Bacteriological

Acta Ophthalmol (Copenh), 1991 Aug, 69(4), 530 - 2
Tear lysozyme levels in bacterial, fungal and viral corneal ulcers; Lal H et al.; Low levels of tear lysozyme were observed in patients with infective corneal ulcers, when compared with controls . Lowest levels were seen in patients with bacterial corneal ulcers . The levels of tear lysozyme showed a corresponding decrease with the increase in Schirmer test values; meaning thereby, that in ocular conditions associated with increased rate of tear flow, the lysozyme content in tears tends to be low.

J Clin Microbiol, 1991 Aug, 29(8), 1730 - 1
Reproducibility of a scoring system for gram stain diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis; Joesoef MR et al.; A total of 225 pairs of duplicate Gram-stained slides from three hospitals in Jakarta were evaluated independently by a local (University of Indonesia, Jakarta) and a referral (University of Washington, Seattle) laboratory by the new scoring criteria proposed by Nugent et al . The correlation coefficients of the duplicate Gram stain scores ranged from 0.65 to 0.83 . The kappa statistics for the bacterial vaginosis category (no, score of 0 to 6; yes, score of 7 to 10) ranged from 0.62 to 0.77 . These findings confirm the good to excellent interobserver reliability of the new scoring system and the importance of slide preparation.

Curr Opin Immunol, 1991 Aug, 3(4), 480 - 5
Immune mechanisms in bacterial and parasitic diseases: protective immunity versus pathology; Grau GE et al.; The immunological mechanisms that contribute to resistance versus susceptibility to bacterial and parasitic infection are central to the development of improved prophylactic and therapeutic strategies . The delineation of two subsets of CD4+ T cells in the mouse that regulate these responses has provided a tremendous advance in understanding disease pathogenesis . The elucidation of protective immune mechanisms distinct from those that cause tissue damage should lead to the development of appropriate vaccines against these devastating illnesses.

Gene, 1991 Jul 31, 104(1), 125 - 31
Identification of transposition proteins encoded by the bacterial transposon Tn7; Orle KA et al.; The bacterial transposon, Tn7, encodes an elaborate array of transposition genes, tnsABCDE . We report here the direct identification of the TnsA, TnsB, TnsC and TnsD polypeptides by immunoblotting . Our results demonstrate that the complexity of the protein information devoted to Tn7 transposition is considerable: the aggregate molecular size of the five Tns polypeptides is about 300 kDa . We also report the sequence of the tnsA gene and of the 5' ends of tnsB and tnsD . This analysis reveals that all five tns genes are oriented in the same direction within Tn7.

Hosp Pract (Off Ed), 1991 Jul 15, 26(7), 47 - 56
Recent developments in STDs: I . Bacterial diseases; Handsfield HH; Bacterial pathogens account for a significant portion of the current STD epidemic in the United States . Gonorrhea, syphilis, and chancroid are especially rife in the nation's poverty pockets . Chlamydial infection, the most common bacterial STD, is prevalent at all socioeconomic levels . A recurrent theme in these diseases is coexisting infection, sometimes involving HIV.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1991 Jul 15, 88(14), 6269 - 73
Bacterial chemotaxis signaling complexes: formation of a CheA/CheW complex enhances autophosphorylation and affinity for CheY; McNally DF et al.; We have demonstrated that a complex of the proteins CheA (CheAL and CheAS) and CheW can be isolated and constitutes a functional unit that responds to the signaling state of the chemoreceptors . The autophosphorylation rate of CheAL is much greater when CheAL and CheAS are complexed with CheW . Moreover, the presence of mutant chemoreceptors that cause cells to tumble increases this rate . At wild-type levels of expression, the isolated CheAL/CheAS/CheW complex accounts for about 10% of the total number of CheAL, CheAS, and CheW molecules and exists in a 1:1:1 stoichiometry . This complex is also required for CheAL/CheAS and CheW binding to the phosphorylation substrate, CheY . A separate interaction between CheY and another chemotaxis component, CheZ, was also detected . The CheY-CheZ interaction does not require participation of the CheAL/CheAS/CheW complex.

Biochem J, 1991 Jul 15, 277 ( Pt 2), 379 - 85
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide-stimulated GTPase activity in RAW 264.7 macrophage membranes; Tanke T et al.; The molecular mechanisms surrounding the toxicity and high mortality rate that accompany the release of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are unclear, although its potent activity suggests that an amplification system is involved . Because previous studies suggest that a guanine-nucleotide-binding protein (G-protein) may participate in LPS action, we have evaluated the effects of LPS on GTPase activity in membranes isolated from macrophage (RAW 264.7) and fibroblast (B82L) cell lines . LPS induced substantial GTPase activation (200-300% above basal), and kinetic analyses indicated that the maximal LPS-stimulated increase in velocity is observed within 15 min, that it is a low-Km (for GTP) activity, that it can be enhanced by ammonium sulphate, and that it appears to be pertussis toxin-insensitive . Moreover, the LPS-enhanced GTPase activity was not antagonized by phosphatase/ATPase inhibitors such as p-nitrophenyl phosphate, ouabain, bafilomycin or N-ethylmaleimide, and in fact was potentiated by the addition of ATP or ADP . Conversely, the LPS precursor, lipid X, which can decrease the lethal effects of LPS, was found to dose-dependently inhibit the LPS-mediated stimulation of GTPase activity . Half-maximal inhibition was seen at the same lipid X/LPS ratio known to be effective in vivo, i.e . 1:1(w/w) . These effects appear to be specific because other phospholipids, detergents and glycosides neither stimulated basal, nor inhibited LPS-induced, GTPase activity . These data suggest the involvement of a GTPase in LPS action, and indicate that lipid X may act to directly antagonize LPS at this level.

N Engl J Med, 1991 Jul 11, 325(2), 73 - 80
Intravenous immune globulin for the prevention of bacterial infections in children with symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus infection . The National Institute of Child Health and Human Developments Intravenous Immunoglobulin Study Group; Biosynthesis of bacterial glycogen . Mutagenesis of a catalytic site residue of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase from Escherichia coli; Department of Biochemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824Site-directed mutagenesis was used to explore the role of Lys-195 in ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase from Escherichia coli . This residue, which is conserved in every bacterial and plant source sequenced to date, was originally identified as a potential catalytic site residue by covalent modification studies . Mutation of Lys-195 to glutamine produces an enzyme whose Km for glucose 1-phosphate is 600-fold greater than that measured for the wild-type enzyme . The effect on glucose 1-phosphate is very specific since kinetic constants measured for ATP, Mg2+, and the allosteric activator, fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, are unchanged relative to those measured for the wild-type enzyme . Furthermore, the catalytic rate constant, Kcat, for the glutamine mutant is similar to that of the wild-type enzyme . Taken together, the results suggest a role for Lys-195 in binding of glucose 1-phosphate and exclude its role as a participant in the rate-determining step(s) in the catalytic reaction mechanism . To further study the effect of charge, shape, size, and hydrophobicity of the amino acid residue at position 195, a series of mutants were prepared including arginine, histidine, isoleucine, and glutamic acid . In every case, the kinetic constants measured for ATP, Mg2+, and fructose 1,6-bisphosphate were similar to wild-type constants, reinforcing the notion that this residue is responsible for a highly localized effect at the glucose 1-phosphate-binding site and also suggesting that the protein can accommodate a wide range of substitutions at this position without losing its global folding properties . Thermal stability measurements corroborate this finding . The mutations did, however, produce a range of glucose 1-phosphate Km values from 100- to 10,000-fold greater than wild-type, which indicate that both size and charge properties of lysine are essential for proper binding of glucose 1-phosphate at the catalytic site . AMP binding was also affected by the nature of the mutation at position 195 . A model for glucose 1-phosphate, ATP, and AMP binding is presented.

J Exp Zool, 1991 Jul, 259(1), 1 - 8
Evidence of luminous bacterial symbionts in the light organs of myctophid and stomiiform fishes; Foran D; The myctophids and stomiiforms represent two common groups of luminous fishes, but the source of luminescence in these animals has remained undetermined . In this study, labeled luciferase gene fragments from luminous marine bacteria were used to probe DNA isolated from specific fish tissues . A positive signal was obtained from skin DNA in all luminous fishes examined, whereas muscle DNA gave a weaker signal and brain DNA was negative . This observation is consistent with luminous bacteria acting as the light source in myctophids and stomiiforms and argues against the genes necessary for luminescence residing on the fish chromosomes . To confirm the location of this signal, a bacterial probe was hybridized in situ to sections of a stomiiform . A strong signal was generated directly over specific regions of the fish light organs, whereas no signal was found over other internal or epidermal tissues of the fish . Taken together, these data provide the first indication that luminous bacterial symbionts exist in myctophids and stomiiforms and that these symbionts account for luminescence in these fishes.

Am Rev Respir Dis, 1991 Jul, 144(1), 167 - 72
The role of platelet-activating factor in the pulmonary response to inhaled bacterial endotoxin; Lantz RC et al.; Quantitative morphometric analyses were carried out on animals subjected to aerosols of bacterial endotoxin (LPS) to further define the role of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in the development of pulmonary injury . Hamsters were exposed to either saline aerosol or dilute aerosols of LPS (4 micrograms/m3) for standard lengths of time . Within each aerosol exposure group, animals were further subdivided into groups receiving either the PAF receptor binding antagonist, RP 48740, or saline injections . LPS inhalation resulted in decreased fixed lung volume, increased sequestration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and platelets in pulmonary capillaries, increased type I epithelial and endothelial cellular volumes, increased cellular interstitium, and increased endothelial pinocytotic vesicles . Treatment with RP 48740 either attenuated or abolished the ability of inhaled LPS to induce these structural alterations . The PAF antagonist also inhibited LPS-induced increases in pulmonary capillary permeability . It is concluded that PAF is one of the major injury-promoting mediators released upon inhalation exposure to environmentally realistic concentrations of bacterial endotoxin . A major but not exclusive target of this mediator is the pulmonary vascular endothelium.

Biotechniques, 1991 Jul, 11(1), 30 - 1
Sequencing PCR DNA amplified directly from a bacterial colony; Hofmann MA et al.; We show that PCR product asymmetrically amplified directly from a bacterial colony can be sequenced to yield results as good as those obtained when purified template DNA is used for the PCR amplification step . With either template, greater than 300 nucleotides can be read from a typical sequencing reaction . Taq DNA polymerase was used for both the PCR amplification and sequencing reactions.

J Biochem (Tokyo), 1991 Jul, 110(1), 120 - 31
Glycosphingolipids of human large intestine: detailed structural characterization with special reference to blood group compounds and bacterial receptor structures; Holgersson J et al.; Non-acid glycosphingolipid expression was studied in the large intestines from four individuals with the A1Le(a-b+), BLe(a-b+), and OLe(a-b+) blood group phenotypes . In the A1Le(a-b+) case, specimens were taken from the ascending and sigmoid parts of the large intestine in order to compare the expression of glycolipids in the proximal and distal regions of the intestine . In one blood group OLe(a-b+) individual, epithelial cells were isolated from the residual stroma to compare the glycolipid compositions in these two tissue compartments . GlcCer, GalCer, LacCer, Gb3Cer, and Gb4Cer were the major compounds in all three individuals, as shown by mass spectrometry, proton NMR spectroscopy, and degradation studies . The Lea-5 glycolipid was the major complex blood group glycolipid in all individuals, except in the proximal ascending part of the large intestine of the A1Le(a-b+) case, in which the Leb-6 glycolipid was predominant . There were trace amounts of blood group ABH glycolipids, in agreement with the ABO blood group phenotypes of the donors, Lewis antigens with more than six sugar residues in the carbohydrate chain, and blood group X and Y glycolipid antigens . The epithelial cells were dominated by monoglycosylceramides and the Lea-5 glycolipid, while only trace amounts of di-, tri-, and tetraglycosylceramide structures were present . No reactivity was seen in the epithelial cell fraction with Gal alpha 1-4Gal specific Escherichia coli, anti-Pk, or anti-P antibodies, indicating the absence of the glycolipid-borne Gal alpha 1-4Gal sequence in human large intestinal epithelial cells.

Allergy Proc, 1991 Jul-Aug, 12(4), 261 - 5
Chronic cutaneous bacterial hypersensitivity dermopathy: a second case and six year evaluation of the first case; Bernstein JA et al.; A case we described and reported 6 years ago as chronic cutaneous granulomatous dermopathy was believed due to bacterial hypersensitivity . We now report a second case with similar features of chronic recurrent indolent inflammatory skin lesions, nondiagnostic skin biopsies, and failure to respond to antibiotics . In the absence of another diagnosis and because of the remarkably similar appearance to the first case, we initiated a therapeutic trial with corticosteroids, which induced a remission . The initial case has now been observed for 6 years, and the patient remains in remission on 5 mg of prednisone on alternate days . The second case was considered consistent with bacterial allergy because of IgG and IgE antibodies against common cutaneous bacteria . As there were no granulomas in the current patient's skin lesions, a new designation, chronic cutaneous bacterial hypersensitivity, has been assigned . The differential diagnosis and criteria for this clinical entity are discussed . Either a remission from prednisone or control with low-dose prednisone may be achieved in this dermopathy, which is both disfiguring and frightening to patients.

Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi, 1991 Jul, 95(7), 625 - 34
{The mechanism of corneal ring formation caused by bacterial endotoxin}; Miura F; Corneal ring can be produced experimentally by injection of endotoxin into the rabbit cornea . To clarify this phenomenon, the effects of inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolite were studied on the formation of the corneal ring . Phospholipase A2 inhibitor (dexamethasone) and lipoxygenase inhibitor (TEI-3308) blocked the accumulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in the endotoxin-injected cornea, while cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin) enhanced PMN accumulation . This result suggests that products of the lipoxygenase reaction of arachidonic acid are related to the formation of the corneal ring induced by endotoxin . The existence of endotoxin in active form for a long period was also demonstrated immunohistochemically.

J Neurol, 1991 Jul, 238(4), 239 - 41
Subacute AIDS-related lumbosacral radiculopathy: a bacterial infection?
Igloffstein J, Vogel P.
A case of lumbosacral polyradiculitis in an HIV-1-positive man (CDC IIB) leading to a flaccid paraplegia below the level of L4 is reported . A detailed analysis of several cerebrospinal fluid samples led to the suspicion of a bacterial infection . After treatment with antibiotics and tuberculostatic agents the neuropathy improved and the patient has survived for 2 years . In contrast to similar cases that were probably caused by cytomegalovirus in terminal stages of AIDS, it is argued that an unidentified bacterial infection was the cause of the polyradiculitis in the present case.

No Shinkei Geka, 1991 Jul, 19(7), 665 - 9
{A case of bacterial aneurysm following Hardy's operation}; Takahashi Y et al.; Intracranial mycotic aneurysm of extravascular origin is reported . A 64 year-old male developed headache and visual disturbance . Computed Tomography (CT) revealed high density mass lesion with contrast enhancement in the intra- and suprasellar lesion . He was then admitted to our hospital under the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma . But he suddenly complained of headache and loss of vision during hospitalization . An emergency operation using the transsphenoidal approach was performed . The pathological diagnosis was craniopharyngioma . Postoperative radiation therapy was carried out using a tumor dose of 50Gy . Two months after the operation, he suffered from rhinorrhea and high fever . He was admitted again and treated with high doses of antibiotics . Two weeks after admission, he suddenly lost consciousness . A CT scan revealed an aneurysm of the anterior temporal artery . Immediately, removal of the hematoma and resection of the aneurysm were performed . Microscopic examination showed that inflammatory cells had infiltrated the aneurysmal wall, and lymphocytes and plasma cells had gathered around the microabscess . This rare case is discussed with other related cases in the literature.

J Pathol, 1991 Jul, 164(3), 265 - 71
Histopathological studies on the local reactions induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and synthetic lipopeptide (P3C) conjugates; Wiedemann F et al.; The inflammatory reactions following subcutaneous application of adjuvants revealed characteristic pathological patterns . The injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) resulted in the formation of large lipid deposits encircled by an inflammatory reaction and concentrically arranged collagen bundles . Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) caused granulomatous aggregations of mononuclear cells with thrombotic vessel occlusions . Inoculation of the lipopeptide adjuvants induced accumulation of mononuclear cells with only minimal fibrotic changes which were resolved after day 28 . Lipopeptide conjugates based on the head group tripalmitoyl-S-glyceryl-cysteinyl-serin (P3CS) can thus be used as effective immunogens and adjuvants without long-term tissue damage.

Anal Biochem, 1991 Jul, 196(1), 151 - 5
Filter screening of antibody Fab fragments secreted from individual bacterial colonies: specific detection of antigen binding with a two-membrane system; Skerra A et al.; Recently antibody fragments have been expressed in a functional form from bacteria . We have devised a simple method to detect the binding of antigen to antibody Fab fragments secreted by bacterial colonies . Bacteria harboring plasmid vectors that direct the secretion of Fab fragments into the bacterial periplasm are grown on one membrane . The secreted fragments are allowed to diffuse to a second "capture" membrane coated with anti-globulin, and are probed with antigen . Using enzyme or colloidal gold conjugates, the binding of antigen is detected on the second membrane as a colored spot . The colonies can be regrown on the first membrane, and the antigen binding signal on the second membrane is free of noise contributed by bacterial debris.

Dermatol Clin, 1991 Jul, 9(3), 465 - 92
Bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections in HIV disease and AIDS; Berger TG et al.; Infectious complications are the most common cutaneous manifestations of HIV infection . In this article, the bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections seen in HIV-infected patients are described and illustrated . The relation of these infections to the overall health of the patient and current therapies that have been found beneficial are outlined.

J Clin Pathol, 1991 Jul, 44(7), 596 - 9
Serum C-reactive protein and neopterin concentrations in patients with viral or bacterial infection; Shaw AC; Serum C-reactive protein and neopterin concentrations were measured in samples taken at an early stage in different types of infection to see whether the combination of markers could contribute to the diagnosis of infection and help distinguish between bacterial and viral infections, tuberculosis, and infections due to "other" pathogens . Both markers were significantly raised in all categories of infection compared with controls, and there were significant differences between the means of both markers when comparing several of the categories of infection . Only C-reactive protein concentrations in bacteraemic patients, however, were both sensitive and specific at distinguishing the type of infection . The additional use of neopterin estimation played only a minor part in increasing the specificity of diagnosis in tuberculosis and in viral infections . On the basis of this study it was not considered worth the time and expense of performing neopterin assays in addition to C-reactive protein estimations to differentiate viral from bacterial infection.

Br J Ophthalmol, 1991 Jul, 75(7), 438 - 9
Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the maxillary antrum and orbit presenting as acute bacterial orbital cellulitis; Kelly SP et al.; Orbital involvement by plasma cell tumours is rare . Orbital tumours do not generally present as an acute orbital inflammatory disease in adults, though tumours such as rhabdomyosarcoma may cause clinical signs similar to an acute orbital cellulitis in children . We describe a patient with bacterial orbital cellulitis and sinusitis who was found to have an extra-medullary plasmacytoma of the maxillary antrum and orbit and coexisting testicular seminoma.

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 1991 Jul, 13(1), 32 - 8
A pattern of breath hydrogen excretion suggesting small bowel bacterial overgrowth in Burmese village children; Pereira SP et al.; Breath hydrogen tests (BHTs) were performed on 340 Burmese village children aged 1-59 months . Normalization (correction of breath H2 values to a constant mean O2 level) eliminated the variations in H2 levels due to sleep, storage temperature, or duration of storage . After a 10 g lactulose test meal, 145 (42.6%) children produced less than 10 ppm H2 above basal values (non-H2 producers) . Of 195 H2 producers, a pattern of breath hydrogen excretion suggesting small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBBO)--recognized as a transient peak at the 20, 40, or 60 min breath samples following the lactulose test meal and distinguishable from the later colonic peak--was observed in 53 (27.2%), being significantly more frequent in male children, and exhibiting an age-prevalence pattern similar to that of acute childhood diarrhea in these villages . Diarrhea did not alter the state of H2 production (non-H2 producers remain non-H2 producers, and H2 producers remain H2 producers) although the magnitude of peak breath H2 changed.

Mol Plant Microbe Interact, 1991 Jul-Aug, 4(4), 332 - 40
A lipopolysaccharide mutant of Bradyrhizobium japonicum that uncouples plant from bacterial differentiation; Stacey G et al.; The Tn5-containing fragment from a non-nodulating mutant of Bradyrhizobium japonicum, strain ML142, was introduced into B . japonicum strain 61A101c by marker exchange to construct strain JS314 . Strain JS314 failed to nodulate several soybean varieties tested . However, on a few varieties nodulelike structures were induced to a frequency of 54% of the plants inoculated . The ultrastructure of these nodules was studied in detail by light and electron microscopy . The nodules were devoid of internal bacteria, possessed central vascular tissue (unlike the lateral vascular tissue of a normal nodule), and exhibited localized cell death of epidermal cells . Study of the cell surface polysaccharides of strain JS314 revealed that the exopolysaccharide of this strain was identical to that of the wild type . However, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of strain JS314 showed gross differences from that isolated from the wild-type strain . Specifically, the LPS of strain JS314 appeared to lack the high molecular weight LPS I form, strongly suggesting that the LPS lacks the O-chain . Glycosyl-composition analysis showed that the LPS of mutant JS314 lacked 2,3-di-O-methylrhamnose, 3-O-methylrhamnose, fucose, and quinovosamine . These results indicate that LPS I in B . japonicum is essential for bacterial infection of soybean, but is not required to initiate plant cortical cell division, an early plant response to infection.

Med Parazitol (Mosk), 1991 Jul-Aug, (4), 6 - 9
{A comparison of some malarial mosquito species in their reaction to bacterial insecticides}; Rasnitsyn SP et al.; Considerable differences have been detected in the sensitivity of various Anopheles species to bacterial insecticides . These differences might be associated with features in larval nutrition and do not depend on their size and taxonomic species position . An . pulcherrimus or An . sacharovi and An . stephensi species are suggested as the most suitable test objects for the representatives of the given genus.

Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo), 1991 Jul, 39(7), 1911 - 3
Isolation, sequence and bacterial expression of a cDNA for chalcone synthase from the cultured cells of Pueraria lobata; Nakajima O et al.; cDNA clones for chalcone synthase (CHS) of Pueraria lobata cultured cells were isolated by screening the cDNA library using CHS cDNA of Phaseolus vulgaris as a probe . Analysis of nucleotide sequences of the cloned cDNA revealed a 1170-bp open reading frame that encoded a 390-amino acid polypeptide with an Mr of 43,000 . The full-length cDNA was cloned into the expression vector pT7-7 . CHS activity was found in the crude extracts of transformed E . coli after induction and two protein bands of ca . 43 and 34 kd were hybridized with anti-persley CHS antiserum.

J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol, 1991 Jul, 39(1), 91 - 103
Differential regulation of mouse mammary tumor virus-bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase chimeric gene by human mineralocorticoid hormone-receptor complexes; Govindan MV et al.; The brain tissues of the rat and mouse express two types of corticosteroid binding proteins, the glucocorticoid (GR) and aldosterone (MR) receptors . Unlike the type II (GR) receptor, type I receptor has a high affinity for aldosterone (ALDO) and corticosterone and is structurally similar to the kidney mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) . The results reported in this study provide direct evidence for the interaction of dexamethasone (DEX), triamcinolone acetonide (TA), dexamethasone-21-mesylate (DXM) and 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC) with human MR expressed in cells by transient co-transfection of a hMR expression vector . The interactions of hMR with DEX, TA, DXM, DOC, promegestone (R5020) and methyltrienelone (R1881) were measured by trans-activation of mouse mammary tumor virus long terminal repeat fused to bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (MMTV-tk-CAT) in gene co-transfection experiments and by cell free hormone binding assay . The incubation of various steroid hormones in the presence of {3H}ALDO in a competition assay with extracts prepared from HeLa cells co-transfected with hMR expression vector, showed that hMR expressed under these conditions has a high relative affinity for DEX which is similar to ALDO, TA and DOC . Incubation with DXM under these conditions showed very little competition, as was observed with R1881 and R5020 . Incubation of the co-transfected cells with DEX, ALDO, DOC, R5020, TA, R1881 and DXM demonstrated that the level of trans-activation did not reflect the previously observed order of binding affinity for the hMR . The level of transactivation was always higher with DEX and TA compared to ALDO and DOC . Analysis of the binding of labeled glucocorticoid regulatory element (GRE) and hMR incubated with DEX, ALDO and DXM by gel shift analysis demonstrated that the trans-activation of MMTV-tk-CAT by hMR is a result of the interaction of hMR with GRE in the MMTV-LTR.

Am J Dis Child, 1991 Jul, 145(7), 746 - 9
Apparent decreased risk of invasive bacterial disease after heterologous childhood immunization; Black SB et al.; To investigate the possibility that there might be an increased risk of heterologous invasive bacterial disease after routine childhood immunization with measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine live; diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine; and oral poliovirus vaccine live, a case-control study was conducted within the Kaiser Permanente Northern California pediatric population . Contrary to the premise, an apparent protective effect against invasive bacterial disease was detected after all childhood vaccinations . However, when adjustment was made for frequency of well-care visits and day-care attendance, no significant relationship was seen between receipt of routine childhood immunizations and risk of invasive heterologous bacterial disease for any individual vaccine, although a statistically significant protective effect was detected within 1 or 3 months after the receipt of any vaccine . Since a decreased risk of invasive bacterial disease was also noted to be related to the receipt of routine well-child pediatric care, other preventive health care measures may be responsible for the apparent immunization protective effect.

Endocrinology, 1991 Jul, 129(1), 330 - 8
Selective depletion of macrophages prevents pituitary-adrenal activation in response to subpyrogenic, but not to pyrogenic, doses of bacterial endotoxin in rats; Derijk R et al.; The mechanisms by which bacterial endotoxin {lipopolysaccharide (LPS)} stimulates the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) have not been elucidated . The present study was designed to investigate the involvement of macrophages in plasma ACTH and corticosterone responses to LPS administration in rats using selective in vivo macrophage depletion . Intraperitoneal administration of subpyrogenic doses of LPS to normal rats resulted in elevated plasma ACTH and corticosterone concentrations, measured 2 h later . The response showed a remarkable steep dose relationship, with minimal effective doses between 0.5-1.5 micrograms (ACTH) and 0.5 micrograms or less (corticosterone)/kg BW . Plasma PRL, LH, and catecholamine (norepinephrine, epinephrine) levels were not significantly changed under the conditions used . Only at 6 h after LPS administration was a small elevation of norepinephrine noted . To deplete macrophages, rats were injected with liposomes encapsulated with dichloromethylene diphosphonate (Cl2MDP) . Histochemical (acid phosphatase) and immunocytochemical techniques (monoclonal antibodies to rat macrophages coded ED1 and ED3) were applied to examine the efficiency of macrophage elimination by the Cl2MDP liposomes in cytospins of peritoneal exudates and in sections of the liver and spleen . Since cells of the macrophage lineage are considered to be the main source of IL-1 in the circulation, we also measured circulating levels of immunoreactive interleukin-1 beta (IL-1) concentrations in control and Cl2MDP liposome-treated rats by the use of a newly developed RIA . Reduced numbers of macrophages were seen in peritoneal lavages of Cl2MDP liposome-treated animals, whereas the morphological appearance and numbers of mast cells, granulocytes, and T-cells were unaffected . Similarly, macrophages were effectively eliminated in the spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and liver, as inferred from the reduction of macrophage staining in these organs . Plasma IL-1 concentrations could only be detected in response to a pyrogenic (2.5 mg/kg, iv) and not to a subpyrogenic (0.025 mg/kg, ip) dose of LPS . The increase in plasma IL-1 concentrations in response to the pyrogenic dose of LPS, reaching levels of 20-40 ng/ml in control rats, was blunted in animals treated with the Cl2MDP liposomes . Macrophage depletion by Cl2MDP liposomes did not affect either resting plasma corticosterone levels or the corticosterone response to ether exposure . At subpyrogenic doses of LPS, plasma ACTH and corticosterone responses were completely prevented by macrophage depletion . In contrast, at pyrogenic doses of LPS, plasma ACTH and corticosterone responses were not significantly affected by depleting macrophages . These data demonstrate that activation of the HPAA by a subpyrogenic dose of LPS is macrophage dependent . However, macrophage-independent mechanisms mediate activation of the HPAA in response to a pyrogenic dose of LPS.

J Virol, 1991 Jul, 65(7), 3746 - 58
Overexpression in bacterial and identification in infected cells of the pseudorabies virus protein homologous to herpes simplex virus type 1 ICP18.5; Pederson NE et al.; The ICP18.5 gene (UL28) of herpes simplex virus type 1 is a member of a well-conserved gene family among herpesviruses and is thought to play a role in localization of viral glycoproteins . We have cloned, sequenced, and expressed the entire pseudorabies virus (PRV) ICP18.5 open reading frame in Escherichia coli as a Cro-ICP18.5 fusion protein . Rabbit antiserum against Cro-ICP18.5 immunoprecipitated a 79-kDa protein from PRV-infected cells as well as a 79-kDa protein from in vitro translation of a T7 RNA polymerase transcript of the ICP18.5 gene . ICP18.5 could be detected in infected cells by 2 h postinfection . Analysis by indirect immunofluorescence demonstrated that ICP18.5 became associated with the nucleus . Subcellular fractionation confirmed that ICP18.5 synthesized during a pulse-chase experiment appeared in the nuclear fraction with time and was stable for at least 2.5 h after synthesis . Pulse-chase analysis revealed that ICP18.5 was synthesized as a monomer during a 2-min pulse labeling but formed faster sedimenting complexes which were sensitive to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) treatment . The majority of ICP18.5 appeared in complexes with an antigenically unrelated 70-kDa protein . Immunoblot analysis of total infected-cell extracts using polyvalent anti-ICP18.5 serum demonstrated that a 74-kDa cellular protein in addition to the 79-kDa ICP18.5 was detected . This cellular protein was present at similar levels in uninfected cells and in PRV-infected cells at least 12 h into the infectious cycle.

J Immunol Methods, 1991 Jun 24, 140(1), 111 - 8
Development of transplantable ascites tumours which continuously produce polyclonal antibodies in pristane primed BALB/c mice immunized with bacterial antigens and complete Freund's adjuvant; Cevenini R et al.; Bacterial immunogens (whole cells of Borrelia burgdorferi, elementary bodies of Chlamydia trachomatis and purified proteins of 22 and 24 kDa of Borrelia hermsii) were emulsified with an excess of complete Freund's adjuvant and injected (i.p.) on days 0, 7, 14 and 21, into BALB/c mice treated with pristane on day 6 . This procedure induced the development of antibody-producing ascites tumours which could be serially transplanted in pristane-conditioned mice . Ascites tumours continued to yield a consistent amount of specific polyclonal antibody after ten serial transplants . The method described appears to be particularly useful for the production of a large amount of antibody when only small amounts of immunogen are available.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1991 Jun 13, 1089(2), 227 - 33
A eukaryotic nuclear protein of 130 kDa binds to a bacterial cAMP responsive element; Kihara F et al.; It has been known that one of the signal transduction mechanisms in Escherichia coli is mediated by cAMP which binds to the receptor protein (CAP), and that CAP complexed with cAMP facilitates gene expression by binding to the specific sequences . To identify a molecular mechanism in eukaryotes similar to a cAMP-mediated pathway in E . coli, the function of the CAP binding site of lac gene in E . coli and the protein(s) interacting with it were examined in a mammalian system . From transient expression studies of the fusion gene between the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase and lac genes, it was found that the lacCAP binding site could act as an enhancer activity on the SV40 promoter, and also as an additive enhancer activity to the SV40 enhancer in HeLa cells . However, the activity was not stimulated by cpt-cAMP (a highly stable analogue of cAMP) in HeLa cells, although it was induced in PC12 cells . These results suggest that a bacterial cAMP responsive element may function also in eukaryotes as a cis-acting element in a cell type dependent manner . Results from gel mobility shift assays showed that a protein(s) exists that specifically binds to the lacCAP binding site in eukaryotic nuclear extracts . As one of the proteins binding to the above site, we have identified a 130 kDa protein by using the Southwestern method . Although a function of the 130 kDa protein has not yet been understood, there is a possibility that the 130 kDa protein may play a role in the regulation of cAMP-dependent gene expression.

J Mol Biol, 1991 Jun 5, 219(3), 443 - 50
Bacterial DNA supercoiling and {ATP}/{ADP} . Changes associated with a transition to anaerobic growth; Hsieh LS et al.; Shifting Escherichia coli from aerobic to anaerobic growth caused changes in the ratio of {ATP}/{ADP} and in negative supercoiling of chromosomal and plasmid DNA . Shortly after lowering oxygen tension, both {ATP}/{ADP} and supercoiling transiently decreased . Under conditions of exponential anaerobic growth, both were higher than under aerobic conditions . These correlations may reflect an effect of {ATP}/{ADP} on DNA gyrase, since in vitro {ATP}/{ADP} influences the level of plasmid supercoiling attained when gyrase is either introducing or removing supercoils . When the supercoiling activity of gyrase was perturbed by a mutation in gyrB, a shift to anaerobic conditions resulted in plasmid supercoil relaxation similar to that seen with wild-type . However, the low level of supercoiling in the mutant persisted during a time when supercoiling in wild-type recovered and then exceeded aerobic levels . Thus, changes in oxygen tension can alter DNA supercoiling through an effect on gyrase, and correlations exist between changes in supercoiling and changes in the intracellular ratio of {ATP}/{ADP}.

J Immunol Methods, 1991 Jun 3, 139(2), 233 - 40
A convenient human whole blood culture system for studying the regulation of tumour necrosis factor release by bacterial lipopolysaccharide; Wilson BM et al.; Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) induces a dose-dependent release of TNF in whole human blood which has been diluted five-fold . It is modulated by interferon-gamma, prostaglandin E2 and indomethacin in the same manner as observed with tumour necrosis factor (TNF) release from human monocyte/macrophage cells cultured in vitro . The whole blood culture system (WBCS) can provide up to 250 samples from 10 ml of venous blood and enables an individual blood to be assessed in terms of TNF inducibility and its modulation by other biological agents . The whole blood culture system was used to demonstrate the individual variation between blood donors . The results demonstrated that the information provided by induced cytokine release and its regulation in the ex vivo system would be a valuable addition to that obtained from in vitro methods.

J Trauma, 1991 Jun, 31(6), 867 - 74
Hemorrhagic shock and bacterial translocation in a swine model; Gelfand GA et al.; Bacterial translocation is proposed as an explanation for sepsis associated with hemorrhagic shock . This study attempted to document these events in a large animal model . Male swine were randomly assigned to control (n = 10) or experimental (n = 10) groups . Animals were anaesthetized, and the bladder, portal vein, and a mesenteric lymphatic vessel cannulated . Experimental animals were bled 40% of blood volume . Over the next six hours maintenance fluids were given, and cultures of portal blood and mesenteric lymph taken . Before the swine were killed, cultures were taken from portal and systemic blood, mesenteric lymph, and lymph nodes, and a portion of terminal ileum was resected for histologic study . Experimental animals experienced significant shock as demonstrated by changes in hemodynamic and biochemical variables . Cultures and histologic examination of the terminal ileum showed no significant difference between control and experimental animals . In an unresuscitated swine model, significant bacterial translocation was not demonstrated within six hours of hemorrhagic shock.

Crit Care Med, 1991 Jun, 19(6), 785 - 91
Endotoxin-induced bacterial translocation and mucosal permeability: role of xanthine oxidase, complement activation, and macrophage products; Deitch EA et al.; BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Previously, we documented that nonlethal doses of endotoxin injure the intestinal mucosal barrier and promote bacterial translocation from the gut to systemic organs . The current study was performed to determine the role of cytokines and complement activation in the pathogenesis of endotoxin-induced mucosal injury and bacterial translocation, as well as to quantify the magnitude of endotoxin-induced intestinal mucosal permeability . RESULTS: The frequency of endotoxin-induced bacterial translocation was similar between normal outbred (88%), complement deficient (67%), and macrophage-hyporesponsive (55%) mice, indicating that neither complement nor macrophage activation is necessary for endotoxin-induced bacterial translocation to occur . As early as 2 hrs after endotoxin challenge, there was evidence of a greater than two-fold increase in ileal (p = .008) but not jejunal (p = .11) permeability as measured by the clearance of 51Cr EDTA . Both the increase in endotoxin-induced ileal permeability and the occurrence of bacterial translocation were largely prevented by pretreatment with allopurinol, a competitive inhibitor of xanthine oxidase . CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that endotoxin-induced bacterial translocation, mucosal injury, and ileal permeability are mediated via activation of xanthine oxidase, and not through complement activation or the liberation of macrophage products.

AJR Am J Roentgenol, 1991 Jun, 156(6), 1155 - 8
Perivalvular pseudoaneurysm complicating bacterial endocarditis: MR detection in five cases; Akins EW et al.; Bacterial endocarditis usually affects the valve leaflets, but erosion into the valve anulus and adjacent myocardium may form a myocardial abscess . Perivalvular abscesses can drain into the ventricles or aorta, forming a life-threatening pseudoaneurysm . We reviewed our experience with cardiac MR imaging of this disorder . Fourteen patients with complicated bacterial endocarditis underwent ECG-gated spin-echo cardiac MR imaging in addition to conventional duplex two-dimensional echocardiography (2-D echo) . Angiography was performed in seven patients, six of whom underwent surgery for valve replacement . MR imaging detected the pseudoaneurysms in all five of the surgically proved cases, while 2-D echo detected only three . Clinical follow-up suggested there were no false-negative examinations, but no autopsy data were available for confirmation . Postoperative MR imaging studies were conducted in three patients, revealing two recurrent pseudoaneurysms and one thrombosed aneurysm . Cardiac MR imaging provides useful pre- and postoperative information in patients with perivalvular pseudoaneurysms due to endocarditis.

Radiology, 1991 Jun, 179(3), 653 - 8
Differential diagnosis of bacterial myositis in AIDS: evaluation with MR imaging; Fleckenstein JL et al.; Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was used to assess for the presence of bacterial myositis, rare outside the tropics, in 13 patients with either the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (n = 11) or positive results of serologic tests for the human immunodeficiency virus but without other evidence of AIDS (n = 2) . Bacterial myositis was diagnosed in six patients: in five it was caused by pyogenic bacteria, and in the other, by Mycobacterium tuberculosis; in each patient, little or no subcutaneous tissue alteration occurred . On T1-weighted images in three patients, muscle abscesses showed a rim of increased signal intensity corresponding to margins between drainable pus and edematous muscle . Subcutaneous tissues appeared normal in patients with bacterial myositis but was not in the others, in whom muscle abnormalities tended to be less prominent . The latter group included patients with lymphoma (n = 1), Kaposi sarcoma (n = 2), and carbunculosis (n = 1), and three patients in whom no diagnosis was made; lymphedema was presumed to account for imaging abnormalities in four of the latter group.

Immunol Rev, 1991 Jun, 121, 5 - 28
Heat-shock proteins as immunogenic bacterial antigens with the potential to induce and regulate autoimmune arthritis; van Eden W; Heat-shock proteins are ubiquitous and surprisingly immunogenic bacterial proteins . Due to their extensive evolutionary conservation, development of immune reactivity directed at hsp is expected to jeopardize the maintenance of tolerance for "self" . The experimental model of adjuvant arthritis in rats has been illustrative in this respect . In this model disease is induced by immunization to mycobacteria, and by T-cell cloning it appeared that T cells with specificity for the 180-188 sequence of the mycobacterial hsp65 were capable of both inducing the disease or inducing resistance to the disease . Although the exact molecular mimicry relationship of this 180-186 epitope with the proteoglycan moiety of cartilage remains to be elucidated, the crucial significance of hsp65 immunity has been substantiated further, not only in adjuvant arthritis, but also in other models of experimentally induced arthritis . Development of disease is seen to coincide with development of hsp65 reactivity, and in AA to the 180-186 epitope in particular . There is now experimental evidence that responses to hsp65 are subject to regulatory T-cell control, and that such regulatory control may explain the observations that preimmunization with hsp65 induces protection against subsequent development of arthritis . In human arthritis, responses to hsp65 have been seen to occur at the level of synovial fluid-derived T lymphocytes . Especially, in children with juvenile chronic arthritis such responsiveness was seen to be directed at the endogenous "self" hsp60, as it was also found to be expressed at a raised level in the synovial lining cells . Altogether, both from the experimental models and from the human disease, evidence is being collected for hsp65 as a critical antigen which has, in the experimental models, the potential of inducing protective regulatory T-cell control . AA has now offered us some initial possibilities for exploiting this feature of hsp65 in inducing remission of disease . We may hope that, ultimately, such specific immunological intervention in disease will also become a reality in the management of human autoimmune arthritis . The exploitation of the regulatory control mechanisms that normally contain the dangerously autoimmune reactive elements in the system seems to be most attractive for such a purpose . We should not try to modify the outside non-self; however, we should use our understanding of the mechanisms involved in order to stimulate the immune system of the unfortunate to resume control over the management of responses directed at the endogenous "self" . It is possible that further analysis of the role of hsp65 in arthritis will lead to such necessary understanding.

Immunobiology, 1991 Jun, 182(3-4), 216 - 33
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide acts synergistically with selected macromolecular polyanions to induce MHC-nonrestricted cytotoxic cells; Winkler DF et al.; We examined whether bacterial lipopolysaccharide, at a dose range extending to less than 1.0 ng/ml, would work with cofactors to induce MHC-nonrestricted cytotoxic cells . To this end, normal mouse splenocytes were cultured for 5 days with LPS and potential cofactors, after which the cells were tested for cytotoxic activity in short-term 51Cr-release assays . We found that LPS can act synergistically with the macromolecular polyanions, dextran sulfate and polyinosinic acid . The effector cells induced by LPS and polyanions showed characteristics of activated NK cells in that they were (1) cytotoxic for widely differing sources of tumor cells, (2) not inhibited by an anti-T cell receptor antibody, and (3) not removed by depletion of CD4+ or CD8+ cells . LPS was active at picogram concentrations when dextran sulfate was included . Exposure of splenocytes to LPS was necessary during the early phase of the 5-day culture, but as little as 1 h of exposure was required, whereas exposure to the macromolecular polyanions during either the first or the last 2 days of a 5-day culture with LPS was effective . As expected with LPS activity, the cytotoxic cell response was prevented by polymyxin B or by the use of splenocytes from LPS non-responder C3H/HeJ mice . Screening of the S . minnesota R mutants and other partial LPS structures revealed that lipid A was closely associated with LPS activity in this assay system and that at least one partially detoxified structure, a deacylated LPS, could substitute for native LPS.

Ophthalmic Surg, 1991 Jun, 22(6), 348 - 9
The effect of dexamethasone on the inhibition of pseudophakic bacterial endophthalmitis; Wahl JC et al.; We investigated the effect of dexamethasone on gentamicin prophylaxis of pseudophakic bacterial endophthalmitis in a rabbit model . In 20 eyes treated with gentamicin and either dexamethasone or dexamethasone vehicle, there were no cases of either clinical or culture-positive endophthalmitis.

Acta Paediatr Scand, 1991 Jun-Jul, 80(6-7), 654 - 8
Deficiency of IgG subclasses and IgA, and elevation of IgE in children with a past history of bacterial meningitis; Loh RK et al.; Of 44 children who recovered from an attack of bacterial meningitis, 3 (7%) were found to have IgG subclass deficiency, 5 (11%) had IgA deficiency and 22 (50%) had raised IgE levels . These results suggest that immunoglobulin abnormalities may be an important predisposing factor in some cases of bacterial meningitis.

Rev Med Chil, 1991 Jun, 119(6), 626 - 32
{Bacterial overgrowth in small intestine in patients with liver cirrhosis}; Chesta J et al.; Hepatic encephalopathy, bacterial infections and endotoxemia in cirrhotic patients have been related to colonic flora . However, an abnormal small bowel bacterial content could also be implied . We investigated small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) by jejunal cultures in 14 cirrhotic patients and 5 control subjects, and indirectly by the lactulose H2 breath test in 22 patients with cirrhosis and 12 controls . SIBO was demonstrated by cultures in 64% of cirrhotic patients and 1 of 5 controls . The breath test was positive for SIBO in 45% of patients with cirrhosis and 8% of controls . No differences were noted between patients with alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disease . According to fasting H2 breath levels, SIBO was significantly correlated with the Child-Pugh score for hepatic function (r = 0.45; p < 0.05) . Also, patients with positive criteria for SIBO in jejunal cultures had worse hepatic function in comparison to cirrhotics with normal jejunal bacterial counts (p < 0.05) . Thus SIBO is frequent in patients with hepatic cirrhosis and is associated with impairment in hepatic function.

Hua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao, 1991 Jun, 22(2), 134 - 6
{An analysis of chemical oxygen demand, carbohydrate, IgG and IgA in extracellular fluid of bacterial plaque}; Mao Y et al.; The chemical oxygen demand (COD) of extracellular plaque fluid was measured by potassium dichromate method . Micro-anthrone method and high performance liquid chromatography were used for measuring the carbohydrate content in the fluid . Immunochemistry system was used for measuring IgG and IgA contents in it . The results showed: (1) a high value of COD was found in the extracellular fluid, and it further increased with sugar-intake; (2) during resting stage, the content of carbohydrate measured by microanthrone method or high performance chromatography was very low, and there was no free glucose, fructose or sucrose; (3) no difference of IgG and IgA contents in plaque fluid between caries active (CA) and caries free (CF) subjects was found.

J Cell Biochem, 1991 Jun, 46(2), 106 - 14
Bacterial resistances to mercury and copper; Brown NL et al.; Heavy metals are toxic to living organisms . Some have no known beneficial biological function, while others have essential roles in physiological reactions . Mechanisms which deal with heavy metal stress must protect against the deleterious effects of heavy metals, yet avoid depleting the cell of a heavy metal which is also an essential nutrient . We describe the mechanisms of resistance in Escherichia coli to two different heavy metals, mercury and copper . Resistance of E . coli to mercury is reasonably well understood and is known to occur by transport of mercuric ions into the cytoplasmic compartment of the bacterial cell and subsequent reductive detoxification of mercuric ions . Recent mutational analysis has started to uncover the mechanistic detail of the mercuric ion transport processes, and has shown the essential nature of cysteine residues in transport of Hg(II) . Resistance to copper is much less well understood, but is known to involve the increased export of copper from the bacterial cell and modification of the copper; the details of the process are still being elucidated . Expression of both metal resistance determinants is regulated by the corresponding cation . In each case the response enables the maintenance of cellular homeostasis for the metal . The conclusions drawn allow us to make testable predictions about the regulation of expression of resistance to other heavy metals.

Electrophoresis, 1991 Jun, 12(6), 439 - 41
Alcian blue fixation allows silver staining of the isolated polysaccharide component of bacterial lipopolysaccharides in polyacrylamide gels; Corzo J et al.; The effect of the cationic dye Alcian Blue on the silver staining of bacterial lipopolysaccharide and its polysaccharide and lipid A portions in polyacrylamide gels was investigated . The polysaccharide was only stained when the gel was previously treated with the dye . The polysaccharide moiety was found to be responsible for the lipopolysaccharide staining with silver, whereas the lipid A seemed unimportant . Treatment with Alcian Blue may prove useful to detect hydrophilic components of lipopolysaccharide samples that could not be stained by the usual silver staining procedures.

Inflammation, 1991 Jun, 15(3), 201 - 11
Concurrent lipopolysaccharide enhances chemotactic response of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes to bacterial chemotaxin; Creamer HR et al.; Polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function is thought to be critical in resistance to infectious agents and this implies that the PMN must be able to migrate into, and to function in, environments that may have high levels of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) . Therefore, we have evaluated the effect of LPS on the in vitro migration of PMNs . Our data reveal that the human PMN is resistant to the deleterious effects of high levels of LPS, that in high concentrations LPS is, itself, a direct chemoattractant for PMNs, and that PMN migration toward a bacterial chemotaxin is enhanced if LPS is also present . Such capabilities suggest that the PMN may be uniquely qualified to migrate into microenvironments that are rich in LPS.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1991 Jun, (6), 11 - 3
{The characteristics of potassium ion transport across the bacterial membranes in a vaccinal culture of Francisella tularensis}; Puchkov EO et al.; The presence of the systems of energy-dependent accumulation of potassium ions and their passive exchange for protons in cytoplasmic bacterial membranes of F . tularensis strain 15 has been demonstrated by means of a K(+)-selective electrode and the turbidimetric method . The kinetic parameters of the energy-dependent K+ transport: Km = 0.83 +/- 0.20 mM K+, Vmax = 0.23 +/- 0.04 mM K+/mg of dry weight . min . Under the conditions of anoxia F . tularensis cannot retain potassium ions in their cytoplasm, and thus they are considered to be incapable of anaerobiosis.

J Bacteriol, 1991 Jun, 173(12), 3914 - 7
Bacterial DNA supercoiling and {ATP}/{ADP} ratio: changes associated with salt shock; Hsieh LS et al.; When Escherichia coli K-12 was shifted from a medium lacking salt to one containing 0.5 M NaCl, both the {ATP}/{ADP} ratio and negative supercoiling of plasmid DNA increased within a few minutes . After about 10 min both declined, eventually reaching a level slightly above that observed with cells growing exponentially in the absence of salt . Since in vitro the {ATP}/{ADP} ratio influences the level of supercoiling generated by gyrase (H . Westerhoff, M . O'Dea, A . Maxwell, and M . Gellert, Cell Biophys . 12:157-181, 1988), the physiological response of supercoiling to salt shock is most easily explained by the sensitivity of gyrase to changes in the intracellular {ATP}/{ADP} ratio . This raises the possibility that the {ATP}/{ADP} ratio is an important factor in the control of supercoiling.

N Engl J Med, 1991 May 30, 324(22), 1525 - 31
The beneficial effects of early dexamethasone administration in infants and children with bacterial meningitis; Odio CM et al.; BACKGROUND . In experimental models of meningitis and in children with meningitis, dexamethasone has been shown to reduce meningeal inflammation and to improve the outcome of disease . METHODS . We conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of dexamethasone therapy in 101 infants and children admitted to the National Children's Hospital, San Jose, Costa Rica, who had culture-proved bacterial meningitis or clinical signs of meningitis and findings characteristic of bacterial infection on examination of the cerebrospinal fluid . The patients were randomly assigned to receive either dexamethasone and cefotaxime (n = 52) or cefotaxime plus placebo (n = 49) . Dexamethasone (0.15 mg per kilogram of body weight) was given 15 to 20 minutes before the first dose of cefotaxime and was continued every 6 hours thereafter for four days . RESULTS . The demographic, clinical, and laboratory profiles were similar for the patients in the two treatment groups . By 12 hours after the beginning of therapy, the mean opening cerebrospinal pressure and the estimated cerebral perfusion pressure had improved significantly in the dexamethasone-treated children but worsened in the children treated only with cefotaxime (controls) . At 12 hours meningeal inflammation and the concentrations of two cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha and platelet-activating factor) in the cerebrospinal fluid had decreased in the dexamethasone-treated children, whereas in the controls the inflammatory response in the cerebrospinal fluid had increased . At 24 hours the clinical condition and mean prognostic score were significantly better among those treated with dexamethasone than among the controls . At follow-up examination after a mean of 15 months, 7 of the surviving 51 dexamethasone-treated children (14 percent) and 18 of 48 surviving controls (38 percent) had one or more neurologic or audiologic sequelae (P = 0.007); the relative risk of sequelae for a child receiving placebo as compared with a child receiving dexamethasone was 3.8 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.3 to 11.5) . CONCLUSIONS . The results of this study, in which dexamethasone administration began before the initiation of cefotaxime therapy, provide additional evidence of a beneficial effect of dexamethasone therapy in infants and children with bacterial meningitis.

J Biol Chem, 1991 May 25, 266(15), 9746 - 53
Sites of deamidation and methylation in Tsr, a bacterial chemotaxis sensory transducer; Rice MS et al.; The sensory transducer proteins in bacterial chemotaxis undergo two covalent modifications, deamidation and reversible methylation, in response to attractants and repellents . Oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis was used to alter putative methylation and deamidation sites in one of the transducers to further define these sites and their role in chemotaxis . The mutations, in combination with peptide maps and Edman analysis, have clarified the sites of covalent modification in Tsr . Tsr contains six specific glutamates and glutamines that serve as methyl-accepting sites . An arginine-containing tryptic peptide (R1) has two sites, one at glutamate 493 and a newly located site at glutamate 502 . A lysine-containing peptide (K1) has four methyl-accepting sites . Two of the lysine peptide sites are glutamates and can accept methyl groups without deamidation . The other two sites are glutamines and two methyl-accepting sites are created by two distinct deamidations . Both deamidations can occur on the same polypeptide chain . Single glutamate mutants have shown that one deamidation (at glutamine 311) proceeds rapidly, while the other deamidation (at glutamine 297) has a half-life of approximately 60 min under our experimental conditions.

J Biol Chem, 1991 May 25, 266(15), 9764 - 70
Reconstitution of the bacterial chemotaxis signal transduction system from purified components; Ninfa EG et al.; In bacterial chemotaxis, transmembrane receptor proteins detect attractants and repellents in the medium and send intracellular signals that control motility . The cytoplasmic proteins that transduce information from the receptors to the flagellar motor have previously been purified and many of their enzymatic activities have been identified . Here we report the reconstitution of the complete signal transduction system from purified components . The protein kinase, CheA, plays a central role in both the initial excitation response to stimuli as well as subsequent events associated with adaptation . This kinase provides phosphoryl groups to two acceptor proteins, CheY, which interacts with the flagellar motor, and CheB, which demethylates the receptors . The purified aspartate receptor, Tar, reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles, acts in conjunction with an auxiliary protein, CheW, to stimulate the rate of kinase autophosphorylation greater than 10-fold . This stimulation is inhibited by aspartate . The activity of the kinase is increased by increased levels of receptor methylation . This effect provides a mechanism that explains how changes in receptor methylation mediate adaptive responses to attractant and repellant stimuli.

J Biol Chem, 1991 May 25, 266(15), 9885 - 92
cDNA sequence and bacterial expression of mouse liver sterol carrier protein-2; Moncecchi D et al.; Sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2) is an intracellular protein of Mr 13,096 . In vitro studies have shown that it is involved in the transport and metabolism of cholesterol . This protein is believed to participate in these activities by forming a stoichiometric complex with the sterol . Because these activities occur in different intracellular locations, i.e . mitochondria, peroxisomes, and cytosol, it can be predicted that SCP-2 targets to these sites . In this report we show that a mouse cDNA (785 base pairs) encodes a precursor form of SCP-2 containing a N-terminal presequence and an additional C-terminal residue . These additional amino acid residues are found in proteins targeted to the mitochondria and peroxisomes, respectively . These signals are not found in SCP-2 purified from rat liver cytosol which is believed to be a cytosolic form . Northern analysis shows that there are four species of mRNA which hybridize to a SCP-2-specific probe at 1.0, 1.7, 2.2, and 2.9 kilobases . Southern analysis shows that the gene is distributed over a large amount of DNA or that there are multiple genes . We have cloned the cytosolic/peroxisomal form of mouse SCP-2 into the Escherichia coli expression vector pKK233-2 and have expressed and purified recombinant mouse SCP-2, Mr 13,034 . The purified recombinant SCP-2 is immunoreactive to rabbit anti-rat SCP-2 antibody . It also has biological activity equivalent to homogeneous rat liver SCP-2 in stimulating the microsomal conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to cholesterol and in the esterification of cholesterol by acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase by rat liver microsomes.

Eur J Biochem, 1991 May 23, 198(1), 93 - 9
The chloroplast transcription apparatus from mustard (Sinapis alba L.) . Evidence for three different transcription factors which resemble bacterial sigma factors; Tiller K et al.; A chloroplast protein fraction with sigma-like activity {Bulow, S . & Link, G . (1988) Plant Mol . Biol . 10, 349-357}, was further purified and characterized . Chromatography on heparin-Sepharose, DEAE-Sepharose and Sephacryl S-300 led to the separation of three sigma-like factors (SLF) polypeptides with Mr 67,000 (SLF67), 52,000 (SLF52) and 29,000 (SLF29) . None of these polypeptides bind to DNA itself, but each one confers enhanced binding and transcriptional activity when added to Escherichia coli RNA-polymerase core enzyme and DNA fragments carrying a chloroplast promoter . SLF67, SLF52, and SLF29 differ in their ionic-strength requirements for activity . They each mediate the binding to promoters of the chloroplast genes psbA, trnQ, and rps16, with different efficiencies . It is suggested that chloroplast transcription in vivo might be controlled at least in part by these functionally distinct factors.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1991 May 23, 1058(1), 42 - 7
Sequence variability in bacterial cytochromes c; Ambler RP; Cytochromes c are proteins that can be defined both phenotypically and by their possession of a characteristic sequence motif . Many sequences from bacterial sources are known, and new ones are being reported every year . An analysis can be made as to what fraction of new sequences are members of already known classes or subclasses, and how many map into previously uninhabited regions of sequence space.

Rev Prat, 1991 May 21, 41(15), 1345 - 9
{Biological indicators of bacterial infection in newborn infants}; Messer J et al.; Biological markers of neonatal bacterial infection are useful if they bring early indications and if they are sensitive and specific . There are two kinds of tests: hematological signs and acute phase proteins . The most specific hematological signs are, in chronological order: leuconeutropenia--myelemia--neutrophilic polynucleosis . Gestational and post-natal ages have to be taken in consideration for correct interpretation of white cell count and differential . Several acute phase proteins increase in infected newborns: fibrinogen, C reactive protein, orosomucoid . If determined quantitatively, C reactive protein is a sensitive, specific and early marker allowing, in addition, to follow the reaction to treatment: the return to normal range of CRP and later of orosomucoid attest for recovery . These biological tests have to be sequentially determined during the first days in order to obtain a maximal information.

J Mol Biol, 1991 May 20, 219(2), 165 - 74
Bacterial expression of rat liver succinyl-CoA synthetase alpha-subunit . Factors that contribute to blocked translation of transcripts encoding a mitochondrial signal sequence; Ryan DG et al.; This study comprises a detailed evaluation of factors that are necessary to achieve high levels of expression of eukaryotic proteins in bacterial systems . We attempted to express a rat liver cDNA clone encoding the precursor to the alpha-subunit of succinyl-CoA synthetase in an Escherichia coli expression system, without success . Removal of the region encoding the mitochondrial signal peptide (115 nucleotides) allowed efficient expression of the mature protein . This nucleotide sequence was shown to block expression at the level of translation . Two regions within this fragment were able to block the expression of other genes such as E . coli lacZ . Inhibition of expression was due to the close proximity of these inhibitory sequences with the translation initiation region (TIR) . Insertion of a spacer between the inhibitory sequence and the TIR relieved the block in translation . Analysis of the 115-nucleotide fragment identified sequences capable of extensive base-pairing with the Shine-Dalgarno and surrounding sequences . Such secondary structures are capable of blocking the formation of competent translation initiation complexes.

Med Clin (Barc), 1991 May 18, 96(19), 721 - 6
{Protected bronchoalveolar lavage: a new endoscopic method in the diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia}; Castella J et al.; BACKGROUND: The identification of causative microoganisms in severe pneumonias is a usually difficult problem . Protected brushing (PB) has a good specificity but a limited sensitivity . Conventional bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL-C) has an excellent sensitivity but a doubtful specificity . The investigation of a new technique such as the protected bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL-P) appears as logical, as it should combine the advantages of PB and BAL-C without their drawbacks . METHODS: In 15 patients without bacterial or fungal infections and in 23 with bacterial or fungal pneumonia, quantitative cultures were carried out in the samples obtained with PB, BAL-P and BAL-C . PB and BAL-C were performed with the usual technique . BAL-P was performed through the internal catheter of a telescoped double catheter with reabsorbable distal cap within the fibroscope channel . 40 ml of saline were instillated for the lavage . RESULTS: With BAL-P sensitivity was 95% and specificity 89% . These were, respectively, 55% and 94% with PB, and 95% and 42% with BAL-C . The technique of BAL-P was more complex an longer than that of PB . CONCLUSIONS: If these results are confirmed in further studies, BAL-P might become a method of choice for the bacterial pneumonias where now PB is indicated . However, in patients with hypersecretion or when bronchoscopy should be rapidly carried out, PB is technically more feasible.

J Immunol, 1991 May 15, 146(10), 3617 - 25
Purification and characterization of the 65-kDa protein phosphorylated in murine macrophages by stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide; Shinomiya H et al.; Modification of cellular proteins via phosphorylation is known to be a major regulatory mechanism whereby external stimuli control intracellular events . We demonstrated that bacterial LPS induced a distinct set of phosphorylated protein (pp) in murine peritoneal macrophages, and that the LPS-induced pp were specifically located in cytosol and/or membrane fractions . One of the most heavily phosphorylated substrate proteins with a molecular mass of 65 kDa (pp65) was purified to homogeneity via SDS-PAGE analysis and autoradiography by sequential chromatography on Sephacryl S-200, HPLC anion exchange, and hydroxyapatite HPLC . Our pp65 is apparently the first purified LPS-induced pp, and is thought to be a novel protein . Serine residues on pp65 were found to be exclusively phosphorylated, indicating a contribution by LPS-inducible serine kinase . Interestingly, LPS-induced phosphorylation of pp65 was not observed in macrophages from a LPS-nonresponsive C3H/HeJ strain of mice, although their macrophages had about the same amounts of unphosphorylated p65 as normal macrophages when detected under Western blot analysis by using polyclonal anti-pp65 antibodies . This suggests that the functional defect of C3H/HeJ macrophages exists somewhere in the process before the pp65 phosphorylation . Moreover, the degree of the pp65 phosphorylation in macrophages stimulated with LPS or lipd A correlated well to that of cellular responses such as IL-1 production in the same macrophages . Considering these observations, the pp65 seems to play a crucial role in macrophage activation, and the studies on the structure and function of the pp65 should lead to progress in our understanding of the mechanisms of macrophage activation by LPS.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1991 May 15, 88(10), 4538 - 42
Allergen- and bacterial antigen-specific T-cell clones established from atopic donors show a different profile of cytokine production; Parronchi P et al.; We have established a large panel of T-cell clones (TCCs) specific for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Lolium perenne group I grass pollen allergens (total, 61) and for tetanus toxoid and protein purified derivative bacterial antigens (total, 38) from the peripheral blood of two atopic individuals and then analyzed their ability to produce interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-5, and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) . Upon stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus anti-CD3 antibody, the great majority of TCCs specific for bacterial components was able to produce both IL-4 and IFN-gamma, whereas most D . pteronyssinus- and L . perenne group I-specific TCCs produced IL-4, but no, or limited, IFN-gamma . Moreover, the mean amounts of IL-4 and IFN-gamma released by allergen-specific TCCs were significantly higher and lower, respectively, than the mean amounts produced by TCCs specific for bacterial components . Under the same experimental conditions, virtually all allergen-specific TCCs, but only one-third of tested TCCs specific for bacterial components, expressed IL-5 RNA and secreted IL-5 in their supernatants . Eighteen TCCs (nine specific for allergens and nine specific for bacterial components) were also assessed for their ability to induce IgE synthesis by autologous B cells in response to stimulation with the specific antigen . Under these experimental conditions, all allergen-specific TCCs, but only one-third of TCCs specific for bacterial components that produced IL-4 but no, or little, IFN-gamma induced the synthesis of detectable amounts of IgE . The demonstration that most allergen-specific helper T cells in atopic individuals are able to produce high amounts of IL-4 (and IL-5), but no IFN-gamma, may explain why allergens induce production of IgE antibodies and increase eosinophils.

Biochemistry, 1991 May 14, 30(19), 4648 - 54
Primary donor structure and interactions in bacterial reaction centers from near-infrared Fourier transform resonance Raman spectroscopy; Mattioli TA et al.; Preresonance Raman and resonance Raman spectra of the primary donor (P) from reaction centers of the Rhodobacter (Rb.) sphaeroides R26 carotenoidless strain in the P and P+ states, respectively, were obtained at room temperature with 1064-nm excitation and a Fourier transform spectrometer . These spectra clearly indicate that the chromophore modes are observable over those of the protein with no signs of interference below 1800 cm-1 . The chromophore modes are dominated by those of the bacteriochlorophylls (BChl a), and it is estimated that, in the P state, ca . 65% of the Raman intensity of the BChl a modes arises from the primary donor . This permits the direct observation of a vibrational spectrum of the primary donor at preresonance with the excitonic 865-nm band . The Raman spectrum of oxidized reaction centers in the presence of ferricyanide clearly exhibits bands arising from a BChl a+ species . The magnitude of the frequency shift of a keto carbonyl of neutral P from 1691 to 1717 cm-1 upon P+ formation strongly suggests that one BChl molecule in P+ carries nearly the full +1 charge . Our results indicate that the unpaired electron in P.+ does not share a molecular orbital common to the two components of the dimer on the time scale of the resonance Raman effect (ca . 10(-13) s).

Eur J Biochem, 1991 May 8, 197(3), 707 - 16
Molecular modelling of bacterial deep rough mutant lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli; Katowsky M et al.; Molecular modelling techniques have been applied to compute the conformation accessible to bacterial deep rough lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli (Re-LPS) . Analyses of the results showed that the models typically exhibit a tilt of the diglucosamine backbone with respect to the membrane normal of 53 +/- 7 degrees while both the glucosamine ring planes are oriented approximately parallel to the membrane normal . Different models were found to show compact and elongated types of acyl chain arrangements, both producing anisotropic lateral dimensions of the models of 1.0-1.1 nm and 1.7-2.0 nm for the shorter and the longer side, respectively . The conformationally allowed range of the isolated dOclA(alpha-2-4)dOclA disaccharide (dOclA = 3-deoxy-D-mannooctulosonic acid) was found to be extremely limited . It appeared that the dOclA disaccharide (dOclA)2 is centred at the top of the Re-LPS molecule preferring two orientations stabilized by hydrogen bonds involving only one phosphate group of the lipid A moiety at a time . The effect of charges on the Re-LPS conformations has been studied in separate calculations . From these calculations it was obvious that charges have no significant effects on the conformations of the isolated lipid A and (dOclA)2 moieties . However, it was found that the orientation of (dOclA)2 with respect to the lipid A part is highly sensitive to charges, i.e . in the charged models the proximity of phosphate and carboxyl groups is prevented by strong electrostatic repulsion between these negatively charged groups . In order to rationalize the acyl chain packing of the models, a simple geometrical model which correlates the tilt of the diglucosamine backbone with the energically favoured close packing of the acyl chains is proposed . Furthermore, the possibility of a chelate-like complexation of divalent cations and its contribution to head group mobility is discussed.

J Infect, 1991 May, 22(3), 263 - 8
Multiple episodes of bacterial endocarditis occurring over 9 years; Khoo SH et al.; We present a patient who was treated for bacterial endocarditis on 10 occasions in 9 years . In all but one of these episodes blood cultures were positive and the last two recurrences occurred on an aortic valve homograft . The pathogenesis of recurrent infective endocarditis in non-intravenous drug abusers is unclear and prevention of recurrences poses a difficult problem.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1991 May 1, 198(9), 1655 - 61
Relations among synovial membrane histopathologic findings, synovial fluid cytologic findings, and bacterial culture results in horses with suspected infectious arthritis: 64 cases (1979-1987); Madison JB et al.; A retrospective evaluation of 64 cases of suspected infectious arthritis in horses was undertaken to determine the relations among histopathologic findings in synovial membrane specimens, cytologic findings in synovial fluid samples, and bacterial culture results . Positive cultures were obtained from 55% of the joints, and 18 different bacterial organisms were cultured . Culturing of synovial fluid yielded bacterial growth more often than did culturing of synovial membrane . Histologic evaluation (H&E and Gram stain) of synovial membrane specimens provided little information to help distinguish infected from culture-negative joints . We do not advocate the routine use of closed synovial biopsy in suspected cases of equine septic arthritis.

J Trauma, 1991 May, 31(5), 639 - 43; discussion 643-4
Bacterial translocation and its relationship to visceral blood flow, gut mucosal ornithine decarboxylase activity, and DNA in pigs; Saydjari R et al.; The relationship of bacterial translocation to gut blood flow and mucosal integrity was studied in pigs . Three groups of miniature pigs were studied: sham injured (controls) (n = 7), 50% mechanical reduction in blood flow to the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and celiac artery (CA) (n = 6), and a 40% third-degree cutaneous flame burn (n = 9) . Forty-eight hours after injury, animals were killed and organ samples obtained for analysis . Bacteria of the same biotype as that found in the intestinal lumen were present in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of 9 of 9 burned pigs and 5 of 6 pigs undergoing partial vascular occlusion . The DNA content and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity were increased in the colon mucosa of animals from both the reduced-flow and burn-injured groups compared with control animals . Decreased blood flow to the gut may contribute to the development of bacterial translocation . In addition, intestinal regenerative capacity remains intact 48 hours after injury.

J Leukoc Biol, 1991 May, 49(5), 474 - 82
Tumor-derived products induce Il-1 a, Il-1 b, Tnf a, and Il-6 gene expression in murine macrophages: distinctions between tumor- and bacterial endotoxin-induced gene expression; Evans R et al.; The ability of progressing tumors to regulate host physiology is an important consideration in our understanding of tumor-host relationships . Previous data indicated that several lines of murine sarcoma cells produced one or more activities that were able to regulate both Il-1 a and Il-1 b gene transcription in macrophages (MO) . We now describe an indepth analysis using Northern analysis and bioassays and show that two of these tumors produce one or more activities that when incubated with peritoneal MO result in the transcription of the Il-1a, Il-1 b, Tnf a, and Il-6 genes . Concordant with the Northern analyses was the finding that interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) biological activities were detected in lysates of induced MO, fixed MO, and supernates of MO cultures . Induction of gene expression was shown to be distinct from that induced by bacterial endotoxin or lipopolysaccharide by a number of criteria . The data suggest that tumor cell products may play an important role in regulating several host physiological processes, particularly those involving Il-1a, Il-1 b, Tnf a, and Il-6 gene expression.

Cesk Gynekol, 1991 May, 56(4), 247 - 52
{Epidemiology and diagnosis in the vaginal environment . III . Diagnosis and epidemiology of bacterial vaginosis}; Unzeitig V et al.; In a group of 600 examined women clue cells were detected in the native preparation in 72 women (12%), a positive amine test was recorded in 81 women (13.5%) . 93.1% patients (67) with the finding of clue cells had a positive amine test . The values of the vaginal pH vary between 4.8 and 5.5 . According to the accepted diagnostic concept bacterial vaginosis was detected in 68 women (11.5%) . The most frequent concurrent infection was trichomoniasis . Finally the authors recommend to transfer the diagnosis of vaginal discharge from laboratories to surgeries, from fixed stained smears to native smears supplemented by the amine test and assessment of vaginal pH.

Int Immunol, 1991 May, 3(5), 445 - 52
Susceptibility to infection with Mycobacterium avium is paradoxically correlated with increased synthesis of specific anti-bacterial antibodies; Ferreira P et al.; A comparison was made between the levels of splenic and intestinal (Peyer's patches and thin intestinal epithelium) Ig production of C57BL/6 germ free and conventional C57BL/6, BALB/c, DBA/2 and C3H/He mice and the susceptibility to Mycobacterium avium infection, evaluated by the number of bacterial colony-forming units (CFU) found in the liver and in the spleen of the animals . Mice received an i.p . injection of either 5 x 10(6), 10(7) or 10(8) bacteria, or were given the larger inoculum intragastrically . Alternatively, mice were treated with an i.p . injection of M . avium bacterial sonicates . A marked increase of splenic IgA production, quantitatively associated with the size of the inoculum and thus with the degree of infection, was observed in susceptible compared to relatively resistant mice . This increase was observed at an earlier time following infection with the larger rather than with the smaller inocula . Consistent significant increases in splenic production of IgG isotypes were only observed in the susceptible mice after infection with the intermediate and larger inocula whereas a comparative increase of IgM was only clearly observed after infection with the larger inoculum . Intestinal Ig production remained unchanged, however, in both susceptible and relatively resistant mice after i.p . infection . Also, all mice were resistant to M . avium infection by the intragastric route and with this site of entry splenic and intestinal Ig production remained unchanged . Susceptibility to M . avium infection was also quantitatively associated with increased levels of circulating specific anti-bacterial antibodies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1991 May, 111(5), 516 - 8
{"Masked" autoantibodies from the serum of healthy blood donors cross-reacting with DNA and bacterial lipopolysaccharides}; Lekakh IV et al.; The "masked" autoantibodies with polyspecific activity were found in the serum of healthy donors . It is shown that these antibodies are able to react with antigens after the ion exchange chromatography with QAE-sephadex . It was found that these "masked" antibodies are able to cross-react with DNA and lipopolysaccharides of wide-spread species of bacteria . The possible role of these antibodies as in protection of organism from the external antigens as in the origin of autoimmune diseases is discussed.

J Bacteriol, 1991 May, 173(10), 3047 - 59
Introduction of proteins into living bacterial cells: distribution of labeled HU protein in Escherichia coli; Shellman VL et al.; Growing bacterial cells forming division septa have sites near the septa that are sensitive to EDTA shock . Cells treated with EDTA incorporate proteins and other molecules from the surrounding medium, probably via vesiclelike lesions at the septa that are induced by EDTA . The amount of protein taken up is proportional to the protein concentration in the permeabilization medium . Incorporated molecules equilibrate throughout the cytoplasm, and those with affinity for DNA bind to the nucleoid . Conditions that promote the viability of permeabilized cells and help to avoid otherwise irreversible effects of EDTA are defined . Procedures for selecting cells that have incorporated protein and for studying the distribution of the protein and its effects in growing-dividing cells are described . The procedure may have several applications to molecular and cellular biology; however, we describe here the localization in living cells of the histonelike protein HU . Fluorescence microscopy of cells containing different amounts of fluorescein-labeled HU (varied from approximately 10(3) to 10(5) molecules per cell) showed that the HU concentrates in the nucleoid and is uniformly distributed throughout this structure . Control experiments demonstrated that unlabeled interior parts of the nucleoid can be resolved when labeled proteins that do not bind DNA or enter the nucleoid are introduced into living cells . It was concluded that in vivo added HU binds primarily DNA and that there are no intrinsic restrictions on major regions of the nucleoid to which the added HU protein may bind.

Minerva Ginecol, 1991 May, 43(5), 245 - 51
{Tetridamine in the therapy of bacterial vaginosis}; Pugliares S et al.; In this study 14 women suffering from symptomatic bacterial vaginosis were treated with tetridamine at a dose of 2 lavages/day for 7 days . The results obtained confirmed the value of tetridamine on account of the high percentage of recovery, the rapid diminution in the degree of bacterial infection and the excellent tolerability of the product.

J Foot Surg, 1991 May-Jun, 30(3), 253 - 63
Periungual bacterial flora in the human foot; Wolf EW et al.; Proper presurgical preparations are presumed to eliminate organisms from the skin, nails, and nail grooves . It has not been documented as to whether surgical scrubs reduce the types and numbers of bacteria and thereby affect the incidence of infection in performing toenail surgery . This study, performed pre- and postsurgical scrub cultures of four sites on 40 subjects . Similar cultures from ten additional patients who underwent nail surgery were also performed . The later set had an additional set of cultures performed after avulsion of the nail plate and the beginning of the actual surgical procedure . Blood cultures were done intraoperatively on the surgical patients . Results revealed that nail grooves are difficult, if not impossible, to antisepticize . The usual presurgical scrub does not eradicate bacteria in these areas . As such, nail surgery must certainly be considered dirty surgery and precautionary measures must be considered.

Klin Med (Mosk), 1991 May, 69(5), 74 - 8
{Clinico-morphological characteristics of disseminated intravascular coagulation in bacterial meningoencephalitis}; Anisimova IuN et al.; Clinical, laboratory and morphological manifestations of impaired hemostasis due to CNS bacterial infections varying in etiology were studied in 144 patients and 32 cadavers . Etiologic and age-specific features of hemocoagulatory homeostatic disorders displayed multidirectional procoagulatory, coagulatory and fibrinolytic components . Correlation of morphological evidence for the brain and viscera with clinical-laboratory findings showed that in 69% of the patients who had died of bacterial meningoencephalitis (a generalized form) there were signs of DIC syndrome . These did not always agree clinically with the picture of hemocoagulatory disturbances creating difficulties for its diagnosis . As a result, an intravital diagnosis of DIC syndrome was made in 9% of the patients only.

Indian Pediatr, 1991 May, 28(5), 513 - 9
Cerebrospinal fluid N-acetyl neuraminic acid estimation for early diagnosis and differentiation of bacterial meningitis; Darbari A et al.; Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis for free, bound and total N-Acetyl Neuraminic Acid (NANA) as well as serum NANA was done in 68 patients of bacterial meningitis, of which 37 cases were of pyrogenic meningitis and 31 of tuberculous meningitis . Ten patients were included in the control group . The free NANA levels were increased in only pyogenic meningitis, independent of protein levels but the bound form increased with the increase in CSF proteins . The increase of free NANA in CSF of pyogenic meningitis patients was not related to the cell count or sugar content in CSF or to the duration or severity of illness . This finding can be of great help in differentiating cases of pyogenic meningitis, particularly partially treated patients, who may have ambiguous pictures of CSF analysis, from the cases of tuberculous meningitis.

Clin Immunol Immunopathol, 1991 May, 59(2), 288 - 300
Specificity of anti-DNA antibodies induced in normal mice by immunization with bacterial DNA; Gilkeson GS et al.; To determine the specificity of anti-DNA antibodies induced in normal mice by immunization with bacterial DNA, sera from BALB/c mice immunized with single-stranded DNA from Escherichia coli (EC) were tested for binding to a panel of synthetic DNA and RNA homopolymers as well as duplexes . Results of these studies indicate that sera from EC DNA immunized mice preferentially bind certain DNA and RNA homopolymers as well as DNA duplexes . Furthermore, the specificity of the antibodies from immunized mice resembled those of sera from autoimmune MRL-lpr/lpr mice in terms of the synthetic antigens recognized, although some differences were noted in the magnitude of the response to individual duplexes . These results suggest that anti-DNA antibodies induced by bacterial DNA bind to DNA structures dependent on both the base and the sugar phosphate moieties of the nucleic acid antigen and may resemble some anti-DNA antibodies expressed in spontaneous autoimmune disease in these binding properties.

J Immunol Methods, 1991 Apr 25, 138(2), 201 - 9
Detection of rheumatoid-like factors in serum of chickens immunized with bacterial immunoglobulin binding proteins; Raeder R et al.; A simple, rapid two-stage competitive binding radioimmunoassay is described for detecting rheumatoid factor-like antibodies in the serum of chickens immunized with bacterial immunoglobulin binding proteins . The assay could be adapted to determine the species specificity of any rheumatoid factor-like antibody by changing the species of immobilized IgG used . This assay has important practical implications for selecting suitable antibodies for detection of bacterial immunoglobulin binding proteins leaching from affinity columns in the presence of a large molar excess of IgG, and in determining the relationship between antibodies to bacterial IgG binding proteins and rheumatoid factor production.

J Biol Chem, 1991 Apr 25, 266(12), 7793 - 803
Discovery and sequence analysis of bacterial genes involved in the biogenesis of c-type cytochromes; Ramseier TM et al.; We report the DNA sequence and mutational analysis of a novel cluster of six Bradyrhizobium japonicum genes of which at least three (designated cycV, cycW, and cycX) are essential for the formation of all cellular c-type cytochromes . Mutants having insertions in these genes were completely devoid of any soluble (periplasmic) or membrane-bound c-type cytochromes; even the apo form of cytochrome c1 was not detectable, neither in the membrane nor in the soluble fraction . As a consequence, the mutants had pleiotropic phenotypes such as defects in nitrate respiration, H2 oxidation, electron transport to cytochrome alpha alpha 3, and microaerobic respiration during symbiosis . A fourth open reading frame (ORF132) encoded a protein that might also be concerned with cytochrome c formation, but perhaps only indirectly . The other two open reading frames did not appear to function in this process . The predicted amino acid sequences of the cycW and cycX gene products suggested that these proteins were membrane-bound . The cycV gene product showed extensive similarity to the ATP-binding subunit of a superfamily of membrane-associated transport systems . The predicted ORF132 product was strikingly similar to bacterial thioredoxins and eukaryotic protein disulfide isomerase . Based on these findings it is possible that these proteins are members of a complex transport system involved in the biogenesis of all cytochromes c.

J Biol Chem, 1991 Apr 25, 266(12), 7633 - 7
Ca2(+)-enhanced phosphorylation of a chimeric protein kinase involved with bacterial signal transduction; Rampersaud A et al.; The Tar-EnvZ hybrid molecule (Taz1) is an inner membrane transducer that activates OmpR, a transcriptional activator for porin gene expression (ompC), in response to an aspartic acid signal . Signal transduction by Taz1 most likely involves a phosphorylated Taz1 intermediate that donates its phosphate to OmpR . Phosphorylated OmpR has already been implicated in transcriptional activation of porin genes . Using a cell-free system containing Taz1-enriched membrane fractions, we have examined the phosphorylation properties of Taz1 and the stimulatory effects of divalent and monovalent ions . Highest activation of Taz1 phosphorylation was observed with CaCl2, and its stimulation could be observed with as low as 60 microM of CaCl2 . Phosphorylated Taz1 could readily donate its phosphate group to OmpR in the presence of calcium . CaCl2 was also able to enhance phosphorylation of intact membrane-bound EnvZ and a cytoplasmic fragment of EnvZ lacking the receptor and transmembrane domains . These results indicate that the site for CaCl2 stimulation is within the cytoplasmic region of EnvZ and probably involves an enhanced rate of EnvZ phosphorylation.

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1991 Apr 15, 63(2-3), 141 - 6
Detection and identification of substituted phenols as intermediates of concurrent bacterial degradation of the phenoxy herbicides MCPP and 2,4-D; Oh KH et al.; The concurrent bacterial degradation of 2-(2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy)propionic acid and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid was studied using a stirred tank reactor and a bacterial culture which had been originally derived by enrichment with MCPP . High pressure liquid chromatographic methodology was used to measure both herbicides and it also resolved the corresponding phenols as intermediates, i.e., 2-methyl-4-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol . Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to verify the intermediates . UV scans of spent cultures showed that the wave-length of maximum absorption shifted from 282 nm to 280 nm toward the end of incubation, but the characteristic peaks of maximum absorption of these compounds could not be used resolved because of the overlap.

J Biol Chem, 1991 Apr 15, 266(11), 6888 - 93
Identification of the site of autophosphorylation of the bacterial protein kinase/phosphatase NRII; Ninfa AJ et al.; Previous studies have established that the Escherichia coli protein kinase/phosphatase nitrogen regulator II (NRII also known as NtrB) becomes autophosphorylated on a histidine residue when incubated with ATP . We show that the major site at which NRII was autophosphorylated was contained within a peptide consisting of amino acid residues 136-142 of NRII, and thus probably corresponds to His-139 . A minor site of phosphorylation, accounting for about 2% of the phosphate in NRII-P, was found in a peptide that corresponds to residues 158-169.

FEBS Lett, 1991 Apr 9, 281(1-2), 245 - 9
Phytochromes and bacterial sensor proteins are related by structural and functional homologies . Hypothesis on phytochrome-mediated signal-transduction; Schneider-Poetsch HA et al.; Phytochrome and bacterial sensor proteins are related by functional and structural homologies . They are both sensors of environmental stimuli and share structural homologies which comprise a domain of about 250 amino acids (about 28 kg.mol-1) . This domain is C-terminal in phytochromes and in several bacterial sensor proteins . In both groups of sensors this domain undergoes conformational changes which are caused by the N-terminal part sensing the stimulus . In the case of bacterial sensors, the conformational alteration is, regulated by additional proteins, conferred to a corresponding regulator protein which then acts on transcription . The coincidences between the two groups of sensors are striking enough to assume phytochrome to transduce signals in a way comparable to the bacterial two-component systems.

Postgrad Med J, 1991 Apr, 67(786), 377 - 9
Recurrent bacterial meningitis occurring five years after closed head injury and caused by an intranasal post-traumatic meningo-encephalocele; Giunta G et al.; A case of atypical presentation of a post-traumatic intranasal meningo-encephalocele is described in a patient with a history of recurrent bacterial meningitis occurring 5 years after closed head injury . The usefulness of the CT and MRI findings in diagnostic evaluation of this lesion is emphasized.

J Prosthet Dent, 1991 Apr, 65(4), 496 - 9
Bacterial contamination in irreversible hydrocolloid impression material and gingival retraction cord; Rice CD et al.; This study tested two dental materials in factory-sealed containers for the presence of bacteria that may be a source of infection . Twenty samples of two dental materials found to have contamination in a pilot study were taken from unopened containers using a sterile technique . The samples were inoculated onto chocolate agar plates and into thioglycolate broths with appropriate controls . Plates were examined, colonies were enumerated, Gram stained, and identified . The resulting contamination frequencies were compared for statistical significance using Fisher's exact test . Organisms were isolated from 10% of the negative inoculation control agar plates, while none of the control broths showed contamination . The alginate (irreversible hydrocolloid) showed contamination in 50% of the plates and in 65% of the broths (p less than 0.05) . The retraction cord had a small sample size and yielded organisms on 5% of the sample plates and in 20% of the thioglycolate broths (p greater than 0.05).

J Virol Methods, 1991 Apr, 32(1), 109 - 14
Rapid screening for bacterial colonies harbouring tandem hepatitis B virus sequences by an oligonucleotide probe; Tong SP et al.; Transfection of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome requires the cloning of tandem HBV sequences into a plasmid vector, which is usually screened for by restriction enzyme digestion of plasmid minipreparations from at least a dozen bacterial colonies . We describe a simple alternative screening method based on in situ hybridization of bacterial colonies with a {32P}-labelled synthetic oligonucleotide which spans the head-to-tail junction site of two tandem HBV molecules . The accurate detection by the oligoprobe is confirmed by enzymatic digestion.

J Pediatr Surg, 1991 Apr, 26(4), 401 - 5; discussion 405-6
Impaired hepatic bacterial clearance is reversed by surgical relief of obstructive jaundice; Katz S et al.; Sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in infants with cholestatic jaundice . Previous studies have shown that biliary obstruction in rats causes a significant decrease in hepatic phagocytosis of viable Escherichia coli . This study tests this hypothesis and further evaluates whether the impaired function of the reticuloendothelial system of the liver (Kupffer cells) can be reversed by the relief of the biliary obstruction . Male Sprague-Dawley rats (weighing 140 to 150 g) were placed in three groups . Group I (n = 10) consisted of sham-operated controls . In Group II (n = 30), ligation and division of distal common bile duct (CDL) was performed . Group III (n = 30) underwent choledochoduodenostomy 2 weeks following ligation and division of common bile duct . At 1, 2, and 3 weeks following the operation, 10(9) 35S-radiolabeled viable E coli were injected intravenously via the tail vein . At 10 minutes, bacterial distribution in the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs was determined . Tissue samples (50 to 100 mg) from each organ were processed for liquid scintillation counting . The final distribution of bacteria was calculated from the input specific activity (dpm/bacteria) and expressed as the mean percentage of injected viable E coli per gram of tissue and per total organ weight . There was a significant decrease in the trapping of bacteria by the liver's Kupffer cells in rats in group II, at 2 and 3 weeks following CDL (45.0% +/- 14.0% and 15.1% +/- 4.9%, respectively, v controls 75.9% +/- 13.7%; P less than .005).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Rev Esp Enferm Dig, 1991 Apr, 79(4), 249 - 53
{Immunological and biochemical factors associated with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis}; Garcia Reinoso C et al.; A prospective study (June 1988-December 1989) of all patients admitted with ascites due to cirrhosis was undertaken: Biochemical and immunological factors which may have significance in the development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis were determined . Among 56 patients (44 males and 12 females) SBP developed in 16% of the group . No age differences were found and the etiology of the cirrhosis was mainly alcoholic . Patients with SBP had lower alpha-2 globulin concentrations: 0.43 +/- 0.12 vs . 0.60 +/- 0.18 g/dl (p less than 0.05) and a lower prothrombin time: 41 +/- 13% vs . 69.5 +/- 13 vs . 69.5 +/- 21% (p less than 0.001) . Patients with SBP had also lower ascitic fluid total protein 0.99 +/- 0.4 vs . 1.64 +/- 1.1 g/dl (p less than 0.01) as well as lower alfa-2 globulin: 0.065 +/- 0.012 vs . 0.096 +/- 0.067 g/dl (p less than 0.05); beta globulin, 0.11 +/- 0.047 vs . 0.2 +/- 0.17 g/dl (p less than 0.05); gamma globulin, 0.32 +/- 0.1 vs . 0.52 +/- 0.4 g/dl (p less than 0.05); IgG, 275 +/- 157 vs . 477 +/- 335 g/dl (p less than 0.05); C3, 9.2 +/- 3.2 vs . 17 +/- 13 mg/dl (p less than 0.01) and C4, 2.83 +/- 1.5 vs . 4.66 +/- 3.9 mg/dl (p less than 0.05) than patients without this complication.

J Bioenerg Biomembr, 1991 Apr, 23(2), 211 - 25
Bacterial NADH-quinone oxidoreductases; Yagi T; The NADH-quinone oxidoreductases of the bacterial respiratory chain could be divided in two groups depending on whether they bear an energy-coupling site . Those enzymes that bear the coupling site are designated as NADH dehydrogenase 1 (NDH-1) and those that do not as NADH dehydrogenase 2 (NDH-2) . All members of the NDH-1 group analyzed to date are multiple polypeptide enzymes and contain noncovalently bound FMN and iron-sulfur clusters as prosthetic groups . The NADH-ubiquinone-1 reductase activities of NDH-1 are inhibited by rotenone, capsaicin, and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide . The NDH-2 enzymes are generally single polypeptides and contain noncovalently bound FAD and no iron-sulfur clusters . The enzymatic activities of the NDH-2 are not affected by the above inhibitors for NDH-1 . Recently, it has been found that both of these types of the NADH-quinone oxidoreductase are present in a single strain of bacteria . The significance of the occurrence of these two types of enzymes in a single organism has been discussed in this review.

Hepatology, 1991 Apr, 13(4), 766 - 72
Biliary tract disease in rats with experimental small bowel bacterial overgrowth; Lichtman SN et al.; Small bowel bacterial overgrowth, which develops in surgically created jejunal self-filling blind loops, is associated with hepatic injury in susceptible rat strains . The histological findings are portal tract inflammation and bile duct proliferation and destruction . In this study, evidence of injury to the extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts in susceptible and resistant inbred rats with self-filling blind loops was determined by bile flow rates, histological appearance of cross-sections of bile ducts and cholangiography . Lewis and Wistar rats with self-filling blind loops had thickening of the cross-sectional area of the extrahepatic bile ducts compared with controls and nonsusceptible Buffalo rats (p less than 0.001) . Daily metronidazole therapy significantly reduced thickening of bile ducts in Lewis and Wistar rats with self-filling blind loops . Bile flow was increased in Lewis and Wistar rats with blind loops compared with controls (p less than 0.05) . Cholangiograms of Lewis and Wistar rats with self-filling blind loops demonstrated extrahepatic ductal dilatation and ectasia with irregular, beaded, rapidly tapering and tortuous intrahepatic ducts . Blinded cholangiographical scores of susceptible rat strains with self-filling blind loops were higher (score = 5.9 +/- 2.3) than those of controls (1.2 +/- 0.4), rats with blind loops treated with metronidazole (0.8 +/- 1.3) and nonsusceptible Buffalo rats with blind loops (0.6 +/- 0.9) (p less than 0.01) . Biliary histological and cholangiographical abnormalities found in this rat model resemble features of primary sclerosing cholangitis . This animal model will be useful in exploring mechanisms of the association of hepatobiliary inflammation with intestinal injury and investigating potential therapeutic agents.

J Dev Physiol, 1991 Apr, 15(4), 229 - 35
Fever in young lambs: temperature, metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses to a small dose of bacterial pyrogen; Fewell JE et al.; Experiments were done on ten lambs ranging in age from 15 to 25 days to define the temperature, metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses to intravenous administration of a small dose of bacterial pyrogen (SAE) . Administration of SAE but not normal saline produced a short-lived fever of about 0.7 degrees C . The increase in body-core temperature was preceded by a surge in total body oxygen consumption and the onset of shivering which was influenced by behavioral state (ie, shivering was inhibited during active sleep) . The increase in total body oxygen consumption was initially met by an increase in total body oxygen extraction and then by an increase in systemic oxygen delivery . Systemic arterial blood pressure did not change significantly during the febrile response; however, pulmonic arterial blood pressure increased significantly . Thus, our experiments provide new data on oxygen supply and demand during the development of fever and that shivering thermogenesis is inhibited in active sleep following the administration of bacterial pyrogen in young lambs . The influence of active sleep on the overall febrile response, and whether or not there is a shift from shivering thermogenesis to non-shivering thermogenesis remains to be determined.

Biochem Cell Biol, 1991 Apr, 69(4), 297 - 302
Sequences of the variable regions of three monoclonal antibodies specific for histidine-containing protein of the bacterial phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system; Steeves T et al.; The variable regions of three monoclonal antibodies, Jel 42, Jel 44, and Jel 324, specific for the histidine-containing protein of the bacterial phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system have been sequenced from their respective mRNAs . The Vh gene families were deduced from the percent homology to the concensus gene sequences and the J gene and D gene usage was also analysed.

Am J Gastroenterol, 1991 Apr, 86(4), 481 - 6
Post-sclerotherapy bacterial peritonitis; Schembre D et al.; Endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy has been associated with a number of complications . Peritonitis after sclerotherapy has rarely been reported . In this retrospective review of 213 consecutive sclerotherapy procedures among 65 patients over a 3-yr period, we found that six cases of peritonitis occurred, for an incidence of approximately 3% . All patients developing post-sclerotherapy peritonitis had low ascitic fluid protein . However, this did not differ from patients who did not develop peritonitis . No patient on antibiotics at the time of sclerotherapy developed peritonitis . Peritonitis should be considered in the diagnosis of post-sclerotherapy fever . The role of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent this complication is uncertain.

J Biolumin Chemilumin, 1991 Apr-Jun, 6(2), 131 - 6
Bovine serum albumin interacts with bacterial luciferase; Makemson JC et al.; Bovine serum albumin (BSA) affects the amount of light obtained from bacterial luciferase by competing with luciferase for one of the luciferase substrates, the aldehyde . At low aldehyde concentrations BSA behaves as an inhibitor, but at high aldehyde concentrations BSA relieves substrate inhibition . BSA reversibly binds decanal with a Ksi = 3.36 mumol/l, approximately half the affinity of luciferase for decanal (KM = 1.5 mumol/l) . BSA also increased the rate of intermediate II dark decay . The data suggest that this involves a direct protein-protein (BSA-luciferase) interaction.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1991 Apr, 59(3), 207 - 13
Mortality of marine bacterial strains in seawater; Penon FJ et al.; As an approach for assessing the dynamics of bacterial population in seawater, the survival of five isolated marine bacteria strains was assessed by the disappearance of radioactivity in the cold trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-insoluble fraction from a previously 3H-labeled culture . Metabolic activity during survival experiments was assessed by the measurement of electron transport system (ETS) activity . Fractionated filtration was used to assess the grazing mortality . The particulate fraction that passed 2.0 microns and was retained in 0.2 microns was the main cause of mortality.

Immun Infekt, 1991 Apr, 19(2), 63 - 4
{Induction of autoreactive T-cells by bacterial stress proteins in HLA-DR4 donors}; Epplen C et al.; From the peripheral blood of HLA-DR4+ healthy donors or patients with rheumatoid arthritis autoreactive T-cell lines were obtained after stimulation with bacterial heat-shock protein . All lines obtained express an alpha/beta-T-cell receptor and they are predominantly CD4+ . The determination of the fine specificity of those autoreactive T cells showed, that either amino-acid position #71 or #86 of the HLA-DR beta 1 chain was critical for recognition by the antigen receptor.

Eur J Ophthalmol, 1991 Apr-Jun, 1(2), 69 - 72
Efficacy of norfloxacin in bacterial conjunctivitis; Huber-Spitzy V et al.; We investigated the efficacy and safety of norfloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution in 120 patients with bacterial conjunctivitis or blepharitis . Patients were selected for the study if they showed conjunctival hyperemia and at least three of the following criteria: a) symptoms of a surface ocular infection; b) a purulent discharge; c) crusting of the eyelids, and d) thickened, red lid margins . After taking a specimen for culture from the conjunctiva or skin-lash margin, the test drug was administered to the infected eye every two hours for one day, then 4 times daily for one week . Of the 120 patients who entered the study, 84.1% were cured . No serious adverse reactions occurred.

Indian J Biochem Biophys, 1991 Apr, 28(2), 109 - 13
Effect of glycosylation of bacterial amylase on stability and active site conformation; Srivastava RA; With a view to understand the changes in the conformation of bacterial amylase, the enzyme preparation was conjugated to dextran . Glycosylation of purified bacterial amylase resulted in increased stability against heat, proteolytic enzymes and denaturing agents . Several group specific inhibitors exhibited dose-dependent inhibition and the extent of inhibition was same for native as well as for the glycosylated enzyme . The pH optima of native and glycosylated enzyme remained the same indicating that the ionization at the active site is not greatly influenced as a result of glycosylation . Although the native as well as the glycosylated enzyme bind to the substrate with the same affinity, the rate of reaction differed greatly at 90 and 100 degrees C . At 70 degrees C, the rate of reaction was similar for the conjugated as well as the unconjugated amylase . Thermostability at different temperatures clearly showed that the glycosylated enzyme had greater stability compared to the native enzyme . The divalent cation binding site in the amylase also appears to be unaltered upon glycosylation since EDTA inhibited both enzymes to the same extent and addition of calcium ion restored the activity to almost the same level . These studies showed that conjugating the amylase enzyme with a bulky molecule like dextran does not affect the conformation at the active site.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1991 Mar 29, 1057(2), 239 - 57
Langmuir-Blodgett monolayer films of bacterial photosynthetic membranes and isolated reaction centers: preparation, spectrophotometric and electrochemical characterization; Alegria G et al.; The Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film technique has been successfully applied to the construction of stable and photo-active films of chromatophore membranes and isolated reaction centers from two species of photosynthetic bacteria, Rhodobacter sphaeroides and Rhodopseudomonas viridis . LB films of these preparations were characterized at the air/water interface through compression isotherms and film stabilities . Films deposited on glass slides were analyzed by spectrophotometric and redox potentiometric techniques . The results obtained indicate that the in vivo properties of the photosynthetic apparatus in the deposited films are essentially unchanged . Furthermore, the pigments and redox cofactors in the films are highly oriented and offer a unique opportunity for structural and functional studies of the kind described in the accompanying paper (Biochim . Biophys . Acta 1057 (1991) 258-272).

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1991 Mar 15, 88(6), 2505 - 9
Cloning and molecular characterization of the murine macrophage "68-kDa" protein kinase C substrate and its regulation by bacterial lipopolysaccharide; Seykora JT et al.; We have isolated and characterized a cDNA clone encoding the murine macrophage 68-kDa protein kinase C substrate, which is homologous to the 80- to 87-kDa protein identified by the acronym MARCKS (myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate) . The murine MARCKS cDNA clone encodes an acidic protein of 309 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 29,661 . Transfection of the murine MARCKS gene into TK-L fibroblasts produced a myristoylated protein kinase C substrate that migrated on SDS/PAGE with an apparent molecular mass of 68 kDa . Peptide mapping studies indicated that MARCKS produced by the transfected gene was indistinguishable from the endogenous murine macrophage protein . Comparison of the murine macrophage sequence with the previously published chicken and bovine brain sequences revealed two conserved domains: an N-terminal membrane-binding domain and a phosphorylation domain that also contains calmodulin and actin binding sites . In murine peritoneal macrophages, bacterial lipopolysaccharide increased MARCKS mRNA levels by greater than 30-fold . Multiple MARCKS transcripts were observed and could be accounted for by differential polyadenylylation and incomplete processing . Genomic Southern blot analysis suggested a single MARCKS gene per haploid genome.

J Biol Chem, 1991 Mar 15, 266(8), 5202 - 19
The 2.3-A resolution structure of the maltose- or maltodextrin-binding protein, a primary receptor of bacterial active transport and chemotaxis; Spurlino JC et al.; The three-dimensional structure of the maltose- or maltodextrin-binding protein (Mr = 40,622) with bound maltose has been obtained by crystallographic analysis at 2.8-A resolution . The structure, which has been partially refined at 2.3 A, is ellipsoidal with overall dimensions of 30 x 40 x 65 A and divided into two distinct globular domains by a deep groove . Although each domain is built from two peptide segments from the amino- and carboxyl-terminal halves, both domains exhibit similar supersecondary structure, consisting of a central beta-pleated sheet flanked on both sides with two or three parallel alpha-helices . The groove, which has a depth of 18 A and a base of about 9 x 18 A, contains the maltodextrin-binding site . We have previously observed the same general features in the well-refined structures of six other periplasmic receptors with specificities for L-arabinose, D-galactose/D-glucose, sulfate, phosphate, leucine/isoleucine/valine, and leucine . The bound maltose is buried in the groove and almost completely inaccessible to the bulk solvent . The groove is heavily populated by polar and aromatic groups many of which are involved in extensive hydrogen-bonding and van der Waals interactions with the maltose . All the disaccharide hydroxyl groups, which form a peripheral polar surface approximately in the plane of the sugar rings, are tied in a total of 11 direct hydrogen bonds with six charged side chains, one Trp side chain, and one peptide backbone NH, and five indirect hydrogen bonds via water molecules . The maltose is wedged between four aromatic side chains . The resulting stacking of these aromatic residues on the faces of the glucosyl units provides a majority of the van der Waals contacts in the complex . The nonreducing glucosyl unit of the maltose is involved in approximately twice as many hydrogen bonds and van der Waals contacts as the glucosyl unit at the reducing end . The binding protein-maltose complex shows the best example of the extensive use of polar and aromatic residues in binding oligosaccharides . The tertiary structure of the maltodextrin-binding protein, along with the results of genetic studies by a number of investigators, has also enabled us for the first time to map the different regions on the surface of the protein involved in the interactions with the membrane-bound protein components necessary for transport of and chemotaxis toward maltodextrins . These sites permit distinction of the "open cleft" (without bound sugar) and closed (with bound sugar) conformations of the binding protein by the chemotactic signal transducer with which the maltodextrin-binding protein interacts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Neurosci Lett, 1991 Mar 11, 124(1), 13 - 6
Bacterial endotoxin-induced expression of metallothionein genes in rat brain, as revealed by in situ hybridization; Itano Y et al.; In order to clarify acute-phase response in brain, we investigated induction of metallothionein (MT) genes by administrating an endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) in rat intraperitoneum . We performed in situ hybridization on the serial brain sections to identify the cells expressing the MT genes in acute-phase . After endotoxin administration, transcripts of MT genes were detected in the arachnoideal, ependymal cells and glial cells around the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, while no significant induction of the MT genes by zinc ion was observed in brain . These results suggest that the acute-phase response occurs specifically in at least these 3 non-neuronal cells.

Nucleic Acids Res, 1991 Mar 11, 19(5), 1087 - 92
Isolation of cDNA clones encoding an enzyme from bovine cells that repairs oxidative DNA damage in vitro: homology with bacterial repair enzymes; Robson CN et al.; Ionizing radiation and radiomimetic compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and bleomycin, generate DNA strand breaks with fragmented deoxyribose 3' termini via the formation of oxygen-derived free radicals . These fragmented sugars require removal by enzymes with 3' phosphodiesterase activity before DNA synthesis can proceed . An enzyme that reactivates bleomycin-damaged DNA to a substrate for Klenow polymerase has been purified from calf thymus . The enzyme, which has a Mr of 38,000 on SDS-PAGE, also reactivates hydrogen peroxide-damaged DNA and has an associated apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonuclease activity . The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified protein matches that reported previously for a calf thymus enzyme purified on the basis of AP endonuclease activity . Degenerate oligonucleotide primers based on this sequence were used in the polymerase chain reaction to generate from a bovine cDNA library a fragment specific for the 5' end of the coding sequence . Using this cDNA fragment as a probe, several clones containing 1.35 kb cDNA inserts were isolated and the complete nucleotide sequence of one of these determined . This revealed an 0.95 kb open reading frame which would encode a polypeptide of Mr 35,500 and with a N-terminal sequence matching that determined experimentally . The predicted amino acid sequence shows strong homology with the sequences of two bacterial enzymes that repair oxidative DNA damage, ExoA protein of S . pneumoniae and exonuclease III of E . coli.

Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo), 1991 Mar, 39(3), 704 - 8
Metabolism of aloesin and related compounds by human intestinal bacteria: a bacterial cleavage of the C-glucosyl bond and the subsequent reduction of the acetonyl side chain; Che QM et al.; By anaerobic incubation with a bacterial mixture from human feces, aloesin (aloeresin B; 1) was converted to 2-acetonyl-7-hydroxy-5-methylchromone (aloesone; 3) and dl-7-hydroxy-2-(2'-hydroxypropyl)-5-methylchromone (aloesol; 4a + 4b) through a cleavage of the C-glucosyl bond, followed by reduction of the acetonyl side chain . An analogous compound, aloeresin A (2), was converted to p-coumaric acid and aloesin (1), the latter being subsequently transformed to aloesone (3) and dl-aloesol (4a + 4b) . On the other hand, 7-O-methylated derivatives (7, 5a and 5b) of aloesin and of 8-C-glucosylaloesol were not cleaved to the corresponding aglycones, suggesting the importance of a free hydroxy group adjacent to the C-glucosyl group in the molecule for the bacterial cleavage of aloesin derivatives . This is the first report on the cleavage of the C-glycosyl bond of chromone C-glucosides by intestinal bacteria.

Mol Biother, 1991 Mar, 3(1), 46 - 50
Comparison of biologic activities of synthetic lipopentapeptide analogs of bacterial lipoprotein in mice; Shimizu T et al.; Mitogenicity, lethal toxicity, induction of tumor necrotizing factor (TNF), and antitumor activity against Meth A fibrosarcoma of four chemically synthesized lipopentapeptide analogs, S-{2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)-2R (designated as KAB-1), -2S(KAB-3)-propyl}-N-palmitoyl-(R)-cysteinyl-(S)-seryl- (S)-seryl-(S)-asparaginyl-(S)-alanine, S-{2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)-2R(KAB-2), and -2S(KAB-4)-propyl}-N-{(2,2,2)-trichloroethoxycarbonyl}-(R)- cysteinyl-(S)-seryl-(S)-seryl-(S)-asparaginyl-(S)-alanine, of bacterial lipoprotein were investigated . These four analogs, as well as bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or synthetic Escherichia coli-type lipid A (506), were capable of increasing of {3H}thymidine into splenocytes of C3H/He mice . Although LPS and 506 did not exhibit the mitogenic activity in C3H/HeJ mice, KAB compounds showed remarkable mitogenicity . These analogs did not show the lethal toxicity at a high dose of 50 micrograms/mouse in galactosamine-loaded C57BL/6 mice . Peritoneal macrophages, stimulated with four analogs, caused the production of TNF which induces the L929 cell lysis in vitro . Twice, intravenous injections of 50 micrograms/mouse of these analogs showed weak growth inhibition of Meth A fibrosarcoma in BALB/c mice . The inhibitory effect of KAB-2 compound, which caused the strong TNF-induction among the four analogs, was the most potent . These results indicate that the biological activity of KAB-2 (R-configuration of the C-2 position in glycerol moiety with dipalmitoyl) is stronger than that of the other three analogs.

Aging (Milano), 1991 Mar, 3(1), 57 - 62
Blood rheology during bacterial infection in the elderly and early middle-aged; Ciuffetti G et al.; The aim of this study was to ascertain if the hemorheological profiles in 35 elderly and 20 young to middle-aged patients returned to normal after bacterial infection . Erythrocyte sedimentation rates, fibrinogen levels, plasma viscosity, hematocrit, white blood cell count and filterability rates (through 5 mu diameter pore filters, using a low shear positive pressure Nuclepore filtration system) of red blood cells and unfractionated leucocytes were determined at the onset of acute bacterial infection, after 3 weeks at full clinical recovery, and again 2 weeks later at the end of convalescence . Our data confirm that rheological impairments exist at the onset of bacterial infection, and persist up to clinical recovery . At the end of convalescence the unfractionated leucocyte filterability rate was still significantly higher in the elderly patients, compared not only to our normal standard, but also to average values in the younger group.

Hautarzt, 1991 Mar, 42(3), 173 - 5
{The value of Gardnerella-vaginalis-culture in bacterial-vaginitis- score-confirmed bacterial vaginosis}; Hackel H et al.; The relative value of a semiquantitative Gardnerella vaginalis culture for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) was studied in 113 women attending a STD clinic . The standard diagnosis of BV was based on the BV score, which is a 10-point grading system to evaluate gram-stained vaginal samples objectively and reproducibly . The sensitivity of G . vaginalis culture for the diagnosis of BV was 28%, while the specificity was 89% . The positive and the negative predictive values were 50% and 76% for G . vaginalis culture in our population . Our data suggest that G . vaginalis culture cannot be recommended for the routine diagnosis of BV . However, G . vaginalis culture will detect asymptomatic women with high vaginal colonization with G . vaginalis . Further studies are needed to find whether these women are at risk of developing BV.

Vrach Delo, 1991 Mar, (3), 43 - 5
{The diagnostic importance of studying metals in the cerebrovascular fluid of patients with bacterial meningoencephalitis}; Iarosh OA; The author studied the quantitative content of metals in the cerebrospinal fluid of 80 patients depending on the terms and severity of bacterial meningoencephalitis . It was established that examination of the concentration of macro- and microelements in the cerebrospinal fluid reflects the state of mineral homeostasis and may be an objective test in the diagnosis of the disease.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1991 Mar, 57(3), 857 - 62
Bacterial nutrients in drinking water; LeChevallier MW et al.; Regrowth of coliform bacteria in distribution systems has been a problem for a number of water utilities . Efforts to solve the regrowth problem have not been totally successful . The current project, which was conducted at the New Jersey American Water Co.-Swimming River Treatment Plant, showed that the occurrence of coliform bacteria in the distribution system could be associated with rainfall, water temperatures greater than 15 degrees C, total organic carbon levels greater than 2.4 mg/liter, and assimilable organic carbon levels greater than 50 micrograms of acetate carbon equivalents per liter . A multiple linear regression model based on free chlorine residuals present in dead-end sections of the distribution system and temperature predicted 83.8% of the heterotrophic plate count bacterial variation . To limit the growth of coliform bacteria in drinking water, the study concludes that assimilable organic carbon levels should be reduced to less than 50 micrograms/liter.

W V Med J, 1991 Mar, 87(3), 115 - 6
Self-mutilation resulting in bacterial meningitis; Chillag S et al.; Self-mutilation and particularly self-destructive dermatoses are not usually life-threatening . This case involves a man who met the DSM-III R diagnostic criteria for delusional (paranoid) disorder, somatic type . His destructive behavior involving the face and scalp resulted in osteomyelitis and pneumococcal meningitis . He responded to treatment initially, but was later lost to follow-up . No similar case of self-mutilation has been reported.

Br J Anaesth, 1991 Mar, 66(3), 383 - 6
Bacterial meningitis following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section; Lee JJ et al.; We report a case of meningitis caused by inadvertent introduction of bacteria following spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean section . The technique of performing the spinal anaesthesia is reviewed . Meningitis may occur, although very rarely, despite meticulous aseptic techniques . It is vital that meningitis should be considered in the differential diagnoses of post-spinal headache when patients present with headaches, pyrexia and meningism in the postoperative or postpartum period.

J Nucl Med, 1991 Mar, 32(3), 483 - 91
Imaging focal sites of bacterial infection in rats with indium-111-labeled chemotactic peptide analogs; Fischman AJ et al.; Four DTPA-derivatized chemotactic peptide analogs: ForNleLFNleYK-DTPA (P1), ForMLFNH(CH2)6NH-DTPA (P2), ForNleLFK(NH2)-DTPA (P3), and ForNleLFK-DTPA (P4), were synthesized and evaluated for in vitro bioactivity and receptor binding . The peptides were radiolabeled with 111In by transchelation and their biodistribution determined in rats at 5, 30, 60 and 120 min after injection . Localization at sites of infection was determined by scintillation camera imaging in animals with deep-thigh infection due to Escherichia coli . Images were recorded from 5 min to 2 hr after injection . All peptides maintained biologic activity (EC50 for O2-production by human PMN's: 3-150 nM) and the ability to bind to the oligopeptide chemoattractant receptor on human PMN's (EC50 for binding: 7.5-50 nM); biologic activity and receptor binding were highly correlated (r = 0.99) . For all the peptides, blood clearance was rapid (half-lives: 21.5, 33.1, 31.6, and 28.7 min for P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively) . Biodistributions of the individual peptides were similar with low levels of accumulation in the heart, lung, liver, spleen, and gastrointestinal tract . In the kidney, P1 had much greater accumulation than other organs . All peptides yielded high quality images of the infection sites within 1 hr of injection . This study demonstrates that 111In-labeled chemotactic peptide analogs were effective agents for the external imaging of focal sites of infection.

Am J Med, 1991 Mar, 90(3), 392 - 7
Bacterial endocarditis presenting as acute myocardial infarction: a cautionary note for the era of reperfusion; Herzog CA et al.; Coronary embolism is a known complication of bacterial endocarditis that sometimes causes acute myocardial infarction . The necessity for rapidly restoring coronary artery perfusion and the time constraints governing clinical decisions may prevent endocarditis from being diagnosed before pharmacologic or mechanical thrombolysis . This report describes the first documented cases of coronary angioplasty in two patients with acute myocardial infarction caused by bacterial endocarditis, and reviews the literature on coronary artery complications of bacterial endocarditis . The first patient developed a coronary artery mycotic aneurysm at the dilatation site; the second experienced a small intracerebral hemorrhage following reperfusion . It is, of course, unwise to generalize from two cases, but we believe that in patients who are most likely to have endocarditis as the cause of acute myocardial infarction, the impulse to follow conventional strategies for coronary reperfusion should be tempered by thoughts of possible consequences.

Arzneimittelforschung, 1991 Mar, 41(3), 274 - 9
Biological activity of bacterial surface components . Immunogenicity and immunomodulatory properties of a bacterial extract from Escherichia coli; Bessler WG et al.; The immunogenic and immunomodulatory properties of a lysed fraction from selected E . coli strains (OM-89, Uro-Vaxom) were determined in vivo and in vitro . It could be demonstrated that OM-89 constitutes an active immunogen in mice . Maximum OM-89-specific antibody titers were obtained after 4-5 i.p . immunizations; the titers could be further enhanced by the simultaneous injection of lipopeptide adjuvants . It was shown by ELISA that the antibodies obtained bound to the bacterial strains used for the preparation of the OM-89 extract . Immunogenicity was observed both after intraperitoneal and oral application of the extract . Besides being active as an immunogen . OM-89 was able to act in vitro as a polyclonal lymphocyte activator, as determined in splenocyte cultures of different inbred murine strains, and in cultures of human peripheral blood lymphocytes . Our results show that the B lymphocyte stimulating activity of the bacterial extract OM-89 was comparable to that of lipopeptide adjuvants . In conclusion, the bacterial extract both an active immunogen in vivo, and a polyclonal B cell activator in vitro . These findings may be of importance for the understanding of the therapeutic effect of OM-89.

EMBO J, 1991 Mar, 10(3), 705 - 12
Translational control of transposition activity of the bacterial insertion sequence IS1; Escoubas JM et al.; The experiments reported here provide strong evidence indicating that the transposition frequency of the bacterial insertion sequence IS1 is determined principally by two IS1-specified proteins . The first, InsA, was previously shown to bind to the ends of the element and to act as a repressor . We present both physical and genetic evidence which reveals that the second, the InsAB' transposase, is a fusion of InsA with the product of a downstream reading frame, InsB' . Synthesis of this protein occurs by a -1 frameshift between the insA and insB' frames . It requires the presence of an intact retroviral-like frameshift signal composed of an A6C motif and a downstream region able to form several alternative secondary structures . In vivo studies show that IS1 transposition activity depends on the relative rather than on the absolute levels of InsA and InsAB' . The ratio is determined primarily at the translational level by frameshifting and appears to be relatively insensitive to large variations in levels of transcription . This novel homeostatic control could therefore protect IS1 from activation as a consequence of insertion into active transcription units.

Rev Med Chil, 1991 Mar, 119(3), 295 - 8
{Spontaneous bacterial pleuritis in 3 patients with liver cirrhosis}; Chesta J et al.; We report 4 episodes of spontaneous bacterial pleuritis observed in 3 patients with liver cirrhosis complicated by ascites and pleural effusion . This infection mimics spontaneous bacterial peritonitis . Three episodes were successfully treated . Proposed pathogenesis, diagnostic methods and therapy are discussed.

Hua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao, 1991 Mar, 22(1), 75 - 8
{Relationship between the bacterial resistance induced by rifamdin and the RNA polymerase}; Zhang X et al.; The results of our experiment in vitro showed that the activity of standard RNA polymerase decreased while the concentration of RFD and RFP increased, indicating that the target site of action of RFD was similar to that of RFP on RNA polymerase . Incorporation of {3H} UR into the RNA of sensitive cells of S . sureus and E . coli was strongly inhibited by RFD, but RFD did not affect the resistant strains . In purified DNA-dependent RNA polymerase of sensitive and resistant strains, the enzyme activity of sensitive E . coli a S . aureus strains was inhibited by RFD, but RFD did not inhibit that of the resistant strains (except the P . vulgaris) . It can be concluded that a decreased susceptibility of RNA polymerase to RFD as well as a decreased permeability of bacterial envelope may induce bacterial resistance to the drug.

Mycoses, 1991 Mar-Apr, 34(3-4), 129 - 32
Penetrating gastric ulcer as a cause of mixed bacterial and fungal pericarditis; Knee G et al.; We describe a case of pneumopyopericarditis caused by a mixture of fungal and bacterial pathogens . This originated from a gastric ulcer (within a hiatus hernia) which had eroded into the pericardial sac . Further complications included the late discovery of the ulcer and asplenism . Similar cases have been reported, but to the best of the authors' knowledge, none with an actual mixture of the two pathogens.

Int J Radiat Biol, 1991 Mar, 59(3), 699 - 710
Effects of polyamines and thiols on the radiation sensitivity of bacterial transforming DNA; Held KD et al.; The effects of polyamines on the loss of biological activity of bacterial transforming DNA irradiated in the absence and presence of sulphydryl-containing compounds has been investigated . In both oxygenated and hypoxic conditions the polyamines (spermine, spermidine, putrescine and cadaverine) are radioprotectors with the degree of protection increasing with increasing polyamine concentration . When O2-saturated DNA solutions are irradiated, the degree of radioprotection by polyamines generally correlates with the efficiency of scavenging of OH . radicals . In N2 the protection does not show that correlation; several possible reasons are discussed . With the exception of spermine, the polyamines are slightly more protective of oxygenated DNA than of hypoxic DNA . When DNA is irradiated in the presence of both polyamines and thiols, the combined protection is usually greater than that exhibited by either agent alone . When irradiation is in oxygen, the combined agents appear to operate by the same mechanism, namely OH . radical scavenging . In N2-saturated solutions, polyamines and dithiothreitol appear to act by different, non-interacting mechanisms; however WR1065 and polyamines may radioprotect by the same mechanism . Also, the results suggest that polyamines may reduce the ability of some thiols to radioprotect DNA.

Trends Biotechnol, 1991 Mar, 9(3), 91 - 5
Applications of bacterial magnets; Matsunaga T; Magnetic bacteria migrate along the lines of the earth's magnetic field, and synthesize intracellular particles of magnetite which are aligned in chains and enveloped by a membrane, thus forming biological magnets . Recent progress in techniques for isolating and culturing one strain offers hope for the large-scale production of bacterial magnets . Potential biotechnological and medical applications will exploit the ability to manipulate conjugates or cells incorporating the particles, whose usefulness depends on their small size and membrane coating.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1991 Feb 28, 175(1), 48 - 54
Regulation of mouse ornithine decarboxylase gene expression in a macrophage-like cell line: synergistic induction by bacterial lipopolysaccharide and cAMP; Zheng SA et al.; The ability of the promotor/enhancer region of the mouse ornithine decarboxylase gene to respond to various stimuli was studied . This region was subcloned into multiple fragments and these were inserted in front of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene on an expression vector, pBLCAT3 . These ODC/CAT constructs were transfected into a mouse macrophage-like cell line, RAW264 . The transfected cells were stimulated by bacterial lipopolysaccharide, 8-bromo cAMP or both followed by analysis of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity . Optimal inducible chloramphenicol acetyltransferase expression was obtained when sequences from -90 to +12 (with respect to the transcriptional start site) were tested in cells treated with a combination of lipopolysaccharide and 8-bromo cAMP . A putative cyclic AMP response element located at -48 was altered by site-directed mutagenesis but these alterations did not diminish activity in response to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and 8-bromo cAMP.

Fortschr Med, 1991 Feb 20, 109(5), 138 - 40
{Treatment of bacterial vaginitis . Multicenter, randomized, open study with tinidazole in comparison with metronidazole}; Schindler EM et al.; Seventy-five patients, aged between 18 and 55, with clinical bacterial vaginosis were assigned to two treatments in a randomized fashion . One group received a single oral dose of 2 g tinidazole, the other 2 x 1 vaginal tablet of metronidazole 400 mg on five consecutive days . The clinical success rate (healing and improvement) was 97% in the group treated with tinidazole, and 84% in the group treated with metronidazole . One patient of the tinidazole group and six patients of the metronidazole group had to be given further treatment because of an inadequate response to therapy . Although there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to clinical effect and tolerance, the results do show that, for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, a single dose of tinidazole represents a clinically effective and well-tolerated therapy that is minimally stressful for the patient and is particularly suitable for prescription by the practicing physician.

J Biol Chem, 1991 Feb 15, 266(5), 2767 - 71
Relative efficiencies of the bacterial, yeast, and human DNA methyltransferases for the repair of O6-methylguanine and O4-methylthymine . Suggestive evidence for O4-methylthymine repair by eukaryotic methyltransferases; Sassanfar M et al.; The suicidal inactivation mechanism of DNA repair methyltransferases (MTases) was exploited to measure the relative efficiencies with which the Escherichia coli, human, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA MTases repair O6-methylguanine (O6MeG) and O4-methylthymine (O4MeT), two of the DNA lesions produced by mutagenic and carcinogenic alkylating agents . Using chemically synthesized double-stranded 25-base pair oligodeoxynucleotides containing a single O6MeG or a single O4MeT, the concentration of O6MeG or O4MeT substrate that produced 50% inactivation (IC50) was determined for each of four MTases . The E . coli ogt gene product had a relatively high affinity for the O6MeG substrate (IC50 8.1 nM) but had an even higher affinity for the O4MeT substrate (IC50 3 nM) . By contrast, the E . coli Ada MTase displayed a striking preference for O6MeG (IC50 1.25 nM) as compared to O4MeT (IC50 27.5 nM) . Both the human and the yeast DNA MTases were efficiently inactivated upon incubation with the O6MeG-containing oligomer (IC50 values of 1.5 and 1.3 nM, respectively) . Surprisingly, the human and yeast MTases were also inactivated by the O4MeT-containing oligomer albeit at IC50 values of 29.5 and 44 nM, respectively . This result suggests that O4MeT lesions can be recognized in this substrate by eukaryotic DNA MTases but the exact biochemical mechanism of methyltransferase inactivation remains to be determined.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1991 Feb 15, 88(4), 1192 - 6
The use of sarkosyl in generating soluble protein after bacterial expression; Frankel S et al.; Actin, like many other proteins, is highly insoluble after expression in Escherichia coli . In order to understand the origin of insoluble aggregates, we asked whether morphological inclusions were always correlated with insolubility . The strain expressing actin was compared to one that expresses part of the myosin tail; the latter strain yields soluble protein after various cell lysis or disruption procedures . Morphological inclusions were observed in both strains, indicating there is no obligate relationship between solubility and inclusions . Studies presented here suggest that extreme insolubility results from coaggregation of the actin with bacterial outer membrane components upon bacterial lysis . The properties of the outer membrane have been exploited in the development of nondenaturing procedures that yield soluble actin . One procedure involves the disruption of coaggregates with sarkosyl detergent (N-laurylsarcosine); another prevents the formation of coaggregates by lysing in the presence of sarkosyl . These methods may be useful for other proteins that become insoluble after bacterial expression.

Nucleic Acids Res, 1991 Feb 11, 19(3), 443 - 8
A bacterial model system for chromosomal targeting; Huang LC et al.; A system that permits efficient site-specific chromosomal targeting of foreign DNA on the Escherichia coli chromosome has been developed, using the FLP site-specific recombination system derived from the yeast 2 mu plasmid . The system demonstrates the feasibility of using site-specific recombination for this purpose, and provides a means to gather information on parameters that may affect chromosomal targeting to guide efforts to establish similar systems in higher eukaryotes . In this model system, the efficiency of integration of foreign DNA is affected by the location of the target site in the chromosome, and the structure of the recombination sites.

Ugeskr Laeger, 1991 Feb 11, 153(7), 512 - 4
{Fever during treatment for bacterial meningitis in children}; Madsen LP et al.; Eighty-seven infants and children aged 1 month to 15 years admitted to the Pediatric Department, Randers Central Hospital 1975-1988 with bacterial meningitis were evaluated with special interest in the course of fever and its relation to sequelae . The children were treated with ampicillin (400 mg/kg/day) . We found that 94% were afebrile after six days . 10% had persisting fever, 1% prolonged fever and 38% were found to develop secondary fever . Significantly more children infected with H . Influenzae had secondary fever . In most cases, no reason for secondary fever was found (46%) . 18% had drug fever and only one case of relapse was found . 23% had severe sequelae . No significant relationships between persistent, prolonged or secondary fever and sequelae were found.

Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol, 1991 Feb, 71(2), 247 - 50
Preliminary evidence for bacterial endotoxin therapeutics of paraquat lethality in mice; Ishikawa M et al.; In mice treated with endotoxin (LPS) extracted from Escherichia coli (1 mg/kg, i.p.), 3 hr after paraquat (70 mg/kg, i.p.) a delay in the appearance of deaths and a decrease in their number in 10-day cumulative mortality were observed in comparison to those injected with saline after paraquat.

Jpn J Antibiot, 1991 Feb, 44(2), 111 - 6
{Clinical evaluation of cefuzonam for bacterial pneumonia}; Mikasa K et al.; Ten patients with moderate or severe bacterial pneumonia with underlying diseases or complications were treated with cefuzonam (CZON) at a daily dose of 2 g to 4 g . The clinical effectiveness was good in 9 patients . No side effects or abnormal laboratory test results were observed in any patient . These results suggest that CZON may be useful in the treatment of bacterial pneumonia.

Monatsschr Kinderheilkd, 1991 Feb, 139(2), 96 - 101
{Elastase-alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor complex (E alpha 1 PI) and lactoferrin plasma concentrations in viral and bacterial infections}; Tegtmeyer FK et al.; Typical alterations of the white blood cell count are often missed during the acute course of infectious diseases . Activiation and degranulation of granulocytes are followed by elevation of E alpha 1 PI and lactoferrin plasma concentrations under these conditions . The aim of our study was the evaluation of the diagnostic significance of these granulocyte parameters in relation with the absolute granulocyte count in infected pediatric patients . A total number of 106 patients at the age of 1 day to 16 years were studied . 25 children suffered from viral, 26 from localized and 23 from systemic bacterial infections, 32 children exhibiting no signs of infection served as controls . Results of the study are given as medians and ranges . Total granulocyte count was elevated above controls (4.8; 2.2-12.7/nl) only in patients with localized bacterial infections (13.3; 5.5-36.5/nl) . E alpha 1 PI and lactoferrin plasma concentrations correlated well (r = 0.72) and were found to be significantly elevated in patients with localized bacterial infections (856; 363-4820 micrograms/l and 748; 206-2078 micrograms/l) and septicemia respectively (661; 256-2078 micrograms/l and 871; 160-9550 micrograms/l) . A clearcut differentiation of septic and locally infected patients was given by the ratio of E alpha 1 PI and total granulocyte counts . Significantly elevated E alpha 1 PI concentrations of patients exhibiting viral infections (295; 86-690 micrograms/l) may suggest effective granulocyte activation under this condition . Finally we conclude that E alpha 1 PI and lactoferin plasma concentration related to total granulocyte counts in infected patients may serve as a helpful indicator of granulocyte activation during the acute course of the disease.

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 1991 Feb, 21(1), 33 - 9
The relationship of tonsil bacterial concentration to surface and core cultures in chronic tonsillar disease in children; Brodsky L et al.; Fifty-five tonsils removed for chronic tonsillar disease (chronic tonsillitis and obstructive tonsillar hyperplasia) underwent surface swab and quantitative core cultures in order to identify the relationship between core bacterial concentration and the presence of aerobic bacteria on the tonsil surface . The accuracy of a single core culture was further established by quantitative cultures of 9 sections per tonsil in an additional 19 tonsils . The results indicate that many (61.5%) but not all aerobic bacteria which were found in the tonsil core were cultured from the surface of the tonsil . Conversely, the tonsil core bacteria with the highest bacterial concentrations are more likely to be present on the tonsillar surface and the greater the bacterial concentration, the more likely the bacteria are to be found in most if not all areas of the tonsil core . Therefore, the core bacterial concentration appears to be related to the presence of aerobic bacteria on the tonsillar surface . Surface bacteria may not, however, be truly representative of the core bacterial environment . Implications for the management of chronic tonsillar disease will be discussed.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1991 Feb, 57(2), 615 - 7
In situ bacterial selenate reduction in the agricultural drainage systems of western Nevada; Oremland RS et al.; Dissimilatory in situ selenate reduction to elemental selenium in sediments from irrigated agricultural drainage regions of western Nevada was measured at ambient Se oxyanion concentrations . Selenate reduction was rapid, with turnover rate constants ranging from 0.04 to 1.8 h-1 at total Se concentrations in pore water of 13 to 455 nM . Estimates of removal rates of selenium oxyanions were 14.38, and 155 mumol m-2 day-1 for South Lead Lake, Massie Slough, and Hunter Drain, respectively.

Clin Exp Immunol, 1991 Feb, 83(2), 231 - 6
Host and bacterial factors control the Mycobacterium avium-induced chronic peritoneal granulocytosis in mice; Appelberg R et al.; Persistent peritoneal granulocytosis and elevated macrophage counts have been found in nine mouse strains from 8 to 90 days after infection with Mycobacterium avium . Peritoneal granulocytosis was higher in M . avium-resistant BALB/c . Bcgr (C.D2) mice, compared with congenic M . avium-susceptible BALB/c (Bcgs) animals . Although maximal granulocytosis values were not related to virulence of the inocula, the kinetics of the granulocytic response varied with the virulence of M . avium . Following infections by avirulent (rough) strains of M . avium, the peritoneal granulocytosis progressively declined in BALB/c and C3H/He mice . A similar decline in granulocyte number was observed in resistant C3H/He mice infected with virulent M . avium (smooth transparent strain) . In both instances the decline in the peritoneal granulocytosis was associated with a progressive elimination of the inoculum . In the susceptible BALB/c mice, virulent M . avium strains induced progressive infection accompanied with a rapid decline in granulocyte number, whereas the infection with attenuated M . avium, which caused a chronic infection, induced persistent granulocytosis . The ability to recruit granulocytes following the intraperitoneal inoculation of a phlogistic substance (casein hydrolysate) was decreased in infected susceptible but not in infected resistant mice at 90 days of infection with virulent M . avium.

Obstet Gynecol, 1991 Feb, 77(2), 265 - 6
Endotoxin in vaginal fluid of women with bacterial vaginosis; Sjoberg I et al.; The concentration of endotoxin in vaginal fluid was measured in 19 women with bacterial vaginosis and in nine controls with normal vaginal flora . The vaginal fluid of the women with bacterial vaginosis contained significantly greater amounts of endotoxin: 0.308 +/- 0.396 versus 0.008 +/- 0.002 endotoxin units/mg vaginal fluid . Endotoxin in vaginal fluid may contribute to the activation of the prostaglandin system, which could provoke premature labor.

Gastroenterology, 1991 Feb, 100(2), 477 - 81
Selective intestinal decontamination prevents spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; Soriano G et al.; In a prospective randomized study, selective intestinal decontamination with norfloxacin was performed during hospitalization in 32 cirrhotic patients with low ascitic fluid total protein levels . The incidence of infections was compared with that in a control group of 31 nontreated cirrhotic patients of similar characteristics . We found a significantly lower incidence of infections {1/32 (3.1%) vs . 13/31 (41.9%); P less than 0.005} and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis {0/32 (0%) vs . 7/31 (22.5%); P less than 0.05} in patients receiving norfloxacin . The lower incidence of extraperitoneal infections {1/32 (3.1%) vs . 7/31 (22.5%); P = 0.052} in the treated group did not reach statistical significance . The incidence of infections {1/28 (3.6%) vs . 9/22 (40.9%); P less than 0.01} and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis {0/28 (0%) vs . 5/22 (22.7%); P less than 0.05} in cirrhotic patients admitted because of ascites was also significantly lower in the treated group . The decrease in the rate of mortality observed in the group undergoing selective intestinal decontamination did not reach statistical significance . These data show that selective intestinal decontamination is useful to prevent spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and extraperitoneal infections in hospitalized cirrhotic patients with low ascitic fluid total protein levels.

Res Microbiol, 1991 Feb-Apr, 142(2-3), 309 - 20
Toporegulation of bacterial division according to the nucleoid occlusion model; Woldringh CL et al.; A model for the toporegulation of division in Escherichia coli is presented in which cell constriction is initiated by the combined action of a biochemical and a structural event . It is proposed that the biochemical event of termination of DNA replication causes a transient change in the pool of deoxyribonucleotides, which serves as a localized trigger that is converted to a diffusible, cytoplasmic activator of peptidoglycan synthesis . The second event involves the segregation of the nucleoids . Evidence is presented that the nucleoid suppresses the activity of peptidoglycan synthesis in its vicinity . It is proposed that active transcription/translation around the nucleoids produces a strong but short-range inhibitor which prohibits division (nucleoid occlusion) . The combined effects of the locally produced termination-activator and of the diminished occlusion as a result of nucleoid segregation, guarantee that division is normally placed between the separated nucleoids . The model can explain the pattern of division-recovery of filaments, the majority of which constrict at sites which produce polar daughter cells containing two nucleoids . In addition, the model offers an explanation for the occurrence of mini-cells under a variety of conditions.

Res Microbiol, 1991 Feb-Apr, 142(2-3), 253 - 7
On the chronology and topography of bacterial cell division; Vicente M et al.; Gene products that play a role in the formation of cell septum should be expected to be endowed with a set of specific properties . In principle, septal proteins should be located at the cell envelope . The expression of division genes should ensure the synthesis of septal proteins at levels commensurate with the needs of cell division at different rates of cell duplication . We have results indicating that some fts genes located within the 2.5-min cluster in the Escherichia coli chromosome conform to these predictions.

Res Microbiol, 1991 Feb-Apr, 142(2-3), 229 - 38
Functional consequences of improved structural information on bacterial nucleoids; Kellenberger E; Section of Escherichia coli cells, cryofixed, freeze-substituted into acetone and resin-embedded, show nucleoids with coralline shape . The excrescencies reach far into the cytoplasm . Membrane contact is no longer excluded . Comparison with phase contrast light microscopy shows that the fine excrescencies cannot be resolved and therefore lead "artificially" to a more confined aspect of the nucleoid . The packing density of the DNA in the nucleoids is like that of eukaryotic interphase nuclei and would thus allow diffusion in and out of even large macromolecules . The transcription has, however, been demonstrated to occur only at the periphery; it requires a very dynamic state of the chromatin . The chromatin fine structure is now more granular than fibrillar, as it was previously . The granular structure is compatible with--but there is no proof for--the existence of compactosomes, which would form as a consequence of unrestrained supercoiling.

Res Microbiol, 1991 Feb-Apr, 142(2-3), 131 - 5
Bacterial growth control studied by flow cytometry; Boye E et al.; By employing flow cytometry, the DNA content and cell size of individual bacterial cells may be determined rapidly and with high precision . Also, the number of DNA replication origins in Escherichia coli cells can be measured after treating the cells with rifampicin together with the cell division inhibitor cephalexin . As opposed to wild type cells, certain mutants contain, with high frequency, a number of origins different from 2n, indicating that the mutants do not initiate DNA replication at all origins simultaneously . Here we give evidence that this asynchrony phenotype cannot occur as a consequence of aberrant chromosomal segregation or cell division, but can only be caused by defective coordination of multiple initiation events within one and the same cell . Flow cytometry has been used to perform exact and detailed analyses of the growth and cell cycle of E . coli . While the DNA distribution of a bacterial culture was unchanged as long as steady-state growth was maintained, the cellular DNA content was reduced when the culture approached and entered stationary phase . Only after prolonged incubation in stationary phase did the cells contain fully replicated chromosomes, and rapidly growing cells ended up with either 2 or 4 chromosomes in stationary phase.

Parasitology, 1991 Feb, 102 Pt 1, 125 - 32
Differential regulation of murine Mesocestoides corti infection by bacterial lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma; Jenkins P et al.; Many liver-invasive parasites cause extensive liver damage which may result in an impaired ability to catabolize endotoxin . The influence of endogenous endotoxin on the progress of liver-invasive parasitic diseases has been investigated in murine Mesocestoides corti infection . Invasion of liver tissue by tetrathyridia resulted in extensive parenchymal destruction with fibrosis . In association with this, undetoxified endotoxin, in potentially biologically active concentration, was found on peritoneal macrophages, 5 months post-M, corti infection . Host susceptibility was influenced by the Lps gene for responsiveness to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) . The parasite burden of LPS-responsive (C3H/HeN) mice was significantly increased in the livers of these mice when compared to LPS-resistant (C3H/HeJ) mice . LPS reduced the ability of normal peritoneal macrophages to kill tetrathyridia, when co-cultured in vitro . LPS also abrogated the ability of recombinant interferon-gamma (r.IFN-gamma) to enhance macrophage larvicidal activity . These in vitro findings were confirmed in vivo . Daily intraperitoneal administration of LPS, at low concentration, caused a 4-fold increase in parasite burden in the liver, while r.IFN-gamma at optimal concentration reduced parasite burden by 57% . Post-infection macrophages have previously been shown to be refractory to cytokine-activation for larval killing . In this report, we conclude that (1) this refractoriness may be due to the presence of undetoxified endotoxin on post-infection macrophages and (2) endotoxin may reduce host resistance by abrogating effector macrophage response to IFN-gamma.

J Comp Pathol, 1991 Feb, 104(2), 121 - 7
The effect of heparin on glomerular coagulation induced in mice by cycloheximide and bacterial lipopolysaccharide; Parry EW; The glomerular capillary coagulation in mice which follows challenge with cycloheximide and a submicrogram dose of endotoxin was shown to become fully established between 4 h and 6 h after challenge . Complete protection against the renal lesion was achieved by heparin treatment 4 h after challenge . The antifibrinolytic agent, tranexamic acid, given 4 h and 6 h after challenge, abolished this heparin-induced protection, but had no effect when given 6 h and 8 h after challenge . These findings suggest that heparin in some way delayed the onset of cycloheximide and endotoxin-induced irreversible coagulation in glomerular capillaries, and by so doing, allowed the development of local, protective, fibrinolytic activity . A relatively brief period of such fibrinolytic activity appeared to confer lasting protection against coagulation in glomerular capillaries . Appropriately timed treatment with hydrocortisone also abolished the heparin-initiated protection, and the evidence suggests that the steroid acts by inhibiting the development of local fibrinolytic activity.

Biol Chem Hoppe Seyler, 1991 Feb, 372(2), 91 - 3
Bacterial pyruvate kinases have a shorter N-terminal domain; Valentini G et al.; The N-terminal portions of the two forms of pyruvate kinase (EC2.7.1.40) from Escherichia coli have been sequenced up the 48th and 43rd residue, respectively . Comparison with the known primary structures shows that bacterial enzymes lack a substantial portion of the N-terminal sequence with respect to pyruvate kinases from vertebrates . This makes the suggested functional role of the N-terminal domain unlikely {Muirhead, H . (1990) Biochem . Soc . Trans . 18, 193-196} although an elongation of this domain with evolution is apparent.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1991 Feb, 35(2), 309 - 12
Significance of the methyl group on the oxazine ring of ofloxacin derivatives in the inhibition of bacterial and mammalian type II topoisomerases; Hoshino K et al.; A study was made of the correlation between the in vitro inhibitory effects of several quinolones, including four ofloxacin derivatives, on bacterial DNA gyrase from Escherichia coli KL-16 and on topoisomerase II from fetal calf thymus . No correlation was observed between the inhibitions of DNA gyrase activity and topoisomerase II activity . On the other hand, the inhibitory effects of these quinolones against topoisomerase II were closely correlated with their inhibition of cell growth . Furthermore, among the oxazine derivatives tested, the derivative with a methyl group at position 3 in an S configuration showed the highest activity against DNA gyrase and derivatives without a methyl group on the oxazine ring were more potent against topoisomerase II than those with a methyl group . Among these derivatives, DR-3355, the S isomer of ofloxacin, showed the highest activity against DNA gyrase and low activity against topoisomerase II . These results indicate that the methyl group on the oxazine ring plays an important role in the inhibitory activities of ofloxacin derivatives for these enzymes.

Anal Chem, 1991 Feb 1, 63(3), 268 - 72
Immunoassay method for the determination of immunoglobulin G using bacterial magnetic particles; Nakamura N et al.; We have developed a novel immunoassay method using bacterial magnetic particles for the determination of immunoglobulin G (IgG) . Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugated anti IgG-bacterial magnetic particles were prepared . The fluorescence quenching caused by agglutination of FITC-anti IgG antibody-bacterial magnetic particle conjugates was measured by using a fluorescence spectrophotometer . The aggregates based on specific immunoreaction were separated by a gelatin solution . The aggregation of bacterial magnetic particle conjugates was enhanced by application of a magnetic field . The relative fluorescence intensity correlated linearly with a concentration of IgG in the range 0.5-100 ng/mL.

Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol, 1991 Feb, 4(2), 140 - 7
Spontaneous release of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) by alveolar macrophages in the course of bacterial pneumonia and sarcoidosis: endotoxin-dependent and endotoxin-independent G-CSF release by cells recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage; Tazi A et al.; Because granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is known to induce granulopoiesis and activate mature neutrophils, this factor could be important in determining the number and functional activity of neutrophils at sites of lung disease . The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of lung immune and inflammatory cells to produce G-CSF, and to seek evidence for the spontaneous production of this factor by cells recovered by lavage from controls and patients with lung diseases in which neutrophils may play a pathogenetic role . Lavage cells from controls produced little G-CSF spontaneously . Alveolar macrophages (AM), but not lymphocytes, produced large amounts following endotoxin stimulation . Lavage cells from patients with respiratory failure associated with bacterial pneumonia, but not those with respiratory failure from noninfectious causes, spontaneously released G-CSF (32 +/- 24 and less than 1 U/10(6) AM, respectively) . Lavage cells from five of 15 patients with sarcoidosis and one of five patients with diffuse pulmonary fibrosis also spontaneously released G-CSF, which could not be explained by endotoxin exposure . The release of G-CSF by endotoxin-dependent and -independent mechanisms could play a role in the recruitment and activation of neutrophils in bacterial pneumonia and participate in the pathogenesis of some interstitial lung diseases.

J Hosp Infect, 1991 Feb, 17(2), 117 - 23
Theatre over-shoes do not reduce operating theatre floor bacterial counts; Humphreys H et al.; Occasional staff or visitors to operating theatres are usually requested to don over-shoes as this is perceived to reduce bacterial floor colony counts . However, this entails some expense and considerable inconvenience . Using disposable surface contact plates floor bacterial counts were measured four times a day at five different sites during the 5 normal working days of one 2-week period in a general operating theatre when over-shoes were worn and one 2-week period when over-shoes were not worn . There was no significant difference in the mean bacterial floor colony counts between the two periods according to sampling times or sites . As in Intensive Therapy units, over-shoes should no longer be used in general operating theatres.

Res Microbiol, 1991 Feb-Apr, 142(2-3), 181 - 8
Analysis of the bacterial cell cycle using strains in which chromosome replication is controlled by plasmid R1; Nordstrom K et al.; As an alternative approach in the study of the Escherichia coli cell cycle, we have constructed strains in which chromosome replication is under the control of various plasmid R1 derivatives, IntR1 strains . The physiological properties of such strains are described . In intR1 strains, chromosome replication can be manipulated independently of cell-cycle-related control mechanisms, and the effects on cell division can be analysed . Using this approach, we have found that the timing of replication during the cell cycle is random in intR1 strains, that overreplication of the chromosome is lethal, and that chromosome replication does not trigger cell division . Current investigations include the study of the E . coli cell cycle in the absence of the DnaA protein, the effect on cell division of a specific inhibition of the initiation of chromosome replication, and the molecular basis of uni- and bidirectional replication.

Inflammation, 1991 Feb, 15(1), 31 - 42
Characterization of arachidonic acid metabolism, superoxide production, and bacterial killing by bovine alveolar neutrophils elicited with leukotriene B4 and zymosan-activated plasma; Heidel JR et al.; Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and zymosan-activated plasma (ZAP) were each instilled into the lungs of steers to elicit alveolar neutrophils for subsequent functional analysis . Prior to instillation of either agent, bronchoalveolar lavage cell populations consisted of 95.8 +/- 0.4% macrophages (mean +/- SEM) . Four hours after instillation of LTB4 or ZAP, the lavage cell populations consisted of 75.0 +/- 8.8% and 90.7 +/- 0.7% neutrophils, respectively . Alveolar neutrophils elicited with LTB4 and stimulated with the calcium ionophore A23187 released diminished amounts of LTB4 and increased amounts of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) as compared to circulating neutrophils . Release of superoxide anion was decreased for LTB4-elicited alveolar neutrophils as compared to circulating cells, while bacterial killing was unchanged . ZAP-elicited alveolar neutrophils released diminished amounts of LTB4 when stimulated with A23187 as compared to circulating neutrophils . There were no differences observed in 5-HETE levels between the two cell populations . In addition, release of superoxide anion was diminished among ZAP-elicited alveolar cells, while bacterial killing was unchanged . Incubation of circulating neutrophils with LTB4 did not influence the release of arachidonate metabolites, superoxide anion, or bacterial killing . However, incubation of circulating neutrophils with ZAP, followed by A23187 resulted in a reduction in the release of LTB4, as compared to control cells . Prior exposure to ZAP did not influence the release of superoxide anion or bacterial killing by the circulating neutrophils.

FEBS Lett, 1991 Jan 28, 278(2), 257 - 60
Probing the primary quinone environment in photosynthetic bacterial reaction centers by light-induced FTIR difference spectroscopy; Breton J et al.; The photoreduction of the primary electron acceptor, QA, has been characterized by light-induced Fourier transform infrared difference spectroscopy for Rb . sphaeroides reaction centers and for Rsp . rubrum and Rp . viridis chromatophores . The samples were treated both with redox compounds, which rapidly reduce the photooxidized primary electron P+, and with inhibitors of electron transfer from QA- to the secondary quinone QB . This approach yields spectra free from P and P+ contributions which makes possible the study of the microenvironment of QA and QA-.

Science, 1991 Jan 25, 251(4992), 439 - 43
A kinetic partitioning model of selective binding of nonnative proteins by the bacterial chaperone SecB; Hardy SJ et al.; An in vitro assay for the interaction of SecB, a molecular chaperone from Escherichia coli, with polypeptide ligands was established based on the ability of SecB to block the refolding of denatured maltose-binding protein . Competition experiments show that SecB binds selectively to nonnative proteins with high affinity and without specificity for a particular sequence of amino acids . It is proposed that selectivity in binding is due to a kinetic partitioning of polypeptides between folding and association with SecB.

Biochemistry, 1991 Jan 22, 30(3), 609 - 13
An assessment of the mechanism of initial electron transfer in bacterial reaction centers; Kirmaier C et al.; Subpicosecond time-resolved photodichroism measurements on Rhodobacter sphaeroides R26 reaction centers are reported in the key region between 620 and 740 nm, where the anions of both bacteriopheophytin and bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) have their most diagnostic absorption bands . These measurements fail to resolve clearly the formation of a reduced BChl species . The implications of this for elucidating the role of the accessory BChl in the initial stage of charge separation are discussed.

J Mol Biol, 1991 Jan 20, 217(2), 293 - 302
Preparing well-oriented sols of straight bacterial flagellar filaments for X-ray fiber diffraction; Yamashita I et al.; Well-oriented sols of straight bacterial flagellar filaments have been obtained by preparing reconstituted flagellar filaments with an appropriate length distribution and choosing appropriate solvent conditions . An average filament length of 300 to 500 nm and the use of solvents with very low concentrations of salt has allowed us to prepare highly fluid sols that make flow orientation possible . X-ray fiber diffraction from these sols has shown distinct layer-line reflections to 3.5 A resolution in the meridional direction . Layer-line intensities have been collected by the angular deconvolution method up to 5 A resolution . The possibility of using a magnetic field to further improve the orientation has been explored and a solvent condition that makes flagellar sols sensitive to the magnetic field has been found . General applicability of the method to other systems is also discussed.

Biochemistry, 1991 Jan 15, 30(2), 547 - 54
Effects of 2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine 5'-triphosphate on DNA synthesis in vitro by purified bacterial and viral DNA polymerases; Hentosh P et al.; 2-Chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine 5'-triphosphate (CldATP) was compared with dATP as a substrate for DNA synthesis by bacterial and viral DNA polymerases in vitro . Lengths of chain extension and DNA synthesis pause sites were determined by comparison with products generated by dideoxynucleotide sequencing methods on the same end-labeled primer/template duplex after high-resolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis . Reverse transcriptase (RT) from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV) incorporated CldATP efficiently . DNA strand elongation continued past most chloroadenine (ClA) insertion sites but resulted in shorter chains than when dATP was inserted . Phage T4 DNA polymerase incorporated CldATP least efficiently; Klenow fragment of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I and modified T7 DNA polymerase (Sequenase) showed intermediate ability to utilize the analogue . Incorporation of several consecutive ClA residues into the replicating strand dramatically reduced the ability of Sequenase, Klenow fragment, and T4 DNA polymerases to continue strand elongation . In the absence of the corresponding normal deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate during DNA synthesis, ClA was frequently misincorporated as thymine, cytosine, or guanine by both AMV RT and HIV-1 RT but rarely, if at all, by Klenow fragment, Sequenase, and T4 DNA polymerase . Except T4, for most DNA polymerases, CldATP at 10-20-fold molar excess over dATP was not a strong competitive inhibitor of dATP, as judged by the amount of strand extension and polymerase pause sites during DNA synthetic reactions . Our results indicate that the degree of strand extension in the presence of CldATP, the number and location of polymerase pause sites, and the amount of misincorporation of the analogue are both polymerase- and sequence-dependent.

J Prosthet Dent, 1991 Jan, 65(1), 16 - 9
Bacterial contamination in reversible hydrocolloid conditioning units; Sicurelli RJ Jr et al.; Four hydrocolloid conditioning units were randomly tested for bacterial contamination . All were contaminated beyond the United States Army's acceptable limit of potability . The predominant bacteria were identified . A discussion of clinical significance and proposals for aseptic technique are presented.

Am J Pediatr Hematol Oncol, 1991 Summer, 13(2), 137 - 40
Bacterial colonization of tunneled right atrial catheters in pediatric oncology: a comparison of sterile saline and bacteriostatic saline flush solutions; Wiernikowski JT et al.; In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, children with malignant diseases had their tunneled right atrial catheters flushed with either sterile saline or bacteriostatic saline, once per week for 26 weeks . There was no significant difference in the rates of catheter colonization between the two groups, which did differ, however, in terms of the time from entry into the study to the first infective event (64 +/- 34 days vs . 146 +/- 27 days; p less than 0.001) . This was strongly suggestive of a seasonal effect, as all of the colonizations in the bacteriostatic saline group were delayed until the summer months . We conclude that the use of a bacteriostatic saline flush solution for tunneled right atrial catheters is beneficial in efforts to prevent catheter colonization.

Vet Res Commun, 1991, 15(2), 147 - 61
The influence of anti-inflammatory therapy on bacterial clearance following intramammary Escherichia coli challenge in goats; Anderson KL et al.; Coliform mastitis in dairy cattle frequently results in systemic disease with occasional deaths in association with endotoxic shock . Systemic anti-inflammatory therapy has been used to alter the course of endotoxic shock in severe cases . Use of anti-inflammatory therapy has been questioned on the basis that such treatment may compromise immune function and decrease clearance of bacteria from infected mammary glands . The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether anti-inflammatory therapy influenced bacterial clearance following intramammary challenge of lactating goats with Escherichia coli . Standardized quantities of a pathogenic coliform culture were infused through the teat canal into one half of the mammary gland in 18 goat does . The does were then randomly assigned to receive one of three intravenous treatments: saline (controls), one dose of steroid (dexamethasone), or two doses of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (flunixin meglumine) . The clinical signs, milk production, complete blood counts, serum clinical chemistry values, milk bacterial cultures and milk somatic cell concentrations were monitored sequentially . Goats treated with anti-inflammatory agents exhibited some improvement in clinical response to challenge with E . coli (e.g . rectal temperature, degree of appetite suppression) as compared to saline controls . There were no significant differences between treatments in the degree of inflammation present in the mammary glands or supramammary lymph nodes examined at necropsy . The most important finding was that anti-inflammatory therapy did not adversely influence the clearance of E . coli from challenged glands.

Scand J Rheumatol, 1991, 20(3), 196 - 203
Effects of a hydrosoluble bacterial extract from Escherichia coli (OM-89) on cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy subjects and patients with rheumatoid arthritis; Franchimont N et al.; OM-89 is a bacterial extract from escherichia coli, proposed as an immunomodulating drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) . Since immunological mechanisms may play a role in its action, the immunological effects of OM-89 were evaluated in vitro on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) derived from healthy subjects and RA patients . Results indicated that in the absence of OM-89, production of the monokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is increased, while that of the lymphokines interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma is decreased by phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated PBMC from RA patients as compared with PBMC from healthy subjects . In the presence of PHA, OM-89 enhanced the production of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, IL-2, and IFN-gamma . IL-1 beta and IL-2 curves obtained using increasing amounts of OM-89 did not differ depending on the source of PBMC . By contrast, in the presence of increasing amounts of OM-89, TNF-alpha secretion significantly higher and IFN-gamma secretion significantly lower with PBMC from RA patients compared to PBMC from healthy subjects . These data indicate that OM-89 acts on monocytes and T cells directly and/or indirectly and suggest a possible clinical activity by OM-89 in RA relative to its immunological properties.

Med Parazitol (Mosk), 1991 Jan-Feb, (1), 21 - 3
{The effect of exposure and feed on the results of the testing of bacterial insecticides on mosquito larvae}; Voitsik AA et al.; It has been established that the duration of exposition and the availability of larval feed have a reliable effect on the index of insecticide activity (LC-50) of bacterial preparations as regards mosquito larvae . High degree of correlation between the results obtained in different conditions makes it possible to calculate the LC-50 values for any combination of exposition and feed availability, if an index for one of the combinations is known (the formula is presented) . The proposed variant of test conditions (daily exposition without larval feed) ensures a more rapid achievement of the results and reduction in labour expenses.

Pediatriia, 1991, (2), 41 - 4
{The role of viral and bacterial infections in the development of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis}; Portiankina LB et al.; To specify the role of viral and bacterial infections in the onset of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, analysis was made of the premorbid state of 118 children aged 4 to 14 years . In 81% of the patients, a number of unfavourable factors were identified: hereditary aggravation as regards thyroid pathology, complicated antenatal period in the presence of chronic viral and bacterial infections in the mother, contact with the sick relatives taking care of the child, frequently occurring viral and bacterial infections in children, resulting in the formation of the polyimmunopathological process . This supports the multifactorial nature of the disease and dictates the necessity of early diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic infectious diseases not only in the child but also in the relatives.

Kinderarztl Prax, 1991 Jan-Feb, 59(1-2), 38 - 43
{Quantitative chloramphenicol detection in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of infants with bacterial meningitis}; Kohler E et al.; Twenty-six meningitic infants aged less than one year were administered daily oral or intravenous doses from 44 to 170 mg chloramphenicol per kg body weight . Serum levels measured were 5.4 to 55.0 micrograms.ml-1, and CSF concentrations from 0.9 to 20.2 micrograms.ml-1 were noted . Since, in particular for younger infants, (i) there is no clear relationship between dose and blood level and (ii) one cannot unambiguously infer the CSF concentration from the blood level we recommend that initial doses for meningitic infants be chosen according to age-adjusted dosage instructions and, from day 2 onwards, doses be corrected as a function of CSF and blood levels (CSF greater than 10 micrograms.ml-1 and serum less than 50 micrograms.ml-1).

Vet Res Commun, 1991, 15(1), 7 - 16
Vaccination of cows with rough Escherichia coli mutants fails to protect against experimental intramammary bacterial challenge; Hill AW; Vaccination of cows with rough Escherichia coli mutants fails to protect against experimental intramammary bacterial challenge . Vaccine A, a heat-killed Re mutant of strain K12, (UB 1574), was administered as a single parenteral and local dose to 5 cows with 3 control animals and Vaccine B, a heat-killed mutant of O111:B4 (J5) was administered as three parenteral doses into 5 cows with 5 control animals . Following intramammary challenge with a smooth wild-type strain (P4), an acute, severe clinical mastitis developed in all 14 quarters (9 vaccine A and 5 vaccine B) of the vaccinated animals which was indistinguishable from that in the 11 quarters of the control animals . Following vaccine B there was an elevation in serum IgG1 and IgG2 antibody to the common core antigen of endotoxin which, in contrast to the control animals, showed a further increase after intramammary infection.

Tohoku J Exp Med, 1991 Jan, 163(1), 47 - 57
Prevention of bacterial infection and LPS-induced lethality by interleukin-1 alpha in mice; Morikage T et al.; In order to make clear the characteristic biological properties of IL-1 alpha, its protective capabilities on bacteria-induced and LPS-induced lethality were compared with other BRMs in BALB/c mice . Pretreatment with IL-1 alpha (i.p., s.c.) or OK-432 (i.p.), could protect mice from the lethality of a K . pneumoniae infection (i.p.), and pretreatment with IL-1 alpha or TNF alpha could protect mice from LPS (i.p.) lethality . IL-1 alpha could protect mice from both bacteria- and LPS-induced lethality . There was no difference in serum corticosterone levels after the LPS injection between the IL-1 alpha pretreated and untreated groups . However, a more rapid clearance of LPS from the serum and a stronger LPS-neutralizing activity in serum were observed with the LAL assay in IL-1 alpha pretreated mice than in untreated mice . The enhanced LPS-clearance was suggested to be partly responsible for the increased protection against LPS-lethality . IL-1 alpha was indicated to be a unique BRM and to become a useful tool for the prevention of life-threatening bacterial infections and subsequent endotoxin shock.

Res Vet Sci, 1991 Jan, 50(1), 106 - 11
Relative IgA deficiency and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in German shepherd dogs; Batt RM et al.; Serum immunoglobulin concentrations and densities of IgA-producing immunocytes in intestinal mucosa were compared in a group of clinically healthy dogs of various breeds, a group of clinically healthy German shepherd dogs, and a group of German shepherds with bacterial overgrowth in the proximal small intestine . Serum concentrations of IgA, but not IgM or IgG, were significantly lower in the clinically healthy German shepherd dogs than in other purebreed and mixbreed dogs, indicating that production of IgA by gut-associated lymphoid tissue might be relatively low in this breed . However, densities of IgA-producing cells were not significantly different comparing these two groups, suggesting that any impairment of mucosal IgA production is more likely to be related to defective synthesis or secretion of IgA than to reduced numbers of IgA-producing immunocytes . Comparable findings in German shepherd dogs with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth provided further indirect evidence that local immunity might be defective in this breed, since these luminal bacteria would be expected to stimulate mucosal IgA production . However, it is not clear whether such a defect is directly responsible for the overgrowth, or whether there is an indirect relationship between defective local immunity and bacterial overgrowth in German shepherd dogs.

An Otorrinolaringol Ibero Am, 1991, 18(1), 29 - 36
{Protocol study and results of the use of midecamycin for bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract}; Barrios Montes JM et al.; Planned study of 110 patients suffering infections of the upper respiratory tract . Soon after a smear of the focus for bacterial examination was taken a treatment with diacetyl-midecamycin was scheduled during 7 days . Thereafter another control smear and checking of the clinical status was realized . The issue of the study was very good, excepting 3 cases in which the drug was discontinued owing to gastrointestinal intolerance.

Surg Gynecol Obstet, 1991, 172 Suppl, 25 - 9
A critical look at scheduled relaparotomy for secondary bacterial peritonitis; Bohnen JM et al.; Scheduled relaparotomy is attracting interest as a means of treating intra-abdominal sepsis . It is the subject of several studies to evaluate its role in the management of peritoneal infection . However, indications for this procedure are not clear and current knowledge does not allow for adequate scientific evaluation . Many trials lack control groups and historical control groups cannot be evaluated on criteria, such as illness severity, concomitant health problems or even surgical technique . Indicators of outcome are generally described in insufficient detail; only death or survival are reported and important morbidity and resource utilization data are not included . A randomized, prospective, multicenter clinical trial using standardized techniques is necessary to determine the usefulness of scheduled relaparotomy performed on different patients.

Vrach Delo, 1991 Jan, (1), 44 - 7
{The permeability of the hemato-encephalic barrier for metals in patients with bacterial meningoencephalitis and brain edema}; Iarosh AA et al.; The authors investigated the quantitative content of a group of metals in the cerebrospinal fluid in 30 patients with bacterial meningoencephalitis with brain edema . It was established that selective permeability of the blood brain barrier has a compensatory character directed to maintenance of the mineral homeostasis of the central nervous system.

Biotechniques, 1991 Jan, 10(1), 42, 44 - 5
Rapid polymerase chain reaction amplification using intact bacterial cells; Joshi AK et al.; We have demonstrated that efficient polymerase chain reaction amplifications from chromosomal DNA can be carried out using whole bacterial cells as the starting material . Cells from the liquid or solid cultures can be used directly, without any pre-treatment, thus eliminating the need for DNA isolation.

R I Med J, 1991 Jan, 74(1), 33 - 6
Acute bacterial meningitis in Rhode Island: a survey of the years 1976 to 1985; Aronson SM et al.; There were 667 recorded cases of bacterial meningitis in the hospitals of Rhode Island during the ten year interval of 1976 to 1985 yielding an average annual incidence rate of 6.9 cases per 100,000 population, and a case fatality rate of 10.3% . These rates are similar to those generated in other retrospective surveys in the United States . This survey corroborates the well-established observation that bacterial meningitis is largely a disease of early childhood . But these data also suggest that meningitis in the very elderly is more common than had previously been assumed . Many of the elderly cases in this series, particularly those caused by the coliform organisms, followed shortly after body trauma or appeared in individuals burdened by disseminated cancer or diabetes mellitus.

Am J Perinatol, 1991 Jan, 8(1), 25 - 7
Bacterial contamination of human milk: container type and method of expression; Pittard WB 3rd et al.; Common questions from nursing women include: is the bacterial contamination of expressed milk different if collected manually versus mechanically and is there a large increase in bacterial contamination if the milk is collected into clean versus sterile containers . Similarly, there are mixed reports, and secondarily confusion, among lactating women regarding the benefit of discarding the initial portion of a milk expression to limit bacterial contamination with skin flora . To answer these concerns, we have measured the number of colony-forming units (CFU)/milliliter in expressed milk from 16 women . The experimental design, used in a randomized fashion with each woman, employed both sterile and clean containers for collection and both the manual and mechanical techniques for milk expression . The number of milk specimens containing greater than 10(4) CFU/ml was not different between those collected in clean versus sterile containers or between those collected with a manual versus a mechanical technique . Finally, the initial milk expressed did not have a significantly greater amount of bacterial contamination than the milk collected later in the milk expression.

Ann Emerg Med, 1991 Jan, 20(1), 36 - 40
Acute phase reactants and risk of bacterial meningitis among febrile infants and children; Lembo RM et al.; STUDY OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that quantitation of either C-reactive protein (CRP) or the total peripheral WBC count can improve clinical detection of underlying bacterial meningitis among young febrile children . DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of selected symptoms of central nervous system infection, signs of meningeal irritation and/or elevated intracranial pressure, levels of CRP in serum, and total peripheral WBC counts among unselected pediatric patients undergoing lumbar punctures for evaluation of acute febrile illnesses . SETTING: Emergency department and acute care "walk-in" clinic of an urban, university-affiliated general hospital . PARTICIPANTS: 160 previously well, acutely febrile infants and children (median age, 6 months) . RESULTS: The prevalence of bacterial meningitis was 6% . Sensitivity of symptoms was 1.00 and specificity was 0.17 . Sensitivity of signs was 0.70 and specificity was 0.81 . Of the acute phase reactants, sensitivity of a CRP level of more than 1.0 mg/dL was 0.80, while that of a total peripheral WBC count of more than 15,000/mm3 was 0.40 . The presence of signs and/or a CRP level of more than 1.0 mg/dL correctly identified all children with bacterial meningitis (sensitivity, 1.00) . The absence of signs and a CRP level of 1.0 mg/dL or less correctly identified 71 of 150 children without bacterial meningitis (specificity, 0.47) . Of 125 children without meningeal signs, the combination of symptoms and a CRP level of more than 1.0 mg/dL correctly identified all three children with bacterial meningitis (sensitivity, 1.00) . The absence of these symptoms and/or a CRP level of 1.0 mg/dL or less correctly identified 80 of 122 children without bacterial meningitis (specificity, 0.66) . CONCLUSION: Quantitation of CRP but not the total peripheral WBC count can increase the sensitivity of physical examination findings and the specificity of symptoms for the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis . Measurement of CRP in serum is useful as an adjunct to history and physical examination for the detection of acute bacterial meningitis in the acutely febrile child.

Ther Hung, 1991, 39(2), 93 - 5
Klion infusion for controlling surgical and other bacterial gynaecological febrile complications; Varga A et al.; The incidence of febrile infectious postoperative complications following Caesarean sections and gynaecological major operations during 2 two-year periods has been retrospectively analysed . In the operated group receiving Klion infusion as an adjuvant to postoperative therapy infectious febrile complication occurred only in 2.63% of the cases versus the 6.73% of the control period without Klion therapy . The acute period of febrile acute pelvic inflammations decreased to 1-2 days in women treated with Klion infusion as well, versus the 3-4 days of the control cases . The study proved that prevention and therapy with metronidazole infusion decrease the incidence of complications and inflammations in which anaerobic pathogens play an important to about 50%.

Padiatr Grenzgeb, 1991, 30(5), 421 - 31
{Bacterial bone and joint infections in childhood--a review . 4 . Subacute and primary-chronic osteomyelitis, rare forms of osteomyelitis}; Handrick W et al.; This is an overview of the most important aspects of pathogenesis, etiology, diagnostics, therapy and differential diagnostics of the subacute and primary chronic osteomyelitis in children . This group of disease includes Brodie's abscess, plasma cellular osteomyelitis, sclerosing osteomyelitis (Garre) and the chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis . The treatment of children with these not completely understood diseases requires a close cooperation between pediatricians, pediatric surgeons and radiologists.

Padiatr Grenzgeb, 1991, 30(5), 413 - 20
{Bacterial bone and joint infections in childhood--a review . 3 . Bacterial arthritis}; Handrick W et al.; This overview presents the most important topics of etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics, differential diagnostics and treatment of septic arthritis in children . A child with bacterial arthritis is always a case of emergency . Only immediate and adequate treatment can avoid permanent sequelae . Medical care for these patients should be done always in close cooperation of pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, radiologists, and sometimes orthopedists.

Microbiol Immunol, 1991, 35(5), 349 - 59
Bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxins: molecular structures and signal transducing functions; Kato I; Mono-ADP-ribosylation is a posttranslational modification of proteins employed by a variety of bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxins to modify the metabolism of target cells . The ADP-ribosyltransferases of bacterial toxins, in general, use NAD as a substrate for covalent modification by ADP-ribose to certain GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) as signal transducers resulting in altered enzymatic activity of the membrane enzymes as effectors . Such a mechanism has the potential of being of importance in the physiological regulation of cellular metabolism, particularly if the process is reversible . These ADP-ribosylating toxins are characterized in Table 1.

Ann Biol Clin (Paris), 1991, 49(5), 287 - 90
Recombinant bacterial alkaline phosphatase as an immunodiagnostic enzyme; Tomazic-Allen SJ; The high turnover number of calf alkaline phosphatase (CAP) is one compelling reason for selecting it as the label in many enzyme immunoassays (EIA's) . CAP's usefulness, however, is limited by its inherently low thermal stability which is even further compromised during the chemical preparation of enzyme: antibody conjugates . Bacterial alkaline phosphatase (BAP) could be an attractive alternative to CAP in view of the former's extreme thermotolerance at temperatures as high as 95 degrees C . BAP has not been commonly used in EIA's however, because of its low to moderate catalysis rate . Site-directed mutagenesis was used to overcome BAP's low enzymatic activity and create a protein possessing two desired characteristics: high thermostability and high specific activity . A3-35 fold increased activity over wild-type BAP was obtained in ten different recombinant (r)BAP's via introductions of single-point mutations . The turnover number of the most active mutant, D101S, was shown to be only 1.7-times lower than CAP . This dramatic improvement enables rBAP (D101S) to compete with CAP as a viable alternative label in EIA's . The thermostability of all ten rBAP remained significantly higher than CAP although none were as thermostable as the native BAP . Enzyme:antibody conjugates were prepared with the recombinant enzymes and compared to similarly prepared CAP:antibody conjugates with different Abbott IMx assay protocols and reagents . Excellent correlation between standard curves generated with CAP- and rBAP-containing conjugates were obtained . Furthermore, this correlation was obtained using concentrations of rBAP that were only two times greater than that of CAP . The thermostabilities of the conjugates were also evaluated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ann Biol Clin (Paris), 1991, 49(4), 249 - 54
Bacterial vectors to target and/or purify polypeptides: their use in immunological studies; Clement JM et al.; The construction of recombinant proteins by genetic engineering has opened new avenues in basic research (studies on protein organization, protein folding, immunogenicity of proteins, ...) and many different applications . Recombinant proteins which keep properties of both parental proteins are especially interesting . For example, if one protein--the vector protein--is targeted to a given cellular compartment, the other protein--the passenger--may be identically targeted . Also, if the vector protein can be purified by a simple affinity chromatographic procedure, this property may be extended to the passenger . The authors have developed a genetic procedure to detect "permissive" sites within potential vector proteins so that genetic fusion to these sites keep most or all biological properties of the vector . When they used LamB, an outer membrane protein from E . coli, foreign sequences could be expressed at the bacterial cell surface . This may lead to several types of applications: live bacterial vaccines, simple diagnostic tests, selection procedures for peptides with biological activity . When they used the MalE protein, a periplasmic maltose binding protein from E . coli, the passengers could be exported and purified in one-step high affinity chromatography in mild non-denaturing conditions . This led us to a simple preparation and purification scheme for the soluble part of the CD4 receptor for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Dev Comp Immunol, 1991 Winter, 15(1-2), 33 - 9
Activation of the prophenoloxidase cascade and initiation of nodule formation in locusts by bacterial lipopolysaccharides; Ratcliffe NA et al.; The activation of the prophenoloxidase (proPO) system of the locusts, Schistocerca gregaria and Locusta migratoria, by several bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) is described . Activation of proPO by LPS occurred only in the presence of whole blood homogenates and not with hemocyte lysate preparations alone . Levels of phenoloxidase generated by the different LPSs in vitro were also correlated with numbers of nodules formed in vivo by injection of these LPSs . This further strengthens the evidence for the involvement of proPO activation in the insect cellular defenses . Finally, the wisdom in using anticoagulants in order to stabilize fragile hemocytes in studies on the proPO system is discussed.

J Endod, 1991 Jan, 17(1), 21 - 5
Modeling bacterial damage to pulpal cells in vitro; Hanks CT et al.; There is increasing evidence that access to patent dentinal tubules by bacteria and their products rather than trauma from restorative materials is responsible for subsequent pulpitides . The purpose of this study was to compare the relative cytotoxicity of centrifugal fractions of two bacteria, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Treponema denticola, on L929 cells in monolayer cultures and in the "in vitro pulp chamber." Neutrophilic chemotaxis assays and Limmulus assays were performed to verify biological activity of the various fractions of these bacteria . It was found that T . denticola inhibits new protein synthesis in cultured cells to a much greater extent than F . nucleatum, but that only F . nucleatum fractions are chemoattractive for human neutrophils in the absence of serum . While the chemical nature and molecular weights of the "toxic" materials were not determined, it appeared that eukaryotic protein synthesis inhibition caused by the T . denticola pellet fraction in the in vitro pulp chamber was at least 1000 times less than that caused by the same concentrations in monolayer cultures.

Adv Microb Physiol, 1991, 32, 109 - 72
The bacterial flagellum and flagellar motor: structure, assembly and function; Jones CJ et al.; The bacterial flagellum is a complex multicomponent structure which serves as the propulsive organelle for many species of bacteria . Rotation of the helical flagellar filament, driven by a proton-powered motor embedded in the cell wall, enables the flagellum to function as a screw propeller . It seems likely that almost all of the genes required for flagellar formation and function have been identified . Continuing analysis of the portions of the genome containing these genes may reveal the existence of a few more . Transcription of the flagellar genes is under the control of the products of a single operon, and so these genes constitute a regulon . Other controls, both transcriptional and post-transcriptional, have been identified . Many of these genes have been sequenced, and the information obtained will aid in the design of experiments to clarify the various regulatory mechanisms of the flagellar regulon . The flagellum is composed of several substructures . The long helical filament is connected via the flexible hook to the complex basal body which is located in the cell wall . The filament is composed of many copies of a single protein, and can adopt a number of distinct helical forms . Structural analyses of the filament are adding to our understanding of this dynamic polymer . The component proteins of the hook and filament have all been identified . Continuing studies on the structure of the basal body have revealed the presence of several hitherto unknown basal-body proteins, whose identities and functions have yet to be elucidated . The proteins essential for energizing the motor, the Mot and switch proteins, are thought to exist as multisubunit complexes peripheral to the basal body . These complexes have yet to be identified biochemically or morphologically . Not surprisingly, flagellar assembly is a complex process, occurring in several stages . Assembly occurs in a proximal-to-distal fashion; the basal body is assembled before the hook, and the hook before the filament . This pattern is also maintained within the filament, with monomers added at the distal end of the polymer; the same is presumably true of the other axial components . An exception to this general pattern is assembly of the Mot proteins into the motor, which appears to be possible at any time during flagellar assembly . With the identification of the genes encoding many of the flagellar proteins, the roles of these proteins in assembly is understood, but the function of a number of gene products in flagellar formation remains unknown.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Med Pregl, 1991, 44(1-2), 22 - 5
{Lactates in the cerebrospinal fluid in patients with bacterial and viral meningitis--significance in differential diagnosis}; Nikolic S et al.; Lactate concentrations were determined in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with purulent, tuberculous and viral meningitis . The control group consisted of 10 patients with meningism (the presence of the meningeal syndrome with a normal cytobiochemical finding of the cerebrospinal fluid) . The enzymatic kinetic method of the firm "Behringer" was used . In all the patients with purulent meningitis lactate values were elevated (above 6.2 mmol/l), and the highest values (above 15.0 mmol.l) were found in the patients who also developed respiratory failure . The lactate values in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with purulent meningitis were higher in statistical significance than in all other examined groups of patients (p less than 0.01) . The lactate values were in correlation with the total number of leukocytes (r = 0.78, p less than 0.01) and with the percent of polimorphonuclear leukocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid (r = 0.80, p less than 0.01) . Elevated lactate values (above 2.95) were also found in all the patients who had tuberculous meningitis and statistically they differed significantly from the cerebrospinal fluid values of the patients with viral meningitis and meningism (p less than 0.01) . There was no difference in the cerebrospinal fluid lactates of patients with viral meningitis and meningism (p greater than 0.05) . Elevated lactate values were also found in 2 patients who had paraneoplastic meningitis and in 3 patients with cerebral cysticercosis and hydrocephalus, but without meningitis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Schweiz Monatsschr Zahnmed, 1991, 101(7), 864 - 9
Episodic probing attachment loss versus pocket depth: bacterial morphotype associations; Zappa U et al.; Marginal periodontitis in humans is characterized by phases of clinical disease progression, which are interspersed between periods of quiescence . The purpose of the present study was to compare subgingival bacterial populations from periodontal sites undergoing episodic probing attachment loss with bacterial populations from non-progressing lesions . Probing depth and attachment levels were measured in 10 adult patients at baseline, and every 30 days thereafter for 10 months . Pairs of corresponding contralateral sites were identified where one site had lost probing attachment within the previous month (P) and the other site had not (C) . Subgingival bacterial samples were obtained from these sites and analyzed using darkfield microscopy . Motile forms, spirochetes, curved and straight rods, filaments, coccoid cells, fusiforms, and the total number of bacteria were assessed . The results showed that median pocket depth and attachment change were statistically significantly greater in P-sites as compared to C-sites . There was no significant difference in bacterial populations between P- and C-sites (p greater than 0.15) . Motile forms, spirochetes, and total number of bacteria were positively correlated with pocket depth in P-sites, while in C-sites the same was true only for curved rods . These results suggest that darkfield microscopy of subgingival bacteria in humans represents primarily pocket depth.

Farmakol Toksikol, 1991 Jan-Feb, 54(1), 67 - 8
{The effect of antenatal exposure to the bacterial lipopolysaccharide prodigiozan on the neurons of the ganglionic layer of the sensorimotor cortex in 30-day-old rats}; Lis RE et al.; A single administration of prodigiosan to pregnant albino rats in a dose of 100 micrograms/kg was shown to exert the adverse effect on energy and plastic metabolism of neurocytes of the cerebral ganglionic layer in their offspring . These properties were most pronounced at administration on the 14th and 18th days of pregnancy.

Eur Urol, 1991, 19(3), 204 - 8
Testicular function after unilateral bacterial epididymo-orchitis; Osegbe DN; In order to determine whether bacterial infection of the gonads may account for some male-related infertility, the fertility status of 45 young men who developed gonococcal urethritis and then epididymo-orchitis were studied prospectively . The fertility potential of the subjects was evaluated through history of paternity, repeated semen examinations, serum follicle-stimulating hormone determinations, and testicular biopsy . Before infection, 14 married men (100%) had proved their fertility through their children . Two years after infection, only 21% of these fathers and 40% of all subjects produced semen considered adequate for conception . The semen values in the rest were comparable to those of infertile/subfertile men . Although the lesion was clinically confined to one testis, testicular biopsy and follicle-stimulating hormone studies showed that testicular damage involved both testes . The study showed that bacterial gonadal infection may result in permanent azoospermia or oligospermia and this without question may result in male-related barrenness.

Z Psychosom Med Psychoanal, 1991, 37(2), 157 - 71
{Chronic bacterial prostatitis--prostatodynia . Differentiation from the psychosomatic viewpoint}; Pott W et al.; 56 patients with the symptoms of a chronic prostatitis could not be differentiated into the diagnostic subgroups prostate inflammation and prostatodynie by their somatic and urologic complaints . Only a semistandardized psychodiagnostic interview was able to differentiate between those two groups.

Acta Cardiol, 1991, 46(1), 1 - 9
Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis in cancer patients; Gonzalez Quintela A et al.; A total of 10 cases of non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) were found among 1640 adult patients, autopsied in a 24-year period . Eight out of 10 patients had an underlying malignant tumor, NBTE was more common in cancer patients than in patients without malignancy (1.25% vs 0.2%, P less than 0.05) . Patients with adenocarcinoma were at higher risk than patients with other malignant processes (2.70% vs 0.47%, P less than 0.05); especially in cases of pancreatic cancer in comparison with other kinds of adenocarcinoma (10.34% vs 1.55%, P less than 0.05) . Systemic embolization was the main cause of morbidity . Any thromboembolic event in cancer patients should prompt a search for NBTE . NBTE may be present in undisseminated cancers in otherwise curable patients.

Yeast, 1991 Jan, 7(1), 37 - 50
Yeast mutants with increased bacterial transposon Tn5 excision; Gordenin DA et al.; Five complementing recessive mutations that exhibit increased bacterial transposon Tn5 precise excision in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae were obtained by ethylmethanesulfonate treatment . One of these mutations (tex1) was submitted to extensive genetic analysis . tex1 is a recessive temperature-sensitive mutation resulting in a 20-100-fold increase in Tn5 excision . It also has increased frequencies of ochre mutation reversion, of forward mutation to canavanine resistance, and loss of chromosome III or its right arm . The possible mechanism of tex1 effects is discussed.

J Bacteriol, 1991 Jan, 173(2), 741 - 50
Isolation and characterization of the Escherichia coli htrB gene, whose product is essential for bacterial viability above 33 degrees C in rich media; Karow M et al.; We have identified and studied the htrB gene of Escherichia coli . Insertional inactivation of the htrB gene leads to bacterial death at temperatures above 33 degrees C . The mutant bacterial phenotype at nonpermissive temperatures includes an arrest of cell division followed by the formation of bulges or filaments . The htrB+ gene has been cloned by complementation and shown to reside at 23.4 min on the E . coli genetic map, the relative order of the neighboring loci being mboA-htrB-pyrC . The htrB gene is transcribed in a counterclockwise fashion, relative to the E . coli genetic map, and its product has been identified as a membrane-associated protein of 35,000 Da . Growth experiments in minimal media indicate that the HtrB function becomes dispensable at low growth rates.

Pneumonol Alergol Pol, 1991, 59(5-6), 163 - 7
{Bronchial provocation tests using bacterial suspensions in patients with bronchial asthma treated with autologous vaccines}; Kraus-Filarska M et al.; In 15 patients with non-atopic bronchial asthma bronchial aspirates were carried out . Bacterial strains were isolated from the aspirates and used to produce material for provocation tests andautologous vaccines . Bronchoprovocation was carried out twice--before and after treatment with autovaccines . A decrease in bronchial reactivity was seen after treatment with autologous vaccines . The improvement in spirometric indices was accompanied by clinical improvement in 11 out of the 15 treated cases (73.3%).

Przegl Epidemiol, 1991, 45(4), 273 - 7
{Effect of Bioglobulin on the clinical course of selected diseases of viral and bacterial etiologies}; Janeczko J et al.; The therapeutic effect of Bioglobulin was studied in some diseases of viral or bacterial etiology . It was found favorable as it seemed to lessen the clinical and the shorten the acute as well as the hospitalisation periods . Because in the very serious and serious diseases of viral or bacterial etiology the antibodies deficiency, absolute or relative, total or selective is common, Bioglobulin may be a valuable agent in the comprehensive treatment.

Microbiol Immunol, 1991, 35(9), 789 - 94
Bacterial translocation from the gastrointestinal tract in various mouse models for human diabetes; Ohsugi T et al.; Bacterial translocation from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to other internal organs was examined in multiple low-dose streptozotocin-injected (M-STZ), single large-dose streptozotocin-injected (S-STZ), alloxan-injected (Alloxan), and non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice . The incidence of bacterial translocation from the GI tract to the tested organs among diabetic mice was in the order of M-STZ mice greater than S-STZ mice greater than NOD, Alloxan, and control mice . The injections of insulin to M-STZ mice did not decrease the incidence of translocation . These results suggest that bacterial translocation from the GI tract in diabetic mice is not induced by diabetes.

Arch Surg, 1991 Jan, 126(1), 33 - 7
Studies of the route, magnitude, and time course of bacterial translocation in a model of systemic inflammation; Mainous MR et al.; Bacteria have been documented to translocate from the gut to systemic organs, yet the exact route by which they translocate remains unclear . To determine the route of bacterial translocation, different dosages of zymosan were used to activate complement and cause systemic inflammation . At a zymosan dose of 0.1 mg/g, bacteria translocated only to the mesenteric lymph node complex, whereas at a dose of 0.5 mg/g the bacteria translocated systematically . In rats receiving 0.5-mg/g doses of zymosan, the bacteria appeared to reach systemic organs via the portal blood rather than via the mesenteric lymph, as bacteria were present in 87% of portal blood samples but only 25% of lymph samples . The number of bacteria exiting the portal vein was 11,500 times greater than the number exiting via the lymph . Thus, both the route and extent of bacterial translocation varies based on the magnitude of the inflammatory insult, with the portal blood being the major route of bacterial translocation to systemic organs.

Scand J Infect Dis, 1991, 23(6), 755 - 61
Phenoxymethylpenicillin two or three times daily in bacterial upper respiratory tract infections: a blinded, randomized and controlled clinical study; Fyllingen G et al.; In relation to compliance problems it was investigated whether phenoxymethylpenicillin dosed 2 or 3 times daily was equally effective in bacterial upper respiratory infections . In a randomized, controlled and single blind clinical trial, 131 patients with otitis media, sinusitis and tonsillitis were treated with phenoxymethylpenicillin . 71 received the daily dose twice a day and 60 patients received the daily dose 3 times a day . The dose was adjusted for diagnoses and age . Clinical cure was the endpoint for treatment success . In the 2-dosage group 78.6% had full effect of the treatment and 86.2% had full effect in the 3-dosage group . There was no statistically significant difference . In conclusion phenoxymethylpenicillin dosed 2 or 3 times daily seems to be equally effective in bacterial upper respiratory infection.

Ciba Found Symp, 1991, 162, 58 - 69; discussion 69-72
Bacterial motility: handedness and symmetry; Berg HC; Many bacteria swim by rotating thin helical filaments that extend into the external medium, as with common bacteria, or run beneath the outer membrane, as with spirochetes . Each filament is driven at its base by a motor that turns alternately clockwise and counterclockwise . The motor-filament complex is called a flagellum . Other kinds of bacteria glide, but their organelles of locomotion are not known . Since bacteria are microscopic and live in an aqueous environment, they swim at low Reynolds' number; cyclic motion works (e.g . rotation of a helix) but reciprocal motion does not (e.g . stroking of a singly hinged oar) . By measuring concentrations of certain chemicals as they move through their environment, making temporal comparisons and modulating the direction of flagellar rotation, bacteria accumulate in regions that they find more favourable . Studies of bacterial chemotaxis are highly advanced, particularly for the peritrichously flagellated species Escherichia coli . A great deal is known about chemoreception, receptor-flagellar coupling and adaptation . Recently it has been found that E . coli can aggregate in response to signals generated by the cells themselves . Complex patterns form with remarkable symmetries.

Digestion, 1991, 49(2), 120 - 4
Small bowel bacterial overgrowth in strongyloidiasis; Sipahi AM et al.; Small bowel bacterial growth was studied in patients with strongyloidiasis, and the results were compared to controls . We concluded that in strongyloidiasis there is small bowel bacterial overgrowth, and so it should be considered in the pathogenesis of some of the gastrointestinal manifestations and complications of strongyloidiasis.

Arkh Patol, 1991, 53(11), 57 - 61
{Structural analysis of the brain microvessel permeability to metals in bacterial meningoencephalitis}; Iarosh OA; Concentration of a large group of metals in the blood and liquor of 70 patients with bacterial encephalitis is studied by atomic-absorption spectrometry . Correlation analysis showed that in patients with brain edema microvessels behave in relation to metals as a linear dynamic system . Postmortem light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic study of 3 brains found a predominant damage to endothelial cells and argyrophilic component of the microvessel basal membrane in the brain and cerebellum cortex and basal nuclei . Various degree of the structural changes of the microcirculation and the state of the permeability results in a nonhomogeneous accumulation of metals in the brain tissue.

Eye, 1991, 5 ( Pt 5), 612 - 4
Warning about bacterial contamination of therapeutic contact lenses; O'Neill DP et al.; Three of twenty-six soft therapeutic contact lenses were found to have bacterial contaminants in their original sealed manufacturers' containers . We wish to alert clinicians to this danger.

J Egypt Public Health Assoc, 1991, 66(3-4), 345 - 55
Prognostic value of cerebrospinal fluid protein content and leukocyte count in infants and childhood bacterial meningitis; Shaaban SY et al.; Seventy infants and children with bacterial meningitis were studied . All children were treated with ampicillin and chloramphenicol . A significant increase in the cerebrospinal fluid protein concentration determined on admission was found in patients who died as compared to those who survived (P less than 0.05) . However, no difference was observed between the admission CSF leukocyte count in those patients who died versus those who survived . From this study, it can be concluded that the determination of CSF protein level on admission is an easy, fast and reliable method that can be used to predict clinical outcomes in acute bacterial meningitis.

Agents Actions Suppl, 1991, 35, 29 - 34
Cytokine modulation of bacterial cell wall-induced arthritis; Wahl SM et al.; Bacterial cell wall-induced arthritis in experimental animals is dependent on mononuclear cell infiltration and accumulation . These mononuclear cells secrete cytokines which promote synovial hyperplasia and erosive destruction of bone and cartilage . Whereas local administration of cytokines may exacerbate these events, systemic administration of TGF-beta or gamma IFN effectively suppresses both the acute and chronic phases of the disease.

Sov Med, 1991, (12), 37 - 9
{Indicators of oxygen-dependent metabolism of peripheral blood neutrophils in the differential diagnosis of bacterial and viral infections}; Iushuk ND et al.; Oxygen-dependent metabolism of peripheral neutrophils was compared for viral hepatitis and acute yersiniosis patients . The metabolism inhibition was seen in both the diseases with lower values for viral hepatitis . Neutrophil function was dependent on the disease gravity . Its recovery went in parallel with other clinical and laboratory signs of convalescence . A luminol-dependent chemiluminescence test is proposed for differential diagnosis of viral hepatitis with jaundices in generalized bacterial infection.

Cah Anesthesiol, 1991, 39(6), 424 - 6
{A rare and serious complication of spinal anesthesia: bacterial meningitis}; de Barsac O et al.; Bacterial meningitis following spinal anaesthesia is a rare but serious complication . We describe a case in which an old woman received spinal anaesthesia for hip replacement . Diagnosing the aetiologic agent is a major medical challenge . The possible aetiological causes of this complication are discussed and the difficulty in differentiation between aseptic and bacterial meningitis noted.

Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci, 1991, 28(5-6), 447 - 59
Transmission of parasitic and bacterial infections through blood transfusion within the U.S; Shulman IA et al.; The American public has become aware that viral infections can be transmitted by blood transfusions; however, less attention has been paid to nonviral agents that are similarly transmitted . Although donors are tested routinely for serologic evidence of Treponema pallidum infection (syphilis), there are no other bacterial infections for which donors are routinely tested, and no testing is done routinely to detect parasitic infections . Although current preventive strategies appear effective in preventing the transmission of nonviral agents by transfusion, changing population demographics, increased travel and immigration, and increased occurrence of certain asymptomatic bacterial infections in blood donors may require new policies to maintain the safety of the U.S . blood supply . This review focuses on the parasitic and bacterial infections that might pose a risk to transfusion recipients in the U.S.

Acta Neuropathol (Berl), 1991, 82(5), 384 - 8
Stimulation of human fetal astrocyte proliferation by bacterial lipopolysaccharides and lipid A; Kato M et al.; This report concerns the effect of bacterial endotoxin {lipopolysaccharide(LPS) and lipid A} on cultured human fetal astrocytes . Exposure to 1 micrograms/ml LPS or lipid A caused a striking stimulation of the rate of proliferation of the cells . The effect was most pronounced with exponentially growing cultures . Stimulation was associated with enhance DNA synthesis as ascertained by {3H}thymidine incorporation . These findings at the cellular level may be of relevance in the elucidation of the effects of bacterial endotoxins on the developing human brain.

Cytometry, 1991, 12(6), 492 - 6
Compliance of bacterial polyhooks measured with optical tweezers; Block SM et al.; In earlier work, a single-beam gradient force optical trap ("optical tweezers") was used to measure the torsional compliance of flagella in wild-type cells of Escherichia coli that had been tethered to glass by a single flagellum . This compliance was nonlinear, exhibiting a torsionally soft phase up to 180 degrees, followed by a torsionally rigid phase for larger angles . Values for the torsional spring constant in the soft phase were substantially less than estimates based on the rigidity determined for isolated flagellar filaments . It was suggested that the soft phase might correspond to wind-up of the flagellar hook, and the rigid phase to wind-up of the stiffer filament . Here, we have measured the torsional compliance of flagella on cells of an E . coli strain that produces abnormally long hooks but no filaments . The small-angle compliance of these cells, as determined from the elastic rebound of the cell body after wind-up and release, was found to be the same as for wild-type cells . This confirms that the small-angle compliance of wild-type cells is dominated by the response of the hook . Hook flexibility is likely to play a useful role in stabilizing the flagellar bundle.

Int J Immunopharmacol, 1991, 13(7), 955 - 60
Modulation of circulating colony-stimulating activity in mice: combined effects of IL-1 and bacterial or indomethacin treatment; Campanile F et al.; We have investigated the effects of interleukin 1 (IL-1) administration on circulating levels of colony-stimulating activity (CSA) in intact or neutropenic mice . Intact or cyclophosphamide-treated mice received human rIL-1 beta according to different regimens, and their sera were assayed for CSA at 4, 24 or 48 h . The results indicated that (1) cyclophosphamide alone significantly increased the level of circulating CSA, (2) administration of IL-1 to intact or neutropenic mice resulted in a biphasic pattern of CSA response, an early burst at 4 h being followed at 24-48 h by a significant decrease . In nongranulocytopenic mice, the combined treatment with IL-1 and bacterial cells also resulted in a biphasic pattern of CSA response . However, when IL-1 was administered in concurrence with the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, sustained CSA levels could be observed for a prolonged period of time . These data expand upon our previous observations on modulation of CSA by IL-1 in granulocytopenic mice, and further support the concept that IL-1 may have both positive and negative effects on the expression of circulating CSA.

Ital J Gastroenterol, 1991 Jan, 23(1), 17 - 23
Bacterial N-nitrosation and gastric carcinogenesis in humans; Hill MJ; It has been hypothesized that bacterially produced N-nitroso compounds cause the progression from chronic atrophic gastritis through intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia to gastric cancer . If this is true then various consequences follow . These consequences are discussed, together with the evidence for or against them . The conclusion is that there is much to support the hypothesis.

Respiration, 1991, 58(3-4), 150 - 4
Immunotherapy with an oral bacterial extract (OM-85 BV) for upper respiratory infections; Paupe J; The efficacy of Broncho-Vaxom/Imocur (OM-85 BV), an orally administered lyophilized bacterial extract, for recurrent respiratory and ear, nose and throat (ENT) infections was evaluated in 116 children aged 6 months to 19 years by comparing its activity in 61 children with that of a placebo in 55 children . The study was randomized, double-blind, and comprised a 90-day treatment period followed by a 90-day follow-up period without test drugs . Over the 180 days, 39.5% of patients taking OM-85 BV remained free from infection compared with 16.5% on placebo (p less than 0.01) . 44% on OM-85 BV did not need antibiotics compared with 23.5% on placebo (p less than 0.05) . These differences were even greater in the subgroup of children aged 6 years and less (34 vs . 3.5% for the absence of infections, p less than 0.01 and 37 vs . 10% for the need of antibiotics, p less than 0.05) . Tolerance to OM-85 BV was excellent, and laboratory investigations showed no abnormalities attributable to this product . This work confirms that the immunomodulator OM-85 BV is an effective immunotherapy for recurrent respiratory and ENT infections in children.

Autoimmunity, 1991, 10(1), 71 - 6
An evolutionarily-conserved role for murine Ly-1 B cells in protection against bacterial infections; Lalor PA; The murine Ly-1 B cell lineage, although comprising only a minority of peripheral IgM+ B cells, secretes a major proportion of the IgM antibodies occurring naturally in serum . Ly-1 B cells also seed a large number of IgA+ plasma cells to the gut walls, thereby contributing significantly to production of natural IgA antibodies in response to chronic stimulation by the normal gut flora . Apart from these naturally-produced antibodies, Ly-1 B cells also produce specific antibodies following deliberate immunisation with the bacterial cell wall antigens, phosphorylcholine and dextran . The inability of the X-linked immunodeficient CBA/N mice to produce antibody responses to these two antigens is overcome by reconstitution with normal Ly-1 B cells from the parental CBA strain . Ly-1 B cells therefore appear to play a dominant role in natural immunity and protection against bacterial infections . The compartmentalisation of development and function within murine B cells is suggestive of an evolutionary structuring of the murine immune system, with Ly-1 B cells representing a conserved, primitive B cell lineage and retaining key, associated functions.

Microbiol Immunol, 1991, 35(4), 331 - 3
Rapid method for isolation and staining of bacterial lipopolysaccharide; al-Hendy A et al.; Classically bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) purification and silver staining take several days . We designed a simple and fast method for LPS isolation which when combined with silver staining using Pharmacia PhastSystem both can be completed in few hours . The purity of LPS isolated by this simple method may not be comparable to that by the phenol-water method hence we recommend this rapid isolation and staining procedures for simple and fast study of LPS patterns in gels.

Biotechniques, 1991 Jan, 10(1), 48 - 9
Detection of bacterial mRNA using polymerase chain reaction; Mahbubani MH et al.; A method was developed for the detection of bacterial mRNAs using reverse transcriptase followed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern blot analysis . The method involves brief inhibition of protein synthesis with chloramphenicol, followed by reverse transcription, PCR amplification of cDNA and Southern blot hybridization . Detection of mRNAs by reverse transcription-PCR-Southern blot analysis is orders of magnitude more sensitive than Northern blot hybridization.

Rev Latinoam Microbiol, 1991 Jan-Mar, 33(1), 61 - 70
{Mechanisms of bacterial resistance to heavy metals}; Cervantes C et al.; Resistance to toxic heavy metals has been found in bacteria from clinical and environmental origins . The genetic determinants of resistance are frequently located on plasmids or transposons . Several heavy metal resistance genes have been cloned and sequenced . The mechanisms of resistance to heavy metals are commonly based on novel membrane transport systems that expel the toxic ions (including cobalt, nickel, zinc, and probably copper and chromium) from the bacterial cytoplasm . Arsenic and cadmium ions are effluxed from the cells by specific membrane ATPases encoded by resistance plasmids . Reduction of mercuric ions to the volatile metallic form by a plasmid-coded enzyme is responsible for mercury resistance . Studies on other resistance determinants (e.g., antimony, bismuth, boron, lead, silver, tin, tellurium) have been reported but the mechanisms of resistance are still unknown.

Pediatrie (Bucur), 1991, 40(1-2), 157 - 62
{The incidence of a neonatal bacterial infection syndrome with maternofetal transmission in the Neonatal Department of the Baia Mare District Maternity Hospital in 1983-1987}; Pohl A et al.; In a retrospective study extending on a 5-year period, authors have analysed the incidence of the bacterial infectious syndrome with maternofetal transmission in the newborns admitted to the above-mentioned department . Among 20,674 live-born infants, 241 cases (1.16%) with diseases of an infectious character with vertical transmission were recorded . The incidence of the neonatal infectious syndrome was marked by a yearly increase, from 0.86% in the first year of the study to 1.24% in the last year, with a peak of 1.43% in 1986 . The infection risk by maternofetal transmission was more than 10 times higher in the group of premature children . During the study period, of the total of 128 deaths, 31 (24.22%) were due to the neonatal infectious syndrome; of these 31 deaths, 21 occurred in premature children, hence 2/3 of all the failures were recorded in premature infants . Authors conclude that the prevention of the neonatal bacterial infectious syndrome could surely exert a favorable influence on the course of perinatal mortality and on the incidence of premature births in maternities.

Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 1991, 91(10), 10 - 3
{Use of the methods of mathematical modeling for evaluation of the data of cerebrospinal fluid examination in patients with bacterial meningoencephalitis}; Iarosh OA et al.; As many as 300 patients of different age groups underwent a probability statistical analysis of cytosis and CSF protein depending on the outcome of bacterial meningoencephalitis . The clinical and CSF interrelations discovered reflect the function of the blood-brain barrier and can be used as an additional test for predicting the disease outcome.

Pediatrie, 1991, 46(5), 417 - 27
{Bacterial meningitis}; Lebel MH; Recent developments in the pathogenesis, epidemiology and therapy of bacterial meningitis are presented . The importance of interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and prostaglandins as generators of inflammation within the central nervous system in animals and children is described . The role of mediators of inflammation such as dexamethasone in the experimental meningitis model and in clinical studies is reviewed . The optimal duration of therapy and the role of cephalosporins in bacterial meningitis are discussed.

Int J Immunopharmacol, 1991, 13(7), 831 - 40
Protection against influenza A virus infection in mice by oral immunization with a polyvalent bacterial lysate; Van Daal GJ et al.; A study is presented which investigated whether oral immunization with a polyvalent bacterial lysate (Paspat oral) can sufficiently enhance cell-mediated defense mechanisms to protect mice against influenza A virus infection . It was found that oral immunization reduced mortality due to influenza A infection with 15-70%, depending on the quantity of virus administered and and the moment of infection . Cyclosporin A severely reduced the protective effect of oral immunization, suggesting that a major effect of oral immunization in these studies is T-cell activation . The effect of oral immunization on macrophageal activity was evaluated by measuring cyclic-AMP in alveolar macrophages (AMs) obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage . Before infection, basal activity levels of AMs in immunized mice were significantly lower than in controls . Five days after infection, however, basal activity level of AMs in immunized mice was significantly higher than AM activity in controls . Stimulation of AMs with PGE2 significantly reduced cellular activity in both groups, before and after infection . However, cellular activity of AMs from immunized animals was less reduced than cellular activity of control macrophages . Activity of AMs of immunized animals was significantly more reduced by histamine than activity of control macrophages . It is concluded that oral immunization with Paspat oral stimulates T-cell-dependent immune mechanisms, resulting in protection against influenza A virus infection in mice.

Biol Met, 1991, 4(2), 119 - 25
Studies on the bacterial hemoglobin from Vitreoscilla . Redox properties and spectroscopic characterization of the different forms of the hemoprotein; Kroneck PM et al.; Vitreoscilla contained a homodimeric bacterial hemoglobin (VtHb) . The purification of this protein yielded VtmetHb which exhibited electronic and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra, showing that it existed predominantly in a high-spin ferric form, both axial and rhombic components being present . The preparations also contained variable amounts of low-spin components . There was no evidence that these high-spin and low-spin forms were in equilibrium . The former were reducible by NADH catalyzed by the NADH-metVtHb reductase, and the latter were not . High ionic strength and high pH led to the formation of low-spin metVtHb; both treatments were reversible . Cyanide and imidazole liganded to VtHb resulted in the conversion of high-spin to low-spin ferric heme centers, each with characteristic electronic and EPR spectra . Some preparations of VtHb exhibited EPR signals consistent with a sulfur ligand bound to the ferric site . When VtHb was treated with NADH plus the reductase in the presence of oxygen, the intensity of the high-spin EPR signals decreased significantly . No reduction occurred in the absence of oxygen, suggesting a possible role for the superoxide anion . Dithionite treatment of VtHb resulted in a slow reduction, but the main product of the reaction of dithionite-reduced VtHb with oxygen was VtmetHb, not VtHbO2 . EPR spectra of whole cells of Vitreoscilla exhibited a variety of intense signals at low and high magnetic field, the g-values being consistent with the presence of high-spin ferric heme proteins, in addition to an iron-containing superoxide dismutase (FeSOD) and iron-sulfur proteins . EPR spectra of the cytosol fraction of Vitreoscilla showed the expected resonances for VtmetHb and FeSOD.

Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 1991, 91(2), 41 - 4
{Use of lectins in histochemical examination of microglia of the human brain in bacterial meningoencephalitis}; Lutsik BD et al.; The clinicoimmunological characteristics of three persons who died from bacterial meningoencephalitis is given . Appreciable immunodeficiency was recorded in patients with the grave disease course . The cerebral microglia of the same dead persons were subjected to a lectin histochemical examination . At the height of the disease the microglia proliferate, concentrate around the vessels, with their vascular pedunculi being swollen; microgliocytes with long processes arise . As the disease progresses, the microglia undergo irreversible changes characterized by the deformation and destruction of microgliocytes . Peanut lectin did not mark the microglia, indirectly negating its phagocytic function . In view of the data obtained it is suggested that drugs which potentiate the compensatory and adaptive reactions of the microglia and reduce the swelling of their vascular pedunculi be more widely used in patients afflicted with bacterial meningoencephalitis.

Yakugaku Zasshi, 1991 Jan, 111(1), 70 - 2
{Studies on collagenase inhibitors . III . Inhibitory effects of anthracyclines on bacterial collagenase}; Tanaka T et al.; Inhibitory effects of anthracyclines on bacterial collagenase were examined . Daunomycin, doxorubicin, and aclarubicin potently inhibited the collagenase, but mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil did not inhibit . Inhibitory activities of anthracyclines were constant regardless of the concentrations of Ca2+, activator of collagenase, or of Zn2+, active center of collagenase . These results suggest that the inhibitory mechanisms of anthracyclines were independent of a chelate effect on Ca2+ or Zn2+.

Med Oncol Tumor Pharmacother, 1991, 8(1), 23 - 8
Preliminary result of mixed bacterial vaccine as adjuvant treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma; Tang ZY et al.; Mixed bacterial vaccine (MBV) was employed in the multi-modality treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during 1985-1988 . Thirty eight patients undergoing palliative resection and cisplatin therapy (Series 1) and 48 patients with unresectable HCC who received hepatic artery ligation + intraarterial cisplatin infusion + radiotherapy (Series 2) were randomized to receive MBV or not . In series 1, the 1- and 2-year survival rates of MBV group and control were 75% vs 58% (P = 0.19) and 45% vs 39% (P = 0.23) . In series 2, the 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 59%, 41% and 41% for MBV group and 39%, 25% and 20% for the control, respectively (P1 = 0.07, P2 = 0.09, P3 = 0.07) . In addition, MBV improved the "second look" resection rate to 40% as compared to 17% in the control (P greater than 0.05) . MBV could also prevent such immunosuppression as decrease of macrophage activity caused by radiotherapy . We consider MBV a potential nonspecific immunostimulant in the multimodality treatment of HCC.

J Biol Chem, 1990 Dec 25, 265(36), 22306 - 12
Substitution of glutamine for lysine at the pyridoxal phosphate binding site of bacterial D-amino acid transaminase . Effects of exogenous amines on the slow formation of intermediates; Futaki S et al.; In bacterial D-amino acid transaminase, Lys-145, which binds the coenzyme pyridoxal 5'-phosphate in Schiff base linkage, was changed to Gln-145 by site-directed mutagenesis (K145Q) . The mutant enzyme had 0.015% the activity of the wild-type enzyme and was capable of forming a Schiff base with D-alanine; this external aldimine was formed over a period of minutes depending upon the D-alanine concentration . The transformation of the pyridoxal-5'-phosphate form of the enzyme to the pyridoxamine-5'-phosphate form (i.e . the half-reaction of transamination) occurred over a period of hours with this mutant enzyme . Thus, information on these two steps in the reaction and on the factors that influence them can readily be obtained with this mutant enzyme . In contrast, these reactions with the wild-type enzyme occur at much faster rates and are not easily studied separately . The mutant enzyme shows distinct preference for D- over L-alanine as substrates but it does so about 50-fold less effectively than the wild-type enzyme . Thus, Lys-145 probably acts in concert with the coenzyme and other functional side chain(s) to lead to efficient and stereochemically precise transamination in the wild-type enzyme . The addition of exogenous amines, ethanolamine or methyl amine, increased the rate of external aldimine formation with D-alanine and the mutant enzyme but the subsequent transformation to the pyridoxamine-5'-phosphate form of the enzyme was unaffected by exogenous amines . The wild-type enzyme displayed a large negative trough in the circular dichroic spectrum at 420 nm, which was practically absent in the mutant enzyme . However, addition of D-alanine to the mutant enzyme generated this negative Cotton effect (due to formation of the external aldimine with D-alanine) . This circular dichroism band gradually collapsed in parallel with the transformation to the pyridoxamine-5'-phosphate enzyme . Further studies on this mutant enzyme, which displays the characteristics of the wild-type enzyme but at attenuated rates, may yield information on the factors controlling the stereochemistry of the reaction as well as on the catalytic steps of the transaminase pathway.

Cell, 1990 Dec 21, 63(6), 1339 - 48
The dynamics of protein phosphorylation in bacterial chemotaxis; Borkovich KA et al.; The chemotaxis signal transduction pathway allows bacteria to respond to changes in concentration of specific chemicals (ligands) by modulating their swimming behavior . The pathway includes ligand binding receptors, and the CheA, CheY, CheW, and CheZ proteins . We showed previously that phosphorylation of CheY is activated in reactions containing receptor, CheW, CheA, and CheY . Here we demonstrate that this activation signal results from accelerated autophosphorylation of the CheA kinase . Evidence for a second signal transmitted by a ligand-bound receptor, which corresponds to inhibition of CheA autophosphorylation, is also presented . We postulate that CheA can exist in three forms: a "closed" form in the absence of receptor and CheW; an "open" form that results from activation of CheA by receptor and CheW; and a "sequestered" form in reactions containing ligand-bound receptor and CheW . The system's dynamics depends on the relative distribution of CheA among these three forms at any time.

Clin Ter, 1990 Dec 15, 135(5), 373 - 7
{The treatment of bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract in childhood . An open comparative study of sulbactam/ampicillin vs . ceftazidime}; Longo L et al.; Sixty children suffering from lower respiratory tract infections have been included into this study, respectively 30 (18 M + 12 F) in the sulbactam/ampicillin (S/A) group and 30 (20 M + 10 F) in the ceftazidime (CFT) group . Average age was 42.9 months +/- 34.4 in S/A group (range 6-120) and 48.7 +/- 42.1 (range 6-144) in CFT group . Both groups were similar as to sex, age, type and duration of the infection . Posology was 150 mg/kg/die for S/A and 50 mg/kg/die for CFT . The duration of treatment was 7.2 days +/- 2.2 (range 5-12) for S/A group and 6.4 days +/- 1.6 (range 5-12) for CFT group . At the end of the therapy clinical recovery has been obtained in all cases . A rapid defervescence and remission of symptoms at an identical rate has been recorded in both treatment groups . General and local tolerability was excellent in both treatment groups.

N Engl J Med, 1990 Dec 13, 323(24), 1651 - 7
Seizures and other neurologic sequelae of bacterial meningitis in children; Pomeroy SL et al.; BACKGROUND . Although the mortality rate among children with bacterial meningitis has decreased dramatically in recent decades, some patients are left with neurologic sequelae . It has not been clearly established which features of the acute illness predict the chronic neurologic sequelae, including late seizures or epilepsy . METHODS . We followed 185 infants and children prospectively during and after acute bacterial meningitis . The mean duration of follow-up was 8.9 years (range, 0.1 to 15.5) . During the first six years standard neurologic examinations were performed; telephone interviews were conducted thereafter . RESULTS . One month after meningitis, 69 children (37 percent) had neurologic abnormalities . Many of these signs resolved within a year, leaving only 26 children (14 percent) with persistent deficits: 18 (10 percent) had only sensorineural hearing loss, and 8 (4 percent) had multiple neurologic deficits . Thirteen children (7 percent) had one or more late seizures not associated with fever . The presence of persistent neurologic deficits indicative of cerebral injury was the only independent predictor of late afebrile seizures (P less than 0.001) . CONCLUSIONS . After bacterial meningitis only children with permanent neurologic deficits are at high risk for epilepsy . Those with normal examinations after the acute illness have an excellent change of escaping serious neurologic sequelae, including epilepsy.

JAMA, 1990 Dec 12, 264(22), 2916 - 8
Positive Lyme serology in subacute bacterial endocarditis . A study of four patients; Kaell AT et al.; Lyme borreliosis is a multisystem inflammatory disorder caused by the tick-borne spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi . Clinical manifestations are protean, involving the skin, joints, peripheral and central nervous systems, and the heart . However, the presentation of Lyme disease often overlaps with that of other conditions . We describe four patients from a region endemic for Lyme disease who had elevated levels of antibodies reactive to B burgdorferi and whose signs and symptoms were initially attributed to Lyme borreliosis but whose subsequent blood cultures established a diagnosis of nonspirochetal subacute bacterial endocarditis . Although immunoblots on serum samples from three of the four patients were consistent with prior infection from B burgdorferi, a positive immunoblot does not establish active infection . Similarly, seropositivity to B burgdorferi only indicates possible exposure to this organism . The occurrence of positive serologies to B burgdorferi in the presence of other diseases can lead to diagnostic confusion.

J Biol Chem, 1990 Dec 5, 265(34), 21056 - 60
Inactivation of bacterial glutamine synthetase by ADP-ribosylation; Moss J et al.; Glutamine synthetase from Escherichia coli was inactivated by chemical modification with arginine-specific reagents (Colanduoni, J . A., and Villafranca, J . J . (1985) Biochem . Biophys . Res . Commun . 126, 412-418) . E . coli glutamine synthetase was also a substrate for an erythrocyte NAD:arginine ADP-ribosyltransferase . Transfer of one ADP-ribosyl group/subunit of glutamine synthetase caused loss of both biosynthetic and gamma-glutamyltransferase activity . The ADP-ribose moiety was enzymatically removed by an erythrocyte ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase, resulting in return of function . The site of ADP-ribosylation was arginine 172, determined by isolation of the ADP-ribosylated tryptic peptide . Arginine 172 lies in a central loop that extends into the core formed by the 12 subunits of the native enzyme . The central loop is important in anchoring subunits together to yield the spatial orientation required for catalytic activity . ADP-ribosylation may thus inactivate glutamine synthetase by disrupting the normal subunit alignment . Enzyme-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation may provide a simple, specific technique to probe the role of arginine residues in the structure and function of proteins.

Scand J Prim Health Care, 1990 Dec, 8(4), 219 - 23
Metronidazole pessaries compared with placebo in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis; Bro F; In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial from general practice, 500 mg metronidazole pessaries applied once daily for seven days were compared with placebo in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis . Seventy-five women completed the study . At the follow-up visit immediately after completion of treatment, none of the patients on metronidazole fulfilled the criteria for bacterial vaginosis, compared with 12 (35%) in the placebo group (p less than 0.001) . Nine (22%) of the patients treated with metronidazole harboured Gardnerella vaginalis after treatments, compared with 31 (91%) in the placebo group (p less than 0.001) . Symptoms had improved or disappeared in 33 (80%) on metronidazole, and in 18 (53%) on placebo therapy (p less than 0.05) . Four weeks after the follow-up visit, symptoms were reported by 28% in the metronidazole group and by 44% in the placebo group (p greater than 0.05) . Metronidazole pessaries are effective in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.

J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Dec, 28(12), 2811 - 2
Bedside inoculation of blood culture bottles with ascitic fluid is superior to delayed inoculation in the detection of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; Runyon BA et al.; Ascitic fluids from patients suspected of having spontaneous bacterial peritonitis were inoculated into blood culture bottles (i) at the bedside and (ii) in the laboratory after a delay . In 29 episodes in which the bedside bottles were culture positive, only 22 (75.9%) of the laboratory-inoculated sets demonstrated growth; this difference was statistically significant (P less than 0.02).

J Invest Dermatol, 1990 Dec, 95(6 Suppl), 216S - 218S
TNF alpha primes polymorphonuclear leukocytes for an enhanced respiratory burst to a similar extent as bacterial lipopolysaccharide; Schopf RE et al.; We examined whether preincubating polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) with TNF alpha would result in an enhanced respiratory burst upon subsequent stimulation by various agents . Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a known primer of PMN, was used as control . We found that both LPS (0.01 to 10.0 microgram/ml) and recombinant TNF alpha (0.001 to 1.0 microgram/ml) act as direct stimulants of PMN as measured by chemiluminescence . Sixty minutes of preincubation of PMN with 1 microgram/ml TNF alpha or 10 micrograms/ml LPS resulted in similar priming for the respiratory burst elicited by opsonized zymosan, phorbol myristate acetate, zymosan, zymosan-activated serum, aggregated immunoglobulin, and f-met-leu-phe (FMLP) depending on the method of measurement used, i.e., chemiluminescence, production of O2-, and H2O2 . Priming with TNF alpha for an enhanced response to stimulation by FMLP could be abrogated by anti-TNF alpha antibody . Cell-surface receptor numbers and binding-affinity constants for FMLP remained stable under conditions leading to priming . We conclude that TNF alpha is able to prime PMN for an enhanced respiratory burst to a similar extent as with LPS . Because PMN cell-surface receptors for FMLP are unaltered by priming, the enhanced respiratory burst seems to be due to changes in intracellular metabolism.

Am J Gastroenterol, 1990 Dec, 85(12), 1605 - 8
Comparison of two ascitic fluid culture methods in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; Castellote J et al.; The conventional method of ascitic fluid culture detects bacteria in only 50% of cirrhotic patients with neutrocytic ascites and suspected spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) . We have prospectively compared two ascites culture methods in cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: 1) conventional (on chocolate agar, blood agar, Mac Conkay agar, and thioglycolate broth), and 2) modified {inoculation of 10 ml of ascites in a tryptic soy broth (TSB) blood culture bottle at the patient's bedside} . In a 21-month period, 70 episodes of SBP were diagnosed according to our criteria in 60 cirrhotic patients . Both culture methods were performed simultaneously . The conventional grew bacteria in 40 episodes (57%), whereas the modified grew bacteria in 54 episodes (77%), a significantly higher sensitivity (p = 0.0001) . In 16 cases (23%), ascitic culture was negative by both methods . The mortality rate was higher among patients with culture-positive SBP than those with culture-negative SBP (46% vs 37%), but did not reach statistical significance . We conclude that ascitic fluid inoculated into a TSB blood culture bottle at the patient's bedside should be used routinely for ascites culture in cirrhotic patients.

Plast Reconstr Surg, 1990 Dec, 86(6), 1152 - 62; discussion 1163
A study of the relationship between blood flow and bacterial inoculation in musculocutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps; Gosain A et al.; Regional nutrient blood flow to musculocutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps was studied in dogs using 15-microns radiolabeled microspheres, and correlations to bacterial inoculation into closed wound spaces were sought . During the 6-day study period, no differences were found between blood flow to noinoculated versus inoculated flaps . Comparisons of blood flow to the deep surfaces of the flaps showed that blood flow to muscle in musculocutaneous flaps increased rapidly during the first 24 hours and then plateaued, while that to subcutaneous tissue plus fascia in fasciocutaneous flaps demonstrated a gradual and steady increase . The most rapid decline in bacterial counts at the undersurface of both flaps occurred within 24 hours, dropping significantly lower within musculocutaneous flaps . In addition to such surface properties of muscle as tissue ingrowth, rapid early augmentation of muscle blood flow may be largely responsible for superior bacterial suppression observed beneath musculocutaneous flaps.

J Leukoc Biol, 1990 Dec, 48(6), 549 - 56
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide induces release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha from bovine peripheral blood monocytes and alveolar macrophages in vitro; Adams JL et al.; In this study, we demonstrate that freshly adherent bovine monocytes release tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in response to stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) . TNF-alpha was detected using actinomycin D-treated WEHI-164 murine fibrosarcoma cells as targets in an 18 hr cytotoxicity assay . Doses of LPS from 20 ng/ml to 20 micrograms/ml were capable of inducing bovine TNF-alpha . The kinetics of TNF-alpha release from bovine monocytes demonstrated peak levels of cytotoxic activity at 1-3 hr post-LPS treatment, with a subsequent decline to background levels by 18 hr post-LPS treatment . A monoclonal antibody that neutralizes recombinant human TNF-alpha (rHuTNF-alpha) significantly reduced the cytotoxicity of LPS-stimulated bovine monocyte culture supernatants . Size exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of LPS-stimulated monocyte and alveolar macrophage culture supernatants resulted in a molecular weight elution profile similar to that of recombinant human TNF-alpha . These elution profiles are consistent with the presence of multimers of TNF-alpha . This is believed to be the first report of the in vitro production of bovine TNF-alpha.

J Egypt Soc Parasitol, 1990 Dec, 20(2), 559 - 63
Studies on gastric bacterial growth and gastric PH in endemic schistosomal hepatosplenomegaly; Massoud MM et al.; Acid content and bacterial flora were studied in the gastric juice of 30 patients with endemic hepatosplenomegaly and 10 normal controls . The acid content in the gastric juice was significantly low in the group of patients . Also the bacterial flora were present in larger number of patients (80%) opposite to (30%) in normal control group.

Genes Dev, 1990 Dec, 4(12A), 2036 - 47
On the bacterial cell cycle: Escherichia coli mutants with altered ploidy; Trun NJ et al.; We describe a scheme for isolation of new classes of mutants in the cell cycle of Escherichia coli . The mutants were selected as resistant to camphor vapors, which results in increased ploidy, and were subsequently screened for an increase in cell density and an increase in the gene dosage of the lac operon . Our mutations are located at four different places in the chromosome; we have named these loci mbr (moth ball resistant) . mbrA maps to 68 min on the E . coli chromosome, mbrB to 88.5 min, mbrC to 89.5 min, and mbrD to 90 min . mbrD mutations may be alleles of rpoB (a subunit of RNA polymerase) . In addition to the selected or screened phenotypes, most of the mutants fail to grow on rich media or at high temperatures . We have examined the nine mutants under nonpermissive conditions, using several techniques to determine the cause of death . We have also coupled our mutations with lesions in dnaA, which is required for cell-cycle-specific DNA replication, and rnh (the gene for RNase H), which is required for specificity in the DNA initiation reaction, and determined the effects of the double and triple mutants under permissive and nonpermissive conditions . These tests have shown that bacteria mutated at mbrA do not tolerate a null mutation in rnh, indicating that they are dependent on DNA replication initiating at oriC . In contrast, mutations at mbrB, mbrC, and mbrD exhibit their phenotypes independent of oriC initiation of DNA replication, suggesting that the mutations affect factors that influence the DNA/cell ratio regardless of the origin of DNA replication . Based on our results, the mbr mutations appear to have defects in cell-cycle timing and/or defects in chromosomal partitioning.

Mol Microbiol, 1990 Dec, 4(12), 2007 - 12
Protein H1: a role for chromatin structure in the regulation of bacterial gene expression and virulence?
Higgins CF, Hinton JC, Hulton CS, Owen-Hughes T, Pavitt GD, Seirafi A.
There has been a recent revival of interest in one of the most abundant Escherichia coli proteins, H1 (also called H-NS) . This protein was first identified many years ago as a major component of the bacterial nucleoid, and has been characterized biochemically by several groups . However, no clear function for the protein emerged from these studies . Our thinking has been transformed by recent findings which complement the biochemistry with genetic data . Several mutations, selected over many years by virtue of their diverse effects on gene expression, have turned out to be allelic and to fall within the structural gene for H1 . Bringing together the genetics and the biochemistry has demonstrated that the whole is worth more than the sum of the parts! These findings have far-reaching implications for the mechanisms by which gene expression is regulated and also, perhaps, for the control of bacterial virulence.

Zhonghua Jie He He Hu Xi Za Zhi, 1990 Dec, 13(6), 331 - 2, 378-9
{Effect of jia wei yubingfengsan on bacterial adhesion to mouse tracheain chronic bronchitis model}; Kong FZ; The experiment was designed to test the effect of Jia Wei Yubingfengsan (JW-YBFS) in chronic bronchitis of mice model . Two groups of mice model was used, one of which received JW-YBFS by oral administration another received only water as control experiment . The accurate quantification of bacterial adhesiveness by culture method showed that in JW-YBFS receiving mice viable counts of bacteria is much less than the control mice . In addition pathological examination showing the injury of tracheate mucosal epithelium was not found in JW-YBFS receiving mice while control mice showing typical chronic bronchitis lesion . The results demonstrated that JW-YBFS plays significantly role in bronchitis mice model . Our experimental data are in good agreement with Chinese medical conclusion, which means Fu Zheng Gu Ben.

Anal Biochem, 1990 Dec, 191(2), 370 - 5
Methylation of intact chromosomes by bacterial methylases in agarose plugs suitable for pulsed-field electrophoresis . Methylation of intact chromosomes in agarose by methylases; Wilson WW et al.; Conditions were determined for the methylation of intact yeast chromosomes by EcoRI, HhaI, and MspI bacterial methylases using an endonuclease protection assay while the chromosomes were embedded in agarose plugs suitable for transverse-field electrophoresis . Parameters were also established for the methylation of human chromosomes by EcoRI methylase . Methylation of embedded chromosomes by EcoRI methylase required prewashes with EDTA . EcoRI, HhaI, and MspI methylases showed optimal activity when nonacetylated bovine serum albumin, high levels of S-adenosylmethionine, and high levels of methylase were used . The use of bacterial methylases for methylation of embedded chromosomes will allow investigators to normalize variations in cellular DNA methylation prior to restriction and create new and rare endonuclease recognition sites which will facilitate the detection of chromosomal alterations and deletions.

Br J Clin Pract, 1990 Dec, 44(12), 762 - 3
Bacterial endocarditis of the tricuspid valve after insertion of a central venous catheter; Kaye GC et al.; Central venous cannulation is a commonly used technique in the management of seriously ill patients . In experienced hands, the complication rate is low and primarily includes sepsis, thrombosis and local trauma . For chronic indwelling central venous catheters, thrombus formation within the right atrium has been described, particularly in premature infants, and a recent case has been reported in an adult . Valvular damage in the right heart is recognised and more often diagnosed at autopsy . This report describes the presence of tricuspid vegetations in a diabetic woman, related to the insertion of a central venous cannula.

J Biomol Struct Dyn, 1990 Dec, 8(3), 643 - 55
Fluorescence microscopy of the dynamics of supercoiling, folding, and condensation of bacterial chromosomes, induced by acridine orange; Bustamante C et al.; The fluorescent dye, acridine orange, was used to visualize bacterial chromosomes extending from bacteria attached to a glass surface . The acridine-induced condensation of these chromosomes was followed in real-time with a low light level video camera . Acridine orange induced the packing of the bacterial chromosome into thick bundles which underwent various forms of condensation, supercoiling, folding, and rolling into a compact particle . Filaments attached to the surface at both ends were topologically constrained and supercoiled rapidly; whereas all three patterns of condensation were noted among filaments attached at only one end or free from the surface . Kinks often appeared in the filaments prior to supercoiling or folding, and the dynamic events observed often occurred around these kinks . These observations identify several mechanisms of condensation available to higher order structures of DNA, and indicate that kinks are an important intermediate step in many of the transitions.

Clin Oral Implants Res, 1990 Dec, 1(1), 8 - 12
Distribution of bacterial morphotypes around natural teeth and titanium implants ad modum Brånemark; Quirynen M et al.; The subgingival plaque around both teeth and implants was analysed by means of differential phase-contrast microscopy . It was noted that, in comparison to natural teeth, the subgingival samples from implants were more frequently too small to provide adequate bacterial counts . In 24 partially edentulous patients (with implants and teeth in the same jaw), no significant differences in the distribution of bacterial morphotypes could be found between implants and natural teeth . The %s of coccoid cells, motile rods, spirochetes and other bacteria were 65.8, 2.3, 2.1, and 29.8 for implants and 55.6, 4.9, 3.6, and 34.9 for teeth, respectively . However, when the plaque composition on the implants of fully edentulous patients was compared with those of teeth or implants of partially edentulous patients (with teeth and implants in the same and/or opposite jaw), significant differences appeared . In fully edentulous patients, more coccoid cells (71.3%) and significant fewer motile rods (0.4%) and spirochetes (0.0) were found around the implants . The results suggest that teeth may serve as a reservoir for the bacterial colonisation of titanium implants in the same mouth.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1990 Dec, (12), 12 - 5
{The electron microscopic study of bacterial development in colonies . The heteromorphous growth of bacteria during the natural development of a population}; Pavlova IB et al.; In this work data on the morphological features of the heteromorphous growth of bacteria in the process of the natural development of their population are presented . The authors believe that the heteromorphous growth of cells is inherent in the normal cycle of the development of bacteria in the population and that this process is reversible . It has certain regularities, common for different bacteria, in the variability of morphological manifestations and can be regarded as one of the stages of the natural L-transformation of bacteria.

FEMS Microbiol Rev, 1990 Dec, 7(3-4), 349 - 54
Chemistry of methylcorrinoids related to their roles in bacterial C1 metabolism; Krautler B; Corrinoids are central cofactors in bacterial metabolism, where they participate in a series of organometallic and redoxprocesses . These depend on the unique coordination chemistry and reactivity of the corrin-bound cobalt centers to which, in the complete corrins, also a nucleotide function can coordinate intramolecularly . The roles of methylcorrinoids in bacterial C1 metabolism focus around the unusual Co-C-bond.

Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol, 1990 Dec, 70(3), 375 - 8
Potentiation of cisplatin lethality by bacterial lipopolysaccharide pretreatment in mice; Ishikawa M et al.; The present study was designed to determine whether bacterial endotoxin (LPS) affects the lethality of cisplatin . Mice treated with LPS (1 mg/kg, i.p.) 24 hr and 1 hr before cisplatin had markedly increased the lethality and nephrotoxicity of cisplatin.

Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo), 1990 Dec, 38(12), 3500 - 2
A novel skeletal drug delivery system for anti-bacterial drugs using self-setting hydroxyapatite cement; Otsuka M et al.; To solve the problem of delivering drugs to skeletal tissue at high enough local concentrations for desirable therapeutic effects, we report a novel approach using a self-setting hydroxyapatite cement, with cephalexin and norfloxacin as model drugs . After setting, the cement was transformed into hydroxyapatite with affinity for hard bone tissue . Continuous in-vitro drug release profiles from loaded cement pellets (0.9-4.8% by weight) in phosphate buffer at pH 7.4 and 37 degrees C followed the Higuchi equation.

Mol Cell Probes, 1990 Dec, 4(6), 445 - 50
Taq polymerase contains bacterial DNA of unknown origin; Rand KH et al.; The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out with the highly conserved E . coli ribosomal RNA gene sequences 1376-1395 and 1521-1540 . Using these primers and reaction conditions specified by the manufacturer(s), a 165 bp fragment was synthesized using Taq polymerase from three different sources in the absence of any added template . Restriction enzyme analysis suggests the source of this bacterial DNA is neither E . coli nor Thermus aquaticus . A variety of different methods to eliminate it such as treatment with DNase, restriction enzyme digestion, and CsCl2 density gradient centrifugation were unsuccessful . Since the bacteria in which the Taq polymerase is produced are not the source of the DNA, some step(s) in the purification or reagents added to the enzyme must be involved . Thus it is likely other biological products are similarly contaminated . Although the problem is easily dealt with by running a no-template control and choosing other primers if a problem exists, it is important to recognize the potential for a false-positive result.

Microbiol Rev, 1990 Dec, 54(4), 502 - 39
Organization of the bacterial chromosome; Krawiec S et al.; Recent progress in studies on the bacterial chromosome is summarized . Although the greatest amount of information comes from studies on Escherichia coli, reports on studies of many other bacteria are also included . A compilation of the sizes of chromosomal DNAs as determined by pulsed-field electrophoresis is given, as well as a discussion of factors that affect gene dosage, including redundancy of chromosomes on the one hand and inactivation of chromosomes on the other hand . The distinction between a large plasmid and a second chromosome is discussed . Recent information on repeated sequences and chromosomal rearrangements is presented . The growing understanding of limitations on the rearrangements that can be tolerated by bacteria and those that cannot is summarized, and the sensitive region flanking the terminator loci is described . Sources and types of genetic variation in bacteria are listed, from simple single nucleotide mutations to intragenic and intergenic recombinations . A model depicting the dynamics of the evolution and genetic activity of the bacterial chromosome is described which entails acquisition by recombination of clonal segments within the chromosome . The model is consistent with the existence of only a few genetic types of E . coli worldwide . Finally, there is a summary of recent reports on lateral genetic exchange across great taxonomic distances, yet another source of genetic variation and innovation.

J Med Assoc Thai, 1990 Dec, 73(12), 658 - 61
Bacterial and fungal contaminations in parenteral nutrition admixtures; Jirapinyo P et al.; Parenteral nutrition admixtures prepared in the incubator for sick newborn infants from three wards were cultured for bacteria and fungi . Of the total samples of parenteral nutrition solution being studied, 4.7 per cent had fungi and 14.1 per cent had bacteria . Solutions prepared in the intensive care unit, in the ward for sick newborn, and in the ward for sick preterm revealed fungal contaminations at about 11.1, 5.8 and 0.0 per cent respectively . Bacterial contaminations were higher and had a percentage of 11.1 from the intensive care unit, 23.5 from the ward for sick newborn and 10.3 from the ward for sick preterm . It was concluded that another more sterilized technique should be implemented for reduction of such a high rate of bacterial and fungal contaminations in the parenteral nutrition admixtures.

Neurochem Res, 1990 Dec, 15(12), 1237 - 8
Presence of a highly efficient "binding" to bacterial contamination can distort data from binding studies; Balcar VJ; {3H}GABA at low concentrations (5-10 nM) was bound by what appeared to be a "GABA receptor binding site" in bacterial contamination originating from a batch of distilled water . Under experimental conditions similar to those usually employed in {3H}GABA binding studies, the apparent binding displayed a very high "specific" component and a high efficiency in terms of {3H}GABA bound per mg of protein . The "binding" was blocked by muscimol but not by isoguvacine, SR95531 and nipecotic acid . These characteristics suggest that the presence of such spurious binding in the experiments using 3H-labeled ligands in brain homogenates may not always be very obvious and, moreover, it can result in subtle, but serious, distortions of data from such studies, which may not be immediately recognized.

Trends Genet, 1990 Dec, 6(12), 433 - 7
Bacterial topoisomerases and the control of DNA supercoiling; Drlica K; DNA in bacterial cells is under negative superhelical tension, a feature that facilitates many of the activities of DNA . Supercoiling is introduced enzymatically by DNA gyrase, and the accumulation of excessively high levels is prevented by the relaxing activity of DNA topoisomerase I . Among the factors likely to influence supercoiling are topoisomerase gene expression, the ratio of ATP to ADP concentration, and processes such as transcription that unwind DNA and then translocate along it.

Mol Microbiol, 1990 Dec, 4(12), 2035 - 40
Uncharged tRNA, protein synthesis, and the bacterial stringent response; Goldman E et al.; Uncharged tRNA has been shown in vivo to have an active role both in the stringent response, and in modulating the rate of translational elongation . Both of these effects appear to be mediated by codon-anticodon interactions on the ribosome . Although the involvement of uncharged tRNA in the stringent response was expected from in vitro experiments, it has only recently been confirmed in vivo . Inhibition of translation by cognate uncharged tRNA was not expected, and a model is proposed in which excess uncharged tRNA competes with charged tRNA (in ternary complex) for the 30S component of the ribosomal A site . When uncharged tRNA is in sufficient excess over charged tRNA, interaction of uncharged tRNA with the 50S component of the A site occurs as well, leading to a stringent response . The cell has a continuum of responses to decreasing aminoacyl-tRNA levels: in moderately limited conditions, the proportion of uncharged tRNA increases, and the translation rate is slowed; under more severe limitations, uncharged tRNA provokes a stringent response, with pleiotropic consequences for the cell.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1990 Nov 30, 1087(3), 303 - 8
Mammalian liver contains an activity which mimics bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase; De Maio A et al.; Rat liver extracts contain an activity which mimics Escherichia coli chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT); the latter is commonly used to report transcriptional activation of chimeric genes transfected into cultured cells . Although the activities are indistinguishable by the standard thin-layer chromatography assay, alternate methods can discriminate between them . The rat CAT-like activity appears to be an integral membrane protein . It was observed in the microsomal fraction of both liver and kidney . Similarly CAT-like activities were detected in mouse, rabbit and pig liver . In addition, liver homogenates which contain the CAT-like activity also contain a heat-labile inhibitor of (authentic) bacterial CAT.

FEBS Lett, 1990 Nov 26, 275(1-2), 65 - 9
Bacterial expression of human muscarinic receptor fusion proteins and generation of subtype-specific antisera; Levey AI et al.; A family of five muscarinic acetylcholine receptor genes (m1-m5) encode highly related proteins; however, for methodological reasons it has not been possible to detect the gene products individually . To develop antibody probes specific for the receptor subtypes, unique regions of m1-m5 cDNAs, corresponding to the third cytoplasmic (i3) loops, were subcloned into bacterial expression vectors and the fusion proteins expressed in E . coli were used to generate rabbit antisera . These antisera react specifically with the respective fusion proteins on immunoblots and selectively immunoprecipitate each of the native cloned receptors . Since the i3 loops are immunogenic and the epitopes in the cloned receptors are accessible to antibodies, this approach should be valuable for immunological studies of the native receptors.

J Immunol, 1990 Nov 15, 145(10), 3367 - 71
Bacterial killing and inhibition of inner membrane activity by C5b-9 complexes as a function of the sequential addition of C9 to C5b-8 sites; MacKay SL et al.; The assembly of the C5b-9 complex on the outer membrane of C-sensitive cells of Escherichia coli results in a rapid inhibition of inner membrane function and ultimately a loss of cell viability . Cells bearing C5b-8 sites suffer no deleterious effects; however, the addition of C9 results in a rapid inhibition of inner membrane function and cell death . An attempt was made to examine the relationship between the toxic effects of the C5b-9 complex and the number of C9 molecules per C5b-8 site . Cells bearing C5b-8 sites were exposed to excess C9 at 0 degrees C and washed three times at 4 degrees C . The number of C9 molecules bound to each cell was equivalent to the number of C5b-8 sites present on each cell, and no additional C9 molecules could be bound when the cells were maintained at 4 degrees C . These cells were then incubated at 37 degrees C for 3 min and returned to 0 degrees C, a technique which exposed additional C9-binding sites equivalent to the number of C9 molecules previously bound to the cells . This technique was repeated and demonstrated that the sequential build-up of a C5b-9 site with two C9 molecules per C5b-8 site was capable of inhibiting both inner membrane function (respiration and amino acid transport) and cell viability . Three C9 molecules per complex had effects that approached the inhibitory effects of complexes formed in the presence of excess C9.

Anal Biochem, 1990 Nov 15, 191(1), 133 - 7
Fluorometric determination of bacterial protease activity using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled proteins as substrates; Homer KA et al.; Intact fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled proteins have relatively low background fluorescence at excitation and emission wavelengths of 495 and 525 nm, respectively . Degradation of these substrates leads to exposure of covalently linked fluorescein isothiocyanate molecules and to a concomitant increase in relative fluorescence at these wavelengths . The increase in relative fluorescence is proportional to the degree of protein degradation . This phenomenon provides the basis for a sensitive assay for bacterial protease activity . There is no requirement for the removal of undegraded substrate from the assay mixture prior to the measurement of fluorescence . Assays can be performed in 96-well microtiter trays, enabling a large number of samples and their respective controls to be processed simultaneously and repeated determinations of fluorescence values may be made on the same assay.

Hinyokika Kiyo, 1990 Nov, 36(11), 1287 - 93
{Diffusion of cefmenoxime into prostatic fluid in the patients with acute bacterial prostatitis}; Katoh N et al.; Expressed prostatic fluid (EPS) levels and serum levels of cefmenoxime (CMX) after intravenous administration were examined in 16 patients with acute bacterial prostatitis and 23 patients without prostatic diseases . Blood was drawn at 30, 60, 120 minutes and EPS was taken by prostatic massage at 60 minutes after the intravenous administration of 2 g CMX to evaluate the concentration of CMX . The concentration of CMX was determined by the bioassay using the E . coli NIHJ JC strain . The relationships between the EPS/serum ratio and peripheral WBC counts, CRP value and ESR 1h value were also analyzed . The serum levels of CMX at 60 minutes ranged between 20.3 micrograms/ml and 73.5 micrograms/ml (mean +/- S.D.: 41.8 +/- 14.2 micrograms/ml) in 16 patients with acute prostatitis, and between 21.5 micrograms/ml and 89.5 micrograms/ml (mean +/- S.D.: 49.5 +/- 18.7 micrograms/ml) in 23 patients without prostatic diseases . The EPS levels ranged between 0.4 micrograms/ml and 30.8 micrograms/ml (mean +/- S.D.: 12.6 +/- 9.6 micrograms/ml) in 16 patients with acute prostatitis, and between 0 and 2.3 micrograms/ml (mean +/- S.D.: 0.7 +/- 0.8 microgram/ml) in 19 patients without prostatic diseases . In 4 patients without prostatic diseases, the EPS amount was not large enough to evaluate the concentration of CMX . The EPS/serum ratio ranged between 0.006 and 0.697 (mean +/- S.D.: 0.31 +/- 0.21) in patients with acute prostatitis and between 0 and 0.058 (mean +/- S.D.: 0.015 +/- 0.018) in patients without prostatic diseases . The diffusion of CMX into the prostatic fluid in patients with acute prostatitis was strikingly higher than that in patients without prostatic diseases (p less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Nov, 28(11), 2485 - 90
Practical and economical method for using biotinylated DNA probes with bacterial colony blots to identify diarrhea-causing Escherichia coli; Gicquelais KG et al.; A simple and economical method was developed for using biotinylated DNA probes to hybridize with bacterial colonies belonging to the various categories of diarrhea-causing Escherichia coli . Simplification and cost containment were achieved by using Whatman no . 541 filter papers instead of nitrocellulose, by minimizing the concentration of proteinase K (an expensive but necessary reagent used to pretreat the colony blots prior to hybridization with biotin-labeled DNA probes) and by reusing hybridization solution containing labeled probe DNA . After exposing the colony blots to lysing solution and steam, followed by lysozyme (1.5 mg/ml), sucrose (25%), and proteinase K (10 micrograms/ml) treatments, biotinylated probes were used to detect enterotoxigenic, enteropathogenic, enterohemorrhagic, diffuse adherence, and enteroinvasive categories of diarrhea-causing E . coli with a high level of sensitivity and specificity . Three independent observers who were experienced in reading DNA blots recorded remarkably similar results, while less satisfactory results were obtained when the blots were read by an inexperienced observer . This technique will be useful in laboratories in which radioactive isotopes are unavailable or impractical and in which budgets are restricted.

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