Immun Infekt, 1987 May, 15(3), 91 - 7 {Nosocomial infection}; Vogel F et al.; Sepsis is a systemic disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms and their toxic products in blood . Very often it is not possible to identify the pathogenic organisms before therapeutic treatment . Thus, diagnosis has to be made based on the patients' disposition as well as clinical symptoms . In septic patients clear alterations of plasma protein fractions are found . Depending on the clinical degree of severity, the low molecular proteins, detectable by column chromatography in plasma fraction III, are considerably increased . Population of implanted synthetic materials (such as catheters and cardiac valves) with facultative pathogenic microorganisms that may persist under antibiotic influence due to extracellular polymeric substances, is also of great importance . Therapy with antibiotic combinations is the most important therapeutic principle for sepsis and can be intensified by simultaneous administration of immunoglobulins. Gut, 1987 May, 28(5), 588 - 93 Spirochaetosis of the human rectum associated with an intraepithelial mast cell and IgE plasma cell response; Gebbers JO et al.; In two patients presenting with mild intestinal symptoms, rectal spirochaetosis was the only morphological abnormality diagnosed by light microscopy . A re-evaluation of the morphological changes using electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry showed certain unusual features: the microorganisms were observed within epithelial cells and in subepithelial macrophages; there were numerous partially degranulated intraepithelial mast cells; and there was a marked increase in the proportion of IgE plasma cells within the lamina propria . Mucosal penetration by the organisms may be responsible for the unusual immune response . In one patient, treatment with antibiotics eliminated the spirochaetes and resulted in a clinical improvement . Spirochaetes should not always be considered as harmless commensals in the colon. Am J Vet Res, 1987 May, 48(5), 831 - 6 Gastric spirillosis in beagles; Henry GA et al.; Light microscopic, ultrastructural, and microbiologic evaluations were performed on stomachs from 30 healthy laboratory-reared Beagles . Spiral-shaped microorganisms were seen in the gastric glands and parietal cell canaliculi of all the dogs . Organisms were most numerous in the cardia and in the region of the fundic-pyloric junction . Lymphoreticular hyperplasia, dilatation of parietal cell canaliculi, and degeneration of individual parietal cells (rarely seen) were the only morphologic alterations seen . Organisms were helical, had tufts of flagella at each end, and were approximately 0.5 X 7.0 micron; some had a distinct axial fibril (indicating two distinct forms of the organism) . Attempts to propagate a viable culture of the organism were not successful . The organism most closely resembled those of the genus Spirillum . Because the organism was commonly found in the gastric mucosa of healthy Beagles, it probably should be considered part of the natural gastric flora of dogs. J Clin Periodontol, 1987 May, 14(5), 300 - 4 Surface-free energy and bacterial adhesion . An in vivo study in beagle dogs; van Dijk J et al.; Conflicting reports have been presented on the role of substratum surface free energy (s.f.e.) on bacterial adherence . It is the aim of the present study to evaluate the effect of the s.f.e . of substrata on bacterial adherence in vivo . The following substrata with s.f.e . varying from 23.3-124.9 erg X cm-2 were cut into facings of 5 by 6 mm, polished and cleaned: polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), Parafilm, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), bovine dentin, bovine enamel and glass . In 5 beagle dogs, 7-9 years old, part of the buccal periodontium of the upper cuspids was excised and crowns were made and cemented with a non-fluoridated cement . The facings were placed in the crowns and placed in the oral cavity for 2 h . After removal, the facings were rinsed in saline . S.f.e . was assessed from contact angles with water, water/n-propanol mixtures and a-bromonaphthalene, according to the concept of dispersion and polar components, firstly on clean air dried facings and later on facings exposed to the oral cavity for 2 h . Immediately after rinsing, the water contact angle was measured as a function of time, to monitor the evaporation of free water from the protein layer adsorbed on the substrate which had been exposed to the oral cavity . It appeared that after a rapid increase in contact angle, a stable maximum value was obtained after 40-120 min depending on the substratum . S.f.e.'s of the protein-coated substrata were subsequently determined after a 120 min drying period . Following the contact angle determinations, the exposed facings were stained with ethidium bromide, enabling fluorescence microscopical counting of the adhered microorganisms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Rev Infect Dis, 1987 May-Jun, 9 Suppl 3, S286 - 96 Information and education as determinants of antibiotic use: report of Task Force 5; Avorn J et al.; The "epidemiology of knowledge" underlying clinical decision making related to antibiotic therapy is one of the most important determinants of how such therapy is used, misused, or not used . A growing literature describes how prescribers and patients acquire the information that influences them in their utilization of these agents . The quality and content of this information ultimately determine whether a given microorganism will ever meet a particular drug . Most evidence indicates that there is considerable room for improvement in such decision making . Research data, including those from randomized controlled trials, have been used to compare the efficacy of several methods of improving the flow of information about proper antibiotic use . While traditional passive forms of education are not powerful means of changing prescribing behavior, innovative approaches, including person-to-person tutorials, can improve the quality of antibiotic prescribing . Benefit-cost analysis documents that these programs can save more than they cost . Additional research on these questions will be a powerful way of maximizing both effectiveness and efficiency in the treatment of infectious diseases. Rev Infect Dis, 1987 May-Jun, 9(3), 488 - 93 Bacterial colonization and infection resulting from multiplication of a single organism; Rubin LG; There are at least two possible explanations for the observation that inoculation with a single microorganism is generally insufficient to cause infection while inoculation with many organisms may regularly result in infection in a susceptible host . Microorganisms may act cooperatively, with the occurrence of infection resulting from their joint action . Alternatively, each organism of the infecting inoculum may independently possess the potential to cause infection, and, with an inoculum size approximating the 50% infectious dose, infection may result from the survival and multiplication of a single organism . Several lines of experimental data involving several bacterial species strongly support the independent-action, or "single-organism," hypothesis of the pathogenesis of colonization and infection . Available data also support the independent-action hypothesis in the pathogenesis of experimental viral infections . This hypothesis provides an explanation for the occurrence of sporadic episodes of infection. J Prosthet Dent, 1987 May, 57(5), 581 - 6 Denture plaque and palatal mucosa in denture stomatitis: scanning electron microscopic and microbiologic study; Catalan A et al.; Denture plaque is an etiologic factor in denture stomatitis . In this study, denture and mucosa samples from nine patients were examined in the SEM and processed for microbiologic cultures . Denture plaque in patients with denture stomatitis showed a considerable thickness containing cocci, filaments, rods, yeasts, and desquamated epithelial cells . Some microorganisms were revealed in the connective tissue in one patient and phagocytizing polymorphonuclear leukocytes were found in the palatal mucosa of the patients with denture stomatitis. Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1987 May, 184(2), 146 - 59 {The mechanism of action of aerosol disinfection}; Theilen U; It is drawn up a list of physical laws describing the behavior of an aerosol system . First the influence of sedimentation, diffusion, coagulation and impaction is described . In the second part the evaporation and the condensation from droplets in relation to the vapor tension of disinfectants is regarded . Finally the circumstances under which the vaporized disinfectants will reach the microorganisms by diffusion are described . It is demonstrated, that the terminus technicus "aerosol disinfection" should be restricted to systems, that operate with drop diameters less than or equal to 10 microns. An Esp Pediatr, 1987 Apr, 26(4), 258 - 62 {Cryptosporidiosis in childhood}; Olivares JL et al.; Recent application of resisting acid-fast staining techniques for parasitologic investigation has allowed cryptosporidiosis to acquire an apparent interest, mainly caused by its apparition in immunosuppressed patients, specially when they have AIDS . More recently cryptosporidiosis has been reported in immunocompetent persons whose illness, stated as acute diarrhea, is mild and self-limited . In this article we report a prospective study of a series of 36 children with cryptosporidiosis . Most of them had acute diarrhea and six were asymptomatic . Other microorganisms were found associated with Cryptosporidium in 9 cases (6 had Giardia lamblia) . Period of elimination of parasite was greatly uncertain . Symptomatic treatment was performed in patients with pure cryptosporidiosis . Favourable evolution was assessed in all cases. Am J Vet Res, 1987 Apr, 48(4), 627 - 33 Histopathologic changes in bovine fetuses after repeated reintroduction of a spirochete-like agent into pregnant heifers: association with epizootic bovine abortion; Osebold JW et al.; A spirochete-like organism was found in the plasma of bovine fetuses affected with epizootic bovine abortion (EBA) . The spirochete-like organism was frequently found in abattoir-collected fetuses as an inapparent infection, and EBA was found in cattle on foothill rangeland where the vector tick Ornithodorus coriaceus could repeatedly reintroduce the infectious agent into pregnant cattle (superinfection) . Epizootic bovine abortion resembled a naturally acquired superinfection in circumstances where the agent was frequently present in the environment under conditions favoring transmission . Therefore, to determine whether fetal lesions could be experimentally induced in utero, spirochete-like organisms collected from clinically normal fetuses at an abattoir were inoculated IV and subcutaneously into 2 pregnant heifers 5 times over a 4-month period to mimic repeated tick transmission in the field . Macroscopic and microscopic examinations of tissues from 2 cesarean-collected fetuses and from 3 calves born at term with the naturally acquired spirochete infection indicated that the calves had evidence of an infection that caused morphologic changes compatible with immunologic stimulation and mild reticuloendothelial hyperplasia . Compared with findings in the calves, lesions in the superinfected fetuses were more severe, and the lesion distribution in various organs was more extensive . The spirochete-like organism appeared to be a mild pathogen because of its persistence in the host . Clinical disease from the infection may only develop with repeated superinfections . Therefore, a relationship between this microorganism and EBA is probable. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1987 Apr, 40(4), 459 - 67 Metabolic products of microorganisms . 240 . Urdamycins, new angucycline antibiotics from Streptomyces fradiae . II . Structural studies of urdamycins B to F; Rohr J et al.; The structures of the angucycline antibiotics urdamycin B (5), E (2) and F (9) were established by comparing of their spectra with those of urdamycin A (1) . The structures of urdamycins C and D, the largest compounds of this series, are still incomplete (10 and 11) . The aglycones urdamycinone C, D and E can be liberated by methanolysis of the corresponding urdamycins . The liberation of urdamycinone B (6) requires an alcohol-free medium, to prevent its rearrangement to the naphthacenequinone 7 or 8 . The urdamycins differ from other O-glycoside series in their variety of aglycones. Genetics, 1987 Apr, 115(4), 755 - 68 Definition and properties of disequilibrium statistics for associations between nuclear and cytoplasmic genotypes; Asmussen MA et al.; We define and establish the interrelationships of four components of statistical association between a diploid nuclear gene and a uniparentally transmitted, haploid cytoplasmic gene: an allelic (gametic) disequilibrium (D), which measures associations between alleles at the two loci; and three genotypic disequilibria (D1, D2, D3), which measure associations between two cytotypes and the three respective nuclear backgrounds . We also consider an alternative set of measures, including D and the residual disequilibrium (d) . The dynamics of these disequilibria are then examined under three conventional models of the mating system: (1) random mating; (2a) assortative mating without dominance (the "mixed-mating model"); and (2b) assortative mating with dominance ("O'Donald's model") . The trajectories of gametic disequilibria are similar to those for pairs of unlinked nuclear loci . The dynamics of genotypic disequilibria exhibit a variety of behaviors depending on the model and the initial conditions . Procedures for statistical estimation of cytonuclear disequilibria are developed and applied to several real and hypothetical data sets . Special attention is paid to the biological interpretations of various categories of allelic and genotypic disequilibria in hybrid zones . Genetic systems for which these statistics might be appropriate include nuclear genotype frequencies in conjunction with those for mitochondrial DNA, chloroplast DNA, or cytoplasmically inherited microorganisms. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1987 Apr, 53(4), 751 - 3 Protein degradation by ruminal microorganisms from sheep fed dietary supplements of urea, casein, or albumin; Wallace RJ et al.; Ruminal fluid from sheep fed hay plus concentrate diets containing 1.8% urea, 6% casein, or 6% egg albumin had proteolytic activities of 4.12, 3.02, or 4.00 mg of {14C}casein hydrolyzed ml-1 h-1, respectively . Dietary albumin had no effect on the rate of albumin breakdown relative to that of casein (0.06) . Greater numbers of highly proteolytic bacteria, mainly Butyrivibrio spp., were isolated from the rumens of sheep receiving albumin . Albumin hydrolysis by these isolates was even slower relative to that of casein (0.03) than in ruminal fluid and was similar to that found in isolates from urea- and casein-fed sheep . Hence, there appears to be no mechanism by which ruminal bacteria can alter their proteolytic activity to utilize resistant soluble protein more effectively. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1987 Apr, 112 Suppl 1, 56S - 58S New concepts in wound management; Swaim SF; Veterinarians encounter all types of wounds--from the simple clean laceration in an area of the body where it is easily repaired, to the massive infected wound in an area of the body where repair is quite difficult and involved . From the beginning of time, man has had the instinct to pour things in wounds to kill microorganisms and enhance healing, and.... . "wounds are still lathered, bathed, and sprayed with various notions, potions, and lotions". J Clin Microbiol, 1987 Apr, 25(4), 729 - 31 Rapid screening assay for phospholipase C activity in mycoplasmas; De Silva NS et al.; A screening assay for phospholipase C using a chromogenic substrate incorporated into agar medium is described . The assay directly visualizes phospholipase C activity of mycoplasma lysates and membranes on agar plates, or the activity may be measured by spectrophotometry . The results from the assay confirm the presence in Ureaplasma urealyticum of phospholipase C, which is predominantly localized in the membrane fraction . The procedure has the potential to screen phospholipase C activity in other mycoplasmas and microorganisms in general. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med, 1987 Apr, 184(4), 468 - 76 Poly(I):poly(C)-enhanced alveolar and peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis: quantification by a new method utilizing fluorescent beads; Burleson GR et al.; Phagocytosis is an important immune function to quantify . This immune response may be modulated by exposure to biological response modifiers or by exposure to pollutants . A new technique for quantifying nonspecific phagocytosis of alveolar and peritoneal macrophages in the same animal has been developed that utilizes fluorescent polystyrene beads . When incorporated into inhalation studies, this technique can be used to determine whether the toxic effect of an inhaled pollutant is local (effect on alveolar macrophages), systemic (effect on peritoneal macrophages), or both local and systemic . This method results in a determination of both the level of phagocytosis (the percentage of phagocytic macrophages) and the macrophage specific activity (the number of beads phagocytized per macrophage) . This method also allows a determination of adherence by quantifying the number of particles in contact with, but not phagocytized by, the macrophage . Macrophage preparations were incubated with fluorescent beads for 2 hr and cyto-centrifuged onto a glass slide . Fluorescent beads present on the slide or cell-associated but not ingested by phagocytosis were removed by immersing the slide containing the macrophage preparation in methylene chloride for 15-30 sec . Fluorescent beads ingested by phagocytosis were then easily quantified with a fluorescence microscope . This technique was used to assess the baseline levels of phagocytosis for rat alveolar and peritoneal macrophages from the same animal and the kinetics and level of enhanced phagocytosis for alveolar and peritoneal macrophages after injection with the interferon inducer polyinosinate-polycytidylate (poly(I):poly(C)) . The kinetics of enhanced alveolar and peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis by poly(I):poly(C) were similar; however, stimulated phagocytic levels of peritoneal macrophages never reached the phagocytic activity observed for the resident, highly phagocytic alveolar macrophages . This elevated phagocytic activity is most likely due to interferon stimulated by particulate matter in the large volume of air processed by the lungs and is important for host defense against a number of different inhaled microorganisms. Genetika, 1987 Apr, 23(4), 630 - 6 {The proof of real increase in the frequency of reverse mutations in haploid yeasts in media with decreased adenine content}; Il'ina VL et al.; It has been shown by the direct experiment in the haploid yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strain p192 (a ade2-192), that, if cultivated in the solid media containing 1 and 10 mg/l of adenine, the reversion frequencies (5.6 X 10(-8) and 0.82 X 10(-8), respectively) do not depend on the number of cells (from 10(2) to 10(7)) in colonies growing on either medium . This means that the difference in the reversion frequencies mentioned is not connected with the "selection effect" and is only caused by the varying initial content of adenine in the medium . A method combining the technique of ordered plating and the use of nuclear filters is recommended for the study of mutagenesis in microorganisms. Scand J Dent Res, 1987 Apr, 95(2), 151 - 8 In vitro attachment of oral microorganisms to solid surfaces: evaluation of a controlled flow method; Christersson CE et al.; A flow cell method was modified to provide shear-controlled experimental conditions for monitoring initial attachment and detachment of oral microorganisms to solid surfaces . Whole unstimulated human saliva was collected and circulated at a flow rate of 1 ml/min, through a cell composed of two parallel test plates . Infrared-transparent plates of medium surface energy served as test substrata in these initial calibration experiments . The plates presented a similar distribution of polar forces and dispersion forces at the surface as that of human tooth enamel and some restorative dental materials . Internal reflection infrared spectroscopy verified the presence of deposited organic material . After saliva had been circulated through the flow cells for 15 min at 37 degrees C, sterilized distilled water was introduced at the same flow rate and time of exposure to remove unattached microorganisms . Morphologic characterizations and counts of adherent Gram-stainable microorganisms were performed using incident light microscopy . Three different surface zones corresponding to the inlet area, the middle area and the outlet area of the flow cell were analyzed, and compared with enumerations of microorganisms in the whole saliva samples . Numbers of attached microorganisms in the three zones followed predictions from the laminar flow conditions, with a positive correlation shown between total numbers of microorganisms in saliva and total numbers of microorganisms attached . Cocci and rods were the only morphotypes observed on the plates, and no significant difference could be detected between the percentage of cocci and rods attached in the three different zones.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Immunology, 1987 Apr, 60(4), 553 - 8 Characteristics of iC3b binding to human polymorphonuclear leucocytes; Gordon DL et al.; We determined in binding assays using monomeric fluid-phase iC3b and Scatchard analysis that iC3b binds to human polymorphonuclear leucocyte type 3 complement receptor (CR3), a low-density/high-affinity receptor (28,200 binding sites, affinity constant (Ka) = 2.1 +/- 0.47 X 10(6) L/M), and to the C3b receptor (CR1), a high-density/low-affinity receptor (54,700 binding sites, Ka = 1.7 +/- 2.04 X 10(5) L/M . Binding of iC3b to CR1 was confirmed by blocking experiments with polyclonal F(ab')2 antibody against CR1, and competitive binding experiments with C3b . Binding of iC3b to CR3 was demonstrated by blocking experiments with the monoclonal antibody OKM10 against the ligand binding site of CR3 . Inhibition of both CR1 and CR3 did not completely reduce iC3b binding, indicating the existence of additional iC3b-binding sites on PMN . Using flow cytometric analysis of receptor expression, no positive or negative co-operativity was observed between CR1 and CR3 . Expression of both receptors increased in a dose-dependent manner after incubation with f-met-leu-phe or phorbol myristate acetate; however, only CR3 expression was enhanced at very low concentrations of these stimuli . iC3b/CR3 interactions probably play a central role in host defence against microorganisms. Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1987 Mar 28, 117(13), 471 - 80 {Post-traumatic/postoperative immune deficiency syndrome}; Grob PJ et al.; Severe trauma, major surgery and burns (TSB) are often followed by infections, adult respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ failure, complications which are thought to be the consequence of the post-TSB immunodeficiency syndrome . The most important data and hypotheses in this regard are summarized . After a TSB event large amounts of tissue debris, endotoxins and microorganisms have to be eliminated . Further important factors in TSB are stress reactions, malnutrition, loss and replacement of fluids and therapeutic measures . The elimination of unwanted elements is partly carried out by non-specific mechanisms such as opsonisation, chemotaxis and phagocytosis by granulocytes and cells of the macrophage/monocyte lineage, while specific reactions of humoral and cellular immunity also play a role . Severe TSB is thought to be associated with growing exhaustion of the unspecific defense system, leading to deficient specific immune reactions . Routinely measurable parameters only partly reflect the complex events after TSB: there is a decline in serum levels of fibronectin, immunoglobulins and some components of complement, in chemotaxis, phagocytosis and intracellular killing, and in circulating T3 and T4 lymphocytes as well as some lymphocyte functions . Some of these measurable parameters of defense mechanisms are statistically predictive for the occurrence of infections and other sequelae of TSB . Specific prophylactic and therapeutic measures can only be taken, if at least some of the complex events after TSB are better understood. Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1987 Mar 21, 117(12), 426 - 32 {Current aspects and future developments in infection prevention in intensive care units}; Glinz W; The high frequency of nosocomial infections in intensive care units can be reduced in two different ways . Methods which impede the colonization of the patient with pathogenic microorganisms are of primary interest . Replacement of invasive techniques of monitoring and treatment by alternative non-invasive methods will help to prevent infections caused or favoured by those techniques . The concept of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) is reported to reduce nosocomial infections considerably but needs further clinical evaluation . Furthermore, there is a danger of selecting highly resistant strains by this regimen . A second approach to prevention of infections is improvement of these patients' severely impaired immune defense . The prophylactic use of intravenous immunoglobulins has produced encouraging results, but the indication, dosage and timing of the medication, and a cost-benefit analysis, need further careful consideration . So far, no conclusive clinical studies have been reported on stimulation of cellular immune defense . Finally, improved information on immunodeficiency induced by drugs frequently used in intensive care is an urgent necessity. J Chromatogr, 1987 Mar 6, 414(2), 335 - 42 Metabolism of three trichothecene mycotoxins, T-2 toxin, diacetoxyscirpenol and deoxynivalenol, by bovine rumen microorganisms; Swanson SP et al.; The three trichothecene mycotoxins T-2 toxin, diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) and deoxynivalenol (DON) were incubated in vitro for 12, 24 and 48 h with rumen microorganisms obtained from a fistulated dairy cow . Gas chromatographic and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analyses of extracts indicated all three toxins were biotransformed to a variety of deepoxy and deacylated products . DON was partially converted to a product identified as deepoxy DON . DAS was rapidly converted to four products including 15-monoacetoxyscirpenol (MAS), scirpentriol and two new compounds identified as 15-acetoxy-3 alpha,4 beta-dihydroxytrichothec-9,12-diene (deepoxy MAS) and 3 alpha,4 beta,15-trihydroxytrichothec-9,12-diene (deepoxy scirpentriol) . T-2 toxin was also completely biotransformed to the products HT-2, T-2 triol and two new metabolites identified as 15-acetoxy-3 alpha,4 beta-dihydroxy-8 alpha-(3-methylbutyryloxy) trichothec-9,12-diene (deepoxy HT-2) and 3 alpha,4 beta,15-trihydroxy-8 alpha-(3-methylbutyryloxy)trichothec-9,12-diene (deepoxy T-2 triol). J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 1987 Mar-Apr, 6(2), 307 - 10 Congenital agastria; Dorney SF et al.; Congenital agastria has never before been reported . Congenital microgastria is rare but is well documented . We have cared for a Melanesian child in whom there was no radiological, anatomical, or physiological evidence of either a rudimentary stomach or a pylorus . The esophagus joined the first part of the duodenum directly . At this esophago-duodenal junction there was microscopic evidence of fundic-type gastric mucosa . The intestine was normally rotated and there was a functioning spleen . The child also had a severe micrognathia and a cleft soft palate and required a tracheostomy to relieve upper airway obstruction . The combination of micrognathia and agastria presented a difficult nutritional delivery problem . A jejunal pouch was constructed and placed between the esophagus and duodenum to provide some storage capacity . The child grew and developed well for almost 3 years . He suffered three episodes of severe acute enteritis, probably related to lack of the protective acid-pepsin barrier against ingested microorganisms . Unfortunately, the third episode of acute enteritis caused his death 3 months after returning home to his own country. Anthropol Anz, 1987 Mar, 45(1), 19 - 28 {Trace elements in buried human bones and their value . A review}; Grupe G; Since more than a decade, the trace element content of archaeological human bones is analyzed by physical anthropologists . Some of these elements give clues to the diets of ancient populations, others serve in estimating weaning age and the length of the active reproductive time span in human females . Therefore, trace element analysis becomes very important for palaeodemography and palaeoecology . On the other hand, a lot of basic research still has to be carried out, especially concerning the alteration of trace element concentrations in ancient bones either by soil processes or by microorganisms . The lack of reference series is obvious . Recommendations for the techniques to be applied are given, the parameters which may bias the interpretation of the data are discussed and the diagnostic potential of trace element analysis is demonstrated. J Forensic Sci, 1987 Mar, 32(2), 554 - 60 The confined space-hypoxia syndrome; Zugibe FT et al.; Two meter readers of a local water company were found dead in an underground water meter pit . Studies revealed a decrease in oxygen and an increase in carbon dioxide in the pit as a result of aerobic microorganisms present in the pit . Such an atmosphere may be rapidly fatal to the unwary worker who frequents such an environment . It is of paramount importance that this occupational hazard be recognized so that preventative measures may be established . We propose that the term "Confined Space-Hypoxia Syndrome" be adopted to all such confined space accidents occurring in water meter pits, tanks, holds of ships, mines, underground storage bins, and so forth, resulting from oxygen-deficient atmospheres . A series of recommended preventative procedures is included. J Clin Microbiol, 1987 Mar, 25(3), 580 - 3 Increased microbial yield from continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis peritonitis effluent after chemical or physical disruption of phagocytes; Taylor PC et al.; The laboratory diagnosis of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis is often hindered by either the absence of or the recovery of low numbers of viable microorganisms . This may be the result of sequestration of bacteria within phagocytes . Sonication of clinical specimens prior to culturing or culturing on saponin-containing media resulted in the growth of significantly greater numbers of colonies than standard culturing on conventional media . In addition, the demonstration that microorganisms are sequestered in phagocytes helped to establish the pathogenic nature of such isolates and distinguish them from contaminants even when present in low numbers . A variety of physical and chemical techniques can disrupt phagocytes and improve the sensitivity of laboratory methods used to confirm the diagnosis of peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients. Pediatr Infect Dis J, 1987 Mar, 6(3), 317 - 23 Management of infections of the lower respiratory tract in children; Cohen GJ; Different microorganisms can cause similar clinical patterns of lower respiratory tract disease, and a variety of clinical presentations can be caused by the same organism . Nevertheless by considering such factors as epidemiology, patient age, manifestations of nonrespiratory diseases, state of nutrition and course of illness, the physician can make reasonable assumptions as to the etiology of a child's respiratory infection . On this basis he or she can make a rational choice of initial therapy . The patient's response to treatment, as well as information gained from laboratory and radiographic studies, if available, can be used to change the management plan as necessary. J Clin Invest, 1987 Mar, 79(3), 715 - 20 Demonstration of defective C3-receptor-mediated clearance by the reticuloendothelial system in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Bender BS et al.; The function of macrophage C3 receptors was assessed in vivo by measuring the clearance of C3-sensitized autologous erythrocytes in seven acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, eight healthy homosexual men, eight healthy heterosexual men, and four infected controls . Healthy heterosexual men had an initial clearance of 50.1 +/- 2.0% of the inoculum, with a release of a small portion of these cells (10.9 +/- 1.3%) into the circulation . Healthy homosexual men had a greater initial clearance of 66.0 +/- 4.2% (P less than 0.01) followed by a similar release (14.0 +/- 3.3%) . AIDS patients had an initial clearance of 60.6 +/- 7.5% but had a relatively large release of cells (25.6 +/- 3.2%) (P less than 0.005 vs . heterosexuals; P less than 0.05 vs . homosexuals), suggesting a failure of macrophage phagocytosis . Infected controls had an initial clearance of 59.4 +/- 4.9%, with a release of 19.6 +/- 3.8% (P = NS vs . AIDS) . These data, in addition to Fc-receptor dysfunction, demonstrate a global reticuloendothelial system dysfunction in AIDS patients . This may contribute to their frequent infections with opportunistic pathogens and inappropriate immune responses against these microorganisms. Infect Immun, 1987 Mar, 55(3), 587 - 93 Impairment of the oxidative metabolism of mouse peritoneal macrophages by intracellular Leishmania spp; Buchmuller-Rouiller Y et al.; When stimulated in vitro with macrophage-activating factor or lipopolysaccharide, mouse peritoneal macrophages acquire the capacity to develop a strong respiratory burst when they are triggered by membrane-active agents . The presence of intracellular parasites of the genus Leishmania (L . enriettii, L . major) significantly inhibited such activity, as measured by chemiluminescence, reduction of cytochrome c and Nitro Blue Tetrazolium, and hexose monophosphate shunt levels . On the contrary, inert intracellular particles such as latex beads strongly increased the macrophage respiratory burst, suggesting that the Leishmania-linked inhibition resulted from a specific parasite effect . Impairment of macrophage oxidative metabolism by intracellular Leishmania spp . was a function of the number of infecting microorganisms and was more pronounced in macrophages infected with living than with dead parasites . Moreover, the metabolic inhibition was less apparent in L . enriettii-infected macrophages that were exposed to both macrophage-activating factor and lipopolysaccharide, i.e., conditions leading to complete parasite destruction . The mechanisms of respiratory burst inhibition by intracellular Leishmania spp . are unclear, but these observations suggest that such effects may contribute significantly to intracellular survival of the microorganisms. Allerg Immunol (Paris), 1987 Mar, 19(3), 117 - 22 {Microbial allergy and immunotherapy in allergologic practice}; Henocq E; Microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi) may play a prominent role in triggering allergic manifestations . Either indirectly by releasing potentiating or immuno-modulation factors such as L.P.S . and peptidoglycans, or more directly by their numerous histamine--releasing potentials . However a difficulty remains to establish the relevance of such inter-relationships . The near future will probably give rise to better defined components from microbial origin, with a higher degree of specificity. Eur J Haematol, 1987 Mar, 38(3), 231 - 40 Participation and interactions of neutrophil elastase in haemostatic disorders of patients with severe infections; Seitz R et al.; The prognosis of septicaemia depends on the occurrence of complications such as shock and coagulation defects . The damage to haemostasis is usually explained by the action of the main coagulation and fibrinolysis enzymes, thrombin and plasmin . This paper presents data concerning the role of a third protease, granulocytic elastase . 82 patients who had been admitted to our hospital with suspected septicaemia were examined . Septicaemia was proven in 22 patients by the growth of microorganisms in blood cultures, and was clinically diagnosed in 9 patients . The plasma levels of neutrophil elastase-like protease complexed to a1antitrypsin (a1AT-ELP) were measured by zone immunoelectrophoresis assay (ZIA) . The a1AT-ELP values were significantly increased in the 31 septic as compared to the 51 non-septic patients . In patients with complicated septicaemia, negative correlations of a1AT-ELP with factor XIII and the coagulation inhibitor antithrombin III were demonstrable . Among the patients with septic complications, the 3 who survived exhibited a dramatic decrease of a1AT-ELP, whereas in the other 16 patients who died the levels remained elevated . It might be of therapeutic significance that in 9 patients receiving fresh plasma and AT III-concentrate substitution for DIC the a1AT-ELP levels dropped, whereas they remained high in the other septicaemia patients . There were no correlations between a1AT-ELP and the a2antiplasmin-plasmin complexes (a2AP-P1), but strong correlations with signs of coagulation . The data suggest an interaction of coagulation and elastase release, probably involving the Hageman factor. Microbiol Sci, 1987 Mar, 4(3), 69 - 71 Longevity of microorganisms in natural environments; Gest H et al.; Bacterial endospores are exceptional among living systems in respect to their resistance to adverse environmental conditions, notably to heat and dessication, and consequently might be expected to show crytobiosis of very long duration . This report considers recent observations indicating that the maximal longevity of bacterial spores is probably much greater than previously believed. Vopr Pitan, 1987 Mar-Apr, (2), 56 - 9 {Experimental basis of principles for creating microbiologic standards for food products for children during the 1st year of life}; Kuvaeva IB et al.; Standard media were designed simulating the gastro-intestinal contents of infants during the first year of life . These media were used in the in vitro tests to study the viability of a number of potentially-pathogenic microorganisms . It was shown that S . aureus, E . coli O-III, S . liquefaciens not only survived but also multiplied in the media with pH values similar to those of gastric juice in infants of the first year of life, in the presence of the mixture for child nutrition "Malysh" . The results obtained necessitate strict requirements for the absence of potentially-pathogenic microorganisms in definite volumes of dry milk mixtures and their components intended for child nutrition. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1987 Mar, 53(3), 618 - 9 Immersible probe for continual monitoring of the population density of microorganisms grown in liquid media; Maxwell GM et al.; A common technique of measuring population density of microorganisms grown in liquid media is to withdraw a sample of the suspension and measure its apparent optical density with a spectrophotometer . The device we describe is capable of continually and automatically monitoring the population density of microorganisms grown in suspension. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1987 Feb, 156(2), 379 - 87 Chorioamnionitis: its association with pregnancy outcome and microbial infection; Quinn PA et al.; In a study of 33 cases of perinatal death, chorioamnionitis was observed in 57.6% compared with 5% of 20 control cases (p less than 0.001) and in 70.8% of cases with no morphologic cause compared with 22.2% of cases with a defined cause of death (p less than 0.01) . Chorioamnionitis was significantly associated with previous gestations (p less than 0.01), prolonged rupture of the membranes (p less than 0.001), prematurity (20 to 27 weeks' gestation) (p less than 0.001), and low birth weight (less than or equal to 1000 gm) (p less than 0.001) but not with elevated maternal white blood cell count or pyrexia . Overall, in patients with chorioamnionitis, the perinatal death rate was higher (p less than 0.01); more stillbirths occurred compared with early neonatal deaths (p less than 0.05), and there was a higher incidence of deaths with no defined cause (p less than 0.01) compared with cases without chorioamnionitis . Ureaplasma urealyticum or pathogenic bacteria were isolated more frequently from villous tissue of placentas from cases with chorioamnionitis (p less than 0.01) but not Mycoplasma hominis, Chlamydia trachomatis, or viruses . Furthermore, there was a higher prevalence of both elevated fetal antibody titer to U . urealyticum (p less than 0.025) and fetal titer fourfold above maternal titers (p less than 0.05) in cases with chorioamnionitis . The antibody responses and presence of microorganisms suggest that chorioamnionitis is associated with intrauterine infection and an associated increase in perinatal morbidity and mortality. Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1987 Feb, 103(2), 224 - 6 {Species characteristics of experimental Candida lung lesions}; Belianin VL et al.; Intratracheal challenge of rabbits and intranasal challenge of white mice and guinea-pigs by C . albicans without the application of adhesive substances, produced candidiasis pneumonia running more severe course in mice than in rabbits . In guinea-pigs the disease was of medium severity . Specific features of pulmonary inflammation in rabbits were marked polynuclear and especially macrophage reactions, with the phagocyte activity high enough to ensure total elimination of pathogenic microorganisms in the animal . In white mice a weak macrophage reaction was actually a background for a predominant polynuclear reaction producing a massive polynuclear leukocyte disintegration . These processes, though eliminating pathogenic organisms both by phagocytosis and non-phagocytic mechanisms, lead to severe fatal pulmonary edema . Specific differences in experimental lung candidiasis reveal various manifestation of human lung candidiasis. Exp Parasitol, 1987 Feb, 63(1), 10 - 20 Nippostrongylus brasiliensis: physiological and metabolic responses of rats to primary infection; Ovington KS; Primary infection of rats with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis was associated with alterations in host protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism . Infected rats fed ad libitum were compared with uninfected, weight matched, pair fed rats . Metabolic changes detected were related to the level of infection (larvae/g body weight) and also the time course of development of the parasite . The intestinal stage of the infection was associated with marked catabolism of skeletal muscle which did not appear to be mediated by increased secretion of corticosteroids . Plasma concentrations of protein in infected rats were altered even at the lowest dose (27 l/g), and in a biphasic manner corresponding to larval and adult stages of the parasite . Plasma globulin concentrations were increased on Day 2 after infection while from Days 5-10 after infection, plasma concentrations of both globulin and albumin were much reduced . Hypoglycemia developed on Days 8-9 after infection in rats given a dose of greater than or equal to 39 l/g . Infected rats had increased plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and in marked contrast with their pair fed partners, plasma triglyceride concentration increased dramatically with both the dose of parasites given and the duration of infection . The responses of the rat to infection with N . brasiliensis are compared with host responses to other helminths and microorganisms, and suggestions are made as to their possible functions and significance. Crit Care Med, 1987 Feb, 15(2), 103 - 5 Bacterial colonization of intravascular catheters and anergy to recall skin antigens; Lehtonen OP et al.; The skin reactivity of 46 ICU patients was tested against recall antigens: mumps, candidin, streptokinase-streptodornase, and purified protein derivative of tuberculin . At the same time, the intravascular catheters used in these patients were cultured with a semiquantitative method . Twelve patients did not react to any of the antigens . There was a statistically significant association between anergy in skin testing and lethal outcome of the current illness . Catheter cultures from 11 patients yielded over 15 colony-forming units of bacteria . No association was found between positive catheter cultures and skin reactivity to any of the antigens . This indicates that catheter colonization is independent of host factors reflected by skin testing and supports the view that transmission of microorganisms into catheters is more important than poor host defense in the initiation of catheter-related infections. J Nutr, 1987 Feb, 117(2), 335 - 41 Maintenance nitrogen requirements and intestinal microorganisms in rats; Nipper WA et al.; Nitrogen (N) balance trials with young growing rats fed diets with and without nonabsorbable antibiotics and with various concentrations of crude protein (CP) were conducted to measure maintenance N requirements . In addition, cecal contents were analyzed for ammonia (NH3), urea (U) and free amino acids (AA) to study the reduction in maintenance N requirements due to the action of antibiotics . Results of the N-balance trials verified the reduction in maintenance N requirements with antibiotics as described in the literature . The reduction, however, was not as large as previously demonstrated, possibly because of severe diarrhea and greater liquid accumulation in the cecum of rats fed antibiotics . The concentration of free AA and U in the postabsorptive region of the intestine (cecum) of rats consuming antibiotics was greater than when antibiotics were not consumed . Cecal N concentrations supported the concept that the mode of action of antibiotics in reducing maintenance N requirements was via reduced destruction of AA of body origin in the lower intestine . Cecal levels of NH3 were similar in both antibiotic and nonantibiotic groups . The amount of N needed for body maintenance when conditions favored minimum destruction of body AA by lower intestine microorganisms was small, less than 1% dietary CP . Maintenance N may be limited to the needs for tissues on the exterior of the body, such as hair, which are poorly recycled through the digestive tract. J Clin Microbiol, 1987 Feb, 25(2), 383 - 4 Improved method for recovery of peritonitis-causing microorganisms from peritoneal dialysate; Ryan S et al.; The efficacy of recovery of peritonitis-causing microorganisms from peritoneal dialysate fluid by using the Septi-Chek blood culture system (Roche Diagnostics, Div . Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Nutley, N.J.) was compared with those of other conventional techniques, such as the 20-ml culture and the filtration methods . The recovery of microorganisms by using the Septi-Chek system was found to be as effective as the filtration of 250 ml of dialysate that used a modified Millipore filtration technique (Millipore Corp., Bedford, Mass.) . Both methods were found to be superior to the 20-ml culture method . We suggest using the Septi-Chek method as the standard protocol for the culture of dialysate as a relatively inexpensive and labor-saving recovery technique. Scand J Dent Res, 1987 Feb, 95(1), 43 - 8 Biophysical and microbiologic studies of "heavy" and "light" plaque formers; Simonsson T et al.; In order to trace factors possibly influencing initial bacterial colonization of tooth surfaces, a multiple linear regression analysis was performed on the present results as well as on those from certain clinical and biochemical studies previously performed in the same subjects . No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups of plaque formers for the individual parameters . The multiple regression analysis showed, however, that the calculated work of adhesion for two polar and one non polar test liquid, the rate of unstimulated salivary secretion, morphologic differences in the dento-gingival areas of maxillary premolars and saliva-induced aggregation of S . mitior were crucial for about 90% of the variation in the number of CFU colonizing tooth surfaces after both 2 and 6 h . Both electrostatic and van der Waal's forces, as well as salivary flow conditions could thus have influenced the initial attachment of bacteria to the test surfaces . It is concluded that saliva including its suspended microorganisms could be looked upon as being a colloidal biological system, and if so, the initial bacterial colonization of tooth surfaces should follow known, general biophysical laws. Am J Clin Nutr, 1987 Feb, 45(2), 432 - 6 Lactose digestion by yogurt beta-galactosidase: influence of pH and microbial cell integrity; Martini MC et al.; Lactase-deficient subjects more effectively digest lactose in yogurt than lactose in other dairy products, apparently due to yogurt microbial beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) which is active in the GI tract . We evaluated the effects of buffering capacity of yogurt, gastric pH, and microbial cell disruption on beta-gal activity and lactose digestion . Three times more acid was required to acidify yogurt than to acidify milk . Yogurt beta-gal was stable at pH 4.0 but inactivated at lower pH . When yogurt was sonicated to disrupt microbial cell structure, only 20% activity remained after incubation at pH 4.0 for 60 min . In vivo gastric pH remained greater than 2.7 for 3 h after ingestion of yogurt . Acidified milk alone or with disrupted yogurt microorganisms caused twice as much lactose malabsorption as did acidified milk containing intact yogurt microorganisms . The results provide a possible explanation for the survival of beta-gal activity from yogurt in the GI tract. Obstet Gynecol, 1987 Feb, 69(2), 167 - 74 Bacterial protease-induced reduction of chorioamniotic membrane strength and elasticity; McGregor JA et al.; We demonstrated that in vitro exposure to bacterial collagenase and collagenase-producing microorganisms significantly reduces measures of strength (bursting load), elasticity, and work to rupture of human amniochorion in a dose-dependent fashion . An attenuated noncollagenase-producing stain did not alter these measures . These findings support previous suggestions that infection within the lower uterine segment adjacent to the cervix may mediate some instances of premature rupture of membranes. J Immunol, 1987 Jan 15, 138(2), 582 - 6 Modulation of the macrophage oxidative burst by Histoplasma capsulatum; Wolf JE et al.; The production of reactive oxygen species by phagocytic cells is an important host defense against invading microorganisms . Because pathogens that achieve intracellular survival escape destruction by reactive oxidants, we investigated the relationship between the intracellular survival of H . capsulatum and the macrophage oxidative burst . H . capsulatum yeast failed to stimulate the release of reactive oxygen metabolites in unprimed murine macrophages despite extensive phagocytosis of the microorganisms . This effect was observed with live as well as heat-killed fungi over a wide range of yeast-to-macrophage ratios . Preincubation of murine macrophages with heat-killed H . capsulatum (but not with latex spheres), followed by incubation with unopsonized zymosan, resulted in inhibition of oxidative burst triggering without inhibition of zymosan phagocytosis . Ingestion of H . capsulatum yeast opsonized with the cognate mouse antibody resulted in significant oxidant release, suggesting that suppression of the respiratory burst may be circumvented through Fc-mediated phagocytosis. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1987 Jan, 53(1), 10 - 3 Chlorinated fatty acid distribution in Mycobacterium convolutum phospholipids after growth on 1-chlorohexadecane; Murphy GL et al.; The composition of phospholipids from Mycobacterium convolutum R22 was determined after growth at two temperatures (20 and 30 degrees C) with 1-chlorohexadecane as the substrate . Comparisons were made with the phospholipids of cells grown on n-hexadecane . Phosphatidylinositolmannosides and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) were the major phospholipids in n-hexadecane-grown cells . In 1-chlorohexadecane-grown cells, phosphatidylinositolmannosides were approximately half of the total phospholipids, with lesser amounts of PE and cardiolipin (CL) . The relative level of PE was greater at 20 degrees C (versus that at 30 degrees C) after growth on either substrate . A determination was made of structure and positional distribution of constituent fatty acid in both CL and PE . The relative amount of unsaturated fatty acid was higher at 20 degrees C . There were two C16:1 fatty acids (C16:1 delta 9 and C16:1 delta 11), and these had positional preferences in both CL and PE . The positional sites of chlorinated fatty acids differed in both CL and PE at the two temperatures . The results confirm that microorganisms can specifically distribute chlorinated fatty acids into cellular phospholipids. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1987 Jan-Feb, 23(1), 135 - 43 {Filing of microorganism strains for patent claims in the Soviet Union}; Rybal'skii NG et al.; The modern state of depositing microorganisms with regard to patent procedure is considered . The main stages of depositing are described . Two questions of paramount importance for depositors are examined, i.e . what kind of microorganisms should not be deposited with regard to patent procedure, who and on what terms can get samples of deposited microorganisms from the collection . A number of recommendations for researchers potential depositors of microorganisms, are given. J Nutr, 1987 Jan, 117(1), 56 - 62 Quantitation of microorganisms associated with the particulate phase of ruminal ingesta; Craig WM et al.; Microbial organic matter associated with rumen particulate and fluid phases was quantified using 15N as the microbial marker in two rumen fistulated cows fed a 65% alfalfa haylage diet . During two collection periods, feed was removed 1 h after initiation of feeding, and cows were dosed with (15NH4)2SO4 . Whole rumen contents were sampled before feeding and at various times up to 12 h after feeding . Fluid microorganisms were those that passed through eight layers of cheesecloth . Particle-associated microorganisms were obtained by chilling squeezed particles prior to seven successive extractions with saline solution . The amount of microorganisms removed from particles ranged from 32.1 to 59.9% as measured by 15N . Organic matter (mg/mL strained rumen fluid equivalent) of fluid and particle-associated microorganisms was respectively: 10.7 and 47.5; 12.5 and 35.5; 12.2 and 30.1; 10.7 and 26.1; 10.9 and 26.7; and 8.9 and 20.6, at 2, 3, 4, 7, 9 and 11 h after initiation of feeding . These ratios indicated that 70-80% of microbial organic matter in whole rumen contents was associated with the particulate phase and that particle-associated microbial organic matter was greatest soon after feeding . Analysis of 15N in extracted rumen particles indicated that 50-65% of particle nitrogen and 17-27% of particle dry matter was of microbial origin . These results provide evidence that particle-associated microorganisms make up a major proportion of the total microorganisms in ruminal ingesta and that a large proportion of ingesta particle N can be of microbial origin. J Immunol, 1987 Jan 1, 138(1), 312 - 5 A complement receptor locus: genes encoding C3b/C4b receptor and C3d/Epstein-Barr virus receptor map to 1q32; Weis JH et al.; The alternative or classical pathways for complement system component C3 may be triggered by microorganisms and antigen-antibody complexes . In particular, an activated fragment of C3, C3b, covalently attaches to microorganisms or antigen-antibody complexes, which in turn bind to the C3b receptor, also known as complement receptor 1 . The genes encoding the proteins that constitute the C3-activating enzymes have been cloned and mapped to a "complement activation" locus in the major histocompatibility complex, and we demonstrate in this study such a locus on the long arm of chromosome 1 at band 1q32. Nahrung, 1987, 31(5-6), 533 - 7 Nitrate-reducing microorganisms in the gastric juice of patients with stomach cancer--experimental data and considerations upon the role of these microorganisms in gastrocarcinogenesis; Uibu J; During recent years evidence has been accumulated supporting the hypothesis according to which nitroso compounds are involved in the generation of stomach cancer in humans . The present report deals with the occurrence and content of nitrite, nitrate and nitrosamines in the gastric juice of stomach cancer patients with special reference to nitrate-reducing microorganisms . Microorganisms were found to be present in gastric juice in all cases of cancer, mean total count being (5.6 +/- 2.4) log/ml (mean +/- standard deviation) and with limit values 1.4-8.0 log/ml . Nitrate-reducing microorganisms were found in 9 cases from 10 . Their mean counts were (5.2 +/- 2.5) log/ml and limit values less than 0.5-8.0 log/ml . The role of nitrate-reducing microorganisms in the formation of nitrite and carcinogenic nitroso compounds is discussed . Some practical measures to control the count of nitrate-reducing microorganisms in stomach are presented. Scand J Infect Dis, 1987, 19(3), 381 - 2 Pneumonia and acute pancreatitis most probably caused by a Legionella longbeachae infection; Eitrem R et al.; Legionella longbeachae was first described and characterized in 1981 . We report the first probable case of L . longbeachae infection in Sweden . A previously healthy, 50-year-old greenhouse repairman fell ill with severe pneumonia and acute pancreatitis . The L . longbeachae type 1 IgG titer (indirect immunofluorescence) was 256 and decreased significantly with erythromycin treatment . Attempts to isolate the microorganism from the environment failed . Sera from the patient's colleagues and from blood donors all had antibody titers of less than 32. Prog Clin Biol Res, 1987, 227A, 29 - 33 A special group of ultradian oscillations; Koukkari WL et al.; Based on results from our studies, including those on leaf movements, circummutations of shoots, levels of enzyme activity, and metabolites, and from an extensive review of the literature, we have identified a special group of ultradian oscillations . Collectively, these oscillations have periods that range from approximately 30 to 240 min . Their patterns seldom exhibit strict periodicity or constant waveform . They have been observed in various animals, human beings, plants, and microorganisms . These oscillations appear to be a ubiquitous phenomenon, present at various levels of organization, e.g., biochemical to behavioral, and provide a unifying paradigm for exploring biological dynamics. Panminerva Med, 1987 Jan-Mar, 29(1), 57 - 60 Pelvic actinomycosis associated with the use of intrauterine devices . Diagnostic and therapeutic criteria; Surico N et al.; PIP: The association between IUD use and the occurrence of pelvic infections caused by actinomyces was investigated in 221 IUD users at a University of Turin clinic . Pelvic actinomycosis is chronic and progressive, and diagnostic error and/or inappropriate treatment often lead symptoms to persist for years . Each study participant had a Papanicolaou smear both before IUD insertion and during IUD use . No Pap smear was positive for actinomyces before IUD insertion; however, during IUD use, this microorganism was identified in 30 patients (14%) . There was no correlation between infection and socioeconomic status, a history of prior abortion, or IUD size . There was no significant difference between infection rates in nulliparae (12%) and primiparae (14%) . Infection was found in 8% of Papanicolaou class I patients and in 15% of class II subjects . The mean duration of IUD use in women with positive Actinomyces vaginal smears was 32.1 months compared with 23.2 months for patients with negative findings . Finally, the risk of infection was higher among acceptors of plastic rather than copper IUDs . These findings confirm the association between IUD use and pelvic actinomycosis; a review of the literature reveals 395 such cases . When actinomycotic infection is discovered, immediate removal of the IUD is necessary and targetted antibiotic treatment should be commenced . Am J Otolaryngol, 1987 Jan-Feb, 8(1), 13 - 5 Factors influencing sensorineural hearing loss in chronic otitis media; Vartiainen E et al.; Sensorineural hearing loss was studied in 874 chronically infected ears and was found to occur more frequently in cases of cholesteatoma and in the presence of discharge . Sensorineural hearing loss is not dependent on the type of causative microorganism . Older patients exhibited sensorineural hearing loss more often than did younger patients, this disorder being more common in affected ears than in control ears (the contralateral ear in unilateral cases). Int J Biomed Comput, 1987 Jan, 20(1-2), 79 - 86 Identification of cellular and subcellular features by means of digital microscopy; Gualtieri P et al.; This paper presents two examples of the application of quantitative digital microscopy to two different fields of biological analysis: DNA content determination in microstructures and the study of the behaviour of microorganisms . In both cases the application of segmentation and labelling procedures was found to be essential in order to obtain the desired results, because it made it possible to overcome the measurement limits of traditional instrumentation and to obviate drawbacks normally present when analysis is placed in the hands of the human operator. Annu Rev Med, 1987, 38, 295 - 323 Lung inflammation: normal host defense or a complication of some diseases? Reynolds HY. The inflammatory response in lung tissue is an important part of host defense that aids in removing microorganisms or particles that have reached the distal airways and alveolar surface . It augments the usual function of alveolar macrophages, immunoglobulins, and other defense mechanisms such as mucociliary clearance . However, excessive or poorly regulated inflammation can be destructive of tissue, thus contributing to many disease processes that can lead to fibrosis and impaired gas exchange . Several examples of diseases that feature inflammation as part of their pathophysiology have been selected for this review; i.e . asthma (especially examining the late-phase reaction that involves PMNs), chronic bronchitis (in which irritants and bacterial products may stimulate mucus secretion and inflammatory cells), interstitial lung diseases (IPF may disclose PMNs but sarcoidosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis feature collections of activated lymphocytes), and acute lung injury leading to adult respiratory distress syndrome (PMNs and their breakdown products and enzymes incite local destruction of alveolar tissue) . In preparation for these disease examples, a thorough review of the normal interactions between alveolar macrophages, various opsonins, complement and chemotactic factors, and the responsiveness of PMNs is given first. J Assoc Off Anal Chem, 1987 Jan-Feb, 70(1), 31 - 4 Glucuronidase assay in a rapid MPN determination for recovery of Escherichia coli from selected foods; Andrews WH et al.; Glucuronidase is present in most strains of Escherichia coli but absent in most other enteric microorganisms; therefore, an assay for this enzyme is useful for determining the presence of the organism . The substrate 4-methylumbelliferyl beta-D-glucuronide (MUG) is incorporated into either lauryl tryptose (LT) broth or EC medium; the inoculated tubes are then incubated under specified conditions and examined under longwave UV light for the presence of a fluorogenic glucuronidase end product . When compared with the 10-day most probable number (MPN) procedure of AOAC, the LT-MUG and the EC-MUG tests required 24 and 96 h, respectively, and gave comparable mean log MPN values for samples of crabmeat, sunflower kernels, and walnut pieces . However, false-positive and false-negative reactions were observed with foods tested by both of these rapid methods . Overall, method sensitivity was not compromised by using the LT-MUG rather than the EC-MUG method . Incorporation of 25 micrograms MUG/mL into LT broth resulted in diminished fluorescence of positive reactions, whereas MUG concentrations of 50 and 100 micrograms/mL provided decisive fluorogenic reactions. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1987 Jan, 53(1), 105 - 9 Measuring genetic stability in bacteria of potential use in genetic engineering; Walter MV et al.; Four commonly used conjugation techniques, colony cross streak (CCS), broth mating (BM), combined spread plate (CSP), and membrane filtration (MF), were compared with each other regarding reliability, sensitivity, and complexity in evaluating the transfer of conjugative plasmids . Five plasmids representing several incompatibility groups plus a variety of laboratory and environmental isolates were used as mating pairs . The suitability of each method was evaluated for use in a routine assessment of the genetic stability of genetically engineered microorganisms . By the CSP and MF techniques with laboratory strains such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas species as recipients, transconjugants were usually produced in 100% of the mating trials . However, when environmental strains isolated from plants and soil were used as recipients, transconjugants were detected in 100% of some crosses and in as little as 30% in other crosses depending on the plasmid and recipient used . In general, differences in the percentage of successful matings between the CSP and MF techniques compared with the BM and CCS techniques were not statistically significant at the P less than or equal to 0.05 level . Occasionally, certain mating pairs consistently produced transconjugants by CCS or BM but not by CSP or MF . Since any single conjugation mating technique is not completely reliable in detecting transconjugants, we have developed a combined mating technique which integrates the CCS, CSP, BM, and MF methods as a single procedure to assess the mobility of plasmid DNA of genetically engineered microorganisms. Rev Infect Dis, 1987 Jan-Feb, 9(1), 97 - 109 Biochemistry of C3 and related thiolester proteins in infection and inflammation; Hostetter MK et al.; The characterization of the reactive thiolester bond in the third component of human complement has led to the identification of homologous sites in a number of proteins . In addition to the participation of the C3 thiolester in the opsonic acylation of surface components of microorganisms, new evidence is emerging to implicate thiolester disruption by physiologic nucleophiles, such as ammonia, as a potent mediator of local inflammation in the lung, the kidney, and at endothelial surfaces . Manipulation of the thiolester bonds in these related proteins should permit us to understand, and ultimately to direct, the molecular mechanisms of inflammation. Rev Infect Dis, 1987 Jan-Feb, 9(1), 28 - 53 Traditional enteropathogenic Escherichia coli of infantile diarrhea; Robins-Browne RM; First described in 1885, Escherichia coli gradually emerged as a cause of infantile diarrhea . Currently, four pathogenic categories of diarrheagenic E . coli are recognized: enteropathogenic (EPEC), enterotoxigenic (ETEC), enteroinvasive (EIEC), and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) . Of these, ETEC and EPEC are important causes of pediatric diarrhea, especially in developing countries . ETEC strains are characterized by their production of well-defined heat-labile or heat-stable enterotoxins . In the absence of other identifying characteristics, EPEC strains have been identified by serotyping only; recent laboratory and clinical investigations have shown that these strains constitute a distinctive group of pathogenic microorganisms displaying characteristic adherence to cultured epithelial cells and producing pathognomonic histopathologic changes in experimentally infected animals and naturally infected children . The pathogenicity of most strains of EPEC is associated with the carriage of a 55- to 70-megadalton plasmid that specifies the production of an adherence factor . EPEC strains may also owe their pathogenicity to the production of at least one enterotoxin, possibly a Shiga-like cytotoxin. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1987 Jan, 156(1), 195 - 9 Deoxyribonucleic acid hybridization analysis for the detection of urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis infections in women; Pao CC et al.; The presence of Chlamydia trachomatis-related deoxyribonucleic acid sequences in endocervical specimens of 317 women was analyzed by deoxyribonucleic acid hybridization techniques with deoxyribonucleic acid from C . trachomatis used as probes . Samples from 56 of 172 high-risk patients (32.6%) and 16 of 145 low-risk patients (11.0%) contained C . trachomatis-related deoxyribonucleic acid sequences . Direct detection of chlamydial antigen with enzyme-linked immunoassay on the same patients yielded positive rates of 26.3% and 7.3% for the high- and low-risk patients, respectively . C . trachomatis culture confirmed 86.3% of deoxyribonucleic acid-positive results and 84.0% of antigen-positive results . The overall sensitivities of chlamydial deoxyribonucleic acid and antigen assays were 91.7% and 68.8%, respectively, whereas the specificities were 95.3% and 94.7% . Results also suggested that the test of the C . trachomatis deoxyribonucleic acid correlated better with the female urogenital chlamydial infections than did the antigen test of C . trachomatis . The combined results of higher sensitivity in detecting the microorganism and better correlation with disease activity may make the deoxyribonucleic acid hybridization test a useful tool for the early and accurate diagnosis of C . trachomatis infections in female patients. Am J Med, 1987 Jan, 82(1), 79 - 97 Microbial oncogenesis; Mackowiak PA; For more than a century, medical investigators have sought to incriminate microorganisms in the cause of cancer . The first scientific evidence of such a relationship came in 1911, with the first successful induction of a tumor using a cell-free extract . Since that time, considerable data have accrued linking retroviruses, herpes viruses, the hepatitis B virus, papovaviruses, and adenoviruses to various malignant neoplasms . There is also increasing evidence that certain bacteria and parasites participate as cofactors in the development of some cancers . Although proof of cause-and-effect relationships has been difficult to obtain, there can be little doubt that microorganisms occasionally play pivotal roles in the origin of some cancers . Whether attempted intervention against these cancers is best directed against the oncogenic microorganisms themselves or against other environmental cofactors is not yet clear . Nevertheless, the successful application of tumor vaccines in the prevention of Marek's disease in chickens and in modifying the outcome of oncogenic herpesvirus infections in nonhuman primates offers hope of at least limited application of microbial vaccines in the prevention of human cancer. Surgery, 1987 Jan, 101(1), 1 - 14 Hypermetabolism, organ failure, and metabolic support; Cerra FB; The hypermetabolism organ failure complex remains the predominant reason for both prolonged stay and death in the surgical intensive care unit . What was perceived as isolated organ failure, such as adult respiratory distress syndrome, is now seen as part of the systemic response to injury and repair . Sepsis has become the systemic inflammatory response due to invading microorganisms . What was once perceived as diagnostic of sepsis has been recognized after severe perfusion deficits and in the presence of continuing sources of dead and injured tissue . The transition to organ failure is usually a distinct clinical event and probably represents the onset of clinical hepatic failure . Once present, the organ failure syndrome has a high mortality rate . From a treatment perspective, it is recognized that there is probably no "magic bullet"; that regimens will probably be time dependent and "multiple drug"; and that the best treatment is prevention . Malnutrition, as opposed to changes in body composition that occur as a result of disease process, has become a recognized cofactor in morbidity and death in patients with persistent hypermetabolism and organ failure . The metabolic processes of hypermetabolism have become increasingly categorized and understood . The result has been the development of metabolic support principles that are distinct from those of nutritional support and are designed to prevent the end-organ changes of malnutrition and the development of substrate-limited metabolism, to support organ structure and function, and to attempt to arrest the metabolic processes . The initial problem was to learn to do no harm, an outcome reasonably achieved . In addition, several beneficial results have been recognized including new techniques to better support total body protein synthesis, hepatic protein synthesis, and energy production . Techniques to better support organ structure and function are being tested . No techniques are currently available to control proteolysis and the redistribution of skeletal muscle nitrogen . A great deal of research is still necessary in this field, which is still in its infancy. J Mol Cell Immunol, 1987, 3(5), 307 - 20 Alterations of idiotypic profiles: the cellular basis of T15 dominance in BALB/c mice; Wemhoff GA et al.; Phosphorylcholine (PC) is a component of cell walls and membranes from a variety of widely distributed microorganisms . It is highly immunogenic in mice and most murine strains have circulating anti-PC antibodies which are known to confer protection against certain bacterial infections . BALB/c mice offer a striking example of a high responsiveness to PC, a propensity to generate PC-binding myelomas, and a great restriction of idiotype expression in anti-PC antibodies; in fact, most BALB/c anti-PC IgM antibodies express the T15 idiotype marker . Although it has been suspected that T15 dominance is somewhat related to the continuous antigenic load presented by microorganismal flora found in conventional mice, a complete experimental account of how antigenic selection brings about such extreme idiotypic dominance is not yet available . In the studies presented below, we investigated the role played by the host environment, T cells, and antigen in affecting the generation of the anti-PC T15 idiotype profile in lethally irradiated adoptive hosts reconstituted with syngeneic neonatal liver cells . The results presented herein indicate that the transfer of mature carrier-primed T cells with neonatal liver cells does not influence the generation of the T15 idiotype profile . We also demonstrated that anti-T15 idiotype suppressed mice, used as lethally irradiated hosts of immature immunocompetent cells, allow an increased rate of reconstitution of the anti-PC response when compared to nonsuppressed hosts . Since the administration of a T15+ anti-PC antibody inhibits both reconstitution and idiotype expansion, we conclude that T15+ B cells do not self-promote themselves . In contrast, we observed that exposure of adoptive hosts to PC antigens can enhance the anti-PC response and alter the idiotypic profile in favor of T15-bearing clones . The failure of T15 idiotype and the success of PC antigens in promoting T15 dominance led us to search for an "antigen inside" which might play a role in the ontogeny of T15 expression . To this end, we produced isologous anti-T15 hybridomas and selected one BH8 binding IgM hybridoma, 15B1, as a potential carrier of an internal image of PC . In vivo tests involving the administration of this antibody to irradiated adoptive hosts immediately prior to the transfer of neonatal liver cells indicate that T15 expression in adoptive transfer can be enhanced by this antibody . Finally, we discuss a model to account for the generation of T15 dominance in normal adult BALB/c mice and its loss in adult BALB/c mice used as adoptive hosts for syngeneic immature immunocompetent cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz, 1987, 82 Suppl 4, 321 - 9 {Action of a molluscacide (Bayluscide-SRB) from the Dynatech R/D Company in lakes of northeastern Brazil--Sergipe, Brazil}; Rosas E et al.; To study the action of molluscicide nine ponds were selected: 3 of them lying in Maruim municipality, 29 km far from north Aracaju, the State capital, and 6 ponds in Itabaianinha municipality, 118 km far from south Aracaju . This study was carried out for 16 months . Environmental parameters observed were those thought to have any influence on the planorbids and/or the molluscicide: water temperature, transparence, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, CO2, and the nutrients-phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium and calcium . Plancton microorganisms were also considered to observe Bayluscide action on them . SRB was used in a concentration of 6.25 kg per 1.000 m3 water, to achieve 1.0 ppm Bayluscide concentration according to the producer's instruction in Massachussett-USA. J Basic Microbiol, 1987, 27(10), 539 - 42 Streptavidin assay by means of biotinylated actinophages; Fleck WF; Using D-biotinyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester, biotin was covalently attached to actinophage SLE 111 . The chemically modified actinophage preparation (SLE 111-BIO) was prevented from forming plaques by biotin-binding proteins, such as streptavidin and avidin . The avidin concentration at 50% inactivation of biotinylated actinophages was 0.5 micrograms/ml . The streptavidin assay was useful as pre-selection method during the screening and improvement work with streptavidin-producing microorganisms. Prog Clin Biol Res, 1987, 229, 199 - 209 Sequential process of protective immunity against microbial infections in mice; Nomoto K; The sequence of host-defense against microbial invasion consists of nonspecific active substances which are distributed diffusely in the body fluids and exert their functions quickly to eliminate microorganisms, nonspecific humoral elements capable of exerting their functions selectively at the site of microbial invasion, neutrophils, scavenger macrophages, protection at an early stage by IgM antibody or a type of cell-mediated immunity (primitive T cell response) and protection at a late stage by typical immunities . The nature of primitive T cell response distinctive from those of typical immunities are described and its role in the host-defense is discussed. Arch Oral Biol, 1987, 32(4), 303 - 5 Effects of extracellular products of a presumed gingival pathogen, the bacterium Peptostreptococcus 84H14S, on cultured human fibroblasts and HeLa cells; Tam YC et al.; Culture fluids from this microorganism, fibroblasts and HeLa cells contained potent factors which inhibited thymidine uptake in HeLa cells . The outcome of heating the culture fluid and fractionating it by gel filtration suggested that this was not due to bacterial hyaluronidase activity . Purified peptostreptococcal hyaluronidase and several commercially-available mucopolysaccharidases also did not inhibit thymidine uptake. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1987 Jan 1, 112(1), 20 - 6 {Farmers in biotechnology}; Sanders JP; Biotechnology experienced a stormy development during the past decade . The development of r-DNA technology was of major importance both to the world of science and to that of commerce . Biotechnological developments in the field of veterinary medicine will be commented upon and illustrated in a number of instances in which animals are central . Products which could so far only be obtained from animals, can be isolated from microorganisms on an unlimited scale today . The essential advantages of the biotechnological production of these products will be illustrated in the examples . In addition, it will be possible to use a large number of other products in the field of veterinary science . Both the current results of biotechnological studies and the rapidly increasing prospects for the future will be elaborated. Biomater Artif Cells Artif Organs, 1987-88, 15(4), 701 - 8 Physicochemical properties and applications of carbon-mineral sorbents; Rachkovskaya LN et al.; Carbon-mineral sorbents successfully combine a high mechanical resistance of the mineral matrix and a high activity of carbons . It is possible to prepare a mineral matrix of the wanted structure and use it as the basis for producing carbon-mineral sorbents . SUMS-1 and SUMS-2 are the sorbents of mild action . In other words, they cause no thrombosis, they do not absorb oxygen and protein from blood, and they have almost no destructive effect on the blood cells . The sorbents are highly effective in adsorbing microorganisms and their toxins . Treatment of patients with different diseases (sepsis, meningitis, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, pneumonia, thyrotoxicosis, pancreatitis, liver coma, different types of poisoning) with the SUMS-1 and SUMS-2 has given satisfactory results. Microbiol Immunol, 1987, 31(12), 1197 - 207 A novel enzyme immunoassay commonly applied for ten strains of Pyricularia oryzae; Kitagawa T et al.; Antiserum against a strain of the rice blast fungus Pyricularia oryzae was elicited in rabbits immunized with its cell fragments emulsified with incomplete Freund's adjuvant . The fragments were also used as solid-phase antigens . A highly sensitive, competitive type enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for P . oryzae was developed by using these two preparations as the immune reagents together with the use of beta-D-galactosidase-labeled anti-rabbit IgG as the tracer . Cross-reactivity of nine different strains of P . oryzae were measured by the assay . Sensitivity and accuracy of the assay was improved by choosing the cell fragments of the least cross-reactive strain as the solid-phase antigen . The improved method was successfully applied for sensitive and accurate assay of all ten strains of P . oryzae with the common measuring range between 1 and 100 ng per tube . Other species of microorganisms had little reactivity in this immunoassay indicating that the assay is specific to P . oryzae group microorganisms. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz), 1987, 35(2), 143 - 6 Microbial transformation of azacarbazoles . IX . Preliminary studies on hydroxylation of 2,3-benzo-1,4-dimethyl-alpha-iso-carboline by Paecilomyces flavinosus; Peczynska-Czoch W et al.; Microbial transformation of 2,3-benzo-1,4-dimethyl-alpha-iso-carboline performed with several strains of fungi Beauveria bassiana, Verticillum lecani and Paecilomyces flavinosus yielded common products which were expected to be hydroxylated derivatives of starting compound . Among the microorganisms tested, strain Paecilomyces flavinosus P-5 was selected to perform quantitative bioconversion of 2,3-benzo-1,4-dimethyl-alpha-iso-carboline for preparative scale. Ter Arkh, 1987, 59(12), 39 - 43 {2 types of infective-allergic bronchial asthma}; Sidorenko EN; The author finds it necessary to identify primary infective-allergic bronchial asthma (IABA) determined by sensitization with pathogenic or nonpathogenic microorganisms without a concomitant inflammatory process distinguishable from secondary one developing as a complication of chronic nonspecific pulmonary diseases . Differential diagnosis of both types of infective-allergic and noninfective-allergic bronchial asthma was proposed. Mikrobiyol Bul, 1987 Jan, 21(1), 55 - 62 {Microorganisms growing on the inner surfaces of prefabricated houses and their control}; Katircioglu YZ et al.; Microorganisms which isolated from the plasters of prefabricated houses, constructed by Yubetas company in Oran Ankara Were examined . As a result of isolations, Alternaria, Penicillium and Stemphylium species of fungi were founded on the plasters . The growth of the fungi was tested on Agrisan megess and Dyo Sadosan make plastic wall paints and it was found that these fungi showed a profuse growth in the former make paint, but not in the second one . When mancozeb (Dithan-M-45) in 0.2% and copper oxychloride (Mavi Bakir Sandoz) in 0.5% were added to the plaster the growth of the fungi were completely prevented, but Wettable powder sulfur in 0.4% did not prevent their growth but stimulated it. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1987, 516, 638 - 50 Thromboembolic and infectious complications of total artificial heart implantation; Ward RA et al.; Thromboembolic and infectious events were found to be major complications of long-term total artificial heart implantation in two patients . Similar complications have been reported in other patients, as well as in animal studies . The thromboembolic events and the infectious complications appear to be interrelated . On the one hand, thrombi located on the valves and at the vascular anastomoses of the artificial heart were found to be infected at autopsy; such infections are known to exacerbate formation of thromboemboli . On the other hand, the generation of microthrombi may have contributed to the RES blockade seen in our patients . We hypothesize that this RES blockade led to a progressive decrease in lymphoid system function and impaired the patients' capacity to clear microorganisms from the circulation . These phenomena arose, in part, from the design of the artificial heart and were exacerbated by associated therapy, such as blood transfusions . Our data suggest several measures that might be taken in order to reduce the severity of both the thrombogenic and infectious complications . Improved anticoagulation regimens, which increase the ability of the physician to maintain the proper balance between thrombotic and hemorrhagic potential, are needed . This may require not only improved methods of monitoring anticoagulation and predicting changes in the effectiveness of various agents as other events supervene, but also new anticoagulant and antithrombotic drugs, for example, low molecular weight heparins and prostacyclin derivatives . It is also clear that the design of the artificial heart should be modified in order to improve fluid dynamics so that they will approximate as closely as possible those of the natural heart . This includes redesigning the mounting of the valves to eliminate crevices and discontinuities that allow stagnant flow and predispose to thrombus formation as well as imposing a dP/dt that minimizes shear-related hemolysis, thereby minimizing the need for blood transfusions . Prevention of infections presents a more difficult problem . Transcutaneous lines (regardless of their use) are an obvious route for infection, and attention should be given to minimizing the number and length of use of monitoring lines . However, until a totally implantable drive system is available, the drive lines will remain a potential avenue for the introduction of infections . The risk may be minimized by rigorous attention to care of the exit sites and by improved designs that will provide a better mechanical barrier by, for example, enhancing epithelial ingrowth into the materials of the drive line.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Am J Ind Med, 1987, 12(6), 765 - 6 A primary study of the number and type of microorganisms in a Thai textile factory; Rochanachin M et al.; Personal air samples of different sections inside and outside the factory were collected from July to November of 1981 . The number of airborne microorganisms were as follows: blowing section, 337.8; carding section, 247.4; drawing section, 107.8; spinning section, 20.4, and outside the factory, 20.2 . The types of bacteria found were classified into three groups: cocci-Gram positive, rod-Gram positive; and rod-Gram negative . The type of fungi were Penicilium sp., Rhizopus sp., Aspergillus sp., and Mucor sp. Ann Parasitol Hum Comp, 1987, 62(5), 371 - 9 {5 cases of Mediterranean boutonneuse fever in Switzerland}; Chamot E et al.; The Boutonneuse Fever also called Marseilles or Eruptive Mediterranean Fever is an common disease in mediterranean area, in Africa and Indien . Rickettsia conorii is the microorganism involved and Rhipicephalus sanguineus is the most common vector . In Switzerland, this dog's tick don't exist in the nature, but it may be introduced by a dog contaminated elsewhere outside of the country and remain alive in our houses . It the reason why this disease is very uncommon in Switzerland . However, it may be observed in people coming back from vacation or in patients in contact with imported Rhipicephalus . In this paper, five cases of Boutonneuse Fever diagnosed between 1980 and 1985 are reported . The epidemiological relationships between four of these cases are of special interest . The clinical picture of the disease is presented with the different serological tests useful in confirming the diagnosis . Prevention and treatment are discussed. Crit Rev Biotechnol, 1987, 6(4), 357 - 93 Recombinant DNA in filamentous fungi: progress and prospects; Rambosek J et al.; Recombinant DNA technology enables the creation of well-defined alterations in the genetic material of an organism . Methods to manipulate recombinant DNA in the filamentous fungi (a group of microorganisms that includes species of academic as well as commercial interest) have recently been developed . This has been the result of adaptation of procedures successfully employed in the manipulation of other microorganisms . There are a number of similarities in the behavior of recombinant DNA in different fungi, but a number of differences have also been observed between the filamentous and the nonfilamentous fungi . Such differences include the ability to identify DNA replication origins and the host range of expression of fungal genes. Biomater Artif Cells Artif Organs, 1987, 15(1), 151 - 9 Intraperitoneal immunoglobulin (IG) treatment in prophylaxis of bacterial peritonitis in CAPD; Lamperi S et al.; To evaluate peritoneal immunological defences and to find a possible cure for alterations in the mechanism, we studied the capacity of peritoneal dialysis effluent (PDE) to opsonize bacteria and the phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages (PM) . Subjects were 40 uremic patients followed for a mean period of 36 months and 40 normal women who underwent laparoscopy (Controls) . Opsonic capacity for S.epidermidis of undiluted PDE from CAPD patients with low peritonitis occurrence (LPI) proved similar to that of 10% control serum . It was, however, noticeably inferior when patients were of high peritonitis incidence (HPI) . In these cases IgG concentration in PDE was lower than in patients of LPI . A significant correlation was revealed between opsonization capacity for bacteria and IgG concentration values in PDE . We found inverse correlation between opsonic capacity of PDE and number of episodes of peritonitis . Phagocytic capacity of PM from CAPD patients was similar to that of control PM when microorganisms were preopsonized by control serum . Intraperitoneal Immunoglobulin treatment raised PDE opsonization capacity and lowered peritonitis incidence in patients of previously HPI, thus demonstrating the importance of abnormal organization in CAPD peritonitis and the possibility of preventing infections by intraperitoneal Immunoglobulin treatment . These prevention results do not occur with intravenous Immunoglobulin treatment. Proteins, 1987, 2(2), 118 - 29 Prediction of secondary structure by evolutionary comparison: application to the alpha subunit of tryptophan synthase; Crawford IP et al.; The amino acid sequences of the a subunits of tryptophan synthase from ten different microorganisms were aligned by standard procedures . The alpha helices, beta strands and turns of each sequence were predicted separately by two standard prediction algorithms and averaged at homologous sequence positions . Additional evidence for conserved secondary structure was derived from profiles of average hydropathy and chain flexibility values, leading to a joint prediction . There is good agreement between (1) predicted beta strands, maximal hydropathy and minimal flexibility, and (2) predicted loops, great chain flexibility, and protein segments that accept insertions of various lengths in individual sequences . The a subunit is predicted to have eight repeated beta-loop-alpha-loop motifs with an extra N-terminal alpha helix and an intercalated segment of highly conserved residues . This pattern suggests that the territory structure of the a subunit is an eightfold alpha/beta barrel . The distribution of conserved amino acid residues and published data on limited proteolysis, chemical modification, and mutagenesis are consistent with the alpha/beta barrel structure . Both the active site of the a subunit and the combining site for the beta 2 subunit are at the end of the barrel formed by the carboxyl-termini of the beta strands. Am J Ind Med, 1987, 12(6), 717 - 28 Strategies for prevention of byssinosis; Jacobs RR; Cotton dust is a heterogeneous mixture of plant parts and contaminants from the soil, weeds, and microorganisms . Research to control byssinosis has focused on methods to reduce the trash associated with harvested fiber and control the dust in the textile mill environment . Dust control has been effective in reducing the prevalence of byssinosis, but because cotton dust is a heterogeneous mixture of components, simple reduction in dust levels does not always assure the prevention of byssinosis . Research to identify the agents that cause byssinosis and development of methods to eliminate those agents from cotton is needed to prevent new cases of byssinosis. Comp Biochem Physiol B, 1987, 88(2), 383 - 94 Methyl group metabolism in sheep; Snoswell AM et al.; 1 . Sheep have a very low intake of methyl nutrients in the post-ruminant state, due to the almost complete degradation of dietary choline by rumen microorganisms, the lack of dietary creatine and the relatively low content of methionine in microbial proteins . 2 . Methylneogenesis provides a major source of labile methyl groups in post-ruminant sheep and impairment of the methylneogenesis leads to a marked reduction of the labile methyl pool . 3 . S-Adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) metabolism via transmethylation is most active in sheep liver and pancreas and is regulated by the availability of methionine and intracellular ratios of AdoMet to S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) . 4 . Adaptive mechanisms which arise as a consequence of the poor methyl nutrition in post-ruminant sheep are a marked reduction of labile methyl catabolism and an increase in the capacity of methylneogenesis. Beitr Infusionther Klin Ernahr, 1987, 17, 6 - 53 Mechanisms of peptide transport; Matthews DM; This review touches on the development of the concept of transmembrane transport of peptides, which originated more than 100 years ago, and discusses present knowledge of the phenomenon, with special reference to intestinal absorption of peptides . It deals with (1) Peptide transport in animal small intestine and its main features--active transport of di- and tripeptides into the absorptive cells, the question of sodium or proton dependence of peptide transport, the independence of peptide and amino acid transport, competition for transport between peptides, the number of transport systems involved, the influence of molecular structure on peptide transport, transport kinetics and relative rates of absorption of peptides and amino acids, nutritional and therapeutic aspects of peptide transport, mechanisms of absorption of small peptides of dietary origin and mechanisms of absorption of biologically active peptides (2) Peptide transport in other animal cells and tissues (3) Peptide transport in microorganisms (4) Peptide transport in higher plants and (5) Physiological advantages of peptide transport . The concluding remarks stress that though most of the salient features of peptide absorption may have been established by 1975, more investigators might usefully be engaged in studying the many remaining questions concerning peptide transport in the animal body, and point out the unfortunate effects of too narrow an approach to problems in the field. Beitr Infusionther Klin Ernahr, 1987, 17, 54 - 68 Driving force for peptide transport in mammalian intestine and kidney; Ganapathy V et al.; Transport of small intact peptides across the brush-border membrane of the epithelial cells of small intestine and renal proximal tubule is a well-established phenomenon . This peptide transport system recognizes dipeptides and tripeptides as substrates and it is distinct from the transport systems available for absorption of free amino acids . While there is no doubt that active transport of amino acids is energized by a Na+ gradient, the nature of the driving force that energizes peptide transport has been a subject of controversy for many years . Numerous studies with intact tissue preparations have shown that the dependence of peptide transport on a Na+ gradient is at best partial . Recent investigations with isolated brush-border membrane vesicles from small intestine and kidney have clearly established that a H+ gradient rather than a Na+ gradient drives the active transport of intact peptides in these tissues . Since the transport mechanism involves peptide-H+ cotransport, thus rendering the process electrogenic, a membrane potential also plays a role in the energization of this transport system . Nutrient transport driven by an electrochemical H+ gradient is of common occurrence in microorganisms, but peptide transport represents the first example of this kind in mammalian systems . There is strong evidence that a H+ gradient actually exists in vivo across the brush-border membrane of intestinal and renal epithelial cells . The activity of the Na+-H+ exchanger which is located predominantly in the brush-border membrane and which, under physiological conditions, couples the influx of Na+ into the cell with the efflux of H+ from the cell, is primarily responsible for the existence of this H+ gradient . The driving force for the exchanger, a transmembrane Na+ gradient, is in turn generated and maintained at the expense of metabolic energy by the (Na+-K+) ATPase, which is present in the basal-lateral membrane of these cells . Accordingly, peptide transport in small intestine and kidney can be classified as a tertiary active transport system. Prog Food Nutr Sci, 1987, 11(2), 115 - 51 Anti-nutritive factors in animal feedstuffs and their effects on livestock; Bondi A et al.; This review deals with compounds -mainly organic-which when present in the diet, may affect the health of livestock or interfere with normal feed utilization . The anti-nutrients occur as natural constituents of plants and animal feeds, as artificial factors added during processing, or as contaminants of the ecosystem . Their mode of action, metabolism in the living body, and detoxification mechanisms, are described briefly . It is stressed that ruminants and monogastric species frequently differ in susceptibility to the same toxicant, mainly due to the action of rumen microorganisms . The toxicants described are classified as follows: proteins depressing digestion (protease inhibitors and lectins); glucosides; phenolic substances; other toxicants occurring in plants; substances interfering with the utilization of vitamins; mycotoxins; pesticides and industrial chemicals. Cancer Metastasis Rev, 1987, 6(1), 41 - 53 Iron metabolism during infection and neoplasia; Letendre ED; Invasion of the vertebrate host by microorganisms or neoplastic cells triggers a variety of metabolic responses . One of them, the hypoferremic response, is the decrease in serum iron levels . This hypoferremia is observed not only during infections of various etiologies and neoplasia but also during trauma, myocardial infarction, surgery, and inflammation . The hypoferremic response thus appears to be a consistent and predictable biochemical response to pathogenesis . Hypoferremia has been shown to be of great protective value to the host against infection and neoplasia . Suppression of the iron-withholding ability of the host by excess iron is associated with a greater incidence and severity of infection and neoplasia . The potential therapeutic applications of the hypoferremic response are discussed. J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol Immunol, 1987, 31(3), 279 - 86 Determination of the effect of aluminium sulphate on natural microbial coenoses in experiment; Panasenkov YuV; The methods of determining the effect of chemical compounds on the processes of microbial self-cleaning of waters are mainly based on the calculation of the number of indicator microorganisms grown after being incubated on complex nutrient media following exposure of the waters with the substances under study . These methods examine the reaction of specific microorganisms under conditions rather different from those really existing in the water reservoir . The author proposes to use the method of heterotrophic assimilation of CO2 for the determination of the activity of natural bacterial associations in the study of the effect on them of both multicomponent sewage waters of industrial plants and specific chemical compounds . The determination of the values of bacterial productivity according to heterotrophic assimilation of CO2 by natural microbial coenosis was used as the criterion of the effect of the toxicant . Toxicity of the substance under study is evaluated according to its inhibitory effect on the production of natural bacteriocoenosis (test object) . Field of application: water toxicology, supervision of toxicity of aqueous media, evaluation of the quality of water . Standard experiment examining the effect of aluminium sulphate on natural bacterial coenosis is considered an example . It has been demonstrated that the effect of aluminium sulphate begins to be felt in concentrations starting from 1 mg X l-1 . Statistical analysis of results was carried out by calculating the mean value and confidence intervals . The investigations have shown that application of the method of heterotrophic assimilation of CO2 for these purposes is feasible and of considerable interest with a view to its high sensitivity and precision. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1987, 53(1), 47 - 53 The molecular genetics of C1 utilizing microorganisms . An overview; Holloway BW et al.; The availability of recombinant DNA techniques has enabled the successful genetic analysis and manipulation of a range of C1 utilizing microorganisms . It has resulted in the identification of genes of interest on both plasmids and the chromosome; enabled the linkage of chromosomal genes to be determined; established the function and regulatory patterns of genes essential for utilization of C1 compounds and provided information on the evolution of methanogenic bacteria. Gegenbaurs Morphol Jahrb, 1987, 133(3), 539 - 47 {Crystal chemical and micromorphologic evaluation of ancient bone discoveries (Arabia Petraea, Jordan) from the 10th millennium B.C}; Newesely H; As specialisations of osteoarchaeometry become increasingly developed, so the need of new analytical techniques and tests of a skillful applicability becomes more necessary . The crystal-chemical and micromorphological evaluations of preserved bone discoveries implicate reliable methods as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and spectroscopy with the skeletal materials and the soil environment in which bones are found . The reactivity of soils varies widely as geological and sedimentological conditions offer typical but different environments: gravels, chalk soil, clay, salt soils, sands, cave earths are examples of this wide variety, including atmospheric and biogenetic implications . The last mentioned features are strongly effective also in aride regions, with the well known fluctations of high parching and dewiness . However, despite the diversity in deposition and burial modes only few parameters govern the gradual decomposition of bone material: 1 . pH value of the surrounding medium; 2 . humidity of the surrounding medium, may be governed directly by autolysis; 3 . transport of matter, related to grain size, pore volume, solubility behaviour; 4 . physical pressure; 5 . destruction by microorganisms; as well as the surrounding medium will be altered by the uptake and the transformation of the products of bone decomposition . The materials of investigation were skeletal fragments buried of ea . 10,000 a within the soft dune sediment of the western border mountains of Wadi el Araba (Arabia Petraea, Jordan) . The discovered bones are, as a common feature of this locality Basta, strongly sintered--indication on the afore mentioned reactivity of the aride soil as well . Bone fragments were partially burnt at Sabra locality and discolored, and sintered also at these circumstances . The reactivity of the bone fragments is shown in terms of exchange reactions within the crystal structure of the bone mineral, apatite Ca5(PO4)3OH at the calcium sites, hydroxyl sites, and phosphate sites . These reaction schemes are interpreted in the details . This decomposition by substitution will often preserve the external appearance of buried bones . Fig . 1 and 2 show the extent of the actual ion exchange with the surrounding soil strata resp . transformed areas (sinter sheets); in the case of Basta material as a nearly total rearrangement of the anion lattice (phosphate, silicate vs . carbonate) as well as verified by Scanning-electron microscopy (Fig . 3, 4) and phase analyses by X-ray diffraction (Fig . 5-7): calcite and quartz are the principal components of the sinters, additional diffuse apatite lines appear in bone samples.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Crit Rev Immunol, 1987, 7(3), 193 - 227 Idiotypic vaccinations: consideration towards a practical application; Eichmann K et al.; We review the theoretical background as well as the available experimental data in animals and man on the possible use of anti-idiotypic antibodies as vaccines for the prevention of infectious diseases . In the first part, the basic experiments and concepts that fostered the idea of idiotypic vaccination are discussed . Although many basic aspects are still unknown, we conclude that the immune system can take antibody variable domains as representatives ("semiotypes") of foreign antigens not only in special cases, but also in a general sense . Among the major areas to be studied further are the events that regulate response to antibody in relation to those that regulate responses to antigen . Initial experiments suggest that responses to antibody may be directed intentionally towards a desired outcome . In the second part, we evaluate the actual medical need for idiotypic vaccination . We conclude that most novel vaccination regimes are likely to be developed with the help of protein chemistry and gene technology . Idiotypic vaccines may become applicable only in special, well-defined situations, such as cases of nonresponsiveness to antigen or cases of severe dysregulation of immunity by the antigen . The third part of the article deals with experimental models for idiotypic vaccination . A number of groups have performed protection experiments in various model infections of experimental animals using anti-idiotypic antibodies as vaccines . In a fair number of cases, involving infections with viral, bacterial, and parasitic microorganisms, protection has been successfully induced . In the fourth part, we summarize studies on idiotype expression in human antigen-driven immune responses . The limited data available suggest that human idiotype expression follows similar rules as in experimental animals . In particular, widely cross-relative idiotopes are readily detected using monoclonal anti-idiotopes . Antibodies to such idiotopes reacted with major proportions of the antibodies of a given specificity . Taken together, many factors point towards the feasibility of idiotypic vaccination. Ric Clin Lab, 1987 Jan-Mar, 17(1), 1 - 15 Immunology of tuberculosis: new directions in research; Lombardi G et al.; Tuberculosis is still one of the major health problems in almost all over the world . Thus, new directions in basic and applied research on tuberculosis are under investigation . In this review we have provided recent data obtained in our laboratories on three main aspects of the immunology of tuberculosis, namely: i . the role of B lymphocytes in the processing and presentation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens to T cells; ii . the activation and characterization of mycobacterial-specific T cell clones; iii . the T cell regulation of the immune response to M . tuberculosis . The analysis of the antigenic determinants of M . tuberculosis relevant in the antimycobacterial immunity is the major goal of the WHO programme on the immunology of tuberculosis . In fact, the attempt to develop a second generation vaccine against this microorganism is now possible by analyzing recombinant genomic DNA libraries of M . tuberculosis with monoclonal antibodies and T cell clones . In the near future, the identification of epitopes recognized by mycobacterial-specific T cells with helper, cytotoxic and suppressor functions will allow the preparation of recombinant and synthetic vaccines effective in the control of this disease. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1987 Jan-Feb, 23(1), 14 - 24 {Bioluminescent methods of analysis in microbiology}; Ugarova NN et al.; The prospects for application of bioluminescent ATP-metry in microbiology are considered . A bioluminescent assay is proposed to analyse biomass by measuring the content of intracellular ATP by means of immobilized firefly luciferase after ATP extraction with dimethylsulfoxide . The assay can be used for plotting the growth curves of microorganisms and for determining the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibiotics . The detection limit of the assay is 700 cells per ml of the measured solution. Eur Surg Res, 1987, 19(1), 40 - 52 Mortality in rats on long-term parenteral nutrition; Nordstrand K et al.; The long-term effect of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was studied in rats . A failure to thrive developed and all animals died within 40 days of TPN . Autopsy invariably demonstrat