisms are discrete events that occur at random intervals of time . Each such event is followed by a sequence of additional events that also occur at random intervals of time . This sequence culminates in the incorporation of the digestible portion of the food particle into the cell's cytoplasm and the expulsion of the indigestible portion from the cell . In theory, the rate of the overall ingestion-digestion process can be limited by the passage of particles through any stage of this sequence of events . In this paper, we assume that only the initial events in the sequence, those that occur in the oral region of the cell, limit the rate of the ingestion-digestion process, and we develop a discrete, stochastic model of filter feeding based on that assumption . We use the model to show how advanced instrumentation, such as flow cytometry, can be used to measure parameters of the model and also to answer a number of important questions about the mechanism of filter feeding . We show also how the model can be applied to nonhomogeneous cell populations for which parameters of the model are distributed. Arch Biol Med Exp (Santiago), 1990 Dec, 23(4), 285 - 97 {Isolation of transcription promoters from Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and T . acidophilus and its introduction by conjugation to T . intermedius}; Metz C et al.; The chemolithotrophic acidophilic bacteria, Thiobacillus ferrooxidans is considered as the most important microorganism in relation to copper and uranium bioleaching ability . Since T . ferrooxidans is a strict chemolithotrophic microorganism, its genetic manipulation is a very hard task . Until now, all efforts have been unsuccessful . Therefore, we decided to approach the problem in steps, trying initially to manipulate some T . ferrooxidans related strains . We chose Thiobacillus acidophilus that shares its habitat with T . ferrooxidans and Thiobacillus intermedius, for its heterotrophic nature that makes them easier to grow and suitable for heterologous conjugation . The main objective of this work was directed towards the isolation and characterization of transcription promoters from T . acidophilus and T . ferrooxidans genomic DNA . Four different promoters from T . acidophilus and four from T . ferrooxidans were isolated and sequenced . In order to test their functional capacity in bacterial systems different from E . coli, they were subcloned and transferred to other bacteria . One of these recombinant plasmids was successfully transferred to T . intermedius and from it to Ps . putida . The subcloned promoter was able to confer streptomycin resistance to Ps . putida. Microbiol Rev, 1990 Dec, 54(4), 381 - 431 To shape a cell: an inquiry into the causes of morphogenesis of microorganisms; Harold FM; We recognize organisms first and foremost by their forms, but how they grow and shape themselves still largely passes understanding . The objective of this article is to survey what has been learned of morphogenesis of walled eucaryotic microorganisms as a set of problems in cellular heredity, biochemistry, physiology, and organization . Despite the diversity of microbial forms and habits, some common principles can be discerned . (i) That the form of each organism represents the expression of a genetic program is almost universally taken for granted . However, reflection on the findings with morphologically aberrant mutants suggests that the metaphor of a genetic program is misleading . Cellular form is generated by a web of interacting chemical and physical processes, whose every strand is woven of multiple gene products . The relationship between genes and form is indirect and cumulative; therefore, morphogenesis must be addressed as a problem not of molecular genetics but of cellular physiology . (ii) The shape of walled cells is determined by the manner in which the wall is laid down during growth and development . Turgor pressure commonly, perhaps always, supplies the driving force for surface enlargement . Cells yield to this scalar force by localized, controlled wall synthesis; their forms represent variations on the theme of local compliance with global force . (iii) Growth and division in bacteria display most immediately the interplay of hydrostatic pressure, localized wall synthesis, and structural constraints . Koch's surface stress theory provides a comprehensive and quantitative framework for understanding bacterial shapes . (iv) In the larger and more versatile eucaryotic cells, expansion is mediated by the secretion of vesicles . Secretion and ancillary processes, such as cytoplasmic transport, are spatially organized on the micrometer scale . The diversity of vectorial physiology and of the forms it generates is illustrated by examples: apical growth of fungal hyphae, bud formation in yeasts, germination of fucoid zygotes, and development of cells of Nitella, Closterium, and other unicellular algae . (v) Unicellular organisms, no less than embryos, have a remarkable capacity to impose spatial order upon themselves with or without the help of directional cues . Self-organization is reviewed here from two perspectives: the theoretical exploration of morphogens, gradients, and fields, and experimental study of polarization in Fucus cells, extension of hyphal tips, and pattern formation in ciliates . Here is the heart of the matter, yet self-organization remains nearly as mysterious as it was a century ago, a subject in search of a paradigm. J Dairy Sci, 1990 Dec, 73(12), 3463 - 71 Risk factors for clinical mastitis in herds with a low bulk milk somatic cell count . 1 . Data and risk factors for all cases; Schukken YH et al.; The incidence rate of clinical mastitis in 125 herds with a low annual bulk milk SCC (less than 150,000 cells/ml) was modeled using a Poisson regression model . The rate of clinical mastitis was significantly associated with some variables that increased the exposure to environmental microorganisms: poor cubicle cleanliness increased the mastitis rate; rubber mats in cubicles were associated with a higher incidence; and drinking water from sources other than public water also increased the rate of mastitis . Other variables may be associated with host resistance: an increasing percentage of cows leaking milk increased the rate of mastitis; postmilking teat disinfection was associated with a higher incidence of clinical mastitis; and a high frequency of cubicle disinfection was also associated with more mastitis . Three other variables were associated with the rate of mastitis: breed (Holstein-Friesian had a lower incidence than the Meuse-Rhine-Yssel breed); use of sugar beet pulp in the ration increased the mastitis rate; and in herds with high milk production a higher incidence of mastitis was observed . These items are discussed in respect to their causal relation to clinical mastitis. Clin Prev Dent, 1990 Dec, 12(5), 28 - 33 Dentists' and dental hygienists' attitudes toward toothbrush replacement and maintenance; Abraham NJ et al.; The purpose of this study was to survey dental practitioners regarding their own habits and information provided to their patients on toothbrush replacement and maintenance . Questionnaires were mailed to 717 Chicago-area dentists and dental hygienists with a response rate of 47.5% (n = 341) . Results indicate the practitioners recommend their patients replace their toothbrushes usually at three-month intervals when bristles are bent or splayed . This suggested time frame was similar to the interval used by dentists and dental hygienists to discard their own brushes . No particular toothbrush maintenance was routinely recommended, except rinsing the brush and allowing it to air dry . Although practitioners (71-4%) believed the brush was considered a source of microorganisms, most did not suggest soaking the brush in a sanitizing solution . It appears that practicing dentists and dental hygienists may be aware of new research on toothbrush replacement but, for reasons as yet undocumented, this information is not relayed to their patients. J Endod, 1990 Dec, 16(12), 580 - 8 Intraradicular bacteria and fungi in root-filled, asymptomatic human teeth with therapy-resistant periapical lesions: a long-term light and electron microscopic follow-up study; Nair PN et al.; Light and electron microscopy were used to analyze nine therapy-resistant and asymptomatic human periapical lesions, which were removed as block biopsies during surgical treatment of the affected teeth . The cases that required surgery represented about 10% of all of the cases which received endodontic treatment and root fillings during the period 1977 to 1984 . These cases revealed periapical lesions when they were examined 4 to 10 yr after treatment . The biopsies were processed for correlated light and electron microscopy . Six of the nine biopsies revealed the presence of microorganisms in the apical root canal . Four contained one or more species of bacteria and two revealed yeasts . Of the four cases in which bacteria were found, only in one biopsy could they be found by light microscope . In the other three specimens, the bacterial presence could be confirmed only after repeated electron microscopic examination of the apical root canal by serial step-cutting technique . Among the three cases in which no microorganisms could be encountered, one showed histopathological features of a foreign body giant cell granuloma . These findings suggest that in the majority of root-filled human teeth with therapy-resistant periapical lesions, microorganisms may persist and may play a significant role in endodontic treatment failures . In certain instances such lesions may also be sustained by foreign body giant cell type of tissue responses at the periapex of root-filled teeth. Semin Respir Infect, 1990 Dec, 5(4), 251 - 9 Altered immune status in the elderly; Simons RJ et al.; The lung has an array of immunological defenses to protect itself against potentially invasive microorganisms, which include the immunoglobulin-rich alveolar lining fluid, alveolar macrophages, T lymphocytes, and polymorphonuclear neutrophils . Immunosenescence is a major predisposing factor to the increased incidence, morbidity, and mortality of pneumonia in the elderly . The progressive involution of the thymus gland in humans plays a pivotal role in the development of the immunodeficiency state characteristic of the older individual . Age takes its greatest toll on the cell-mediated arm of the immune system . Aged T cells are impaired in their ability to activate and proliferate in response to an antigen . This is partly due to age-associated structural and functional changes within the T cell . In addition, the ability of the T cell to secrete interleukin-2 (a cytokine necessary for the recruitment of other T cells) declines with age . The impaired antibody response of the elderly to foreign antigens, including the pneumococcal polysaccharide and the influenza vaccine, appears to be secondary to a deficiency of T helper cells . The macrophage functions well even in old age, but the recruitment of macrophages by senescent T cells is diminished . There also may be a blunted inflammatory response in the older individual secondary to impaired polymorphonuclear neutrophils chemotaxis and phagocytosis. Biotechnol Appl Biochem, 1990 Dec, 12(6), 599 - 620 Pilot- and process-scale techniques for cell disruption; Schutte H et al.; Microorganisms are a source of protein with catalytic and/or biological activity, which are of increasing commercial interest for applications in industry or therapy . For the isolation of intracellular products cell disruption is necessary . In principle, chemical, biological, or physical means may be employed to release proteins from cells . These different approaches are reviewed with special emphasis on scale-up and possible industrial operation . Mechanical devices have been improved considerably in recent years and appear most universally suited to cell disintegration . Chemical extraction or enzymatic lysis offers improved selectivity but requi