Clin Microbiol Rev, 1990 Apr, 3(2), 132 - 52 Immunoserology of infectious diseases; James K; The immune response to microorganisms not only participates in the elimination of unwanted organisms from the body, but also assists in diagnosis of infectious diseases . The nonspecific immune response is the first line of defense, assisting the body until the specific immune response can be mobilized to provide protective mechanisms . The specific immune response involves humoral or cell-mediated immunity or both, dependent on the nature of the organism and its site of sequestration . A variety of test systems have been developed to identify the causative organisms of infectious diseases . Test systems used in immunoserology have classically included methods of detecting antigen-antibody reactions which range from complement fixation to immunoassay methods . Relevant test systems for detecting antigens and antibodies are described . With numerous test systems available to detect antigens and antibodies, there can be confusion regarding selection of the appropriate system for each application . Methods for detecting antibody to verify immunity differ from immunologic methods to diagnose disease . Techniques to detect soluble antigens present in active infectious states may appear similar to those used to detect antibody, but their differences should be appreciated. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol, 1990 Apr, 18(2), 88 - 94 Nucleic acid probes as potential tools in oral microbial epidemiology; Albandar JM et al.; The present review deals with genetic tools in the microbial diagnostic laboratory, types of nucleic acid probes, their construction and cloning, hybridization reactions, their sensitivity and specificity, and their advantages and limitations . The nucleic acid probes seem to possess a number of advantages over traditional diagnostic methods . DNA, RNA, and oligonucleotide probes are expected to have increased impact on our understanding of the pathogenesis and the treatment of infectious inflammatory periodontal diseases . In addition, these probes have potential application in epidemiological studies of oral microorganisms . However, the limitations of the probes must be kept in mind, and newly developed probes must be controlled with respect to the critical issues of sensitivity and specificity. Cancer, 1990 Apr 1, 65(7), 1583 - 90 Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver . Clinicopathologic study and review of the literature; Horiuchi R et al.; Clinicopathologic analysis of nine patients with inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver was reported . The age of the patients varied from 22 to 83 years old, with a male to female ratio of 8 to 1 . They complained of intermittent fever and abdominal pain, and laboratory data on admission suggested an inflammatory process . The solitary or multiple, well-defined space-occupying lesions were displayed by recently advanced imaging techniques . Partial hepatectomy, laparotomy, needle biopsy, or autopsy was performed in all nine patients with diagnoses of hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic liver tumor, or liver abscess . Histologically, these lesions were composed of dense hyalinized fibrosis and/or infiltrating inflammatory cells constituting large numbers of foamy histiocytes, lymphocytes, and plasma cells . Obliterating phlebitis of relatively large branches of the portal vein was found, thus providing a diagnostic clue to distinction from the primary hepatic cancer by imagings . Considering the clinicopathologic features and the patients' histories, in which four patients had been in the Southeast Asian countries or India, it is possible that infection of microorganisms through the portal vein could participate in these lesions as a cause . Two patients died of causes probably related to this lesion, indicating poor prognosis in some patients, in contrast to the generally fair prognosis of previously published cases. Wei Sheng Wu Xue Bao, 1990 Apr, 30(2), 122 - 8 {Screening of beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase forming strains and conditions for enzyme production}; Yan ZZ et al.; About 1200 strains of microorganisms were screened including fungi, actinomyces, and bacteria, in which 237 strains producing the enzyme desired . The results showed that the beta-GlcNAcase and beta-GalNAcase always co-existed in one strain, though may be in different ratio . From strains mentioned above the authors screened out a potent beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase producing strain, Aspergillus tamarii S215, from the soil sample . The optimal conditions for enzyme production were as follows: the microorganisms was inoculated in a 5% wheat bran suspension, cultured at 28-30 degrees C on shaker for 5-6 days . The productivity can be moderately enhanced by the addition of cellobiose or glucosamine or galactosamine or by the extra supplement of (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 as N sources . In the culture filtrate of Asp . tamarii, the alpha, (beta)-galactosidase, beta-glucosidase, alpha-mannosidase and beta-fucosidase were also found. Offentl Gesundheitswes, 1990 Apr, 52(4), 168 - 73 {Evaluation of humidifier units within the scope of room climate modification}; Nagorka R et al.; An analysis method was developed for detecting the biocides usually employed in German humidification units in air-conditioning plant to enable determination of air concentrations of methylisothiazalone often used in such plant (German trade names e.g . Kathon WT, Wacozid 3150, Lavisan Q) . Results of measurements revealed great variations in isothiazolone concentrations in ambient indoor aerosols, the peak values being 3.4 micrograms/m3 air . The concentration of these compounds added to the water in the humidificator chambers was also measured in relation to the presence of microorganisms to find out the microbicidal action of the compounds . It was found that the isothiazolone concentrations varied greatly in course of time and that microbiology revealed in some cases a marked contamination of the water in the humidifiers with pathogens . Microbial analyses showed the presence of Legionella pneumophila and free amoeba, sometimes with very high aerobic colony counts . The measured data lead to the conclusion that it is possible that both the unsatisfactory hygienic status of many circulatory spray humidifiers and the exposure to the biocides contained in the humidifier fluids, may be responsible for some of the patterns of signs and symptoms known as "sick building" syndrome. Endod Dent Traumatol, 1990 Apr, 6(2), 73 - 7 Periapical bacterial plaque in teeth refractory to endodontic treatment; Tronstad L et al.; It has recently been found that bacteria are able to survive and maintain an infectious disease process in periapical lesions of nonvital teeth . The purpose of this study was to examine the surfaces of root tips removed during surgical-endodontic treatment for the presence of microorganisms . A full thickness flap was reflected under strict surgical asepsis and the periapical lesions were enucleated and removed . About 2-3 mm of the root was cut off, rinsed in sterile saline and placed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin . Upon fixation, the root tips were dehydrated, air-dried and given an electrically conducting coat of gold in a vacuum evaporator . The root tips were then studied in a Jeol, JSM-U3 scanning electron microscope, usually operated at 20 kV . The root surfaces were covered with soft tissue, except at the apex of the roots, where a continuous, smooth and structureless coating was seen, apparently adjacent to the apical foramen . At higher magnification a variety of bacterial forms were recognized in the smooth coating . A bacterial plaque was observed in irregularities of the surfaces between fiber bundles and cells and in crypts and holes . The bacteria were held together by an extracellular material and the plaque was dominated by cocci and rods . Fibrillar forms were recognized as well, often with cocci attached to their surfaces. Mol Gen Mikrobiol Virusol, 1990 Apr, (4), 28 - 32 {Methods of isolation and polypeptide composition of membrane fractions of Rickettsia prowazekii}; Emel'ianov VV et al.; The methods of cell lysis by lysozyme in tris-EDTA-sucrose with the consequent disruption of spheroplasts by the osmotic shock were used to obtain the total membranes from the intact or temperature-inactivated Rickettsia prowazekii . Detergents solubilization methods were used for analysis of outer membrane proteins . Sarcosyl insoluble material is shown to contain the main 134, 31, 29.5 and 25 Kd proteins, the minor 78, 60, 42, 17 Kd proteins, while the mixture of both membranes possess a more complex composition . Treatment of total membranes by the 2% octylglycoside results in elimination of the 31 Kd polypeptide . Inactivated Rickettsia can be used for isolation of the outer layer proteins diminishing the risk of working with this pathogenic microorganism. Arch Invest Med (Mex), 1990 Apr-Jun, 21(2), 163 - 9 {Pharmacological properties in vitro of various extracts of Mimosa tenuiflora (tepescohuite)}; Meckes-Lozoya M et al.; The in vitro biological effects of polar extracts of Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir . trunk bark (tepescohuite) were studied . Ethyl acetate extract, with a high tannin content, inhibited the growth of different microorganisms . Alkaloids were particularly abundant in the butanol extract and this product strongly inhibited the intestinal peristalsis and produced contraction of uterine and gastric strips of rat and guinea pig . Saponins were detected in butanol and methanol extracts producing hemolysis . The screenings performed showed the diversity of bioactive compounds present in this plant product. Turk Ortodonti Derg, 1990 Apr, 3(1), 123 - 8 {The occurrence of cavitation after orthodontic bonding . A case report}; Akkaya S et al.; In this case report occurrence of cavitation on the lingual enamel surfaces of teeth after orthodontic direct bonding a canine to canine lingual retainer is presented and possible reasons which might play a role in their formation was investigated by "SEM" and "electron microprobe analyzer" . Although the morphologic structure is normal, a mineral loss is detected and it is thought that an easier dissolution of enamel is occurred by the penetration of saliva and plaque microorganisms throughout the enamel-resin junction. Cell Regul, 1990 Apr, 1(5), 403 - 13 Prostaglandin E specifically upregulates the expression of the mannose-receptor on mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages; Schreiber S et al.; The macrophage mannose receptor (MMR) facilitates the binding and internalization of microorganisms and glycoproteins with terminal mannose residues . The receptor is progressively upregulated as bone marrow precursor cells mature into macrophages and thus may serve as a marker of differentiation . Prostaglandins of the E series (PGE) are known inhibitors of monocyte and macrophage precursor proliferation, an effect often associated with cellular maturation . MMR expression was therefore assessed after exposure of bone marrow macrophage precursor (BMMP) cells to these prostanoids . Receptor expression was determined by ligand binding and via immunoprecipitation of newly synthesized receptor molecules . PGE1 and PGE2 at 10(-9)-10(-6) M upregulated MMR surface expression and biosynthesis four- to sixfold in a dose-dependent manner . BMMPs responsive to prostaglandins were characterized by plastic adherence, F4/80 antigen expression, and nonspecific esterase activity . Prostaglandins accelerated the expression of the MMR in cells by 48-72h, with maximal levels of receptor expression being identical in control or treated cells . Thus, prostaglandins enhanced mannose receptor expression in adherent but not fully differentiated macrophage precursors . This effect is specific for PGE and is mimicked by dibutyrl cyclic AMP . These results indicate that prostaglandins accelerate MMR expression and hence the differentiation of macrophage precursor cells . Cells resident in the bone marrow secrete abundant prostaglandins, suggesting that a paracrine mechanism may exist to regulate MMR expression and function. J Ind Microbiol, 1990 Apr-May, 5(2-3), 167 - 82 Characterization of a temperate actinophage, MPphiWR-1, capable of infecting Micromonospora purpurea ATCC 15835; Tilley BC et al.; A temperate actinophage was isolated from soil using the gentamicin-producing microorganism, Micromonospora purpurea ATCC 15835 as host . The characterization of the phage represents the initial step in its development as a cloning vector . The phage isolated, MPphiWR-1, formed red- to purple-pigmented turbid plaques . Cells isolated from these plaques were resistant to superinfection with lytic mutants of MPphiWR-1 . Southern blots of genomic DNA from a resistant culture showed that MPphiWR-1 integrated into the host genome . The phage was UV- or Mitomycin C-inducible . The integration, resistance to superinfection and inducibility indicated a lysogenic relationship with the host . Using MPphiE-RCPM, a lytic derivative, the phage host range was demonstrated to include members of three genera: one species each of Ampullariella and Catellatospora, and 12 species of Micromonospora . The phage belonged to Ackerman's B1 morphotype having an isometric head and a flexible noncontractile tail . The density of the phage was 1.525 g/cc . Restriction site mapping demonstrated that the phage DNA was 57.9 kb long and had cohesive ends . Using EDTA enrichment, viable mutants with deletions of at least 3.5 kb were isolated and mapped . Phage adsorption, sensitivities and plating efficiency were investigated . Non-liposome PEG-mediated transfection was demonstrated. Trends Biotechnol, 1990 Apr, 8(4), 105 - 11 Microbial isopenicillin N synthase genes: structure, function, diversity and evolution; Cohen G et al.; Clinically and economically, penicillins and cephalosporins are the most important class of the beta-lactam antibiotics . They are produced by a wide variety of microorganisms including numerous species of Streptomyces, some unicellular bacteria and several filamentous fungi . A key step common to their biosynthetic pathways is the conversion of a linear, cysteine-containing tripeptide to a bicyclic beta-lactam antibiotic by isopenicillin N synthase . Recent successes in the cloning and expression of isopenicillin N synthase genes now permit production of a plentiful supply of this enzyme, which may be used for structural and mechanistic studies, or for biotechnological applications in the creation of novel beta-lactam compounds from peptide analogues . New ideas concerning the evolution and prevalence of the penicillin and cephalosporin biosynthetic genes have emerged from studies of isopenicillin N synthase genes. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 1990 Apr, 33(1), 81 - 7 Trimethyl lead degradation by free and immobilized cells of an Arthrobacter sp . and by the wood decay fungus Phaeolus schweinitzii; Macaskie LE et al.; The continuing production of leaded petrol generates liquid wastes containing recalcitrant trialkyl lead, for which no suitable chemical treatment has been formulated . This investigation explores the feasibility of using microorganisms to catalyse the rate-limiting step of trimethyl lead degradation to dialkyl lead; this disproportionates chemically to give, ultimately, Pb2+ which is treatable by classical methods . An Arthrobacter sp . and a wood decay macrofungus, Phaeolus schweinitzii provide novel evidence for metabolic trimethyl lead (Me3Pb+) degradation . The retention of this activity in immobilized cell column reactors challenged with Me3Pb(+)-supplemented flows suggests that a future biotreatment process may be possible. Dtsch Med Wochenschr, 1990 Mar 30, 115(13), 489 - 95 {Hemolytic-uremic syndrome in infants due to verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli}; Karch H et al.; Between September and November 1988, six children (aged 4-17 months) from a parish in Upper Bavaria fell ill with a haemolytic-uraemic syndrome . The illness had been preceded by a gastroenteritis with at times haemorrhagic stools . All patients needed peritoneal dialysis for acute renal failure . A 12-month-old girl was left with statomotoric developmental impairment due to cerebral involvement, but the other five children were cured . In the first four children to be admitted stool examinations for the common enteritis-causing microorganisms had been negative . But in the following two, specific gene probes demonstrated enterohaemorrhagic E . coli O157: H- with formation of verotoxin 2 (Shiga-like toxin II) . This group of microorganisms must be taken into account in the diagnosis of haemorrhagic enterocolitis, because they can cause severe complications. Mikrobiol Zh, 1990 Mar-Apr, 52(2), 18 - 22 {The ultrastructural characteristics of the causative agent of melioidosis and its interaction with phagocytes in vivo}; Popov SF et al.; The electron microscopic studies have established that the virulent strain of Pseudomonas pseudomallei C-141, an agent of melioidosis, being intraperitoneally administered to guinea pigs, forms in vivo three morphological variants . One variant is capsule-free, while two others have a capsule which in the second variant may be referred by its characters to the microcapsule and in the third one to the macrocapsule . It has been shown that under the interaction of these three morphological variants with the microorganism cells the bacteria of the first and second variants are absorbed by phagocytes, whereas the microbial cells of the third morphological variant are more resistant to the phagocytosis. Plasmid, 1990 Mar, 23(2), 144 - 8 The 7.5-kb plasmid present in Chlamydia trachomatis is not essential for the growth of this microorganism; Peterson EM et al.; An L2 serovar of Chlamydia trachomatis, isolated from a patient with proctocolitis, has been identified that does not contain the common C . trachomatis 7.5-kb plasmid . This isolate was propagated in vitro showing that this plasmid is not required for the growth of C . trachomatis. J Burn Care Rehabil, 1990 Mar-Apr, 11(2), 135 - 6 Water-Jel in the treatment of burns . A bacteriologic study; Dolecek R et al.; In a previous study the Water-Jel system (dressings) was found to protect the burn wound from microbial contamination and to have excellent analgesic and cooling effects when used as the first-aid dressing . In an extensive bacteriologic study in vitro, both semiquantitative and qualitative, Water-Jel was bactericidal in all 15 microorganisms tested, including yeasts . All 15 microorganisms were from the Ostrava Burn Unit . Water-Jel was used successfully in three surgical, nonburned patients with very contaminated, dilacerated wounds . It was superior to all the selective antibiotics used systemically . After its 3-day application, the wounds became sterile; the skin grafting was successful. Biotechniques, 1990 Mar, 8(3), 316 - 8 Solution hybridization assay for detecting genetically engineered microorganisms in environmental samples; Steffan RT et al.; A solution hybridization method was developed for detecting genetically engineered microorganisms in environmental samples . The detection method involves recovery of DNA from the microbial community of an environmental sample followed by hybridization in solution with a radiolabeled RNA gene probe . After nuclease digestion of non-hybridized probe RNA, the DNA-RNA hybrids formed in the solution hybridization reaction are separated by sephadex or hydroxyapatite column chromatography and detected by liquid scintillation counting . Using solution hybridization-gene probe detection, as few as 100-1000 target cells per gram sediment sample of a 2,4,5-T-degrading genetically engineered microorganisms could be detected. J Vet Pharmacol Ther, 1990 Mar, 13(1), 7 - 14 Spiramycin concentrations in plasma and genital-tract secretions after intravenous administration in the ewe; Cester CC et al.; Uterine infections are associated with reduced fertility in ruminant species . Spiramycin is a macrolide antibiotic potentially active against most of the microorganisms isolated from secretions of infected genital tracts . The present work investigated the ability of systemically administered spiramycin to enter genital secretions, by determining the disposition kinetics of the antibiotic in both plasma and uterine genital secretions . Five healthy ovariectomized ewes were given a single intravenous (i.v.) injection of spiramycin, at a dose of 20 mg/kg . Plasma and genital secretion samples were collected at predetermined intervals for 5 days post-injection . Blood was collected from the jugular vein while mucus was obtained by inserting polyurethane sponges into the vagina . The spiramycin concentration peak in genital-tract secretions was obtained 2.53 +/- 0.63 h after the i.v . administration . The mean residence time was significantly longer (P less than 0.01) in the mucus (18.31 +/- 3.24 h) than in plasma (6.99 +/- 2.53 h) . An average mucus to plasma ratio of 7.87 +/- 3.00 was calculated from the area under concentration-time curves covering the period under study . These data indicate that after systemic administration to ewes, spiramycin is rapidly found in genital-tract secretions, at concentrations which are sufficiently high and persistent to suggest its use in the treatment of post-partum uterine infections. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Mar, 56(3), 812 - 4 Enzymatic profiles of 11 barophilic bacteria under in situ conditions: evidence for pressure modulation of phenotype; Straube WL et al.; Barophilic bacteria are microorganisms that grow preferentially (facultative barophiles) or exclusively (obligate barophiles) under elevated hydrostatic pressure . Barophilic bacteria have been isolated from a variety of deep-sea environments . Attempts to characterize these organisms have been hampered by a lack of appropriate methodologies . A colorimetric method for the detection of 19 constitutively expressed enzymes under in situ conditions of pressure and temperature has been devised, using a simple modification of the commercially available API ZYME enzyme assay kit . By using this method, enzyme profiles of 11 barophilic isolates, including an obligate barophile, were determined . Nine of the 10 facultatively barophilic isolates examined exhibited a change of phenotype in at least one enzyme reaction when tested at 1 atm (1 atm = 101.29 kPa), compared with results obtained under in situ pressure . The assay is simple and rapid and allows for direct determination of enzyme activity under conditions of high pressure and low temperature. Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi, 1990 Mar, 28(3), 404 - 9 {Comparison of immunological aspects in diffuse panbronchiolitis and cystic bronchiectasis}; Sato A; We examined immunological parameters in 35 patients with diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) and 20 patients with cystic bronchiectasis (CBE) to analyze the relation between local immune responses and subsequent clinical courses . Patients with DPB showed more impaired cell-mediated immunity than those with CBE . On analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes from DPB and CBE, the significant increase in CD4 positive T-cells and Fc alpha R positive T-cells and decrease in Leu-11 positive cells were recognized . The observation of humoral immunity revealed a tendency for local immunity to be accelerated such as increases of IgA and IgG2 in both diseases . The titer of serum cold agglutinin and rheumatoid factor were elevated in DPB . However, these fluctuations of immunological factors were normalized according to improvement of inflammatory processes by chemotherapy . The analysis of the distribution of lymphocyte subsets in lung tissues taken from DPB showed that CD4 positive T-cells always overwhelmed CD8-positive T-cells and that secretary IgA-positive B-cells were abundant in bronchioles . On the other hand, bronchiolitis was recognized in about 80% of cases with CBE, although to a less striking degree than DPB . Lymphocyte subsets were similarly distributed in the respiratory tract . DPB and CBE could be considered as the same disease entity in the spectrum of chronic respiratory tract infection based on mucociliary disorder . Sinusitis and immunological abnormalities are often complicated by both diseases . However, precise analysis demonstrated that there are some obvious differences of systemic and local immune responses between DPB and CBE, probably due to the conditions of each diseases such as primary focus, severity and causative microorganism. Naturwissenschaften, 1990 Mar, 77(3), 103 - 9 {100 years of lectin research--a balance}; Franz H; A hundred years of lectin research has led to the development of lectinology as an independent field of study . Although lectinology is in part related to immunology, fundamental differences exist . Lectins are important tools in biochemistry, histochemistry and clinical diagnosis . The essential in vivo function of lectins is to combine glycoconjugates . The function of lectins in microorganisms and in animals is partially known, whereas the function of lectins in plants is mostly unclear . Of special interest, now as before, are the toxic lectins of the ricin type consisting of an A-chain (N-glycosidase) and a B-chain (D-galactose-specific lectin). J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Mar, 28(3), 508 - 12 Cultivation of Nocardia spp . on chemically defined media for selective recovery of isolates from clinical specimens; Shawar RM et al.; Isolation of Nocardia spp . from clinical specimens can be enhanced by the use of paraffin baiting, which relies on the selective ability of the organism to metabolize paraffin . We evaluated 44 Nocardia isolates, 18 group IV mycobacterial isolates, and 4 Streptomyces isolates for growth on blood agar (BA) and on carbon-free agar containing single or double substrates as follows: paraffin agar (PA), gelatin agar (GA), urea agar (UA), PA-gelatin (PG), and PA-urea (PU) . The growth rates of Nocardia spp . on BA, PA, PU, and PG were similar; but 3-day-old colonies were larger on BA for 20 (45%) isolates . After longer incubations (7 to 14 days), some Nocardia colonies were larger on PA, PG and PU than they were on BA . Despite variable morphologies on BA, colonies on PA, PG, and PU were consistently smooth, creamy, and raised . Compared with growth on BA, the growth of mycobacteria was much slower on PA, PG, and PU, with poor growth on UA and GA . The growth of Streptomyces spp . was greatly enhanced on GA, PG, UA, and PU and was poorest on PA . Twelve sputum specimens seeded with Nocardia asteroides (10(4) CFU/ml) were inoculated onto BA and all chemically defined media . Nocardiae were recovered from 6 to 12 specimens grown on BA, GA, and UA; 11 of 12 specimens grown on PG; and 12 of 12 specimens grown on PA and PU . Only PA was able to suppress the growth of other microorganisms that were present in sputum specimens . These results suggest that chemically defined media containing PA may be useful for the selective isolation of Nocardia spp . from contaminated clinical specimens. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Mar, 56(3), 803 - 7 Tissue distribution of a coliphage and Escherichia coli in mussels after contamination and depuration; Power UF et al.; Experiments were undertaken to determine the tissue distribution of Escherichia coli and a coliphage after contamination of the common mussel (Mytilus edulis) . Mussels were contaminated with high levels of feces-associated E . coli and a 22-nm icosahedral coliphage over a 2-day period in a flowing-seawater facility . After contamination, individual tissues were carefully dissected and assayed for E . coli and the coliphage . Contaminated mussels were also analyzed to determine the tissue distribution of the contaminants after 24- and 48-h depuration periods . The majority of each contaminant was located in the digestive tract (94 and 89% of E . coli and coliphage, respectively) . Decreasing concentrations were found in the gills and labial palps, foot and muscles, mantle lobes, and hemolymph . Our results indicate that contamination above levels in water occurred only in the digestive tract . Contaminated mussels were depurated in a commercial-scale recirculating UV depuration system over a 48-h period . The percent reductions of E . coli occurred in the following order: digestive tract, hemolymph, foot and muscles, mantle lobes, and gills and labial palps . The percent reductions of the coliphage were different, occurring in the following order: hemolymph, foot and muscles, gills and labial palps, mantle lobes, and digestive tract . Our results clearly demonstrate that E . coli and the coliphage are differentially eliminated from the digestive tract . The two microorganisms are eliminated at similar rates from the remaining tissues . Our results also clearly show that the most significant coliphage retention after depuration for 48 h is in the digestive tract . Thus, conventional depuration practices are inappropriate for efficient virus elimination from mussels. Biochem Pharmacol, 1990 Mar 1, 39(5), 841 - 9 Inhibition by new anthraquinone compounds, K-259-2 and KS-619-1, of calmodulin-dependent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase; Matsuda Y et al.; K-259-2 and KS-619-1, novel anionic anthraquinone metabolites isolated from culture broth of microorganisms, inhibited activation of bovine brain phosphodiesterase induced by calmodulin (CaM), sodium oleate, or limited proteolysis with almost equal potency . The inhibition of calmodulin-activated phosphodiesterase (CaM-PDE) by K-259-2 or KS-619-1 was overcome by a higher concentration of CaM . Direct interaction of K-259-2 and KS-619-1 with CaM was confirmed through use of hydrophobic fluorescent probes . Kinetic analysis revealed that the inhibition of the trypsin-activated phosphodiesterase was competitively inhibited by K-259-2 or KS-619-1 with respect to cAMP . Addition of a lower amount of either phosphatidylserine or sodium oleate to the reaction mixture was efficacious in attenuating the inhibition of the CaM-PDE by W-7, chlorpromazine, trifluoperazine, compound 48/80, or R-24571 but, in contrast, had little or no effect on the inhibition by K-259-2 or KS-619-1 . In conclusion, K-259-2 and KS-619-1, unlike so-called CaM antagonists, do not interact with phosphatidylserine or sodium oleate and it appears that these novel anthraquinone compounds inhibit the enzyme not only via CaM antagonism but possibly also by interacting directly with the enzyme. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho, 1990 Mar, 17(3 Pt 1), 315 - 21 {Inhibitors of oncogene product functions}; Umezawa K; Streptomyces and other microorganisms produce antibiotics, and enzyme inhibitors as secondary metabolites . Thus, they could be said as a treasury of organic compounds which have various structures and biological functions . Since oncogene theory has been extensively developed, we have screened oncogene function inhibitors from microorganisms as a new group of microbial secondary metabolites . Erbstatin is an inhibitor of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and p60v-src-associated tyrosine kinase . Its inhibitory pattern vs . peptide is competitive . In cell culture it inhibited both EGF receptor autophosphorylation and internalization . Recently, we have isolated lavendustin A, an extremely potent inhibitor of tyrosine kinase, from Streptomyces . Lavendustin A is a novel compound and about 50 times stronger than erbstatin in inhibiting tyrosine kinase . Oxanosine is an inhibitor of ras oncogene product activity . It induces normal phenotypes in temperature-sensitive Kirsten sarcoma virus-infected rat kidney cells, lowering the intracellular levels of guanine nucleotides . Many oncogenes including src, ras, sis, fms and erbB are known to activate cellular phosphatidylinositol (PI) turnover . Therefore we have screened inhibitors of PI turnover and isolated psi-tectorigenine and pendolmycin from Nocardiopsis and inostamycin from Streptomyces . PI kinase is an enzyme involved in PI turnover pathways . We have isolated 2, 3-dihydroxybenzoic acid from Streptomyces as an inhibitor of PI kinase . These oncogene function inhibitors from microorganisms will be useful for the mechanistic study of oncogene product activities. Bol Oficina Sanit Panam, 1990 Mar, 108(3), 198 - 212 {Radioactivity and food}; Olszyna-Marzys AE; Two topics relating to radioactivity and food are discussed: food irradiation for preservation purposes, and food contamination from radioactive substances . Food irradiation involves the use of electromagnetic energy (x and gamma rays) emitted by radioactive substances or produced by machine in order to destroy the insects and microorganisms present and prevent germination . The sanitary and economic advantages of treating food in this way are discussed . Numerous studies have confirmed that under strictly controlled conditions no undesirable changes take place in food that has been irradiated nor is radioactivity induced . Reference is made to the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station, which aroused public concern about irradiated food . The events surrounding the accident are reviewed, and its consequences with regard to contamination of different foods with radioactive substances, particularly iodine-131 and cesium-137, are described . Also discussed are the steps that have been taken by different international organizations to set limits on acceptable radioactivity in food. Derm Beruf Umwelt, 1990 Mar-Apr, 38(2), 42 - 9 {Dermatomycoses as occupational diseases . The causative agents, sources of infection and the involved occupations}; Zienicke H et al.; Fungal diseases of the skin can be occupational dermatoses . This applies in particular to diseases due to microorganisms acquired from animals . A discussion of the relationship between occupation and disease, however, is not only pertinent in regards to dermatophytoses due to zoophilic fungi but also with those due to geophilic and--to a certain extent--even anthropophilic ones . The same is true of candidiasis . The present review deals with the various standpoints concerning the role of occupation in the development of cutaneous mycoses . In addition casuistic evidence for the various types disease, is compiled and discussed. Vrach Delo, 1990 Mar, (3), 38 - 40 {The significance of L-form mycobacteria in the development of pulmonary tuberculosis}; Snitinskaia OS et al.; It was established by means of bacteriological examination that L-forms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are isolated in 42% of freshly detected cases with different clinical forms of tuberculosis of the respiratory organs . It was found that the isolated strains of microorganisms induce in guinea pigs a disease against the background of disorders of the general and specific immunological reactivity. FEMS Microbiol Rev, 1990 Mar, 6(1), 57 - 101 Physiology and genetics of methylotrophic bacteria; de Vries GE et al.; Methylotrophic bacteria comprise a broad range of obligate aerobic microorganisms, which are able to proliferate on (a number of) compounds lacking carbon-carbon bonds . This contribution will essentially be limited to those organisms that are able to utilize methanol and will cover the physiological, biochemical and genetic aspects of this still diverse group of organisms . In recent years much progress has been made in the biochemical and genetic characterization of pathways and the knowledge of specific reactions involved in methanol catabolism . Only a few of the genetic loci hitherto found have been matched by biochemical experiments through the isolation or demonstration of specific gene products . Conversely, several factors have been identified by biochemical means and were shown to be involved in the methanol dehydrogenase reaction or subsequent electron transfer . For the majority of these components, their genetic loci are unknown . A comprehensive treatise on the regulation and molecular mechanism of methanol oxidation is therefore presented, followed by the data that have become available through the use of genetic analysis . The assemblage of methanol dehydrogenase enzyme, the role of pyrrolo-quinoline quinone, the involvement of accessory factors, the evident translocation of all these components to the periplasm and the dedicated link to the electron transport chain are now accepted and well studied phenomena in a few selected facultative methylotrophs . Metabolic regulation of gene expression, efficiency of energy conservation and the question whether universal rules apply to methylotrophs in general, have so far been given less attention . In order to expand these studies to less well known methylotrophic species initial results concerning such area as genetic mapping, the molecular characterization of specific genes and extrachromosomal genetics will also pass in review. Rev Infect Dis, 1990 Mar-Apr, 12(2), 204 - 22 Virus-induced autoimmunity; Schattner A et al.; Viral infections in humans commonly result in the transient appearance of a variety of autoantibodies and, in some patients, the development of autoimmune tissue injury and disease . The capacity to cause or exacerbate an autoimmune process is common to many viruses, affecting mainly organs injured by the replicating virus, as demonstrated by several animal models . Viral "footprints" can often be found in patients with autoimmune diseases and include high titers of specific antiviral antibodies, identification of viral (retroviral) sequences, and the presence of alpha-interferons in the serum . Several mechanisms that are not mutually exclusive can account for the pathogenesis of virus-induced autoimmunity . Viruses may modify or release sequestered cellular proteins or affect the host's immune system by direct polyclonal activation of B cells, effects on immunoregulatory cells, and release of lymphokines . The appearance of antiviral antibodies may also be deleterious to the host through molecular mimicry, the generation of anti-idiotypic antibodies, or the formation of immune complexes . No single microorganism or mechanism can explain the extremely varied phenomena of autoimmunity, but growing evidence suggests that certain viral infections may lead to clinically manifest autoimmunity in individuals having genetic and possibly other predisposing factors. J Endod, 1990 Mar, 16(3), 119 - 22 Quantitative analysis of the immunocompetent cells in periapical granuloma: correlation with the histological characteristics of the lesions; Lukic A et al.; Granuloma formation includes an immune response in oral tissues to various microorganisms and their products . The immunocompetent cells of both series (T and B) are present in the periapical lesions . In order to further analyze the relative contribution and pathophysiological significance of the T cell subsets in granuloma formation, we undertook the quantitative analysis of the CD3-positive, CD4-positive, CD8-positive and Ig-positive cells in these lesions by using indirect immunofluorescence . Evidence is provided showing predominance of T cells in diffuse and B cells in focal mononuclear infiltrates . CD8-positive cells were more frequent in diffuse infiltrates and in particular in granulomas with distinct epithelium while CD4-positive cells were more numerous in focal infiltrates . It appears that the presence and ratios of different subsets of immunocompetent cells reflects the pathogenesis of granuloma and transformation to cyst. Infect Immun, 1990 Mar, 58(3), 779 - 87 Parasitophorous vacuoles of Leishmania amazonensis-infected macrophages maintain an acidic pH; Antoine JC et al.; Leishmania amastigotes are intracellular protozoan parasites of mononuclear phagocytes which reside within parasitophorous vacuoles of phagolysosomal origin . The pH of these compartments was studied with the aim of elucidating strategies used by these microorganisms to evade the microbicidal mechanisms of their host cells . For this purpose, rat bone marrow-derived macrophages were infected with L . amazonensis amastigotes . Intracellular acidic compartments were localized by using the weak base 3-(2,4-dinitroanilino)-3'-amino-N-methyldipropylamine as a probe . This indicator, which can be detected by light microscopy by using immunocytochemical methods, mainly accumulated in perinuclear lysosomes of uninfected cells, whereas in infected cells, it was essentially localized in parasitophorous vacuoles, which thus appeared acidified . Phagolysosomal pH was estimated quantitatively in living cells loaded with the pH-sensitive endocytic tracer fluoresceinated dextran . After a 15- to 20-h exposure, the tracer was mainly detected in perinuclear lysosomes and parasitophorous vacuoles of uninfected and infected macrophages, respectively . Fluorescence intensities were determined from digitized video images of single cells after processing and automatic subtraction of background . We found statistically different mean pH values of 5.17 to 5.48 for lysosomes and 4.74 to 5.26 for parasitophorous vacuoles . As for lysosomes of monensin-treated cells, the pH gradient of parasitophorous vacuoles collapsed after monensin was added . This very likely indicates that these vacuoles maintain an acidic internal pH by an active process . These results show that L . amazonensis amastigotes are acidophilic and opportunistic organisms and suggest that these intracellular parasites have evolved means for survival under these harsh conditions and have acquired plasma membrane components compatible with the environment. Cancer, 1990 Feb 15, 65(4), 1041 - 7 Typhlitis . An 18-year experience and postmortem review; Katz JA et al.; A review of pediatric autopsy results at the Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine from 1970 through 1987 was conducted . Thirty-three cases of typhlitis were identified in patients with acute leukemia and two cases each in patients with lymphoblastic lymphoma and aplastic anemia . Patients ranged in age from 10 months to 17 years . Fifty-seven percent were male and 43% were female . All were myelosuppressed . A postmortem incidence rate of 24% was determined for patients with acute leukemia . Common symptoms included abdominal pain and distention in 78% of patients and acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding in 35% . Abdominal radiographs varied in spectrum from a nonspecific bowel gas pattern to frank right colonic pneumatosis intestinalis . Thirty-three patients received chemotherapy within 30 days before onset of abdominal symptoms . All patients were febrile (greater than 38.5 degrees C), and 33 received broad-spectrum antibiotics . Three patients received amphotericin B . Premortem, 84% of organisms cultured from blood were bacterial whereas 16% were fungal . Fungal pathogens accounted for 53% of new microorganisms seen at autopsy . Postmortem examination showed typhlitis in the following anatomic distributions: (1) confined to the cecum; (2) involving the cecum and ileum; (3) involving the cecum, ileum, and ascending colon; or (4) involving the cecum, with sporadic ulcers throughout the intestine . This review includes clinical and postmortem features of typhlitis and current strategies for diagnosis and management. Blood, 1990 Feb 15, 75(4), 984 - 9 Release of iron from phagocytosed Escherichia coli and uptake by neutrophil lactoferrin; Molloy AL et al.; Escherichia coli were labeled with 59Fe and then either treated with myeloperoxidase, H2O2, and chloride or opsonized and mixed with human neutrophils . The myeloperoxidase system at pH 7.4 caused release of most of the bacterial 59Fe . A similar result has been obtained by Rosen and Klebanoff (J Biol Chem 257:13731, 1982) but at pH 5 . Iron release at pH 7.4 did not require the presence of a chelator, and the majority passed through a 10,000 relative molecular mass cut-off ultrafiltration membrane . When iron-poor lactoferrin was present during incubation with myeloperoxidase, 88% of the released 59Fe was precipitated with anti-lactoferrin antiserum, indicating that it was lactoferrin-bound . When the bacteria were mixed with neutrophils in a 10:1 ratio, approximately 50% were phagocytosed . About 40% of the 59Fe was released from the ingested bacteria over a 40-minute period . Initially, most remained associated with the neutrophil phagosomes, but with time, there was gradual transfer of some of the iron to the medium . Using anti-lactoferrin antiserum, 50% to 60% of phagosomal iron and 64% to 71% of iron in the medium was shown to be bound to lactoferrin . Thus, iron is released from phagocytosed E coli . Most becomes bound to lactoferrin, and some of this is released into the surroundings of the neutrophils . This suggests that neutrophil lactoferrin may function to trap iron from ingested microorganisms, enabling its removal from sites of inflammation . This may prevent iron from catalyzing undesirable oxidative reactions, as well as making it unavailable for growth of microorganisms that survive the killing process. J Leukoc Biol, 1990 Feb, 47(2), 187 - 93 Macrophage-parasite interactions in Leishmania infections; Mauel J; Macrophages have different roles in Leishmania infections . They function as host-cells to the parasite, they present parasite antigens to the immune system, and they also act as effector cells responsible for parasite killing in the healing stages of the infection . Protein and carbohydrate ligands on the parasite surface, which interact with receptors on the macrophage membrane during phagocytosis, have been identified . Survival of Leishmania in its host cell requires a metabolic adaptation to the intracellular environment . The nutritional requirements of the microorganism must be satisfied and the deleterious effect of oxygen metabolites and of lysosomal hydrolases must be adequately counteracted . When a successful immune response develops, macrophages become activated and acquire the capacity to destroy the microorganism . Possible reasons why these mechanisms fail in certain individuals or experimental host-parasite combinations are discussed. J Leukoc Biol, 1990 Feb, 47(2), 176 - 86 Influenza A virus and the neutrophil: a model of natural immunity; Hartshorn KL et al.; Natural immune reactions are mediated by lymphocytes, macrophages/monocytes, and neutrophils . The latter have been implicated in a variety of self-surveillance models, i.e., activity against malignant host cells, participation in wound repair, and infliction of damage in postischemic perfusion injury . Better characterized are the interactions with unopsonized pathogens through lectinophagocytosis mechanisms, where the lectin resides either on the phagocyte or on the microorganism . This review examines the infection by influenza A virus (IAV) of the human neutrophil, which results in the vigorous metabolic response of the cell to generate toxic oxygen species . This response is not necessarily characteristic of response to unopsonized particles, as the neutrophil exhibits no such activity to unopsonized zymosan or chlamydia . The virus elicits calcium mobilization from intracellular stores through a pertussis toxin-insensitive mechanism, and in its particulars the activation cascade is unique in comparison to any other characterized agonist . The putative receptor for the IAV binding protein, hemagglutinin (HA), contains the sialic acid residues; identification of specifically linked protein receptors will allow characterization of this stimulation pathway and will define the molecular biology of this activation sequence . Insight into this particular pathway may allow definition of a primitive recognition system that represents a fundamental basis for discernment of self and nonself entities. Am Rev Respir Dis, 1990 Feb, 141(2), 471 - 501 Macrophages and polymorphonuclear neutrophils in lung defense and injury; Sibille Y et al.; Phagocytes, in particular macrophages and PMN, are now recognized as major components of inflammatory and immunologic reactions in the lung . Normally, macrophages represent the majority of phagocytes in the lower respiratory tract . These lung macrophages are morphologically and functionally heterogenous and include alveolar, interstitial, intravascular, and airway macrophages, each with characteristic morphologic and functional features . Through the presence of surface receptors for numerous ligands and through their large number of secretory products, lung macrophages can respond to environmental factors and account for most of the clearance of microparticles and microorganisms in the distal airways and the alveolar spaces . In addition, macrophages also play an important role in inflammatory processes through the release of oxygen radicals and proteolytic enzymes . Through the release of several cytokines, i.e., growth-promoting and inhibiting factors, lung macrophages may also influence both matrix damage and repair processes . Macrophages can also contribute to the alveolitis by recruitment of inflammatory and immune cells . This latter contribution is best demonstrated in migration movement of PMN . The normal distal airways generally contain a small number of PMN, but the pulmonary vascular bed represents a large reservoir of PMN . Some of them are in intimate contact with the endothelium, forming the so-called marginating pool of PMN . Because the capillary lumen is separated only from the alveolar space by a monolayer of endothelial and epithelial cells on each side of a thin interstitial matrix, it is likely that some inhibitory mechanism exists to prevent PMN from migrating towards the alveolar space . Such inhibitors of PMN migration are present both in serum and in the alveolar space, some being released by alveolar macrophages . However, alveolar macrophages can also secrete factors called chemotaxins that attract PMN to the airways, and this supports a central role for alveolar macrophages in the regulation of PMN traffic in the lungs . Thus, secretory products of alveolar macrophages are part of the regulatory mechanisms of PMN mobility and adherence that appears to be crucial in the initiation of some inflammatory reactions . The contribution of phagocytes to the defense against infection and tumor has been documented mostly in vitro . Thus, both oxygen radicals, in particular hydroxyl radicals and proteases such as lysozyme, are potent bactericidal agents . That phagocytes are also important defenders of the lungs in vivo is best supported by the observations in immunodeficient patients and animal models.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi, 1990 Feb, 15(2), 95 - 7, 126-7 {Comparison of bacteriostatic ability of oleum of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt., Cinnamomum cassia Presl and Nipagin A}; Zhang Z et al.; A comparison of bacteriostatic ability has been carried out among oleum of Perilla frutescens and Cinnamomum cassia, benzoic acid and nipagin A . The result shows that the inhibiting effect of Perilla frutescens and Cinnamomum cassia on microorganisms inoculated and spontaneously contaminated is similar to or obviously superior to nipagin A and benzoic acid. J Endod, 1990 Feb, 16(2), 54 - 61 Immunological aspects of chronic inflammation and repair; Trowbridge HO; Macrophages and lymphocytes play essential roles in cell-mediated mechanisms involved in chronic inflammation . During the development of specific immunity, macrophages are required to process and present antigen to immunocompetent T cells . They also serve as "accessory" cells to lymphocytes by releasing soluble factors involved in host defense . In order to carry out their role more effectively, macrophages have the property of being activated, a process that provides them with greater ability to phagocytose and kill ingested microorganisms . Activated T cells serve as key effector cells that are capable of producing lymphokines which modify the behavior of other cells . In this way, they are able to facilitate or suppress an immune response . Chronic inflammation is often associated with irreversible destruction of parenchymal tissue, and fibrous connective tissue fills the resultant defect . Proliferation of fibroblasts, collagen production, and neovascularization are enhanced by the secretion of cytokines by T cells and macrophages. Pneumologie, 1990 Feb, 44 Suppl 1, 471 - 2 {Value of diagnostic procedures in fiberoptic bronchoscopy of pulmonary infections}; Mainz D et al.; Fibreoptic bronchoscopy has become an important means of diagnosing infections of the lower respiratory tract, since it a method with few complications, whereas, on the other hand, the conventional non-invasive methods are hardly reliable in respect of diagnostic relevance . Frequent oropharyngeal contamination severely limits the significant assessment of the pathogenicity of cultured microorganisms . The protected specimen brush (PSB) or quantitative cultures of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) might be useful in solving this problem . These methods were studied in two prospective trials comprising 123 patients with suspected bronchopulmonary infection and 54 control patients . Both methods were found to be disappointing in respect of sensitivity; moreover, quantitative cultivation did not yield any differences with regard to specificity. Vet Med (Praha), 1990 Feb, 35(2), 73 - 80 {Immunologic status in cattle naturally infected with the microorganisms Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia psittaci}; Deptula W et al.; In the present paper there is a description of immunological reactions in 12 to 14 months old bullocks, naturally infected by the microorganisms Chlamydia (Ch.) psittaci and Chlamydia trachomatis . In the course of infection by the above-mentioned microorganisms (chlamydia isolated from semen) without any clinical symptoms the activity of leucocytes and polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) in the peripheral blood is variable and the concentrations of serum immunoglobulins (IG) decrease . It has been demonstrated that the infection of bullocks by Ch . trachomatis increases the bacteria absorbing capacity of PMN cells (from 14.2 to 20.1), percent of phagocytic cells in the peripheral blood (from 13.0 to 26.5%) . NBT reduction activity both in a spontaneous test (from 3 to 6) and in a stimulated test (from 8 to 12), and also myeloperoxidase activity (from 0.29 to 0.42) . In these animals there were also recorded decreases (although not statistically significant) in the concentrations of serum IgG1, IgG2, IgA by about 10% and by about 30% in IgM . In Ch . psittaci-infected bulls leucocyte migration in the peripheral blood decreased (from 4.5 to 2.7 mm) . PMN cell adherence (from 50 to 32), lysosome amount (from 0.63 to 0.35 mg per l) also decreased . In these bullocks decreases in the concentrations of serum Ig from 12.2 to 8.2 g per l in IgG1 and from 3.8 to 1.7 g per l in IgM were also proved. Minerva Stomatol, 1990 Feb, 39(2), 83 - 9 {Ultrastructural morphological study of supragingival tartar}; Lo Storto S et al.; Specimens of old supragingival calculus, collected from 5 patients with periodontitis, were examined electron-microscopically . Both intracellular and extracellular calcification were found . Intracellular calcification began as needle-shaped crystals or minute amorphous deposits within microorganisms . Extracellular calcification originated within the interbacterial matrix. Bol Med Hosp Infant Mex, 1990 Feb, 47(2), 78 - 83 {Bacterial colonization of the oral cavity in the newborn}; Torres-Alipi BI et al.; To determine the correlation between the bacterial flora of vagina or amniotic fluid of the mother and the oral cavity of the newborn, we made a prospective bacteriologic study in 43 newborns; 18 of them were born by cesarean section and 25 by vaginal delivery . The samples for the study were taken at birth, at 12 and 24 hours of life . In the newborns delivery by cesarean section was not correlation between the microorganism founded in amniotic fluid and neonatal oral cavity . In the neonates obtained by vaginal delivery there was correlation between the microorganisms in the oral cavity and the maternal vaginal flora . The results support the hypothesis that the bacteria colonize the oral cavity at birth comes from the vaginal cavity contamination of the mother. Optom Vis Sci, 1990 Feb, 67(2), 129 - 32 In-office microwave disinfection of soft contact lenses; Harris MG et al.; We evaluated the effectiveness of an in-office microwave disinfection procedure which allowed for the disinfection of up to 40 soft contact lenses at one time . Ciba AOSept cases filled with sterile unpreserved saline were contaminated with one of six FDA test challenge microorganisms at a concentration of approximately 10(3) colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml) . Twenty cases were placed on the rotating plate of a standard 2450 MHz 650 W microwave oven in a 10-cm diameter circle . The cases were exposed to high intensity microwave irradiation for periods of 0 to 15 min . None of the 6 microorganisms evaluated survived 2 min or longer of microwave exposure . Our findings indicated that microwave irradiation can be a convenient, rapid, and effective method of disinfecting a number of soft contact lenses at one time and thus adaptable as an in-office soft contact lens disinfection procedure. Z Gesamte Hyg, 1990 Feb, 36(2), 83 - 6 {Antisepsis of mucous membranes--current status and aspects of future development}; Heeg P; The mucous membranes colonized by high numbers of microorganisms play a major role as a source of nosocomial infections . According to clinical requirements it seems reasonable to distinguish three modes of application of antiseptics: 1 . single prophylactic (prior to mucosa-penetrating interventions), 2 . repeated periodical (wound care, treatment of oral cavity in intubated patients, decontamination of granulocytopenic patients), 3 . therapeutic (local mucosal infections) including treatment of carriers to prevent transmission and spread of pathogens . Active agents commonly in use are PVP-iodine, cation-active detergents (e.g . chlorhexidine), oxygen-releasing compounds and organic mercury compounds . Presently chlorhexidine and PVP-iodine are the most frequently applied of these antiseptics while the organic mercury compounds are less important because of limited efficacy, toxicological and ecological problems . Preliminary data from investigations using a newly developed antiseptic, octenidine, a bispyridine compound, demonstrate reduction factors comparable to those obtained by PVP-iodine . Yet no standardized test methods for the efficacy of different substances and methods of application have been established. Laryngorhinootologie, 1990 Feb, 69(2), 84 - 7 {Differential diagnosis of malignant ulcer of the mouth mucosa--the Sutton aphthae (periadenitis mucosa necrotica recurrens)}; Abrams J; Sutton's ulcer is one of the recurrent oral ulcers . It normally occurs on the nonkeratinized oral mucosa and heals by scar formation . The cause is assumed to be an immunologic response to oral epithelium or the antigen of a microorganism . Therapy is unspecific or topical use of antibiotics and cortisone is recommended . The exclusion of a local or systemic malignant disease seems to be the most important feature of a differential diagnosis. Fertil Steril, 1990 Feb, 53(2), 331 - 6 Male genital mycoplasmas and Chlamydia trachomatis culture: its relationship with accessory gland function, sperm quality, and autoimmunity; Soffer Y et al.; To study the effect of mycoplasmas and Chlamydia trachomatis infection on semen quality, these microorganisms were cultured from the semen and anterior urethra respectively, in a group of 175 infertile men suspected of a silent genital infection with a poor postcoital test . Chlamydia infection, but not mycoplasmas, was parodoxically more frequent in the apparently normal than oligotetratoasthenozoospermia patients . Mycoplasmas male infection, but not chlamydia, was more frequent in cases with female, mechanical, and/or organic infertility factors . Infection was unrelated to the accessory gland evaluation or sperm variables . However, seminal antisperm antibody activity was significantly increased in cases with any positive culture . By this local antibody increase, chlamydia and mycoplasmas may significantly reduce sperm egg penetration ability. Trends Biochem Sci, 1990 Feb, 15(2), 69 - 72 Turning on the respiratory burst; Baggiolini M et al.; The respiratory burst is a distinguishing property of phagocytes . It is induced by chemotactic stimulation or phagocytosis and reflects the activation of a membrane-bound enzyme system that transfers electrons from cytosolic NADPH to extracellular oxygen, producing superoxide . The products of the burst are essential for the killing of microorganisms, but are also a cause of tissue damage and inflammation . Studies aimed at a better understanding of the regulation of the respiratory burst should help in the search for new ways to treat infections and inflammation. Z Gesamte Hyg, 1990 Feb, 36(2), 74 - 6 {Thermal sterilization in the revision of the sterilization section of the East German medical reference}; Machmerth R et al.; The G-value estimating sterilization-process is offered and compared with other scales selected from bibliography . Based on the kinetic of destruction of microorganisms the G-value considers every parts of sterilization-processes especially with reference to peak-sterilization . It takes into account the resistance of microorganisms, the safety index and also the influence of germ reducing measures, e.g . cleaning, before the sterilization-processes . Finally a formula is presented to transform G- and F-values each other. FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1990 Feb, 55(3), 233 - 6 A simple plate-assay for the screening of L-malic acid producing microorganisms; Peleg Y et al.; A simple plate-assay has been developed to screen microorganisms for L-malic acid production . Acid producing organisms were identified, after microbial colony growth on media containing glucose or fumaric acid as sole carbons sources, by formation of a dark halo of formazan . The halo was observed when the plate was covered with a soft agar overlay containing NAD(+)-malate dehydrogenase, NAD+, phenazine methosulfate (PMS) and 3-{4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl}-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) . The assay developed is simple, specific for L-malic acid and therefore can be used to identify L-malic acid producing filamentous fungi using glucose as carbon source (e.g . Aspergillus strains) . The assay is also applicable for screening bacteria with high fumarase activity, able to convert fumaric acid to L-malic acid. Immun Infekt, 1990 Feb, 18(1), 3 - 8 {Chlamydia and Mycoplasma infections of newborns}; Schiefer HG et al.; Chlamydia trachomatis and the urogenital mycoplasmas are sexually transmitted microorganisms mutually infecting the sexual partners . Transmission from mother to child occurs in utero or, in particular, perinatally when the delivered child passes through the infected cervix . Diseases of newborns infected by Chlamydia trachomatis are inclusion conjunctivitis or infant chlamydial pneumonia . In very-low-birth-weight infants perinatal infections by urogenital mycoplasmas induce pneumonia, septicemia, and chronic lung disease. Biotechnol Appl Biochem, 1990 Feb, 12(1), 1 - 10 Measurement of protein biomass by Fourier transform infrared-photoacoustic spectroscopy; Gordon SH et al.; A relatively new analytical technique, Fourier transform infrared-photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR-PAS), provides spectra of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms in solid states not suitable for conventional absorption spectroscopy . In this paper the feasibility of quantitative measurement of protein biomass on solid substrates by FTIR-PAS is examined and discussed . By measuring photoacoustic absorption bands from amide groups in the protein of microorganisms, the increase in biomass that occurs during growth was monitored directly and accurately . Incorporation of polyacrylonitrile into the sample as an internal standard was shown to be a convenient method for improving both the reliability and the range of detection by photoacoustic spectroscopy . Results of FTIR-PAS measurements of known quantities of microbial mass in simulated growth experiments suggest that the technique may be especially suitable for assays of microorganisms used in solid-state biosyntheses of drugs, hormones, and other biological agents. Am J Infect Control, 1990 Feb, 18(1), 1 - 12 Implementing and evaluating a system of generic infection precautions: body substance isolation; Lynch P et al.; Body substance isolation (BSI) is a system of infection precautions intended to reduce nosocomial transmission of infectious agents among patients and to reduce the risk of transmission of hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and other infectious agents to health care personnel . Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Wash., was the first facility in the United States to implement the BSI system . Between 1984 and 1988 a systematic evaluation of the implementation process was conducted and the effects of BSI on appropriate glove use by hospital personnel and on the incidence of nosocomial colonization and infection by sentinel organisms was measured . Results of the evaluation showed (1) significant increments in knowledge of infection control procedures and practices as measured by comparing written examination responses before and after training sessions, (2) significant increases in appropriate glove use as determined by direct observation of hospital employees for 18 months, and (3) significant reductions in nosocomial colonization and infection caused by sentinel microorganisms during the period from 1984 to 1988. J Periodontol, 1990 Feb, 61(2), 75 - 80 Molecular genetic analysis of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans epidemiology; Zambon JJ et al.; Research over the past decade has identified many of the microorganisms involved in the etiology of human periodontitis such as Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans . Efforts are now directed toward defining these species' role in the pathogenic process . Since microbial colonization of host tissues is a key first step in developing a bacterial infection, determining the source of the periodontal pathogens and their route of transmission is likely to be crucial in formulating preventive strategies . Recently, a technique from molecular biology, restriction endonuclease analysis, has been used to track bacterial infections . In the present study, this method was used to investigate the epidemiology of A . actinomycetemcomitans infection . One hundred twenty-four human subgingival plaque isolates of A . actinomycetemcomitans were examined including bacterial strains from the United States, Korea, and Norway as well as 15 strains from cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) and spider monkeys (Macaca iris) and 4 reference strains . The genomic DNA from each strain was purified, digested with each of 16 restriction endonucleases, and the DNA digests were resolved by electrophoresis . The resulting patterns of DNA fragments were compared and also correlated with the A . actinomycetemcomitans serotype determined using serotype-specific antisera in immunofluorescence . Human isolates of A . actinomycetemcomitans even from disparate geographic sources showed little diversity by restriction endonuclease analysis . Three major restriction patterns were found . Restriction pattern I was common to all 20 of the serotype a isolates, restriction pattern II was associated with 58% of the 73 serotype b isolates examined, while restriction pattern III was associated with the remaining serotype b strains and with all 15 of the serotype c strains.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) J Bacteriol, 1990 Feb, 172(2), 519 - 24 Gene replacement and expression of foreign DNA in mycobacteria; Husson RN et al.; A system that permits molecular genetic manipulation of mycobacteria was developed on the basis of the yeast paradigm of gene replacement by homologous recombination . A shuttle vector that can replicate autonomously at a high copy number in Escherichia coli but must integrate into homologous DNA for survival in Mycobacterium smegmatis was constructed . The vector contains a ColE1 origin of replication, antibiotic resistance markers for ampicillin and kanamycin, a nutritional marker (pyrF) that allows both positive and negative selection in E . coli and M . smegmatis, and unique restriction sites that permit insertion of foreign DNA . Transformation of mycobacteria with this vector results in integration of its DNA into the genomic pyrF locus by either a single or a double homologous recombination event . With this system, the 65-kilodalton Mycobacterium leprae stress protein antigen was inserted into the M . smegmatis genome and expressed . This gene replacement technology, together with a uniquely useful pyrF marker, should be valuable for investigating mycobacterial pathobiology, for the development of candidate mycobacterial vaccine vehicles, and as a model for the development of molecular genetic systems in other pathogenic microorganisms. Cell Tissue Res, 1990 Feb, 259(2), 397 - 9 The epithelium overlying rabbit bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue does not express the secretory component of immunoglobulin A; Gehrke I et al.; The epithelium associated with lymphoid aggregates in the bronchial tract (BALT) was studied in rabbits by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies against the secretory component (SC) of IgA . The normal bronchus epithelium was intensely labelled . In contrast, epithelium overlying the central parts of the follicles was negative . This specialized epithelium cannot participate in the SC-mediated transport of IgA, which might be a basis for the adherence and transport of microorganisms into the lymphoid tissue, thus initiating immune responses of the BALT. Z Gesamte Hyg, 1990 Feb, 36(2), 90 - 1 {Survival of microorganisms on surfaces in relation to moisture and temperature and the effect of desiccation of microorganisms on resistance to disinfectants}; Krzywicka H et al.; In laboratory tests with carriers (glass, slab, blanket) at a high rel . humidity (95%) the survival was distinctly reduced by S . aureus at 37 degrees C and by Ps . aeruginosa at 21 degrees C and 37 degrees C . Against this after 24 h storing of contaminated carriers (glass) the resistance to disinfectants was higher at 95% rel . humidity as at 35% rel . humidity. J Mol Evol, 1990 Feb, 30(2), 140 - 5 Evolution of a protein superfamily: relationships between vertebrate lens crystallins and microorganism dormancy proteins; Wistow G; A search of sequence databases shows that spherulin 3a, an encystment-specific protein of Physarum polycephalum, is probably structurally related to the beta- and gamma-crystallins, vertebrate ocular lens proteins, and to Protein S, a sporulation-specific protein of Myxococcus xanthus . The beta- and gamma-crystallins have two similar domains thought to have arisen by two successive gene duplication and fusion events . Molecular modeling confirms that spherulin 3a has all the characteristics required to adopt the tertiary structure of a single gamma-crystallin domain . The structure of spherulin 3a thus illustrates an earlier stage in the evolution of this protein superfamily . The relationship of beta- and gamma-crystallins to spherulin 3a and Protein S suggests that the lens proteins were derived from an ancestor with a role in stress-response, perhaps a response to osmotic stress. J Exp Pathol (Oxford), 1990 Feb, 71(1), 69 - 82 Cyclosporin A modulation of the acute inflammatory response: an explanation for the effect of CsA on host defences in infection; Ormrod DJ et al.; Previous studies have shown that the administration of cyclosporin A (CsA) to animals with experimentally induced pyelonephritis resulted in considerable exacerbation of infection . T-lymphocytes are not involved in the host response to pyelonephritis but neutrophils are known to be a key component in the pathogenesis of this infection, so the effect of CsA on this inflammatory component was investigated . CsA administration did not affect the metabolic activity of neutrophils in vitro nor their ability to phagocytose and kill microorganisms . However, the ability of neutrophils to mobilize to a sterile inflammatory focus in vivo was significantly impaired . Further experiments, using models of pyelonephritis and subcutaneous infection, demonstrated that the CsA-induced suppression of neutrophil mobilization was directly related to the observed increase in bacterial numbers and exacerbation of tissue damage . Additionally, the actual effect of CsA on host defences and the outcome of infection was found to be dependent on the level of the initial infectious challenge . The results of this study provide an explanation for the current pattern of infectious disease in patients treated with CsA, in whom infection with extracellular pathogens is still common . It is also clear that the effect of CsA on inflammatory mechanisms may explain the efficacy of the agent in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis . This suggests a wider therapeutic role for CsA than is currently recognized. Arch Neurol, 1990 Feb, 47(2), 181 - 4 Aspergillus infection of the central nervous system in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Woods GL et al.; Infections of the central nervous system in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome are common . Of the many microorganisms that have been implicated, infection with Aspergillus is rare . We describe three patients with Aspergillus infection of the nervous system . Two patients had cerebral lesions due to Aspergillus flavus, and one patient had Aspergillus fumigatus infection of the spinal cord . Diagnosis of the infections was difficult, and therapy appeared to be ineffective. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1990 Feb, 43(2), 143 - 8 Probestin, a new inhibitor of aminopeptidase M, produced by Streptomyces azureus MH663-2F6 . I . Taxonomy, production, isolation, physico-chemical properties and biological activities; Aoyagi T et al.; Probestin has been isolated as part of a program designed to find microorganism-produced inhibitors of aminopeptidase M from Streptomyces azureus MH663-2F6 . It was purified by use of column chromatography of Amberlite XAD-4, silica gel, YMC-gel, Toyopearl HW-40, YMC D-ODS-5 (HPLC) and then isolated as colorless powders . Probestin is competitive with the substrate, and the inhibition constant (Ki) of it was 1.9 x 10(-8) M. J Periodontol, 1990 Feb, 61(2), 87 - 94 Histological differences between teeth with adult periodontitis and prepubertal periodontitis; Lopez NJ et al.; Thirty-nine permanent teeth from three siblings aged 11 to 14 years were extracted because of generalized prepubertal periodontitis (PP) and studied histologically with light microscopy . Twenty healthy teeth (HT) removed for orthodontic procedures from 10 children of similar ages and 22 teeth affected by adult periodontitis (AP) extracted from patients over 50 years old were used as controls . The cementum of the PP teeth was much thicker than that of the healthy teeth . A high percentage of resorption, unrelated to inflammation, was found in all the teeth studied . In 24 PP teeth the cementum was infiltrated by microorganisms and bacterial substances . All PP teeth showed a cuticle ranging from 10 to 80 microns in thickness on the diseased cementum . No similar structure was noted on the diseased cementum of the AP teeth . The PP teeth did not show any structural changes which could account for the severity of the periodontal lesions. Enzyme Microb Technol, 1990 Feb, 12(2), 124 - 6 Effective diffusion coefficient of sucrose in calcium alginate gel; Mehmetoglu U; The effective diffusion coefficient of sucrose in 5% calcium alginate gel containing 41.6 g.d.c . l-1 . Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated . Both free and immobilized S . cerevisiae in 0.175 cm and 0.3 cm diameter particles were used and the reactions were achieved in a medium containing 100 g l-1 sucrose and 0.05 M CaCl2 . With the assumption that the microorganisms did not grow or die in this medium, the results were analyzed according to Michaelis-Menten kinetics and the values of the parameters were determined as: Vm = 0.256 g ml-1 gel h-1, Km0 = 0.097 g ml-1, Km1 = 0.125 g ml-1, and Km2 = 0.165 g ml-1 . Using these values, effectiveness factors were calculated as eta 1 = 0.89 and eta 2 = 0.76, and effective diffusion coefficients for sucrose in calcium alginate gel were determined as De1 = 4.1 X 10(-6) cm2 s-1 and De2 = 4.0 X 10(-6) cm2 s-1, for the particle size involved. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, 1990 Jan 30, 326(1237), 595 - 608, discussion 608-11 Cold adaptation of microorganisms; Russell NJ; Psychrophilic and psychrotrophic microorganisms are important in global ecology as a large proportion of our planet is cold (below 5 degrees C); they are responsible for the spoilage of chilled food and they also have potential uses in low-temperature biotechnological processes . Psychrophiles and psychrotrophs are both capable of growing at or close to zero, but the optimum and upper temperature limits for growth are lower for psychrophiles compared with psychrotrophs . Psychrophiles are more often isolated from permanently cold habitats, whereas psychrotrophs tend to dominate those environments that undergo thermal fluctuations . The molecular basis of psychrophily is reviewed in terms of biochemical mechanisms . The lower growth temperature limit is fixed by the freezing properties of dilute aqueous solutions inside and outside the cell . In contrast, the ability of psychrophiles and psychrotrophs to grow at low, but not moderate, temperatures depends on adaptive changes in cellular proteins and lipids . Changes in proteins are genotypic, and are related to the properties of enzymes and translation systems, whereas changes in lipids are genotypic or phenotypic and are important in regulating membrane fluidity and permeability . The ability to adapt their solute uptake systems through membrane lipid modulation may distinguish psychrophiles from psychrotrophs . The upper growth temperature limit can result from the inactivation of a single enzyme type or system, including protein synthesis or energy generation. CLAO J, 1990 Jan-Mar, 16(1 Suppl), S61 - 4 A report card on hydrogen peroxide for contact lens disinfection; Holden B; Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is one of the best disinfectants for contact lenses . Despite the fact that hydrogen peroxide challenges microorganisms of all kinds, issues such as time of exposure, post-neutralization residuals, and lens stability remain . Data indicate that the currently recommended short exposure time (10 to 15 minutes) in inadequate for protection against fungi and Acanthamoeba and that at least 2 hours is necessary . The addition of weekly enzyme for lens cleaning is also essential in decreasing the incidence of contact lens-related conjunctivitis when lenses are not replaced frequently . In studies at the Cornea and Contact Lens Research Unit (CCLRU) of the University of New South Wales, daily wear of "disposable" lenses, mechanical cleaning, an H2O2 system, and lens disposal on a monthly basis resulted in an adverse response rate of almost zero over the first year of use . Residual H2O2 levels are of concern with some systems . Although data indicate that 100 ppm of H2O2 is the threshold for ocular awareness in many individuals, post-neutralization pH at the end of the neutralization cycle plays an important role in the occurrence of residual effects . Lens material composition also may play a role in determining the rate and degree of post-neutralization parameter recovery . These issues underscore the need for continued clinical research of H2O2 to update our understanding of the best methods of use for this valuable disinfection regimen. Monogr Pathol, 1990, (31), 247 - 85 Gastrointestinal immune system and its disorders; Keren DF; Over the past 15 years the basic details of the mucosal immune response have been described . The challenge of the next decade is to expand these details and to relate this basic information to pathologic processes in the gastrointestinal tract . It is now clear that secretory IgA is the main immunoglobulin produced by the mucosa . Further, we know that oral rather than parenteral priming preferentially stimulates a secretory IgA response . IgA protects mainly by binding to an intraluminal microorganism or toxin and thereby interfering with its absorption across the gut epithelium . The cellular basis for the IgA response has also been elucidated to some degree . It is clear that the response is highly T cell dependent and requires both helper T cells and switch T cells . With the use of monoclonal antibodies, we have begun to learn about cell-mediated functions in the gut . Suppressor/cytotoxic lymphocytes are largely sequestered in the epithelium whereas helper/inducer lymphocytes mainly reside in the lamina propria . In diseases such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, several alterations in the gastrointestinal immune system have been described . Some, such as the finding of antibody to gliaden, may be causally related to the disease . Others, such as antibodies to luminal bacteria, likely are secondary events . The challenge of the next decade is to expand these details and to relate this basic information to pathologic processes along the gastrointestinal tract. Obstet Gynecol Surv, 1990 Jan, 45(1), 1 - 6 Reproduction in the space environment: Part I . Animal reproductive studies; Santy PA et al.; Mankind's exploration and colonization of the frontier of space will ultimately depend on men's and women's ability to live, work, and reproduce in the space environment . This paper reviews animal studies, from microorganisms to mammals, done in space or under space-simulated conditions, which identify some of the key areas which might interfere with human reproductive physiology and/or embryonic development . Those space environmental factors which impacted almost all species included: microgravity, artificial gravity, radiation, and closed life support systems . These factors may act independently and in combination to produce their effects . To date, there have been no studies which have looked at the entire process of reproduction in any animal species . This type of investigation will be critical in understanding and preventing the problems which will affect human reproduction . Part II will discuss these problems directly as they relate to human physiology. J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Jan, 28(1), 32 - 8 Use of a Chinese hamster ovary cell cytotoxicity assay for the rapid diagnosis of pertussis; Halperin SA et al.; A cytotoxicity assay with Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) capable of detecting 750 pg of pertussis toxin was assessed for use as a rapid test for the diagnosis of pertussis and compared with direct immunofluorescence (DFA) . With pure bacterial cultures and simulated clinical specimens, the CHO assay detected as few as two colonies of Bordetella pertussis; no cytotoxicity occurred with other respiratory tract microorganisms . Next, nasopharyngeal aspirate secretions and nasopharyngeal cultures harvested after 72 h of incubation from 57 culture-positive and 201 culture-negative patients were examined . The CHO assay with nasopharyngeal secretions was positive in 25 (45%) of 55 culture-positive cases; DFA was positive in 15 (26%) of 57 cases (P = 0.05) . The CHO assay with 72-h culture washes was positive in 42 (75%) of 57 culture-positive cases (P less than 0.001 compared with DFA) . The CHO assay was more specific than DFA; all five CHO-positive, culture-negative cases were confirmed as true positives by serologic or toxin neutralization assays . In contrast, only 4 (36%) of 11 DFA-positive, culture-negative cases were confirmed as pertussis by serologic methods (P = 0.03) . Combining the CHO assay with culture significantly decreased the delay in laboratory diagnosis of pertussis (3.30 versus 4.54 days; P = 0.01) . The CHO assay is a sensitive and specific assay for the rapid diagnosis of pertussis. Heart Lung, 1990 Jan, 19(1), 11 - 20 Infection control in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation: traditional approach versus a new development--selective decontamination of the digestive tract; Meijer K et al.; Nosocomial infections are major causes of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients . Traditional infection control practices focus on preventing infection by controlling patient exposure to microorganisms within the patient's environment . We discuss these practices, along with the factors and organisms responsible for nosocomial infection in the patient undergoing mechanical ventilation . Despite traditional infection control measures, nosocomial infection continues to be a major problem . In recent years evidence has accumulated that points to bacterial colonization of the oropharynx and gastrointestinal tract as a major source of infection . A new technique, selective decontamination of the digestive tract, is being studied extensively for its ability to control colonization of the oral cavity and the gastrointestinal tract . In the technique nonabsorbable topical antibiotics are applied to the oropharynx and instilled into the stomach, and a short course of an intravenous cephalosporin is included . The technique appears a worthwhile addition to traditional infection control measures. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1990, 590, 485 - 90 Characterization of Coxiella burnetii pyrB; Hoover TA et al.; The C . burnetii pyrB gene was cloned on a 7-kbp EcoR I fragment . DNA sequence analysis, enzyme assays, and amino acid homologies with E . coli and B . subtilis pyrB gene products suggest that (i) C . burnetii ATCase exists as a trimer, (ii) the microorganism may not synthesize a regulatory polypeptide, and (iii) pyrB may be part of an operon whose expression is under the control of an upstream promoter . The high degree of homology of the active site further suggests that a common mechanism of catalysis for ATCase exists between such diverse organisms as C . burnetii, E . coli, and B . subtilis. Klin Khir, 1990, (3), 10 - 3 {The effect of combined methods of detoxication on the development of inflammatory reactions in severe burns}; Kozinets GP et al.; The development of inflammatory reaction in 106 patients with severe and extremely severe burns in combined use in the complex treatment of extracorporeal hemosorption, enterosorption, applicative sorption by the powdery PMS-Zn sorbent, passive immunotherapy was studied . The modulative effect of the methods of general and local sorptive detoxication on the development of inflammatory reaction of the area of thermal trauma with reduction of damaging effect of proteolytic enzymes and formation of cellular reaction directed at protection from microorganisms and beginning of the proliferative stage of reparative regeneration is shown . Lethality in severe burns was 17.7%, in extremely severe--50.8%. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1990 Jan, (1), 20 - 3 {The use of a molecular DNA probe based on the cloned cytolysin gene for the identification of Legionella}; Tartakovskii IS et al.; A molecular DNA probe has been obtained on the basis of recombinant plasmid pNIG carrying the Legionella cytolysin gene . The use of this probe for the identification of different Legionella species and other microorganisms has shown that it may serve as the species-specific marker of L . pneumophila . The probe has been used for the identification of new Legionella-like strains isolated from the environment. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1990 Jan, (1), 13 - 7 {The life strategy and self-regulation mechanisms of populations of the causative agents of sapronoses (exemplified by Pseudomonas pseudomallei)}; Larionov GM et al.; The strategy of the selection (life) of P . pseudomallei has been defined as C-competitiveness, combining the advantages of the limited (r and K) types of the ecological strategies of microorganisms and ensuring their good capacity of survival in soil biota . The self-regulation mechanisms of P . pseudomallei populations in the environment are determined by the type of their strategy of selection, which also determines the place of this species among other organisms inhabiting the soil . C-competitiveness of P . pseudomallei permits the realization of the self-support of its populations under changing conditions of their habitat, in particular in vivo. Gematol Transfuziol, 1990 Jan, 35(1), 23 - 5 {Treatment of acquired aplastic anemia in children with Soviet-produced antilymphocyte globulin}; Nikitin DO et al.; Soviet preparation of antilymphocytic globulin "Antilympholin" was used for the treatment of 24 children with acquired aplastic anemia . The preparation contained lymphocytotoxic antibodies and antibodies against the most important opportunistic microorganisms, thus combining the immunosuppressive and protective properties . A single dose of "Antilympholin" was 10-15 mg/kg (10-15 transfusions), the treatment course comprised 150 mg/kg . Infusion of haploidentical bone marrow was conducted in 14 children . Side effects of "Antilympholin" therapy expressed in allergic reactions were recorded in 37.4% of the patients . An early hematologic effect was achieved in 17 children (70.8%) after 1-1.5 months . It was expressed in the elimination of hemotransfusion requirement, and in the improvement of hemoglobin, platelet and neutrophil values . Hemopoietic recovery took place only in those patients who had at least minimum residual hemopoiesis . Late survival (according to Caplan-Meyer) comprised 62.1%, as compared to 30.6% in the control group of patients who received the hormonal therapy . The results of "Antilympholin" application to the treatment of children with acquired aplastic anemia have evidenced its high effectiveness which is comparable with that of foreign preparations of antilymphocytic globulin. Res Virol, 1990 Jan-Feb, 141(1), 5 - 16 Protective activity of tetracycline analogs against the cytopathic effect of the human immunodeficiency viruses in CEM cells; Lemaitre M et al.; Tetracycline analogs were evaluated for anti-HIV activity in CEM cells; minocycline and doxycycline were the most active of these in inhibiting the virus-induced cytopathic effect between 7 and 14 days post-infection . The active concentrations (0.3-1.5 micrograms/ml) were devoid of toxicity in uninfected cultures . Virus production, however, was not inhibited, indicating a dissociation between protection against cell death and suppression of virus growth . These protected cells could be maintained in culture for 6-7 weeks, even in the absence of the compounds . After that period, virus production ceased and cells could then be cultivated for several months without loss of viability or reappearance of virus production . As HIV stocks produced in the presence of tetracycline analogs were unable to induce cell death, we suggest that the cytopathogenicity of HIV may be due in some cases to the presence of tetracycline-sensitive contaminating microorganisms. J Periodontol, 1990 Jan, 61(1), 35 - 41 Bacterial penetration of gingiva in the adult beagle dog with periodontitis; Silverstein LH et al.; Invasion of gingival tissues by bacteria is thought to be a major factor in development of periodontal lesions . Morphologic studies have revealed bacteria within the pocket epithelium, gingival connective tissues, alveolar bone, and oral epithelium . The current studies are intended to determine whether they are present in healthy and diseased tissues and to identify the microbial source . Five beagle dogs with naturally occurring periodontitis were fed a soft diet . Two quadrants of the dentition of each dog were cleaned regularly and health maintained while others were allowed to develop further disease . After 4 weeks, samples of gingiva were removed both prior to and after the animals were sacrificed by perfusion fixation attempting not to introduce microorganisms . The identical samples were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy for numbers and location of organisms . Their numbers were greater in diseased than in healthy tissues . Furthermore, the quantity was greater in samples taken prior to perfusion fixation than after such treatment, especially in the oral epithelium . The results suggest that normally there are some microorganisms present within the periodontal tissues and that their numbers are greater in diseased tissues . However, the data also indicated that significant numbers may be introduced into the tissues during sampling of unfixed tissues. J Parenter Sci Technol, 1990 Jan-Feb, 44(1), 22 - 5 A model for the effect of real leaks on the transport of microorganisms into a vacuum freeze-dryer; Jennings TA; This paper proposes a model for determining the effect that real leaks, whose flow is viscous in nature, could have on the microorganism density in a vacuum freeze-dryer during a drying process . The model considers the entry of microorganisms to result from real leaks stemming from an environment containing a known bioburden . A means for determining the relationship between the rate of pressure rise of the system (ROR) and the density of microorganisms in a system, stemming from an environment of a known bioburden, is examined . The model also considers the change in the bioburden of the dryer with respect to variations in the primary and secondary drying process. Infection, 1990 Jan-Feb, 18(1), 31 - 2 Legionella longbeachae pneumonia in a patient splenectomized for hairy-cell leukemia; Lang R et al.; A 63-year-old man was admitted to the respiratory intensive care unit for pneumonia . Fifteen years earlier, hairy cell leukemia had been diagnosed and the patient underwent splenectomy . A clinical suspicion of legionellosis, later confirmed by both serology and isolation of the microorganism, prompted initiation of high dose erythromycin intravenously . The patient steadily deteriorated and passed away eight days later . This is the first reported case of hairy cell leukemia in which the diagnosis of Legionella longbeachae sero-group 1 infection was based on both serology and isolation. Dermatologica, 1990, 180(2), 76 - 8 Prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum in the urethra of men without urethritis in relation to clinical diagnosis; Hackel H et al.; Ureaplasma urealyticum is one of the microorganisms possibly causing nongonococcal urethritis . In a prospective study, 606 men without urethritis presented to an STD clinic in a rural West German region were investigated for the prevalence of U . urealyticum in the urethra . The overall isolation rate of the organism was 21.3% . Analyzing patients grouped by clinical diagnoses, the isolation rate of U . urealyticum was significantly higher in the genital warts group (25%) and in the partner's control group (35%) than in the group of patients suffering from fertility disorder (15.2%) or balanitis (14%) . These findings stress the importance and the difficulty to select the appropriate controls in clinical studies concerning the role of U . urealyticum in the male urethra. J Steroid Biochem, 1990 Jan, 35(1), 115 - 20 Microbial transformations of steroids--VI . Transformation of testosterone and androstenedione by Botryosphaerica obtusa; Smith KE et al.; The 7 beta progesterone-hydroxylating microorganism Botryosphaerica obtusa was tested for its ability to hydroxylate at this site the C-19 androstene-based compounds, androstenedione (androst-4-ene-3,17-dione) and testosterone (17 beta-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one) . Only very limited 7 beta hydroxylation of both substrates was observed . The products included traces of 7 beta-monohydroxytestosterone and 6 beta,7 beta-dihydroxyandrostenedione from testosterone, and of 6 beta,7 beta-dihydroxyandrostenedione from androstenedione . 6 beta,7 beta-Dihydroxyandrostenedione does not appear to have been reported previously as a microbial transformation product . Both substrates were monohydroxylated in significant amounts at the isomeric 7 alpha site and at the 6 beta site . Testosterone was also significantly monohydroxylated at the 15 alpha site and in minor amounts at the 11 alpha and 12 beta sites . Some monohydroxytestosterones had also been oxidised at their 17-OH group, converting them into the corresponding monohydroxy androstenediones . The 7 alpha-hydroxy metabolites and 15 alpha-hydroxytestosterone being chemically demanding to synthesis are valuable microbial transformation products. Am J Public Health, 1990 Jan, 80(1), 17 - 21 Effect of disinfectants on pseudomonads colonized on the interior surface of PVC pipes; Anderson RL et al.; We investigated the effect of disinfectants on microbial contamination present on the interior surface of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes filled with 600 ml of water contaminated with Pseudomonas pickettii and P . aeruginosa . After eight weeks, water was removed, and the test pipes exposed to various types of aqueous disinfectants . Disinfectant samples were removed, neutralized, and examined for recovery of microorganisms by membrane filtration . After seven-days exposure, disinfectant solutions were removed and pipes filled with sterile distilled water . Water was examined by membrane filtration at seven-day intervals to determine whether the organisms had survived in the pipes . Colonization of PVC surfaces were examined during each study phase by scanning electron-microscopy (SEM) . P . aeruginosa was isolated directly from iodophor disinfectant, phenolic germicide, and iodophor antiseptic solutions . After addition of sterile water, P . aeruginosa was recovered from PVC pipes previously exposed to chlorine, phenolic, quaternary-ammonium, and iodophor disinfectants; P . pickettii was recovered from water in pipes treated with iodophor disinfectant, chlorine, and ethanol . The existence of glycocalyx-like cellular masses on the interior wall of PVC pipes most likely protected embedded organisms from the microbicidal action of some of the disinfectants tested and served as the reservoir for continuous contamination. J Okla Dent Assoc, 1990 Fall, 81(2), 30 - 3 Dilemma of denture contamination; Glass RT et al.; Fourteen dentures from patients requiring new dentures were cultured, treated with Clorox/Cascade/H2O solution, Brushgard, Polident, or distilled water and re-cultured . All fourteen dentures were contaminated with multiple microorganisms . The Clorox/Cascade/H2O solution was most effective at decontamination with 71% of the treated dentures showing no growth of microorganisms . Brushgard showed no growth in 57%; Polident showed no growth in 36%; and water showed no growth in 14% . Of note, Brushgard, Polident, and water treated dentures also allowed growth and predominance of other microorganisms that did not predominate on the original culture . The results of this study indicate that there is no product on the market at this time capable of consistently disinfecting the denture depths. Cancer Immunol Immunother, 1990, 32(3), 201 - 5 The effect of ranitidine on cellular immunity in patients with multiple myeloma; Nielsen HJ et al.; Multiple myeloma is characterized by an increased susceptibility to infections and to other malignancies . In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study the potential impact of immunomodulation by ranitidine was studied in 20 patients with multiple myeloma . Three patients were untreated, while 17 after previous cytotoxic therapy were in a stable phase of their disease . All were without clinical signs of infections and at that time had not been treated with other immunomodulating agents . The patients were randomized to oral ranitidine 300 mg twice a day for 21 days or placebo, and several immunological parameters related to multiple myeloma were studied . The blood monocyte chemotactic response was improved in patients treated with ranitidine, and superoxide anion production increased from 2.02 nmol/min to 3.86 nmol/min (median values), while it was unchanged in patients given placebo (2.19-2.25 nmol/min) (P less than 0.005 between groups) . Among ranitidine-treated patients spontaneous NK cell activity was unchanged, while in vitro interleukin-2- and interferon-alpha-stimulated NK cell activity decreased (P less than 0.03, respectively) . As production of oxygen radicals constitutes an important mechanism of monocyte killing activity against microorganisms and probably against malignant cells, it is suggested that ranitidine may be of beneficial impact in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 1990, 60(3), 245 - 51 Antibiotic-induced vitamin K deficiency and the role of the presence of intestinal flora; Shirakawa H et al.; Cephalosporin antibiotics with N-methyl-thio-tetrazole (NMTT) side chains have been known to be associated with the development of hypoprothrombinemia . However, it has not been fully established whether these symptoms are induced by an inhibition of vitamin K production by intestinal microorganisms or by an inhibitory action of these antibiotics on endogenous vitamin K metabolism . Therefore, an attempt has been made to clarify the above-mentioned ambiguity by using germfree mice in which primary vitamin K deficiency can be established within a short experimental period . Germfree (GF) and conventional (CV) ICR male mice, 8-13 weeks old were used in this experiment . Vitamin K deficient (Def) and menaquinone-4 supplemented diet (MK-4) were fed to the mice in both rearing conditions . In the antibiotic-treated group, sodium latamoxef (LMOX, 300 mg/kg B.W./day) was intraperitoneally administered once a day, and in the control group the same volume of saline (Saline) was administered . Severe vitamin K deficient symptoms were observed in the GF-K-Def-LMOX group, and both prothrombin time (PT) and activated-partial thromboplastin time (APTT) values were prolonged on the 8th day of the experimental period compared with the GF-K-Def-Saline group . Furthermore the mortality rate of GF-K-Def-LMOX group was comparatively higher than that of the Saline group . This study has provided evidence that vitamin K deficiency is amplified by an administration of LMOX even in the absence of intestinal flora. Vestn Akad Med Nauk SSSR, 1990, (9), 61 - 4 {Suppurative-inflammatory diseases in newborn infants}; Samsygina GA et al.; Changes in the etiological patterns of suppurative-inflammatory diseases of neonates during 1978-1988 were analysed . Basic trends in the etiological structure changes, growing numbers of individual microorganism families or species, and changes in the clinical manifestations corresponding to the etiology variation were demonstrated . Preventive antibiotic therapy administered to neonates in the maternity hospital is proved ineffective, and its deleterious effect on the postnatal microbial colonization is shown. Med Microbiol Immunol (Berl), 1990, 179(4), 205 - 14 Phosphorylcholine antibodies in pulmonary infection; Nishinarita S et al.; Phosphorylcholine (PC) antibodies in serum from patients with pulmonary infection, and from normal individuals, were studied . Anti-PC antibodies were detectable in the serum from normal individuals at mean concentrations of 320 micrograms/ml for the IgG class and 110 micrograms/ml for the IgM class . Concentrations of anti-PC antibodies which were higher than normal for both the IgG and IgM classes were observed in the serum in pulmonary infection (1,440 micrograms/ml and 210 micrograms/ml, respectively) . Despite the significant difference in the concentration of anti-PC antibodies, the PC-specific B cell precursor frequency in the peripheral blood lymphocytes showed no difference between normal individuals and the patients with pulmonary infection, or between the acute phase and the chronic phase in a single patient with chronic pulmonary infection . Serologically, the purified IgG anti-PC antibody did not share the cross-reactive idiotype of TEPC 15, which is the most common idiotype of the murine anti-PC antibodies . However, the purified IgM anti-PC antibody expressed a very weak cross-reactive idiotype of TEPC 15 . It appears from these studies that human anti-PC antibodies may play an important biological role in pulmonary infection by microorganisms which possess a PC determinant. Biorheology, 1990, 27(3-4), 419 - 24 Consequences of neutrophil adhesion to physiological and pathological targets; Hakim J; The ability of neutrophils to adhere in a coordinated and reversible manner to the endothelium and other tissular components is crucial to their chemoattractant-induced locomotion towards relevant targets . Opsonins play a major role in the killing effect of neutrophils by inducing close adherence between the neutrophil and the target, thus maximizing the effect of the reactive oxygen species released by the stimulated neutrophils . Reactive oxygen species are released together with degradative enzymes and other killing proteins associated with neutrophil degranulation . This targeted neutrophil activity kills invading microorganisms but, in a similar way, may be harmful to organs, cells and molecules that have been altered in some way or are involved in immune reactions . In some other pathological situations where body fluids contain proinflammatory agents, neutrophils may behave in a nontargeted and inappropriate manner . In such cases, adherence is often increased, thus slowing locomotion . Moreover, inflammatory agents often prime neutrophils for the oxidative burst induced by chemoattractants or other stimuli . The combined slow locomotion and hypersensitivity of primed neutrophils leads to a premature release of killing substances which may affect blood components, vascular cells, connective tissue or whole organs . Any disturbance of neutrophil adherence is thus potentially harmful and must be recognized and suitably treated. Ann Ist Super Sanita, 1990, 26(2), 161 - 6 Kinetics of excretion in milk of some antimastitis drugs; Aureli P et al.; A study on the kinetics of excretion in milk of some antimastitis drugs is described . The five antibiotic molecules used were detected by confronting two methods: the Galesloot-Hassing method which, even though specific for the detection of penicillin in milk, is officially used for the detection of antibiotic residues in general; and the M . luteus paper disk assay, which uses M . luteus ATCC 9341 as test microorganism . The obtained results show that withdrawal times for the assayed molecules are longer than those declared and that M . luteus is more efficient for the detection of kanamycin residues. Ann Med Interne (Paris), 1990, 141(5), 464 - 7 {Intestinal spirochetosis in homosexuals infected with HIV . 3 cases}; Lafeuillade A et al.; We report 3 cases of intestinal spirochetosis in homosexuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (2 group III and 1 group IV C1, according to the Centers for Disease Control classification) presenting with moderate, chronic diarrhea . The diagnosis was made based on the histological examination of colorectal biopsies showing a layer of spirochetes carpeting the epithelium . Electron microscopy evaluation and culturing of the microorganism provided information on the bacterium's morphology . Metronidazole effectively treated the diarrhea . Intestinal spirochetes, whose existence has been recognized for more than a century, constitute a heterogeneous group of bacteria whose pathogenic role in man remains controversial . The systemic search for these organisms in a large series of patients would help to situate their place among the various etiologies of infectious diarrhea in immunodepressed subjects. Arch Exp Veterinarmed, 1990, 44(3), 481 - 8 {The use of 60Co-gamma ray-sterilized calf serum in cell culture}; Bender E et al.; The use of 60Co-gamma-radiation-sterilised calf sera in cell culturing is reported in this paper . Evidence was produced to the effect that 60Co-gamma-irradiation, using a dosage of 3 kGy and a dose rate of 8 kGy/h, of fetal calf serum, neonatal calf serum, and calf serum did not substantially alter the growth-stimulating properties of those sera during 42-day tests . With almost all cell lines and sera used, for all practical purposes, they were identical with the properties of control sera . The following cell lines were used in the experimental programme: one human mammary tumor, MaTu, one human embryonic cell line--E VI, one bat lung cell line--Tb1-Lu, and one human rhabdomyosarcoma--A 204 . Growth stimulation was twelve percent below the control value only with Tb1-Lu on Eagle-MEM culturing medium with 3-kGy-irradiation of neonatal calf serum . On the other hand, cell growth was stimulated by 28 percent in A 204 on RPMI 1640 culturing medium, again with 3-kGy-irradiation of neonatal calf serum . Loss of activity by up to 30 percent, depending on the serum used, must be expected from irradiation doses of 10 kGy and 20 kGy which are capable of causing drastic reduction or even complete elimination of serum-borne microorganisms (Bender et al., 1989) . Sera irradiated that way would be only conditionally applicable, when it comes to highly vulnerable cell strains. Recenti Prog Med, 1990 Jan, 81(1), 23 - 8 {The new aspect of pneumonia in an area of the Middle Adriatic}; Morini A et al.; The present work reports the findings of a ten-year, research, the aim of which is to outline current views of pneumonia in a zone of the Middle Adriatic (USL 17-Regione Marche) . The study confirmed, in its entirety, a lesser aggressiveness and loss of the "seasonal feature" of today's pneumonias . The high incidence of Atypical Pneumonia (AP) due to viral-like microorganisms (mycoplasma, chlamydia, coxiella, legionella) and an even higher one of unknown etiology is reported . After having analysed the most likely reasons for such a change and its various implications, the authors conclude that this type of research should be extended in order to trace a map of the more common infectious agents in single geographical zones, as an indispensable premise for a more concrete etiological diagnosis and for a more rational choice of the antibiotic. Cancer Detect Prev, 1990, 14(4), 437 - 44 Viral oncogenesis and the immune system; Rapp F et al.; Oncogenic transformation of normal cells and the establishment of transformed cells to form malignant tumors is a complex, multistep process influenced by viruses in multiple ways . The relationship between viruses and the immune system manifests itself, in part, through various roles of viruses in transformation of host cells, including cells of the immune system . A large number of viruses participate in oncogenic transformation of cells in many animal species . Candidates for oncogenic transformation in man are human T lym