Rev Cubana Estomatol, 1988 Sep-Dec, 25(3), 65 - 72 {Microbiology of samples from patients with periodontal pockets}; Ortiz Moncada C et al.; A microbiologic study was carried out in 39 patients with periodontal affections, who were surgically treated . A formulary was drawn up for the collection of the following data: age, sex, criteria of Russell periodontal index and microbiologic results . The contents of the periodontal pocket was collected at the time of the surgical procedure, and settled in assay tubes with culture medium to provide bacterial growth . The highest percentage of microorganisms were those of genus Peptostreptococci, and most common severity was caused by parodontitis. Clin Exp Immunol, 1988 Sep, 73(3), 348 - 54 Abnormal monocyte chemotaxis in patients with chronic purulent rhinosinusitis: an effect of retroviral p15E-related factors in serum; van de Plassche-Boers EM et al.; Earlier we reported that about 60% of patients suffering from unexplained relapsing of chronic purulent rhinosinusitis show a defective T cell-mediated immunity to commensal microorganisms of the upper respiratory tract . The monocyte chemotactic responsiveness was assessed in 40 of these patients by means of the polarization assay . Impaired FMLP-induced monocyte polarization was found in 26 of the 40 patients tested . The defective chemotactic responsiveness could be explained by a p15E-related factor detectable in the serum of the patients: addition of serum fractions less than 25 kD to healthy donor monocytes resulted in an inhibition of polarization; a monoclonal antibody directed against p15E neutralized this inhibitory effect . In individual patients, a decreased monocyte polarization correlated well with the presence of this p15E-related factor in serum, as well as with defective T cell reactivity. Biofizika, 1988 Sep-Oct, 33(5), 841 - 4 {Effect of electromagnetic fields on movement of microorganisms}; Zel'nichenko AT et al.; Relationships between the motor activity and orientation of microorganisms and parameters of the electromagnetic field and of the microorganisms themselves were investigated . It has been shown that the type of microorganism and field amplitude produces the strongest influence on the behaviour of microorganisms in the fields . Theoretical relationships of the value of rotating moment and the field parameters, microorganism and environment were obtained . The results of the experiments well agree with the theory. J Pharmacobiodyn, 1988 Sep, 11(9), 625 - 9 Hydrolysis of salicyluric acid in intestinal microorganisms and prolonged blood concentration of salicylic acid following rectal administration of salicyluric acid in rats; Nakamura J et al.; The blood concentrations of salicyluric acid and salicylic acid following oral, intravenous, intracecal and rectal administration of salicyluric acid were determined in rats . After oral administration of salicyluric acid, salicyluric acid was rapidly absorbed . Salicylic acid was detected at low concentration . Following intravenous administration of salicyluric acid, salicyluric acid was detected in the blood and was rapidly eliminated . A trace amount of salicylic acid was detected, suggesting that systemic deconjugation of glycine was involved . Furthermore, in vitro incubation of salicyluric acid with contents of the gut showed that the major source of the hydrolysis was the hind gut . Immediate and very extensive salicylic acid formation in the cecum was found following intracecal administration of salicyluric acid . The blood concentration of salicylic acid was maintained at 2.6-4.0 micrograms/ml from 4 to 12 h following rectal administration of salicyluric acid (10 mg/kg: salicylic acid equivalent) . Species difference in the metabolic fate of salicyluric acid in rats and rabbits reported previously is discussed. Mol Gen Mikrobiol Virusol, 1988 Sep, (9), 17 - 21 {Phospholipids of bacteria of Brucella genus}; Kulikov VI et al.; The phospholipid composition of 6 Brucella species (B . melitensis, B . abortus, B . suis, B . ovis . B . canis, B . neotomae) and Australian mouse-derived strains of Brucella N 4, 11, 12 were studied . Comparison of phospholipid composition of Brucella cells with that of serologically related microorganisms revealed that all Brucella biotypes contain phosphatidyl-(N-methyl)ethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine while Y . enterocolitica, Sh . disenteriae, E . coli cells do not contain these two substances . It is concluded that the specific phospholipid pattern of Brucella biotypes may be useful in typing of new Brucella strains. Radiobiologiia, 1988 Sep-Oct, 28(5), 707 - 13 {Does a powerful electromagnetic field in the decimetric range possess genetic activity in relation to microorganisms?}; Panasenko VI; It was shown that mutants can occur in various microorganisms after a short-term exposure to electromagnetic field of 40 to 100 W/cm3 at 2375 MHz . Induction of mutants usually increases as the temperature rises and cell death rate grows to reach a maximum at a minimum survival rate . Colonial-morphological and biochemical phenotype changes are noted . Both specific and individual radiosensitivity are observed (from a 100 per cent loss of the studied character to the complete absence of the effect) . Changes occur more frequently in the parameters determined by plasmids . There is a possibility to select thermoresistant variants without changing the genotype. Poult Sci, 1988 Sep, 67(9), 1314 - 21 Absorption of 14C-2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid (Alimet) from the hindgut of the broiler chick; Dibner JJ et al.; The purpose of these studies was to examine the role of the hindgut of the broiler chick in the absorption of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid (HMB) . When 14C-HMB was delivered directly into the hindgut, the rate of absorption from this gastrointestinal site was about 40% of the administered dose per hour . Plasma radiolabel appearance indicated that the 14C-HMB lost from the hindgut was being absorbed into the bloodstream of the bird . Decarboxylation experiments using cecal microorganisms showed that the loss of 14C-HMB could not be accounted for by bacterial metabolism . When birds were dosed with radiolabelled HMB and tissue samples were tested, results showed that the 14C-HMB that was absorbed from the hindgut was incorporated into protein in a dose-related manner . In addition, an equimolar, equal specific activity intraperitoneal dose of HMB did not alter the rate of HMB adsorption from the hindgut . This indicates that HMB absorption from the gut is not limited by HMB already in the body tissues . This result confirmed that the rate of HMB diffusion into the blood and its conversion to methionine in body tissues were sufficient to maintain the concentration gradient required for the continued absorption of HMB . Finally, whole body autoradiography comparing 35S-HMB and 35S-DL-methionine showed no substantial differences in terms of label density or distribution . These studies demonstrate that 14C-HMB disappears from the lumen of the large intestine and ceca when it is administered directly into the hindgut . This research confirms that HMB is absorbed throughout the entire gastrointestinal system. J Clin Microbiol, 1988 Sep, 26(9), 1757 - 62 Laboratory diagnosis of peritonitis in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis; Ludlam HA et al.; The clinical course and laboratory diagnosis of peritonitis in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis was studied in 32 consecutive episodes . Peritonitis was associated with a failure in aseptic technique in eight episodes and with an exit-site infection in four episodes . Intraperitoneal vancomycin and ceftazidime were safe, effective, and convenient . Most patients administered their antibiotics at home, and symptoms usually resolved by day 4 . Culture of the deposit obtained by centrifugation of 50 ml of effluent after leukocyte lysis provided the best rate of recovery (84% culture positive) but was technically demanding . Filtration of the same volume without leukocyte lysis was simple to perform and almost as effective . Enrichment was less satisfactory (65% culture positive) owing to the presence of antibiotic or infection with fastidious microorganisms . Culture of 50 ml of effluent after concentration by a commonly used laboratory technique, centrifugation without leukocyte lysis, performed poorly (59% culture positive at 48 h), as this method caused sequestration and death of microorganisms within the leukocytes . Culture of nearly 1 liter of effluent from 33 asymptomatic patients by the same techniques yielded no microorganisms. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1988 Sep, 41(9), 1186 - 95 Metabolic products of microorganisms . 245 . Colabomycins, new antibiotics of the manumycin group from Streptomyces griseoflavus . II . Structure of colabomycin A; Grote R et al.; The structure of colabomycin A (1) was elucidated by a detailed spectroscopic analysis . Two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy experiments provided assignments of the proton and carbon resonances of the tetraene carboxamide chains occurring in 1 . The configurations of eight out of nine double bonds were determined by analysis of their coupling constants . The absolute configurations of C-4 (4S), C-5 (5R) and C-6 (6S) were established from the CD spectra of the parent compound and of 2-(6-oxo-2,4-hexadienoylamino)-5,6-epoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (2), which was obtained from 1 by mild chromic acid oxidation. Microbiol Sci, 1988 Sep, 5(9), 280 - 4 Strategies for microbial growth at reduced water activities; Hocking AD; Microorganisms that are capable of growth at reduced water activities all rely on a common strategy for survival, i.e . the intracellular accumulation of a solute or solutes to balance the external water activity (aw), thus preventing the mass movement of water out of the cell . Understanding the physiological mechanisms that enable solutes to be accumulated and retained against strong concentration gradients, and the genetic controls on these processes may, in future, lead to the genetic manipulation of crop plants to increase their drought resistance. Ukr Biokhim Zh, 1988 Sep-Oct, 60(5), 104 - 19 {Ubiquinone (Q) . Distribution, regulation of biosynthesis and methods of isolation}; Donchenko GV et al.; The data available in literature and results of own studies on distribution and localization of ubiquinone (Q), promising sources and methods of its isolation from tissues of animal and microorganisms are revised . Conditions of microorganism cultivation to intensity ubiquinone biosynthesis as well as methods of its production are revised. Scanning Microsc, 1988 Sep, 2(3), 1535 - 40 Scanning electron microscope and intragingival microorganisms in periodontal diseases; Saglie FR; During the past two decades there has been an increased understanding of bacterial invasion as a pathogenic mechanism of periodontal diseases . Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) has played a key role in supporting the idea that bacterial invasion may be another pathogenic mechanism in periodontal disease . This has been due to the fact that SEM has a larger depth of focus and better resolving power than the Light Microscope (LM) and also allows for observation of rather large areas of tissue showing in depth the surface of the sample . This review deals with information obtained by using SEM as the fundamental method in studying and specifically identifying microorganisms within gingival tissues . New methodology using correlative microscopy for rapidly identifying invasive bacteria of periodontal tissues is discussed. J Clin Periodontol, 1988 Sep, 15(8), 485 - 7 The role of dental plaque in gingivitis and periodontitis; Listgarten MA; A dynamic equilibrium between the periodontal microbiota and the host generally results in a clinical state of periodontal health, characterized by minimal inflammatory changes in the marginal gingival tissues . Maintenance of health is most easily achieved by controlling the resident mass of bacteria . In rare instances, control of specific microorganisms may be indicated . Lack of microbial control may lead to an imbalance between the microbiota and the host due to a markedly increased microbial mass and/or increased virulence of the micro-organisms present . Such alterations in the host-parasite equilibrium may result in transient episodes of tissue destruction and, in the long term, to cumulative damage to the periodontal tissues. Am J Med, 1988 Sep, 85(3), 307 - 14 An attachable silver-impregnated cuff for prevention of infection with central venous catheters: a prospective randomized multicenter trial; Maki DG et al.; PURPOSE: Percutaneously inserted central venous catheters are widely used . Catheter-related bacteremia or fungemia is the most frequent serious complication of these catheters . In an attempt to reduce the frequency of such infections, a subcutaneous cuff constructed of a biodegradable collagen matrix impregnated with bactericidal silver was developed . Our goal was to assess, in a multicenter clinical trial, the effectiveness of this cuff in preventing catheter-related infection . MATERIALS AND METHODS: Central venous catheters needed for fluid or drug therapy, hemodynamic monitoring, or hyperalimentation in patients in three centers were randomly assigned to be inserted with or without the cuff . Patients and catheters in the two groups were comparable in terms of risk factors predisposing to infection, including colonization of skin about the insertion site . RESULTS: The results with 234 catheters inserted into a new site showed that catheters inserted with the cuff were threefold less likely to be colonized on removal (more than 15 colony-forming units) than were control catheters (28.9 percent versus 9.1 percent, p = 0.002) and were nearly fourfold less likely to produce bacteremia (3.7 percent versus 1.0 percent) . Adverse effects from the cuff were not seen . The cuff did not confer protection, however against infection with catheters inserted over a guidewire into old sites . Most of the catheter-related infections identified in this study, including four of the six bacteremias, appear to have been caused by microorganisms colonizing skin about the insertion site, affirming the pathogenetic basis for benefit seen with the cuff in this clinical trial; two may have derived from contamination of the catheter hub . CONCLUSION: This novel, silver-impregnated, attachable cuff can substantially reduce the incidence of catheter-related infection with most percutaneously inserted central venous catheters, can extend the time catheters can be left in place safely, and can prove cost-beneficial. J Lab Clin Med, 1988 Sep, 112(3), 372 - 9 Platelet adherence to cardiac and noncardiac endothelial cells in culture: lack of a prostacyclin effect; Johnson CM et al.; Cardiac tissues show a propensity to develop nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis, a meshwork of platelets and fibrin . This lesion may cause a predisposition to subsequent colonization by circulating microorganisms, leading to infective endocarditis . We measured platelet adherence in vitro to cultured endothelial cells derived from the porcine aortic valve and ascending aorta . We found that valvular endothelial cells showed a twofold to threefold higher adherence than ascending aortic endothelial cells of chromium 51-labeled platelets in the presence of proteolytically active thrombin . This finding did not correlate with endothelial prostacyclin release: cardiac valve endothelial cells released more prostacyclin than did, ascending aortic cells, exogenous prostacyclin had no effect on thrombin-stimulated adherence, and aspirin inhibition of endothelial prostacyclin synthesis showed no effect on platelet adherence . Fixation of platelets abolished thrombin-stimulated adherence; fixation of endothelial cells had minimal effect . We suggest that these differences may contribute to the propensity of the cardiac valve to develop nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis. Kosm Biol Aviakosm Med, 1988 Sep-Oct, 22(5), 68 - 71 {Condition of the human skin during a stay in a hermetically closed compartment}; Dubinin DM et al.; The skin of healthy men kept in an enclosed environment was examined . It was found that exposure resulted in increases of the secretions of the sebaceous glands and sebum cutaneum, number and size of comedones, lipolytic activity of microorganisms, concentration of comedonogenic acids and skin irritating acids . It also caused a greater risk of papular and pustular rashes . Changes in lipid metabolism were consistent with the skin clinical state as well as with the subjective sensations of dirty skin, desquamation and itching . The severity of the above changes was correlated with the pretest physiological and hygienic status of the subjects. Immunobiology, 1988 Sep, 177(4-5), 363 - 70 Modulation of human neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis and superoxide responses by recombinant TNF-alpha and GM-CSF; Kharazmi A et al.; The effects of recombinant TNF and GM-CSF on human peripheral blood neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis and the superoxide response were studied . TNF exhibited a slight chemotactic activity for both cell types . Preincubation of neutrophils with as little as 40 units/ml strongly inhibited the neutrophil chemotaxis towards f-Met-Leu-Phe . The inhibition of monocyte chemotaxis required higher concentrations of TNF (greater than 400 units/ml) . TNF at concentrations higher than 500 units/ml enhanced the generation of superoxide anions by neutrophils stimulated with f-Met-Leu-Phe . In contrast, TNF even at 2,000 units/ml did not prime monocytes for enhanced superoxide response . GM-CSF alone did not exhibit any chemotactic activity for any of the cell types tested . Preincubation of cells with GM-CSF inhibited chemotaxis of neutrophils but not of monocytes . GM-CSF was as potent as TNF in enhancing the generation of superoxide response by neutrophils . However, GM-CSF did not have any effect on monocyte superoxide response . The priming ability of TNF and GM-CSF on neutrophils was heat-sensitive . We conclude that TNF and GM-CSF play a more pronounced regulatory role on neutrophils than on monocytes . Inhibition of neutrophil chemotaxis followed by enhancement of the superoxide response by TNF and GM-CSF may provide an attractive mechanism by which these cytokines assist in fighting invading microorganisms. Nature, 1988 Aug 11, 334(6182), 519 - 22 Ribosomal RNA sequence shows Pneumocystis carinii to be a member of the fungi; Edman JC et al.; Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is the most common opportunistic infection in AIDS, and accounts for significant morbidity and mortality in these and other immunocompromised patients . P . carinii is a eukaryotic microorganism of uncertain taxonomy that can infect numerous mammalian hosts . Developing from a small, unicellular 'trophozoite' into a 'cyst' containing eight 'sporozoites', its life cycle superficially resembles those seen both in the Protozoa and Fungi . Morphological and ultrastructural observations have lead some investigators to conclude that the organism is a protozoan, while others have felt that it more closely resembles a fungus . Phylogenetic relationships can be inferred from comparisons of macromolecular sequences . Small subunit ribosomal RNAs (16S-like rRNAs) are well-suited for this purpose because they have the same function in all organisms and contain sufficient information to estimate both close and distant evolutionary relationships . Phylogenetic frameworks based upon such comparisons reveal that the plant, animal and fungal lineages are distinct from the diverse spectrum of protozoan lineages . In this letter, phylogenetic analysis of Pneumocystis 16S-like rRNA demonstrates it to be a member of the Fungi. Endocrinol Jpn, 1988 Aug, 35(4), 607 - 16 A case of hypopituitarism due to granulomatous and lymphocytic adenohypophysitis with minimal pituitary enlargement: a possible variant of lymphocytic adenohypophysitis; Miyamoto M et al.; A 47-year-old woman complaining of cold intolerance, general weakness and amenorrhea of 10 months duration was diagnosed, by endocrine examinations, as having panhypopituitarism . Skull x-ray films revealed a slightly enlarged sella with double floor sign and MRI showed a low intensity mass in the pituitary . Transsphenoidal exploration disclosed a degenerated pituitary gland, the histology of which showed a granulomatous lesion with moderate lymphocytic infiltration but containing no multinuclear giant cells . No caseous necrosis, causative microorganisms, or BCG antigen were noted . The present case is considered a variant form of lymphocytic adenohypophysitis. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1988 Aug, (8), 13 - 6 {Populations of pathogenic Leptospira of varying virulence in nature}; Chernukha IuG et al.; The study of geographically remote populations of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) revealed that in one of these populations a highly virulent population of Leptospira copenhageni, serogroup icterohaemorrhagiae, and in another population of rats a faintly virulent population of these microorganisms circulated simultaneously . At the same time in vitro experiments with Leptospira cultures showed the absence of the constant probability of sharp changes in the level of their virulence in time. J Clin Microbiol, 1988 Aug, 26(8), 1609 - 13 Clinical evaluation of diagnostic hemoperfusion for in vivo enrichment of bacteria and fungi in comparison with a conventional blood culture technique; Kuhnen E et al.; The hemoperfusion module, a newly developed technique for recovering pathogenic microorganisms from patients suffering from septicemia, was compared with conventional blood cultures . The module was interconnected with the extracorporeal circulation of 92 predominantly hemodialyzed patients . Nearly 12 liters of flowing blood (up to 200 ml min-1; mean running time, 60 min) came in contact with the coated charcoal . Of 99 modules examined, 44 (44.7%) yielded positive cultures and contained 54 potentially pathogenic bacteria or fungi (22 species) . Only 32 of 190 (16.8%) conventional blood cultures were positive and contained 37 microorganisms (10 species) . Even when patients were receiving antibiotic treatment, the frequency of isolation was significantly higher in hemoperfusion (21 of 44 modules positive, 47.7%) than in conventional blood cultures (10 of 88 cultures positive, 11.4%) . In contrast, 23 of 55 modules (41.8%) and 22 of 102 conventional blood cultures (21.6%) were positive when patients were not treated with antibiotics prior to blood sampling . Altogether, hemoperfusion modules appeared to be superior to and more sensitive than the conventional blood cultures used and seemed to be a valuable tool for detecting septicemia. Microbiol Sci, 1988 Aug, 5(8), 228 - 32 Invasion and intracellular growth of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi; Tamura A; Intracellular multiplication of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi, a causative agent of scrub typhus, was examined by electron microscopy of specimens prepared at various time intervals after infection of in vitro cultured cells . The sequential morphological growth cycle of the microorganism is presented diagrammatically. Clin Nephrol, 1988 Aug, 30(2), 63 - 72 Alterations in chemotactic factor-induced responses of neutrophils and monocytes from chronic dialysis patients; Lewis SL et al.; Chronic renal failure patients on dialysis have an increased susceptibility to infection . Previous studies have demonstrated that these patients have a decreased in vitro neutrophil (PMN) chemotactic response and a reduction in C5a receptor availability on both PMN and monocytes . This study was designed to determine if other chemotactic factor-mediated responses of PMN and monocytes from hemodialysis (HD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients are abnormal . The responses investigated included in vitro chemotaxis, superoxide generation, H2O2 production, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) release . These studies showed that PMN from HD and CAPD patients are significantly decreased in their chemotactic response to both C5a and fMLP when compared to normal controls . The response of HD patient's PMN to C5a was decreased by an average of 55.1% (p less than 0.005) and for CAPD patients by 49.7% (p less than 0.01) . Similarly, chemotactic responses to fMLP were decreased by an average of 44.7% (p less than 0.005) for HD patients and 36.3% (p less than 0.02) for CAPD patients . Superoxide anion production by PMN and monocytes from HD and CAPD patients in response to C5a and fMLP was also significantly decreased compared to controls . PMN superoxide production in response to C5a was decreased by an average of 36.5% (p less than 0.001) for HD patients and 32.0% (p less than 0.001) for CAPD patients . fMLP-stimulated production of superoxide was also decreased but to a lesser degree with a mean decrease of 18.0% (p less than 0.01) for HD patients and 24.1% decrease (p less than 0.01) for CAPD patients . This decreased responsiveness was restricted to C5a- and fMLP-stimulated superoxide production since phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-stimulated responses were comparable to controls . A similar pattern of decreased superoxide production was found with monocytes from these patients . Comparable decreases in chemotactic factor-stimulated responses were also observed in a flow cytometric assay of H2O2 production in both PMN and monocytes and an in vitro assay of MPO release from PMN . Analysis of the binding of fluorescent C5a to PMN showed a direct correlation between decreased C5a binding and decreased O2- production and MPO release . Since all of these chemotactic factor-stimulated events are involved in the inflammatory process and the killing of microorganisms, alterations in these WBC functions in dialysis patients may contribute to their increased susceptibility to infection. Pediatr Infect Dis J, 1988 Aug, 7(8), 547 - 51 Role of Ureaplasma urealyticum and other pathogens in the development of chronic lung disease of prematurity; Wang EE et al.; A prospective cohort study enrolling 107 infants weighing less than 1250 g was conducted between September 1, 1986, and November 15, 1987 in order to determine the role of microorganisms on the development of chronic lung disease (CLD) . Ureaplasma urealyticum was isolated significantly more frequently from gastric aspirates and nasopharyngeal or endotracheal aspirates from 43 infants developing CLD than from 56 who did not (51% vs . 16%; P less than 0.005) . Infants developing CLD, defined by radiographic and blood gas abnormalities, were significantly younger (26 vs . 29 weeks; P less than 0.0001), weighed significantly less (830 vs . 1050 g; P less than 0.0001) and required more ventilatory support (37 vs . 10 were being ventilated and 42 vs . 26 received oxygen supplementation on Day 7) compared with those who did not develop CLD . Viruses were isolated in association with U . urealyticum in two infants developing CLD and in one infant who did not develop CLD . Mycoplasma hominis was isolated from three infants who were colonized with U . urealyticum and developed CLD . Chlamydia trachomatis was not recovered from any patients . From a discriminant analysis it was found that U . urealyticum contributed to the development of CLD along with the effect of ventilatory support, gestational age and severity of initial respiratory disease . The effect of interventions directed against U . urealyticum on the development of CLD deserves further study. J Hepatol, 1988 Aug, 7(1), 34 - 44 Primary culture of cryopreserved adult human hepatocytes on homologous extracellular matrix and the influence of monocytic products on albumin synthesis; Moshage HJ et al.; Cultured human hepatocytes provide a useful method for studies of specific metabolic functions, such as plasma protein synthesis or drug metabolism in man and specific interaction of microorganisms with the human liver cell . In vitro studies using human hepatocytes are seriously hampered by the limited availability of viable tissue and the lack of suitable methods for preservation of hepatocytes . In addition, normal adult human hepatocytes, under classical culture conditions, do not proliferate in vitro . Recently, we have reported a method for long-term storage of human hepatocytes, using a cryopreservation technique . However, after thawing, the efficiency of cell seeding onto tissue culture plastic and, accordingly, the survival of hepatocytes in primary cultures were decreased as compared to freshly prepared and cultured hepatocytes . In the present study, we report the effects of extracellular matrix (ECM) obtained from normal liver of kidney donors on the attachment efficiency, survival, some metabolic functions and fine structure of human hepatocytes . It was found that the deleterious effect of deep-freeze storage on attachment efficiency and survival of hepatocytes could be significantly reduced by using tissue culture plastic precoated with human liver ECM . Hepatocytes survived for more than 4-6 weeks, without evidence of fibroblast overgrowth . Using this in vitro experimental system, we have also shown that these hepatocytes synthesize several liver-specific acute phase proteins, and monocytic products were able to decrease the hepatocytic synthesis of albumin while total protein synthesis remained unchanged . These results support our previous observations in cultured rodent hepatocytes, indicating the important role of monocytic products in the regulation of liver synthesis of albumin in inflammatory diseases in man. BMJ, 1988 Jul 16, 297(6642), 185 - 7 Infection control revisited: dilemma facing today's bronchoscopists; Hanson PJ et al.; The emergence of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome has provoked a widespread review of policies for infection control . Incomplete knowledge about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus, and mycobacteria has until now been compensated for by adopting "overkill" precautions for patients who were thought to harbour these organisms . This policy is no longer tenable, given the difficulty in identifying infected patients . The control of infection in hospitals must instead be based on the routine use of high standards of hygiene that are adequate to contain all pathogens . Attempts by bronchoscopists to formulate such a policy have been frustrated by the lack of a suitable disinfectant and by ignorance of the susceptibility of microorganisms to cleaning and disinfection in a clinical environment. JAMA, 1988 Jul 15, 260(3), 348 - 53 Empirical therapy for the management of acute proctitis in homosexual men; Rompalo AM et al.; An effective empirical treatment regimen would provide a more rapid and less expensive approach to the management of homosexual men with acute proctitis . We conducted a randomized trial in 129 homosexual men who presented with acute proctitis, comparing treatment with an empirical regimen (4.8 million U of aqueous penicillin G procaine intramuscularly and 1.0 g of probenecid orally, followed by 100 mg of oral doxycycline twice daily for seven days) with specific therapy for each infection as it was recognized . Therapy with the empirical regimen resulted in more rapid resolution of the symptoms of proctitis, the objective signs of proctitis, and the infecting microorganisms . However, nearly one fourth of the patients, primarily those with unrecognized herpes simplex virus proctitis, did not respond to empirical therapy . We recommend empirical therapy coupled with appropriate pretreatment diagnostic testing for the initial management of acute proctitis in homosexual men with no clinical evidence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS-related complex. Radiat Res, 1988 Jul, 115(1), 124 - 40 Quantitative aspects of the interactive killing effects between X rays and other mutagens in microorganisms; Ager DD et al.; Recently we presented a mathematical description of the synergistic interaction which occurs when Escherichia coli B/r is exposed to both X rays and 254 nm ultraviolet light (D . D . Ager and R . H . Haynes, Radiat . Res . 110, 129-141 (1987} . Here we extend this approach to other bacteria and describe a graphical technique which can be used to determine the nature and relative importance of second and third degree terms in the function h(x, y), which describes the dose dependence of such effects . In most cases, interaction functions appear to be dominated, in the biologically interesting dose range, by a second degree term in the product, xy, of the doses of the two agents . We find that the magnitudes of these interactions vary among the organisms examined and can be surprisingly large . Finally, we show that the simple xy dependence observed for most interactions does not carry any unambiguous implications with respect to previous speculations on the mechanisms of these effects. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1988 Jul, 85(14), 5141 - 5 Comparative evolution: latent potentials for anagenetic advance; Stebbins GL et al.; One of the principles that has emerged from experimental evolutionary studies of microorganisms is that polymorphic alleles or new mutations can sometimes possess a latent potential to respond to selection in different environments, although the alleles may be functionally equivalent or disfavored under typical conditions . We suggest that such responses to selection in microorganisms serve as experimental models of evolutionary advances that occur over much longer periods of time in higher organisms . We propose as a general evolutionary principle that anagenic advances often come from capitalizing on preexisting latent selection potentials in the presence of novel ecological opportunity. Infect Immun, 1988 Jul, 56(7), 1792 - 9 Histologic, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopic study of infectious process in mouse lung after intranasal challenge with Coxiella burnetii; Khavkin T et al.; A histologic, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopic study of the intracellular parasitism of Coxiella burnetii (the Q fever agent) in mouse lungs after intranasal challenge was undertaken . It was shown that this microorganism invades type I and, rarely, type II pneumocytes as well as pulmonary fibroblasts and histiocytes . The infectious process can be described as a focal intra-alveolar inflammation with the macrophages prevailing in the exudate . It is self-limited, with a complete resolution . The inflammation is associated with atelectases and with increased secretory activity by type II pneumocytes . Alveolar macrophages and granulocytes degrade C . burnetii . This degradation is followed by damage to and eventual disintegration of some macrophages and by damage to some bacterium-free pneumocytes and vascular endothelial cells in the vicinity of macrophages degrading organisms . The cell damage might be caused by lipopolysaccharide released from degraded organisms . The infectious process is also associated with the influx of T cells in the pneumonic foci, T-cell attachment to the macrophages degrading organisms, and fusion of some macrophages . These are considered a morphologic expression of cell-mediated immunity involved in the infectious process. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1988 Jul, 18(4), 773 - 82 Cytologic evaluation of otic exudates; Chickering WR; The multifactorial nature of otitis externa requires accurate etiologic information to ensure therapeutic success . The collection and preparation of cytologic samples of otic exudates are simple to perform, and information of immediate diagnostic and therapeutic value can be attained . Evidence of epidermal hyperplasia and increased glandular secretory activity suggests a noninfectious cause . Large numbers of microorganisms and infiltrating leukocytes confirm the presence of infection . The presence of ear mites, particularly O . cynotis, is always significant . Abnormal epithelial cells that appear singly or in sheets and clusters support the diagnosis of neoplasia; the extent of cell differentiation determines malignancy . Inflammatory cells and acantholytic keratinocytes from vesicular otic lesions suggest autoimmune skin disease. Chronobiologia, 1988 Jul-Sep, 15(3), 223 - 6 Evidence of an endogenous circannual rhythm in growth-rates in dinoflagellates; Costas E et al.; Prorocentrum micans and Gonyaulax excavata clonal cultures grown under constant laboratory environmental conditions (continuous light and 20 +/- 1 degree C), over a two-year period, exhibit significative changes in growth rate . When rhythmometrically analyzed by cosinor, a pattern resembling a circannual rhythm became apparent . Significant rhythmometric differences appeared between species . Endogenous rhythms of microorganisms may have ecological implications. Sci Total Environ, 1988 Jul 1, 73(1-2), 127 - 33 Environmental methylation of tin: an assessment; Ashby JR et al.; The chemical and biological methylation of tin under environmental conditions is reviewed . The question of whether methyltin species form in situ in the environment is also considered . Analytical approaches using hydridization techniques give quite sensitive results . Incubation studies of environmental microorganisms and sediment have demonstrated the formation of methyltin species, and similar conversions have been observed with chemical methylating agents such as methyl cobalamin and methyl iodide. J Antimicrob Chemother, 1988 Jul, 22 Suppl A, 101 - 12 Effective use of the clinical microbiology laboratory; Washington JA 2nd; The clinician's expectations of the clinical microbiology laboratory, while valid, have not always been fulfilled . Major limitations in the accurate identification of an aetiological agent are imposed by cost considerations and poor communication between clinician and laboratory personnel . Other difficulties arise in the entire process of making use of a clinical microbiology laboratory, ranging from specimen collection to interpretation of results . These problems can be partially overcome by the use of guidelines for specimen collection which are designed to provide a sufficient amount of material and number of specimens for complete examination . Additional assistance to the clinician may be rendered by the current trends in clinical microbiology practice to limit the processing of inappropriate specimens and to develop rapid, economical procedures for the detection of pathogenic microorganisms . The clinician should not routinely request antibiotic susceptibility testing but rather base the decision to test on specimen source, type of organism isolated, whether the organisms was isolated in pure or mixed culture, and how predictable the susceptibility of the organism is to the drug of choice. Am Rev Respir Dis, 1988 Jul, 138(1), 117 - 20 Diagnostic value of telescoping plugged catheters in mechanically ventilated patients with bacterial pneumonia using the Metras catheter; Torres A et al.; A new guiding technique, Metras catheter (MC), for blindly introducing a telescoping plugged catheter (TPC) was applied to 25 mechanically ventilated patients with suspected bacterial pneumonia (BPN) . Results obtained with TPC-MC were compared with those obtained with TPC using a conventional fiberoptic bronchoscope (FB) in random order . The diagnosis of BPN was definitely confirmed in 18 patients . In 7 patients, all TPC samples (MC and FB) were sterile, and a diagnosis other than BPN was proved . In the former group, colony-forming units equal to or greater than 10(3)/ml of one or more microorganisms were obtained in 61% of TPC-MC and in 66% of TPC-FB samples . These percentages increased to 64 and 71%, respectively, when 4 patients with previous antibiotic treatment were excluded from the study group . Agreement was observed between microorganisms cultured from both TPC samples in 11 of 18 patients with proved BPN (61%) . Complete disparity was seen only in 2 patients (11%) . Two patients developed a self-limiting hemoptysis after the TPC procedure (MC and FB, respectively) . We conclude that TPC-MC is both a sensitive and specific technique for the diagnosis of BPN in mechanically ventilated patients . Because the diagnostic value of TPC-MC is similar to that of TPC-FB, we propose that the MC be used in patients receiving mechanical ventilation when the FB is not available . The simplicity and lower cost of this new system are important advantages to be considered over the fiberoptic bronchoscope. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract, 1988 Jul, 4(2), 317 - 29 Protein-energy malnutrition in ruminants; Oetzel GR; Protein-energy malnutrition occurs when feed is provided to ruminant livestock in insufficient quantity, quality, or both . The clinical syndrome that results from protein-energy malnutrition is not difficult to recognize, but it may be difficult to convince owners of the diagnosis . Development of clinical signs, such as recumbency and hypothermia, may occur rapidly owing to the sudden failure of homeostatic mechanisms that maintain the supply of cellular fuels . The ruminant is unique in its response to malnutrition because ruminal microorganisms become malnourished just as their host does . Ruminal maldigestion hastens the onset of clinical signs and makes recovery very difficult and prolonged . Clinical signs of PEM are similar in adult beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, and goats; however, the typical history of affected animals varies for each of these species . Neonatal ruminants may also be severely affected with PEM if they do not receive sufficient colostrum and milk . Definitive diagnosis of primary PEM requires necropsy of an affected animal . Diagnosis of PEM in an individual animal usually indicates a herd or flock problem that requires immediate attention . If the affected individual is already recumbent, then treatment will likely be difficult and unsuccessful . Changes in management of the herd or flock that involve ensuring adequate feed intake, minimizing cold and social stress, and meeting the animal's specific nutritional requirements will prevent PEM and maximize production. Ukr Biokhim Zh, 1988 Jul-Aug, 60(4), 78 - 81 {Creation of a polyenzyme composition of proteases from Streptomyces griseus and Acremonium chrysogenum}; Mishunin IF et al.; Proteolytic enzymes of microorganisms have been studied for the possibility to create their polyenzymic composition in order to rise a degree of protein hydrolysis and to lower the process duration . Optimal action conditions are selected and a hydrolysis of a number of globular and fibrillar proteins is conducted by a polyenzymic system of Streptomyces griseus and Acremonium chrysogenum proteases. Ann Inst Pasteur Microbiol, 1988 Jul-Aug, 139(4), 485 - 91 {Antifungigram of dermatophytes}; Steiman R et al.; The sensitivity of Microsporum gypseum to five antifungal agents was carried out by the disk diffusion method . The influence of the culture medium composition and physiological state of the microorganism was studied . The differed setting of antifungal disks enabled a comparative study of their action on spores and mycelium . Best results were obtained on a complex medium (Casitone) using spores as inoculum . The sensitivity of Microsporum canis, M . gypseum and Trichophyton interdigital to the five antifungal agents indicated the efficacy of imidazole compounds as compared to amphotericin B and nystatin . Appl Environ Microbiol, 1988 Jul, 54(7), 1864 - 7 Microbial degradation of xenobiotic, aromatic pollutants in humic water; Larsson P et al.; The microbial degradation of a number of 14C-labeled, recalcitrant, aromatic pollutants, including trichloroguaiacol and di-, tri-, and pentachlorophenol, was investigated in aquatic model systems in the laboratory . Natural, mixed cultures of microorganisms in the water from a brown-water lake with a high content of humic compounds mineralized all of the tested substances to a higher degree than did microorganisms in the water from a clear-water lake . Dichlorophenol was the most rapidly degraded pollutant. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr), 1988 Jul-Aug, 16(4), 279 - 83 Leukocyte chemotaxis; Perez Castrillon JL et al.; Monocyte chemotaxis is a function of mononuclear phagocytic system cells that enables migration toward the focus of infection and inhibition of microorganism growth and proliferation . In this paper we review the chemotactic phenomena following Becker's scheme that distinguishes three phases: recognition, transduction and the effector phase . The recognition phase is comprised of the interaction of a chemotactic agent with a receptor located on the cell surface . We cite the multiple chemoattractant presently known, and the mechanisms that regulate this phase, "up-regulation" and "down-regulation" phenomena, and the presence of receptors in low and high-affinity states . The transduction phase comprises all biochemical events produced after internalization of the attractant-receptor complex, whose purpose is triggering the cell motor apparatus . The key event in beginning movement is the increase of cytosol calcium . Alterations in membrane phosphoinositols constitute the initial transductor mechanism in chemotaxis, inositol-triphosphate and diacylglycerol behaving as second messengers . We review the diverse functions of these phospholipids, as well as we do a graphic representation of these (fig 1) . Motor phase comprises the movement of the cell toward the chemotactic gradient through activation of the motor cell apparatus . We describe the intervening elements, actin and its regulatory proteins acumentin and gelsolin, actin-fixing protein, myosin and microtubuli, and the four phases of locomotion mechanism: reversible adherence, pseudopode emission, cell polarity and movement that results from an alternance between gel and sol states. Rev Infect Dis, 1988 Jul-Aug, 10 Suppl 2, S274 - 6 Molecular Koch's postulates applied to microbial pathogenicity; Falkow S; Microbial genetics and molecular cloning now permit us to routinely isolate specific genes from a variety of microbial pathogens . Obviously not all genes from pathogenic microorganisms play a role in pathogenicity or virulence . Just as Koch's postulates were formulated to identify the causal relationship between an organism and a specific disease, the notion is presented here that a form of molecular Koch's postulates is needed when examining the potential role of genes and their products in the pathogenesis of infection and disease. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1988 Jul-Aug, 24(4), 435 - 47 {Supersynthesis of flavins in microorganisms and its molecular mechanism (review of the literature)}; Shavlovskii GM et al.; The present review discusses the significance of fundamental research into regulation of flavin biosynthesis for development of the knowledge about mechanisms of overproduction of these compounds and their manufacturing . The pathways of riboflavin, FMN and FAD biosyntheses and their regulation in some bacteria, yeasts and fungi are considered, as well as the recent advances in flavin biotechnology . The modern trends in microbial and enzymatic production of flavins are discussed. Genetika, 1988 Jul, 24(7), 1310 - 3 {Genomic fingerprinting of microorganisms: its use as a hybridization probe of phage M13 DNA}; Ryskov AP et al.; Hypervariable nucleotide sequences detected by hybridization with the phage M13 DNA probe were found in the chromosomal DNAs of certain pathogenic microbial species . DNA fingerprinting, based on hybridization of M13-probe with hypervariable chromosomal DNA sequences, opens new approaches to epidemiological analysis, epidemiological prognosis, taxonomy, and other theoretical and applied fields of bacteriology. Parasite Immunol, 1988 Jul, 10(4), 353 - 68 Macrophage activation in vitro by lymphocytes from Leishmania major infected healer and non-healer mice; Pham TV et al.; Peritoneal macrophages from CBA/T6 (healer) and BALB/c (non-healer) mice were infected with Leishmania major (LV39) in vitro . The microorganism replicated at the same rate in macrophages from either strain . Exposure of infected cells to lymph node cells (LNC) from infected syngeneic animals led to intracellular killing of the parasite by macrophages from both strains, provided LPS was present in the incubation medium . In vitro-propagated L.major-specific T-cell blasts activated macrophages from either strain in the absence of LPS . On a per cell basis, lymphoid cells from BALB/c mice were less efficient, however, than cells from CBA/T6 mice . Lysis of parasitized macrophages was also more marked in CBA/T6 than in BALB/c cell mixtures . LNC exposed to parasite antigen or to infected macrophages secreted macrophage-activating factor (MAF); incubation with antigen also induced lymphocyte proliferation . MAF production and LNC proliferation decreased with progression of the infection of BALB/c mice, but always remained significant . The reduction in relative T-cell numbers in the lymph nodes of infected animals was moderate; the absolute number of T-cells increased markedly in the lymphoid organs of both strains, however . These results suggest that failure to heal may coexist together with active cell-mediated immune response in non-healer mice. Infect Immun, 1988 Jul, 56(7), 1722 - 9 Inhibition of the inflammatory action of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor (alpha) on neutrophil function by pentoxifylline; Sullivan GW et al.; Inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor, are produced by monocytes and macrophages in response to microorganisms and microbial products such as endotoxins . The cytokines stimulate neutrophil adherence, degranulation, and superoxide production but inhibit neutrophil migration . We studied the modulation of cytokine-induced neutrophil activation by pentoxifylline and its principle metabolites . Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mononuclear-leukocyte-conditioned medium containing inflammatory cytokines, purified human interleukin-1, or recombinant human tumor necrosis factor increased neutrophil adherence to nylon fiber, primed neutrophils for increased superoxide production in response to N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (FMLP), increased neutrophil lysozyme release stimulated by FMLP, and decreased directed migration of neutrophils to FMLP . Pentoxifylline and its principle metabolites at or near therapeutically achievable levels were able to counteract these effects . Pentoxifylline inhibited the increase in free intracellular calcium in polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated by FMLP and increased binding of FMLP to neutrophils at 37 degrees C but not at 4 degrees C . By blocking the inflammatory action of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor on neutrophils, pentoxifylline may diminish the tissue damage caused by neutrophils in such conditions as septic shock, adult respiratory distress syndrome, cardiopulmonary bypass lung damage, and myocardial reperfusion injury. FEBS Lett, 1988 Jun 20, 233(2), 388 - 92 M13 phage DNA as a universal marker for DNA fingerprinting of animals, plants and microorganisms; Ryskov AP et al.; Hypervariable polymorphic patterns were detected with M13 phage DNA as a probe in genomic DNA of organisms belonging to different taxonomic groups including animals (vertebrates and invertebrates), plants and microorganisms . Individual-specific restriction pattern analysis (DNA fingerprinting) with this probe proved to be useful for individual identification, analysis of somatic stability and paternity testing in man . The nuclear type of inheritance indicates that the hypervariable DNA regions in question are located in the chromosomes, not in the mitochondrial DNA . The data obtained also demonstrate a potential range of M13 DNA applications as a probe for DNA fingerprinting of animals, plants and microorganisms, particularly for the determination of inbred lines, identification of bacterial strains and establishing stock, variety and strain distinctions. Z Hautkr, 1988 Jun 15, 63(6), 517 - 20 {Hairy tongue and hairy oral leukoplakia--a differential histopathologic diagnosis}; Winzer M et al.; 10 specimens taken from oral hairy leukoplakia were compared to 8 histological preparations from hairy tongue . We found 9 criteria helpful concerning the histopathologic differential diagnosis of these entities . Oral hairy leukoplakia shows a gently papillated surface, a prominent horny layer with confluent bacterial overgrowth, and ballooned epithelial cells with a distinct perinuclear halo in a bandlike arrangement . Hairy tongue, in contrast, grows exophytically with a digitiform surface, the horny layer is rather thin, and the microorganisms are confined to the ends of the digitations; the ballooned epithelial cells show pale cytoplasm . Considering the growing incidents of HIV infection, the dermatologist should be familiar with the characteristics of oral hairy leukoplakia and its histopathological differential diagnosis. Nature, 1988 Jun 9, 333(6173), 565 - 7 The major Fc receptor in blood has a phosphatidylinositol anchor and is deficient in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria; Selvaraj P et al.; Fc receptors on phagocytic cells in the blood mediate binding and clearance of immune complexes, phagocytosis of antibody-opsonized microorganisms, and potently trigger effector functions, including superoxide anion production and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity . The Fc receptor type III (Fc gamma R III, CD 16), present in 135,000 sites per cell 1 on neutrophils and accounting for most of FcR in blood, unexpectedly has a phosphatidylinositol glycan (PIG) membrane anchor . Deficiency of Fc gamma R III is observed in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH), an acquired abnormality of haematopoietic cells affecting PIG tail biosynthesis or attachment, and is probably responsible for circulating immune complexes and susceptibility to bacterial infections associated with this disease . Although a growing number of eukaryotic cell-surface proteins with PIG-tails are being described, none has thus far been implicated in receptor-mediated endocytosis or in triggering of cell-mediated killing . Our findings on the Fc gamma R III raise the question of how a PIG-tailed protein important in immune complex clearance in vivo and in antibody-dependent killing mediates ligand internalization and cytotoxicity . Together with our results, previous functional studies on Fc gamma R III and Fc gamma R II suggest that these two receptors may cooperate and that the type of membrane anchor is an important mechanism whereby the functional capacity of surface receptors can be regulated. Eur J Pediatr, 1988 Jun, 147(5), 520 - 2 Neonatal brucellosis; Lubani MM et al.; Three Arab children with neonatal brucellosis are described . The first presented with late neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia, the second with a septicoemia-like picture and the third was born prematurely and presented with respiratory distress . The diagnosis of brucellosis was based on a positive blood culture and on a high or rising titre of antibodies to the Brucella organism . All the three neonates responded well to antibiotic therapy as monitored by a Brucella titre of less than 1:40 and a negative blood culture 10 weeks after the onset of therapy . The three mothers had Brucella infections during pregnancy and the Brucella agglutination titre of the breast milk was high . No Brucella microorganism was isolated from the breast milk . The mode of transmission of brucellosis in neonates is discussed. Am J Vet Res, 1988 Jun, 49(6), 766 - 9 Ecologic study of the risk factors for environmental mastitis in cows; Schukken YH et al.; An index was developed to measure the proportion of intramammary infections caused by environmental microorganisms on dairy farms . This environmental index can be interpreted as the probability that an intramammary infection was caused by an environmental pathogen, rather than by a contagious pathogen . Using the environmental index as the outcome variable, risk factors for environmental mastitis were studied on 10 dairy farms in New York . Turning the cows outside was associated with lower environmental index, and having cows drink from a stream increased the environmental index . Selective (rather than uniform) nonlactating cow intramammary treatment was related to a lower environmental index (apparently because the farms practicing selective nonlactating cow treatment suffered from epizootics of contagious mastitis). J Trauma, 1988 Jun, 28(6), 866 - 7 Injury from silage wagon accident complicated by mucormycosis; Gordon G et al.; Infection due to farm machinery injuries may be caused by microorganisms found in soil or decaying vegetable material . A case of injury due to entrapment of a young boy in a silage wagon is reported here . His injuries were complicated by infection with Aspergillus species, Absidia species, Rhizopus species (the latter two are members of the Mucorales order), and Pseudomonas maltophilia . Successful treatment of his infection followed aggressive surgical debridement of the anterior abdominal wall, amphotericin B, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and surgical closure utilizing delayed placement of split-thickness skin grafts. J Bacteriol, 1988 Jun, 170(6), 2790 - 5 A rapid population method for action spectra applied to Halobacterium halobium; Stoeckenius W et al.; We have developed a simple and rapid technique for measuring the action spectra for phototaxis of populations of microorganisms and applied it to halobacteria . A microscope with a dark-field condenser was used to illuminate the cell suspension in a sealed chamber with light of wavelength greater than 750 nm; in this region of the spectrum, the halobacteria show no phototactic response . A 150-micron spot of light from a xenon arc lamp, whose wavelength and intensity can be varied, was projected through the objective lens into the center of the dark field . The objective lens imaged this measuring spot through a 780-nm cut-off filter on an aperture in front of a photomultiplier . The intensity of the scattered 750-nm light, and therefore the photomultiplier current, is proportional to the number of cells in the measuring spot . A third lamp provided background light of variable wavelength and intensity through the dark-field condenser . To minimize secondary effects due to large changes in cell density, we recorded the initial changes in the photomultiplier current over 1 min after the actinic light had been switched on . By plotting the rate of change against wavelength, we obtained action spectra after the proper corrections for changes in light intensity with wavelength were applied and saturation effects were avoided. Clin Lab Med, 1988 Jun, 8(2), 325 - 36 Autoreactivity and altered immune responses in inflammatory bowel disease; Keren DF; Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a poorly understood condition that is associated with a wide variety of immunologic alterations . Because its pathogenesis is unknown, these immunologic alterations have been investigated with an eye toward unraveling the complex mechanism of injury in the bowels of these patients . There are several lines of evidence suggesting that IBD is related to immunologic events . The histopathology of active disease resembles the Arthus reaction, whereas the presence of antiepithelial cell antibodies is reminiscent of Goodpasture's disease . Antibodies against many microorganisms and autoantibodies to mucosal components are commonly found in these patients . Further, there is a marked increase in plasma cells in the lamina propria of patients with active IBD . It is important to keep these findings in perspective . No studies to date have been able to determine whether the features are entirely primary events, that is, related to the initial damage to the intestinal mucosa . If the surface mucosa is injured by an as-yet-unidentified agent, the immunologic findings in IBD may be secondary events . Nonetheless, the similarity in histopathology of the experimental immunologic models of IBD to the human disease encourages investigators to pursue the etiology of this complex disease. Int J Food Microbiol, 1988 Jun, 6(4), 281 - 6 The design and application of a model system to investigate physical factors affecting container leakage; Bankes P et al.; A model system was designed and constructed to investigate the mechanisms of food container leakage . Factors which were found to affect the leakage of microorganisms into the container, included the presence of a vacuum, the size and shape of the leakage channel and the volume of liquid passing through the channel . Differences were observed among the test organisms used. Liver, 1988 Jun, 8(3), 167 - 71 Bacteriaemia after injection sclerotherapy of oesophageal varices; Hegnhoj J et al.; Thirty consecutive alcoholic patients with biopsy-proven cirrhosis of the liver and oesophageal varices underwent a total of 47 upper intestinal endoscopies . During 31 of the endoscopies paravariceal sclerotherapy of oesophageal varices was performed . Blood cultures were drawn before and after the procedures . Bacteriaemia after endoscopy was detected on seven occasions: six after sclerotherapy and one after endoscopy without sclerotherapy . This difference did not reach statistical significance . The microorganisms cultured belonged to the normal flora of the skin or the oropharynx . Bacteriaemia was transient and had no clinical consequences. J Appl Toxicol, 1988 Jun, 8(3), 227 - 8 Instability and apparent lack of metabolism of phomopsin A during incubation with ovine rumen fluid; Vogel P; To investigate the stability and possible metabolism of phomopsin A in rumen fluid, phomopsin A was incubated in ovine rumen fluid - buffer mixtures for 24 h . High performance liquid chromatographic analysis of extracted incubation mixtures demonstrated that although phomopsin A was degraded, metabolism by rumen microorganisms appears not to be important during 24 h incubation. Scand J Dent Res, 1988 Jun, 96(3), 275 - 8 Characterization of human salivary beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase); Fouda NE et al.; NAGase activity was studied in mixed whole, parotid, and submandibular saliva . The maximum activity of NAGase was found to be at pH 5.0 . NAGase activity varied considerably among the subjects . The data indicated that a large portion of NAGase activity originates from oral microorganisms . NAGase activity was greatly reduced after heating for 45 min at 50 degrees C . The residual activity after storage at -20 degrees C was higher than the original activity . The enzyme activity was markedly diminished after the addition of Sn++ and Ag+ ions, while no activity was detected after the addition of Hg+ ion. Eur J Epidemiol, 1988 Jun, 4(2), 212 - 5 The Dienes effect as an epidemiological tool in a paraplegic unit; Herruzo-Cabrera R et al.; The authors study the Dienes effect in 136 P.mirabilis and 2 P.vulgaris strains, isolated from different infection or colonization sites, in 27 spinal cord injured patients, admitted to a Paraplegic Unit, during a 9 month period . It is shown that 7 cross-infection and 18 cross-contamination episodes occurred, affecting 13 of 27 patients, which indicates the great spreading capacity of these microorganisms; 97% of the results obtained were observed once again after 6 months' storage of strains . In addition, in 7 of these strains their resistance to several antibiotics was cured by treating them with acriflavine salts, demonstrating that the Dienes effect persists even when resistance to antibiotics is modified; the authors conclude that the Dienes effect is an accurate stable epidemiological tool to identify cross-infections and its origins, and to facilitate the interruption of the chain of infection. Am J Reprod Immunol Microbiol, 1988 Jun, 17(2), 61 - 4 Mechanisms of active suppression of the immune response to spermatozoa; Witkin SS; The production of autoantibodies to spermatozoa in males and isoantibodies in females is inhibited both by the physical isolation of spermatozoa from the systemic immune system and by active immunosuppression mechanisms . Lymphoid cells present in the epithelial lining of the rete testis, epididymis, and vas deferens, as well as the human ejaculate, are predominantly T suppressor/cytotoxic cells . Mononuclear cells derived from semen inhibit the in vitro activation of peripheral blood lymphocytes . Soluble specific T suppressor/cytotoxic cell activators in semen or on the sperm surface may be responsible for the predominance of this T cell subset in the male reproductive tract . The activation of T suppressor/cytotoxic cells following coitus may also limit the immune response to spermatozoa in females . Spermatozoa can also initiate immunosuppression, either by selectively inducing T suppressor cells or through the generation of activated complement components that block antibody production . Antisperm antibodies in sera from females may be associated with either a deficiency in the ability of their T suppressor/cytotoxic cells to be induced by factors in semen or by the occurrence in their husbands' ejaculates of microorganisms, antibodies, or other factors that induce T helper lymphocytes . Activated T cells produce interferon gamma, which induces Ia antigen expression on macrophages and allows the female's T helper cells to recognize processed sperm antigens . Recognition of the role of cell-mediated immune functions in the male and female genital tract identifies possible new target sites for the development of contraceptive agents. J Bacteriol, 1988 Jun, 170(6), 2467 - 71 Cloning and nucleotide sequence of the aroA gene of Bordetella pertussis; Maskell DJ et al.; The aroA locus of Bordetella pertussis, encoding 5-enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate synthase, has been cloned into Escherichia coli by using a cosmid vector . The gene is expressed in E . coli and complemented an E . coli aroA mutant . The nucleotide sequence of the B . pertussis aroA gene was determined and contains an open reading frame encoding 442 amino acids, with a calculated molecular weight for 5-enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate synthase of 46,688 . The amino acid sequence derived from the nucleotide sequence shows homology with the published amino acid sequences of aroA gene products of other microorganisms. Genetics, 1988 Jun, 119(2), 227 - 36 Mapping of Escherichia coli chromosomal Tn5 and F insertions by pulsed field gel electrophoresis; Smith CL et al.; A low resolution Not I physical map of Escherichia coli was recently constructed . In this report we demonstrated that this map can be used to map Tn5 and F insertions physically . The transposon, Tn5, contains Not I recognition sequences in its IS50 sequences . F plasmid contains an unmapped Not I site . Hence, the location of Tn5 and F in the chromosome can be mapped by identifying the location of the introduced Not I sites using pulsed field gel electrophoresis . The physical mapping of genetically mapped Tn5 insertions confirm the previously constructed Not I map and helps align the E . coli physical and genetic maps . The use of Tn5 can assist the construction of both physical and genetic maps for microorganisms lacking such maps . Variations on this approach will facilitate physical mapping with a wide variety of organisms, enzymes, and genetic elements. FASEB J, 1988 Jun, 2(9), 2474 - 8 DNA topoisomerases as targets for chemotherapy; Rose KM; DNA topoisomerases are ubiquitous enzymes that alter the configuration or topology of DNA . These enzymes play an important role in replicational, recombinational, and transcriptional events and are a key to cell growth processes . A number of therapeutically useful drugs apparently exert their effects by interfering with DNA topoisomerization reactions . Several inhibitors of bacterial DNA topoisomerase II (DNA gyrase) have been developed . Most of these possess a 4-quinolone nucleus and are highly bactericidal for a variety of microorganisms; at therapeutically effective levels, these compounds do not inhibit the human topoisomerases . Other drugs, structurally distinct from the DNA gyrase inhibitors, inhibit the human type II DNA topoisomerase . These drugs, including m-AMSA and VP16-23, are proving useful in the treatment of several neoplasms. J Biol Chem, 1988 May 25, 263(15), 6953 - 5 Endotoxin stimulates glycogenolysis in the liver by means of intercellular communication; Casteleijn E et al.; Escherichia coli endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) was shown to increase glycogenolysis in the perfused liver 2-3-fold . In isolated parenchymal liver cells, however, endotoxin did not influence glycogenolysis, whereas stimulation by endotoxin of glycogenolysis in the perfused liver could be blocked by aspirin . This suggests that the effect of endotoxin on liver glycogenolysis is mediated by eicosanoids . The amount of prostaglandin D2 (which is the major prostanoid formed by Kupffer cells) in the liver perfusates was increased 5-fold upon endotoxin addition, with a time course which preceded the increase in glucose output . It is concluded that endotoxin stimulates glycogenolysis in the liver by stimulating prostaglandin D2 release from Kupffer cells, with a subsequent activation of glycogenolysis in parenchymal liver cells . This mechanism of intercellular communication may be designed to provide the carbohydrate source of energy necessary for the effective destruction of invaded microorganisms, by phagocytic cells, including the Kupffer cells. J Biol Chem, 1988 May 15, 263(14), 6588 - 91 Characterization of a nonspecific activator protein for the enzymatic hydrolysis of glycolipids; Li SC et al.; We have studied the substrate specificities of a non-specific activator protein on the enzymatic hydrolyses of the following compounds: GM1 and GM2, as well as several of their derivatives including oligosaccharides, GgOse3Cer-II3-sulfate and LacCer-II3-sulfate, Gb-Ose3Cer and GbOse4Cer, three neolacto-series glycosphingolipids, and two non-ceramide glycolipids . Our results show that this activator protein has a broad spectrum of activity and exhibits the properties of a nonspecific natural detergent . The evidence of non-specificity was the ability of this activator protein to stimulate the hydrolyses of glycolipids, regardless of glycosphingolipids or non-ceramide glycolipids, carried out by glycosidases from animals, plants, and microorganisms . Its activity was, however, limited to substrates that had a lipid moiety . The oligosaccharide of GM1 and deacetyl-fatty acid free GM1 (II3-NeuGg-Ose4-sphingosine) were hydrolyzed by beta-galactosidase in the absence of this activator protein. J Morphol, 1988 May, 196(2), 187 - 93 Fine structure of larval malpighian tubules and rectal sac in the tick Ornithodoros (Pavlovskyella) erraticus (Ixodoidea: Argasidae); el Shoura SM; The fine structure of the Malpighian tubules (Mts) and rectal sac (rs) is described in the larval tick Ornithodoros (Pavlovskyella) erraticus before and after feeding up to molting . Mts consist of structurally different pyramidal and cuboidal cells along the entire length of the tubule . In unfed ticks, the two types of cell are characterized by apical microvilli and a few basal membrane infoldings . The abundant pyramidal cells contain glycogen particles, lipid droplets, lysosomelike structures, and rickettsialike microorganisms . After feeding but before molting, pyramidal cells loose glycogen particles and become very dense and dramatically reduced in size . These cells are possibly involved in the formation of guanine crystalloids as an excretory product . In contrast, cuboidal cells, filled with glycogen particles, free ribosomes, and mitochondria in unfed larvae, grow steadily after feeding; their cytoplasm becomes rich in lipid droplets in addition to showing an increase in glycogen particles . Lipid and glycogen could be the source of energy required for water and ion reabsorption in which cuboidal cells are probably involved . The paired-lobe rs consists of one type of cuboidal cells with basal membrane infoldings and a brush-border microvilli covered by a fuzzy coat of glycocalyx . These cells grow rapidly after feeding; they have functional features indicating extensive, selective reabsorption of essential components from excretory products. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1988 May, 41(5), 595 - 601 Metabolic products of microorganisms . 243 . Pyridazomycin, a new antifungal antibiotic produced by Streptomyces violaceoniger; Grote R et al.; Pyridazomycin, a new antifungal antibiotic produced by Streptomyces violaceoniger sp . griseofuscus (strain Tu 2557), was detected in a selective screening against Mucor hiemalis (Tu 179/180) . The amino acid side chain of 1 can be seen as L-ornithine, whose gamma-nitrogen atom is part of a pyridazine ring building a quaternary ammonium system . The structure of 1 was established by spectroscopic analysis of the parent compound and degradation products . The occurrence of a pyridazine ring in microbial secondary metabolites is unique. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol, 1988 May, 9(5), 194 - 9 Evaluation of two hot water washer disinfectors for medical instruments; Jette LP et al.; Two models of hot water washer disinfectors (Decomat 128 and Hospital A, Euroclean Canada Inc; Ontario, Canada) were evaluated by two methods for their efficacy in disinfecting anesthesia equipment . In the first method, three different microbial suspensions were each sealed into 30 capillary tubes . In the second method, corrugated anesthesia tubes were rinsed with suspensions of each of two bacterial strains . The tubes then underwent a standard cycle in the hot water washer disinfectors and were subsequently tested for growth of microorganisms . All experiments were repeated three times, and the temperature was registered in all cases . In the capillary test, growth was rarely detected (13/540 tubes) and the inactivation factor for both apparatus was greater than 5 log10 . In the rinse test, no growth was detected . The mean temperature for 15 disinfection cycles was 84.2 +/- 0.8 degrees C for Decomat 128 and 88.9 +/- 0.5 degrees C for Hospital A . However, for Decomat 128 we observed a variation of 3 degrees C from one disinfection cycle to another and a progressive reduction of 2.2 degrees C over a series of five consecutive complete cycles . Both methods gave reproducible results . Under our experimental conditions, both hot water washer disinfectors proved to be efficacious for the disinfection of reusable anesthesia equipment. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 1988 May, 95(5), 908 - 11 Delayed infection of the automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator . Current recognition and management; Almassi GH et al.; Three cases of delayed infection of automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator devices without systemic manifestations are reported . Computed tomographic scan of the heart revealed fluid deep to the patch in each case . Sonication of explanted automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patches facilitated the recovery of adherent microorganisms in one case . Management of this previously unrecognized problem is outlined. Clin Geriatr Med, 1988 May, 4(2), 375 - 94 Joint infection, with consideration of underlying disease and sources of bacteremia in hematogenous infection; Klein RS; Joint infection commonly results from hematogenous spread of infection from a distant site . Pre-existing joint disease increases the risk of joint infection during bacteremia . Most patients present with pain, swelling, heat, and limitation of motion of the affected joint, often with fever, but presentation may be atypical, especially in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic corticosteroid therapy, or infected prosthetic joints . Diagnosis is best made by analysis and culture of synovial fluid . The infecting microorganism often provides a clue to remote infection or underlying disease, which may require special attention . Therapy consists of high-dose parenteral antibiotics and adequate drainage . Outcome depends on early diagnosis and appropriate therapy. Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1988 May, 186(2), 138 - 52 {Methodologic problems in the bacteriological laboratory testing of disinfectants for surface disinfection in veterinary medicine}; Kleiner U et al.; The intention of investigations was to clear central problems of disinfecting testing in carrier model . Ways of practical and standardized evaluation should be found out . Concrete investigations were made to guarantee a highly and regularly initial bacterial count, practical germ carriers and organic matter as also detecting damaged bacteria . Investigations for resistance level of test organisms were made in suspension test with formaldehyde as reference disinfectant . It was obviously that test organisms used in disinfecting testing were after 8 weeks more sensitive against disinfectants . Therefore results of disinfecting testing are often no representative because those test organisms are not qualified for representative declaration of disinfectant efficiency . Animal passage in distance of 8 weeks is a possibility for guaranteeing highly and regularly resistance of microorganisms We recommend to use soft wood from the same origin, addition of 10% horse serum and 1% carboxymethylcellulose as organic matter for a model relating to practice . Buffered peptone water and nutrient agar are guarantee for detecting damaged bacteria after disinfecting. Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1988 May, 186(2), 108 - 17 {Microbial contamination of water by pipe and hose material . 1 . Detection of colony count changes}; Schoenen D et al.; Materials may produce a growth of microorganisms by contact with water . Pipes and hoses with a narrow diameter have not yet been tested on their influence on the microbial colonization of the water . A harmful change has been discussed especially in dental treatment units . Pipes and hoses were tested in their influence on the microbial growth for half a year . Glass, high grade steel, copper and PTFE showed no increase in microorganisms or only a little in the beginning . The other tested materials, PVC, PE, PA, silicon and rubber, produced an intensive microbial growth. J Anal Toxicol, 1988 May-Jun, 12(3), 126 - 31 Analysis of anatoxin-a by GC/ECD; Stevens DK et al.; Anatoxin-a (ANTX-a), a potent cholinergic alkaloid produced by some toxigenic strains of the cyanobacterium Anabaena flos-aquae, has been responsible for death of livestock, pets, and wildlife . An increase in the frequency of cyanobacterial blooms in fresh waters of temperate North America has produced a concomitant increase in the threat posed by toxic strains of some of these microorganisms . Presently, a mouse bioassay is the general procedure used for testing the toxicity of a bloom-approximately 5 micrograms/mL ANTX-a sensitivity . A method that is over three orders of magnitude more sensitive than that bioassay is described here . It is readily capable of detecting and quantitating sublethal levels of ANTX-a . ANTX-a is isolated via solid-phase extraction (SPE), derivatized with trichloracetic anhydride, isolated a second time via SPE, and analyzed by GC/ECD . Sensitivity to 5 ng is achieved . Sample size can be as large as 10 mL . "Nontoxic" samples are shown to contain ANTX-a. Microbiol Sci, 1988 May, 5(5), 156 - 9 Microbial production and metabolism of epoxides; Weijers CA et al.; Epoxides are intermediates in the metabolism of many alkenes and aromatic compounds in higher organisms and in microorganisms . In microbial formation of epoxides, and further metabolism or excretion of these reactive compounds, many different enzymes are involved . Bacteria and fungi sometimes form optically active epoxides or are able to degrade epoxides enantioselectively, allowing the biotechnological production of these chiral building blocks in organic synthesis. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1988 Apr, 54(4), 910 - 6 A model for analyzing growth kinetics of a slowly growing Mycobacterium sp; Lambrecht RS et al.; This report describes a simple method for quantifying viable mycobacteria and for determining generation time . We used statistical models and computer analysis of growth curves generated for the slowly growing mycobacterium Mycobacterium paratuberculosis under controlled conditions to derive a mathematical formula relating the dependent variable, growth, to the independent variables, log10 number of organisms in the inoculum (inoculum size) and incubation time . Growth was measured by a radiometric method which detects 14CO2 release during metabolism of a 14C-labeled substrate . The radiometric method allowed for early detection of growth and detected as few as three viable bacteria . The coefficient of variation between culture vials inoculated with the same number of M . paratuberculosis was 0.083 . Radiometric measurements were highly correlated to spectrophotometric and plate count methods for measuring growth (r = 0.962 and 0.992, respectively) . The proportion of the total variability explained by the model in a goodness of fit test was 0.9994 . Application of the model to broth cultures provided accurate estimates of the number of M . paratuberculosis (standard error = 0.21, log10 scale) and the growth rate (coefficient of variation, 0.03) . Generation time was observed to be dependent upon the number of organisms in the inoculum . The model accurately described all phases of growth of M . paratuberculosis and can likely be applied to other slowly growing microorganisms. J Exp Med, 1988 Apr 1, 167(4), 1486 - 92 Extracellular killing of Leishmania promastigotes and amastigotes by macrophage precursors derived from bone marrow cultures; Baccarini M et al.; Flagellates of the genus Leishmania are obligate intracellular parasites of vertebrates including man . The microorganisms reside and multiply inside the phagolysosomes of cells of the mononuclear phagocyte lineage . We here report on the spontaneous leishmanicidal activity exerted extracellularly by immature cells of the mononuclear phagocyte lineage . Highly purified, bone marrow-derived macrophage precursor cells displayed a strong spontaneous leishmanicidal activity already at very low effector/target rations (3:1, 6:1) . This leishmanicidal activity was effective against both promastigotes and amastigotes as targets . The cytotoxic effect was evident within 4 h and maximal after 12 h of effector-target organism cocultivation, as determined by a radiolabel-release assay . An intimate cell-cell contact seemed necessary for the parasites to be killed. Ann Allergy, 1988 Apr, 60(4), 293 - 300 Complement: function and clinical relevance; Williams LW et al.; There is a remarkable array of proteins participating in the complement cascade, regulating the activation of the system, or recognizing a fragment of a component as a biologic signal . The classical pathway of complement activation depends on antigen-antibody interaction and is important as an effector arm of acquired humoral immunity to microorganisms . The alternative pathway functions as a form of innate humoral immunity by attacking membranes not having the characteristics of self-membrane . In addition, the alternative path provides amplification after triggering by either path . Absence or dysfunction of many of the components is associated with autoimmune or immunodeficiency disease . Absence of the inhibitor C1INH is associated with the unique syndrome of hereditary angioedema. Comput Appl Biosci, 1988 Apr, 4(2), 291 - 5 Detection and quantification of microorganisms in a heterogeneous foodstuff by image analysis; Fernandes MA et al.; A relatively inexpensive image analysis system has been developed to semi-automate the detection and quantification of microbial growth in sections of food . A system based on an IBM PC compatible, with a frame store card, was programmed to scan Gram-stained sections using a motorized stage . Each field of view was thresholded after subtraction of a background image and the area between two thresholds measured . In the food studied it was found that, by using a size limit, it was possible to reduce the number of fields that needed to be examined by a microscopist to approximately 3% of those scanned . Visual examination was still required to distinguish bacterial cells from other stained objects which occasionally occur. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1988 Apr, 65(4), 401 - 3 Needle tract infection . A case report; Connor JP et al.; When local anesthetic agents are injected through the integument of the body, surface microorganisms may be introduced into the underlying tissues . Pathogenic microorganisms of the oral cavity, for example, may be introduced by the injection needle into deeper tissue . A case of needle tract infection was documented and is presented in this article. Pediatr Res, 1988 Apr, 23(4), 439 - 42 Development of the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier: changes in phospholipid head groups and fatty acid composition of intestinal microvillus membranes from newborn and adult rats; Chu SH et al.; Phospholipids in microvillus membrane (MVM) prepared from the proximal small intestine of newborn (less than 24 h of age) and adult rats were characterized to determine if differences in composition existed . Our hypothesis is that developmental differences in composition of the MVM may account for mucosal barrier differences to microorganisms and antigens during the perinatal period . Lipid analysis showed that both cholesterol and total phospholipids, per mg of membrane protein, were much higher in the newborn MVM than the adult, but the molar ratio of these two lipid classes remained unchanged . Increased phosphatidylcholine and decreased phosphatidylinositol levels were found in the newborn MVM compared to the adult . In addition, the major difference in fatty acid composition of total lipid extracts and three major membrane phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylinositol appeared to be an increased ratio of palmitate (16:0) to stearate (18:0) and of oleate (18:1) to linoleate (18:2) in the newborn . These data suggest that changes in the proportion of phospholipid polar head groups and fatty acyl groups as well as changes in the amount of total phospholipids and cholesterol exist in the newborn MVM . These observations are consistent with differences in MVM fluidity previously noted and may help explain the increased uptake of antigens and other mucosal barrier defects in the newborn intestine. J Anim Sci, 1988 Apr, 66(4), 901 - 10 Effect of diet on composition of cecal contents and on excretion and composition of soft and hard feces of rabbits; Carabano R et al.; A total of 260 New Zealand White growing rabbits were used to study the effect of diet on chemical composition of cecal contents and on production and composition of soft and hard feces . Eight diets varying in their acid detergent fiber (9.8% to 32.7%) and starch (13% to 30%) levels were evaluated . The diet affected (P less than .01) all the variables studied, except dry matter (DM) and molar proportions of volatile fatty acids on cecal contents . An increase of dietary crude fiber increased crude fiber level in cecal contents (from 11.58% to 26.53%) . However, a relatively lower proportion of fibrous material was found in the cecal contents when rabbits were fed the more fibrous diets . This suggests that dietary fiber has a direct influence on the efficiency of particle separation in the digestive tract . Crude protein and volatile fatty acid concentrations of cecal contents decreased (from 30.14% to 19.65% and from 47.8 to 36.7 mmol/liter, respectively) when dietary crude fiber increased . This could be related to availability of energy to cecal microorganisms . Ammonia concentration of cecal contents was not affected by dietary crude fiber . Daily production of soft feces varied from 14.98 to 29.59 g DM/d, and the contribution of soft feces to total DM and to crude protein intake ranged from 10.6% to 15.0% and from 12.8% to 20.5%, respectively; these values were the smallest and the largest for the least and the most fibrous diets, respectively . From this study we conclude that dietary fiber has a major effect on the digestive processes in the rabbit and that dietary starch level has no influence on any of the variables studied. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1988 Mar, (3), 36 - 40 {Ecological and biological maintenance of sapronoses exemplified by melioidosis}; Larionov GM; The growth and death of Pseudomonas pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, in the soil and the antigenic properties of this microorganism in the soil, in culture media, and in the body of animals have been studied . As revealed in this study, P . pseudomallei can grow in nonsterile soil substrates without the loss of virulence and changes in its antigenic structure . In the body of animals this microorganism rapidly adapts its virulence to host species by the transformation of its antigenic structure . The pathogenicity factors of P . pseudomallei are mainly thermolabile antigens, probably exoenzymes . This microorganism has been shown to have close ecological relations with abiotic environmental objects . The author suggests that the type of relationship between saprophytic microorganisms acting as causative agents of diseases and warm-blooded hosts should be characterized as pseudoparasitic. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1988 Mar, 54(3), 827 - 9 Microbial hydroxylation of quinoline in contaminated groundwater: evidence for incorporation of the oxygen atom of water; Pereira WE et al.; Studies conducted in an aquifer contaminated by creosote suggest that quinoline is converted to 2(1H)quinolinone by an indigenous consortium of microorganisms . Laboratory microbial experiments using H218O indicate that water is the source of the oxygen atom for this hydroxylation reaction under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1988 Mar, 41(3), 289 - 95 Metabolites of microorganisms . 242 pyridindolol glucosides from Streptomyces parvulus; Hagmann L et al.; From a new strain of Streptomyces, Streptomyces parvulus, strain Tu 2480 three glucosides of the alkaloid pyridindolol were isolated . The structure elucidation is based on spectroscopic investigations and degradation to pyridindolol and alpha,D-methyl glucoside. Acta Cytol, 1988 Mar-Apr, 32(2), 240 - 6 Giant cell interstitial pneumonia in a hard-metal worker . Cytologic, histologic and analytical electron microscopic investigation; Tabatowski K et al.; A case of biopsy-proven giant cell interstitial pneumonia in a patient with occupational exposure to hard-metal dust is reported . Bronchial washings performed several days prior to open-lung biopsy yielded an almost exclusive population of nonpigmented alveolar macrophages and pleomorphic, phagocytic multinucleated giant cells . Microorganisms, viral inclusions in the giant cells, epithelioid histiocytes and well-formed granulomas were not seen . This cytologic picture strongly suggests the presence of giant cell interstitial pneumonia in a patient with restrictive lung disease, particularly when exposure to hard-metal dust is known or suspected . A specific diagnosis early in the course of the disease may facilitate removal of the individual from the workplace and forestall the development of end-stage interstitial fibrosis . Additionally, the working environment may be modified to minimize inhalational exposure . Recognition of this entity by the cytopathologist may direct diagnostic efforts toward accurate histologic evaluation and the identification of particulates by microprobe analysis of either cellular or biopsy material. J Bacteriol, 1988 Mar, 170(3), 1227 - 34 A heat shock operon in Coxiella burnetti produces a major antigen homologous to a protein in both mycobacteria and Escherichia coli; Vodkin MH et al.; A gene library from the DNA of Coxiella burnetii has been constructed in the cosmid vector pHC79 . A particular clone, pJB196, reacted strongly with Coxiella-specific antibodies elicited in a number of different species of animals . This clone produced two abundant C . burnetii-specific polypeptides, a 14-kilodalton nonimmunoreactive protein and a 62-kilodalton immunoreactive protein . Sequencing identified two open reading frames, encoding polypeptides of 10.5 and 58.3 kilodaltons . The only transcriptional control element observed on the 5' side of the initiation codon resembled a heat shock promoter . This heat shock promoter was functionally regulated in Escherichia coli, since both proteins were produced by growth conditions at 37 degrees C and neither protein was detected at 23 degrees C . There were four sequences from the literature that were highly homologous (greater than 50%) to the 62-kilodalton protein from C . burnetii . Three were from Mycobacterium species and represent the immunodominant antigen of this genus . The other was from E . coli, detected as a gene that complements or suppresses a temperature-sensitive RNase activity . Since the recombinant protein was immunogenic, it may serve as an efficacious vaccine against C . burnetii and other pathogenic microorganisms that express the conserved antigen. Gastroenterology, 1988 Mar, 94(3), 673 - 81 Intestinal microvascular exchange in the rat during luminal perfusion with formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine; Granger DN et al.; Formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), a peptide released from bacteria in the gut lumen, is known to both attract and activate neutrophils . The aim of this study was to determine whether luminal perfusion with 1 microM FMLP alters microvascular permeability, blood flow, and neutrophil migration in the small intestine of control rats and rats treated with antineutrophil serum . Microvascular permeability to total plasma proteins was determined from an analysis of lymphatic protein fluxes . Myeloperoxidase activity was used as an index of tissue neutrophil count . Intestinal blood flow was measured using radiolabeled microspheres and the reference blood sample method . In control rats, luminal perfusion with FMLP caused significant increases in blood flow, lymph flow, lymph protein clearance, and microvascular permeability, but it did not alter tissue myeloperoxidase activity . In rats treated with antineutrophil serum, tissue myeloperoxidase levels were reduced by approximately 55%, and the FMLP-induced changes in lymph flow, lymph protein clearance, and microvascular permeability were significantly attenuated . In vitro experiments with isolated rat neutrophils revealed that 1 microM FMLP elicits significant chemotaxis and degranulation yet minimally enhances superoxide production . The results of this study indicate that peptides produced by microorganisms in the gut lumen can increase intestinal microvascular permeability . The FMLP-induced alterations in microvascular exchange appear to be mediated by activated neutrophils. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1988 Mar-Apr, 24(2), 147 - 63 {Biosynthesis of nicotinamide dinucleotide (NAD) in microorganisms (review of the literature)}; Bazdyreva NM; Data on the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and mechanisms of its regulation in microorganisms are reviewed, and the reasons and conditions of NAD overproduction are discussed. Mol Cell Probes, 1988 Mar, 2(1), 47 - 57 Detection of toxigenic Escherichia coli using biotin-labelled DNA probes following enzymatic amplification of the heat labile toxin gene; Olive DM et al.; Several types of DNA probes labelled with biotin were compared for their sensitivity to detect the heat labile toxin (LT) gene in toxigenic Escherichia coli . In addition, a procedure was developed for enzymatically amplifying LT gene sequences in toxigenic E . coli . Probes were labelled with biotinylated nucleotides by either nick translation; 3' tailing; primer extension of probe DNA cloned into bacteriophage M13; sandwich hybridization; or oligolabelling of isolated DNA fragments . A single stranded probe consisting of a DNA fragment from the LT gene cloned into the bacteriophage M13mp18 and detected by hybridization to oligolabelled biotinylated M13mp18 RF DNA in a sandwich hybridization was able to detect as little as 10 pg of toxin gene DNA . Cloned LT gene DNA was serially diluted and amplified enzymatically using synthetic oligonucleotide primers . Amplified DNA was detected using biotin-labelled M13-based probes . As little as 1 fg of LT DNA could be amplified to detectable levels by this method . Experiments with LT+ bacteria resulted in the detection of as few as 1000 bacteria . The combination of enzymatic amplification coupled with M13-based DNA probes provides a highly sensitive tool for detecting pathogenic microorganisms. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1988 Mar, 158(3 Pt 2), 701 - 6 Results of a randomized, multicenter, comparative trial of a single dose of cefotetan versus multiple doses of cefoxitin as prophylaxis in cesarean section; McGregor JA et al.; In a multicenter, open, randomized, comparative trial, 308 women undergoing cesarean section were given a single 1 gm dose of cefotetan or three 2 gm doses of cefoxitin after cord clamping to reduce the incidence of postoperative infectious morbidity . Of the 286 evaluable patients, 195 received cefotetan and 91 received cefoxitin . Most patients were in active labor and one third had ruptured membranes . Microorganisms cultured from the endocervix or intraoperatively from the endometrium or abdominal wall operative sites were comparable for the two groups . In this multicenter study, the difference between the percentage of patients receiving cefotetan who did not develop clinical signs and symptoms of infection (93%) and the percentage of patients receiving cefoxitin (85%) considered clinical successes was statistically significant (p = 0.02, chi 2) . The bacteriologic response rate for patients taking cefotetan was also significantly higher than that for patients taking cefoxitin (93% versus 85%, p = 0.03) . Isolates recovered from the endocervix, endometrium, or operative site were comparable for the two groups . Both drugs were well tolerated . In this evaluation, cefotetan administered in a single dose of 1 gm was more effective as a prophylactic agent than multiple 2 gm doses of cefoxitin in the reduction of infectious morbidity in this large series of patients undergoing cesarean section. Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1988 Mar, 186(1), 30 - 44 {The distribution of microorganisms in household kitchens . II . Evaluation of results and hygienic inferences}; Borneff J et al.; The very high morbidity rates of Enteritis infectiosa diseases demand improved prophylactic measures . An important indication of the source of these illnesses is the fact that infections in private households are about three times more frequent than in canteens . Indeed, the rise in morbidity is undoubtedly caused by inadequate treatment of raw products, of meal rests and by insufficient heating processes . Furthermore, in household kitchens no efforts are made to interrupt infection chains, and disinfections are considered as superfluous and housewives are content if their kitchens appear to be clean . The aim of our study performed in a normal household kitchen, was to investigate cross-contamination caused by pathogens, introduced into the kitchen from outdoors . A further aim was to establish the main sources of contamination in order to be able to recommend practical disinfection procedures . The main fields of contamination discovered when 55 meals prepared were: a) working surfaces (including boards of wood and plastics) b) kitchen- and cutting-machines . The amount of test organisms (Sarcinae), introduced into the kitchen (unbeknown to the housewives) by experimentally contaminated minced meat was only reduced by common cleaning procedures, in sofar as nearly half of the original contaminations could be demonstrated to be still present . However, when the normal cleanser was replaced by one containing hypochlorite, and with retention of the same working routines, about 90% bacteriologically clean surfaces were determined . In this way it could be demonstrated that infection chains can be interrupted . It is, however, not correct to compare the efficiency of these procedures with the efficiency of disinfection, according to the Federal Infectious Diseases Act (Bundesseuchengesetz) . On practical application of these experiences it must be borne in mind that housewives should not be forced to apply medical disinfection procedures: indeed, traditional and practised cleaning methods should be retained, as far as possible . We recommend therefore that manufacturers supply household cleansers with an anti-bacterial additive, after its application in the kitchens working surfaces and machines are bacteriologically clean . Additionally housewives should be appropriately informed about the necessity of these manipulations . We consider minimization of toxicity and a thorough environmental compatibility of formulations to be self-evident. Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1988 Mar, 186(1), 1 - 29 {The distribution of microorganisms in household kitchens . I . Problems, experiments, results}; Borneff J et al.; Epidemiological investigations have demonstrated that insufficient hygiene in households results in increasing health hazards . In order to be able to recommend ways to disrupt infection chains it was necessary to explore the most important pathways of cross-contamination . Housewives without special training were instructed to prepare a complete meal, in the kitchen of a modern, vacant apartment . Among the raw products provided was minced meat, contaminated with Sarcinae (unbeknown to the housewives) in a quantitative manner . When cooking and cleaning procedures were completed we analysed household utensils and surfaces by Rodac impressions and swabs . The test organisms could be detected on all inspected surfaces and on the dining-table with albeit different frequencies . The following locations showed an especially high degree of cross-contamination: a) working-surfaces, especially boards of wood and plastics . b) cutting-machines, c) kitchen-machines . These results agree with literature data . By careful disinfection, i.e . by application of a 0.5% solution of hypochlorite, the contaminations could be removed . We assessed this when arranging the kitchen for the next test . Since it is impossible to practise disinfection procedures in a household kitchen on the same scale as in an operating room, we tried to achieve at least a limited disinfection by household cleansers with germicidal properties . In our opinion a minimum reduction of five log stages, demanded in the medical area, can not be achieved in a household kitchen and indeed it is not necessary . A reduction of the microbial counts to 10% of the original value would already be useful, as toxic levels of microbial counts will be reached later especially when there is simultaneous refrigeration . Correct dosage proved to be one of the main practical problems because a discrepancy exists between the low concentration of tensids, necessary for cleaning, and the relatively high dose necessary for germ-killing compounds . Diluted DOMESTOS proved to be a cleaning agent and germicide, but was, however, blamed for chlorine odour, especially when diluted with warm water . A greater acceptance level was reached with a peroxide-containing cleanser, which, however, was not sufficiently germicidal, when applied in diluted form . The concentrated formulation was more effective in everyday experience, but for this housewives had to wear rubber gloves . This was reported to be complicated and uncomfortable, and indeed the search for better formulations must be continued . (In communication II comparisons with the bibliography and hygienic consequences will be published.) Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1988 Mar, 185(6), 569 - 79 {Scanning electron microscopic studies of the microbial colonization of slow sand filters}; Esch P et al.; Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we studied the periphyton on the filter material of slow sand filters (SSF)--main basins--from the water-works in Geisecke/Ruhr . Table 1 presents information about the quantitative vertical distribution of the filter material with its size and shape, water-storage, nutrient content and the presence of bacteria . The proportion of microbial growth to microbial content was high with 80% found in the upper and about 70% in the lower part of the filter body . Larger sand particles supported proportionally higher populations than did small grains . Depressions were well populated . Heavier microbial concentrations resulted in attachment and colonization on exposed grain surfaces . Only some microorganisms adhered through slime-nets and stalks, and no sample showed any general or special mechanisms . The photographic reproduction of the effects was difficult, because of the amount of adherent organic and inorganic matter as well as the different topographic surfaces of the grains . Therefore we have not attempted a quantitative evaluation . 3 plates with SEM micrographs show the locations of colonizing bacteria on sand grains and organisms and their mode of attachment. Am J Kidney Dis, 1988 Mar, 11(3), 225 - 30 Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) as in vitro enhancing factor of peritoneal macrophage defective bactericidal activity during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD); Lamperi S et al.; Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) can be considered a primary factor required in vitro and in vivo for inducing endocellular lysis of microorganisms by peritoneal macrophages (PM luminal diameter), an essential activity in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients that prevents bacterial peritonitis . In 22 uremic patients treated with CAPD we analyzed: (1) the amount of IFN-gamma released by elicited peritoneal lymphocytes (PL); (2) oxidative metabolism and microbicidal activity by elicited PM luminal diameter; (3) immunoglobulin G (IgG) Fc-receptor expression on PM luminal diameter membrane; (4) the effect on PM luminal diameter hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation, bactericidal activity, and IgG Fc-receptor expression exerted in vitro by human recombinant IFN-gamma (rIFN-gamma) . Results demonstrate that IFN-gamma release by elicited PL is lower in some CAPD patients with high peritonitis incidence (HPI) than in healthy donors or in CAPD patients with low peritonitis incidence (LPI) . Simultaneously, PM luminal diameter from CAPD patients with HPI are characterized by a decreased ability to generate oxygen metabolites, to kill bacteria, and by a lack in IgG Fc-receptor expression; these defects were completely cured after being treated with rIFN-gamma . These results show that the IFN-gamma treatment in vitro could strengthen PM luminal diameter phagocytosis, oxygen metabolite generation, and bacterial killing in CAPD patients with HPI, and suggest that IFN-gamma may be considered a possible therapy in vivo for these patients. Infect Dis Clin North Am, 1988 Mar, 2(1), 99 - 116 The red eye . Infectious conjunctivitis, keratitis, endophthalmitis, and periocular cellulitis; Wilhelmus KR; Patients presenting with a red eye may have a minor, self-limited inflammation of the ocular surface or a vision-threatening infection such as endophthalmitis or orbital cellulitis . Careful evaluation of distinctive clinical signs is necessary to determine the level of ocular involvement . A knowledge of the common microorganisms causing various eye infections (Table 6) can provide the basis to guide appropriate laboratory investigation and initial therapy . Detailed reference textbooks on ocular infection should be available, and ophthalmologic consultation should be considered in these cases to assist in diagnostic investigations and to monitor potential ocular complications. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 1988 Mar, 19(1), 35 - 40 Application of biotechnology methods to the study of cestodes; Murrell KD et al.; The advent of biotechnology has invigorated research on the control of cestode diseases, especially cysticercosis infections in man and animals . The utilization of hybridoma technology to produce antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies has resulted in great strides towards obtaining pure antigens relevant for immunodiagnostic purposes and for research on vaccines . However, the isolation and identification of antigens is only the initial step in the development of such reagents . Production of antigens in quantities sufficient for research/development and commercialization is hampered by the scarcity of viable parasite material for extraction . Expectations are that this problem can be surmounted by application of recombinant DNA methods to produce cloned genes for antigen expression in cultured microorganisms or cells . Remarkable progress has been made recently in isolating and cloning genes from several important cestode species and antigens have been expressed in vitro with genes cloned from Taenia taeniaformis and T . hydatigena . Although these early efforts have not as yet resulted in practical antigen production, the prospects for doing so appear good . The complex epidemiology of cestode diseases is another research subject that has benefited from the successful application of the tools of biotechnology . For example, the greater precision in typing biological variants afforded by DNA analysis has led to important revisions of the understanding of hydatid disease . DNA probes are now available for Echinococcus spp, which are effective for typing isolates . These probes may also find use as reagents for distinguishing eggs of Echinococcus from other taeniid eggs, a serious difficulty for field investigations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Parazitologiia, 1988 Mar-Apr, 22(2), 149 - 53 {Possible entry of fragments of a bacterial genome into the trophozoite nucleus of the dysentery amoeba}; Chernov IuV et al.; The use of Folgen-like electron microscopy reaction has revealed particles in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the dysentery amoeba trophozoites which in their size and resistance to acidic hydrolysis and in their affinity for uranilacetate are similar to tightly packed elements of the bacterial genome . On this basis a conclusion was drawn that some fragments of genomes of phagocytic bacteria can be preserved in the amoebal cell . The community of microorganisms consisting of trophozoites of the dysentery amoeba and bacteria of the intestinal flora is supposed to be a suitable model for studying the possibility of penetration of transgenetic elements from procaryote to eucaryote. Mikrobiologiia, 1988 Mar-Apr, 57(2), 262 - 7 {Clustering of oligotrophic microorganisms on the basis of their antibiotic resistance and dynamic membrane characteristics}; Nikitin DI et al.; Some oligotrophic microorganisms w