J Bacteriol, 1989 Mar, 171(3), 1602 - 8 Amplification of bacterial genomic DNA by the polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing after asymmetric amplification: application to the study of periplasmic permeases; Shyamala V et al.; The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been used to amplify DNA fragments by using eucaryotic genomic DNA as a template . We show that bacterial genomic DNA can be used as a template for PCR amplification . We demonstrate that DNA fragments at least as large as 4,400 base pairs can be amplified with fidelity and that the amplified DNA can be used as a substrate for most operations involving DNA . We discuss problems inherent in the direct sequencing of the amplified product, one of the important exploitations of this methodology . We have solved the problems by developing an "asymmetric amplification" method in which one of the oligonucleotide primers is used in limiting amounts, thus allowing the accumulation of single-stranded copies of only one of the DNA strands . As an illustration of the use of PCR in bacteria, we have amplified, sequenced, and subcloned several DNA fragments carrying mutations in genes of the histidine permease operon . These mutations are part of a preliminary approach to studying protein-protein interactions in transport, and their nature is discussed. J Immunol, 1989 Mar 1, 142(5), 1482 - 6 Induction of anti-double stranded DNA antibodies in normal mice by immunization with bacterial DNA; Gilkeson GS et al.; Because of recent observations suggesting that bacterial DNA is immunogenic, the induction in normal mice of antibodies to Escherichia coli (EC) dsDNA was investigated . BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were immunized with dsEC or ds calf thymus (CT) DNA complexed to methylated BSA in adjuvant; antibody responses were measured by ELISA . In both strains, dsEC DNA immunization induced a much higher anti-dsDNA response to dsEC DNA than did dsCT DNA immunization . Neither immunized group showed an appreciable antibody response when tested on dsCT DNA . Anti-dsDNA antibodies were also demonstrated by ELISA using synthetic DNA duplexes as well as a filter binding assay using 3H-labeled dsEC DNA as Ag . These results suggest that bacterial dsDNA is immunogenic and that at least some anti-dsDNA specificities can arise by immunization. J Am Acad Dermatol, 1989 Mar, 20(3), 469 - 75 Bacterial infections of the skin; Feingold DS et al.; This report reflects the best data available at the time the report was prepared, but caution should be exercised in interpreting the data; the results of future studies may require alteration of the conclusions or recommendations set forth in this report. Am J Dis Child, 1989 Mar, 143(3), 301 - 6 Magnetic resonance imaging and dexamethasone therapy for bacterial meningitis; Lebel MH et al.; We conducted a third placebo-controlled, double-blind study of dexamethasone as adjunctive therapy for bacterial meningitis . Thirty-one patients received cefuroxime sodium (300 mg/kg per day in 3 doses) and dexamethasone phosphate (0.6 mg/kg per day in 4 doses for 4 days), and 29 received cefuroxime and placebo . The groups were comparable at the beginning of therapy . Magnetic resonance imaging performed between days 2 and 5 of therapy was used to assess brain water content indirectly . There were no differences between the 2 treatment groups with respect to the T1- or T2-weighted images . Fifty-two patients (88%) had normal magnetic resonance images; 5 patients had parietal or bifrontal extra-axial fluid collections, and 2 children had areas of abnormal signal intensity in the brain on T2-weighted images . Abnormal findings on magnetic resonance imaging did not alter clinical management, and there was no correlation between the results of magnetic resonance imaging and the outcome of meningitis . The number of patients in this study was too small to determine any statistically significant differences in rates of hearing impairment; however, the cerebrospinal fluid findings and clinical outcome in dexamethasone-treated patients further support the previously reported beneficial effect of corticosteroid treatment in patients with bacterial meningitis. Arq Bras Cardiol, 1989 Mar, 52(3), 153 - 7 {Surgical approach in bacterial endocarditis of the tricuspid valve in children . Report of 2 cases}; Ribeiro PJ et al.; The two techniques usually employed for the surgical treatment of tricuspid valve endocarditis are valve replacement or simple valve excision without valve replacement . A third more conservative procedure consists of resection of the vegetation ("vegetectomy") and leaflet repair, if necessary . Valve excision without valve replacement is described in adult patients especially in addicts of intravenous drugs, with normal ventricular function . Two cases of tricuspid valve endocarditis in children with interventricular communication successfully treated by "vegetectomy" and valve excision without valve replacement are reported . In the first case, surgery was performed during acute infection . Contrarily in the other case there was evidence that cure had been obtained, but still the prosthesis was not implanted due to the excellent hemodynamic status at the moment, and to abbreviate bypass time due to the preoperative conditions of the child . The uncommon approach to these two cases of tricuspid valve endocarditis in childhood motivated this presentation. Immunopharmacology, 1989 Mar-Apr, 17(2), 99 - 106 Different effects of bacterial lipopolysaccharide on superoxide anion production by macrophages from normal and tumor-bearing rats; Altavilla D et al.; Bacterial endotoxins or lipopolysaccharides (LPS) exhibit a wide range of modulatory activities on immunocompetent cells . Among the numerous effects of LPS on macrophages, an enhancement of superoxide anion (O2-) release has been reported . In previous studies carried out on tumor-bearing rats, it was found that several functions of peritoneal macrophages such as phagocytic, microbicidal and antiviral activities were depressed . In this paper we evaluated the spontaneous or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced production of superoxide anion by macrophages from tumor-bearing rats with respect to controls . Moreover, the effect of in vitro priming with LPS on O2- production by the same cells was studied . It was found that the pattern of superoxide release by macrophages from tumor-bearing rats is significantly different from controls . Preincubation of macrophages from normal rats with LPS enhanced the spontaneous and PMA-induced production of O2- . In contrast, the same concentrations of LPS did not prime macrophages from tumor-bearing rats. J Bacteriol, 1989 Mar, 171(3), 1574 - 84 Identification, characterization, and mapping of the Escherichia coli htrA gene, whose product is essential for bacterial growth only at elevated temperatures; Lipinska B et al.; We identified and cloned an Escherichia coli gene called htrA (high temperature requirement) . The htrA gene was originally discovered because mini-Tn10 transposon insertions in it allowed E . coli growth at 30 degrees C but prevented growth at elevated temperatures (above 42 degrees C) . The htrA insertion mutants underwent a block in macromolecular synthesis and eventually lysed at the nonpermissive temperature . The htrA gene was located at approximately 3.7 min (between the fhuA and dapD loci) on the genetic map of E . coli and between 180 and 187.5 kilobases on the physical map . It coded for an unstable, 51-kilodalton protein which was processed by removal of an amino-terminal fragment, resulting in a stable, 48-kilodalton protein. An Acad Bras Cienc, 1989 Mar, 61(1), 31 - 6 Bacterial chemistry-III: preliminary studies on trypanosomal activities of Chromobacterium violaceum products; Duran N et al.; It has been found that the pigment-I from Chromobacterium violaceum, 3-{1,2-dihydro5-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxo-3H-pyrrol-3-yli diene} 1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one, has trypanocide activity . The formylated derivatives, pigment-III, immobilized 100% of the Trypanosoma cruzi at a level of 46 microM after 48 h of interaction with a total growth inhibition in the same period . Pigment-I exhibited low toxicity and a DNA synthesis inhibition similar to that of Nifurtimox, a known trypanocide compound. Ultramicroscopy, 1989 Mar, 27(2), 151 - 60 Absorption edge imaging of bacterial endospores with synchrotron radiation; Panessa-Warren BJ et al.; This article describes a new method of viewing biological specimens by taking advantage of the absorptive characteristics of monochromatic X-rays above and below the absorption edge of a specific element . Bacterial endospores were imaged before and after treatment with an experimental vanadium-containing sporocide using monochromatic synchrotron radiation at the nitrogen absorption edge, and above and below the vanadium LIII absorption edge . This morphological study demonstrates a rapid, easy-to-use method of soft X-ray absorption edge imaging that can be used by the biologist to obtain morphological and elemental information that is not readily accessible using conventional microscopic and analytic techniques. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo), 1989 Mar, 29(3), 202 - 16 The role of serial angiography in the management of bacterial and fungal intracranial aneurysms--report of two cases and review of the literature; Kojima Y et al.; The authors review 149 cases of bacterial and mycotic intracranial aneurysms reported since 1957 and describe two cases of bacterial aneurysms managed in their institution . The overall mortality rate was 39% . Bacterial aneurysms accounted for 0.49-4.3% of all intracranial aneurysms . Among the reported cases, the mortality rate for patients treated with antibiotics alone was high, whereas it was low among those who underwent elective surgery . The authors conclude the following: 1) Distal aneurysms should be treated with high-dose antibiotics and followed with serial cerebral angiography at 7 days, 14 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year after the initiation of therapy; 2) proximal aneurysms should be treated with high-dose antibiotics, and surgery is rarely indicated; 3) any significant associated hematoma should be evacuated and the aneurysm resected, if possible; and 4) if serial angiography shows enlargement of an aneurysm, surgery should be considered . The clinical features and management of mycotic and bacterial aneurysms are discussed in detail. Electrophoresis, 1989 Mar, 10(3), 186 - 9 A simple, sensitive method of analyzing bacterial ribosomal DNA polymorphism; Picard-Pasquier N et al.; A rapid DNA extraction procedure and random primer labelling of Escherichia coli ribosomal RNA with cloned reverse transcriptase have been used to establish a simple and highly sensitive method for studying ribosomal DNA polymorphism in bacteria . Examples of inter- and intraspecies differentiation of bacteria are given and potential applications in bacterial epidemiology and taxonomy are discussed. Mutat Res, 1989 Mar-May, 220(2-3), 255 - 62 Mutagenic treatments result in inactivation of expression of a transfected bacterial gene integrated into a human cell line; Lehmann AR et al.; The cell line E2 is a SV40-transformed human fibroblast cell line containing a single integrated copy of the bacterial guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (gpt) gene . Treatment of E2 with ultraviolet light (UV) or ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) induced the formation of Gpt- derivatives . Several induced derivatives have been isolated, and the structure, expression and revertibility of the gpt gene have been analysed . In the majority of cases the Gpt- phenotype resulted from switching off the gpt gene, in most instances by methylation, but in a few cases by phenotypic switching . Thus mutagenic treatment can result in the inactivation of gene expression in human cells . In a small proportion of Gpt- derivatives the gpt sequences were deleted. J Exp Med, 1989 Mar 1, 169(3), 1137 - 51 Interferons and bacterial lipopolysaccharide protect macrophages from productive infection by human immunodeficiency virus in vitro; Kornbluth RS et al.; To determine the effects of immunomodulatory agents upon HIV replication in macrophages, cultured monocyte-derived macrophages were treated with various substances and then infected with a macrophage-tropic strain of HIV-1 . Pretreatment with rIFN-alpha, IFN-beta, and IFN-gamma, or bacterial LPS prevented viral replication in macrophages . In treated cultures, little or no infectious HIV or p24 core antigen was released into the supernatant, no virions were seen by electron microscopy, no viral RNA or DNA was detectable in the cell lysates, and no cytopathology (as determined by multinucleated giant cell formation) occurred . In contrast, pretreatment with a wide dose range of recombinant IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, M-CSF, TNF, or lymphotoxin failed to protect macrophages from productive infection by HIV . A consistent effect of granulocyte/macrophage-CSF on HIV replication in macrophages was not observed . In dose response studies, pretreatment with approximately 100 U/ml of IFN-alpha, approximately 10 U/ml of IFN-beta, or approximately 100 U/ml of IFN-gamma was sufficient to prevent virion release maximally and to prevent cytopathology completely . In kinetic studies, IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma, or LPS were added to the macrophage cultures either before or after infection with HIV . Even when added 3 d after infection with a multiplicity of 1 50% tissue-culture infectious dose per cell, all three treatments markedly reduced virion release, suggesting that these agents act at a point in the viral life cycle beyond the early events of virus binding, penetration, and uncoating . These data indicate that HIV replication in previously uninfected macrophages may be regulated by an inducible host cell mechanism . These findings may explain the restricted replication of HIV in macrophages in vivo and suggest an antiviral role for interferons in the therapy of HIV infection. Science, 1989 Feb 17, 243(4893), 916 - 22 Coordinate regulation and sensory transduction in the control of bacterial virulence; Miller JF et al.; Genes and operons that encode bacterial virulence factors are often subject to coordinate regulation . These regulatory systems are capable of responding to various environmental signals that may be encountered during the infectious cycle . For some pathogens, proteins that mediate sensory transduction and virulence control are similar to components of other bacterial information processing systems . Understanding the molecular mechanisms governing global regulation of pathogenicity is essential for understanding bacterial infectious diseases. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen, 1989 Feb 10, 109(4), 448 - 50 {Viral or bacterial meningitis . Differential diagnostic problems}; Aukrust P et al.; A 19 year old previously healthy man presented symptoms of meningitis . Culture from the cerebrospinal fluid revealed herpes simplex virus type 2 to be the responsible agent . The course was benign, the patient was never seriously ill . He recovered fully within a few weeks . The cerebrospinal fluid showed prolonged pleocytosis and low values of glucose . The traditional cerebrospinal fluid parameters employed in the diagnosis of meningitis, and for distinguishing bacterial from viral meningitis, are shown to be inadequate in many cases . Of these tests cerebrospinal fluid differential cell count is of most value, especially if repeated after 12 hours or so in the initial course . Additional tests have been proposed, none of which have proven to be of much help, except perhaps the test for lactate in the cerebrospinal fluid. Biochemistry, 1989 Feb 7, 28(3), 1183 - 94 Mutagenesis of the N- and C-terminal cysteine pairs of Tn501 mercuric ion reductase: consequences for bacterial detoxification of mercurials; Moore MJ et al.; Mercuric ion reductase (the merA gene product) is a unique member of the class of FAD and redox-active disulfide-containing oxidoreductases by virtue of its ability to reduce Hg(II) to Hg(0) as the last step in bacterial detoxification of mercurials . In addition to the active site redox-active disulfide, formed between Cys135 and Cys140 in Tn501 MerA, the protein products of the three merA gene sequences published to date have two additional conserved pairs of cysteines, one near the N-terminus (Cys10Cys13 in Tn501 MerA) and another near the C-terminus (Cys558Cys559 in Tn501 MerA) . Neither of these pairs is found in other members of this enzyme family . To assess the possible roles of these peripheral cysteines in the Hg(II) detoxification pathway, we have constructed and characterized one single mutant, Cys10Ala13, and two double mutants, Ala10Ala13 and Ala558Ala559 . The N-terminal mutants are fully functional in vivo as determined by HgCl2 resistance studies, showing the N-terminal cysteine pair to be dispensable . In contrast, the Ala558Ala559 mutant is defective for HgCl2 resistance in vivo and Hg(SR)2 reduction in vitro, thereby implicating Cys558 and/or Cys559 in Hg(II) reduction by the wild-type enzyme . Other activities, such as NADPH/thio-NADP+ transhydrogenation, NADPH oxidation, and DTNB reduction, are unimpaired in this mutant. Biochemistry, 1989 Feb 7, 28(3), 1002 - 11 In vitro assembly of 30S and 70S bacterial ribosomes from 16S RNA containing single base substitutions, insertions, and deletions around the decoding site (C1400); Denman R et al.; An in vitro system developed for the site-specific mutagenesis of 16S RNA of Escherichia coli ribosomes {Krzyzosiak et al . (1987) Biochemistry 26, 2353-2364} was used to make 10 single base changes around C1400, a residue known to be at the decoding site . C1400 was replaced by U, A, or G, five single base deletions at and to either side of C1400 were made, and C or U was inserted next to C1400 . Another mutant possessed seven additional nucleotides at the 3' end of the 16S RNA such that a stem and loop involving the anti-Shine-Dalgarno sequence could form . Each of the mutant RNAs was reconstituted with a complete mixture of 30S proteins to yield 30S ribosomes . Modified in vitro reconstitution conditions were required to obtain assembly of all of the synthetic ribosomes . Quantitative HPLC analysis of the protein content of each mutant showed that all of the proteins were present . The ability of synthetic 30S to form 70S particles under functional assay conditions was about 75% that of natural 30S and was unchanged by any of the mutations except for the deletion of G1401, which decreased the association activity under the standard conditions to 35-40% of synthetic 30S . That part of the ribosomal P site which interacts with the anticodon loop of tRNA was investigated by near-UV (greater than 300 nm) induced cross-linking of AcVal-tRNA . Cross-linking depended on both 30S subunits and the correct codon . The cross-linking yield of all mutants with a pyrimidine at position 1400 was equal to control isolated 30S, and the first-order rate constants for cross-linking of those mutants tested were like reconstituted natural 30S . The site of cross-linking for mutants with a C or U insertion between C1400 and G1401 was shifted to the inserted residue . Cross-linking to the base 5' to G1401 rather than to the residue 3' to C1399 indicates that G1401 is an important structural determinant of the P site. J Biol Chem, 1989 Feb 5, 264(4), 2307 - 12 Human immunodeficiency virus protease . Bacterial expression and characterization of the purified aspartic protease; Darke PL et al.; The protease of human immunodeficiency virus has been expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to apparent homogeneity . Immunoreactivity toward anti-protease peptide sera copurified with an activity that cleaved the structural polyprotein gag p55 and the peptide corresponding to the sequence gag 128-135 . The enzyme expressed as a nonfusion protein exhibits proteolytic activity with a pH optimum of 5.5 and is inhibited by the aspartic protease inhibitor pepstatin with a Ki of 1.1 microM . Replacement of the conserved residue Asp-25 with an Asn residue eliminates proteolytic activity . Analysis of the minimal peptide substrate size indicates that 7 amino acids are required for efficient peptide cleavage . Size exclusion chromatography is consistent with a dimeric enzyme and circular dichroism spectra of the purified enzyme are consistent with a proposed structure of the protease (Pearl, L.H., and Taylor, W.R . (1987) Nature 329, 351-354) . These data support the classification of the human immunodeficiency virus protease as an aspartic protease, likely to be structurally homologous with the well characterized family that includes pepsin and renin. J Biol Chem, 1989 Feb 5, 264(4), 2126 - 33 Energy coupling in bacterial periplasmic transport systems . Studies in intact Escherichia coli cells; Joshi AK et al.; Periplasmic permeases are composed of four proteins, one of which has an ATP-binding site that has been postulated to be involved in energy coupling . Previous data suggested that these permeases derive energy from substrate level phosphorylation (Berger, E . A . (1973) Proc . Natl . Acad . Sci . U.S.A . 70, 1514-1518); however, conflicting results later cast doubt upon this hypothesis . Here, we make use of two well characterized periplasmic permeases and of a well characterized unc mutant (ATPase-) to examine this energetics problem in depth . We have utilized the histidine and maltose periplasmic permeases in Escherichia coli as model systems . Isogenic unc strains were used in order to study separately the effect of the proton-motive force and of ATP on transport . These parameters were analyzed concomitantly with transport assays . Starvation experiments indicate that both histidine and maltose transport require ATP generation and that a normal level of delta psi is not sufficient . Uncouplers such as carbonyl cyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone and 2,4-dinitrophenol dissipated the delta psi without decreasing the ATP level and without significant effect on these permeases, showing that delta psi is not needed . Inhibition of ATP synthesis by arsenate eliminates transport through both permeases, confirming the need for ATP . In agreement with previous results with the glutamine permease (Plate, C . A . (1979) J . Bacteriol . 137, 221-225), valinomycin plus K+ dissipates delta psi without affecting ATP levels and inhibits histidine transport; however, maltose transport is not inhibited under these conditions . This result is discussed in terms of the artefactual side effects caused by valinomycin/K+ treatment on some periplasmic permeases . Histidine transport is also shown to be sensitive to changes in the cytoplasmic pH . It is concluded that periplasmic permeases indeed have an obligatory requirement for ATP (or a closely related molecule), whereas the proton-motive force is neither sufficient nor essential. Science, 1989 Feb 3, 243(4891), 629 - 35 Function of a bacterial activator protein that binds to transcriptional enhancers; Popham DL et al.; The nitrogen regulatory (NtrC) protein of enteric bacteria, which binds to sites that have the properties of transcriptional enhancers, is known to activate transcription by a form of RNA polymerase that contains the NtrA protein (sigma 54) as sigma factor (referred to as sigma 54-holoenzyme) . In the presence of adenosine triphosphate, the NtrC protein catalyzes isomerization of closed recognition complexes between sigma 54-holoenzyme and the glnA promoter to open complexes in which DNA in the region of the transcription start site is locally denatured . NtrC is not required subsequently for maintenance of open complexes or initiation of transcription. J Surg Res, 1989 Feb, 46(2), 104 - 7 Abdominal radiation causes bacterial translocation; Guzman-Stein G et al.; The purpose of this study was to determine if a single dose of radiation to the rat abdomen leads to bacterial translocation into the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) . A second issue addressed was whether translocation correlates with anatomic damage to the mucosa . The radiated group (1100 cGy) which received anesthesia also was compared with a control group and a third group which received anesthesia alone but no abdominal radiation . Abdominal radiation lead to 100% positive cultures of MLN between 12 hr and 4 days postradiation . Bacterial translocation was almost nonexistent in the control and anesthesia group . Signs of inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal mucosa were not seen until Day 3 postradiation . Mucosal damage was maximal by Day 4 . Bacterial translocation onto the MLN after a single dose of abdominal radiation was not apparently dependent on anatomical, histologic damage of the mucosa. J Trop Med Hyg, 1989 Feb, 92(1), 6 - 9 Re-evaluation of the value of ascitic fluid pH lactate dehydrogenase and total proteins in the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP); el-Touny M et al.; In view of high mortality, variable clinical presentation, and late results of bacterial culture, early diagnosis of SBP and treatment are based on indirect parameters of infection . Forty-two patients with ascites and liver cirrhosis were studied . Ascitic fluid (AF) was examined for total protein content, pH, lactate dehydrogenase, amylase, absolute polymorphonuclear cell count (PMN) and for presence of bacteria by examining a fresh smear of the deposit and culture of the fluid under aerobic and anaerobic conditions . AF/serum gradient of total proteins and LDH was calculated . One patient proved to have a malignant ascites and was excluded . The remaining 41 patients fell into two groups: Group I PMN less than 250 cell mm-3, culture negative, sterile ascites, 36 patients . Group II PMN greater than 250 cell mm-3 . (a) Culture positive neutrophilic ascites (SBP), three patients . (b) Culture negative neutrophilic ascites (CNNA), two patients . In both CNNA and SBP:AF/serum total LDH gradient greater than 0.75 In the sterile group: AF/serum total LDH gradient less than 0.58 There was no correlation between presence of infection and ascitic fluid pH, protein content and AF/serum total protein gradient . Therefore AF PMN greater than 250 mm and AF/serum total LDH gradient greater than 0.6 should be considered reliable, indirect parameters of infection, and CNNA a variant of SBP with a small bacterial inoculum size. J Am Dent Assoc, 1989 Feb, 118(2), 175 - 80 'Usual and customary' practice versus the recommendations of experts: clinician noncompliance in the prevention of bacterial endocarditis; Sadowsky D et al.; Data were collected from a representative sample of American general practitioners to ascertain adherence to the recommendations by the American Heart Association (AHA) concerning management of patients at risk for bacterial endocarditis . Inconsistencies were found in the prescribing of appropriate risk-related therapies such as proper timing, selection of antibiotics, and associated dosages . It is suggested that clinicians' compliance level with these recommendations may be raised by a careful reading of the AHA's latest findings. Am Rev Respir Dis, 1989 Feb, 139(2), 546 - 8 Quantitative bacterial cultures of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and protected brush catheter specimens from normal subjects; Kirkpatrick MB et al.; Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is quite useful in the diagnosis of nonbacterial lung infections, especially in immunocompromised patients, and recent studies have suggested that BAL may be useful in the diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia as well . Because previous studies indicated that bronchoscopic aspirates are usually contaminated by oropharyngeal flora, we anticipated that BAL fluid would also likely be contaminated . Therefore, the purpose of this study was to perform quantitative bacterial cultures on BAL fluids obtained from eight normal subjects . Prior to each procedure, saline was aspirated through the bronchoscope and submitted for culture . A protected brush catheter (PBC) specimen was obtained from each subject's right middle lobe, and then a BAL specimen was obtained from the same location . All specimens were quantitatively cultured for aerobic and anaerobic organisms . In addition, lidocaine concentrations were measured in the BAL fluids and the PBC specimens . Six of the eight bronchoscope cultures were sterile . Seven of the eight PBC specimens were sterile and one yielded less than 10(3) cfu/ml of normal oropharyngeal flora . One BAL fluid specimen was sterile and seven yielded from one to four bacterial strains each; however, quantitation revealed less than 10(4) cfu/ml in all specimens . Lidocaine concentrations (mean +/- 1 SD) were as follows: PBC specimen, 0.81 microgram/ml (+/- 0.62); BAL fluid specimen, 62.6 micrograms/ml (+/- 43) . We conclude that BAL fluid obtained from normal subjects is frequently contaminated by oropharyngeal bacterial flora.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Pediatrics, 1989 Feb, 83(2), 161 - 7 Delayed cerebrospinal fluid sterilization and adverse outcome of bacterial meningitis in infants and children; Lebel MH et al.; To determine the clinical importance of CSF cultures that are persistently positive for pathogens in patients treated for meningitis with the new cephalosporins, the records of 301 infants and children with bacterial meningitis enrolled prospectively in four clinical efficacy trials of cefuroxime or ceftriaxone therapy were reviewed . CSF culture results were positive for 20 patients and they were sterile at 18 to 36 hours after start of therapy for 281 patients . Seizures, subdural effusions, and hemiparesis were found significantly more often during hospitalization in those with delayed sterilization of CSF . Children with persistently positive cultures had a significantly higher incidence of neurologic abnormalities at the time of hospital discharge (45% v 19%) and at follow-up (41% v 13%) and of moderate to profound hearing impairment (35% v 15%) than did those with prompt sterilization of CSF . Repeat CSF examination is a useful prognostic indicator in infants and young children with bacterial meningitis. Ir Med J, 1989 Feb, 82(1), 32 - 3 Bacterial endocarditis and lymphadenopathy mimicking Kawasaki disease; Cullen S et al.; Two children whose illness initially fulfilled the clinical criteria for the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease were both subsequently found to have acute bacterial endocarditis and one child had a disseminated non-Hodgkins lymphoma . We describe their clinical course and emphasize the importance of the exclusion of other diagnosis as well as strict adherence to the accepted diagnostic criteria of Kawasaki disease. Zentralbl Veterinarmed B, 1989 Feb, 36(1), 69 - 75 The anti-bacterial activity of acaricides in relation to streptothricosis; Heron ID et al.; The anti-bacterial activity of 13 commercially available acaricides, in use in the Caribbean, was tested against Dermatophilus congolensis, an actinomycete involved in streptothricosis of cattle, sheep and goats in the tropics . Acaricides used included organochloride, organophosphorus, carbamate, pyrethroid and amidine compounds . Each acaricide was tested at a typical working dilution used by the farmers, at 25 degrees C and 37 degrees C, in the presence or absence of 15 percent newborn calf serum as a fouling agent . Fouling of acaricides was found to have a marked inhibitory effect on its anti-bacterial activity . Vapona and Cattle Washing Detergent were found to be more active against Dermatophilus congolensis than the other acaricides tested. J Comp Pathol, 1989 Feb, 100(2), 155 - 60 Further analysis of lethal factors in cycloheximide-treated mice given low doses of bacterial lipopolysaccharide; Parry EW; Endotoxin challenge (0.2 micrograms per mouse) 6 h after a standard dose of cycloheximide was compared with the previously-reported effects of simultaneous injection of cycloheximide and endotoxin . With the submicrogram dose of endotoxin given 6 h after cycloheximide, fatalities occurred without evidence of thrombogenic bilateral renal cortical necrosis which characterized mice dying after the two agents were given together . Anticoagulation with heparin or with ancrod is life-saving, indicating that cycloheximide-treated mice were fatally susceptible to fibrinogen-to-fibrin conversion, and that, in contrast to the situation where cycloheximide and endotoxin are given simultaneously, there was no essential demand for supplementary glycocorticosteroid . A dose of 5.0 micrograms of endotoxin given 6 h after cycloheximide was fatal; again no renal cortical necrosis occurred, but both ancrod and hydrocortisone were essential to ensure survival. Histopathology, 1989 Feb, 14(2), 161 - 78 Bacterial lymphadenitis with the picture of a lymphoepithelioid cell lymphoma--Lennert's lymphoma; Kaiserling E et al.; Three cases with the typical light microscopic picture of lymphoepithelioid cell lymphoma (so-called Lennert's lymphoma) were investigated by electron microscopy . Surprisingly, Lennert's lymphoma could be excluded in two cases . These two cases exhibited, in addition to pleomorphic lymphocytes and epithelioid cells, macrophages with accumulations of bacteria, indicating that a bacterial infection was the cause of the disease . By comparing the typical case of Lennert's lymphoma with the other cases, we found several criteria for distinguishing between Lennert's lymphoma and bacterial lymphadenitis . In bacterial lymphadenitis: (1) small and medium-sized lymphocytes exhibited a wide cytological spectrum whereas the lymphocytes in Lennert's lymphoma were relatively uniform; the lymphocytes with prominent lysosome-like granules found in Lennert's lymphoma were not seen; (2) cytology and distribution of epithelioid cells were similar to those in Lennert's lymphoma; (3) epithelioid venules contained recirculating lymphocytes, which were rarely found in Lennert's lymphoma; (4) numerous interdigitating reticulum cells, fibroblasts and myofibroblasts were seen, but not in Lennert's lymphoma; (5) focal increase in reticulin fibres was the main difference in light microscopy; (6) rod-shaped bacteria were accumulated in the cytoplasm of a few macrophages . The presence of bacteria could not be demonstrated unequivocally by light microscopy . In both cases the large number of intracytoplasmic bacteria suggests that this unusual and until now unknown lymphadenitis is the result of an infection caused by facultative intracellular parasitic bacteria . The outcome of bacterial lymphadenitis that gives the false impression of Lennert's lymphoma is uncertain . Cure was achieved in one of our cases . The other patient died before therapy was commenced. Mol Gen Mikrobiol Virusol, 1989 Feb, (2), 3 - 12 {Three-dimensional reconstruction of bacterial viruses from electron microscopy data . Subjects and methods of study}; Beliaeva NN et al.; The review summarizes the results of the study of the spatial structure of bacterial viruses (phages) whose tails seem to be the most primitive contracting biological mechanism . Data on the spatial molecular rearrangement are important for understanding the processes of biological mobility . The computer and laser techniques used in order to obtain information on the three-dimensional structure of the object under study by its two-dimensional electron-microphotography are presented in the first part of the review . The second deals with application of the above mentioned techniques for the study of various bacterial viruses. Biochem J, 1989 Feb 1, 257(3), 865 - 73 Interaction between complement subcomponent C1q and bacterial lipopolysaccharides; Zohair A et al.; The heptose-less mutant of Escherichia coli, D31m4, bound complement subcomponent C1q and its collagen-like fragments (C1qCLF) with Ka values of 1.4 x 10(8) and 2.0 x 10(8) M-1 respectively . This binding was suppressed by chemical modification of C1q and C1qCLF using diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC) . To investigate the role of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in this binding, biosynthetically labelled {14C}LPS were purified from E . coli D31m4 and incorporated into liposomes prepared from phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) {PC/PE/LPS, 2:2:1, by wt.} . Binding of C1q or its collagen-like fragments to the liposomes was estimated via a flotation test . These liposomes bound C1q and C1qCLF with Ka values of 8.0 x 10(7) and 2.0 x 10(7) M-1; this binding was totally inhibited after chemical modification of C1q and C1qCLF by DEPC . Liposomes containing LPS purified from the wild-strain E . coli K-12 S also bound C1q and C1qCLF, whereas direct binding of C1q or C1qCLF to the bacteria was negligible . Diamines at concentrations which dissociate C1 into C1q and (C1r, C1s)2, strongly inhibited the interaction of C1q or C1qCLF with LPS . Removal of 3-deoxy-D-manno-octulosonic acid (2-keto-3-deoxyoctonic acid; KDO) from E . coli D31m4 LPS decreases the binding of C1qCLF to the bacteria by 65% . When this purified and modified LPS was incorporated into liposomes, the C1qCLF binding was completely abolished . These results show: (i) the essential role of the collagen-like moiety and probably its histidine residues in the interaction between C1q and the mutant D31m4; (ii) the contribution of LPS, particularly the anionic charges of KDO, to this interaction. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1989 Feb, 86(4), 1208 - 12 Transmembrane signal transduction in bacterial chemotaxis involves ligand-dependent activation of phosphate group transfer; Borkovich KA et al.; Signal transduction in Escherichia coli involves the interaction of transmembrane receptor proteins such as the aspartate receptor, Tar, and the products of four chemotaxis genes, cheA, cheY, cheW, and cheZ . It was previously shown that the cheA gene product is an autophosphorylating protein kinase that transfers phosphate to CheY, whereas the cheZ gene product acts as a specific CheY phosphatase . Here we report that the system can be reconstituted in vitro and receptor function can be coupled to CheY phosphorylation . Coupling requires the presence of the CheW protein, the appropriate form of the receptor, and the CheA and CheY proteins . Under these conditions the accumulation of CheY-phosphate is enhanced approximately 300-fold . This rate enhancement is seen in reactions using wild-type and "tumble" mutant receptors but not "smooth" mutant receptors . The increased accumulation of phosphoprotein was inhibited by micromolar concentrations of aspartate, using wild-type, but not tumble, receptors . These results provide evidence that the signal transduction pathway in bacterial chemotaxis involves receptor-mediated alteration of the levels of phosphorylated proteins . They suggest that CheW acts as the coupling factor between receptor and phosphorylation . The results also support the suggestion that CheY-phosphate is the tumble signal. Mutat Res, 1989 Feb, 222(2), 81 - 99 A genotoxic assessment of environmental tobacco smoke using bacterial bioassays; Claxton LD et al.; Recently, the National Research Council in the U.S.A . stated that laboratory studies of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) should be important in identifying ETS carcinogens, their concentrations in typical daily environments, and in understanding how these compounds contribute to ETS dose-response relationships . This paper demonstrates that integrated chemical and bacterial mutagenicity information can be used to identify ETS genotoxicants, monitor human exposure, and make comparative assessments . Approximately 1/3 of the ETS constituents for which there is quantitative analytical chemistry information also have associated genotoxicity information . For example, 11 of the quantitated compounds are animal carcinogens . Work presented in this paper demonstrates that both the nonparticle-bound semivolatile and the particulate-bound organic material contain bacterial mutagens . These ETS organics give an equivalent of approximately 86,000 revertants per cigarette . In addition, this article summarized efforts to estimate ETS bacterial mutagenicity, to use bacterial tests for the monitoring of ETS-impacted indoor environments, and to use bacterial assays for the direct monitoring of human exposure. J Fam Pract, 1989 Feb, 28(2), 163 - 71 The effectiveness of single-dose metronidazole therapy for patients and their partners with bacterial vaginosis; Mengel MB et al.; A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial was performed to test the hypothesis that a 2-g single dose of metronidazole for male partners of women with bacterial vaginosis was more effective than placebo in improving cure rate and decreasing recurrence rate . In addition, the effectiveness of a 2-g single dose of metronidazole was compared with a seven-day course of 500 mg of metronidazole twice a day in patients with bacterial vaginosis . Statistically significant benefits of partner treatment were noted in the initial cure rate by Gram-stained smear criteria (P less than .01) and in percentage of women with symptoms eight weeks after initiating therapy (P less than .05) . The seven-day course of metronidazole was superior to the single-dose regimen in the percentage of patients with clue cells and the percentage of patients with a positive "sniff" test at the first follow-up visit; however, differences in the initial cure rate assessed by clinical criteria and Gram-stained smear criteria were not statistically significant between the two patient treatment regimens . Recurrence rates by Gram-stained smear criteria between patient and partner treatment groups at five and eight weeks after initiation of treatment were also not significantly different between the two patient regimens . Single-dose metronidazole treatment of the sexual partner of women with bacterial vaginosis improves initial bacterial vaginosis cure rates . The seven-day course of metronidazole was not found by statistical analysis to be significantly superior to single-dose therapy when considering initial cure rates by clinical or Gram-stained smear criteria or recurrence rates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Av Odontoestomatol, 1989 Feb, 5(2), 63 - 7 {Bacterial localization in apical cementum at the epithelial insertion using scanning electron microscopy}; Garcia Nunez JA et al.; Extracted teeth due to consequence of chronic periodontitis of adult are fractured and the apical cementum to junction epithelium is examined under S.E.M . (scanning electron microscopy) being found bacterias forms inside niches of the apical cementum. Trends Biochem Sci, 1989 Feb, 14(2), 76 - 80 Bacterial resistance ATPases: primary pumps for exporting toxic cations and anions; Silver S et al.; Bacterial plasmid resistance systems that maintain low intracellular levels of toxic heavy metals by pumping the substrates out as rapidly as they accumulate sometimes work at the biochemical level as efflux ATPases . The two systems responsible for arsenic and cadmium resistance have recently been sequenced . Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences with those of better characterized ATPases has revealed certain structural and sequence similarities. Cancer Res, 1989 Feb 1, 49(3), 660 - 4 Cytotoxicity of bacterial proteases in various tumor cells mediated through alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor; Maeda H et al.; The binding and cytotoxicity of a complex of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled 56K protease and alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M) were determined by using various human and rodent tumor cell lines . The binding was higher at 37 degrees C than at 4 degrees C; a rapid and progressive uptake that was time dependent was noted at 37 degrees C, whereas no uptake was observed at 4 degrees C, which indicated temperature-dependent internalization . The binding was highest in the fibroblastic and adenocarcinoma cells, and lowest in squamous and epidermoid cells . The Scatchard plots for the binding isotherms were linear, with an apparent Kassoc 1.17 to 2.99 x 10(-8) M for those cells with high alpha 2M receptor . The number of binding sites (alpha 2M receptor) per cell was 1.3 to 4.75 x 10(6) . Values for squamous/epidermoid cells were much lower or undetectable . Fluorescent antibody staining indicated that MCF-7 and other cells with alpha 2M receptor internalized the protease-alpha 2M complex, whereas B-16 melanoma, which has little alpha 2M receptor on the cell surface, did not . Furthermore, when the cytotoxicity of this complex was compared with that of different cell lines, the cells with high rates of uptake of the complex required only a low concentration of the protease and vice versa . These results suggest a possible mechanism of cytotoxic action of protease: alpha 2M receptor-mediated endocytosis of the complex followed by destruction of cellular integrity after regeneration of proteolytic activity . Thus, cells with more alpha 2M receptor require only a low dose for cytotoxic action when compared with cells with little alpha 2M receptor. Biochemistry, 1989 Jan 24, 28(2), 510 - 6 Activity and spectroscopic properties of bacterial D-amino acid transaminase after multiple site-directed mutagenesis of a single tryptophan residue; Martinez del Pozo A et al.; One of the three tryptophan residues per subunit of thermostable D-amino acid transaminase, Trp-139, is close to the active-site Lys-145 in the sequence of the protein . This tryptophan has been changed to several other types of residues by site-directed mutagenesis . The only mutant protein that was sufficiently active and stable for study had Phe substituted for Trp (W139F) . The spectroscopic properties of this mutant enzyme differed from those of the wild-type transaminase . For example, denatured W139F showed the expected decrease in fluorescence emission intensity at 350 nm due to the deletion of one Trp residue, but the fluorescence emission of the wild-type and W139F enzymes in the native state did not differ in intensity . This result suggests that the fluorescence of Trp-139 in the native, wild-type enzyme is not manifested perhaps due to its proximity to the coenzyme, pyridoxal phosphate . Results of energy-transfer studies at several wavelengths could also be interpreted as due to the proximity of Trp-139 and the coenzyme . Circular dichroism studies indicated that the negative Cotton effect at 420 nm due to the coenzyme was still present in W139F . However, the 280-nm optically active band present in the wild-type enzyme was greatly diminished in W139F . The mutant protein with Asp at position 139 (W139D) could not be isolated presumably because it was degraded . The other mutant enzymes, W139P, W139A, and W139H, were isolated with partial activities (15-35%) that were slowly lost upon storage at 4 degrees C . Overall, these results indicate the importance of Trp-139 in the thermostable D-amino acid transaminase. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1989 Jan 15, 194(2), 278 - 82 Ultrasonography as a diagnostic aid in horses with anaerobic bacterial pleuropneumonia and/or pulmonary abscessation: 27 cases (1984-1986); Reimer JM et al.; The medical records of 83 horses with pleuropneumonia and/or pulmonary abscessation, in which thoracic sonography was used, were reviewed . The sonograms of these horses were reviewed retrospectively for free gas echoes within pleural or abscess fluid . Anaerobic infection was confirmed in 27 horses, and gas echoes were observed in 21 horses . There was a significant (P less than 0.001) correlation between the observation of gas echoes and anaerobic infection in horses with pleuropneumonia and/or pulmonary abscessation . A foul odor to the breath or pleural fluid was significantly (P less than 0.001) associated with anaerobic infection . Poor survival rates were associated with gas echoes or a foul odor to the breath or pleural fluid, both of which were associated with anaerobic infection . Gas echoes within pleural or abscess fluid were found to be a sensitive and specific indicator of anaerobic infection, as was a putrid odor to the breath or pleural fluid . Evaluation for gas echoes and foul odor had better predictive value than did evaluation for gas echoes or foul odor alone . Gas echoes within pleural or abscess fluid is highly suggestive of anaerobic infection . Ultrasonography should be performed repeatedly in horses with pleuropneumonia to assess the progression or resolution of pleural and parenchymal disease . The detection of gas echoes on subsequent ultrasonograms may indicate the development of anaerobic infection. FEBS Lett, 1989 Jan 2, 242(2), 357 - 62 Induction of expression of protein disulphide-isomerase during lymphocyte maturation stimulated by bacterial lipopolysaccharide; Paver JL et al.; Protein disulphide-isomerase (PDI) activity, and the level of immunodetectable PDI protein, were monitored in splenic lymphocytes and in BCL1 cells during culture in the presence of various activating factors . Bacterial lipopolysaccharide stimulated induction of PDI in splenic B cells and BCL1 cells . The time-course and specificity of induction indicated that the increase in expression of PDI is closely coupled to the final stages of B cell differentiation into antibody-producing plasma cells . The system will prove valuable in studies on the control of expression of PDI. Acta Otolaryngol Suppl, 1989, 457, 144 - 7 A rat model for bacterial otitis media; Hermansson A et al.; Rat middle ear was exposed to challenge with viable pneumococci, type 3 and 6A, and the course of changes in the middle ear was observed by otomicroscopy and analysis of bacterial samples from blood, nasopharynx and middle ear effusions . Microscopical examination of changes in the middle ear mucosa during and after the acute infection was also made . Depending on the type and concentration of pneumococci, three different results were observed: otitis media with purulent effusion, otitis media with serous effusion, or no reaction at all . The mortality rate was low and most animals recovered within 10 days without postinfectional changes visible by otomicroscopy . The microscopical examination of the middle ear mucosa revealed distinct changes . Inoculation of rat middle ear with pneumococci causes a self-limiting infection that closely resembles acute otitis media in the human . Thus the rat would seem to be a suitable animal model for the study of bacterial otitis media. J Periodontol, 1989 Jan, 60(1), 23 - 30 Quantification of bacterial penetration in spontaneous periodontal disease in beagle dogs; Coons DB et al.; The role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease is controversial . Although bacterial penetration has been demonstrated in human periodontitis, relationships of bacteria to varying levels of periodontal health in other animals has not been well documented . In this study of beagle dog periodontium, bacteria were counted within the various tissue regions of sites which exhibited periodontal health, gingivitis, or periodontitis . Affected sites within whole block sections from two aged beagle dogs were prepared for investigation by light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and bacterial counts were subjected to statistical analysis for differences . Periodontitis sites viewed with LM had more bacteria than healthy sites . Neither LM nor SEM observations yielded any other differences in bacterial counts between the levels of periodontal health . When viewed using SEM, the sulcular epithelium had more bacteria than the other tissue regions in diseased sites . Relative to the number of bacteria in plaque, however, counts from all microscopic observations were very low . These findings indicate that the presence of bacteria within the periodontium is of questionable significance in the pathogenesis of spontaneous periodontal disease in beagle dogs. Orthop Clin North Am, 1989 Jan, 20(1), 49 - 53 Intraoperative controls for bacterial contamination during total knee replacement; Ritter MA; The increasing number of infected total knee replacements produces a financial and social burden upon patients, families, hospitals, insurance companies, and government . Methods of reducing the problem of wound infection are discussed in this article, including prophylactic anticoagulation, CPM, autologous blood replacement, good nutrition, and careful wound closure. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg, 1989, 108(1), 30 - 5 Advantages of diagnosing bacterial spondylitis with magnetic resonance imaging; Bruns J et al.; We report on 16 cases of suspected spondylitis in which we used magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to confirm or exclude the diagnosis . MR has several advantages, one of which is to permit diagnosis of this disease in the early stages without major risks . In addition, MR permits recognition of complications such as paravertebral or intraspinal abscess formation with a high security and accuracy . Moreover, it is possible to show spondylitic alterations in three different planes . To differentiate this disease from metastatic or tumorous lesions the technique with T1- and T2-weighted images is helpful . As a result, MR imaging can shorten the time between onset and diagnosis of spondylitis. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1989 Jan, 160(1), 132 - 3 Detection of bacterial vaginosis in Papanicolaou smears; Platz-Christensen JJ et al.; In a prospective study of 145 women, bacterial vaginosis was clinically diagnosed in 46 women . Compared with clinical diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis, detection of so-called clue cells in Papanicolaou smears showed a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 97% . The positive and negative predictive values were 94% and 95%, respectively . The study results indicate that demonstration of clue cells in Papanicolaou smears is a useful method for identification of women with probable bacterial vaginosis . This provides a basis for the use of archival material in retrospective studies with regard to possible links between bacterial vaginosis and development of cervical cancer. Vestn Dermatol Venerol, 1989, (7), 47 - 9 {Local hyperthermia in the combined treatment of patients with chronic bacterial urethroprostatitis}; Israilov SR; Ninety patients with chronic urethroprostatitis have been followed up . The patients were divided into two groups . Group 1 (50 patients), besides general treatment, have been treated with local hyperthermia: the temperature in the urethra has been gradually increased to reach 40-60 degrees C and maintained so for 20-60 min . The temperature elevation depended on the patient's tolerance . Group 2 patients have been administered local therapy with various instillations . Good results in Group 1 recommend a smooth warming of the urethra to 40-60 degrees C as a rational and effective method of local therapy in combined treatment of patients with chronic urethroprostatitis. Intensive Care Med, 1989, 15(6), 400 - 2 Two cases of sudden death by rupture of traumatic and bacterial aneurysms; Feldges A et al.; Unexpected subarachnoid hemorrhage with a fatal outcome was seen in two patients in intensive care in association with trauma and an intracranial inflammatory abscess . The cause of SAH was disclosed at autopsy: traumatic and bacterial aneurysms of the basilar artery respectively . In the reported cases the symptoms of SAH did not suggest an origin. Arch Microbiol, 1989, 151(6), 513 - 9 Distribution of delta-aminolevulinic acid biosynthetic pathways among phototrophic bacterial groups; Avissar YJ et al.; Two biosynthetic pathways are known for the universal tetrapyrrole precursor, delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) . In the ALA synthase pathway which was first described in animal and some bacterial cells, the pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme ALA synthase catalyzes condensation of glycine and succinyl-CoA to form ALA with the loss of C-1 of glycine as CO2 . In the five-carbon pathway which was first described in plant and algal cells, the carbon skeleton of glutamate is converted intact to ALA in a proposed reaction sequence that requires three enzymes, tRNA(Glu), ATP, Mg2+, NADPH, and pyridoxal phosphate . We have examined the distribution of the two ALA biosynthetic pathways among various genera, using cell-free extracts obtained from representative organisms . Evidence for the operation of the five-carbon pathway was obtained by the measurement of RNase-sensitive label incorporation from glutamate into ALA, using 3,4-{3H}glutamate or 1-{14C}glutamate as substrate . ALA synthase activity was indicated by RNase-insensitive incorporation of label from 2-{14C}glycine into ALA . The distribution of the two pathways among the bacteria tested was in general agreement with their previously established phylogenetic relationships and clearly indicates that the five-carbon pathway is the more ancient process, whereas the pathway utilizing ALA synthase probably evolved much later . The five-carbon pathway is apparently the more widely utilized one among bacteria, while the ALA synthase pathway seems to be limited to the alpha subgroup of purple bacteria. Klin Khir, 1989, (6), 27 - 9 {Gastrointestinal hemorrhage in children against a background of viral and bacterial infections}; Kireev SS et al.; In the process of intensive therapy, 22 of 32 patients developed gastrointestinal bleeding against the background of acute virobacterial pneumonia . The degree of intoxication, hypoxia, impairment in the coagulative blood system, and the level of circulating immune complexes were the main factors, which defined severity of the state of a patient, massiveness of bleeding and outcome of the treatment . The bleeding developed, if the DIC-syndrome achieved the stage of consumptive coagulopathy, and the content of the middle molecular mass substances and circulating immune complexes exceeded 1.5-2-fold the age indices. J Immunol, 1989 Jan 1, 142(1), 144 - 7 Bacterial lipopolysaccharide and inflammatory mediators augment IL-6 secretion by human endothelial cells; Jirik FR et al.; The interaction between human endothelial cells and leukocytes during immunologic and inflammatory responses is in part mediated through the release of soluble mediators . We report that cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells secrete IL-6 when stimulated with LPS . This effect was inhibited by polymyxin-B . The monokines IL-1 and TNF-alpha were also potent inducers of IL-6, whereas lymphotoxin was only effective at much higher concentrations . Endothelial cell supernatant IL-6 was active as hybridoma-plasmacytoma growth factor and as B-cell stimulating factor . Endothelial IL-6 activity was neutralized by a specific anti-IL-6 antibody and by immunoprecipitation it was shown to be identical in size to human fibroblast-derived IL-6 . As IL-6 is possibly an important regulator of host defense responses, production of this cytokine by endothelial cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of various inflammatory and immunologic diseases. Arkh Patol, 1989, 51(5), 18 - 23 {Significance of bacterial shock to thanatogenesis in peritonitis}; Kan'shina NF; Fifty-three section examinations of peritonitis with a history of 1 to 30 days were performed to microscopically study viscera and their microcirculatory bed . They revealed microcirculatory disturbances and their consequences that were characteristic of shock . They were most of all pronounced in the kidneys and lungs . The kidneys showed blood dumping with cortical ischemia, which was accompanied with dystrophic changes in the proximal nephroepithelium or focal acute renal failure (ARF) in half the cases . Seven cases displayed advanced ARF of over 8-10-day history with regeneration in the damaged tubules . There were pulmonary microcirculatory disturbances in 27 cases, 10 of them having clinical signs of the "shock" lung, i.e . dys- and atelectases, alveolar bleedings, hyalin membranes, which might be a cause of acute respiratory failure. Life Sci, 1989, 45(9), 843 - 7 Bacterial infection (Legionella pneumophila) stimulates fever, metabolic rate and brown adipose tissue activity in the guinea pig; Cooper AL et al.; The objective of this study was to assess whether bacterial infection stimulates oxygen consumption and brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity . Guinea pigs infected with Legionella pneumophila showed marked fever and a significant (33%) increase in resting oxygen consumption (VO2), 24h after infection . At this time, food intake and body weight were normal and the in vitro thermogenic activity of BAT taken from infected animals was elevated by 64% above that of control guinea pigs . VO2 and BAT activity fell to control values by 48h as infected animals became moribund and over this period food intake was markedly reduced. Klin Khir, 1989, (6), 52 - 3 {Complex laser therapy of bacterial destruction of the lungs in children}; Losev AA et al.; The complex laser therapy with the use of a helium-neon laser was employed in 115 patients with bacterial destruction of the lungs at the age of from 3 mos to 14 years . The indications for endothoracic, external and intravascular laser therapy and their combination are substantiated . The calculations of the optimal parameters of laser influence, depending on the stage of the disease and optical characteristics of the damaged lung surface, are presented. Scand J Infect Dis, 1989, 21(3), 277 - 84 Chemiluminescence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and whole blood during acute bacterial infection; Pauksens K et al.; The purpose of this study was to follow the changes in oxidative metabolism of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and whole blood, during and after an acute bacterial infection, in otherwise healthy individuals, with the hypothesis that the majority of the subnormal activities found at clinical investigation of PMN functions in this respect, as part of the investigation of individuals with increased susceptibility to bacterial infections, is explained by subclinical infections or consequences of recent infections . 10 patients were followed from the day of admission and up to 80 days after the acute illness . Luminol- but not lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) of PMN was increased during the febrile period and normalized in parallel with normalization in body temperature . Both luminol- and lucigenin-enhanced CL were enhanced in whole blood during the period of fever . Subnormal activities of luminol- or lucigenin-enhanced CL were only seen sporadically . We conclude that the oxidative metabolism of PMN, as measured by lucigenin-enhanced CL, is virtually unaffected cause of the increased luminol-enhanced CL during the acute illness is suggested to be due to the increase mobilization of myeloperoxidase. Eur Urol, 1989, 16(3), 223 - 5 Value of the prostatic LDH levels in the diagnosis of bacterial prostatitis; Becopoulos T et al.; Fifty-four patients aged between 21 and 50 years with typical symptoms of chronic prostatitis and 10 healthy men serving as control group had prostatic-fluid cultures according to the Meares-Stamey technique . Prostatic-fluid LDH levels were also estimated by agar gel electrophoresis . Eight patients were found to have bacterial prostatitis and significantly elevated LDH5/LDH1 isoenzymes ratio, 24 patients fulfilled the criteria for nonbacterial prostatitis and 22 patients were classified as suffering from prostatodynia . The LDH5/LDH1 isoenzymes ratio was found to decrease gradually as the inflammatory elements of the prostatic fluid reduced with the lowest value detected in the control group. Arch Tierernahr, 1989 Jan-Feb, 39(1-2), 131 - 9 {The use of a methanol bacterial mass in multigenerational studies in the hen . 2 . Laying period}; Richter G et al.; In a multi-generation trial with 120 or 96 hens of the breed White Leghorn per group the effect of diets containing 7.5% or 15.0% of methanol-grown dried bacterial cells was examined . The hens were kept in conventional three-stage battery . In two of the three experiments the feed intake was decreased if it was used methanol-grown bacterial cells as a protein source . The period of intensive laying (50% egg production) started later and the egg production has been decreased by using the bacterial cells . For the traits egg weight and mortality no relation to the nutrition could be found . The feeding of methanol-grown bacterial cells showed in two incubatory trials no negative effects on reproductive ability of the hens . The cock's sperm quality was not influenced in two experiments . In one trial the sperm volume was reduced and the sperm concentration was raised if diets contained methanol-grown dried bacterial cells . Indications of toxic influences of the methanol-grown bacterial cells were not found. Biosensors, 1989, 4(3), 181 - 94 Fibre-optic sensor with co-immobilised bacterial bioluminescence enzymes; Gautier SM et al.; A fibre-optic bioluminescent sensor for the microdetermination of NADH is described . Measurements can be performed in the linear range 1 x 10(-9) M-3 x 10(-6) M with a detection limit of 3 x 10(-10) M using the bacterial luciferase and NAD(P)H:FMN oxidoreductase co-immobilised on a preactivated polyamide membrane . The relative standard deviation was 4.8-5.5% at 4 x 10(-8) M NADH and the steady-state response time was 2 min . When stored at -20 degrees C with 20% glycerol, the activity of the bioactive membranes was higher than that measured prior to freezing and then remained stable for more than four months. Z Rechtsmed, 1989, 102(5), 331 - 6 The role of intestinal bacterial heat production in confounding postmortem temperature measurements; Hooft P et al.; To assess the influence of anaerobic bacterial heat production in human stools as a confounding factor in postmortem rectal temperature measurements, in vitro experiments were carried out with human stools incubated at 37 degrees C for 6 h and at decreasing temperatures simulating a postmortem body cooling . Although a statistical significant heat production was observed, it was not relevant enough to explain a postmortem temperature plateau or a substantial rise in the postmortem body temperature . The experiments suggest that stools merely reflect the environmental thermal changes rather than producing bias and confounding by a bacterial heat production. J Appl Bacteriol, 1989 Jan, 66(1), 43 - 7 A biotinylated DNA probe to detect bacterial cells in artificially contaminated foodstuffs; Dovey S et al.; A biotin-labelled DNA probe was used in a dot-blot hybridization test to demonstrate the presence of Escherichia coli in a variety of artificially contaminated foodstuffs . Positive hybridization was detected by using a streptavidine/polyalkaline phosphatase conjugate to generate an insoluble coloured precipitate in the presence of an appropriate dye . The colour intensity was measured with a computer-controlled image analysis system which assessed objectively the hybridization signal produced by each sample . The method was capable of distinguishing positive hybridization at cell concentrations exceeding 10(4) cells/dot-blot, equivalent to 2 x 10(7) cells/g food, and had none of the drawbacks normally associated with the use of radioactively labelled DNA in hybridization techniques . The procedure is highly specific and takes less than 30 h . Many samples can be screened simultaneously and the procedure can be used to detect any species for which a suitable DNA probe is available. Pancreas, 1989, 4(1), 65 - 70 Small intestinal transit, bacterial growth, and bowel habits in diabetes mellitus; Spengler U et al.; To investigate diabetic alterations of small intestinal transit and bacterial growth, we performed hydrogen breath tests (10 g lactulose via duodenal tube at the ligament of Treitz), bacterial cultures, and determinations of unconjugated serum bile acids in 19 patients with long-standing diabetes and 7 healthy controls . Asymptomatic diabetics had a late rise in breath hydrogen, indicating prolonged jejunal-cecal transit (86 +/- 10 min, p less than 0.05) as an early pathogenic event . Rise in breath hydrogen in symptomatic diabetics (constipation: 50 +/- 6 min; diarrhea: 41 +/- 11 min) was not significantly different from controls (57 +/- 8 min) . Bacterial studies and increased unconjugated serum bile acids suggest bacterial overgrowth in some symptomatic diabetics . Bacterial overgrowth was associated more frequently (p less than 0.05) with a rise in breath hydrogen before 45 min or after 75 min . Changes in the hydrogen breath test, bacterial growth, or unconjugated serum bile acids did not correlate with gastrointestinal symptoms of diabetes. FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1989 Jan 1, 48(1), 109 - 13 A new bacterial alcohol dehydrogenase active on degraded lignin and several low molecular weight aromatic compounds; Pelmont J et al.; A new intracellular bacterial dehydrogenase has been purified . It was active in the reversible reduction by NADH of conjugated carbonyl groups in partially degraded lignin . It was also active on various aromatic aldehydes such as vanillin, syringaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde, but had no effect on acetovanillone and lignin models carrying a conjugated ketone . It is proposed that this enzyme functions as a broadly specific lignin dehydrogenase at the level of aldehydic groups that are present in the lignin preparations. Symp Soc Exp Biol, 1989, 43, 403 - 16 Naturally-evolved changes in bacterial polysaccharides; Miles MJ et al.; Major roles suggested for extracellular polysaccharides are as antigens, 'phage receptor sites or for protecting cells against dehydration . The evolution of bacterial species has led to a large number of bacterial polysaccharides with complex chemical repeat units . There is growing evidence that such structures may be grouped into families of polymers differing in only small changes in chemical structure . Physico-chemical studies of such families are starting to reveal which variations are important in changing the functional properties of the polymers. Yi Chuan Xue Bao, 1989, 16(1), 56 - 66 {Dependence of the recA gene for the replication of the bacterial chromosome initiated by the integrated F' plasmid in Escherichia coli}; Mao YM et al.; Mutant strain dnaA46 of Escherichia coli can be integratively suppressed by the F' plasmid . Upon introducing the recA56 mutation through transduction the suppressive integration strain (Sin) becomes unable to grow at 40 degrees C . By means of experiments of marker transfer, acridine orange sensitivity test, F' curing and mini-chromosome transformation it is concluded that the F' plasmid is always in an integrated state in the Sin strains and that the initiation of the replication of the bacterial chromosome is carried on by the integrated F' plasmid . The biosynthesis of DNA and protein of the Sin recA+ and Sin recA- strains at different temperatures were compared . It is concluded from the experimental results that the recA gene functions at the level of DNA replication . The recA gene is known to be the key gene in DNA recombination and SOS repair of DNA damage . The works reported here throw some light on the understanding of the function of the recA gene. Arch Exp Veterinarmed, 1989, 43(5), 641 - 3 {25 years of Mycoplasma research in the Institute for Bacterial Animal Epidemic Research in Jena}; Schimmel D et al.; Twenty-five years of persistent research at the Jena Institute of Bacterial Animal Diseases have yielded substantive results of relevance to general knowledge and veterinary practice in the following fields: Mycoplasma species in farm animals-isolation, demands on culturing substrate, and differentiation; Virulence testing; Development, production, and application of diagnostic preparations; Development to full application maturity of diagnostic techniques and concepts for control of several mycoplasmal infections of relevance in terms of economy . The mycoplasma laboratory in Jena has become established as the reference centre for mycoplasma species in mammals for all CMEA member countries. Folia Biol (Praha), 1989, 35(4), 229 - 37 Increase by bacterial lipopolysaccharide of antibody production in mice rendered hyporesponsive to lysozyme; Hraba T et al.; The effect of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the immune response of adult mice to hen egg lysozyme (HEL) was studied under conditions in which hyporesponsiveness to HEL was induced by: (i) the intravenous injection of syngeneic spleen cells incubated with HEL; (ii) the intravenous administration of soluble HEL, and (iii) the intraperitoneal injection of HEL in IFA . In all cases, mice were immunized by footpad injection of HEL, with or without LPS . The antibody response produced was measured by the number of indirect anti-HEL plaque forming cells (PFC) detected in popliteal lymph nodes . The incorporation of LPS in the immunizing dose of HEL had little effect on the response of controls; however, it resulted in an appreciable increase in the antibody response of all three groups of hyporesponsive mice . Although, after treatment with LPS, the number of PFC detected in mice made tolerant by spleen cell injection approached those of the controls, lower increases in the antibody response were noted for the remaining two groups of hyporesponsive mice. Genome, 1989, 31(1), 265 - 71 Selection, adaptation, and bacterial operons; Hall BG; Bacteria are especially useful as systems to study the molecular basis of adaptive evolution . Selection for novel metabolic capabilities has allowed us to study the evolutionary potential of organisms and has shown that there are three major "strategies" for the evolution of new metabolic functions . (i) Regulatory mutations may allow a gene to be expressed under unusual conditions . If the product of that gene is already active toward a novel resource, then a regulatory mutation alone may confer a new metabolic capability . (ii) Structural gene mutations may alter the catalytic properties of enzymes so that they can act on novel substrates . These structural gene mutations may dramatically improve catalytic capabilities, and in some cases they can confer entirely new capabilities upon enzymes . In most cases both regulatory and structural gene mutations are required for the effective evolution of new metabolic functions . (iii) Operons that are normally silent, or cryptic, may be activated by either point mutations or by the action of mobile genetic elements . When activated, these operons can provide entirely new pathways for the metabolism of novel resources . Selection can also play a role in modulating the probability that a particular adaptive mutation will occur . In this paper I present evidence that a specific adaptive mutation, reversion of the metB1 mutation, occurs 60 to 80 times more frequently during prolonged selection on plates under conditions where the members of the population are not growing than it does in growing cells under nonselective conditions . This selective condition, methionine starvation, does not increase the frequency of other mutations unrelated to methionine biosynthesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Scand J Infect Dis, 1989, 21(5), 585 - 6 Cefadroxil as an alternative to metronidazole in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis; Wathne B et al.; A randomized single-blind study was performed to compare the efficacy of cefadroxil to that of metronidazole in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis . 22 women completed the study with follow-ups after 1 and 4 weeks . After completion of treatment 2/11 women receiving metronidazole still had bacterial vaginosis compared with 1/11 women receiving cefadroxil . At follow-up after 4 weeks 3/10 women treated with cefadroxil had recurrent bacterial vaginosis while the corresponding figures for metronidazole were 2/9. Adv Genet, 1989, 26, 99 - 147 Bacterial genes involved in response to near-ultraviolet radiation; Eisenstark A; A model of the possible pathways of activities following NUV treatment was presented in Section I and in Fig . 1 . Some of the components are firmly established, some are speculative, and many are difficult to evaluate because of insufficient experimental information . Perhaps the most relevant experiments, especially concerning ozone depletion, would be to determine the mutational specificity of NUV . By selecting lacI mutants after exposing cells to NUV, and sequencing the bases of this gene, this is now feasible . There are some problems, however . The mutation frequency is normally so low that it might be difficult to distinguish NUV mutants from spontaneous mutants . However, by irradiating cells having a uvrA or uvrB mutation, the frequency of mutation above background can be increased considerably . There remains the problem as to what fraction of the observed mutations results from oxidative damage . Some of this could be clarified by comparing mutation spectra of cells treated with NUV and cells subjected to excess oxidative damage and determining what fraction results from other avenues of lesion formation in DNA . Different species of reactive oxygen could cause different kinds of DNA lesions, and, fortunately, use of appropriate mutants should allow us to sort out any differences in specificity of lesions . Also, by appropriate manipulation of quantities of endogenous photosensitizers, it might be possible to sort out the specific mutations that are caused by photodynamic action . Another avenue of research is to explore the pathways by which NUV lesions are repaired, and whether such repair is error prone or error free . Again, the use of mutants such as xthA, uvr, and polA should assist in our understanding of the specificity of the mutational events . There are now a number of examples of global control mechanisms whereby cells abruptly shift their protein synthesis pattern under environmental stress . It is important to understand whether NUV stress results in induction of one or more of the known regulatory genes, or whether another regulon might be involved . One particular aspect of regulation that remains unsolved is the role of the katF gene, which is known to regulate the xthA and katE, but it may also regulate other genes as well . A number of striking physiological events occur even at very low fluences of NUV irradiation of cells . In part, this may be related to regulon induction . However, some of these events are in need of special exploration, such as changes at the membrane level.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Arch Roum Pathol Exp Microbiol, 1989 Jan-Mar, 48(1), 65 - 78 Comparative evaluation of three in vacuo dessication procedures on bacterial cultures; Burlacu E et al.; The paper presents results obtained for the bacterial cultures preservation (E . coli ATCC 25 922 and S . aureus Wood) by three in vacuo desiccation procedures: freeze-drying (lyophilization or cryo-desiccation at eutectic zone), cryo-desiccation above eutectic zone and direct drying . It has been in view: the survival of liquid cultures as reported to the desiccation procedure per se, the loss of viability of desiccated cultures stored in refrigerator for at least one year and the residual moisture of desiccated cultures . For 3 batches there has been applied the accelerated thermal degradation test . Employing the same protective medium for both cultures, E . coli cultures prove to be more easily affected by lyophilization and cryo-desiccation above eutectic zone as compared to S . aureus cultures, fact that may be due to the differences between the wall structures of G--bacteria and G+ bacteria, respectively . During storage, E . coli and S . aureus cultures proved a quite similar loss of viability . The residual moisture content was quite similar for both E . coli and S . aureus cultures exposed to the same in vacuo desiccation procedure . The lyophilization and the cryo-desiccation above eutectic zone, as compared to direct drying, yielded superior results . The accelerated thermal degradation test provides only informative results, partially confirmed by viable counts determined at stated intervals of storage time in the refrigerator. Int J Immunopharmacol, 1989, 11(4), 341 - 8 Stimulation of antibody response in the gastrointestinal mucosa of immunodeficient mice by oral treatment with bacterial antigens . An immunoperoxidase study; Vacca A et al.; The immunodeficient (nude) mice were chosen as a model to verify the in vivo stimulating activity of bacterial antigens on the humoral immune response . By using an immunoperoxidase technique, the Ig+ cell content in the gastro-intestinal mucosa of mice was evaluated after oral treatment with a mixture of bacterial antigen fractions (trade name Colopten) . Treatment for 15 days was able to induce a significant increase in the proportions of Ig+ cells in both the jejunum and ileum . In contrast, the number of Ig+ cells was significantly increased after 30 days of treatment throughout the gastro-intestinal tract . Based on the staining intensity, a semiquantitative evaluation of the Ig content of the cells was made . Strongly stained Ig+ cells were localized into the gastro-intestinal mucosa during treatment and appeared to be the prominent lymphoid cell population in the small bowel after prolonged administration of Colopten . The morphological analysis of tissues showed that after treatment Ig+ cells tended to be collected within the mucosa rather than being isolated as in untreated animals . Therefore, these results demonstrate that oral administration of Colopten was able to elicit a local humoral immune response in an animal model for severe immunodeficiency. APMIS Suppl, 1989, 5, 35 - 40 Role of sulbactam/ampicillin and sultamicillin in the treatment of bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract of children; Bluestone CD; The combination of sulbactam and ampicillin is a safe and effective therapy for acute otitis media and acute epiglottitis in infants and children . Despite the lack of similar studies proving efficacy for other infections of the upper airway and certain adjacent structures, such as sinusitis, tonsillitis and cellulitis/abscess of the head and neck, this drug combination should also have a therapeutic role in the future for these conditions. Immunol Invest, 1989 Jan-May, 18(1-4), 405 - 16 Development of the mucosal barrier: bacterial toxin interaction with the immature enterocyte; Chu SW et al.; The microvillus surface of the enterocyte has been studied extensively to determine if compositional differences in pre- and postweaned animals can account for the increased incidence of immunologic and infectious intestinal disease states in newborns . The interaction of cholera toxin with the developing enterocyte was studied with respect to receptor-effector response . In previous studies, we have reported that more toxin binds to the preweaned animal gut than to the postweaned . More recently we have shown that toxin causes an increased cAMP response and decreased Na+-K1+ATPase response, suggesting that the enhanced response to toxin by the immature enterocyte may contribute to increased toxigenic diarrhea in newborns. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol, 1989, 146, 169 - 80 Prevention of invasive bacterial diseases by immunization with polysaccharide-protein conjugates; Robbins JB et al.; Covalent binding of CPS to T cell-dependent carrier proteins to form conjugates can be done by clinically acceptable methods . As a component of a conjugate, two immunologic properties of CPS are changed: 1) their immunogenicity is increased and; 2) reinjection induces a booster response in the young (T cell-dependence) . Serum antibodies induced by the CPS alone, or as a component of a conjugate, are qualitatively similar: the difference between antibodies elicited by the CPS or the conjugate is quantitative . A clinical trial with a Hib-DT conjugate showed that conjugates could confer immunity in an age group not protected by the CPS alone . (table; see text) Induction of serum CPS antibodies confers protection against capsulated bacteria in the bloodstream: their role in the interaction of these pathogens on the mucous membranes has not been characterized . Preliminary in vitro experiments suggest that secretory antibodies to non-capsular structures may also exert protective immunity. ASAIO Trans, 1989 Jan-Mar, 35(1), 40 - 5 Role of catheter removal in therapy of bacterial peritonitis of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis; Zappacosta AR et al.; Bacterial peritonitis in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) patients usually responds within a few days to intraperitoneal antibiotics . Catheter removal is rarely needed to resolve the episodes unless they are complicated by endogenous sources such as perforated diverticulitis or infections of the extraperitoneal catheter section . Recurrent peritonitis with the same organism has been attributed to bacterial colonization of the intraperitoneal section, making the decision for catheter removal more difficult . Catheter removal with substitution of hemodialysis may have greater morbidity than prolonged antibiotics . The authors retrospectively analyzed our incidence of and reasons for catheter removal during therapy for bacterial peritonitis for the period from October 1, 1980, to December 31, 1986 . For uncomplicated peritonitis, that is, in the absence of infection of the extraperitoneal catheter section, endogenous sources, and episodes associated with catheter function problems per se, the authors were able to resolve the peritonitis without catheter removal in 99.2% of cases . It was concluded that the intraperitoneal catheter section plays a negligible role in thwarting therapeutic efforts in uncomplicated bacterial peritonitis of CAPD. Nippon Hinyokika Gakkai Zasshi, 1989 Jan, 80(1), 35 - 8 {Evaluation of transrectal longitudinal ultrasonography of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis}; Tanaka S et al.; Transrectal longitudinal ultrasonography was performed in 34 patients with chronic non-bacterial prostatitis . Prostatic stones and cystic lesions were associated with chronic non-bacterial prostatitis in 67.6% and 11.8%, respectively . The annual relapse rates of clinical symptoms were related to the presence of prostatic stones and cystic lesions . Transrectal ultrasonography plays a very important role in predicting the clinical courses of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. Mutagenesis, 1989 Jan, 4(1), 1 - 5 Influence of bacterial growth of the overnight culture on the captan- and folpet-induced reversion in the Ames test; Barrueco C et al.; The influence of the stage of bacterial growth of the overnight culture on captan- and folpet-induced reversion in the Ames test was investigated . Tests were performed in order to determine both the number of viable bacteria at different intervals of bacterial growth--in the presence or absence of captan and folpet--and also the number of revertants . Captan or folpet were tested at 5 micrograms per plate, a concentration which had previously showed a mutagenic effect to the TA100 strain . The highest induced reversion was obtained when the bacterial culture used had entered the stationary-phase after 10-14 h, with a titre of at least 10(8) viable cells per ml. Kosm Biol Aviakosm Med, 1989 Jan-Feb, 23(1), 16 - 22 {Anti-bacterial protection of patients during rendering of specialized medical services}; Perkovskii AV et al.; This paper surveys the available equipment and techniques to provide bacterial protection of out-patients given medical aid . It presents a classification of the medical equipment in terms of the design, spectrum of application and type of aid . It is emphasized that patients treated outside a hospital need bacterial protection . Methods for purifying and sterilizing the equipment as well as procedures for maintaining the preset environmental parameters are described . The paper outlines technical problems the solution of which may help the development and use of bacterial protection devices to be applied in special conditions. Scand J Rheumatol, 1989, 18(1), 7 - 12 Bacterial infection following intra-articular injection . A brief review; von Essen R et al.; The literature on 443 cases of postinjection bacterial arthritis is reviewed . The utter rarity of the condition may have been overemphasized in the past . Haematogenous infection of the puncture track may be more important than the transfer of skin bacteria into the joint. Eur J Immunol, 1989 Jan, 19(1), 163 - 8 Simultaneous production of interleukin 6, interferon-beta and colony-stimulating activity by fibroblasts after viral and bacterial infection; Van Damme J et al.; Different viruses were compared with the double-stranded RNA poly(rI).poly(rC) and interleukin (IL) 1 for their IL 6-inducing potential in several human and animal cell types . The laboratory viruses Sendai, Mengo and Newcastle disease virus were found to dose dependently stimulate IL 6 production in diploid fibroblasts . A similar effect was obtained with the human pathogens, measles and rubella virus . Concomitantly with IL 6, two other cytokine activities, i.e., interferon-beta and colony-stimulating activity for granulocytes and monocytes, were induced . In addition, these three activities were also produced by fibroblasts in response to Escherichia coli, whereas lipopolysaccharide was only marginally active . The specificity of the induction phenomenon was confirmed by the lack of IL 6 induction with inactivated infectious agents and by the complete neutralization of produced IL 6 by specific antibodies . This study indicates that the coordinate production of hemopoietic growth factors and interferon, originating from cells that do not classically belong to the immune system, can influence the local and systemic reactions observed during host defence against various infectious agents. Virology, 1989 Jan, 168(1), 183 - 6 Identification of the sigma 1S protein in reovirus serotype 2-infected cells with antibody prepared against a bacterial fusion protein; Cashdollar LW et al.; A bacterial expression vector, pATH 3, was used to produce high levels of a fusion protein composed of a portion of the trpE protein of Escherichia coli and the putative sigma 1S coding region from the S1 gene of reovirus serotype 2 . The fusion protein was purified and injected into rabbits to prepare antisera . This antibody was able to detect sigma 1S being synthesized in L929 cells infected with reovirus serotype 2 by means of immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting techniques . The peak of sigma 1S accumulation in type 2-infected cells was shown to occur approximately 20 hr after infection . This report represents the first description of sigma 1S production in reovirus serotype 2-infected cells. Przegl Lek, 1989, 46(12), 798 - 801 {Results of various biochemical studies in secondary bacterial pneumonia}; Misiewicz A et al.; In patients with chronic circulatory insufficiency, chronic nonspecific diseases of respiratory system, lung malignancies, as well as in the group of patients with "other diseases" complicated by bacterial pneumonia the total protein and protein fractions, bilirubin, activity of alanine aminotransferase and of aspartate aminotransferase in the blood serum has been determined . The control group consisted of analogous groups of patient without, however, bacterial pneumonia . It has been stated that in patients with lung cancer bacterial pneumonia has been accompanied by the increased concentration of beta-globulin and the decreased concentration of gamma-globulin . In other groups of patients the lowered concentration of albumin and the increased concentration of alpha-globulin has been observed . Chronic nonspecific diseases of respiratory system were, moreover, characterized by the increased concentration of gamma-globulin . In some groups of patients with secondary bacterial pneumonias if compare with analogous++ groups of patients without pneumonia the increased bilirubin concentration and increased activity of alanine aminotransferase and/or aspartate aminotransferase remaining however within normal range has been demonstrated. Gynakol Rundsch, 1989, 29(4), 200 - 14 {The dysuria syndrome . Significance of urethral diameter for recurrent bacterial cystitis in the female}; Schilling A et al.; Internal urethrotomy is still used in female patients for the prophylactic treatment of recurrent bacterial cystitis as well as for sterile dysuric voiding disorders . 72% of the bacterial cystitis group (n = 18) remained uninfected during the 1st year after the treatment . 60% of the women with sterile dysuria complaints reported a significant improvement after the surgical procedure . The success is most possibly due to improved urodynamic conditions . The necessity of urethrotomy in patients with recurrent bacterial cystitis is discussed . The etiology of sterile dysuric voiding disorders however remains unclear. Eye, 1989, 3 ( Pt 3), 308 - 12 Bacterial contamination of intraocular and extraocular fluids during extracapsular cataract extraction; Sherwood DR et al.; Fluid aspirated from the anterior chamber and fluid drained from the conjunctival sac during 101 extracapsular cataract operations was examined for bacterial contamination . Bacteria were grown by enrichment culture from the conjunctival sac of 90 eyes and from the anterior chamber aspirate of 29 eyes . Conjunctival fluid, stained with fluorescein, was demonstrated to flow into the anterior chamber during the aspiration stage of extracapsular cataract extraction and during intraocular lens implantation . It is suggested that this fluid from the conjunctival sac, contaminated with bacteria, routinely enters the anterior chamber during extracapsular cataract extraction and is the likely source of some cases of post-operative endophthalmitis. Chemotherapy, 1989, 35(6), 410 - 5 Pharmacokinetic study on adenomatous prostate tissue concentrations of cefoperazone . Clinical efficacy and patient tolerance of intramuscular cefoperazone treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis; Melloni D et al.; Cephalosporins do not reach active therapeutical concentrations in the prostatic tissue in patients suffering from chronic bacterial prostatitis . Cefoperazone is an exception . Its efficacy in the treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis in 20 patients was studied and the concentrations, obtained after intramuscular administration, evaluated in patients who underwent transurethral operation due to prostatic hypertrophy (in 14 patients) . The cefoperazone concentrations in the prostate have been evaluated 60, 90 and in some cases 120 min after the administration of the drug and compared to those obtained in serum . The clinical cure has been obtained in 16 patients . The average drug concentration in the prostate after 60 min was 22.8 +/- 13.6 versus 39.8 +/- 20.0 micrograms/ml in serum; 90 min after administration the average concentration in the prostate was 23.2 +/- 14.1 versus 35.7 +/- 18.1 micrograms/ml in serum . The correlation was significant both at 60 min (r = 64, p less than 0.05) and at 90 min (r = 64, p less than 0.05). Curr Med Res Opin, 1989, 11(9), 585 - 92 An open, comparative evaluation of amoxycillin and amoxycillin plus clavulanic acid ('Augmentin') in the treatment of bacterial pneumonia in children; Jibril HB et al.; One hundred children with clinically diagnosed bacterial pneumonia were assigned at random to receive treatment with either amoxycillin (250 or 500 mg) or amoxycillin (250 or 500 mg) plus clavulanic acid (62.5 or 125 mg) 3-times daily, dosage and duration of treatment being determined by the severity of the condition . There were no clinically significant differences between the two groups on entry and the mean duration of treatment was 6.8 days in both . By Day 3 of treatment, significant differences in improvement in chest pain, dyspnoea, pyrexia and sputum production were noted in favour of amoxycillin/clavulanic acid . The response to treatment was significantly better in the combination group with an excellent or good response recorded in 60% and 30% of patients, compared with 26% and 36% in the amoxycillin group . Only 2 adverse reactions were reported, 1 case each of skin rash and diarrhoea in the combined group . The overall clinical efficacy rate of 93.8% in amoxycillin/clavulanic acid-treated patients was significantly better than the 60.4% clinical success recorded in the amoxycillin group. J Hosp Infect, 1989 Jan, 13(1), 63 - 9 Measurement of bacterial and fungal air counts in two bone marrow transplant units; Arlet G et al.; We evaluated air contamination with bacteria and fungi in a transplantation unit, successively housed in two buildings . Bacterial air contamination was least in laminar air flow rooms, and reduced in ultraclean air rooms in comparison with conventional rooms . Similar results were obtained with culture of air for fungi. J Hosp Infect, 1989 Jan, 13(1), 33 - 41 Methods for calculating the efficiency of bacterial surface sampling techniques; Whyte W et al.; A mathematical model is described which may be used to assess the efficiency and consistency of a surface sampling method as well as estimate the concentration of bacteria on the site prior to sampling. Int J Immunopharmacol, 1989, 11(6), 637 - 45 Stimulation by a bacterial extract (Broncho-Vaxom) of the metabolic and functional activities of murine macrophages; Mauel J et al.; Peritoneal and bone marrow-derived macrophages of the C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mouse strains were exposed in vitro to increasing concentrations of the bacterial lysate Broncho-Vaxom (BV), in the presence or absence of macrophage-activating factor (MAF)-rich media . Two metabolic pathways and two functional activities of the macrophages were studied . First, oxidative metabolism was found to increase sharply in macrophages incubated with BV, as measured by the catabolism of glucose via the hexose monophosphate shunt pathway, and by the production of the superoxide anion (O2-) . Both effects were further increased by co-stimulation of macrophages with MAF . Second, exposure to BV together with MAF (or with recombinant murine interferon-gamma) led to acquisition by macrophages of the capacity to destroy the intracellular parasite Leishmania enriettii; such activated macrophages were also lytic towards P815 mastocytoma indicator target cells . These cytotoxic properties failed to develop in the absence of MAF . The BV-dependent increase in metabolic and functional activities was of the same magnitude as that induced by incubation of macrophages with 10 ng/ml of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) . Residual contamination of BV by endotoxin was however much lower . In addition, polymyxin B, a LPS inhibitor, blocked the effect of LPS without significantly affecting macrophage stimulation by BV . These experiments indicate that BV can markedly stimulate macrophage metabolic and functional parameters that are important for host defense against pathogens and tumors. Free Radic Biol Med, 1989, 7(2), 165 - 70 Electron spin resonance detection of oxygen-centred radicals in murine macrophages stimulated with bacterial endotoxin; Jackson SK et al.; The production of oxygen radicals by Bacille-Calmette-Guerin primed mouse macrophages stimulated with bacterial endotoxin has been investigated . Superoxide radicals were spin-trapped in this system with dimethylpyrroline-N-oxide after a lag period of 20-40 minutes . The electron spin resonance signals due to the superoxide radical adduct could be inhibited by superoxide dismutase but not by catalase. Folia Biol (Praha), 1989, 35(1), 42 - 4 Bacterial expression of the p24 gag protein of the bovine leukaemia virus; Zajac V et al.; The possibility of expression of the gag gene of bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) in the bacterial system was investigated . The DNA fragment coding for the gag core 24 kDa protein of BLV was inserted into the pORF1 expression vector . The polypeptides expressed in E . coli were analysed by Western blotting . The bacterially synthesized antigens were detected by the serum of a BLV-infected cow and by mouse monoclonal antibodies against the native p24 gag protein. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1989 Jan, 33(1), 27 - 9 Fluorometric assay for fleroxacin uptake by bacterial cells; Chapman JS et al.; A sensitive and convenient method for quinolone determination has been developed, based on the natural fluorescence of the quinolone nucleus . Fleroxacin (Ro 23-6240; AM 833), used as a prototype quinolone in these studies, had an excitation maximum at 282 nm and an admission maximum at 442 nm (pH 3.0) . Fluorescence intensity was pH dependent, being maximal at pH 3.0 and linear at quinolone concentrations between 1 and 200 ng/ml . A protocol for the fluorometric monitoring of fleroxacin uptake in Escherichia coli was developed . Intracellular quinolone concentrations measured by the fluorometric assay correlated well with values obtained by the bioassay . The results indicate that the fluorometric assay is an attractive alternative to the more laborious bioassay. J Clin Invest, 1989 Jan, 83(1), 252 - 60 Studies on phagocytosis in patients with acute bacterial infections; Simms HH et al.; Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and monocytes from 20 patients with acute bacterial infections were examined for phagocytic function . PMN of patients expressed markedly enhanced phagocytosis as measured by the ingestion of erythrocyte (E)IgG and IgG/C3b-coated E . Phagocytosis of E coated with C3b alone was not seen, while low levels of ingestion of iC3b-E by patients' PMNs was noted . Monocytes from patients and controls expressed similar phagocytic activity in a fixed endpoint assay; however, the kinetics of phagocytosis by patients' monocytes was strikingly faster . Superoxide anion (O2.) and myeloperoxidase activities were similar to controls in PMN of four patients studied on day 1 of admission . PMN from two of three patients studied longitudinally showed an initial elevation in EIgG phagocytosis, which fell to normal levels by day 4, concomitantly with increased O2 . generation and clinical improvement . Phagocytosis remained elevated in the third patient who did not clear his septicemia . Surface membrane FcRII, FcRIII, CR1, and CR3 were similar on patient and control PMN . In contrast, FcRI was increased on PMN of five of seven patients by monomeric IgG binding, and on two of two patients by monoclonal anti-FcRI binding . Thus, PMN and monocytes of patients with acute bacterial infections are either upregulated with regard to phagocytic function or are less susceptible to downregulation than are normal cells . This presumably would have a beneficial effect on host defenses during infection. J Clin Invest, 1989 Jan, 83(1), 234 - 42 Bacterial toxins affect early events of T lymphocyte activation; Stewart SJ et al.; The effects of pertussis toxin and cholera toxin on early events of T lymphocyte activation were examined in the T lymphocyte cell line, Jurkat . Pertussis toxin treatment of these T cells increased inositol phosphates production and led to increases in intracellular free calcium concentration . These effects were produced by the isolated B (binding) subunit of pertussis toxin, alone . Inositol phosphates production resulting from perturbation of the T cell antigen receptor-CD3 complex by MAb was not affected by pertussis toxin treatment but was markedly inhibited by cholera toxin . This effect of cholera toxin paralleled elevations in cAMP content . However, forskolin, in concentrations equipotent for cAMP production, was a weaker inhibitor of inositol phosphates production . Cholera toxin inhibition of inositol phosphates production did not result from inhibition of baseline incorporation of inositol into phosphoinositide substrates of phospholipase C . These studies underline the complexity of toxin effects on cellular systems and suggest that other approaches will be required to implicate guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins in control of the early events of T lymphocyte activation . However, the data presented here provide a molecular basis for the clinical observations of lymphocytosis and the in vitro observations of lymphocyte mitogenesis after pertussis toxin stimulation. Cell Signal, 1989, 1(6), 541 - 52 Properties of membranous phospholipase C from WRK1 cell: sensitivity to guanylnucleotides and bacterial toxins; Guillon G et al.; As previously described, WRK1 plasma membrane possesses a vasopressin-sensitive phospholipase C {G . Guillon et al., 1986, FEBS Lett . 196, 155-159} . In the present study, we examined the sensitivity of this enzyme to guanylnucleotides . GTP gamma S induces a time- and dose-dependent stimulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,4)P2 accumulation . No accumulation of InsP1, Ins(1,3,4)P3 or Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 occurred under similar conditions . Gpp(NH)p produced the same effect but was less potent . GTP and a nonhydrolyzable analogue of ATP, App(NH)p, were without effect . Calcium also stimulated the phospholipase C activity in a time- and dose-dependent manner . In the absence of calcium, the activity of GTP gamma S was considerably reduced . Physiological calcium concentrations (between 10(-8) and 10(-7) M), allowed maximal GTP gamma S stimulation of phospholipase C activity . In this system, the presence of vasopressin alone did not generate inositol phosphate accumulation . However, this hormone: (i) reduced the lag-time observed during GTP gamma S stimulation, (ii) increased the sensitivity of phospholipase C to GTP and to GTP gamma S, and (iii) did not modify the stimulation of phospholipase C induced by maximal doses of GTP gamma S . Unlike sodium fluoride, GTP gamma S elicited an irreversible activation of phospholipase C . Calcium, GTP gamma S and sodium fluoride stimulated the phospholipase C activity via mechanisms sharing a common step, since their maximal effects were not additive . Cholera toxin treatment, known to produce complete ADP-ribosylation of 'alpha s' subunits, partially reduced the basal and the maximal GTP gamma S-mediated stimulation of phospholipase C activity as well as that caused by vasopressin . This inhibition was not mimicked by treatment with either forskolin or pertussis toxin. Bioessays, 1989 Jan, 10(1), 3 - 7 Selectivity in solute transport: binding sites and channel structure in maltoporin and other bacterial sugar transport proteins; Ferenci T; A stereospecific binding site is not the only determinant governing the selectivity of transport proteins . An understanding of transport across cellular membranes requires a description of the different compartments within a transmembrane channel; evidence for the existence of these compartments comes from the selectivity properties of genetically modified maltoporin . Such compartments may also be of significance in determining the specificity of other transport proteins. Nephrol Dial Transplant, 1989, 4(10), 883 - 7 Critical role of iron overload in the increased susceptibility of haemodialysis patients to bacterial infections . Beneficial effects of desferrioxamine; Tielemans CL et al.; Iron overload, which is a common complication in haemodialysis patients, is known to enhance bacterial growth and virulence, and to alter phagocytosis . We reviewed the data of 61 haemodialysed patients to clarify the clinical relevance of iron status to the risk of bacterial infection . Increased concentrations of serum ferritin were associated with a greater infection rate (P less than 0.0025), which was already true for ferritin values between 500 and 1000 micrograms/l (P less than 0.025) . Furthermore, in 21 iron-overloaded patients treated with an iron-chelator (desferrioxamine), the infection rate decreased from 1/19 patient-months to 1/112 (P less than 0.005), and returned to previous values when desferrioxamine was stopped . Our results demonstrate the importance of haemosiderosis in the increased susceptibility of haemodialysed patients to infections; this susceptibility is decreased by desferrioxamine therapy, which probably acts by restoring phagocytosis and reducing the bioavailability of iron for pathogens. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol, 1989, 11(1), 17 - 32 Activation of natural killer cells and cytokine production in man by bacterial extracts; Wybran J et al.; Broncho-Vaxon (OM-85 BV) is a bacterial extract of eight bacterias usually involved in the respiratory tract infections . Since Broncho-Vaxom is clinically active in decreasing the incidence of such infections, its immunological effect was investigated, in vitro, using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) . The experimental data indicate that Broncho-Vaxom can modulate various immune functions . It was shown, using a radioimmunoassay for these cytokines, that Broncho-Vaxom will spontaneously enhance TNF alpha and IL-2 production