Microorganisms

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 requires individual procedures for each product . For a final process design, product yield and cost of the unit operation must be considered as well as the possible implications for the subsequent steps in product recovery, especially on solid/liquid separation.

Tijdschr Kindergeneeskd, 1990 Dec, 58(6), 193 - 200
{Bacterial meningitis in young children . Current viewpoints in pathogenesis, treatment and prevention}; de Groot R et al.; Bacterial meningitis is frequently diagnosed in children below the age of five years . Recently our understanding of the pathophysiology of meningitis has been enhanced by several innovative studies . In addition the development and future application of conjugate vaccines against H . influenzae, N . meningitidis, and S . pneumoniae will result in a substantial reduction of morbidity and mortality in patients with meningitis caused by these microorganisms . This review will discuss the current status on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of meningitis.

Mycopathologia, 1990 Dec, 112(3), 179 - 86
Further toxic properties of the fungal metabolite dothistromin; Stoessl A et al.; The toxicity of the fungal phytotoxin dothistromin (l) to microorganisms, its lysis of human red blood corpuscles and beetroot tissue, and its unexpectedly selective inhibition of radicle elongation for Trigonella foenum-graecum were strongly light-dependent . Dothistromin was also toxic to Artemia salina but without requiring light activation . It was not active as a wilt or necrosis toxin, possible because of its ready adsorption onto external plant tissue.

Minerva Pediatr, 1990 Dec, 42(12), 509 - 14
{IgG subclasses and their clinical significance}; Cataldo F et al.; IgG are the most common isotype of Ig and include four subclasses which differ from one another in the following ways: their initial amino acid sequence, their physical and chemical properties and the different serum concentrations reached with age . Every subclass has a specific biological function: the response to proteic antigens is prevalently mediated by IgG1 and IgG3, while IgG2 mediates the response to polysaccharide antigens . It is still unclear whether IgG4 are protective or sensitising antibodies; IgG1 and IgG3 also have a major ability to bind to the cells that mediate the immune response, while only IgG4 activate the complement using an alternative route . Although low levels of IgG subclasses may be temporary, deficiencies are often associated with various diseases: 1) recidivating bacterial infections involving the respiratory and digestive tracts, primarily sustained by capsulated or pyogenic microorganisms; 2) IgA deficiency; 3) absence of immune response following vaccination; 4) allergic or autoimmune diseases; 5) diseases of the CNS . IgG subclass deficiencies must therefore be looked for every time these diseases are diagnosed, also because subjects may benefit from gammaglobulin replacement therapy.

Genetics, 1990 Dec, 126(4), 933 - 48
Factors affecting the distribution of cytoplasmic incompatibility in Drosophila simulans; Hoffmann AA et al.; In Drosophila simulans a Wolbachia-like microorganism is responsible for reduced egg-hatch when infected males mate with uninfected females . Both incompatibility types have previously been found in North America, Europe and Africa . Some California populations have remained polymorphic for over two years, and the infection is apparently spreading in central California . Egg hatch proportions for wild-caught females from polymorphic populations show that the incompatibility system acts in nature, but egg mortality rates are apparently lower than observed in laboratory populations . Although infected females maintained under various laboratory conditions never produce uninfected offspring, some wild-caught infected females produce both infected and uninfected progeny . This helps explain the persistence of a low frequency of uninfected flies in predominantly infected populations and may also explain the other polymorphisms observed . Fitness comparisons of infected and uninfected stocks, including both larval and adult fitness components, indicate that fecundity may be the component most affected . Infected females suffer a fecundity reduction of 10-20% in the laboratory, but the reduction seems to be smaller in nature . A theoretical analysis provides some insight into the population biology of the infection.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1990 Dec, 9(12), 864 - 8
Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in clinical specimens by the polymerase chain reaction; Claas HC et al.; Sequences derived from the endogenous plasmid of Chlamydia trachomatis and from the genes coding for ribosomal 16S RNA of Chlamydia psittaci were used as primers and oligonucleotide probes for detection of chlamydiae by the polymerase chain reaction . The endogenous plasmid primers generated specific amplified products of 517 bp with all known Chlamydia trachomatis serovars . No specific products of Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia pneumoniae could be detected using these primers . With the rRNA primers specific amplified products of 208 bp were generated with Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae . No specific amplified products were detected with DNA isolated from a variety of microorganisms from the urogenital and the respiratory tract . Of 156 clinical specimens used for evaluation of the polymerase chain reaction, 26 were found to be positive for Chlamydia trachomatis on culture . All 26 culture positive samples were also found to be positive for Chlamydia trachomatis DNA by the polymerase chain reaction with both primer sets . Two culture negative samples were also found to be positive by this technique . The polymerase chain reaction thus seems to be a sensitive and reliable method for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis.

Mol Gen Mikrobiol Virusol, 1990 Dec, (12), 22 - 7
{Mobile element RSBP1 of Bordetella pertussis}; Nechaeva EV et al.; A number of repeated sequences was identified in the chromosome of Bordetella pertussis by the electron microscopic analysis of the chromosomal DNA of this microorganism . One of the sequences was cloned on the vector plasmid pHC79 . It is shown to consist of two elements RSBP1 and RSBP2 . The first elements is probably identical to an RS-element described previously . The cloned RSBP1 element is shown to stimulate the deletion formation in the genome of the plasmid pMKII and is able to transpose into the chromosome of Escherichia coli . The latter properties permit one to classify RSBP1 as an element belonging to a class of migrating genetical elements.

Prim Care, 1990 Dec, 17(4), 745 - 74
Antibiotics and infectious diseases; Liu HH; Selection of antibiotics in clinical practice has become increasingly complex because more patients have underlying predispositions to infection, a greater variety of microorganisms with varying antibiotic resistance patterns cause these infections, and more antibiotics are available to treat these pathogens . A practical approach to antibiotic decision-making involves comparing the advantages and disadvantages of each group of antibiotics available while remembering the patient population being treated and the common pathogens encountered in one's practice . It is helpful to study the penicillin derivatives in approximately chronologic order of development and the cephalosporins in terms of generations because this puts the use of each individual agent in perspective . Familiarity with commonly encountered adverse antibiotic reactions, dosage guidelines, and special situations (pregnancy, pediatric patients) will help avoid problems associated with antibiotic use . Finally, having one or more useful references at hand will aid in resolving questions about antibiotic use.

Science, 1990 Nov 30, 250(4985), 1269 - 73
Recognition by human V gamma 9/V delta 2 T cells of a GroEL homolog on Daudi Burkitt's lymphoma cells; Fisch P et al.; All human gamma delta T cells coexpressing the products of the variable (V) region T cell receptor (TCR) gene segments V gamma 9 and V delta 2 recognize antigens from mycobacterial extracts and Daudi cells . Exogenous and endogenous ligands on the cell surface, homologous to the groEL heat shock family, induced reactivities that resembled superantigen responses in this major subset of human peripheral blood gamma delta T cells . Stimulation of human V gamma 9/V delta 2 T cells is not restricted by human leukocyte antigens (HLA), including nonpolymorphic beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M)-associated class Ib molecules . These data may be important for understanding the role of gamma delta T cells in autoimmunity and in responses to microorganisms and tumors.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1990 Nov 15, 172(3), 1013 - 21
Enzyme induction in recovering dauer larvae of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in response to increasing concentrations of food source in the recovery medium; Reape TJ et al.; Exposure of recovering dauer larvae of Caenorhabditis elegans to increasing concentrations of Escherichia coli in the recovery medium produced dramatic increases in the enzymes of intermediary metabolism . There was no significant difference between the rates of development of recovering dauer larvae grown on different concentrations of E . coli . When the activity of several key enzymes was assayed after 12, 22 and 32 hours of recovery in 0.5% w/v E . coli it was found that the activities recorded never reached levels observed at 12 hours for larvae grown on the optimum concentration of E . coli . These results imply that enzymes of intermediary metabolism in the nematode C . elegans are capable of being induced in response to changes in nutrient intake, as previously described for mammals and microorganisms.

FEBS Lett, 1990 Nov 12, 274(1-2), 15 - 8
Polyphosphate-hydrolysis--a protective mechanism against alkaline stress?
Pick U, Bental M, Chitlaru E, Weiss M.
Different microorganisms, including yeast and algae, accumulate large amounts of polyphosphates . However, the physiological role of polyphosphates is largely unknown . In vivo 31P NMR studies, carried out in the unicellular alga, Dunaliella salina, demonstrate the cytoplasmic alkalization induces massive hydrolysis of polyphosphates, which is correlated kinetically with the recovery of cytoplasmic pH . Analysis of acid extracts of the cells indicates that long-chain polyphosphates are hydrolysed mainly to tripolyphosphate . It is suggested that the hydrolysis of polyphosphates provides a pH-stat mechanism to counterbalance alkaline stress.

Am J Otolaryngol, 1990 Nov-Dec, 11(6), 366 - 9
Otologic pathophysiology in patients with human immunodeficiency virus; Rarey KE; During the initial phase of clinical diagnosis and treatment of the manifestations of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, involvement of the ear appeared minor . In the past several years, however, otologic disorders increasingly have been reported in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as in retrospective studies of such patients . The otologic data appear quite variable . Functionally, conductive hearing loss, unilateral and bilateral sudden or progressive sensorineural hearing losses, vertigo, and tinnitus have been reported . In addition, tissue responses in each division of the ear have been observed . Based on collective serologic and immunologic diagnostic assays, clinical histories, and temporal bone histopathology, otologic symptoms may not be the direct effect of HIV alone, but rather a combination of the effects of HIV infection coupled with that of opportunistic microorganisms and/or possible ototoxic effects of certain therapeutic agents . It is within this context that otologic findings in this population of subjects will be discussed.

J Dairy Sci, 1990 Nov, 73(11), 3291 - 6
Metabolism of vitamin K and influence on prothrombin time in milk-fed preruminant calves; Nestor KE Jr et al.; The metabolism of vitamin K was studied in 66 preruminant veal calves that were fed supplemental menadione sodium bisulfite complex or phylloquinone . Menadione sodium bisulfite complex was converted by intestinal microorganisms to menaquinone-4 and absorbed and stored in the liver as menaquinone-4 . Phylloquinone was absorbed unchanged . Production of menaquinones 6, 7, 8, and 10 by intestinal microorganisms also was observed, but was not dependent upon dietary vitamin K . No difference was noted in prothrombin time among the groups . Intestinal microorganisms provide sufficient vitamin K to meet the physiological needs of calves fed milk replacers . Menaquinone-4 was the form of vitamin K used to meet the calf's requirement.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Nov, 56(11), 3368 - 74
Luminescence-based nonextractive technique for in situ detection of Escherichia coli in soil; Rattray EA et al.; Measurement of light output by luminometry was used to estimate quantitatively the cell concentrations of luminescent strains of Escherichia coli in liquid culture and inoculated into soil . Strains were constructed in which luciferase production was autoinducible or constitutive . In the former, light output per cell varied considerably during growth but was constant in constitutive strains . In liquid culture, the lower detection limit was in the order of 10(2) cells ml-1 . Sensitivity was reduced by approximately 1 order of magnitude for cells inoculated into soil, when 2 x 10(2) to 6 x 10(3) cells g of soil-1 could be detected . Light output measurements were obtained within 5 min of sampling, and luminometry therefore potentially offers a rapid and sensitive detection technique for genetically engineered microorganisms.

Gut, 1990 Nov, 31(11), 1242 - 5
Paf-acether synthesis by Helicobacter pylori; Denizot Y et al.; Clinical studies suggest that Helicobacter pylori may play a role in the pathogenesis of gastroduodenal ulcers in man but direct evidence of mucosal injury by this microorganism is still lacking . Paf-acether (paf) causes a number of disorders including ischaemic bowel necrosis and gastroduodenal ulceration . Since paf is produced by Escherichia coli, we investigated whether it could be synthesised by H pylori . Five H pylori isolates were collected from antral biopsy specimens from patients with gastritis and duodenal ulcer and cultured with selective antibiotics . Colonies obtained from both blood agar and brucella broth medium were used . Paf was determined by platelet aggregation assay after ethanolic extraction and subsequent purification by high performance liquid chromatography . Paf was detected in H pylori in blood agar plates (680 (390) pg paf/1 x 10(6) organisms) but not in bacteria cultured on brucella broth medium . Supplementation of the latter medium with lyso paf and acetyl-CoA, two paf precursors present in high amounts in the mammalian intestine, induced paf production in three of five isolates . The platelet aggregating material extracted from H pylori exhibited biological and physiochemical characteristics identical to those of paf released from eukaryotic cells . These findings suggest that H pylori may add to the local production of paf in inflamed gastric mucosa.

Med Clin North Am, 1990 Nov, 74(6), 1507 - 28
Common nonvenereal genital lesions; Mroczkowski TF; There are a wide variety of local and systemic skin diseases that produce lesions in the genitoanal region . These lesions may resemble those produced by sexually transmitted microorganisms . The purpose of this article is to make physicians aware of the common skin diseases that produce lesions on the genitalia to avoid the inappropriate diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease.

J Exp Med, 1990 Nov 1, 172(5), 1293 - 303
Prooxidant activity of transferrin and lactoferrin; Klebanoff SJ et al.; Acceleration of the autoxidation of Fe2+ by apotransferrin or apolactoferrin at acid pH is indicated by the disappearance of Fe2+, the uptake of oxygen, and the binding of iron to transferrin or lactoferrin . The product(s) formed oxidize iodide to an iodinating species and are bactericidal to Escherichia coli . Toxicity to E . coli by FeSO4 (10(-5) M) and human apotransferrin (100 micrograms/ml) or human apolactoferrin (25 micrograms/ml) was optimal at acid pH (4.5-5.0) and with logarithmic phase organisms . Both the iodinating and bactericidal activities were inhibited by catalase and the hydroxyl radical (OH.) scavenger mannitol, whereas superoxide dismutase was ineffective . NaCl at 0.1 M inhibited bactericidal activity, but had little or no effect on iodination . Iodide increased the bactericidal activity of Fe2+ and apotransferrin or apolactoferrin . The formation of OH.was suggested by the formation of the OH.spin-trap adduct (5,5-dimethyl-1-pyroline N-oxide {DMPO}/OH)., with the spin trap DMPO and the formation of the methyl radical adduct on the further addition of dimethyl sulfoxide . (DMPO/OH).formation was inhibited by catalase, whereas superoxide dismutase had little or no effect . These findings suggest that Fe2+ and apotransferrin or apolactoferrin can generate OH.via an H2O2 intermediate with toxicity to microorganisms, and raise the possibility that such a mechanism may contribute to the microbicidal activity of phagocytes.

Infect Immun, 1990 Nov, 58(11), 3523 - 30
Role of lipopolysaccharides in adherence of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae to porcine tracheal rings; Belanger M et al.; The ability of 17 Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolates, representing serotypes 1, 2, 5, and 7, to adhere to tracheal rings maintained in culture was examined . Porcine tracheal rings were infected, and 8 h after inoculation, adherent bacterial cells were evaluated . A . pleuropneumoniae adhered to tracheal rings, and marked variations were observed between and even within serotypes, suggesting that adherence of this microorganism is not primarily related to the serotype of the isolate . No relationship was found between adherence to porcine tracheal rings and plasmid profiles, virulence in mice, hemagglutination, capsular material thickness, or whole-cell protein profiles . On the other hand, we observed that all isolates of serotypes 1 and 5 had a semirough-type lipopolysaccharide (LPS), whereas isolates of serotypes 2 and 7 had a smooth-type LPS (75%) or a semirough-type LPS (25%) . Results showed that 83% of isolates with a smooth-type LPS adhered in large numbers to tracheal rings, whereas 80% of isolates with a semirough-type LPS adhered poorly (P less than 0.007) . Our data indicated that the degree of adherence of A . pleuropneumoniae to porcine tracheal rings appeared to be related, at least in part, to LPS profiles . Furthermore, LPS seemed to be the adhesin of A . pleuropneumoniae, since purified LPS blocked adherence of this microorganism to porcine tracheal rings.

Proc Soc Exp Biol Med, 1990 Nov, 195(2), 240 - 6
Hydrolysis of pyridoxine-5'-beta-D-glucoside by a broad-specificity beta-glucosidase from mammalian tissues; Trumbo PR et al.; Research was conducted to evaluate the ability of a broad-specificity beta-glucosidase in mammalian tissues to catalyze the hydrolytic release of free pyridoxine from pyridoxine-5'-beta-D-glucoside, a naturally occurring form of vitamin B6 in plant-derived foods . Activity was detected in liver and intestinal mucosa using tritiated pyridoxine glucoside as a substrate . In the rat and guinea pig, enzyme activity was greater in intestine than in liver or kidney while even greater activity was detected in human intestinal tissue . Reaction rates were, however, low in all tissues . Hydrolysis of the synthetic substrate 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-glucoside was also greatest in intestinal tissue . The characteristics of the enzymatic hydrolysis of pyridoxine glucoside to pyridoxine included: (i) most activity in the soluble tissue fraction, (ii) a pH optimum of approximately 6.0, and (iii) inhibition caused by the addition of sodium taurocholate . These characteristics are very similar to those of the broad-specificity beta-glucosidase in mammalian tissues with respect to the hydrolysis of a variety of naturally occurring and synthetic substrates . The apparent Km was greater than 2 mM for pyridoxine glucoside hydrolysis by intestinal preparations of each species, which is much greater than expected intestinal concentrations derived from dietary sources . In vivo studies have indicated that the intestine is involved in the metabolic utilization of dietary pyridoxine glucoside . The results observed here suggest that an alternate process, possibly involving intestinal microorganisms, may also be involved in the in vivo hydrolysis of pyridoxine glucoside.

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1990 Nov, 70(5), 669 - 73
Bacterial adherence and contamination during radiographic processing; Bachman CE et al.; Oral fluids are potential contaminants of radiographic processors . This investigation measured bacterial contamination in a radiographic processing room during times of high and low clinical activity and processing effects on five types of microorganisms . Cultures in the clinical setting, during high and low activity, were taken by brain-heart infusion agar plates placed near automatic processors . Site samples were taken of entrance, developer, fixer, water, and exit surfaces . Measurements of processing effects were accomplished by intentional contamination of films run in series through an automatic processor . Site samples were again taken of the processor . In the clinical setting colony-forming units increased with activity . Radiographic processing after intentional contamination decreased colony-forming units on films, but they increased for all processing solutions . Bacteria on radiographic film survived processing . Although processing procedures significantly reduce the number of bacteria on films, the potential for contamination and cross-contamination remains.

Mikrobiol Zh, 1990 Nov-Dec, 52(6), 87 - 9
{A method for determining phospholipases in microorganisms}; Parkhomenko LV et al.; A method is suggested for the determination of bacteria phospholipases in dense nutrient medium . The medium contains the egg-yolk solution, buffer pH 9.2, meat extract, calcium chloride and toluidine blue . The enzyme activity is estimated by the diameter value of the medium clarification zone around the bacterial mass inoculation by injection into an agar plate . It is possible to study 6-8 strains on one Petri dish . This method is a simple one and thus it can be used in the bacteriological practice when determining phospholipases of bacteria, especially in strains of those species where this enzyme is a pathogenicity factor.

Antibiot Khimioter, 1990 Nov, 35(11), 6 - 8
{Isolation of antibiotic-producing Actinomycetes from soil samples exposed to UV light}; Galatenko OA et al.; The use of nonroutine means in isolation of microorganisms from natural substrates extended the possibilities of detecting new cultures which often appear to be producers of previously unknown antibiotics . A new procedure for isolating actinomyces of definite groups was developed . It implies preliminary exposure of soil suspensions to UV light . With the use of the procedure, 2539 strains of actinomycetes belonging to different genera were isolated . There was a marked decrease after the irradiation in isolation of cultures belonging to Streptomyces, a genus most widely distributed in nature and studied in detail while isolation of cultures belonging to other genera, promising as sources of novel antibiotics, increased . Micromonospora, Amycolatopsis and Nocardia proved to be the most stable to the effect of UV light . With the use of the procedure it is possible to increase 2-3-fold isolation of cultures belonging to Micromonospora, a genus known as a producer of many antibiotics including those used clinically.

J Clin Immunol, 1990 Nov, 10(6 Suppl), 72S - 77S; discussion 77S-79S
Prophylaxis of necrotizing enterocolitis by oral IgA-IgG: review of a clinical study in low birth weight infants and discussion of the pathogenic role of infection; Eibl MM et al.; Necrotizing enterocolitis, a severe gastrointestinal disease in the neonatal period, affects primarily premature infants . Perinatal complications that predispose the neonate to systemic hypoxia are frequent in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis . Ischemia of the intestinal mucosa may facilitate the invasion of enteric microorganisms in stressed low birth weight infants . Geographical and temporal clustering of outbreaks of the disease and the termination of epidemics by standard infection control underline the importance of infectious agents in the development of this disease . Several studies have established the immunoprotective effect of orally administered antibodies against infection of the gastrointestinal mucosa in children and adults . Anecdotal evidence suggested that feeding of human immune globulin might have a positive effect on the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants . This paper reviews a prospective, randomized, controlled trial of the efficacy of an oral immune globulin preparation (published in detail in the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol . 319, pp 1-7, 1988) and discusses the pathogenic role of infection in necrotizing enterocolitis.

J Antimicrob Chemother, 1990 Nov, 26 Suppl C, 31 - 6
Antibiotics as biological response modifiers; Ritts RE; This review suggests that infections are potent immunomodulators by causing significant alterations in one or more mediators of homeostasis and that an effective antibiosis may be a potent immunomodulator, albeit indirectly . When large numbers of microorganisms are killed, their enzymes and toxins are rapidly released and activate the immune system . The septic syndrome and the potentially progressive states of septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ system failure illustrate the biological response modulating (BRM) activity of both infection and antibiotic . Enhancement of phagocytosis and intracellular killing would be a useful immunomodulatory activity for antibiotics . Equally useful would be the capacity of the antibiotic to bind or inactivate bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to diminish monocyte release of tumour-necrosing factor (TNF) at a rate equal to or faster than the killing effect of the antibiotic on bacteria . For other types of immune deficiencies, such as are observed in HIV-positive patients with secondary bacterial, fungal and viral infections, modulation of viral receptors including HIV-R on CD4 lymphocytes accompanied by their up-regulation, enhancement of interferon (IFN) and natural killer (NK) function and inhibition of CD8 suppressor activity would be important activities . The classic example of polymyxin as an immunomodulating, albeit toxic, antibiotic offers a rational and definitive basis for the concept . In-vitro data on cefodizime, a third generation cephalosporin that achieves good tissue levels, are presented and show the ability of the intact antibiotic, as well as its immunomodulating side-chain, to down-regulate TNF and interleukin 1 (IL-1) released from human monocytes by lectin-activated lymphocytes, LPS and IFN.

Trends Biotechnol, 1990 Nov, 8(11), 329 - 35
Detection of genetically engineered traits among bacteria in the environment; Pickup RW et al.; The release of genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) into the environment has, as its main aims, the benefits of improved agricultural yield and control of environmental pollution . However, effective and safe release programmes necessitate the development of sensitive, selective detection methods to monitor the environmental impact of released organisms.

Biochemistry, 1990 Oct 30, 29(43), 10062 - 9
Mannostatin A, a new glycoprotein-processing inhibitor; Tropea JE et al.; Mannostatin A is a metabolite produced by the microorganism Streptoverticillium verticillus and reported to be a potent competitive inhibitor of rat epididymal alpha-mannosidase . When tested against a number of other arylglycosidases, mannostatin A was inactive toward alpha- and beta-glucosidase and galactosidase as well as beta-mannosidase, but it was a potent inhibitor of jack bean, mung bean, and rat liver lysosomal alpha-mannosidases, with estimated IC50's of 70 nM, 450 nM, and 160 nM, respectively . The type of inhibition was competitive in nature . This compound also proved to be an effective competitive inhibitor of the glycoprotein-processing enzyme mannosidase II (IC50 of about 10-15 nM with p-nitrophenyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside as substrate, and about 90 nM with {3H}mannose-labeled GlcNAc-Man5GlcNAc as substrate) . However, it was virtually inactive toward mannosidase I . The N-acetylated derivative of mannostatin A had no inhibitory activity . In cell culture studies, mannostatin A also proved to be a potent inhibitor of glycoprotein processing . Thus, in influenza virus infected Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, mannostatin A blocked the normal formation of complex types of oligosaccharides on the viral glycoproteins and caused the accumulation of hybrid types of oligosaccharides . This observation is in keeping with other data which indicate that the site of action of mannostatin A is mannosidase II . Thus, mannostatin A represents the first nonalkaloidal processing inhibitor and adds to the growing list of chemical structures that can have important biological activity.

FEBS Lett, 1990 Oct 15, 272(1-2), 50 - 4
Identification and structural analysis of a ribosomal RNA gene promoter from Thiobacillus ferrooxidans; Takamiya M et al.; The 5'-terminus of a rRNA operon (rrnT2) from Thiobacillus ferrooxidans was characterized . The rRNA promoters from this microorganism were identified by means of a functional assay in Escherichia coli . DNA sequencing of the promoter region, upstream the 16 S rRNA gene, showed the presence of a consensus sequence for bacterial ribosomal promoters . Other features such as a 'discriminator' sequence, antiterminator elements and an upstream hexanucleotide common to several rRNA operons were also found . Two other putative transcription promoters were also identified.

Mol Cell Biochem, 1990 Oct 15-Nov 8, 98(1-2), 69 - 74
Expression of a functionally active cardiac fatty acid-binding protein in the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Scholz H et al.; The unicellular eukaryotic microorganism, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, transformed with a plasmid containing a cDNA fragment encoding bovine heart fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) under the control of the inducible yeast GAL10 promoter, expressed FABP during growth on galactose . The maximum level of immunoreactive FABP, identical in size to native protein as judged from SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, was reached after approximately 16 hours of induction . Analysis of particulate and soluble subcellular fractions showed that FABP was exclusively associated with the cytosol . FABP expressed in yeast cells was functional as was demonstrated by its capacity to bind 14C-oleic acid in an in vitro assay . Growth of the transformants on galactose as the carbon source was significantly retarded at 37 degrees C . Whereas the fatty acid pattern of total lipids was not altered in transformed cells, desaturation of exogenously added 14C-palmitic acid was significantly reduced both at 30 and 37 degrees C . The lowest percentage of radioactively labeled unsaturated fatty acids was found in the phospholipid fraction.

Eur J Biochem, 1990 Oct 5, 193(1), 249 - 53
Lipases catalyse hydrolysis of fatty acid anhydrides; Pieroni G et al.; Regio-specific and non-regio-specific lipases from mammals and microorganisms catalyse the hydrolysis of short, medium and long-chain fatty acid anhydrides . All the lipases tested in the present study can catalyse the hydrolysis of pure fatty acid anhydrides more efficiently than that of glycerol tributyrate . Molecular turnovers more than four times higher than that measured using glycerol tributyrate were calculated . The presence of 0.5% (by mass) anhydride in a triacylglyceride can double the initial rate of proton release during enzymatic hydrolysis . This should be taken into account when testing the chain specificity of a lipase for various synthetic substrates . Lipase inhibition was found to be associated very often with anhydride hydrolysis . The inhibition rates depended on the anhydride and the origin of the lipase . Inhibition of lipase activity is probably due to the formation of a poorly reversible acyl-lipase complex which differs from the classical fully reversible acyl-lipase complex at the catalytic centre.

Int Surg, 1990 Oct-Dec, 75(4), 215 - 9
Liver, spleen and kidney cultures in different conditions of splenic preservation; Capitan Morales LC et al.; The appearance of the postsplenectomy syndrome has made investigators focus all attention on the immunitary aspects that could change following a splenic extirpation . Besides this, bacterial clearance has been considered fundamental in this pathology . We present an experimental study comparing liver, spleen and kidney cultures in different conditions of splenic preservation, including autotransplantation, and with sepsis induced by the inoculation of capsulated Escherichia coli . The majority of tissue cultures were positive, showing, in must cases, a statistical correlation between the number of microorganisms in each organ for every animal . This confirms that all three organs act alike, as bacterial filters.

Antibiot Khimioter, 1990 Oct, 35(10), 19 - 21
{The computer system of monitoring of antibiotic sensitivity of pathogenetic bacteria causing suppurative-septic diseases}; Semina NA et al.; A system for surveillance of drug resistance of etiologically important microorganisms in obstetric units and burn and sepsis centres was developed . Realization of the system with various methods is possible in case of permanent control and comparison of the results . The overwhelming majority (up to 90 per cent) of the etiologically important microorganisms were multiresistant . An information bank was filed . It could be used as a basis for developing principles of strategy and tactics in rational antibiotic therapy.

Acta Ophthalmol (Copenh), 1990 Oct, 68(5), 508 - 14
Determination of plasminogen activator activities in normal and pathological human tears . The significance of tear plasminogen activators in the inflammatory and traumatic lesions of the cornea and the conjunctiva; Berta A et al.; Plasminogen activator activity in normal human tears was found to be 0.03 +/- 0.02 IU/ml with casein plate, and 0.06 +/- 0.04 IU/ml with a spectrophotometric method . Elevated levels of plasminogen activator activity (range 0.11-2.05 IU/ml) were detected in the tear fluid of patients suffering from various corneal and conjunctival diseases including corneal ulcers, superficial keratitis, persistent epithelial defects, recurrent erosions, bullous keratopathy, contact lens associated erosions, alkali burns of the cornea, Mooren's ulcer, conjunctival pemphigoid, acute keratoconus, and corneal melanoma . Plasminogen activator activity, determined in the absence of fibrin in tear samples collected by capillary tubes at low flow rates, is considered to be the result of the presence of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) deriving from the epithelial cells of the cornea and the conjunctiva . It is suggested that an increase in the level of uPA in tears plays an important role not only in ulceration (the formation and repair of epithelial and stromal defects), but also in the development and healing of a number of other inflammatory processes, infections, immunological processes, chemical burns, contact lens associated lesions; in the invasion of microorganisms and leukocytes, in edema formation, in neovascularization, and in the invasive growth of tumors in the cornea and the conjunctiva.

Dtsch Zahnarztl Z, 1990 Oct, 45(10), 617 - 20
{Healing and integration of ePTFE membranes}; Noppe C et al.; In this study 40 patients with adult periodontitis received periodontal therapy with ePTFE membranes according to the principle of guided tissue regeneration . Membranes were subgingivally implanted for a period of 4 to 6 weeks . The tissue response was examined clinically and, in 7 cases, also histologically . After removal of the membranes, the membranes themselves and biopsies of the underlying regenerated tissue were prepared for light- and transmission electron microscopy . Clinically most cases showed membrane exposure with recessions and gingival pockets between membrane and gingiva . Histologically all exposed parts of the membranes were contaminated by microorganisms . In the superficial layers of the biopsies microorganisms were found between neutrophils, degenerated collagen fibrils and necrotic cell components.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1990 Oct, 43(10), 1321 - 8
Microbial conversion of milbemycins: 30-oxidation of milbemycin A4 and related compounds by Amycolata autotrophica and Amycolatopsis mediterranei; Nakagawa K et al.; Microorganisms were screened for their ability to modify milbemycin A4 (1a) . Many strains, mostly actinomycetes and zygomycetes, were found to convert milbemycin A4 (1a) to one or more new products . Among these products, M-1, M-2, and M-3 were obtained using Amycolata autotrophica subsp . amethystina ATCC 35204, and were identified as 30-hydroxymilbemycin A4 (1b), 26,30-dihydroxymilbemycin A4 (1c), and milbemycin A4 30-oic acid (1d), respectively . Other milbemycins and LL-F28249 alpha (7a) also underwent 30-hydroxylation by the microorganism . 22,23-Dihydroavermectin B1a (8a) was not hydroxylated at any position by A . autotrophica subsp . amethystina ATCC 35204, but a corresponding hydroxyl product at the C-30 position was obtained using Amycolatopsis mediterranei IFO 13415.

Curr Genet, 1990 Oct, 18(3), 217 - 22
Cloning and sequence analysis of a cDNA for cellulase (FI-CMCase) from Aspergillus aculeatus; Ooi T et al.; We have cloned and characterized the cDNA coding for a major component of cellulase, endoglucanase (FI-CMCase), produced by Aspergillus aculeatus . The cDNA was isolated from a A . aculeatus cDNA library using synthetic oligonucleotide mixtures that correspond to the internal amino acid sequence of the mature FI-CMCase protein . Nucleotide sequence analysis of the cloned cDNA insert revealed a 711 bp open reading frame that encoded a protein of 237 amino acid residues . The primary structure of FI-CMCase deduced from the nucleotide sequence of cDNA agreed with that found by amino acid sequencing of peptide fragments obtained by digestion with several proteinases and cyanogen bromide cleavage . There may be a signal peptide sequence of 16 amino acid residues at the N-terminus . The molecular mass of the mature protein calculated from the cDNA is 24002 daltons, which compares favorably with molecular mass estimates of purified FI-CMCase obtained from SDS-PAGE (25000 Da) . No distinct homology was found between the amino acid sequence of FI-CMCase and known cellulase sequences of other microorganisms . This study is the first example of cDNA cloning of an endoglucanase from the genus Aspergillus.

Jikken Dobutsu, 1990 Oct, 39(4), 577 - 81
{Spontaneous bone marrow granulomas in rats--effect of ovariectomy on granulomas formation}; Asanuma A; Spontaneous granulomas developed frequently in the bone marrow of Slc: Wistar female rats over 19 weeks of age, whereas none did in JCL: SD and Slc: SD rats of either sex . These granulomas were composed histologically of epithelioid cells and macrophages clustered mostly in the center and lymphocytes and plasma cells located in the periphery, and they contained neither microorganisms nor foreign bodies . Ovariectomy of Slc: Wistar rats at 6 weeks of age resulted in a significant decrease in the incidence and size of bone marrow granulomas at 20 and 24 weeks of age . It is concluded that two factors, the strain of rats and female sex hormone, contribute to the pathogenesis of bone marrow granulomas--the former as a hereditary disposition and the latter as a promoter.

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 1990 Oct, 43(4), 400 - 9
Infection of colonized cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché), with a rickettsia-like microorganism; Adams JR et al.; We report the ultrastructure of a rickettsia-like microorganism in a colonized population of the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche) . The microorganism occurs principally in the cytoplasm of midgut cells, but similar microorganisms were detected in the tracheal matrix, muscle, hypodermis, ovaries, and the epithelial sheath of the testes . The microorganism has a well-defined cell membrane consistent with rickettsia and measures 0.25-0.45 microns in diameter with lengths up to 1.5 microns . It was observed repeatedly in fleas of 1 laboratory colony, including newly emerged non-bloodfed specimens, but not in specimens from several other sources.

Vet Hum Toxicol, 1990 Oct, 32(5), 444 - 5
Signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) toxicity in sheep: changes in rumen microbial populations and volatile fatty acid concentrations; Abdullah AS et al.; Brachiaria decumbens toxicity resulted in an altered reticulorumen environment in the sheep . This adversely affected the growth and activity of microorganisms in the rumen as reflected by greatly decreased concentrations of the volatile fatty acids (acetic, propionic and butyric) in B decumbens-intoxicated sheep.

Clin Microbiol Rev, 1990 Oct, 3(4), 345 - 75
Some infectious causes of diarrhea in young farm animals; Holland RE; Escherichia coli, rotaviruses, and Cryptosporidium parvum are discussed in this review as they relate to enteric disease in calves, lambs, and pigs . These microorganisms are frequently incriminated as causative agents in diarrheas among neonatal food animals, and in some cases different strains or serotypes of the same organism cause diarrhea in humans . E . coli causes diarrhea by mechanisms that include production of heat-labile or heat-stable enterotoxins and synthesis of potent cytotoxins, and some strains cause diarrhea by yet undetermined mechanisms . Rotaviruses and C . parvum induce various degrees of villous atrophy . Rotaviruses infect and replicate within the cytoplasm of enterocytes, whereas C . parvum resides in an intracellular, extracytoplasmic location . E . coli, rotavirus, and C . parvum infections are of concern to producers, veterinarians, and public health officials . These agents are a major cause of economic loss to the producer because of costs associated with therapy, reduced performance, and high morbidity and mortality rates . Moreover, diarrheic animals may harbor, incubate, and act as a source to healthy animals and humans of some of these agents.

Obstet Gynecol, 1990 Oct, 76(4), 643 - 50
The effects of Chlamydia trachomatis on the female reproductive tract of the Macaca nemestrina after a single tubal challenge following repeated cervical inoculations; Patton DL et al.; The effects of repeated cervical infections followed by a single direct tubal inoculation with Chlamydia trachomatis, serovars D and F, were examined in 11 pig-tailed macaques to test the hypothesis that tubal inoculation after cervical priming causes a more severe disease than primary tubal inoculation alone . Animals were cervically inoculated between two and five times . Fallopian tubes were inoculated with serovar D or F 1 week after the last cervical challenge . Three control monkeys received only one direct tubal inoculation without previous cervical inoculation . Infection was confirmed by isolating the microorganism from the endocervix in 13 of 14 monkeys and from the endosalpinx in four only after the tubal inoculation . Antibody was detected in post-infection sera of all 14 . Tubal edema occurred in seven of 11 animals after the first cervical inoculation, and uterine erythema occurred in 11 of 11 after the second cervical inoculation . Peritubal adhesions were induced before the tubal inoculation in zero of seven given three or fewer cervical inoculations and four of four given five cervical inoculations (P less than .01) . After direct tubal inoculation, peritubal adhesions became more prominent, and the 11 hysterectomy specimens showed plasma cell endometritis in nine and salpingitis in nine . Two control monkeys developed minor adhesions, the other none . One tube in two of three controls showed mild plasma cell infiltrates, whereas no evidence of endometritis was observed in controls . Histopathology in these monkeys was characteristic of chlamydial endometritis and salpingitis . However, the pathogenesis of these changes is uncertain because C trachomatis was not isolated from the endosalpinx after cervical inoculations alone.

J Am Dent Assoc, 1990 Oct, 121(4), 460 - 4
Diagnosing periodontal diseases; Barrington EP et al.; At present, the diagnosis of periodontal disease requires a clinical evaluation of the patient including visual findings, the use of the periodontal probe, and radiographs . No test is available to evaluate disease activity . In specific cases, adjunctive procedures may also be useful . The identification of pathogenic microorganisms may aid in evaluating the periodontal status of special patients . However, these are not required for an adequate diagnosis of the common adult form of chronic periodontitis.

Chest, 1990 Oct, 98(4), 840 - 4
Diagnostic value of nonfluoroscopic percutaneous lung needle aspiration in patients with pneumonia; Torres A et al.; In forty-one patients (mean {+/- SD} age 51 +/- 19 years; range, 11 to 88 years; seven female and 34 male) with clinical signs and symptoms of pneumonia, we performed a nonfluoroscopic percutaneous lung needle (22 gauges) aspiration (PLNA) to investigate the diagnostic yield of this technique . All the patients were receiving antibiotics at the time of the study, and PLNA was performed either because of a lack of response to empiric antibiotic treatment or because of the severity of the pneumonia or the underlying condition of the patient . Eight patients were mechanically ventilated (MV) due to acute respiratory failure . The PLNA was performed at bedside and without fluoroscopic guidance . Twenty-two microorganisms were identified by means of stains and/or cultures of PLNA samples . Sensitivity of PLNA was 43 percent (18/41) . We detected three false-positive cultures probably due to contamination from the skin area punctured . In the eight MV patients studied, the sensitivity of PLNA was 37.5 percent, and the microbiologic findings turned out to be crucial for the outcome of the patients . Pneumothorax developed in three patients (7 percent) after PLNA . None of these three patients developed a pleural infection but two of them required thoracostomy drainage . None of the MV patients presented complications . Our results showed that nonfluoroscopic PLNA is a technique with moderately good sensitivity and with a low rate of false-positive cultures (8 percent) to diagnose pulmonary infections in patients with unresponsiveness to empiric antibiotic treatment or with severe pneumonia . Further evaluation of its diagnostic value and complications in MV patients is needed, although our preliminary results suggest that PLNA can be an alternative technique to other methods for diagnosing pulmonary infections in patients receiving artificial ventilatory support.

J Dairy Sci, 1990 Oct, 73(10), 3023 - 32
Role of rumen fungi in fiber degradation; Akin DE et al.; Anaerobic fungi inhabit the rumen and actively degrade plant cell walls . Rumen fungi produce high levels of cellulases and hemicellulases and are particularly proficient in producing xylanases . These enzymes are regulated by substrate (especially soluble sugars) available to the organisms . Fungi degrade unlignified (i.e., no histochemical reaction for phenolics) plant walls totally, indicating that enzymes are able to hydrolyze or solubilize the entire plant wall . These organisms are better able to colonize and degrade the lignin-containing tissues than are bacteria; phenolics are solubilized but not metabolized from the plant wall by fungi . Anaerobic fungi are unique among rumen microorganisms in that they penetrate the cuticle . Residues after incubation with fungi are physically weaker than those incubated with whole rumen fluid or with rumen bacteria, suggesting that fungi could alter the fibrous residue for easier mastication by the animal . Data indicate that cocultures of anaerobic fungi with methanogenic bacteria stimulate cellulose degradation; other data suggest that fungi are inhibited by certain rumen microorganisms . The interaction of rumen fungi with other organisms in relation to fiber degradation in the rumen requires additional study . Rumen fungi have the potential to degrade the more recalcitrant plant walls in forages, but this potential is not always reached in the rumen.

Histol Histopathol, 1990 Oct, 5(4), 397 - 406
Scanning electron microscopy of swine lymphoid organs; Ramos JA et al.; The aim of this investigation was to study by scanning electron microscopy the structure of several swine lymphoid organs (lymph nodes, Peyer's patches, and tonsil) . Two groups of animals were used: six-month-old pigs and six- to nine-day-old piglets . Samples were jet-washed to eliminate most free cells in order to observe the reticular framework of these organs more clearly . Peyer's patches in piglets showed two types of villi . In one of them the cellular types were absorptive cells and goblet cells . The second type of villi were shorter and wider, with M cells characterized by presenting long, thick microvilli over their surfaces . Peyer's patches of pigs did not show this second type of villi but were usually covered by absorptive villi . The soft palate tonsil was similar in both groups of animals with its surface epithelial cells full of microfolds, partially and frequently obscured by microorganisms . The appearance of the surface epithelium in the same crypt was different depending on the area . There was a large number of holes through which cells apparently passed towards the crypt lumen . The medulla in the lymph nodes was at the periphery and showed a dense reticular framework . Cortex-like lymphoid tissue was formed by lymphoid follides and diffuse lymphoid tissue with high endothelid venules and lymphatic sinuses . The serosal surface of lymphoid organs was formed either by a typical mesothelial cell layer (small intestine) or by loosely arranged connective fibers (lymph nodes).

Arch Biol Med Exp (Santiago), 1990 Oct, 23(2), 89 - 92
Immunological methods for the quantitation of the industrially important bioleaching microorganisms; Jerez CA et al.; To monitor the levels of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans in bioleaching operations, we have developed a specific and very sensitive dot-immunobinding assay . Polyclonal antisera against whole T . ferrooxidans cells was used, and the bacteria-antibody reaction was visualized by employing either 125I-labeled or peroxidase-conjugated protein A or 125I-labeled or peroxidase-conjugated goat anti-rabbit immunoglobulin G . A minimum of 10(3) cells per dot could be easily detected . Therefore, the method allows the sensitive, and specific simultaneous processing of numerous samples in a short time.

Pract Odontol, 1990 Oct, 11(10), 17 - 9, 22-4, 26
{Direct removal of dentobacterial plaque using an oral rinse before brushing}; Bailey L; A study was conducted to evaluate the ability of a dental rinse to remove dental plaque . The hypothesis was tested that plaque, as a complex soil comprising microorganisms, cell debris, salivary deposits and other ill-defined organic and inorganic components, would be susceptible to removal by a rinse with high detersive action . A rinse was prepared based on the principles applied to formulation of products for cleansing biologic surfaces, including anionic and nonionic surfactants, sodium benzoate, and auxiliary cleansing agents . Subjects randomly selected from a dental clinic population were scored for plaque area on the lingual and buccal surfaces of the Ramfjord teeth using the Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein Index . The subjects then rinsed 30 seconds with 15 ml of product, and stainable plaque area was scored again . The rinsing reduced average plaque scores by an average of 13-20%, a very high level of significance . A placebo rinse and a conventional mouthwash removed 2.0% and 1.3% stainable plaque, respectively . The experimental rinse substantially Increased the number of surfaces that were totally free of plaque.

J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Oct, 28(10), 2196 - 9
Characterization, in vitro susceptibility, and clinical significance of CDC group HB-5 from Rwanda; Bogaerts J et al.; From June 1984 until July 1988, CDC group HB-5 isolates were recovered from the exudates of genital ulcers in 25 of 675 (3.6%) patients (204 women, 471 men) in Kigali, Rwanda . Among a group of 145 men presenting with urethritis but without genital ulcers, a positive culture for HB-5 of a specimen from the coronal groove of the penis of only 1 man (0.7%) was found . During the same period, the organism was not obtained in cultures of vaginal specimens from 838 women without genital ulcer disease . The main biochemical characteristics of the isolated microorganisms included weak oxidase positivity, catalase negativity, indole positivity, reduction of nitrate to nitrite, acid production from D-glucose and fructose, and H2S production . A total of 75% of the organisms were susceptible to penicillin G . beta-Lactamase production was detected by the chromogenic cephalosporin test in a quarter of the strains . This study confirms that HB-5 can be found in the genital tract . HB-5 was associated with genital ulcer disease in Rwanda . However, its etiologic role in patients with this condition remains unclear.

Oral Microbiol Immunol, 1990 Oct, 5(5), 256 - 62
Lipopolysaccharide from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans stimulates macrophages to produce interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor mRNA and protein; Saglie FR et al.; Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is associated with periodontal disease in children and adults . We report that low concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from A . actinomycetemcomitans stimulated human macrophages to increase dramatically their accumulation of mRNA coding for interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), IL-1 beta as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) . Protein levels of IL-1 and TNF alpha also increased . Levels of these mRNAs increased by 4-5 fold as compared with unstimulated macrophages when these cells were cultured with as little as 2 ng/ml LPS from A . actinomycetemcomitans . Polymyxin binds and blocks the action of LPS; polymyxin inhibited the ability of LPS from A . actinomycetemcomitans to increase levels of IL-1 beta mRNA . The LPS of A . actinomycetemcomitans stimulated increased levels of IL-1 beta mRNA in the presence of cycloheximide, showing that stimulation by this LPS did not require new synthesis of protein . Furthermore, dexamethasone inhibited the ability of LPS from A . actinomycetemcomitans to stimulate the accumulation of mRNA coding for IL-1 beta . A . actinomycetemcomitans is an invasive microorganism of the gingiva; high intragingival numbers correlate with sites undergoing local destruction of the periodontium . IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, and TNF are potent monokines that mediate inflammation and resorption of bone . Out studies suggest that macrophages migrating to these gingival sites of A . actinomycetemcomitans infection will be stimulated by LPS of A . actinomycetemcomitans to produce IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta and TNF . These cytokines will mediate gingival inflammation and stimulate resorption of alveolar bone.

Mol Microbiol, 1990 Oct, 4(10), 1629 - 36
Precursor/product antiport in bacteria; Poolman B; Many microorganisms metabolize their substrates (precursors) only partially and excrete the products of the metabolism into the medium . Although uptake of precursor and exit of product can proceed as two independent steps, there is increasing evidence that these processes are often linked and that transport is facilitated by a single antiport mechanism . Features of antiport mechanisms and advantages for the organism of catalysing precursor/product antiport will be illustrated by discussing a number of well-characterized systems . Based on precursor-product conversion stoichiometries, structural relatedness between precursors and products, and energetic and kinetic considerations, new examples of antiport systems will be proposed.

Mol Microbiol, 1990 Oct, 4(10), 1653 - 9
Geographically distinct isolates of Mycobacterium leprae exhibit no genotypic diversity by restriction fragment-length polymorphism analysis; Williams DL et al.; Differentiation of microorganisms for taxonomic purposes is based primarily on phenotypic characteristics, which are the direct or cumulative result of gene expression . Since expression of phenotypic characteristics usually relies on in vitro growth of a microorganism, non-cultivable organisms, such as Mycobacterium leprae, present major problems for the identification of potential variants based on phenotypic similarities or differences between individual isolates . We have employed the use of restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of chromosomal DNA of M . leprae isolates, including human isolates from geographically distinct regions of the world and isolates from a Sooty Mangabey monkey and an armadillo, to assess the relatedness among these isolates . Restriction endonuclease (EcoRI, BstEII, PstI, and PvuI) digests of chromosomal DNA were analysed using DNA probes encoding all or part of the 12 kD, 18 kD, 28 kD, 65 kD and 70 kD proteins of M . leprae as well as a probe containing an M . leprae-specific sequence repeated up to 20 times in the M . leprae chromosome . Comparison of the resulting autoradiographs showed that the RFLP patterns were all identical, indicating that these isolates contained no polymorphism with respect to the restriction endonuclease sites analysed . In addition, RFLP patterns of two separate human M . leprae isolates remained unchanged after three cycles of experimental infection in the armadillo model . These results indicated that the M . leprae isolates tested in this study were indistinguishable at the genotypic level, strongly suggesting homogeneity among members of this species.

Dtsch Med Wochenschr, 1990 Sep 28, 115(39), 1459 - 65
{Bronchoscopic diagnosis of pneumonia with quantitative microbial count determination}; Dalhoff K et al.; Micro-organism counts of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and microbrush swabs were obtained from 40 immunocompetent (group A) and 23 immunosuppressed (group B) patients with nosocomial pneumonia, and a control group consisting of 40 patients with noninfectious pulmonary infiltrates . The sensitivity of BAL was high: 77.5% for group A and 85% for group B, while microbrush swabs gave many false-negative results . Microorganism counts were at or above 10(5) cfu/ml in 32 of 44 examinations (bacterial or mycotic pneumonia), but in only one case of the control group . Lower counts were obtained with localized infection and microorganisms difficult to culture (Aspergilla and Legionella) . Granulocytosis in the lavage fluid was demonstrated in 38 of 41 patients with bacterial pneumonia and thus proved useful in the differential diagnosis . In 16 of 40 immunocompetent and 13 of 23 immunosuppressed patients with pneumonia the results were therapeutically of importance . Thus, invasive diagnosis is indicated especially in complicated or treatment-resistant nosocomial infections.

J Chromatogr, 1990 Sep 28, 518(1), 141 - 8
High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of proteins by post-column fluorescence derivatization with thiamine reagent; Yokoyama T et al.; A post-column derivatization method for the high-performance liquid chromatography of peptides and proteins giving a fluorescence intensity proportional to the number of peptide bonds is described . Peptide bonds were chlorinated with hypochlorite and the N-chlorite formed was allowed to react with thiamine to give fluorescent thiochrome . This method was applied the determination of membrane-forming proteins of microorganisms.

Anal Biochem, 1990 Sep, 189(2), 182 - 5
Luminol chemiluminescence reaction catalyzed by a microbial peroxidase; Akimoto K et al.; A peroxidase produced by microorganisms belonging to the genera Arthromyces and Coprinus was found to be a potent catalyst for the chemiluminescent oxidation of luminol, the luminescence produced per unit of microbial peroxidase protein being well over 100 times as strong as that produced by horseradish peroxidase . No large difference in Km value for H2O2 in the presence of luminol was found between Arthromyces ramosus peroxidase and horseradish peroxidase (7.0 and 15.5 microM, respectively), but Vmax of the Arthromyces peroxidase was 500 times greater than that of the horseradish peroxidase . It was also found that the Arthromyces peroxidase surpasses, beyond expectation, the horseradish peroxidase in the initial velocity of the chemiluminescence reaction with the stopped-flow method . The Arthromyces peroxidase was used for the glucose and cholesterol assays, which were notably more sensitive than the corresponding assays involving the horseradish peroxidase.

Steroids, 1990 Sep, 55(9), 390 - 4
Microbiologic oxidation of estratrienes and estratetraenes by Streptomyces roseochromogenes ATCC 13400; Ferrer JC et al.; Incubation of estrone (1a) with Streptomyces roseochromogenes ATCC 13400 yielded a mixture of 3,16 alpha-dihydroxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one (3a) and 3,17 beta-dihydroxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-16-one (4a) . Transformation of 3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one (1b), 3-hydroxyestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-17-one (2a), and 3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10),9(11)-tetraen-17-one (2b) with the same microorganism gave the corresponding mixtures of 16 alpha-hydroxy-17-ketones and 17 beta-hydroxy-16-ketones (3b and 4b, 6a and 7a, 6b and 7b, respectively) . In addition, in these three last experiments, the 16 beta-17 beta-dihydroxy derivatives 5b, 8a, and 8b, respectively, were also isolated . The complete assignments of the 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of these compounds are given.

Eur J Epidemiol, 1990 Sep, 6(3), 300 - 3
Laboratory survey of Chlamydia trachomatis ocular infections; Gulletta E et al.; The authors used immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase tests to study a group of 101 patients with acute or chronic conjunctivitis, etiologically unrelated to conventional bacterial pathogens, and a control group of 30 healthy adults . Positive titers of IgG in serum and of IgA in lacrimal secretions against Chlamydia, detected by IPA, correlated with the identification of microorganisms by direct immunofluorescence . The use of both tests allows a precise evaluation of the stage of the infection and of its evolutive pattern.

Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1990 Sep, 64(9), 1157 - 61
{Experiments of contamination with bacteria while transfusion between the newly developed porous polymer plug and by air needle plug}; Suzuki I et al.; We newly developed a transfusion plug that has an air passage of polymer porous material (I Cap) . This porous polymer material theoretical does not pass the infectious microorganisms . We experimented contaminations during the transfusions by I Cap and that using air needles . Trypticated soy broth was used for the experiments . Experiments of transfusion in a dusty environment revealed that the transfusions by air needles got 100% contamination and that by I Cap was 0% . The experiments in a clinic room transfusions also revealed that air needle resulted in 30.3% contamination but on the contrary 0% with the I Cap . Dusty air was flown under high pressure (1.5 atmospheric pressure) through the same filter of I Cap for 30 minutes into the trypticated soy broth . These experiments revealed that the filter did not permeate bacteria and that transfusions with air needle was contaminated with dust.

Todays OR Nurse, 1990 Sep, 12(9), 23 - 6
Nip it in the bud . Controlling wound infection with preoperative shaving; Kovach T; 1 . Postoperative wound sepsis can double the normal patient hospital stay and significantly add to the cost of hospitalization . Close skin shaving prior to surgery (especially if done the night prior to surgery) is a contributing factor to postoperative wound sepsis rates . 2 . This problem can be managed by selecting a preoperative shaving technique that rids the skin surface of hair, soils, and microorganisms, but still leaves the epidermal layer intact as a natural barrier against opportunistic microorganisms . 3 . Hair removal at the surgical site is not the cause of postoperative wound sepsis . Preoperative techniques that remove hair shafts and not epidermal layers are important in managing this problem in the operating room.

J Protozool, 1990 Sep-Oct, 37(5), 352 - 7
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor is a growth-factor for promastigotes of Leishmania mexicana amazonensis; Charlab R et al.; In this paper we show that murine lung conditioned medium (LCM) displays, in addition to its already described colony-stimulating activity on bone marrow cells, a potent growth-stimulating activity on promastigotes of Leishmania mexicana amazonesis . Immunoprecipitation of LCM with an antibody specific for murine granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) abrogates both activities, indicating that the leishmanial growth-promoting activity is due to the presence of GM-CSF on LCM . Furthermore, recombinant GM-CSF (rGM-CSF) added to the culture medium or to the immunoprecipitated LCM is able to respectively induce or to partially recover the growth-promoting activity of the LCM . Sequential in vitro passages of the parasite induces a progressive loss of sensitivity to the growth-factor . Parasite forms recently collected from lesions are significantly more responsive to the growth-factor than forms already adapted to grow in culture . Since it has been shown that several different microorganisms display receptors for vertebrate-like hormones and that GM-CSF is able to enhance a cutaneous leishmanial lesion, our results permit us to raise the hypothesis that a direct interaction between a host-derived hormone and a pathogenic microorganism can be of importance in defining the fate of an infection . The fact that GM-CSF is produced by cells that actively participate in a leishmanial infection (T-lymphocytes and macrophages) reinforces our hypothesis.

Heart Lung, 1990 Sep, 19(5 Pt 1), 534 - 6
Fungal pseudomeningitis superimposed on Escherichia coli meningitis; Gelfand MS et al.; Pseudomeningitis is the demonstration of microorganisms from the cerebrospinal fluid by stain or culture in a patient with symptoms suggesting meningitis . This is a report of fungal pseudomeningitis superimposed on a case of nosocomial Escherichia coli meningitis resulting from a neurosurgical procedure . Critical care personnel need to be aware of the possibility of pseudomeningitis with or without associated meningitis in the appropriate setting.

Clin Exp Immunol, 1990 Sep, 81(3), 357 - 67
Selective IgG subclass deficiency: quantification and clinical relevance; Jefferis R et al.; Each of the four human IgG subclasses exhibits a unique profile of effector functions relevant to the clearance and elimination of infecting microorganisms . The quantitative response within each IgG subclass varies with the nature of the antigen, its route of entry and, presumably, the form in which it is presented to the immune system . This results in antibody responses to certain antigens being predominantly or exclusively of a single IgG subclass . An inability to produce antibody of the optimally protective isotype can result in a selective immunodeficiency state . This is particularly apparent for responses to certain bacterial carbohydrate antigens that are normally of IgG2 isotype . A failure to produce the appropriate specific antibody response may result in recurrent upper and/or lower respiratory tract infection . Careful patient investigation can identify such deficiencies and suggest appropriate clinical management . In this review we outline the biology and clinical relevance of the IgG subclasses and summarize current rational treatment approaches.

Cesk Epidemiol Mikrobiol Imunol, 1990 Sep, 39(5), 315 - 7
{Paecilomyces lilacinus--sensitivity to disinfectants}; Volna F et al.; In conjunction with nosocomial infection of opthalomycoses in the ophthalmological department, from the enucleated eye and from Ringer solution (used during operations) a fibrous microscopic fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus was isolated . During sensitivity tests of the isolated strain to locally used disinfectants and chemical sterilizing agents it was revealed that the strain was not killed even by the action of higher concentrations of disinfectant solutions, used in our health departments according to instructions of the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic . Persteril, although supposed to act as a chemical sterilizing agent 0.5% concentrations and 10 minute exposure, killed the isolated strains only in the course of 30 minutes . Based on tests of the strain Paecilomyces lilacinus it must be foreseen that in health institutions strains of microorganisms may be present which are resistant to these concentrations of disinfectants which are considered effective.

Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo, 1990 Sep-Oct, 32(5), 319 - 24
{Experimental behavior of Sporothrix schenckii and Leishmania mexicana in hamsters}; Gonzalez de Polania LA et al.; The macroscopic description of the pathogenic process of Sporothrix schenckii and Leishmania mexicana spp in hamsters inoculated subcutaneously in the nose provided bases for the differentiation of the behavior of these two microorganisms in a model frequently utilized for their study . Sequential observations over 150 days demonstrated that infections caused by these pathogens results initially in edema and erythema followed by loss of hair, necrosis and ulceration . The pus production was a characteristic presented only by S . schenckii . These clinical signs were observed earlier in sporotrichosis than in L . mexicana infection . Differences in the mean day of appearance were statistically significant . The lesions produced by S . schenckii and L . mexicana in this experimental model share clinical signs, but their incubated period and relative frequency allow us to differentiate them . The circumstances of inoculation such as strain, dose of inoculum, place and route of inoculation are related to the experimental behavior of them.

Math Biosci, 1990 Sep, 101(1), 1 - 26
Theoretical studies on extinction in the gradostat; el-Owaidy H et al.; A multistage continuous culture system in which nutrients (or substrate) are supplied in the form of gradients has been studied in the laboratory . Called a gradostat, it consists of several chemostats with adjacent vessels connected . Two mathematical models based on Michaelis-Menten kinetics in a gradostat with two culture vessels and two competing species of microorganisms for the cases where there is a gradient of one limiting substrate and there are opposing gradients of two limiting complementary substrates are investigated . Given the parameters of the system, we can answer the basic question as to which species survive and which do not and determine the limiting values.

J Card Surg, 1990 Sep, 5(3), 177 - 89
Pathophysiology of cardiopulmonary bypass: current issues; Utley JR; Much of the research related to cardiopulmonary bypass in recent years has been directed toward defining the changes in plasma and blood cells during bypass . In this review, recent information is reexamined for six areas of current interest . These areas are complement activation, immune response, anaphylactic reactions, coagulation, and cerebral dysfunction . Complement may be activated by either the classical or alternate pathway during cardiopulmonary bypass and protamine administration . Membrane oxygenators appear to diminish the degree of complement activation . Complement is a major factor in the whole body inflammatory response; which often accompanies cardiopulmonary bypass . A product of complement activation, C5a- desArg, causes activation and aggregation of granulocytes . Other products of complement activation lead to lysis of blood cells including granulocytes and red cells . Bubble oxygenators appear to have a distinct disadvantage compared to membrane oxygenators regarding infection . Airborne microorganisms are more likely to be entrained into circulating blood with bubble oxygenators than with membrane oxygenators . Bubble oxygenators cause a greater decrease in leukocyte number and function than membrane oxygenators . Anaphylactic reactions have been associated with use of antibiotics, blood products, protamine, and volume expanders during cardiopulmonary bypass . Protamine reactions may be on an immunological basis or due to direct toxicity of the drug . Free radicals including superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and the hydroxyl radical may be generated during cardiopulmonary bypass and reperfusion . Free radical scavengers including; vitamin E, coenzyme Q, vitamin C, mannitol, and glutathione have been studied . The avoidance of blood transfusion because of risk of transmitted infection including AIDS has become a major goal in cardiac surgery . Factors that correlate with increased transfusion requirement include low hematocrit, female gender, increased age, small body size, low ejection fraction, reoperation, and emergency operation . Heparin resistance due to antithrombin III deficiency is being recognized more commonly . Antithrombin III deficiency may be corrected with fresh frozen plasma . Patients with heparin induced thrombocytopenia may be difficult to manage . Several management protocols are suggested . The most straightforward appears to be the use of aspirin preoperatively and platelet transfusions postoperatively . The incidence of cerebral dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass depends on the sensitivity of the test or indicator used . Perioperative stroke is associated with intrinsic cerebrovascular disease and atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta . Retinal angiograms during cardiopulmonary bypass show that microemboli are very common . Cerebroplegia has been shown to extend the period of safe circulatory arrest in animals . Much of the new knowledge concerning cardiopulmonary bypass is the result of close collaboration between cardiac surgeons and nonsurgical scientists.

Pract Odontol, 1990 Sep, 11(9), 29 - 30, 32-3
{Secretory immune response in the oral cavity}; Acosta Gio AE; Secretory IgA antibodies may modulate colonization of the epithelial and dental surfaces by different species of microorganisms . The application of enteric vaccines may probably permit controlling caries frequency infants and children . However, the complexity of bacterial communities involved in inflammatory periodontal diseases, currently prevent developing strategies aimed at preventing these processes through immunological mechanisms.

Vet Microbiol, 1990 Sep, 24(3-4), 409 - 17
Applications of nucleic acid probes in veterinary infectious diseases; Paul PS; Nucleic acid probe technology is increasingly being used in basic research in veterinary microbiology and in diagnosis of infectious diseases of veterinary importance . This review presents an overview of nucleic acid probe methodology and its applications in veterinary infectious diseases . The major applications of nucleic acid probes include detection of pathogens in clinical samples, especially those organisms which are fastidious and difficult to cultivate, differentiation of virulent from avirulent organisms and vaccine strains from wild type isolates, typing of microorganisms, mapping genes, screening libraries of cloned DNA for specific genes, detection of latently infected or carrier animals, study of mechanisms of pathogenesis, epidemiological studies and food safety.

J Exp Med, 1990 Sep 1, 172(3), 977 - 80
Co-infection of macrophages modulates interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor-induced activation against intracellular pathogens; Black CM et al.; Co-infection of macrophages (M phi) with Toxoplasma gondii and Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) has been observed in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) . In this study we have demonstrated that co-infected murine M phi respond differently to cytokine stimulation than M phi infected with either of the microorganisms alone . Whereas treatment with interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) activated both single and co-infected groups of M phi to kill T . gondii, treatment with TNF did not influence the rate of MAC growth in co-infected M phi, in contrast with the inhibition of growth observed in MAC-infected M phi . These results suggest that in AIDS patients suffering infection with multiple intracellular pathogens, the ability of cytokines to stimulate microbicidal or static activity in mononuclear phagocytes can be impaired by the presence of more than one of the intracellular organisms.

Aten Primaria, 1990 Sep, 7(8), 545 - 50
{Catarrhal prodromes and pharyngotonsillar hyperemia in acute bacterial meningitis}; Montero Perez FJ et al.; In the pathogenesis of acute bacterial meningitis (ABM), the direct entry of the responsible microorganism at the level of the upper respiratory tract is considered as one of the most important etiopathogenic mechanisms, occasionally presenting catarrhal symptoms in the initial stages of the disease . It appears that upper respiratory tract infections favor the penetrability of certain bacteria, such as N . meningitidis and S . pneumoniae, which constitute the most frequent causes of ABM in our medium . The rhinopharynx is the most usual entry point . The present study was designed to ascertain the frequency of these prodromic signs and symptoms in ABM . The presence of this catarrhal semiology in the days prior to hospital admission was analyzed, in addition to the existence of pharyngotonsillar hyperemia (FTH) at the moment of admission of 250 cases of community-acquired ABM . We believe that these data are of clinical interest, and were not found in the reviewed series.

Rinsho Byori, 1990 Sep, 38(9), 1020 - 6
{DNA diagnosis in medicine}; Nakagome Y; About 950 genes (or a part of them) have been cloned . Using them as probes, DNA diagnosis is now available in hundreds of hereditary diseases and some malignant diseases . In many of them, detailed analysis into the mechanisms underlying the diseases has become possible . Examples of this capability include 21 hydroxylase deficiency, amyloid polyneuropathy, Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy, and CML . About one third of the cloned genes show RFLPs (restriction fragment length polymorphisms) . In addition "random" DNA fragments have been cloned, many of them can also be used to detect RFLPs . An RFLP study has proven very useful in the preclinical/prenatal diagnosis of hereditary diseases even though gene-action is unknown (e.g., Huntington disease and von Recklinghausen disease) . DNA diagnosis has also been found to be very useful in the detection of microorganisms, minute chromosome changes (e.g., XX males) and for forensic purposes . The techniques and understanding of DNA diagnosis have become mandatory in many areas of medicine.

Rev Paul Med, 1990 Sep-Oct, 108(5), 205 - 12
{Necroscopic findings in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome}; Netto JG et al.; STUDY OBJECTIVE: The summaries of clinical data and the autopsy materials of 58 patients who died of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome were reviewed to study the spectrum of the pathologic features of this disease in a general hospital . Histologic sections of all organs were routinely obtained . RESULTS: The most affected organs were the lungs and encephalo, those responsible for the immediate cause of death . There were 11 types of microorganisms and 3 types of tumors . Among the microorganisms, the most frequent was the cytomegalovirus and, among tumors, Kaposi's sarcoma . The microorganisms were frequently associated, mainly in the central nervous system . There was also an association of microorganisms with tumors . Many patients presented with suppurative inflammation . Besides these lesions, a lymphocytic depletion of lymphoid organs was observed . CONCLUSIONS: The spectrum of pathologic changes in AIDS is vast, and pathologists should be aware of this fact to accurately diagnose the lesions they find . The morphologic lesions are neither unique nor specific for this syndrome, but in this clinical and immunologic setting they are characteristic . It became clear that several microorganisms and tumors sometimes can only be discovered by autopsy, which is an irrefutable proof that despite the modern technology, autopsy is unavoidable for the knowledge of the pathogeny of a disease.

J Immunol, 1990 Aug 15, 145(4), 1246 - 50
IFN-gamma is the inducer of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in allografted tumor cells undergoing rejection; Takikawa O et al.; The depletion of an essential amino acid, tryptophan, caused by induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), has been shown to be a mechanism involving self-defense against inhaled microorganisms and tumor growth . We recently reported that the IDO is dramatically (approximately 50-fold) induced in allografted tumor (3-methylcholanthrene-induced ascites type tumor cells) cells undergoing rejection, and that the enzyme is induced by factor(s) released through the interaction of allografted tumor cells with infiltrating leukocytes . The culture supernatant of infiltrating leukocytes, which were harvested on day 7 after tumor transplantation, induced the highest IDO activity in the tumor cells . The inducer activity was completely neutralized by the addition of antibody to IFN-gamma but not by antibody to IFN-alpha/beta . Approximately 6 U/ml of IFN-gamma was detected by an ELISA assay in the 12-h culture supernatant with 2 x 10(6) leukocytes/ml, and rIFN-gamma at 6 U/ml induced IDO in 3-methylcholanthrene-induced ascites type tumor cells to the same extent as IFN-gamma in the culture supernatant . Moreover, i.p . administration of antibody to IFN-gamma almost completely inhibited the induction of IDO in the allografted tumor cells . These observations indicate that the factor responsible for IDO induction in the allografted tumor cells is IFN-gamma.

Ugeskr Laeger, 1990 Aug 13, 152(33), 2345 - 8
{Forms of care and children's infections . 1 . Occurrence and causal factors}; Uldall P; On an average, preschool children have 6-8 acute infections annually . This corresponds to approximately 80 sick-days including mild colds . If days in which the general health is affected only are included, approximately 25 days per child per annum are concerned . The amount of sickness in children attending day care centres is between 2-7 times as great as that of children cared for in their own homes . In particular, an increased risk has been demonstrated for children attending day care centres to develop conditions such as secretory otitis media, pneumonia, gastroenteritis, hepatitis A and meningitis . A close dose-response connection can be demonstrated between ill health and the number of children with whom the child is cared for . The increased possibilities of exposure to infection in day institutions must, therefore, be assumed to be the central factor for the excess morbidity demonstrated . The significances of a series of modifying factors in the pathogenesis, including age, genetically determined immunity, psychosocial stress, atmospheric contamination, quality of atmosphere and low temperatures, are reviewed . Despite the term "colds", there is no evidence that upper respiratory infections have any connection with cooling . With the object of establishing rational measures against spread of infection, the occurrence and routes of infection of the relevant microorganisms are reviewed . About 80% of the infections must be presumed to be viral . In children attending day care centres, viruses have been demonstrated in 10% of the children without symptoms . Air-borne infection appears to be responsible for a very limited proportion of infections . The routes of infection are mainly by direct or indirect contact infection e.g . via tables and toys.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Nature, 1990 Aug 9, 346(6284), 558 - 60
Microorganisms associated with chromosome destruction and reproductive isolation between two insect species; Breeuwer JA et al.; Microorganisms have been implicated in causing cytoplasmic incompatibility in a variety of insect species, including mosquitoes, fruitflies, beetles and wasps . The effect is typically unidirectional: incompatible crosses produce no progeny or sterile males, whereas the reciprocal crosses produce normal progeny . The parasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis is one of the few species in which the cytogenetic mechanism of incompatibility is known . In this species the paternal chromosome set forms a tangled mass in a fertilized egg and is eventually lost . Here we report that cytoplasmic microorganisms are associated with complete bidirectional incompatibility between N . vitripennis and a closely related sympatric species, N . giraulti . Microorganisms can be seen in the eggs of both species . Hybrid offspring are normally not produced in crosses between the two species, but do occur after elimination of the microorganisms by antibiotic treatment . A cytogenetic and genetic study shows that bidirectional interspecific incompatibility is due to improper condensation of the paternal chromosomes . Microorganism-mediated reproductive isolation is of interest because it could provide a rapid mode of speciation . The mechanism of incompatibility in Nasonia is also of interest as a potential tool for studying chromosome imprinting and chromosome condensation.

Dtsch Med Wochenschr, 1990 Aug 3, 115(31-32), 1171 - 5
{Helicobacter pylori and nonsteroidal antirheumatics}; Scherak O et al.; The frequency of occurrence of Helicobacter pylori in the antral mucosa was investigated prospectively in a group of 66 patients (17 men, 49 women, mean age 58 +/- 8.4 years) who had been treated with nonsteroidal anti-rheumatic drugs and 33 controls (14 men, 19 women, mean age 60.7 +/- 6.6 years) who had not received these drugs . In the first group the indication for gastroscopy was ingestion of nonsteroidal antirheumatic drugs for at least 8 weeks, irrespective of dyspeptic symptoms (present in 25 patients), while in the second group the reason for endoscopy was either clinical symptoms (n = 18) or the presence of blood in the faeces . Helicobacter pylori was demonstrated by culture in 36 out of the 66 patients who had received nonsteroidal antirheumatics (54.5%); these comprised 24 out of 46 patients (52.2%) with chronic inactive gastritis and 12 out of 15 patients (80%) with chronic active gastritis . In the control group H . pylori was detected by culture in 22 out of 33 patients (66.7%); these included 11 out of 19 patients (57.9%) with chronic inactive gastritis and 11 out of 12 patients (91.7%) with chronic active gastritis . H . pylori was not demonstrated in any of the seven patients who had histologically normal gastric mucosa . In both groups there was significant correlation between demonstration of the microorganism and severity of inflammation . There is hence no evidence that nonsteroidal antirheumatic drugs have any influence on the colonisation of the antral mucosa by Helicobacter pylori.

Scand J Gastroenterol, 1990 Aug, 25(8), 841 - 52
Bacterial contamination of the small bowel evaluated by breath tests, 75Se-labelled homocholic-tauro acid, and scanning electron microscopy; Suhr O et al.; Eighty-one patients with diarrhoea due to suspected bacterial contamination of the small intestine were investigated with the bile acid breath test (BABT) and 75Se-labelled homocholic-tauro acid (SeHCAT) . The impact of bile acid malabsorption due to dysfunction of the terminal ileum on BABT was evaluated . The group of patients with abnormal BABT, notably the 6-h accumulated value, showed a high frequency of reduced SeHCAT values (p less than 0.01), indicating that a reliable test for bile acid malabsorption is indispensable for interpreting the BABT in the investigation of small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth . The results of the 14C-D-xylose breath test were compared with the outcome of the combined SeHCAT-BABT in 44 patients . In contrast to previous findings no correlation between the two breath tests was found . On the contrary, a significant negative correlation was encountered (p less than 0.01) for patients in whom either breath test was abnormal . Scanning electron microscopy for demonstration of adherent microorganisms was included in the investigations . No correlations were found with the outcomes of the different breath tests . The effect of antibiotic treatment was evaluated with regard to symptoms and breath tests . The results of the investigation indicate that different tests are needed for the diagnosis of bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine, because of the different metabolic characteristics of the contaminating bacteria.

J Periodontol, 1990 Aug, 61(8), 475 - 84
Microscopic characterization of root surface-associated microbial plaque in localized juvenile periodontitis; Douglass KD et al.; The purpose of this investigation was to characterize by scanning electron microscopy, the microbial morphotypes associated with the roots of teeth from patients exhibiting localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) . Eighteen teeth were examined from 10 adolescent patients who satisfied the standard clinical diagnostic criteria for LJP . The microscopic evaluation was facilitated by dividing that portion of the root exposed to the periodontal pocket into coronal, middle, and apical one-thirds . Controls consisted of an equal number of teeth matched as to pocket depth and anatomical type obtained from patients exhibiting adult periodontitis (AP) . All specimens were coded and examiners were unaware of their origins . Results of the SEM evaluation revealed little difference in microbial morphotypes comprising the root associated plaque in the coronal one-third of LJP specimens when compared to the AP controls . The dominant microbial morphotypes were cocci, short and long rods, filamentous microorganisms, and spirochetes . However, microbial plaque located in the middle and apical one-third root zones of LJP specimens was distinctly different than that of AP specimens . In the deeper pocket zones the dominant microbial morphotypes in LJP specimens were limited to cocci, short rods, coccobacilli, and various sized spirochetes . In contrast, AP specimens exhibited a collection of microbial morphotypes consisting of cocci, short rods, long rods, filamentous organisms and spirochetes . Calculus was found on the root surfaces of all specimens regardless of disease category although, as a group, the LJP specimens featured lesser amounts . Although areas of root resorption were common in both LJP and AP groups, they were more frequently observed in LJP specimens, likely associated with the generally less confluent deposits of calculus and plaque.

J Am Podiatr Med Assoc, 1990 Aug, 80(8), 433 - 7
Contamination and infection rate of percutaneous Kirschner wires in foot surgery; Halpern FP et al.; A study was performed at the Foot Clinics of New York during the months of September 1988 through December 1988, in which 54 Kirschner wires from 40 surgical patients were cultured immediately upon removal to investigate if microorganisms were present . The results and potential implications are presented.

Immunol Lett, 1990 Aug, 25(1-3), 281 - 3
The iscom: an immunostimulating system; Morein B; To make purified antigens highly immunogenic, they have to be presented in several copies in the form of a microscopic or submicroscopic particle . This is the case, regardless of whether the antigens are obtained by isolation from conventional microorganisms, or from gene-manipulated cells, or synthesized . In the iscom, the antigens are attached as multimers to a 40-nm cage-like particle with a built-in adjuvant . The antigens in iscoms are rapidly transported from the injection site to the draining lymphatic organ . Iscom-borne antigens induced a 10-fold higher antibody response than the same amount of antigen in micelle form . One intranasal immunization with influenza virus iscoms induced protection to intranasal challenge infection in mice . Besides a strong antibody response in all Ig classes and isotypes, cytotoxic T cells were induced . With iscoms containing gp160 of HIV-1, cytotoxic T cells (CD8+ CD4-) were induced under restriction of class I MHC antigen . Iscoms containing the fusion protein of measles virus induced T cell clones in mice whereof one, after adoptive transfer, protected mice against intracerebral challenge infection . Protective immunity against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-induced tumor formation by iscoms containing gp350 of EBV has been elicited in cotton-top Tamerin monkeys . Protective immunity has also been induced against several virus infections including feline leukemia virus and against parasites, i.e., Trypanosoma cruzi, in mice.

Dtsch Zahnarztl Z, 1990 Aug, 45(8), 482 - 4
{Plaque accumulation on various veneering resins--a clinical study}; Kramer A et al.; Initial plaque accumulation on five veneering resins was investigated to determine differences in vitality and adhesion of microorganisms . After 24 hours of exposure of the specimens in the mouth, the vitality of the bacteria was reduced . The vitality and the adhesion increased only a little until the fourth day . The high plaque accumulation observed in vivo on resin veneers seems to depend primarily on the degeneration and mechanical lesions of the surface after a certain time in mouth.

Antibiot Khimioter, 1990 Aug, 35(8), 41 - 3
{Ways of improving the effectiveness of bacteriological diagnosis and treatment of nonspecific lung diseases}; Kozlova NV et al.; Isolation, identification and drug sensitivity assay of microorganisms from pathological materials of 177 patients with nonspecific diseases of the lungs, mainly pneumonia, were performed on blood and selective "chocolate" agars by using Baktofok-MK, a new dry nutrient basis developed by the authors . Blood and "chocolate" agars based on the Hottinger's hydrolysate were used as the control media . It was shown that with the quantitative procedure for inoculating the pathological material, the experimental media based on Baktofok-MK were much more sensitive to growth properties that the control media . That made it possible to detect larger numbers of etiologically important microbial species on the blood agar and to isolate clinical strains of Hemophilus spp . from a larger number of specimens on the "chocolate" agar.

Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi, 1990 Aug, 28(8), 1072 - 7
{Analysis of immunoglobulin G subclasses in chronic respiratory tract infections}; Okano A et al.; To analyze the immunological aspects of chronic respiratory tract infections, immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass patterns were investigated in 20 patients with diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) and 20 patients with cystic bronchiectasis (CBE) . All IgG subclasses were increased in both diseases in comparison to the normal group . Increased levels of IgG1 and IgG2 were recognized more dominantly in DPB, whereas IgG4 level was elevated in CBE . Furthermore, analysis of the ratio of IgG subclass to total IgG showed increase of IgG1 and decrease of IgG2 in both diseases, and increase of IgG4 only in CBE . On the other hand, the increase of IgG1 correlated with infection by P . aeruginosa while increase of IgG4 was recognized in the group of non-P . aeruginosa infections . These results indicate that increased IgG1 and IgG2 levels are common characteristic phenomena in chronic respiratory tract infections such as DPB and CBE, reflecting the pathophysiological aspects based on respiratory tract defense mechanisms against microorganisms, and demonstrated that differences of IgG subclass patterns are observed among DPB and CBE, and also according to causative agents.

Exp Appl Acarol, 1990 Aug, 9(1-2), 137 - 43
Ultrastructure and distribution of intracellular rickettsia-like microorganisms in various organs of the laboratory-reared adult tick Argas (Persicargas) arboreus (Ixodoidea: Argasidae); el Shoura SM; Rod (RS) and coccoid (CS) rickettsia-like microorganisms were found in single and group forms in organs of the laboratory-reared adult ticks Argas (Persicarges) arboreus . RS are distributed in most organs but are mainly concentrated in the salivary glands, mid-gut, and testes . CS single forms were concentrated in the rectal sac, while the group forms were limited to Malpighian tubules and haemocytes of both sexes . The primary oocytes were heavily infected with both forms of CS . No RS or CS were detected in the muscles . Despite the structural differences between RS and CS, they are suggested to be different morphotypes of the same organism.

Int J Food Microbiol, 1990 Aug, 11(1), 35 - 49
Evaluation and interpretation of data obtained with immunoassays and DNA-DNA hybridization techniques; Notermans S et al.; During the last decade several new analytical techniques have been developed for testing food products and clinical samples . One technique uses sensitive immunoassays such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and latex agglutination . The most important step in developing sensitive immunoassays is the evaluation of the assay for specificity, cross-reactivity and sensitivity . False-negative results can easily be detected by adding known quantities of antigen to the sample . The most appropriate way to detect false-positive results is the specific inhibition of the immunological reaction by addition to the test-sample of either synthetic epitopes or anti-idiotype antibodies . The progress in recombinant DNA techniques now offers opportunities for application as analytical tools in food and clinical microbiology . Methods are being developed to detect microorganisms by their nucleic acid sequence using the so-called hybridization procedure . With this technique, labelled DNA fragments (probes) are hybridized with a complementary base sequence present in the microorganism . Foodborne pathogens can be detected by using a probe with a complementary base sequence which codes for toxin production . DNA-DNA hybridization techniques may replace the traditional cultural techniques for assaying pathogenic micro-organisms . However, more experience with these techniques is needed before further evaluation can be given.

J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Aug, 28(8), 1751 - 9
Detection and identification of mycobacteria by amplification of rRNA; Boddinghaus B et al.; Oligonucleotides specific at a genus, group, or species level were defined by a systematic comparison of small-subunit rRNA sequences from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M . bovis, M . africanum, M . bovis BCG, M . avium, M . kansasii, M . marinum, M . gastri, M . chelonae, M . smegmatis, M . terrae, M . nonchromogenicum, M . xenopi, M . malmoense, M . szulgai, M . scrofulaceum, M . fortuitum, M . gordonae, M . intracellulare, M . simiae, M . flavescens, M . paratuberculosis, M . sphagni, M . cookii, M . komossense, M . phlei, and M . farcinica . On the basis of the defined oligonucleotides, the polymerase chain reaction technique was explored to develop a sensitive taxon-specific detection system for mycobacteria . By using M . tuberculosis as a model system, fewer than 10 bacteria could be reliably detected by this kind of assay . These results suggest that amplification of rRNA sequences by the polymerase chain reaction may provide a highly sensitive and specific tool for the direct detection of microorganisms without the need for prior cultivation.

Am Ind Hyg Assoc J, 1990 Aug, 51(8), 427 - 36
Evaluation of methods for enumerating microorganisms in filter samples from highly contaminated occupational environments; Eduard W et al.; Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), light microscopy (LM), epifluorescence microscopy (FM), and culture were used to assess catches of microorganisms in parallel air samples on membrane filters from heavily contaminated working environments that differed in the relative abundance of bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungal spores . Except in pig houses, estimates by SEM and LM were similar, but those by FM and culture were smaller . However, in pig houses, the fluorescent stain enabled bacteria on skin scales, not seen by SEM or LM, to be counted . Although counts obtained by culturing were always smaller than those obtained by SEM or LM, they sometimes exceeded those obtained by FM . Counts suggested that 0.1-68% of bacteria + actinomycetes and 3-98% of fungal spores were viable . However, samples for culturing may have contained larger aggregates than parallel samples collected within a sampling apparatus . All spore types recognized by LM included aggregates--those of bacteria + actinomycetes sometimes exceeding 200 units, while Wallemia sebi spore aggregates were never larger than 3 spores . The size distributions of all types approximated to log-normal, although single spores and small aggregates of bacteria + actinomycetes were perhaps underrepresented . When spores were counted directly on the filter surface, as by SEM and LM, allowance was necessary for heavier deposition of particles near the center of filters by distributing counting fields systematically over the whole filter or a sector of it . Deposition was more uniform in graphite-filled polypropylene filter holders used open-faced . Losses within filter holders and during transportation from sampling site to laboratory were small . The precision of counting spore-containing particles by LM and SEM was better than that of counting individual spores . No such difference was found for FM because many large spore-containing particles were dispersed during preparation.

J Prosthet Dent, 1990 Aug, 64(2), 235 - 7
The presence and identification of organisms transmitted to dental laboratories; Powell GL et al.; The potential for infection of dental personnel in the office and dental laboratory by transmission of microorganisms between dentists' offices and commercial dental laboratories does exist . Sixty-seven percent of all materials sent from dental offices to dental laboratories sampled in four cities were contaminated with bacteria of varying degrees of opportunistic pathogenicity . Dental offices and dental laboratories need to practice adequate infection control procedures to prevent possible cross-contamination.

Ann Intern Med, 1990 Aug 1, 113(3), 227 - 42
Septic shock in humans . Advances in the understanding of pathogenesis, cardiovascular dysfunction, and therapy; Parrillo JE et al.; Septic shock is the commonest cause of death in intensive care units . Although sepsis usually produces a low systemic vascular resistance and elevated cardiac output, strong evidence (decreased ejection fraction and reduced response to fluid administration) suggests that the ventricular myocardium is depressed and the ventricle dilated . In survivors, these abnormalities are reversible . Failure to develop ventricular dilatation in nonsurvivors suggests that dilatation is a compensatory mechanism needed to maintain adequate cardiac output . With a canine model of septic shock that is very similar to human sepsis, myocardial depression was confirmed using load-independent measures of ventricular performance . Endotoxin administration to humans simulates the qualitative, cardiovascular abnormalities of sepsis . The pathogenesis of septic shock is extraordinarily complex . Diverse microorganisms can generate toxins, stimulating release of potent mediators that act on vasculature and myocardium . A circulating myocardial depressant substance has been closely associated with the myocardial depression of human septic shock . Therapy has emphasized early use of antibiotics, critical care monitoring, aggressive volume resuscitation, and, if shock continues, use of inotropic agents and vasopressors . Pharmacologic or immunologic antagonism of endotoxin or other mediators may prove to enhance survival in this highly lethal syndrome.

J Can Dent Assoc, 1990 Aug, 56(8), 785 - 7
Herpes simplex virus infection: what to look for . What to do!
Blondeau JM, Embil JA.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a ubiquitous microorganism that is highly prevalent in the general population . This prevalence and the oral manifestations put dentists, dental hygienists and dental patients at risk of being accidentally infected with HSV . This brief review highlights some of the basic properties of HSV, its transmission and pathogenesis . As well, common HSV oral infections are reviewed and suggestions are put forward to prevent the accidental transmission of HSV.

Offentl Gesundheitswes, 1990 Aug-Sep, 52(8-9), 408 - 11
{Hygiene problems in spas}; Sacre C; The problems of hygiene to be tackled in spas are governed by Federal German legislation such as the Federal Communicable Diseases Act, the Federal German DIN standard regulation No . 19643, the guidelines for the construction of medical baths and the legal definition of a spa . The article describes the problems of hygiene encountered in respect of the water in swimming pools and in physical exercise basins in spas, as well as the problems of hygiene in other fields with particular reference to microorganisms that are of special importance as far as hygienic aspects are concerned . Reference is made to the trihalogen methanes and to the problems in connection with the employed materials.

Immunobiology, 1990 Aug, 181(1), 84 - 96
Hyporesponsiveness of human alveolar leukocytes to interferon-alpha and interferon-gamma inducers; Cembrzynska-Nowak M et al.; Leukocytes were obtained from bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) of 36 patients including 10 with lung cancer, 15 with inflammatory lung diseases and 11 healthy control patients undergoing diagnostic investigation . The entire alveolar cell population responded weakly to the classic interferon (IFN) inducers: Newcastle disease virus (NDV), phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) . This refers mainly to normal healthy volunteers . Alveolar leukocytes from patients with inflammatory lung diseases and nonsteroid treated lung cancer responded better to the interferon inducers than did cells from other patients . The IFN-alpha or IFN-gamma response of whole blood leukocytes to the same inducers was 10 to 100-fold higher than that of the alveolar cells . Alveolar macrophages from 6 healthy individuals and 3 patients with inflammatory lung disease were cultured in vitro for 6 days . The IFN response to inducers appears to depend on the origin of the cultured cells . It increased in the initially hyporeactive macrophages from healthy subjects and decreased in the relatively reactive cells from the patients with inflammatory lung diseases . We suggest that the hyporeactivity to IFN induction is a physiological state of the alveolar leukocytes which are a specialized cell population having constant exposure to inhaled agents such as dust, smoke, microorganisms and their by-products . The hyporesponsiveness to IFN induction of the alveolar cells may have an important physiological role in protecting lungs against hyperproduction of cytokines involved in the inflammatory and allergic reactions.

J Pharmacobiodyn, 1990 Aug, 13(8), 461 - 7
Effect of pretreatment with antibiotics on the hydrolysis of salicyluric acid in rabbit intestinal microorganisms; Nakamura J et al.; The effect of pretreatment with antibiotics on the hydrolysis of salicyluric acid in rabbit intestinal microorganisms was investigated . Latamoxef sodium (LMOX, 25 mg/kg/d, intravenously) and cephalexin (CEX, 16.7 mg/kg/d, orally) were administered for 1 or 3 d . The blood concentration of salicyluric acid and salicylic acid following oral, intracecal and rectal administration of salicyluric acid was determined . By the pretreatment with LMOX for 1 or 3 d, the blood concentration of salicylic acid following oral administration of salicyluric acid was slightly decreased . In rabbits pretreated with CEX for 3 d, the blood concentration of salicylic acid was detected at low concentration . By the pretreatment with LMOX and CEX, however, the decrease in the blood concentration of salicylic acid following rectal administration of salicyluric acid was not observed . Although the examination of population of intestinal microorganisms induced by the pretreatment with antibiotics was not performed, the metabolic activity of intestinal microorganisms may be changed.

Cell Biophys, 1990 Aug, 17(1), 93 - 106
A comparison of thermodynamic approaches to predict the adhesion of dairy microorganisms to solid substrata; Bellon-Fontaine MN et al.; Four different thermodynamic approaches were compared on their usefulness to predict correctly the adhesion of two fouling microogranisms from dairy processing to various solid substrata . The surface free energies of the interacting surfaces were derived from measured contact angles according to: 1 . The equation of state; 2 . The geometric-mean equation using dispersion and polar components neglecting spreading pressures; 3 . The geometric-mean equation using dispersion and polar components while accounting for spreading pressures; and 4 . The Lifshitz-van der Waals/Acid-Base approach . All approaches yielded similar surface free energies for the low energy surfaces . Application of approach 1 with different liquids did not give consistent values for the high surface free energy substrata . The dispersion or Lifshiftz-van der Waals components were nearly equal for approaches 2, 3, and 4; however, the polar or acid-base components differed greatly according to the approach followed . Approaches 1 and 2 correctly predicted that adhesion should occur, although the trend with respect to the various solid substrata was opposite the one experimentally observed, as was also the trend predicted by approach 4 . Only approach 3 correctly predicted the observed bacterial adhesion with respect to the various solid substrata . In approach 3 and 4, adhesion was frequently found, despite a positive free energy of adhesion . This was attributed to either possible local attractive electrostatic interactions, inadequate weighing of surface free energy components in the calculation of free energies of adhesion, or to additional forces arising from structured interfacial water.

Science, 1990 Jul 20, 249(4966), 257 - 63
Diversity of Conus neuropeptides; Olivera BM et al.; Conus venoms contain a remarkable diversity of pharmacologically active small peptides . Their targets are ion channels and receptors in the neuromuscular system . The venom of Conus geographus contains high-affinity peptides that act on voltage-sensitive calcium channels, sodium channels, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, acetylcholine receptors, and vasopressin receptors; many more peptides with still uncharacterized receptor targets are present in this venom . It now seems that the Conus species (approximately 500 in number) will each use a distinctive assortment of peptides and that the pharmacological diversity in Conus venoms may be ultimately comparable to that of plant alkaloids or secondary metabolites of microorganisms . The cone snails may generate this diverse spectrum of venom peptides by a "fold-lock-cut" synthetic pathway . These peptides are specific enough to discriminate effectively between closely related receptor subtypes and can be used for structure-function correlations.

Gene, 1990 Jul 2, 91(1), 113 - 7
Cloning and nucleotide sequence of the crtI gene encoding phytoene dehydrogenase from the cyanobacterium Aphanocapsa PCC6714; Schmidt A et al.; The membrane-bound phytoene dehydrogenase (PD) is an enzyme in carotenoid biosynthesis which is essential in all microorganisms and plants containing these colored pigments . Despite its key role in the regulation of carotenogenesis, the biochemistry and molecular biology of PD are poorly understood . We have cloned, sequenced and expressed a portion of the PD-encoding gene, crtI, from the blue-green algae Aphanocapsa PCC6714 . The gene codes for a 532-amino acids (aa) protein, with a calculated Mr of 52,598 Da . Two regions of the aa sequence share significant homology with PD from the purple bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus, including a 30-aa region which has been proposed to be specific for dehydrogenases in carotenoid biosynthesis.

Acta Otolaryngol, 1990 Jul-Aug, 110(1-2), 105 - 9
Isolation of Chlamydia trachomatis from the middle ear aspirates of otitis media; Ogawa H et al.; Chlamydia trachomatis was cultured from the middle ear aspirates of patients with acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion (OME) to assess the relationship between the microorganism and middle ear disease . The agent was recovered in 2 of 6 patients with acute otitis media, in 3 of 13 with acute OME and in 9 of 31 with chronic OME . Serum antibody to the agent was detected in 8 of 9 patients with C . trachomatis infection in the middle ear . Chlamydial infection was found, serologically or by isolation of the agent from the genital tract, in the parents of 5 of 6 children with the infection . Therefore perinatal transmission appeared to be the most probable mode of infection in the infants . These studies indicate that C . trachomatis causes middle ear diseases more often than has been suspected.

Am J Gastroenterol, 1990 Jul, 85(7), 813 - 8
Helicobacter pylori-like microorganisms and chronic active gastritis in ferrets; Gottfried MR et al.; To determine the prevalence and histology of Helicobacter pylori (HP) associated gastritis in young ferrets, we examined 36 normal 2- to 4-month old ferrets . Identification of HP-like microorganisms included Warthin Starry stains of tissue sections, rapid urease test on fresh tissue, and culture . HP-like microorganisms were found in the stomachs of 35/36 ferrets . The highest density of microorganisms was seen in the antrum, where HP-like microorganisms were present in the pits and in deep glands . HP-like microorganisms were also seen in the cardia and on the foveolar epithelium of the fundus, but not in fundic glands . Chronic active gastritis was seen in all animals with HP-like microorganisms, but involved only the antrum . The distal antrum was most severely involved . One animal had no evidence of HP-like microorganisms on tissue sections or by rapid urease test . Gastric tissue sections from this animal showed only minimal infiltration of the lamina propria by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes . Gastritis associated with HP-like microorganisms is common in ferrets and is acquired at a young age . It is associated with chronic active antral gastritis similar to that seen in humans, suggesting that ferrets should provide a useful experimental model for HP-associated gastritis and peptic ulcer.

Lijec Vjesn, 1990 Jul-Aug, 112(7-8), 250 - 7
{Genetic and biochemical basis of microbial resistance to antibiotics}; Popovic M et al.; Antibiotics affect different structures or metabolic processes in a bacterial cell inhibiting its growth and reproduction what results in the destruction of microorganisms . Microorganisms have developed some resistance mechanisms in order to survive in the presence of antibiotics . Recent advances in molecular biology of microorganisms Recent advances in molecular biology of microorganisms and technique of recombinant DNA have helped us to understand more clearly the molecular aspects of resistance of microorganisms against antibiotics . Some of the mechanisms of drug resistance include: change of the binding site of the antibiotic due to the mutation of genes being responsible for the synthesis of the target sites of the antibiotic (aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, beta-lactams); change of the binding site of the antibiotic by the activity of methylase (macrolides); diminished patency of the cell membrane for the antibiotic (tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, macrolides, aminoglycosides); active transport of the antibiotic outside the cell (tetracyclines); synthesis of specific enzymes modifying and thus inactivating the molecule of the antibiotic (aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol); tolerance of microorganisms to the activity of the antibiotic (beta-lactams); inactivation of the antibiotic molecule by the enzymes such as beta-lactamase for the beta-lactam antibiotic and by esterase for the antibiotic with a lactone ring (macrolides).

Antibiot Khimioter, 1990 Jul, 35(7), 16 - 8
{Preservation of microorganisms by the method of L-drying}; Ustiuzhanina SV et al.; A procedure for L-drying of microorganisms or their drying under vacuum from liquid state is described in detail . The procedure is used in the Culture Collection of the All-Union Research Institute of Antibiotics . Preservation of Acremonium chrysogenum VNIIA 313A, the cephalosporin-producing culture, with the described procedure allowed one not only to maintain its viability for prolonged periods, but also to completely reproduce its initial antibiotic activity . L-Drying of some poorly kept cultures belonging to Acremonium was a success.

J Protozool, 1990 Jul-Aug, 37(4), 25S - 33S
Epidemiology of free-living ameba infections; Visvesvara GS et al.; Small free-living amebas belonging to the genera Acanthamoeba and Naegleria occur world-wide . They have been isolated from a variety of habitats including fresh water, thermal discharges of power plants, soil, sewage and also from the nose and throats of patients with respiratory illness as well as healthy persons . Although the true incidence of human infections with these amebas is not known, it is believed that as many as 200 cases of central nervous system infections due to these amebas have occurred worldwide . A majority (144) of these cases have been due to Naegleria fowleri which causes an acute, fulminating disease, primary amebic meningoencephalitis . The remaining 56 cases have been reported as due either to Acanthamoeba or some other free-living ameba which causes a subacute and/or chronic infection called granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) . Acanthamoeba, in addition to causing GAE, also causes nonfatal, but nevertheless painful, vision-threatening infections of the human cornea, Acanthamoeba keratitis . Infections due to Acanthamoeba have also been reported in a variety of animals . These observations, together with the fact that Acanthamoeba spp., Naegleria fowleri, and Hartmannella sp . can harbor pathogenic microorganisms such as Legionella and or mycobacteria indicate the public health importance of these amebas.

Recenti Prog Med, 1990 Jul-Aug, 81(7-8), 539 - 48
{Oculogenital infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis}; Paroli E et al.; C . trachomatis, the causative agent of hyperendemic trachoma and lymphogranuloma venereum, is also responsible of sexually transmitted infections . It is now recognized that genital chlamydial infections are the major cause of sexually transmitted diseases in Western industrialized countries, surpassing the importance of gonococcal infections . C . trachomatis, obligate intracellular parasite, enters the epithelial cells of genital mucosae and can reach, luminally, other organs of both female and male genital tract originating different clinical pictures . Vertical transmission of the microorganism from the infected mother to the newborn is of great importance . The infection takes place during delivery and can lead to disease in the newborn such as inclusion conjunctivitis and interstitial pneumonia . The present review deals mainly with clinical features and the most frequent complications of chlamydial infections . The identification of subjects at risk and the improvement of diagnostic techniques is of utmost importance since a prompt antibiotic treatment can eradicate the microorganism at least in uncomplicated infections, preventing the sequelae of the disease.

Rev Odontostomatol (Paris), 1990 Jul-Aug, 19(4), 339 - 44
{Ex-vivo study of the capacity of bacteria of the genus Capnocytophaga to adhere to human buccal epithelial cells}; Kolokotronis A et al.; The bacteria of the genre Capnocytophaga are part of the subdominant flora of the oral cavity . For diverse microorganisms it has been proved that the adhesion constitutes the first step of the colonization of a place leading to the eventual pathology . The adhesion capacity to human epithelial cells (keratinised and non) of eight strains of genus Capnocytophaga has been studied . All strains appear to have a very weak capacity of adhesion . This diministe can be originated from the fact that the host cells have been harvested from healthy subjects.

Biokhimiia, 1990 Jul, 55(7), 1155 - 68
{Biochemistry of organometallic compounds}; Riabov AD et al.; Recent studies have demonstrated that organometallics can be substrates of enzymes and may undergo biotransformations in the presence of microorganisms . Latest achievements in organometallic biosynthesis, applications of organometallics in biosensor systems and the properties and models of novel enzymes which attack the core of organometallic compounds, i.e., the metal-carbon bond, are discussed.

Immunol Today, 1990 Jul, 11(7), 228 - 9
Heat shock proteins: immunity and immunopathology; Lydyard PM et al.; Much interest has been generated in heat shock proteins (hsps) since they were implicated as dominant antigens of infectious microorganisms and suggested to have a role in the development of adjuvant arthritis (AA) in rats . Advances in the understanding of the role of hsps in immunity and immunopathology were recently discussed at a meeting held in Utrecht, as part of the European Community concerted action on immunopathogenesis and immunotherapy of chronic arthritis.

Clin Microbiol Rev, 1990 Jul, 3(3), 197 - 218
Lectins and their application to clinical microbiology; Slifkin M et al.; Lectins are generally associated with plant or animal components, selectively bind carbohydrates, and interact with procaryotic and eucaryotic cells . Lectins have various specificities that are associated with their ability to interact with acetylaminocarbohydrates, aminocarbohydrates, sialic acids, hexoses, pentoses, and as other carbohydrates . Microbial surfaces generally contain many of the sugar residues that react with lectins . Lectins are presently used in the clinical laboratory to type blood cells and are used in a wide spectrum of applications, including, in part, as carriers of chemotherapeutic agents, as mitogens, for fractionation of animal cells, and for investigations of cellular surfaces . Numerous studies have shown that lectins can be used to identify rapidly certain microorganisms isolated from a clinical specimen or directly in a clinical specimen . Lectins have been demonstrated to be important diagnostic reagents in the major realms of clinical microbiology . Thus, they have been applied in bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, and virology for the identification and/or differentiation of various microorganisms . Lectins have been used successfully as epidemiologic as well as taxonomic markers of specific microorganisms . Lectins provide the clinical microbiologist with cost-effective and potential diagnostic reagents . This review describes the applications of lectins in clinical microbiology.

Arch Intern Med, 1990 Jul, 150(7), 1417 - 20
A conservative procedure for the diagnosis of catheter-related infections; Cercenado E et al.; A prospective study was done in 139 intravascular catheters (IVCs) that had been removed for different reasons . The purpose of the study was to compare laboratory procedures for the diagnosis of catheter-related infections and also to attempt to clarify the present controversy regarding the portal of entry of such infections . The IVCs were removed by one of us and multiple samples were studied according to a standard procedure . Semi-quantitative cultures were performed of the tips, the interior of the hub, and the skin around the insertion point . Quantitative cultures were performed of the infusion fluid and of the IVC tips . Of the 139 IVCs studied, 53 (38.1%) were infected (greater than or equal to 15 colony-forming units per plate in the semiquantitative culture) . Semi-quantitative and quantitative cultures gave comparable results, but the semiquantitative procedure proved to be easier and faster . All but three infected catheters had a positive (greater than or equal to 15 colony-forming units per plate) skin and/or hub culture (superficial cultures), with microorganisms identical to those isolated in the IVC tip . Our results showed two possible and differentiable portals of entry . Thirty (56.6%) had external origin (semiquantitative skin culture positive), 12 (22.6%) had an internal origin (semiquantitative hub culture positive), and 8 (15.1%) had both origins . All catheters with negative superficial cultures had a negative tip . The predictive value of positive superficial cultures in the diagnosis of catheter-related infection was 66.2% and that of negative cultures was 96.7% . In patients with suspected catheter-related infections but negative superficial cultures, the possibility of infection may reasonably be ruled out, thereby avoiding many unnecessary catheter withdrawals.

Mutat Res, 1990 Jul, 239(1), 17 - 27
Mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and teratogenicity of cobalt metal and cobalt compounds; Leonard A et al.; Cobalt metal and cobalt compounds are extensively used for the production of high-temperature alloys, diamond tools, cemented carbides and hard metals, for the production of various salts used in electroplating and as catalysts, drying agents in paints, additives in animal feeds and pigments . Cobalt oxides are used not only in the enameling industry and for pigments, but also in catalytic applications . There is no indication that cobalt metal and cobalt compounds constitute a health risk for the general population . Allergic reactions (asthma, contact dermatitis) can be induced by certain cobalt compounds . Interstitial fibrosis has also been observed in workers exposed to high concentrations of dust containing cobalt, tungsten, iron, etc., mainly in the cemented carbides and the diamond-polishing industries . Several experiments have demonstrated that single or repeated injections of cobalt metal powder or some forms of cobalt salt and cobalt oxide may give rise to injection site sarcoma in rats and in rabbits but the human health significance of such data is questionable . Intratracheal administration of a high dose of one type of cobalt oxide induces lung tumors in rats but not in hamsters . In the latter long-term inhalation of cobalt oxide (10 mg/m3) did not increase the incidence of lung cancer . The human data are too limited to assess the potential carcinogenic risk for workers . Co2+ interacts with protein and nucleic acid synthesis and displays only weak mutagenic activity in microorganisms . Some cobalt salts have been reported to enhance morphological transformation of Syrian hamster embryo cells . Cobalt chloride displays some limited mutagenic activity in yeast and some cobalt compounds are able to produce numerical and structural chromosome aberrations in plant cells . Cobalt and its salts appear to be devoid of mutagenic and clastogenic activity in mammalian cells . Cobaltous acetate and cobaltous chloride have not been found to be teratogenic in hamsters and rats respectively.

Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo, 1990 Jul-Aug, 32(4), 240 - 8
Lymphocyte subpopulations and neutrophil function in chronic human Chagas' disease; Voltarelli JC et al.; The absolute numbers of total leukocytes, lymphocytes . T cells, helper/inducer, suppressor/cytotoxic and B cells were decreased in the peripheral blood of patients with chronic Chagas' disease . Since antilymphocyte antibodies were present only in a minority of patients they probably cannot account for the abnormalities in lymphocyte subsets . Patient neutrophils stimulated with endotoxin-treated autologous plasma showed depressed chemotactic activity and this seems to be an intrinsic cellular defect rather than plasma inhibition . Random migration of neutrophils was normal . Reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium by endotoxin-stimulated neutrophils was also decreased . These findings further document the presence of immunosuppression in human Chagas' disease . They may be relevant to autoimmunity, defense against microorganisms and against tumor cells at least in a subset of patients with more severe abnormalities.

Rev Invest Clin, 1990 Jul-Sep, 42(3), 174 - 9
{Pancreatic cystic fibrosis in Mexicans over 15 years of age}; Quezada R et al.; A better knowledge of cystic fibrosis of the pancreas has contributed to raise the detection of cystic fibrosis in adults . We describe nine Mexican patients older than 15 years with cystic fibrosis . Respiratory symptoms were predominant and they were secondary to bronchiectasis . All patients were infected by mucoid Pseudomona aeruginosa and in some cases, the finding of this microorganism in sputum suggested the diagnosis . In Mexican population the cystyc fibrosis of the pancreas can be found in adult patients, and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic respiratory diseases in adults.

J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Jul, 28(7), 1608 - 12
BacT/Alert: an automated colorimetric microbial detection system; Thorpe TC et al.; BacT/Alert (Organon Teknika Corp., Durham, N.C.) is an automated microbial detection system based on the colorimetric detection of CO2 produced by growing microorganisms . Results of an evaluation of the media, sensor, detection system, and detection algorithm indicate that the system reliably grows and detects a wide variety of bacteria and fungi . Results of a limited pilot clinical trial with a prototype research instrument indicate that the system is comparable to the radiometric BACTEC 460 system in its ability to grow and detect microorganisms in blood . On the basis of these initial findings, large-scale clinical trials comparing BacT/Alert with other commercial microbial detection systems appear warranted.

Genetics, 1990 Jul, 125(3), 551 - 5
Is there selection on RFLP differences in mitochondrial DNA?
Nigro L, Prout T.
Experimental populations of Drosophila simulans were established for the purpose of detecting the presence or absence of selection on a restriction fragment length polymorphism in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) . It was then discovered that the founding strains differed with respect to the Rickettsia-mediated incompatibility system in this species, which is maternally transmitted together with the mtDNA differences . A population model was constructed using the known fitness effects of the incompatibility system, with the result that the population trajectories can be completely explained by the effects of the microorganism with no need to invoke selection on mtDNA . The strong conclusion is that in this case we can rule out the strong selection proposed by MacRae and Anderson to explain the "dramatic mtDNA changes" in their Drosophila pseudoobscura populations . The population theory used for the experiments is discussed in the context of natural populations . Estimated parameters include the possibility that with two populations, one with the organism and one without it, there may be no bias as to which will invade the other, which in turn suggests no global tendency for the infection to spread or decline.

J Chromatogr, 1990 Jun 22, 509(2), 325 - 32
Long-chain fatty alcohol quantitation in subfemtomole amounts by gas chromatography-negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry . Application to long-chain acyl coenzyme A measurement; Wolf BA et al.; We describe a simple and sensitive method to identify and quantitate long-chain fatty alcohols . Long-chain fatty alcohols were converted to their pentafluorobenzoyl derivative and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry in the negative ion chemical ionization (NICI) mode with selected ion monitoring . GC resolution was obtained for myristyl, palmityl, heptadecyl, stearyl, oleyl, linoleyl and arachidonyl alcohols . As little as 0.4 fmol of fatty alcohol can be detected, which represents a six order-of-magnitude increase in sensitivity over previously described methods . This assay can be used to measure femtomolar amounts of long-chain acyl coenzyme A thioesters after reduction to the corresponding fatty alcohols with sodium borohydride . Other potential applications of this assay include identification and quantitation of long-chain fatty alcohol production by microorganisms.

Cell, 1990 Jun 15, 61(6), 1075 - 87
Replication initiates in a broad zone in the amplified CHO dihydrofolate reductase domain; Vaughn JP et al.; We have used two complementary two-dimensional gel electrophoretic methods to localize replication inititation sites and to determine replication fork direction in the amplified 240 kb dihydrofolate reductase domain of the methotrexate-resistant CHO cell line CHOC 400 . Surprisingly, our analysis indicates that replication begins at many sites in several restriction fragments distributed throughout a previously defined 28 kb initiation locus, including a fragment containing a matrix attachment region . Initiation sites were not detected in regions lying upstream or downstream of this locus . Our results suggest that initiation reactions in mammalian chromosomal origins may be more complex than in the origins of simple microorganisms.

Science, 1990 Jun 15, 248(4961), 1380 - 8
Autoimmune diseases: the failure of self tolerance; Sinha AA et al.; The ability to discriminate between self and nonself antigens is vital to the functioning of the immune system as a specific defense against invading microorganisms . Failure of the immune system to "tolerate" self tissues can result in pathological autoimmune states leading to debilitating illness and sometimes death . The induction of autoimmunity involves genetic and environmental factors that have focused the attention of researchers on the trimolecular complex formed by major histocompatibility complex molecules, antigen, and T cell receptors . Detailed molecular characterization of these components points to potential strategies for disease intervention.

Environ Health Perspect, 1990 Jun, 86, 239 - 43
What should be done to mitigate groundwater contamination?
Patrick R.
Groundwater contamination is a serious problem that is growing in the United States, but its true extent is not known and it is difficult to determine because of the complexities of contaminants, their transformation, and fate in groundwater systems . It is also difficult to predict their movement in groundwater . Since we know that the problem is serious and that our needs for groundwater will grow, the mitigation of groundwater contamination, despite the high cost, is necessary . Furthermore, it is very difficult to predict effects on human health because they have not been defined for many of the chemicals . Antagonism and synergistic effects of interacting chemicals have not been determined because they are complicated by many factors, for example, volatile organic compounds . The effects of leachates in groundwaters entering streams on the riverine environment and aquatic life have not been determined . Successful mitigation requires that we determine which microbial and chemical contaminants are the most serious threats to human health, develop the technology to biologically, chemically, and physically transform hazardous waste into nonhazardous materials; develop the technology to properly contain hazardous materials and to remediate contamination, and determine the effects of those hazardous materials on soils and water microorganisms and macroorganisms . Our challenge is how can we immobilize or destroy groundwater contaminants so that they will not enter groundwater, or if they enter groundwater, are confined and destroyed.

Isr J Med Sci, 1990 Jun, 26(6), 313 - 5
Polymicrobial infections of the female low genital tract; Herman A et al.; A complete microbiologic analysis of nine infectious agents causing low genital tract infection (LGTI) was obtained in 240 young women, of whom 193 were symptomatic for LGTI and 47 were asymptomatic (control group) . The polymicrobial nature of LGTI was demonstrated by both the increased frequency of different microorganisms (1.77 +/- 1.09 SD in symptomatic vs . 1.08 +/- 0.98 in asymptomatic patients) and the increased total number of agents (0 agents 8.3 and 36.2%, 1-2 agents 67.4 and 55.3%, greater than or equal to 3 agents 24.3 and 8.5%, in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients respectively) . There was a mutual association between Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis, where the presence of one nearly doubled the frequency of the other . Of 74 symptomatic patients with a single infectious agent, Chlamydia trachomatis was isolated most frequently, suggesting an important role of this agent in infections of the female low genital tract.

Clin Exp Immunol, 1990 Jun, 80(3), 373 - 5
Polyamine oxidase activity in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid; Ferrante A et al.; Oxidation of polyamides by polyamine oxidases (PAO) leads to the generation of highly reactive aminoaldehydes which have been shown to have a variety of effects, including killing of pathogenic microorganisms and regulation of leucocyte functions . Data presented here show that PAO are present in synovial fluid from patients with rheumatoid arthritis . This finding may have important implications in the various properties attributed to synovial fluid which includes anti-inflammatory activity.

Regul Toxicol Pharmacol, 1990 Jun, 11(3), 253 - 61
Small-scale field test of the genetically engineered lacZY marker; Hattemer-Frey HA et al.; Commercial genetic engineering is advancing into areas that require the small-scale introduction of genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) to better quantify variables that affect microorganism distribution and survival and to document potential long-term consequences . A recombinant DNA marker system, the lacZY marker, developed by the Monsanto Agricultural Co., enables the distribution and fate of marked fluorescent pseudomonad organisms to be monitored under actual field conditions . Critical evaluation of GEMs under field conditions is imperative if plant-beneficial effects are to be correlated with organism release . This paper evaluates the effectiveness of this marker system and its ability to facilitate the assessment of risks associated with deliberate environmental introductions of genetically engineered microorganisms . Results of prerelease contained growth chamber and field experiments demonstrated that: (1) the scientific risk assessment methodology adopted by Monsanto and approved by the U.S . Environmental Protection Agency was appropriate and comprehensive; (2) the deliberate introduction of a GEM did not pose unacceptable or unforeseen risks to human health or the environment; (3) the lacZY marker is an effective environmental tracking tool; and (4) regulatory oversight should reflect the expected risk and not be excessively burdensome for all GEMs.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1990 Jun, (6), 13 - 8
{The infection of monkeys with Ureaplasma urealyticum serovar VIII}; Marantidi AN et al.; The possibility of modeling chronic infection on monkeys by the injection of the culture of U . urealyticum, serotype VIII, was shown . The infection of monkeys with these microorganisms introduced in a single intraperitoneal injection resulted in the generalization of the process, which was manifested by the persistence and reproduction of the infective agent in the organs and blood of the animals for as long as 6 months (the term of observation) . Lymphoid hyperplasia in the organs of immunogenesis and transitory immunomorphological reaction in the tissues of some organs of the urogenital system were noted . The localization of infective agents in some endocrine glands was not accompanied by disturbances in their function.

Xenobiotica, 1990 Jun, 20(6), 583 - 90
Fungal metabolism of 4-substituted amphetamines; Foster BC et al.; 1 . rac.-4-Ethoxyamphetamine was incubated with 14 different yeast and fungal microorganisms . 4-Hydroxyamphetamine was the major metabolite; traces of N-acetyl-4-ethoxyamphetamine were also detected . 2 . The major fungal (Cunninghamella) metabolite of 4-propoxyamphetamine and 4-benzyloxyamphetamine was 4-hydroxyamphetamine . The major metabolites of 4-methoxyamphetamine were N-acetyl-4-methoxyamphetamine and 4-hydroxyamphetamine . 3 . Acetoin derivatives were formed when alkoxyamphetamine substrates were incubated in the presence of various fungi and yeasts . 4 . The findings indicate that Cunninghamella echinulata may be a useful microbial model for drug disposition and interaction studies.

Semin Dermatol, 1990 Jun, 9(2), 152 - 9
Syphilis: test procedures and therapeutic strategies; Lowhagen GB; The diagnosis of syphilis is dependent mainly on serological tests . In primary syphilis there is a seronegative period when the diagnosis is dependent on demonstration of Treponema pallidum in lesional exudate . The most widely used screening tests for syphilis are the VDRL and the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and for confirmation the fluorescent treponemal antibody (FTA) and the treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) tests . The nonvenereal treponematoses have the same serological response as in syphilis . For the diagnosis of neurosyphilis, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters available are insufficient . The albumin quotient for estimation of the blood-brain barrier function is recommended as well as the IgG index, which is a measure of intrathecal immunoglobulin production . Treponemal antibodies in CSF have high sensitivity for neurosyphilis, although the specificity is low . Although penicillin has been used as first-line therapy in syphilis for more than 40 years, T pallidum has not shown any signs of decreased sensitivity . T pallidum is still one of the most penicillin-sensitive microorganisms known . The standard treatment is depot preparations (benzathine penicillin and procaine penicillin) giving a continuous low penicillinaemia . Treatment failures in early syphilis have been exceedingly rare, although in neurosyphilis there have been several reports indicating that low-dose therapy is insufficient . With recommended treatment regimens, treponemicidal levels of penicillin in CSF are not achieved . Failure of therapy and rapid progression to neurosyphilis has recently been reported in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) . It has been proposed that neurosyphilis and patients coinfected with syphilis and HIV should be treated with high intravenous doses of benzylpenicillin.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Jun, 56(6), 1919 - 25
Combination of 16S rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes with flow cytometry for analyzing mixed microbial populations; Amann RI et al.; Fluorescent oligonucleotide hybridization probes were used to label bacterial cells for analysis by flow cytometry . The probes, complementary to short sequence elements within the 16S rRNA common to phylogenetically coherent assemblages of microorganisms, were labeled with tetramethylrhodamine and hybridized to suspensions of fixed cells . Flow cytometry was used to resolve individual target and nontarget bacteria (1 to 5 microns) via probe-conferred fluorescence . Target cells were quantified in an excess of nontarget cells . The intensity of fluorescence was increased additively by the combined use of two or three fluorescent probes complementary to different regions of the same 16S rRNA.

Microbiol Rev, 1990 Jun, 54(2), 198 - 210
Codon preferences in free-living microorganisms; Andersson SG et al.; A popular interpretation of the major codon preference is that it reflects the operation of a regulatory device that controls the expression of individual proteins . In this popular model, rapidly translated codons are thought to promote the accumulation of the highly expressed proteins and slowly translated codons are thought to retard the expression of poorly expressed proteins . However, this widely accepted model is not supported by kinetic theory or by experimental results . A less fashionable model in which the major codon preference has nothing to do with the expression level of the individual proteins is forwarded . In this model, the major codon preference is viewed as a global strategy to support the efficient function of the translation system and thereby to maximize the growth rates of cells under favorable conditions.

J Am Acad Dermatol, 1990 Jun, 22(6 Pt 2), 1210 - 7
Langerhans cells in HIV-1 infection; Stingl G et al.; The skin-specific immune surveillance system protects against invading microorganisms and transformed cells expressing tumor-specific neoantigens . This system includes antigen-presenting Langerhans cells, dermal and epidermal T lymphocytes, cytokine-producing keratinocytes, and draining peripheral lymph nodes . In patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), this surveillance system appears to be compromised, as evidenced by a reduction in the epidermal Langerhans cell population . Because human epidermal Langerhans cell express surface-bound CD4 antigens, HLA-DR antigens, and Fc-IgG receptors, all of which are involved in HIV-1 binding to, or entry into, the target cell, the reduction in Langerhans cells in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS-related complex (ARC) may be a direct consequence of HIV-1 infection and subsequent injury to Langerhans cells . Detailed ultrastructural studies have confirmed moderate to severe morphologic damage in some Langerhans cells of such patients and the presence of HIV-1-like particles on Langerhans cell surface membranes and in the extracellular spaces . The biologic consequences of Langerhans cell infection by HIV-1 could be either impaired antigen presentation function of viable Langerhans cells or possible transmission of the retrovirus to the T-cell compartment in skin or lymph nodes, with subsequent depletion of CD4+ T cells via widespread syncytia formation between HIV-1-infected and noninfected cells . The facts that herpes simplex virus, specific cytokines, and ultraviolet B radiation can activate signals for HIV-1 expression and that epidermal cells can elaborate large amounts of cytokines, particularly with enhanced ultraviolet B exposure, may have important clinical implications for HIV-1-infected patients.

Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am, 1990 Jun, 2(2), 287 - 97
Preventing septic shock . Infection control in the intensive care unit; Hoyt NJ; Preventing nosocomial infection in the critically ill patient is a challenge for the critical care nurse . The prevention of nosocomial infection may be impossible in the critically ill patient as long as invasive therapeutic interventions are key to patient care . Therefore, nursing practice must be guided by a clear understanding of the patient's host defense mechanisms and how they are jeopardized by the underlying medical condition and therapeutic interventions . Classic recommendations of infection control practices, such as hand washing and meticulous aseptic technique, plus an awareness of the many ways that microorganisms can contaminate and inoculate the patient are essential for preventative nursing care . The most effective infection control measures may be continual patient assessment, observing for subtle changes that indicate an infection is incubating . It is the early distinction of infection as the underlying mechanism for fever, inflammatory response, and clinical deterioration that can best facilitate an expedient and appropriate course of therapy and minimize the consequences of disease.

Infect Immun, 1990 Jun, 58(6), 1730 - 7
Localization and activity of various lysosomal proteases in Leishmania amazonensis-infected macrophages; Prina E et al.; In mammalian hosts, Leishmania amastigotes are obligatory intracellular parasites of macrophages and multiply within parasitophorous vacuoles of phagolysosomal origin . To understand how they escape the harmful strategies developed by macrophages to kill ingested microorganisms, it is important to obtain information on the functional state of parasitophorous vacuole . For this purpose, we studied the intracellular distribution and activity of host lysosomal proteases in rat bone marrow-derived macrophages infected with Leishmania amazonensis amastigotes . Localization of cathepsins B, H, L, and D was investigated by using specific immunoglobulins . In uninfected macrophages, these enzymes were located in perinuclear granules (most of them were probably secondary lysosomes) which, after infection, disappeared progressively . In infected macrophages, cathepsins were detected mainly in the parasitophorous vacuoles, suggesting that the missing secondary lysosomes had fused with these organelles . Biochemical assays of various proteases (cathepsins B, H, and D and dipeptidyl peptidases I and II) showed that infection was accompanied by a progressive increase of all activities tested, except that of dipeptidyl peptidase II, which remained constant . No more than 1 to 10% of these activities could be attributed to amastigotes . These data indicate that (i) Leishmania infection is followed by an increased synthesis and/or a reduced catabolism of host lysosomal proteases, and (ii) amastigotes grow in a compartment rich in apparently fully active proteases . Unexpectedly, it was found that infected and uninfected macrophages degraded endocytosed proteins similarly . The lack of correlation in infected macrophages between increase of protease activities and catabolism of exogenous proteins could be linked to the huge increase in volume of the lysosomal compartment.

Microbiol Rev, 1990 Jun, 54(2), 101 - 29
Cytochrome bc1 complexes of microorganisms; Trumpower BL; The cytochrome bc1 complex is the most widely occurring electron transfer complex capable of energy transduction . Cytochrome bc1 complexes are found in the plasma membranes of phylogenetically diverse photosynthetic and respiring bacteria, and in the inner mitochondrial membrane of all eucaryotic cells . In all of these species the bc1 complex transfers electrons from a low-potential quinol to a higher-potential c-type cytochrome and links this electron transfer to proton translocation . Most bacteria also possess alternative pathways of quinol oxidation capable of circumventing the bc1 complex, but these pathways generally lack the energy-transducing, protontranslocating activity of the bc1 complex . All cytochrome bc1 complexes contain three electron transfer proteins which contain four redox prosthetic groups . These are cytochrome b, which contains two b heme groups that differ in their optical and thermodynamic properties; cytochrome c1, which contains a covalently bound c-type heme; and a 2Fe-2S iron-sulfur protein . The mechanism which links proton translocation to electron transfer through these proteins is the proton motive Q cycle, and this mechanism appears to be universal to all bc1 complexes . Experimentation is currently focused on understanding selected structure-function relationships prerequisite for these redox proteins to participate in the Q-cycle mechanism . The cytochrome bc1 complexes of mitochondria differ from those of bacteria, in that the former contain six to eight supernumerary polypeptides, in addition to the three redox proteins common to bacteria and mitochondria . These extra polypeptides are encoded in the nucleus and do not contain redox prosthetic groups . The functions of the supernumerary polypeptides of the mitochondrial bc1 complexes are generally not known and are being actively explored by genetically manipulating these proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Microbiologia, 1990 Jun, 6(1), 1 - 10
Genomic imprinting in microorganisms; Casadesus J et al.; Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic mark introduced on a DNA molecule without alteration of the base sequence . Upon replication, the primary mark is propagated to the daughter DNA molecules . Epigenetic DNA modification often serves as a regulatory signal and may play a crucial role in many developmental processes . Although this mode of gene regulation was first discovered in multicellular eukaryotes, cases of imprinting have been recently found in lower eukaryotes, bacteria and phage . Thus it may be reasonable to list DNA modification among the major mechanisms that regulate gene expression.

Wei Sheng Wu Xue Bao, 1990 Jun, 30(3), 234 - 7
{Rapid identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other mycobacteria with Mycobacterium tuberculosis whole chromosomal DNA probe}; Wu X et al.; The dot-blots containing DNA isolated from nonmycobacterial and mycobacterial microorganisms were hybridized with 32P-labeled M . tuberculosis whole chromosomal DNA at the various temperatures . The probe did not cross-hybridize to DNA of nonmycobacterial microorganisms (E . coli, Plasmid pUC19, Nocardia asteriodes), nor with DNA from all mycobacteria tested except M . bovis BCG under the higher temperature conditions . Microorganisms could also be directly spotted and lysed on nitrocellulose filters and used for hybridization thus making this technique suitable for clinical diagnosis.

Dent Mater J, 1990 Jun, 9(1), 19 - 24
In vitro adherence of microorganisms to denture base resin with different surface texture; Yamauchi M et al.; We examined the effects of various denture base resin surface textures on the adherence of microorganisms . S . sanguis and B . gingivalis adhered in greater amounts to the denture base resin than the other microorganisms tested . As to bacterial adherence according to polishing state, S . oralis, B . gingivalis C-101, and B . intermedius C-001 more adhered to the No . 400 paper-polished surface than to the buff-polished and smoothening-treated surfaces . S . sanguis less adhered to the smoothening-treated surface . S . mitis and C . albicans, on the other hand, more adhered to the smoothening-treated surface . For the other microorganisms tested, no relationship was observed between surface texture and bacterial adherence . The fall-off test revealed no remarkable differences in the fall-off of S . sanguis and B . gingivalis C-101 by the types of surface treatment . However, the fall-off of C . albicans was poorest from the No . 400 paper-polished surface . These results indicate that smoothening the denture base surface is important for denture plaque control.

Klin Wochenschr, 1990 May 17, 68(10), 512 - 7
{Various forms of humidifier lung}; Hauck R et al.; Clinical and immunological investigations of 15 workers in a repro-printing house revealed a prevalence of 7% for the occurrence of humidifier-lung . Serological sensitization to humidifier water and fungi respectively was found in 73%, fragmentary symptoms in 53% . In comparison to smokers, elevated antibody levels occurred more frequently in nonsmokers (33% vs . 100%) . The results are supposed to reflect subclinical stages of disease, but they are not yet of a definite predictive value . Reduction of microorganisms in humidifiers seems to be essential for the prevention of disease.

J Immunol, 1990 May 15, 144(10), 3987 - 91
Human humoral immunity to hsp70 during Trypanosoma cruzi infection; Engman DM et al.; Immunologic screening of cDNA expression libraries has been widely used for the identification of DNA sequences encoding the immunologically relevant proteins of many pathogenic microorganisms . For reasons that are not entirely clear, sequences encoding 70-kDa heat shock and related proteins (hsp70), which are among the most highly conserved proteins known, have routinely been identified by this approach . Consequently, hsp70 proteins have been proposed to be involved in the autoimmune processes thought responsible for the pathogenesis of the diseases caused by some of these organisms, e.g., chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection (Chagas' disease) . Therefore, we investigated whether hsp70 might be a specific target of the human humoral immune response to T . cruzi infection, and, if so, whether humoral autoimmunity to hsp70 might play a role in pathogenesis . We found that hsp70 is indeed a major polypeptide Ag in Chagas' disease, but that the antibodies to T . cruzi hsp70 do not react with human hsp70--even though the proteins display 73% amino acid sequence identify . These results indicate that self-tolerance to hsp70 is maintained during chronic T . cruzi infection and strongly argue against a role for humoral autoimmunity to hsp70 in the pathogenesis of Chagas' disease.

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi, 1990 May, 10(5), 295 - 7, 262
{Effect of a decoction of six ingredients with rehmannia on the periodontal tissues of animals with kidney diseases}; Cai J et al.; In this paper, Kidney Yin and Yang deficiency animal models were made by the medicine (hydrocortisone, thyroxin) . At the same time the occlusal trauma was accompanied . It was caused by means of corprophagy (microorganism) fed and artificial damage . The authors observed the injuries and effects of the local and systemic factors caused on the periodontal tissues of rats . From the experiment the authors found the injuries of the periodontal tissues in Kidney deficiency models were severer than those of the models without Kidney deficiency . The results showed that the function of the traditional medicine was a matter of protection, regeneration and repairing to the periodontal tissues of Kidney Yin deficiency models . In addition, the weights and activities of the experimental animals fed by Decoction of Six Ingredients with Rehmannia were higher than those without taking the traditional medicine.

Int J Food Microbiol, 1990 May, 10(3-4), 219 - 24
Distribution of microorganisms with particular reference to encapsulated bacteria in kefir grains; Toba T et al.; Propagable and non-propagable kefir grains in a form resembling cauliflower florets were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy . In propagable grains short and long rod-shaped bacteria and yeasts formed separate colonies on the outside surface and inside . Internally, filaments which derived from capsules around the cells extended radially from a population of long rod-shaped bacteria . In non-propagable grains long rod-shaped bacteria with filamentous appendages were not observed, but only short rod-shaped bacteria and yeasts . Indian ink preparations showed presence of encapsulated bacteria in propagable grains and absence of these in non-propagable ones . The above results suggest that encapsulated bacteria are responsible for propagation of kefir grains.

Rev Esp Anestesiol Reanim, 1990 May-Jun, 37(3), 153 - 5
{Aseptic meningitis after intradural anesthesia}; Papaceit Vidal J et al.; We report a case of aseptic meningitis after intradural anesthesia in a 70-year-old male . Clinical features developed 4 hours after surgery, and they consisted of high fever, severe headache, drowsiness and temporospatial disorientation, without signs of meningeal irritation . The analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed pleocytosis, normal biochemical findings, and absence of microorganisms both in Gram stain and in culture . The outcome was favorable, and the clinical features disappeared within 48 hours without antibiotic therapy.

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis, 1990 May-Jun, 13(3), 223 - 6
Qualitative intravascular catheter tip cultures do not predict catheter-related bacteremia; Nahass RG et al.; During a 5-month period, we evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of qualitative cultures of intravenous catheters submitted to a university hospital microbiology laboratory . Of 36 catheters submitted for culture from nonseptic patients, 10 (28%) grew one or more microorganisms on qualitative culture . Of 44 catheters cultured from septic patients, 20 (45%) grew one or more microorganisms, but only 5 grew microorganisms that also were isolated from blood cultures . The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values for catheter-related bacteremia were 71%, 96%, and 17%, values similar to those reported for quantitative methods . Although acceptable in terms of sensitivity and specificity, the very low positive predictive value suggests that catheter-related bacteremia cannot be predicted reliably by this test . We conclude, therefore, that nonstandardized qualitative IV catheter cultures have minimal value as predictors of bacteremia and recommend that they not be performed in clinical microbiology laboratories.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1990 May, 43(5), 470 - 6
Studies on inhibitors of rat mast cell degranulation produced by microorganisms . II . Structure elucidation of eurocidins D and E; Nakagomi K et al.; The planar structures of new eurocidin related compounds, eurocidins D and E, were elucidated from 1H-1H shift correlated 2D NMR spectra and other NMR data . All protons in the molecules were assigned . Eurocidins D and E have novel pentaenic structures of eurocidin family.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1990 May, 43(5), 462 - 9
Studies on inhibitors of rat mast cell degranulation produced by microorganisms . I . Screening of microorganisms, and isolation and physico-chemical properties of eurocidins C, D and E; Nakagomi K et al.; Microorganisms producing anti-inflammatory substances were screened by the inhibitory effect on mast cell degranulation . Three new compounds related to pentaene macrolide eurocidins, eurocidins C, D and E, have been isolated from the culture broth of Streptoverticillium eurocidicum IFO 13491 as the inhibitors . Their molecular weights and molecular formulae were estimated as 781.89 and C39H59NO15 for eurocidin C, 795.92 and C40H61NO15 for eurocidin D, and 779.92 and C40H61NO14 for eurocidin E, respectively.

J Clin Invest, 1990 May, 85(5), 1392 - 400
Amniotic fluid interleukin 6 in preterm labor . Association with infection; Romero R et al.; To evaluate whether IL-6 participates in the host response to intrauterine infection, we studied IL-6 bioactivity and isoforms in amniotic fluid (AF) . Two different assays for IL-6 were used: the hepatocyte stimulating factor assay (in Hep3B2 cells) and the SDS-PAGE/immunoblot assay . IL-6 determinations were performed in 205 AF samples . Samples were obtained from patients in the midtrimester of pregnancy (n = 25), at term with no labor (n = 31), at term in active labor (n = 40), and from patients in preterm labor (n = 109) . Higher AF IL-6 levels were observed in women in preterm labor with intraamniotic infection than in women in preterm labor without intraamniotic infection (median = 375 ng/ml, range = 30-5000 ng/ml vs . median = 1.5 ng/ml, range = 0-500, respectively, P less than 0.0001) . The 23-25- and 28-30-kD IL-6 species could be readily detected in SDS-PAGE immunoblots performed directly on 10-microliters aliquots of AF from patients with intraamniotic infection . Among women in preterm labor with culture-negative AF, those who failed to respond to subsequent tocolytic treatment had higher AF IL-6 concentrations than those who responded to therapy (median = 50 ng/ml vs . median = 1.2 ng/ml, respectively, P less than 0.05) . Only low levels of IL-6 were detected in AF obtained from normal women in the midtrimester and third trimester of pregnancy . Decidual tissue explants obtained from the placentas of women undergoing elective cesarean section at term without labor (n = 11) produced IL-6 in response to bacterial endotoxin . In a pilot study, AF IL-6 was determined in 56 consecutive women admitted with preterm labor . All patients (n = 10) with elevated AF IL-6 (cutoff = 46 ng/ml) delivered a premature neonate . 4 of these 10 patients had positive AF cultures for microorganisms . These studies implicate IL-6 in the host response to intrauterine infection and suggest that evaluation of AF IL-6 levels may have diagnostic and prognostic value in the management of women in preterm labor.

Cell Immunol, 1990 May, 127(2), 506 - 13
Shark cytotoxic macrophages interact with target membrane amino groups; McKinney EC; The types of target structures recognized by cytotoxic macrophages have been described for various microorganisms, but have not been defined for tumor cells . Tumoricidal macrophages are selective in their destructive mechanisms, sparing normal cells while directing their lytic machinery toward neoplastic targets . The cytotoxic activity of macrophages from a primitive vertebrate, the nurse shark, closely resembles the activity of mammalian tumoricidal macrophages . Host defense mechanisms of these animals appear to rely on antigen nonspecific cellular effector systems, and it has been postulated that macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity plays a dominant role in protection during periods of decreased environmental temperatures when lymphocyte responses of poikilothermic vertebrates are compromised . Similar to mammalian tumoricidal macrophages shark macrophages display selective recognition of target cells . Previous studies showed that TNP modification of targets was protective, preventing recognition by the shark spontaneously cytotoxic macrophage . Additionally, it was shown that cytotoxic activity was inhibited in a dose dependent fashion by the addition of excess unlabeled targets . In the present study, similar inhibition experiments with hapten-modified targets have been used to determine the nature of the target structures recognized by the shark cytotoxic macrophage . Cold targets modified with haptens which react covalently with free amino groups on cell membranes, trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) and flourescein isothiocyanate (FITC), are not recognized by the cytotoxic macrophage . The relative amount of membrane bound TNP was correlated with inhibition of cytotoxicity . Conversely, target cells modified with sulfhydryl reacting reagents, N-iodoacetyl-N'-(5-sulfonic-1-naphthyl) ethylene diamine and dithionicotinic acid, are recognized similarly to untreated targets . Moreover, TNP-containing lipids, permitted to diffuse into target membranes without covalent binding, do not alter target recognition, indicating that TNP itself has no effect on macrophage:target interaction . From these data, it is concluded that the shark cytotoxic macrophage interacts with membrane bound amino, but not sulfhydryl groups . The ability to distinguish between membrane structures may have appeared early in evolution as a means of preserving self cells while retaining protective nonspecific cytotoxic mechanisms.

J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol, 1990 May-Jun, 10(3), 138 - 44
Past and future in mycotoxin toxicology research; Schlatter C; Before 1960 the toxicology of mycotoxins was mainly of concern to veterinarians, because outbreaks of mycotoxicoses resulted occasionally in considerable loss of livestock . By a wider use of biotests, preferably in mammals, a further decline of such intoxications probably will occur . Following the discovery of the carcinogenicity of some aflatoxins, the focus turned to human health . Screening tests for carcinogenicity are still in development . The test used most frequently is the Ames test on microorganisms . Unfortunately, many problems still must be resolved before an extrapolation of results from these tests to man is possible . Examination of the carcinogenic activity of mycotoxins in long-term animal experiments is often difficult due to lack of resources, lack of test material, and the toxicity of the compounds, which precludes administration of sufficiently high dose levels . The available data regarding a possible carcinogenic activity of several important mycotoxins, such as the trichothecenes or patulin, do not fulfill currently used criteria . Therefore further studies are needed . A new approach is determination of the binding capacity to DNA of suspected carcinogens, which seems to correlate well with carcinogenic potency . By this method, a high carcinogenicity of aflatoxin M1 can be deduced . However, the macromolecular-bound residues of aflatoxin B1, which may occur in tissues of domestic animals, most probably do not show carcinogenic activity . Although many questions are still unanswered, it seems that the numerous mycotoxins identified since 1960 are less toxic or carcinogenic and occur less frequently in food than do aflatoxins.

Indian J Pediatr, 1990 May-Jun, 57(3), 375 - 9
Experiences with milk banking in Bombay; Fernandez A et al.; PIP: Staff of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the L.T.M.G . Hospital in Bombay, India exclusively feeds all infants breast milk . A lactation management nurse oversees its formal milk banking system by encouraging health mothers of NICU infants to donate milk and by assessing daily milk demand . Breast milk donors must fit predetermined criteria, such as not taking medication and not be malnourished . Prior to expressing breast milk, each mother must wash her hands and breasts . She expresses milk either by hand or by using a manual or an electric pump . She must try to empty each breast every 2 hours with the milk going into a sterile container . A certain amount is fed fresh to her infant . The remaining milk is placed in a larger container which is then put into a refrigerator . At the end of each day, all excess milk is placed into a single container and transferred to a milk bank freezer in an insulated box . The nurse sends a sample to be tested for the present of microorganisms . If the number of microorganisms in the milk exceed certain criteria, it then is pasteurized at 56 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes thereby inactivating microorganisms including HIV . Unpasteurized milk is kept in the freezer for no longer than 1 month while pasteurized milk can be stored for up to 3 months . Daily, predetermined amounts of milk is thawed . thawed milk is then transferred in insulate boxes to the refrigerator in the NICU to be used within 24 hours . As much as possible, infants receive their own mother's fresh milk . If not, they are fed screened donor milk appropriate for gestational age . Some problems for this system include unwillingness of mothers to share their breast milk and outbreaks of diarrhea when pumps are not sterilized after each use .

Zentralbl Hyg Umweltmed, 1990 May, 190(1-2), 51 - 61
Ultraviolet disinfection of drinking water . 1 . Communication: Inactivation of E . coli and coliform bacteria; Zemke V et al.; The inactivation of E . coli and coliform bacteria by UV rays was tested in a laboratory unit . The strains investigated were E . coli ATCC 11229, C . freundii ATCC 8090, E . cloacae ATCC 13047 and K . pneumoniae ATCC 4352 . The irradiation dose was determined by a modified potassium ferrioxalate actinometer according to Calvert and Pitts . In consequence with the investigations E . cloacae ATCC 13047 proved to be the most UV resistant and K . pneumoniae ATCC 4352 to be the most UV sensitive microorganism.

Zentralbl Hyg Umweltmed, 1990 May, 190(1-2), 13 - 25
{Cryptosporidiosis . Characterization of a new infection with special regard to water as the source of infection}; Exner M et al.; Within the past few years, microorganisms of the Genus Cryptosporidium have been recognized as an important pathogen to humans . A possible mode of transmission is represented by the presence of Cryptosporidium-oocysts in water . Meanwhile several outbreaks of diarrheal illness caused by the contamination of drinking water by Cryptosporidium have been documented; an infection can be life-threatening for immunosuppressed patients . This article reviews the organism causing Cryptosporidiosis, his ecology, the clinical feature, the sources of infection and the epidemiology . The remarkable resistance of the oocysts to disinfectants, such like chlorine, their survival for a long time and the low infectious dose shows evidently that the conservative guidelines in treatment and quality control of drinking water should be discussed newly.

Cesk Gynekol, 1990 May, 55(4), 241 - 6
{Epidemiology of vaginal mycoplasmas}; Unzeitig V et al.; The authors made in 456 women mycoplasmatological examinations of the vaginal secretion by cultivation . Mycoplasma hominis was obtained in 158 women (34.6%) . U . urealyticum in 295 women (64.7%) In 120 women (26.3%) both microorganisms were present . The prevalence of vaginal mycoplasms is markedly influenced by the sexual activity of women . The relative risk of colonization of the vagina with M . hominis rises with the frequency of sexual intercourse more than four times . In case of a larger number of sexual partners the relative risk of colonization of the vagina with U . urealyticum is 7.7 times higher than in women with a single partner.

J Clin Microbiol, 1990 May, 28(5), 1002 - 8
Rapid microbial detection and enumeration using gel microdroplets and colorimetric or fluorescence indicator systems; Williams GB et al.; A new micromethod employing gel microdroplets (GMDs) and optical measurements can be used for rapid detection and enumeration of viable microorganisms (J . C . Weaver, G . B . Williams, A . M . Klibanov, and A . L . Demain, Bio/Technology 6:1084-1089, 1988) and has several potential applications in clinical microbiology . This method involves entrapping microorganisms in GMDs (10 to 100 microns in diameter) which are surrounded by a hydrophobic (low dielectric) fluid, subsequently distinguishing occupied and unoccupied GMDs with colorimetric or fluorescence indicators, counting both occupied and unoccupied GMDs, and applying Poisson statistical analysis . Acid-producing microorganisms were used to compare colorimetric and fluorescence pH indicator systems . Fluorescence systems were generally superior, particularly for detection before microbial growth occurred . Although colorimetric detection was reasonably fast for fast-growing microorganisms, significantly longer times were needed for slow-growing microorganisms . We investigated the dependence of the detection time on microbial division time, GMD size, and buffering capacity of the medium within GMDs . It was found possible to use a single preparation of GMDs, containing a range of GMD sizes, to simultaneously provide a viable enumeration of growing and nongrowing (e.g., stressed) cells . This was possible because small GMDs responded rapidly to both growing and nongrowing cells, while large GMDs, although slower, responded much more rapidly to growing cells than to nongrowing cells . Separate analysis of small and large GMDs in the same preparation yielded two enumerations, one of nongrowing cells and the other of growing cells . GMDs can also be used with conventional light microscopy to detect and enumerate fast-growing acid-producing bacteria much more quickly than conventional plating methods.

Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1990 May, 109(5), 453 - 6
{Significance of characteristics of microorganisms in the pathogenesis B . pyocyaneus infection (an experimental study)}; Teplikov VG et al.; The experimental Pseudomonas Sepsis was induced by various strains . Biological features of these strains were different and various forms of sepsis were induced . The authors suggested that biological features of microorganisms cause the development of different and various forms of sepsis.

J Endod, 1990 May, 16(5), 207 - 10
Root canal dentinal tubule disinfection; Safavi KE et al.; Dentinal tubules of the root canal walls of human teeth were infected in vitro with a known bacterial isolate . The roots were exposed to either calcium hydroxide or iodine potassium-iodide for various periods of time and the viability of microorganisms was determined by incubation of entire root samples in a culture medium . The effects of the two agents on microbial viability were evaluated and compared . Iodine potassium-iodide disinfected dentin effectively . In contrast, bacteria remained viable in the dentin after relatively extended periods of calcium hydroxide treatment.

Kosm Biol Aviakosm Med, 1990 May-Jun, 24(3), 43 - 5
{Hygienic evaluation of moisture and carbon dioxide absorbers recommended for purifying the atmosphere of hermetically sealed chambers}; Koziarin IP; This paper presents hygienic evaluation of carbon dioxide absorbers (zeolites KA-SM and M-11) and water absorbers (silica gel KCM-6B) . It has been shown that these agents contain no toxic components, produce smell of no more than 1-2 scores at normal and high temperature, exert no stimulating effect on atmospheric microorganisms, and are safe for man . In view of this, the above absorbers can be used to purify an enclosed atmosphere.

J Clin Lab Immunol, 1990 May, 32(1), 37 - 9
Significance of oxygen availability for release of oxygen free radicals and lysozyme by neutrophils; Jarstrand C et al.; Neutrophilic granulocytes were exposed to an atmosphere of nearly 100% oxygen (hyperoxia) for one hour . The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction, reflecting oxygen radical release, was decreased both in resting and stimulated cells, but lysozyme release was unchanged . Short time exposure of patients to oxygen hypertension might therefore be beneficial as therapy, in conditions where reduced production of oxygen radicals is required . The NBT reduction of resting and stimulated neutrophils in an atmosphere of purified argon (hypoxia) was also considerably decreased, and the lysozyme release unchanged . This reflects the anaerobic conditions in abscesses, where the contribution of neutrophil oxygen metabolites to the killing of microorganism might be reduced.

J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol, 1990 May-Jun, 10(3), 124 - 8
Intracellular bacteria: the origin of dinoflagellate toxicity; Silva ES; Dinoflagellate blooms of the same species have been registered either as toxic or nontoxic and, in the latter case, toxicity may be of different types . A hypothesis has been formulated according to which the bacteria having in some way taken part in the toxin formation are either inside the dinoflagellate cell or in the nutritive liquid . The presence of intracellular bacteria in those microorganisms has been studied mainly in material from cultures, a few from the sea, and several strains were isolated from different species . Experiments with crossed inoculations have shown that the bacterial strain from Gonyaulax tamarensis caused the cells of some other species to become toxic . From nontoxic clonal cultures of Prorocentrum balticum, Glenodinium foliaceum, and Gyrodinium instriatum, after inoculation of that bacterial strain, cultures were obtained whose cell extracts showed the same kind of toxicity as G . tamarensis . No toxic action could be found in the extracts of the bacterial cells form the assayed strains . The interference of intracellular bacteria in the metabolism of dinoflagellates must be the main cause of their toxicity.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1990 May, (5), 94 - 7
{The surface antigens of Rickettsia prowazekii studied with monoclonal antibodies}; Nedialkov IuA et al.; R . prowazekii antigens have been tested with the use of monoclonal antibodies (McAb) to different epitopes of the microorganism . As revealed in these tests, McAb B4/4 and A-3/D, active against species-specific thermolabile antigen, interact with protein having a molecular weight of 90-120 KD . McAb C5/2, active against thermostable group antigen common with that of Rickettsia typhi, interact with LPS-like antigen having a molecular weight of 30 KD . Ultrastructural immunochemical studies have revealed that both R . prowazekii antigens are located on surface structures of rickettsiae, such as the microcapsule and cell wall.

FEBS Lett, 1990 Apr 9, 263(1), 89 - 92
Stereochemical course of hydrolysis and hydration reactions catalysed by cellobiohydrolases I and II from Trichoderma reesei; Claeyssens M et al.; Cellobiohydrolase I from Trichoderma reesei catalyzes the hydrolysis of methyl beta-D-cellotrioside (Km = 48 microM, kcat = 0.7 min-1) with release of the beta-cellobiose (retention of configuration) . The same enzyme catalyzes the trans-hydration of cellobial (Km = 116 microM, kcat = 1.16 min-1) and lactal (Km = 135 microM, kcat = 1.35 min-1), presumably with glycosyl oxo-carbonium ion mediation . Protonation of the double bond is from the direction opposite that assumed for methyl beta-cellotrioside, but products formed from these prochiral substrates are again of beta configuration . Cellobiohydrolase II from the same microorganism hydrolyzes methyl beta-D-cellotetraoside (Km = 4 microM, kcat = 112 min-1) with inversion of configuration to produce alpha-cellobiose . The other reaction product, methyl beta-cellobioside, is in turn partly hydrolysed by cellobiohydrolase II to form methyl beta-D-glucoside and D-glucose, presumably the alpha-anomer . Reaction with cellobial is too slow to permit unequivocal determination of product configuration, but clear evidence is obtained that protonation occurs from the si-direction, again opposite that assumed for protonating glycosidic substrates . These results add substantially to the growing evidence that individual glycosidases create the anomeric configuration of their reaction products by means that are independent of substrate configuration.

Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1990 Apr 7, 120(14), 509 - 12
{Abdominal actinomycosis--ileo-vaginal fistula as clinical manifestation . Case report and literature review}; Meier L et al.; In 1985 sigmoid resection was performed in an 81-year-old patient with recurrent sigmoid diverticulitis . Due to adenomyosis uteri, hysterectomy was performed at the same time . Approximately one year after an uneventful recovery fetid leukorrhea occurred . Radiograms revealed a fistula between the terminal ileum and vagina . Adhesions between the terminal ileum and vaginal stump were surgically resolved and an ileum segment resection was performed . Postoperative recovery was uncomplicated and the patient has been symptom-free since . The histological findings of Actinomyces microorganisms, thread-like foreign material and detritus drew our attention to a rare instance of abdominal actinomycosis . Publications of purely historical interest dealing with therapeutic measures before the antibiotic era are not taken into consideration . The clinical picture, incidence and therapy of abdominal actinomycosis are described in the light of the literature.

Rev Clin Esp, 1990 Apr, 186(7), 320 - 3
{Determination of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in patients with morphea, lichen sclerosus et atrophicus and erythema chronicum migrans}; Pinazo Canales I et al.; Several cutaneous entities described in Europe as Chronic Migrans Erythema (CME), Mild Cutis Lymphadenosis (MCL) and Chronic Atrophyc Acrodermatitis (CAA) constitute clinical manifestations of a Borrellia Burgdorferi . The presence of clinical and hystologic lesions similar to those of liquen esclerosus and atrophyc (LEA) and localized esclerodermia (morphea) in patients with CAA has driven to several authors to demonstrate the aethiologic participation of B . Burgdorferi in patients carrying those cutaneous lesions with contradictory results . A serologic study with indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and FIAX test was performed in 16 patients (9 with morphea, 6 with LEA and 1 with CME) in order to evaluate the role of this microorganism in our environment . Five reactive sera were obtained of which only one presented IgG antibodies titrated at 1/256 . The IgM antibodies by IIF and IgG by FIAX test turned out to be negative . A specific relationship between B . Burgdorferi and the studied entities could not be established.

Isr J Med Sci, 1990 Apr, 26(4), 187 - 90
Phytohormones as specific inhibitors of Legionella pneumophila growth; Grossowicz N; Legionellae have been found to be highly susceptible to a variety of biological products, which increases the difficulty of growing these microorganisms . We developed a hypotonic medium in which Legionella pneumophila and other legionellae grow well and multiply rapidly from small inocula . Several amino acids, mainly nonessential ones, inhibited the growth of legionellae at high concentrations (200-1,000 micrograms/ml) . We describe a unique biological phenomenon of specific inhibition of growth of L . pneumophila by the plant growth hormone auxin (indole-3-acetic acid) and the closely related indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) . The inhibition of growth was probably due to interference with the biosynthesis of L-tryptophan by the phytohormone or IPA . Other bacteria were found to be 50 to 100-fold more resistant to these agents . These findings may explain the peculiar ecology of legionellae . Bacterial susceptibility towards IPA (less than or equal to 5 micrograms/ml) may serve as a specific marker for the presence of legionellae.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Apr, 56(4), 895 - 903
Phosphonate utilization by bacterial cultures and enrichments from environmental samples; Schowanek D et al.; A selection of axenic microbial strains and a variety of environmental samples were investigated with respect to the utilization of a series of natural and xenobiotic phosphonates as the sole phosphorus source for growth . Phosphonate degradation was observed only with bacteria and not with eucaryotic microorganisms . All representatives of the phosphonates examined supported bacterial growth, with the exception of methylphosphonate diethylester . Yet, distinctly different phosphonate utilization patterns were noted between phosphonate-positive strains . C-P bond cleavage by a photosynthetic bacterium is reported for the first time; growing photoheterotrophically, Rhodobacter capsulatus ATCC 23782 was able to utilize 2-aminoethylphosphonate and alkylphosphonates . Bacteria with the potential to utilize at least one of the phosphonate moieties from the xenobiotic phosphonates Dequest 2010, Dequest 2041, and Dequest 2060 were detected in all environments, with only two exceptions for Dequest 2010 . Phosphonate P utilization to an extent of 94 and 97%, for Dequest 2010 and Dequest 2041, respectively, provided evidence that a complete breakdown of these compounds with respect to the C-P bond cleavage can be achieved by some bacteria . The results suggest that phosphonate-utilizing bacteria are ubiquitous, and that selected strains can degrade phosphonates that are more complex than those described previously.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Apr, 56(4), 1079 - 86
Isolation and characterization of a fluoranthene-utilizing strain of Pseudomonas paucimobilis; Mueller JG et al.; A soil bacterium capable of utilizing fluoranthene as the sole source of carbon and energy for growth was purified from a seven-member bacterial community previously isolated from a creosote waste site for its ability to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons . By standard bacteriological methods, this bacterium was characterized taxonomically as a strain of Pseudomonas paucimobilis and was designated strain EPA505 . Utilization of fluoranthene by strain EPA 505 was demonstrated by increase in bacterial biomass, decrease in aqueous fluoranthene concentration, and transient formation of transformation products in liquid cultures where fluoranthene was supplied as the sole carbon source . Resting cells grown in complex medium showed activity toward anthraquinone, benzo{b}fluorene, biphenyl, chrysene, and pyrene as demonstrated by the disappearance of parent compounds or changes in their UV absorption spectra . Fluoranthene-grown resting cells were active against these compound as well as 2,3-dimethylnaphthalene, anthracene, fluoranthene, fluorene, naphthalene, and phenanthrene . These studies demonstrate that organic compounds not previously reported to serve as growth substrates can be utilized by axenic cultures of microorganisms . Such organisms may possess novel degradative systems that are active toward other compounds whose biological degradation has been limited because of inherent structural considerations or because of low aqueous solubility.

J Submicrosc Cytol Pathol, 1990 Apr, 22(2), 231 - 9
Ulcerative colitis associated chronic uveitis . Parasitization of intraocular leucocytes by mollicute-like organisms; Wirostko E et al.; Uveitis is inflammation of the ocular vascular coats . Most uveitis is chronic, idiopathic, and considered to have an endogenous, possibly autoimmune pathogenesis . Chronic idiopathic uveitis occurs in isolation or with various systemic diseases including inflammatory bowel diseases . Using a transmission electron microscope vitreous leucocyte parasitizing and destroying mollicute-like organisms (MLO) are often found to cause chronic uveitis . Mollicutes are cell wall deficient bacteria . Mollicutes have a characteristic ultrastructural appearance . Extracellular mollicutes are fastidious, lipid-rich, and contain various potent cytotoxins . They cause human and animal diseases with autoimmune features . Morphologically similar organisms are intracellular non-cultivable pathogens that bear the eponym MLO . MLO are cytopathogenic, and cause host cell proliferation, destruction, and dysfunction . Uveitis producing MLO are detectable within parasitised vitreous lymphocytes, monocytes, and polymorphonuclear leucocytes . They appear as intracytoskeletal 0.005-0.01 micron diameter filaments and undulating pleomorphic trilaminar membrane bound 0.01-1.0 micron tubulo-spherical bodies . Cell wall deposition to form distinctive 'spore-like' cocci may also be seen . Inoculation of human uveitis MLO into mouse eyelids produces chronic uveitis . MLO also disseminate to produce chronic inflammatory disease in all organs including the gut . MLO are detectable in all the diseased organs . This report describes MLO parasitised vitreous and aqueous leucocytes in five ulcerative colitis patients with chronic uveitis . No microorganisms were cultivated using a wide variety of cultural techniques . The results indicate that MLO caused the uveitis of these patients . The possible role of this pathogen in human gut disease and Rifampin treatment of MLO disease are discussed.

Rev Argent Microbiol, 1990 Apr-Jun, 22(2), 90 - 3
{Antagonism in vitro among phytopathogenic and saprobic fungi from horticultural soils}; Alippi HE et al.; Two methods were tested in order to determine the existence of in vitro antagonism among saprobic and pathogenic fungi . These microorganisms were the most common isolates from horticultural soils of La Plata (Buenos Aires) . Trichoderma harzianum; T . koningii and Penicillium sp . were antagonistic to all the pathogenic fungi tested, Fusarium solani; F . oxysporum; Alternaria solani; Colletotrichum sp . and Sclerotium rolfsii Spicaria sp., Paecilomyces sp . and Chaetomiun sp . were antagonistic only to Colletotrichum sp . and Fusarium solani.

Medicina (Firenze), 1990 Apr-Jun, 10(2), 108 - 28
{Pelvic inflammatory disease}; Maruotti T et al.; At present, PID is considered to be the most severe gynecological infection of young women as well as one of the most important problems of public health involving high social and economical costs . There are two pathogenetic aspects of PID . The primary form results from an ascending infection sustained by the microbic flora of the inferior genital tract, subsequently involving its higher anatomical districts . The secondary form derives from the pelvic diffusion of microorganism primarily involved in extra-genital infections . The analysis of the epidemiological aspects of the disease identifies in the sexual habits, the contraceptive procedures as well as the invasive instrumental practices (iatrogenic factors) the risk factors of the disease . PID has a multimicrobial origin based on a complex interplay between synergic infectious agents, vectors of etiological factors, interferon-gamma and intrauterine devices . The anatomopathological aspects of PID, including Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome are discussed . The literature concerning the diagnosis and the therapy of the disease is extensively analyzed.

Rev Dent Chile, 1990 Apr, 81(1), 29 - 33
{Role of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in human infection}; Giglio C et al.; Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (AA), is a cocobacillus thin and small, non motile, uncapsulate and capnophilic . AA, is: one of the species encountered in the mouth's comensal flora being able to be isolated in gingival crevices culture and oral mucosa in a 20% of the healthy population . An important number of pathogenic factors make it well equipped, to protect itself from host's defense mechanisms, and to destroy the periodontal tissue . Between the most important we find lipopolisacarides and leucotoxines which promote tisular invasion and destructive qualities of this microorganism . Since 1912, there are numerous reports of infectious process associated to it, between which we find: endocarditis in native and prothesic valve, soft tissues abscess, pneumonia, brain's abscess, urethritis, vertebral osteomielitis, thyroid's abscess, pericarditis and periodontal juvenile illness, being this one in which its isolation is more frequent . In vitro, AA is very susceptible to tetracicline . This antibiotic reaches high concentrations in gingival crevices, has significant affinity to the alveolar bone and contributes to protect the collagen . These special feature make them the election drug in periodontal disease produced by this microorganism.

Vet Q, 1990 Apr, 12(2), 103 - 13
Host defence and bovine coliform mastitis . Host defence mechanisms and characteristics of coliform bacteria in coliform mastitis in bovine: a review; Kremer WD et al.; This paper reviews the microbial properties that underlie the virulence of coliform microorganisms causing bovine mastitis . The interaction between the coliform bacteria and teat-duct defence, humoral defence and phagocytic cells is discussed . The functioning of these host-defence mechanisms seems to exert a major role in the course of a coliform infection of the udder.

J Chemother, 1990 Apr, 2(2), 75 - 8
Influence of antibiotics on host-parasite interactions with an emphasis on in-vivo studies; Shibl AM; There has been considerable recent interest in the nature and importance of interactions which occur between antibiotics, microorganisms and the various cellular and humoral components of the host . The influence of antibiotics on host defense mechanisms is important because of the increasing number of compromised hosts in whom even a marginal influence on the host response may have a significant effect of the outcome . The influence of antibiotics on host/bacterial interaction reveals subtle effects on the ultrastructure of the bacterial cell, the biosynthesis of various virulence factors, the ability of microorganisms to adhere to epithelial cells and the function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and the immune-specific response of mononuclear cells . These effects permit the proposal that at least some of the subtle effects of antibiotics on microbial pathogenicity might take place in vivo . If antibiotics can be shown definitely to enhance host-defense mechanisms, especially in compromised hosts, then more effective antibiotic therapy can be provided for these indications . Finally if antibiotics can modify the outcome of host-parasite interactions then perhaps we need to consider testing antibiotics against these parametersPublication Types:

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