J Toxicol Environ Health, 1983 Apr-Jun, 11(4-6), 555 - 67 Hepatic macromolecular covalent binding and intestinal disposition of {14C}dinitrotoluenes; Rickert DE et al.; The covalent binding to hepatic RNA, DNA, and protein of a highly genotoxic dinitrotoluene (DNT) isomer (2,6-DNT) was compared with that of a less genotoxic DNT isomer (2,4-DNT) after oral administration to male Fischer-344 rats . Covalent binding to each macromolecular species was proportional to dose (10 or 35 mg/kg) for each isomer, but that due to 2,6-DNT was always 2-5-fold higher than that due to 2,4-DNT . There was no selectivity of either isomer for any macromolecule . The time course of appearance and disappearance of covalently bound material was similar regardless of isomer or dose administered . Little covalently bound material was present until 8 h after the dose . Covalent binding peaked between 12 and 24 h and then slowly declined . The half-lives of covalently bound material were independent of the isomer administered, ranging from 2.9 to 5.0 d for RNA and protein and from 5.1 to 7.9 d for DNA . Both isomers disappeared from the small intestine rapidly, and covalent binding to hepatic macromolecules became significant only after the isomeric dinitrobenzyl alcohol glucuronides had appeared in the small intestine . The concentration of alcohol glucuronides in the intestine declined prior to peak covalent binding in the liver . The data suggest that covalent binding to hepatic macromolecules qualitatively reflects the differences in genotoxicities between the two isomers . The time course of intestinal disposition of the two isomers supports previous reports that suggest that activation of both isomers requires oxidation to the corresponding benzyl alcohol, glucuronidation, excretion in the bile, deconjugation, and further metabolism by intestinal microorganisms, followed by reabsorption. Ann Acad Med Singapore, 1983 Apr, 12(2), 311 - 25 Tan Sri Runme Shaw lecture . Genetic engineering and its impact on medicine; Baxter JD; Recent developments in recombinant DNA research promise to have a substantial impact on medicine . The technology now allows for DNA pieces to be isolated and ligated to other DNA, such as that from bacteria, and be replicated in foreign hosts . The replicated DNA can then be isolated and used to study its structure, to study gene expression and its regulation, to program microorganisms to synthesize medically, agriculturally or industrally important proteins, to transfer genes back into mammalian cells and to diagnose genetic diseases . The DNA used for cloning can be obtained by copying mRNA, by chemically synthesizing it and by isolating chromosomal DNA; each of these types of DNAs serve special uses . The results of studies with the use of these DNAs have provided an enormous amount of information, in some cases of a quite surprising nature, about the structure and function of genes . This information is already providing substantial insights into the mechanisms of diseases such as cancer and hopefully it will lead to newer therapies as well . The technology had already resulted in the synthesis in microorganisms of a number of useful proteins such as vaccines, insulin and interferon . The use of the DNA to diagnose genetic diseases has been applied as for instance to thalassemia and sickle cell anemia . Finally, the ability to transfer genes back into cells and to have these genes function promises to open a new approach with gene therapy that may be useful for treating not only genetic diseases, but a number of other diseases as well. J Microsc, 1983 Apr, 130 Pt 1, 79 - 84 A routine flat embedding method for electron microscopy of microorganisms allowing selection and precisely orientated sectioning of single cells by light microscopy; Reymond OL et al.; A simple method is described to embed material in resin, in the form of microscope slides, to observe it with high resolution light microscopy, to select, orient and section it for TEM . This method can be applied to many kinds of material but is particularly useful for the study of rare or tiny plant or animal microorganisms from field or culture . A diamond scriber, translucent hydrosoluble resin release agent, translucent and smooth resin stubs and a longitudinally perforated block-holder for ultramicrotome are the specific tools of this method. Int J Dermatol, 1983 Apr, 22(3), 165 - 70 Ultrastructural features of malignant syphilis and demonstration of Treponema pallidum; Bahmer FA et al.; This paper reports a case of malignant syphilis (man, 39 years old) in whom ultrastructural investigations of a typical nodule revealed an extremely low amount of bacteria with the characteristics of Treponema pallidum in poorly differentiated cells of the dermal infiltrate with plasma cells, stimulated lymphocytes, and neutrophils as predominating cell types . Most of the microorganisms bore signs of disintegration . Vascular changes and exocytosis were only demonstrable by light microscopy in a second nodule . Together with the high production rate of immunoglobulins and an excessive inflammatory reaction, these findings point to an aberrant biologic reaction pattern of those patients who develop malignant syphilis . Unfortunately, further investigations concerning a possible impairment of cellular immunity as supposed in the literature, had not been possible in the present case. Scand J Dent Res, 1983 Apr, 91(2), 112 - 7 Adsorption of glucosyltransferase to saliva coated hydroxyapatite . Possible mechanism for sucrose dependent bacterial colonization of teeth; Rolla G et al.; Glucosyltransferase (GTF) adsorbed to hydroxyapatite and to saliva coated hydroxyapatite in vitro . Several proteins which are known to be present in the "pellicle" which forms on hydroxyapatite when this mineral is exposed to whole saliva were shown to stimulate or inhibit GTF . It is suggested that these proteins may interact with GTF and cause binding of the enzyme to saliva coated hydroxyapatite . A model is suggested where GTF adsorbed to tooth surfaces may induce binding of microorganisms to tooth surfaces. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho, 1983 Apr, 10(4 Pt 2), 1094 - 106 {Study of new antineoplastic antibiotics based on newly discovered action mechanisms}; Tanaka N; In our laboratory, we have studied the mechanism of action of tumor-inhibitory antibiotics, including bleomycin, phleomycin, adriamycin, aclarubicin, neothramycin, macromomycin, auromomycin, chartreusin, pluramycin, neopluramycin, xanthomycin A, angustmycins A and C, blasticidin S and phenomycin . The recent advances are summarized . Screening of microorganism for new antitumor antibiotics based upon our studies on mechanism of action are currently ongoing . We are interested in drug-resistance of tumor cells, and have obtained drug-resistant sublines of murine lymphoblastoma L5178Y cells . We have found that glycoprotein synthesis and alkaline phosphodiesterase (APD) activity of the plasma membrane are higher in adriamycin (ADM)-, aclarubicin (ACR)- and bleomycin (BLM)-resistant cell sublines than in the parental cells . An inhibitor of APD has been isolated from a soil Streptomyces, and identified with 2-crotonyloxymethyl-4,5,6-trihydroxycyclohex-2-enone (COTC) . COTC inhibits growth of the drug-resistant cells more significantly than the parental cells, and exhibits synergistic activity with ACR against ACR-resistant cells . COTC is a SH inhibitor . Although COTC is a multifunctional drug, the inhibition of DNA polymerase alpha and some mitotic process may be related to its lethal action . In the course of our screening, we have found that a strain of Sterptomyces hygroscopicus produces two substances: one inhibits thymidine and uridine uptake of human leukemic K562 cells, and the other stimulates it . The inhibiting substance has been identified with tubercidin, and the stimulating one has been found to be a novel pyrrolo {2,3-d} pyrimidine antibiotic, cadeguomycin . Cadeguomycin shows low acute toxicity in mice, enhances DTH reaction, and inhibits Ehrlich ascitic carcinoma in mice . The antibiotic exhibits synergistic effects with arabinosylcytosine against growth of K562 cells . Saframycin, discovered by Prof . Arai, Chiba University, is effective against Ehrlich ascitic carcinoma, P388 and L1210 leukemia, and B16 melanoma in mice . The target is DNA . Stubomycin, discovered by Dr . Umezawa, Kitasato Institute, is effective against Sarcoma 180, Ehrlich carcinoma, P388 leukemia, IMC carcinoma and Meth-A tumor in mice, and shows low acute toxicity . The target is plasma membrane. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1983 Mar 31, 756(2), 223 - 9 A membrane-bound aminopeptidase isolated from monkey brain and its action on enkephalin; Shimamura M et al.; A membrane-bound aminopeptidase which cleaves the tyrosine-glycine bond of enkephalin was purified about 1600-fold from monkey brain . This aminopeptidase hydrolyzed Leu-enkephalin with a Km value of 35 microM and also hydrolyzed basic, neutral and aromatic amino acid beta-naphthylamides . An apparently homogeneous enzyme consisted of a single polypeptide chain with a molecular weight of approx . 100 000 . The optimum pH was in the neutral region . From the analysis of the reaction products, only aminopeptidase activity was detected . The enzyme was inactivated by metal chelators, but the activity could be restored by the addition of divalent cations, such as Co2+, Mg2+ and Zn2+ . Puromycin, bestatin and amastatin, which are aminopeptidase inhibitors derived from microorganism, showed strong competitive inhibition of the enzyme, the most potent being amastatin, with a Ki value of 0.02 microM. J Biomed Mater Res, 1983 Mar, 17(2), 261 - 74 Analysis of deposits on high water content contact lenses; Hosaka S et al.; Deposits on soft contact lenses of high water content were investigated morphologically and chemically and compared with those on conventional soft contact lenses of poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) . The material of the lenses examined in this investigation was the crosslinked copolymer of methyl methacrylate and N-vinylpyrrolidone with a water content higher than 70% . Morphologically, the deposits on the lenses with high water content were found to have no characteristics distinguishable from those on conventional lenses . By the electron microscopic observation of the cross section of a lens that had become opaque, it was confirmed that the deposit was on the lens surface and that no deposit was within the lens . Some spots on the lenses were recognized as colonies of microorganisms, but the majority of the spots had no involvement by microorganisms . Surface analysis with Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) confirmed that the main component of the filmy deposit was protein . Protein was detected in most of the deposits . The amino acid compositions of the proteins were found to be close to that of lysozyme . From the elemental analysis of several spots, silicon, aluminum, iron, and some other elements were detected . The structural analysis of some spots by a laser Raman microprobe (MOLE) revealed the existence of lipids . In several cases, the deposits were found to have grown around a defect of the lens surface . A mechanism for the formation of deposits is suggested. Antibiotiki, 1983 Mar, 28(3), 171 - 7 {Effect of preservation conditions on the viability and activity of Streptomyces griseus--producer of the antibiotic grizin}; Trenina GA et al.; Strain AURIGenetics- 1552 of Str . griseus producing grisin used as a feed additive was obtained in the course of stepped selection . It is deposited at the Central Collection of Industrial Microorganisms of the USSR and designated as strain S-248 . The strain was stored under varying conditions and their effect on its viability, morphological variation and antibiotic potency was studied . Investigation of the strain variation with respect to the cultural and morphological properties and the antibiotic production revealed definite correlation between the morphological properties of the culture and its capacity for the synthesis of the antibiotic . The medium G-1 containing KNO3 as the only source of nitrogen was found to be advantageous for maintaining the strain potency on storage with the method of subcultures or under a layer of mineral oil . It was shown that the strain can be successfully stored by lyophilization . This method in combination with selection of active variants from populations of lyophilized cells provided not only maintenance of the culture potency at the required level but also its increase. Mol Biol (Mosk), 1983 Mar-Apr, 17(2), 234 - 48 {Molecular biology of archaebacteria}; Prangishvili DA; In the process of phylogenetic studies, based on the comparative analysis of sequences of 16S (18S) rRNA, C . Woese and collaborators discovered that some microorganisms, which previously had been described as bacteria, form a group named archaebacteria, differing from other bacteria as well as from eukaryotes to the same extent as the latter differ from each other . A review of the work leading to that result, as well as characteristics of archaebacteria with emphasis on their biochemistry and molecular biology, is presented. Chem Biol Interact, 1983 Mar, 43(3), 289 - 98 The effects of bisulfite on growth and macromolecular synthesis in Escherichia coli; Robakis NK et al.; Bisulfite reversibly inhibits the growth of a variety of microorganisms and has been used as a preservative in foods and beverages for that reason . We have now measured macromolecule synthesis in Escherichia coli K12 after bisulfite treatment . RNA synthesis, the synthesis of total protein, and of an inducible enzyme, beta-galactosidase, stopped almost immediately upon addition of 2 mM (or higher concentrations) of bisulfite . These functions resumed after a lag whose duration depended on the concentration of bisulfite added . The synthesis of DNA was slowed upon bisulfite addition, but did not stop entirely . The inhibition of RNA synthesis by bisulfite took place in both stringent and relaxed strains of E . coli and was not relieved upon addition of chloramphenicol . Stringent control was therefore not involved in this effect . No effect on protein synthesis was observed in the cell-free system of E . coli (using poly(U) or MS2 RNA as messenger) at bisulfite concentrations up to 10 mM . Protein synthesis inhibition in vivo was apparently not due to a reaction of bisulfite with a component of this system . In additional experiments, RNA polymerase was not impaired by bisulfite, and the growth inhibition effect was shown to proceed in the presence of inhibitors of free radical chain reactions. Med Hypotheses, 1983 Mar, 10(3), 281 - 9 Pneumocystis carinii is an endogenous liposomally modified mitochondrion; Beautyman W; Pneumocystis carinii was first described over 70 years ago but its taxonomy is still uncertain . Doubts have been expressed as to whether Pneumocystis carinii is an organism at all; but no coherent alternative has been proposed to account for the pathogenesis of pneumocystosis . Consideration of recent observations on Pneumocystis, liposomes, pulmonary surfactant and mitochondria leads to the hypothesis that Pneumocystis carinii is derived from liposomal change in the type II pneumocyte mitochondria that are known to be secreted into the alveoli under a variety of stressful stimuli . This hypothesis is considered to be more consistent with the facts than the hypothesis that Pneumocystis carinii is a protozoon or a fungus or any other kind of exogenous microorganism. Bull Eur Physiopathol Respir, 1983 Mar-Apr, 19(2), 99 - 104 Perturbation of mucosal immune defence mechanisms by bacterial IgA proteases; Kilian M et al.; The secretory IgA system plays an important role in protecting the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract from attacks by microorganisms and potential allergens . We present evidence of in vivo cleavage of S-IgA1 in nasopharyngeal secretions by IgA1 proteases excreted by certain bacteria colonizing the upper respiratory tract . A procedure in two stages, which includes separation of secretion constituents by HPLC and subsequent immunochemical analysis of the fractions by two ELISA systems, identified the S-IgA fragments observed in some nasopharyngeal secretions as intact (FC alpha)2 . SC and Fab alpha, respectively . It is conceivable that colonization of areas of the respiratory tract by increased numbers of IgA1 protease-producing bacteria might cause a local impairment of the mucosal immune barrier . It is hypothesized that such bacterium-induced changes may be a primary event in the pathogenesis of certain inflammatory respiratory diseases and some forms of atopy. Arch Ophthalmol, 1983 Mar, 101(3), 396 - 401 Clinical and histologic findings in opportunistic ocular infections . Part of a new syndrome of acquired immunodeficiency; Newman NM et al.; White retinal opacities and ocular inflammation may be two of the early signs of a new syndrome of acquired immunodeficiency . This syndrome primarily affects young homosexual men and is characterized by acquired cellular immunodeficiency in infections with multiple opportunistic microorganisms in addition to Kaposi's sarcoma . The apparently innocent ocular findings may be the first harbingers of this devastating syndrome. J Clin Microbiol, 1983 Mar, 17(3), 463 - 5 Acridine orange staining and radiometric detection of microorganisms in blood cultures; Burdash NM et al.; To determine whether acridine orange (AO) staining of blood cultures could be used as a substitute for blind subculture when used in conjunction with the BACTEC system (Johnston Laboratories, Inc., Towson, Md.), the two methods were compared on all BACTEC-negative specimens . Since blind subcultures were routinely performed in our laboratory on days 2 and 6 of incubation, AO staining was also performed on these days . Cultures which were BACTEC positive on day 1 of incubation were not included in the study . Of the 2,395 bottles tested after 2 days of incubation, 106 were subculture positive . Of these, 96 (90.6%) were also AO positive and BACTEC positive, 3 (2.8%) were AO positive and BACTEC negative, and 7 (6.6%) were AO negative and BACTEC positive . Of the 3,487 bottles tested on day 6 of incubation, 14 were subculture positive; 7 (50%) of these were AO positive and BACTEC positive, and seven were AO positive and BACTEC negative . Of the total of 10 culture-positive bottles missed by BACTEC, all were positive, and all 10 companion aerobic bottles were BACTEC positive . In both phases of the experiment, there was a total of only four false-positive AO stains . As a result of this investigation, we have substituted AO staining for blind subculturing of BACTEC-negative bottles. Kosm Biol Aviakosm Med, 1983 Mar-Apr, 17(2), 76 - 9 {Analysis of the trace contaminants in the atmosphere formed by the life-support environment of the closed system of man-higher plants-lower plants-microorganisms}; Nol'de TV et al.; Trace contaminants in the air of a biological life support system which was continuously complicated were examined . Air samples were taken by cooled traps and analyzed by gas chromatography . Changes in the air of the biological life support system as a function of its structure were compared using Hamming distance and composition similarity measures . Matrices of the measures were obtained and a graph whose structure corresponded to changes in the biological life support system was constructed . During prolonged experiments trace contaminants remained relatively stable and changed when a mineralization component was attached . It is concluded that the composition and variations in the organic components of the atmosphere can be used as an integral indicator of the function of the biological life support system as a whole. Nature, 1983 Feb 24, 301(5902), 715 - 6 Assessment of chlorination by human neutrophils; Foote CS et al.; On phagocytosing a microorganism, the neutrophil (polymorphonuclear leukocyte, PMN) consumes oxygen at a sharply elevated rate1 . The oxygen is used to kill the microorganism, presumably being used to produce a potent oxidizing agent or agents . Candidates for these bactericidal agents are singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical and chlorinating agents (that is, species containing 'active' Cl in a formal +1 oxidation state: HOCl, Cl2, N-chloroamides, and so on)1-5 . We now report a semiquantitative assay for PMN-generated active chlorine based on its trapping with 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene (TMB) . Using this assay, we have found that at least 28% of the oxygen consumed by stimulated normal human PMNs is converted to active chlorinating agents. Mycopathologia, 1983 Feb 17, 81(2), 99 - 105 Morphology of experimental actinomycotic abscess in mice with Dermatophilus-like microorganisms from porcine tonsil; Momotani E et al.; Experimental infection in mice with Dermatophilus (D.) congolensis-like microorganisms was carried out, intraperitoneally and subcutaneously . This strain had been isolated from porcine tonsil and reported to be different in some morphological and biological points from D . congolensis . Macroscopic examination revealed multiple abscesses in the peritoneal cavities, or subcutaneous abscesses after the intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injection respectively . Histopathologic examination revealed the characteristic arrangement of the neutrophils surrounding the bacterial colony and peripheral macrophages in the abscess lesions . The lesions contained many microorganisms which showed wide range of the characteristic morphologic variation such as: mycelial elements, coccoid elements and large coccoid elements with transverse or longitudinal septa . Chlamydospore-like elements were sometimes found in the microcolonies in early lesions . The morphology of the lesions and the microorganisms was compared with those of other bacteria including D . congolensis. Science, 1983 Feb 11, 219(4585), 703 - 9 Genetic manipulation of antibiotic-producing microorganisms; Vournakis JN et al.; The application of directed selection techniques and genetic engineering methods for manipulation of antibiotic-producing microorganisms is generating a new era in industrial microbiology . Modern methods, based on advances in the knowledge of the biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms involved in the induction and repression of genes involved in antibiotic synthesis, provide a means of increasing antibiotic activity . Hence, recombinant DNA and protoplast fusion methods are used to alter the genetics of antibiotic producers in a semirandom fashion for the development of novel hybrid antibiotics . Directed mutation and selection, protoplast fusion, and both semirandom and specific recombinant DNA methods are examples of alternative procedures for manipulating the biosynthetic pathways of microorganisms for strain improvement and for new hybrid antibiotic synthesis. J Clin Gastroenterol, 1983 Feb, 5(1), 59 - 65 Necrotizing granulomatous gastritis and gastric perforation of unknown etiology: a first case report; Compton CC et al.; A unique case of granulomatous gastritis of unknown etiology is reported . The patient, a 43-year-old Haitian woman, suffered a gastric perforation from a disease process limited to the stomach . The stomach was markedly enlarged and edematous with transmural, serpiginous granulomatous tracks throughout the gastric wall, but most numerous in the fundic region . Accompanying acute and chronic inflammatory infiltrates were scant . No microorganisms, parasites, foreign body particles, or other known granulogenic materials could be identified . Clinical and pathologic features also differed markedly from granulomatous gastritis seen in sarcoidosis, Crohn's disease, or isolated granulomatous gastritis as defined by Fahmi et al . Infection by a parasite for which man is not the definitive host seems the most likely etiology. Plast Reconstr Surg, 1983 Feb, 71(2), 196 - 8 An investigation of bacteremia during rhinoplasty; Slavin SA et al.; The rarity of infection after rhinoplasty is not well understood . Despite the apparent low incidence of this complication, many surgeons administered perioperative antibiotics to prevent infection . We studied whether a bacteremia composed of nasal flora can originate during rhinoplasty . Fifty-two health patients admitted for rhinoplasty were studied . Blood and nasal cultures were drawn immediately before operation and blood cultures 5 and 15 minutes after completion of the nasal osteotomies . With the exception of one instance of likely contamination, none of the blood cultures grew microorganisms . Neither local nor systemic infections occurred in any patient . The negative results of this study suggest an exceedingly low incidence of bacteremia during rhinoplasty . For this reason, the value of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis is questionable. Vet Med (Praha), 1983 Feb, 28(2), 105 - 10 {A method of extraction in the detection of residual inhibiting substances in the tissues of pigs and calves after unavoidable slaughter}; Siklenka P et al.; Differences were studied in detecting residues of inhibitory substances in tissue samples of pigs and calves after emergency slaughter . Samples of liver, heart, kidney and muscle of 30 pigs and 16 calves were examined . Solid samples of organ tissues placed on an agar medium and extracts of the solid samples placed into agar pits were used for detection . Samples were parallelly subjected to the microbiologic diffusion method, using the S . aureus CCM 2022 and B . subtilis CCM 1999 microorganisms . The method of obtaining the extracts from solid samples of the organs was proposed and tested at our own workplace . The presence of inhibitory substances was displayed by the formation of inhibition zones . Results of the positive samples in calves (7 samples) and in pigs (3 samples) point out explicitly to the fact that the extracts of the tissue samples display positively larger inhibition zones in comparison with the solid samples . B . subtilis was demonstrated to be more sensitive than S . aureus, comparing the used microorganisms. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1983 Feb, 45(2), 651 - 7 Activation of cycasin to a mutagen for Saccharomyces cerevisiae by rat intestinal flora; Mayer VW et al.; Genetic test systems involving microorganisms and liver enzyme preparations may be insufficient to detect compounds that require breakdown by enzymes provided by the microbial flora of the intestinal tract . A method is described for providing such activation and for simultaneously testing the potential genetic activity of breakdown products in an indicator organism . Parabiotic chambers containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae genetic test organisms in one chamber were separated by a membrane filter from rat cecal organisms and test chemical contained in the other chamber . The genetic activities of cycasin breakdown products for mutation, gene conversion, and mitotic crossing-over in samples incubated aerobically are reported . Samples containing cycasin alone had a small but clearly increased frequency of genetic damage . Samples containing rat cecal organisms without cycasin showed no increase in genetic activity . Anaerobic incubation resulted in no increase in genetic activity in any of the samples. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1983 Feb, 45(2), 393 - 400 Detection of microbial proteolytic activity by a cultivation plate assay in which different proteins adsorbed to a hydrophobic surface are used as substrates; Wikstrom MB; A screening technique for microbial proteases, the thin-layer enzyme assay cultivation technique, was developed . The inner surface of a polystyrene petri dish was coated with protein and then covered with a culture agar medium . The enzymes, produced during growth of the microorganisms, reach the protein-coated surface by diffusion in the agar . Degradation of the protein was visualized by condensation of water vapor on the surface after removal of the agar medium . The wettability of the enzyme-affected protein-coated polystyrene surface was decreased compared with the unaffected protein surface . Enzyme substrates used were fibrinogen, immunoglobulin G, egg albumin, human serum albumin, bovine serum albumin, hemoglobin, mucin, and gelatin . It was possible to use a variety of culture agar media, nonselective as well as selective, in the assay . The technique provides a sensitive, convenient, and inexpensive method for screening various microbial proteases . In addition, the technique can be used for screening proteolytic enzyme activity of specific microbial species in a mixed microbial sample as well as for studies of factors that influence the cultivation conditions for protease production and activity. Am Rev Respir Dis, 1983 Feb, 127(2), S16 - 25 Lung inflammation: role of endogenous chemotactic factors in attracting polymorphonuclear granulocytes; Reynolds HY; The inflammatory reaction in the lungs can be considered a mechanism of host defense that augments local alveolar cellular and humoral defense against microorganisms and particulates which challenge the airways . As part of this reaction, the accumulation of blood inflammatory and phagocytic cells, primarily PMNs, and fluid components from plasma may be under control of chemoattractant factors and vasoactive mediators . From the air-side, chemotactic factors originating from alveolar macrophages or through activation of the complement system seem essential in initiating the influx of PMNs into the alveolar space . The kinetics of synthesis and release of chemotactic factors from alveolar macrophages of animals and humans and the status of their immunochemical analysis is the essence of this report . Coupling phagocytosis (afferent function) with its capacity to secrete several kinds of effector molecules (chemotactic factors, complement components, leukotrienes, and platelet activating factor), the alveolar macrophage is considered to have a pivotal role in overall regulation of the inflammatory reaction. J Parasitol, 1983 Feb, 69(1), 70 - 3 Shedding of antibody complexes by Strongyloides ratti (Nematoda) larvae; Murrell KD et al.; Antigens on the epicuticular surface of Strongyloides ratti infective third-stage larvae (L3) could be demonstrated by an indirect fluorescent antibody technique under certain conditions . Infective L3 shed anti-antibody complexes at room temperature, but not at 4 C or in the presence of sodium azide or colchicine . Shedding of antibody did not appear to involve epicuticular antigens, and only occurred when anti-rat IgG was complexed to rat anti-larval antibody . However, parasitic L3 removed from rats did not exhibit this shedding reaction, suggesting that an important developmental change in cuticle physiology occurs during the transition from a free-living existence to a parasitic mode . The ability to shed foreign objects from the epicuticle of free-living infective L3 may be a defensive or protective response to soil microorganisms. Arch Biochem Biophys, 1983 Feb 1, 220(2), 594 - 604 Biosynthesis of bacterial glycogen: activator specificity of the ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase of Rhodopseudomonads; Greenberg E et al.; The adenosine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylases from Rhodopseudomonas acidophila, Rhodopseudomonas blastica, Rhodopseudomonas globiformis, and Rhodopseudomonas viridis were purified to the extent that their regulatory properties could be studied . With the exception of the R . viridis enzyme, all the enzymes could be activated by pyruvate or its analog, oxamate . The most effective activator for all the enzymes was fructose 6-P . However, the R . globiformis and R . viridis ADP glucose pyrophosphorylases can also be activated by fructose 1,6-P2 . Thus a new activator specificity class was observed for the R . viridis enzyme while the R . acidophila and R . blastica enzymes exhibited the same activator specificity previously observed for Rhodopseudomonas capsulata ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase . The R . globiformis enzyme, activated by fructose 6-P, fructose 1,6-P2, and by pyruvate had a similar activator specificity previously seen for the Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides and Rhodopseudomonas gelatinosa enzymes . For some enzymes, the presence of activator increased the apparent affinity for the substrates and MgCl2 . The activator also modulated the sensitivity of the R . viridis and R . acidophila enzymes to Pi inhibition and the R . blastica enzyme to AMP inhibition . ADPglucose is the glucosyl donor for glycogen synthesis in these bacteria . Thus, regulation of glycogen synthesis in these microorganisms is probably regulated by the ratio of the activator concentration to inhibitor concentration. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho, 1983 Feb, 10(2 Pt 2), 311 - 9 {Immunity against cancer--a critical review of recent progress--}; Yamamura Y; Many attempts in cancer immunotherapy have been made on the basis of advanced basic immunology . In regard to non-specific adjuvant immunotherapy, various kinds of microorganisms and mushrooms and their preparations have been used for the treatment of malignant diseases, however, a well-controlled randomized trial is required for the evaluation of clinical effectiveness . Among these immunotherapeutics, the experimental and clinical studies on Nocardia cell wall skeleton were described . Tumor immunotherapy using low molecular compounds, such as derivatives of muramylpeptides, bestatin and others, were also reviewed . Recent studies supported by biotechnology have promoted extensively the application of monoclonal antibodies against tumor cells and monoclonal lymphokines derived from T lymphocytes . Prospective review on these monoclonal preparations was described. Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1983 Jan 22, 113(3), 102 - 3 {Fibronectin: an important component of bronchoalveolar defense?}; Villiger B et al.; Fibronectin, an important nonimmune opsonin, was found in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) of 29 healthy volunteers using a sensitive radioimmunoassay . The mean FN content was 9.5 micrograms FN/mg albumin . The BAL FN was immunologically and functionally similar to plasma FN and showed opsonic activity which increased uptake of gelatin coated beads by human alveolar macrophages . Therefore, BAL contains a functionally intact FN which may serve as an opsonin for the clearance of particles and microorganisms in the terminal airways. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 1983, 2(1), 71 - 94 Chronic nonspecific diarrhea in children: investigation of the surface morphology of small bowel mucosa utilizing the scanning electron microscope; Poley JR; Investigations by scanning electron microscopy into changes of surface morphology of small bowel mucosa in children with chronic nonspecific diarrhea are reported . The study population comprised 56 patients, ranging in age from 5 months to 7 years; 65% were between 10 and 28 months old, and 64% of the patients were boys . The major findings were: microorganisms on the mucosal surface; excessive extrusion of cell cytoplasm and of enterocytes (cell shedding); presence of excessive mucus on the mucosal surface; damage to the brush border; and partial villous atrophy . The latter lesion was found in only four patients . All these changes are considered pathologic and, for the most part, are presumed to be due to the presence of antigens, in particular, microorganisms . A depression of disaccharidase activities was encountered in 64% of the patients, but prevalence was without regard to age . Most common was a combined depression of lactase, sucrase, and maltase, as well as an isolated depression of lactase . The possibility has to be considered that enteroadherent microorganisms which are usually not considered pathogenic, and microorganisms such as Mycoplasma, may emerge as intestinal pathogens in susceptible children . It is feasible that genetic traits of the host and environmental factors facilitate adherence and colonization of the small bowel mucosa which, in turn, produces chronic diarrhea . Further studies are needed to confirm the preliminary information contained in this report. Acta Anat (Basel), 1983, 116(2), 126 - 35 Light and electron microscopy of cells in pig colostrum, milk and involution secretion; Lee CS et al.; Cells in pig colostrum, milk and involution secretion were identified using light and electron microscopy . Cell types identified were neutrophils, macrophages, epithelial cells, eosinophils and lymphocytes . The neutrophils predominated in colostrum and involution secretion, whereas in milk it was the epithelial cell . Macrophages and lymphocytes were present throughout lactation and so too were eosinophils which were always present in lower concentrations . Both neutrophils and macrophages were seen with phagocytic vacuoles containing either lipid, casein or cellular debris . The possible roles played by the phagocytic and lymphoid cells in the protection of the mammary gland of the sow and the gut of the neonate from pathogenic microorganisms is discussed. Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol, 1983, 72(1), 87 - 90 Local and systemic immune responses to intestinally presented antigen; Nicklin S et al.; We have investigated the ability of the gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) to react against standard antigens presented via different routes of administration . When antigens were presented directly to GALT, either by an injection into the Peyer's patches or via a mechanically damaged lamina propria, a rapid and vigorous immune response ensued . This was manifested systemically as an antigen-specific humoral antibody response in the serum and locally as an antigen-specific immunoglobulin A response in the bile . These results indicate that GALT is capable of reacting to foreign materials penetrating the gut wall . Additional experiments demonstrated that the extended feeding of degraded iota carrageenan, a material known to produce non-specific mucosal inflammation, caused GALT to react to antigenic molecules present within the gastro-intestinal tract and enhanced both serum and biliary antibody responses against specific gut commensal microorganisms . The immunological significance of these observations is discussed. Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1983, 28(3), 229 - 36 Some insights into the possible development of a biosynthetic pathway and biological function for anthramycin in Streptomyces refuineus; Hurley H et al.; Using anthramycin, a potent antitumor antibiotic produced by Streptomyces refuineus, as an example, we have developed a rational model for the evolution of the capability of this microorganism to produce, tolerate and retain the genetic information needed to make this extremely potent secondary metabolite . The concepts and ideas outlined in this article have also been applied in a more general way to other antibiotics with the hope that this might stimulate research designed to test some of these concepts. Fed Proc, 1983 Jan, 42(1), 114 - 21 Rumen microbial attachment and degradation of plant cell walls; Akin DE et al.; The plant cell wall of forages is a complex entity of cellulose fibers found in a matrix of hemicellulose and pectins . Different microbial types including bacteria, protozoa, and fungi associate with plant cell walls during incubation with rumen fluid . Bacteria, the major degraders of the forage cell wall, often firmly attach to the forage cell wall before digestion . Encapsulated cocci and irregularly shaped or pleomorphic bacteria are the predominant types of bacteria that adhere to and degrade cell walls . Although certain bacterial types adhere to particular forages, no consistent association was found between digestibility and the type of adhering bacteria . Bacteria adhere to the more rigid forage cell walls and adhere, or are close to, the more easily degraded cell walls . Tissues delignified with potassium permanganate or treated with sodium hydroxide (to improve forage digestibility) show a loss of electron denseness . These tissues separate into individual cells, which at times appear as microfibrils in the cell walls . Research is needed on forages of higher fiber content to mitigate the barriers that limit the attack on forage cell walls by rumen microorganisms. Anal Biochem, 1983 Jan, 128(1), 21 - 5 Photochemical action spectra of CO-liganded terminal oxidases using a liquid dye laser; Lloyd D et al.; A method of obtaining photochemical action spectra for the relief of CO inhibition of respiration is described . Continuous readout from a membrane-covered oxygen electrode of dissolved oxygen in a stirred suspension of microorganisms under CO-oxygen gas mixtures in an open reactor enables measurement of increased respiration on illumination . Advantages presented by the use of a liquid dye laser include high intensity of emission and narrow spectral bandwidth; just two dyes (rhodamine 6G and rhodamine 110) are required to match the alpha-absorption maxima of the CO complexes of all known bacterial and mitochondrial terminal oxidases. Mikrobiologiia, 1983 Jan-Feb, 52(1), 140 - 4 {Use of a method of concentrating microorganisms in an electric field in the search for life in Mars}; Imshenetskii AA et al.; The paper describes a technique of concentrating microorganisms from filtrates obtained from mixtures of the Martian ground analogs and desert soil using electroretention on polarizable carriers (sterilized cotton wool or gauze) . The degree of retention can reach 99.9% at a field intensity of 50 V/cm and a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min . A high concentration of microorganisms in a suspension can be reached when the current is switched off and a small volume of the fresh nutrient medium is passed through the suspension. Histochemistry, 1983, 77(1), 117 - 21 A new fluid switching flow sorter; Duhnen J et al.; Conventional cell sorters produce potentially hazardous microdroplets containing dyes and radiolabeled compounds commonly used to identify and trace subpopulations of cells . Many of these substances are potential toxins, mutagens, or carcinogens constituting a risk to personal associated with the sorting device . The separation of living cells for continued study of cell growth from an "in air" sample stream includes the risk of contamination with microorganisms altering the following cultures . To avoid those risks, we have constructed a new capsular flow cytometer sorter which consists of a small chamber completely encasing the sorting mechanism . Data acquisition, analysis, and processing are accomplished by using a microcomputer-based pulse height analyser. Jpn J Clin Oncol, 1983, 13 Suppl 1, 95 - 102 Techniques and clinical effect of aseptic procedures on patients with acute leukemia in laminar airflow rooms; Takeo H et al.; The techniques of aseptic procedures in the laminar airflow room (LAF) were evaluated in 110 adult patients undergoing antileukemic chemotherapy for remission induction . The patients were divided into three groups according to the regimens: Group A, consisting of 20 patients who stayed in the LAF and received the gown technique + sterile food + prophylactic oral and topical antibiotics; Group B, consisting of 12 patients who stayed in the LAF and received sterile food + prophylactic oral antibiotics; and Group C, consisting of 78 patients in open wards, who received prophylactic oral antibiotics alone . Species and numbers of microorganisms on the skin surface were far less in the patients in Group A than in those in Group B . Airborne microorganisms were counted by the air sampling method . No microorganisms could be detected at the time of the patient's rest and of blood collection in either Group A or B . Electrocardiography and X-ray examination caused an increase in the number of colonies to more than one colony in Group B, but Group A had a count of less than 0.5 colony . The colony counts became negative within 5 min after the cessation of each operation . The percentage of febrile days for patients with a peripheral granulocyte count of less than 100/microliter was 29% in Group A, 21% in Group B and 44% in Group C . The incidence of documented infections during the total hospital stay was 25% (5/20), 42% (5/12) and 86% (67/78), respectively . The aseptic procedures in Group B were not as strict as in Group A, but the incidence of infections in Group B was significantly lower than in Group C. Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1983, 28(1), 57 - 61 Interaction between microorganisms, chemical composition and environment in salt-affected soils; Douka CE et al.; The soil microbial population, determined over a period of 19 months and the elemental chemical composition measured by X-ray fluorescence techniques were followed in two uncultivated salt-affected areas of Greece, namely Lantza and Klidi . The ecological conditions at Lantza remained stable during the period of study while at Klidi some ecological variations occurred . The present results indicate that in Lantza soil both the microbial population and the elemental chemical composition of the soil remained constant during the period of study while in Klidi alterations in both were observed. Int J Biochem, 1983, 15(3), 289 - 92 The chitin-degrading enzyme system of a Streptomyces species; Charpentier M et al.; 1 . In the study of natural chitin metabolism by a strain of Streptomyces, we have separated by affinity chromatography the different extracellular chitinolytic enzymes synthetised by the microorganism . 2 . N-acetylglucosaminidase (pHi = 3.6) with activity against the synthetic soluble derivatives from beta-D-N-acetylglucosamine, and against the chitobiose, with respectively pH optimum = 4.4-4.7 and 5.3 (mol . wt = 50,000) . 3 . N-acetylhexosaminidase (pHi = 8.5) with activity against M.U.G . 4 . Chitinase (pHi = 4.25) with solubilizing activity against colloidal chitin, and hydrolyzing activity against 3,4-dinitrophenylchitotetraoside, if the pH is 6 less than pH less than 10 . (mol . wt 56,000) . 5 . Chitinases (pHi = 7.5 and 8.2) with activity against colloidal chitin if the pH is 4.5 less than pH less than 9 . (mol wt = 20,000). Vox Sang, 1983, 44(1), 3 - 13 Perturbations of granulocyte counts induced by procedural, chemical and physiological events occurring during filtration leukapheresis in rats; Roy AJ et al.; During filtration leukapheresis a factor(s) is produced, released or extracted into rat blood which causes a transient granulocytosis in pheresed animals and in recipients of homologous plasma from these animals . To identify which factors contribute to this granulocytosis, the procedural steps involved in filtration leukapheresis as well as a number of chemical agents which are potentially extracted from of produced by the procedure, were tested for their ability to stimulate granulocytosis . Procedural steps tested included the depth of anesthesia, effect of the anticoagulant and possible interactions of blood cells with the plastic tubing in the system (sham-pheresis) . Chemical agents tested included common mediators of inflammation and proteinases released by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), extracts of nylon fibers and Tygon tubing, nylon monomers and solvents used in the manufacture of nylon, oxidized and decomplemented plasma and lysates of PMNs or microorganisms . Our findings demonstrate that several of these agents contribute to the granulocytosis seen during filtration leukapheresis of rats. Equine Vet J, 1983 Jan, 15(1), 22 - 4 Polymorphonuclear neutrophil leucocytes of peritoneal fluid; Brownlow MA; Cells in the peritoneal fluid from 179 horses were examined in Giemsa stained preparations using light microscopy . Neutrophils were found in all samples whether transudative or exudative although their proportions varied enormously . They were well preserved in "normal" or sterile effusions and hardly differed morphologically from those seen on a peripheral blood film although hypersegmentation was commonly observed . In purulent effusions a reliable correlation was found between degenerative changes in neutrophils such as karyolysis and karyorrhexsis and the presence of toxin-producing microorganisms . On most occasions these degenerative changes enabled a confident judgement to be made as to whether the likelihood of a bacterial aetiology did or did not exist even in the absence of demonstrable microorganisms. Cutis, 1983 Jan, 31(1), 87 - 9 Cutaneous Mycobacterium kansasii infection presenting as cellulitis; Rosen T; An immunocompromised renal transplant patient developed a cellulitis-like lesion on the leg . This lesion and subsequent periarticular lesions proved to be due to Mycobacterium kansasii . Although cutaneous infection due to these microorganisms is rare, in selected cases it should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis, 1983, 6(1), 81 - 94 Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis: bacteriologic, immunologic, and clinical responses of cattle to experimental exposure with Moraxella bovis; Weech GM et al.; The bacteriologic, immunologic, and clinical responses of 3- to 4-month old Holstein-Friesian calves to experimental exposure with Moraxella bovis type 10900 has been investigated . After u.v . radiation and intraconjunctival exposure with 1.9 X 10(7) microorganisms, each eye of 16 calves exhibited signs of blepharospasm, photophobia, and increased lacrimation . Bacteria were recovered from exposed eyes for 2-7 consecutive weeks before maximal clinical response occurred . The severity of the cases varied from eyes that exhibited mild signs to severe clinical cases with profuse lacrimation, conjunctival swelling, corneal opacity, and ulceration . By 70 days after exposure, M . bovis could not be recovered from any conjunctival swabs, and clinical signs were not observed . Four non-exposed control animals did not develop clinical signs nor was M . bovis recovered from conjunctival swabs . Lacrimal secretions collected at the time of and 1 week after maximal clinical response had significantly elevated levels of total protein as compared to those collected 3, 2, and 1 week before, and 2 and 3 weeks after maximal clinical response . A passive hemagglutination test, using tanned formalized sheep erythrocytes sensitized with M . bovis sonicate antigen, detected antibody in lacrimal secretions from 22 of 32 eyes . The appearance of specific antibody in lacrimal secretions correlated with the amelioration of clinical signs and the decline in numbers of M . bovis microorganisms recovered from conjunctival swabs. Am Fam Physician, 1983 Jan, 27(1), 129 - 34 Endocarditis prophylaxis for patients with periodontal disease; Reinhardt RA et al.; Since periodontal disease provides a portal of entry for oral microorganisms during such common events as toothbrushing and mastication, treatment must resolve the inflammatory response if the teeth are to be maintained safely in patients at risk of infectious endocarditis . Prophylactic antibiotics should be administered during periodontal treatment such as debridement of the periodontal pocket and surgical repair of anatomic defects, as well as during oral hygiene training . If optimal periodontal health is achieved and maintained, the risk of systemic bacteremia is minimal. Ann Rech Vet, 1983, 14(4), 548 - 55 Minimise calf diarrhoea by good husbandry: treat sick calves by fluid therapy; Greene HJ; Calf morbidity and mortality rates up to three weeks old were 11.3% and 1.2% respectively when good husbandry was practised compared with 36.6% and 5.4% with poor husbandry . The annual mortality rate was 4% in earlier years when management was inadequate . The main features of good husbandry were feeding at least 2.25 litres of colostrum to each calf within the first hour of life to boost its immunity while minimising infection rates by regular thorough cleaning and disinfection of calving boxes and calf pens and providing uncrowded, dry, draught free accommodation . By these means satisfactory control of early calf losses was achieved without concentrating on specific microorganisms . Detailed examinations of sacrificed moribund diarrhoeic calves showed that E . coli, cryptosporidia, rota and corona viruses were associated agents . The serum immunoglobulin level of any individual calf was an unreliable guide to its future viability because 12 out of 488 calves with high levels died whereas 53 with unacceptably low levels remained healthy . Nevertheless when calves were grouped by immunoglobulin status the highest mortality rates occurred among those with low levels . Clinical examination of diarrhoeic calves to determine the degree of dehydration was more reliable than clinical pathologic laboratory tests . Results of a treatment trial indicated that oral glucose-glycine electrolyte solution alone was as beneficial as the electrolyte plus an oral triple sulphonamide and streptomycin . This was not unexpected in view of the widespread antibiotic resistance also demonstrated. Zentralbl Allg Pathol, 1983, 128(5-6), 391 - 7 {Experimental orchitis in white rats, caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum}; Malewa E et al.; An experimental infection with U . urealyticum was induced in white male rats by intratesticular injection . The microorganism produced dystrophic necrobiotic changes in the spermatopoietic epithelium and a granulomatous inflammatory reaction in the gonads . The process ended with a focal atrophy of the seminal canaliculi . The morphological changes depended upon the reproduction grade and the survival period of the microorganism . The authors consider that these experimental data can be taken into account at the evaluation of the late prognosis of the genital mycoplasmosis in man. Acta Paediatr Hung, 1983, 24(3), 263 - 7 Elevated risk of osteoarticular complications in children with acute Brucella melitensis infection; Shahar E et al.; Infection with brucella microorganisms is considered uncommon in the paediatric age group . We report nine paediatric patients between the ages of 8 to 17 years with acute Brucella melitensis infection, who presented with spiking fever, night sweats, anorexia and malaise for 5 to 60 days prior to diagnosis . Four patients developed various osteoarticular complications: migratory arthralgia, hydroarthrosis of the knees, arthritis and osteomyelitis . Therapy with tetracyclines alone or in combination with streptomycin resulted in complete recovery in eight children . This combination failed in one patient who developed severe osteoarticular disease successfully responding to rifampicin . Since infection of bone and joints leads to irreversible damage, early recognition and immediate management are crucial for recovery . Rifampicin might be of benefit in children with severe osteoarticular complications when the traditional anti-brucella regimen fails. Arkh Patol, 1983, 45(11), 58 - 66 {The nature of an inflammatory reaction as dependent on the etiology of infection and some peculiarities of the macroorganism}; Tsinzerling AV; The paper summarizes long-term studies on infectious pathology . On the example of the involvements of respiratory organs, the intestinal tract, and the central nervous system caused by viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma, fungi, and Protozoa, differences in the structural changes of the internal organs due to particular properties of the causative agents are analysed . These changes have been shown to be the greatest when the causative agents belong to different types and classes . The influence of host factors, first of all the immune status, on the course of infectious diseases is discussed . Changes occurring in the macro- and microorganism in the course of the infectious disease are considered . Not only local but also systemic defence mechanisms have been shown to be disturbed during infection which facilitates the occurrence of diseases of other etiologies and leads to increased incidence of combined infections. Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1983 Jan, 177(1-2), 170 - 81 {Microbial colonization of the walls of a copper pipeline in a central disinfection dosage unit}; Exner M et al.; Part of a copper-pipe taken from an 11 years old central disinfection dosage apparatus was investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy . The pipe was covered by a thin paste-like coating . SEM revealed two distinct layers . In direct contact to the copper a layer of extracellular polymeric substance was seen . In direction to the luminary we found a second layer consisting of bacteria which were not embedded in extracellular polymeric substance . Some of the microorganisms of this layer showed holes . Bacteria in direct contact with disinfection solution showed a rough thickened surface indicating the existence of capsule substances. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz), 1983, 31(2), 135 - 43 Sugar-containing lipids in the classification of representative Actinomadura and Nocardiopsis species; Mordarska H et al.; The major sugar-containing lipids of some Actinomadura and Nocardiopis strains--recognized as an important agent of actinomycetoma -- were analyzed by thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatography . It was demonstrated that Nocardiopsis dassonvillei strains contained two characteristic glycolipids identified as monomannosyl diglyceride and monoacylated glucose . None of them was found in the representatives of Actinomadura madurae and Actinomadura pelletieri strains, which possessed phosphatidylinositol-mannosides as major sugar-containing lipids . The glycolipids of Nocardiopsis dassonvillei seem to be of value in the taxonomy . In connection with this a simple glycolipid patterns of these microorganisms, established by TLC, was presented. Acta Anat (Basel), 1983, 117(3), 270 - 80 Light and electron microscopy of cells in pig colostrum, milk and involution secretion; Lee CS et al.; Cells in pig colostrum, milk and involution secretion were identified using light and electron microscopy . Cell types identified were neutrophils, macrophages, epithelial cells, eosinophils and lymphocytes . The neutrophils predominated in colostrum and involution secretion, whereas in milk it was the epithelial cell . Macrophages and lymphocytes were present throughout lactation and so too were eosinophils which were always present in lower concentrations . Both neutrophils and macrophages were seen with phagocytic vacuoles containing either lipid, casein or cellular debris . The possible roles played by the phagocytic and lymphoid cells in the protection of the mammary gland of the sow and the gut of the neonate from pathogenic microorganisms is discussed. Adv Exp Med Biol, 1983, 159, 337 - 45 Cyanide insensitive respiration in mammalian cells: an artifact of mycoplasmal contamination; Koch CJ et al.; Oxygen consumption by mammalian cells occurs primarily in the mitochondria although alternate oxidation pathways are also present . The resistance (often high) of these alternate pathways to metabolic inhibitors like CN- determine the residual oxygen consumption in the presence of the inhibitor . In many plant cells and micro-organisms the cyanide insensitive pathway can account for an appreciable fraction of the total oxygen consumption . We were studying oxidation by electron-affinic drugs in nonmitochondrial pathways and were surprised to find some mammalian cell lines having 10% - 90% residual oxygen consumption in the presence of 1 mM CN- . This oxygen consumption was associated with mycoplasmal contaminants (Mycoplasma hyorhinis, Mycoplasma arginini) and disappeared after treatment with appropriate antibiotics . The rate of CN- insensitive oxygen consumption was dependent on the mammalian cell concentration suggesting that the organisms were oxidizing a product of the mammalian cells . In one species (Mycoplasma hyorhinis) lactate may be the oxidative substrate . Mycoplasmas are known to cause a large number of metabolic alterations in their mammalian cell hosts (Stanbridge et al, 1978) sometimes indirectly due to the metabolism of microorganisms themselves, and sometimes directly due to interference with the normal metabolism of the mammalian cells . It is also known that the respiratory pathways of mycoplasmas are vastly different from those of mammalian cells, (Van Demark and Smith, 1964; see Pollack, 1980 for review) and one might expect alterations of the overall respiratory patterns between infected and non-infected mammalian cell-cultures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Arch Dermatol Res, 1983, 275(3), 190 - 6 Langerhans cells in granulomatous syphilis; Mittag H et al.; In a case of granulomatous syphilis (transitional state between early and late syphilis), several Langerhans cells (LC) were present in the basal and medial part of the epidermis . Evidence of LC activation was given by the presence of many Langerhans granules, vesicles, a large Golgi apparatus and, sometimes, Golgi complexes . In some LC, signs of degeneration were visible . Langerhans granules surrounded by cytoplasmic material were present in the intercellular space of the epidermis . Apposition of lymphocytes to LC in the dermal space supports the role of LC in immunologic mechanisms . This was further confirmed by signs of phagocytosis in LC . The interaction of LC with intra-epidermal microorganisms (as, for instance, the Treponema pallidum) might be important in the development of the epidermotropic infiltration . This mainly consists of lymphocytes, which sometimes form a pseudolymphoma . A correlation between LC and granuloma formation is suggested. Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1983, 40, 53 - 7 A survey of genital infections in patients attending a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases; Staerfelt F et al.; 747 consecutive patients, 531 men and 216 women, attending the Division of Dermatovenerology, City Health Dept., Oslo, were screened for N . gonorrhoeae (14.5% and 18.5%), C . trachomatis (19.6% and 20.8%), G . vaginalis (0.2% and 6.5%), and C . albicans (1.1% and 21.3%) . The prevalence is given in brackets for men and women, respectively . This study was undertaken in order to determine the relative prevalence of these microorganisms with particular reference to G . vaginalis, to determine the importance of concomitant infections, and the possible effect of contraceptive methods (oral contraceptives and IUD) on the prevalence of these microorganisms. Arch Toxicol Suppl, 1983, 6, 285 - 91 Conversion of inorganic lead into a highly-toxic organic derivative by marine microorganisms; Berdicevsky I et al.; It has been reported that certain microorganisms isolated from lake sediments may transform inorganic lead compounds to organic derivatives, which are by at least one order of magnitude more toxic than the parent (inorganic) compounds . The purpose of this study was to investigate whether microorganisms isolated from a marine sediment could also produce such metabolites in an in vitro system simulating the marine ecosystem . The experimental setup included: 1) A sterile control system containing added inorganic lead (referred to as Pb2+); 2) a nonsterile control system without added Pb2+; 3) a nonsterile experimental system containing added Pb2+ . The amount of added Pb2+ ranged from 5 to 1,000 ppm . Aliquots were taken at different intervals from the nonsterile systems and the surviving microorganisms were identified and counted . The main results were as follows: 1) The higher lead levels were toxic to all microorganisms . 2) Organic lead was only detected in the nonsterile experimental system, apparently due to microbial action, since none was found in the sterile systems . 3) Several bacteria exhibiting various degrees of tolerance for lead were isolated. Rev Argent Microbiol, 1983, 15(1), 9 - 17 {Obtaining beta-galactosidase using whey}; Pomar FT et al.; The search of a microorganism with the ability to produce the enzyme beta-galactosidase was undertaken according with the requirements of the market, in economical, technological and sanitary terms . The process consisted of recovery and use of the effluent from milk and cheese used to feed pigs, producing at the same time different types of contamination; once investigated and adjusted the technological variables to produce the enzyme, and selected the most convenient microorganism for such purpose the acting upon the extraction, conservation and purification of the product were adjusted . Comparative results of conversion were obtained with different test, at laboratory scale and industrial plants, in similar conditions to those obtained with importation products. Pol Arch Weter, 1983, 23(4), 113 - 21 {Usefulness of the agar precipitation test for the determination of the antigenic properties of Mycoplasma gallisepticum . I . Double diffusion test in agar gel}; Stepkowski S et al.; The usefulness of the double diffusion test in agar gel for the analysis of sero-antigenic structure of mycoplasms was exemplified with serotype S6 Mycoplasma gallispeticum . Serum of a high precipitation value obtained on rabbits intradermally vaccinated with a suspension of mycoplasms with a complete Freund's adjuvant was used . As antigens in the reactions with a specific antiserum was applied an ultrasonic disintegrate of the same suspension of mycoplasms, and in order to elucidate an eventual-phenomenon of fusion of precipitation bands, unheated, and heated at 60, 70 and 100 degrees C for 30 min samples of disintegrate . Apart from a normal antiserum, in the studies were also used antiserum absorbed with lyophylized disintegrate of mycoplasms heated at 100 degrees C . The double diffusion test in agar gel was performed in 3 sets: 1 . Unabsorbed antiserum and unheated disintegrate, 2 . Unabsorbed antiserum, unheated and heated disintegrate, 3 . Absorbed antiserum, unheated and heated disintegrate . In the first set of the examinations 12 more or less intensive precipitation bands were found, in the second set of the experiment appeared two accessory bands, and the third set of the experiment enabled visualization of the other accessory line . Generally in the 3 sets of the experiment 15 precipitation lines were noted in Mycoplasma gallisepticum S6 . The precipitation bands represented particular antigenic components of the microorganism studied . Among them 7 components was susceptible to 60 degrees C, 4 were susceptible to 70 degrees C, and 4 were not susceptible even to heating at 100 degrees C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Microbiol Immunol, 1983, 27(3), 251 - 63 Penetration of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi into cultured mouse fibroblasts (L cells): an electron microscopic observation; Urakami H et al.; The mechanism of penetration of purified Rickettsia tsutsugamushi (Gilliam strain) into cultured mouse fibroblasts (L cells) was examined by electron microscopy . After 10-40 min of infection, rickettsiae in the process of being phagocytized were often seen on the cell surface . These were restricted to the rickettsiae which seemed to be intact in morphology, while heavy plasmolyzed ones were never phagocytized . Additionally, rickettsiae were taken up individually into a phagosome, and phagocytosis of several rickettsiae together was rarely observed, except in the case of heat-inactivated microorganisms . In the cells, phagosomes whose membranes enclosed rickettsiae either tightly or loosely were seen . Rickettsiae in the loose phagosomes often showed signs of plasmolysis and were rarely released into the cell cytoplasm . Partial disintegration of phagosomal membranes and the escape of rickettsiae from the phagosomes were seen only in tight phagosomes . Large phagosomes containing a clump of several rickettsiae were observed occasionally, in which case the microorganisms were deformed and seemed to be denatured . From the above observations and the frequency of appearance of these different penetration stages in the specimens 10, 20, and 40 min after infection, it was concluded that the rickettsiae enter initially into a tight phagosome by phagocytosis and are then released into the cell cytoplasm by disruption of the phagosomal membrane . No other mechanisms of penetration were found . On the other hand, rickettsiae inactivated by trypsin did not attach to host cells . Inactivation by heat or UV irradiation resulted in reduction of phagocytosis, and rickettsiae treated with rifamycin could penetrate into the host cell cytoplasm to the same extent as in the case of infection with intact rickettsiae. Rev Esp Oncol, 1983, 30(4), 595 - 601 {Application of the antiblastogram in the selection of new lines of microorganisms producing antineoplastic antibiotics}; Briones-Carrillo D et al.; A modification of the antiblastogram, a technique originally used for predictive anti-cancer drug testing, is employed in this work to select microorganisms producing antineoplastic antibiotics. Infection, 1983, 11 Suppl 2, S87 - 9 Which number of infecting bacteria is of clinical relevance? Schaad UB. The infective dose is the number of microorganisms required to produce infection in man . This value varies according to the mode of transmission, the virulence of the infecting agent and the host defense . The individual infective dose bears important implications with regard to epidemiology, prevention and therapy of the given infection . Theoretical remarks and relevant data from the literature are presented to help in the assessment of this basic problem in bacterial infectious diseases. Prog Clin Biol Res, 1983, 129, 1 - 33 Zinc deficiency in human subjects; Prasad AS; During the past two decades, the essentiality of zinc for man has been established . Deficiency of zinc in man due to nutritional factors and several diseased states has been recognized . High phytate content of cereal proteins decreases availability of zinc; thus the prevalence of zinc deficiency is likely to be high in a population subsisting mainly on cereal proteins . Alcoholism is known to cause hyperzincuria and thus may play a role in producing zinc deficiency in man . Malabsorption, cirrhosis of the liver, chronic renal disease and other chronically debilitating diseases may similarly induce zinc deficiency in human subjects . A severe deficiency of zinc has recently been recognized to occur in patients with sickle cell anemia and a beneficial effect of zinc therapy in such patients has been reported . Growth retardation, male hypogonadism, skin changes, poor appetite, mental lethargy and delayed wound healing are some of the manifestations of chronically zinc-deficient human subjects . Taste abnormalities, correctable with zinc supplementation, have been observed in uremic subjects . Recently, abnormal dark adaptation related to zinc deficiency in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and sickle cell disease has been reported . In severely zinc-deficient patients, dermatological manifestations, diarrhea, alopecia, mental disturbances and intercurrent infections predominate and if untreated the condition becomes fatal . Zinc deficiency is known to affect testicular functions adversely in man and animals . This effect of zinc is at the end organ level and it appears that zinc is essential for spermatogenesis and testosterone steroidogenesis . Zinc is involved in many biochemical functions . Several zinc metalloenzymes have been recognized in the past decade . Zinc is required for each step of cell cycle in microorganisms and is essential for DNA synthesis . Thymidine kinase, RNA polymerase, DNA-polymerase from various sources and RNA-dependent DNA polymerase from viruses have been shown to be zinc-dependent enzymes . Zinc also regulates the activity of RNase; thus the catabolism of RNA appears to be zinc-dependent . The effect of zinc on protein synthesis may be attributable to its vital role in nucleic acid metabolism . The activities of many zinc-dependent enzymes have been shown to be affected adversely in zinc-deficient tissues . Three enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, carboxypeptidase and thymidine kinase, appear to be most sensitive to zinc restriction in that their activities are affected adversely within three to six days of institution of a zinc-deficient diet to experimental animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1983, 28(5), 439 - 40 Device for safe manipulation of microorganisms with unknown properties; Ricicova A; A simple adaptation of common laboratory pipettes and injection syringes for safe manipulation with samples of cultivation liquid is described. Adv Immunol, 1983, 34, 141 - 212 Acute phase proteins with special reference to C-reactive protein and related proteins (pentaxins) and serum amyloid A protein; Pepys MB et al.; The acute phase response among plasma proteins is a normal response to tissue injury and is therefore a fundamental aspect of many diverse disease processes . It probably usually has a beneficial net function in limiting damage and promoting repair but in some circumstances it may have pathological consequences . Sustained high levels of acute phase proteins and especially SAA are associated with the development of amyloidosis in some individuals . Increased concentrations of CRP may, by activating the complement system, contribute to inflammation and enhance tissue damage . Failure of the normal or appropriate CRP response may also possibly have deleterious effects . SAA is a polymorphic protein which is normally present only in trace amounts but which, during the acute phase response, becomes one of the major apolipoproteins associated with high-density lipoprotein particles . The function of apoSAA is not known but it must have considerable physiological significance apart from its role as the putative precursor of amyloid A protein fibrils . CRP and SAP have been very stably conserved throughout vertebrate evolution and homologous proteins are apparently present even in vertebrates . This strongly suggests that they have important functions although these have not yet been precisely delineated . The main role of CRP may be to provide for enhanced clearance of inappropriate materials from the plasma whether these are of extrinsic origin, such as microorganisms and their products, or the autologous products of cell damage and death . The interaction between aggregated CRP and plasma low-density lipoprotein may play a significant part in the normal function of CRP and may also have a role in lipoprotein metabolism, clearance, and deposition . SAP is a normal tissue protein as well as being a plasma protein . Aggregated SAP selectively binds fibronectin and this may represent an aspect of the normal function of SAP . The deposition of SAP in amyloid is evidently not a normal function but it is not known whether this deposition is involved in the pathogenesis of amyloid or whether it is merely an epiphenomenon . In any case immunohistochemical staining for SAP is useful in the diagnosis of amyloid, in investigation of glomerulonephritis, and in studying disorders of elastic tissue . Regardless of its physiological or pathophysiological functions, the assay of serum CRP is a valuable aid to clinical management in a number of different situations and in different diseases provided results are interpreted in the light of full clinical information.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Scan Electron Microsc, 1983, (Pt 1), 279 - 92 Application of scanning electron microscopy to the study of microorganisms in gastrointestinal pathobiology; Guentzel MN; This review describes the application of SEM to the study of microorganisms in gastrointestinal (GI) pathobiology . SEM has proven to be a highly useful tool with a variety of applications in the biological and medical sciences . Examples in this paper are focused on the use of secondary electron imaging to study selected bacterial (cholera), fungal (candidosis), and protozoan (giardiasis) diseases in the GI tract of murine (mouse and rat) experimental models . The successful application of SEM to studies of microorganisms in GI pathobiology requires strict attention to optimal preparative techniques, to selection of the appropriate method and microenvironment(s) for study, and to awareness of the indigenous microorganisms characteristic of the system studied. Z Lebensm Unters Forsch, 1983, 177(1), 11 - 4 {Rapid method for indirect determination of total microbial count in perishable foods}; Hennlich W et al.; A method is presented for the determination in one hour of aerobic microorganisms (Total Plate Count) in food in the range between 10(4) and 10(7) bacteria per ml resp . g . This method was developed mainly for rapid microbial analysis of perishable foodstuffs . The method operates by polarographic measurement of oxygen consumption in a tight cell, filled with the liquid product to be evaluated . The correlations between microbial counts and oxygen consumption rates are shown for samples of pasteurized milk and semi-liquid egg. Hum Genet, 1983, 64(3), 207 - 15 Chronic granulomatous disease, a heterogeneous syndrome; Hitzig WH et al.; Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a clinical syndrome, the unifying characteristics of which are a severe predisposition to bacterial and fungal infections, an impaired ability of phagocytic leukocytes to kill certain microorganisms and the failure of these cells to produce microbicidal oxygen metabolites . In CGD the causal biochemical defect and the mechanism of genetic transmission vary from family to family . At least six different molecular defects have been found to underly the X-linked and at least three other the autosomal recessive form of CGD . Diagnosis of carriers is possible in most instances, and prenatal diagnosis by fetoscopic placental vessel puncture has become feasible. Z Allg Mikrobiol, 1983, 23(1), 37 - 70 {Microbial utilization of mixed substrates}; Weide H; Decomposition of substrates by heterotrophic microorganisms is accomplished in natural biotopes such as in soil and in waters, on or in macroorganisms but also in laboratory and industrial biotopes . The interest of man in these processes is manifold . Starting with the division of substrates into three groups of simple substrates, complex and mixed substrates with or without solid particles their qualitative and quantitative occurrence in nature and their significance in biotechnology will be discussed . In the decomposition of these substrates their utilization by pure cultures or mixed populations is to be exactly distinguished . Simple growth curves, di- or polyauxy, sequences of decomposition of simple substrates of a mixed substrate, population changes and successions are only some of the phenomena occurring in this process . The pathways of catabolism are subjected to manifold regulations on the three levels of stoichiometric regulation, the regulation of enzyme activity and the regulation of enzyme synthesis . In natural biotopes there is hardly a constant substrate supply over a longer period . That's why certain mechanisms of regulation are permanently acting . Thus the "normal" physiological state for microorganisms is characterized by permanent transition situations--called "transients" . These reactions are also applied to many biotechnological processes. Nauchnye Doki Vyss Shkoly Biol Nauki, 1983, (4), 93 - 105 {Factors affecting the viability and properties of microorganisms in different preservation methods}; Arkad'eva ZA; The review of literature devoted to the influence of the different methods of longterm preservation on the survival, physiological and biochemical properties of microorganisms: at low and ultralow temperatures, freeze-drying, drying, storage under the mineral oil etc . is given . The microorganisms viability depends on their nature, age and density of population, storage and recovery conditions of cells . Some features of the industrial microorganisms storage have been marked . The different hypotheses concerning the mechanism of preservation, injury and reactivation of microorganisms under the action of external factors during their storage are being discussed. Scand J Infect Dis, 1983, 15(1), 115 - 8 Oral bacterial flora and secretory IgA in small children after repeated courses of antibiotics; Ostergaard PA; 23 small children with recurrent respiratory tract infections, who were found to have low saliva IgA levels but normal serum Ig levels, were divided into two groups: group 1 (12 patients) in whom antibiotics were stopped for a period of 18 months, and group 2 (11 patients) who received antibiotics when necessary for an equal period of time . Parents of group 1 children were instructed to bring their children to our department on signs of respiratory tract infections with fever, whereas group 2 children were treated by their general practitioner . At the termination of the study, contrary to group 2 children, most group 1 children had developed normal saliva IgA levels, carried few potentially pathogenic bacteria in their throats, and had received considerably fewer courses of antibiotics . The question is raised, whether repeated antibiotic therapy in small children favours the colonization of pathogenic bacteria on mucosal surfaces, and, whether proteases, synthesized by these microorganisms may be able to cleave IgA in secretions. Mikrobiologiia, 1983 Jan-Feb, 52(1), 22 - 6 {Transformation of p-nitrochlorobenzene by Escherichia coli}; Gvozdiak PI et al.; Microorganisms that have not been adapted to p-nitrochlorobenzene (p-NCB) are capable of transforming this compound . Washed cell of Escherichia coli, the resting culture and the homogenate of disintegrated cells transform p-NCB into p-chloroaniline (p-CA) . The growing culture of E . coli (Eh = -210 mV) reduces the nitro group of p-NCB . If E . coli cells are separated from the cultural broth under strictly anaerobic conditions, the redox potential rises abruptly (Eh = -110 mV); the filtrate does not transform p-NCB into p-Ca . The rate at which E . coli reduces the nitro group of p-NCB depends on the redox potential of the medium . It is likely that any microorganism is capable of reducing p-NCB at a low value of the redox potential. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1983 Jan, (1), 57 - 9 {Electron microscopic study of microorganisms grown on nutrient media with a nonnutrient raw material base}; Reshilov LN et al.; A comparative electron-microscopic study of Sh . flexneri 8512, Str . Dick Ia and Cor . pseudodiphthericum test strains, grown in experimental culture media prepared from inedible raw materials and in currently used culture media based on fish and meat, has been carried out . The ultrastructure of the test strains grown in culture media prepared from inedible raw materials has been shown to remain unchanged. Can J Microbiol, 1983 Jan, 29(1), 27 - 32 Detection of Gardnerella vaginalis on vaginal smears by immunofluorescence; Cano RJ et al.; An indirect fluorescence antibody (IFA) test was developed for the detection of Gardnerella vaginalis . Antisera were prepared in rabbits by using five strains of G . vaginalis . A pool of the antisera was tested for specificity with a variety of isolates known to colonize the human vagina and (or) morphologically resemble G . vaginalis . Six heterologous bacterial isolates reacted with the pooled antiserum at dilutions of 1:10, but none reacted at the working dilution of 1:200 . Vaginal swab specimens were collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in order to further evaluate the IFA procedure . The presence of G . vaginalis in the specimens was determined both by culture and by the IFA procedure . Absorbed antisera reacted with all isolates of G . vaginalis tested . In a clinical trial the IFA procedure detected the presence of G . vaginalis in smears from 23 (24.2%) of the patients with nonspecific vaginitis (NSV), from 22 (29.8%) of the asymptomatic individuals tested, and from 3 patients with vaginitis other than NSV . The presence of G . vaginalis in smears as detected by the IFA procedure was confirmed by cultures in all cases using Vaginalis agar supplemented with colistin and nalidixic acid (V-CNA) . It is suggested that the IFA procedure may be of use in conjunction with V-CNA in epidemiological studies of the carriage and transmission of G . vaginalis in human populations . It appears that the IFA procedure, at least in our hands, is a useful test for the rapid detection of G . vaginalis even when this microorganism is not the predominant colonizer of the human vagina. Int J Biomed Comput, 1983 Jan, 14(1), 17 - 22 Numerical identification of microorganisms using the HP-41C calculator; Schindler Z et al.; A program is described, which implements the algorithm of numerical identification of bacteria based on Bayes' theorem . The hand-held calculator HP-41C enables one to handle identification matrices containing more than 600 elements, which are packed in groups of five into one storage register . A part of the available storage is reserved for alpha-numeric designation of tests and species . Databases for different bacterial groups are stored on magnetic cards . Computation time does not exceed 400 s. Am J Pathol, 1983 Jan, 110(1), 13 - 29 Kinetics of acute inflammation induced by Escherichia coli in rabbits . II . The effect of hyperimmunization, complement depletion, and depletion of leukocytes; Kopaniak MM et al.; The inflammatory response to Escherichia coli was quantitated in the skin of normal rabbits and the kinetics established as described previously . Hyperemia, measured with radiolabeled microspheres; vascular permeability, estimated with 125 I-albumin; and leukocyte infiltration, quantitated with 51Cr-labeled autologous leukocytes, reached maximal values 3 hours after the injection of bacteria and subsided almost completely by 6 hours . Hemorrhage, measured with homologous 59Fe-erythrocytes, continued to increase between 1 and 6 hours after injection and then reached plateau levels . The lesions were studied up to 8 hours, since in the previous study no changes were observed beyond that time . In the study described in this paper, the host mediation systems were manipulated in various groups of rabbits in order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the development of the inflammatory reaction . One group of animals was hyperimmunized with the E coli organisms, another was partially depleted of hemolytic complement with cobra venom factor, and yet another was rendered leukopenic with nitrogen mustard . In hyperimmunized animals hyperemia in the dermal lesions induced by the microorganisms was significantly more intense than in normal rabbits . Vascular permeability increase occurred earlier in hyperimmunized rabbits and at 1 hour was significantly greater than in normals . Decomplemented rabbits had significantly less vascular permeability than normal animals, whereas in leukopenic rabbits no increase in vascular permeability could be elicited . Leukocyte accumulation was increased over the normal animals in the lesions of hyperimmunized rabbits . Hemorrhage was significantly decreased in leukopenic rabbits . Histologic examination of the lesions revealed that whereas in normal animals the infiltrating neutrophils ingested most of the bacteria and formed definite abscesses by 6-8 hours, these abscesses were absent in leukopenic animals, and free-lying bacteria were demonstrable in lesions . Histologically more neutrophils were present in the hyperimmunized than in the normal rabbits, but this difference was striking when normal animals were compared with leukopenic animals, in some of which only very occasional small accumulations of neutrophils were present. Acta Derm Venereol, 1983, 63(5), 388 - 92 Growth and filament production of Pityrosporum orbiculare and P . ovale on human stratum corneum in vitro; Faergemann J et al.; When Pityrosporum orbiculare and P . ovale were incubated with stratum corneum epithelial cells, suspended in phosphate-buffered saline for 90 min at 37 degrees C, short filaments were produced in 11-17.5% of the yeast cells . A successful culture of P . orbiculare and P . ovale on human stratum corneum in vitro is described . When the stratum corneum pieces were incubated for 5 days in an environment with 7% CO2, a picture resembling that seen microscopically in tinea versicolor was observed . Filaments were produced in 39-48% of P . orbiculare and P . ovale cells; the longest pseudohyphae, 40-60 microns, were produced by P . ovale . This culture method provides the possibility of studying the parasitic mycelium form of P . orbiculare and P . ovale in vitro . The influence of antimycotics, other drugs, and interaction with other microorganisms can be studied. Acta Microbiol Pol, 1983, 32(2), 177 - 83 Cyanuric acid--a s-triazine derivative as a nitrogen source for some soil microorganisms; Myskow W et al.; Cyanuric acid was not toxic for soil microorganisms examined and was even observed to stimulate the growth of Azotobacter in chernozem . Some isolated fungi were capable of cleaving the ring of cyanuric acid . With the use of 15N-labeled cyanuric acid it was found that the nitrogen taken from this compound by Aspergillus minutus and Pseudogymnoascus sp . was incorporated into their proteins . About 70-90% of 15N derived from cyanuric acid was detected in the biomass of the examined fungi . The ability of soil microorganisms to cleave the triazine ring is of importance in the detoxication of soils treated with triazine herbicides. Cytogenet Cell Genet, 1983, 36(3), 584 - 5 Elimination of mycoplasma contamination from mammalian cell cultures by the bibenzimidazole derivative Hoechst 33258; Hellkuhl B et al.; Cell cultures contaminated with mycoplasma or bacterial L-forms were treated with 8 micrograms/ml of Hoechst 33258 . No microorganisms could be detected by fluorescence microscopy after two rounds of treatment. Acta Derm Venereol, 1983, 63(2), 160 - 2 Effect of betamethasone valerate on the normal human facial skin flora; Daltrey DC et al.; Eighteen volunteers were randomly divided into two groups and allocated either an active corticosteroid preparation (Betamethasone valerate) or the basal formulation only (placebo) . The cream was applied to the face twice daily for one month . The treated area was sampled by the scrub-wash method immediately before treatment began and after 2 and 4 weeks, and microorganisms were enumerated and identified . Application of either cream produced a very slight increase (less than or equal to 0.5 log cycle) in the skin flora during the first 2 weeks of treatment . There were no significant differences in the changes occurring between volunteers treated with placebo and those on the steroid formulation . The results are discussed in relation to theories of pathogenesis of perioral dermatitis and steroid acne. Int J Zoonoses, 1982 Dec, 9(2), 126 - 31 Prophylactic effect of tea on pathogenic microorganism infections to humans and animals . (II) . Protozoacidal effect on Toxoplasma gondii in vitro and mice; Ryu E; The trophozoites of Toxoplasma gondii strain (RH) obtained from the peritoneal exudate of infected mice were treated with tea in various concentrations of 0.5, 1, 3 and 5% for 0.5, 1 and 3 hours, respectively . After treatment, they were intraperitoneally inoculated into the mice to observe the protozoacidal effect of tea . The results obtained are as follows: 1) Oolong tea and green tea had stronger protozoacidal effect than black tea . 2) The lowest and effective concentration of tea tested to kill Toxoplasma was 0.5% . 3) A half hour was not enough for tea in any concentration tested to kill the parasites completely . 4) Phosphate buffer solution and normal saline were unable to destroy the protozoa, but distilled water could destroy them like tea. J Microsc, 1982 Dec, 128(PT 3), 307 - 12 The preservation of mucus and surface-associated microorganisms using acrolein vapour fixation; Garland CD et al.; Three fixation schedules were devised and compared in terms of their influence on the preservation of mucus and surface-associated microorganisms contained within it . Different mucus-secreting epithelial tissues from normal and spoiled oysters and normal rats were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy . On all tissues, mucus was best preserved in specimens fixed by 10% acrolein vapour for 1 h then immersed in 3% glutaraldehyde--3% formaldehyde fixative containing 0.05% ruthenium red, cacodylate buffer pH 7.4, for at least 3 h . This fixation schedule also greatly increased the preservation of microorganisms in mucus in specimens from spoiled oysters and normal rats . In contrast, the retention of mucus and surface-associated microorganisms was poor in tissues fixed either by 1% OsO4 vapour for 1 h followed by immersion in combined aldehyde fixative, or by direct immersion . The quality of preservation of the mucus layer, epithelium and sub-epithelium was also noted by transmission electron microscopy in tissues prepared by the different fixation schedules . Cellular preservation was satisfactory in directly immersed tissues but poor in vapour fixed specimens. Infect Immun, 1982 Dec, 38(3), 938 - 47 Regulatory effect of monocytes on T cell proliferative responses to oral microbial antigens; Stashenko P; Mononuclear cell preparations isolated by Ficoll-Hypaque centrifugation from human peripheral blood were found to vary considerably in the number of monocytes they contained (mean, 20.3%; range, 13 to 33%) . The regulatory role of monocytes in T cell proliferative responses to sonic extracts of a panel of oral microorganisms was therefore investigated . T cells were fractionated by anti-immunoglobulin chromatography and depleted of monocytes by treatment with a monoclonal anti-human Ia-like (DR locus antigen) antibody and complement . Purified populations of monocytes were obtained by extensive adherence procedures . The resultant cell populations were greater than 95% pure, as judged by indirect immunofluorescence on a fluorescence-activated cell sorter . Monocyte-depleted T cells failed to respond by proliferation to the nonoral antigen tetanus toxoid, as well as to any oral microorganism, but retained responsiveness to phytohemagglutinin . Readdition of monocytes in final concentrations of from 5 to 15% resulted in the restoration of maximal T cell proliferation . Monocytes in greater numbers suppressed T cell responses to all sonic extracts tested. Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis, 1982 Dec, 50(4), 415 - 24 Immunotherapy with a mixture of Mycobacterium leprae and BCG in different forms of leprosy and in Mitsuda-negative contacts; Convit J et al.; A total of 529 weak or non-reactors to M . leprae, including Mitsuda-negative contacts and patients with leprosy, were vaccinated once or repeatedly, as necessary, with a mixture of 6 x 10(8) purified, heat-killed M . leprae and 0.01 mg to 0.2 mg of viable BCG . Clinical, histopathological and immunological criteria were used to evaluate the response of these individuals . Clinical changes, including sharper definition of borders and progressive flattening and regression of lesions, were observed in 57% of the active LL cases and 76% of the active BL cases . Histopathological study revealed infiltration of the lesions by mononuclear cells, appearance of epithelioid differentiation, and fragmentation of the microorganisms . Delayed-type skin tests with soluble antigen from purified M . leprae became positive in significant numbers of each group studied . These results demonstrate the efficacy of combined immunotherapy in low-resistance forms of leprosy and potential utility in the immunoprophylaxis of the disease. Exp Lung Res, 1982 Dec, 4(1), 47 - 66 Experimental bacterial pneumonia in rabbits: polymorphonuclear leukocyte margination and sequestration in rabbit lungs and quantitation and kinetics of 51Cr-labeled polymorphonuclear leukocytes in E . coli-induced lung lesions; Cybulsky MI et al.; A relationship between the circulating and marginal polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) pools was documented using 51Cr-labeled leukocytes as a marker . 51Cr-leukocytes marginating in the lungs were found to decrease following a first-order exponential decline, while 51Cr radioactivity accumulated in the liver and the spleen . Intravenously administered endotoxin caused a rapid selective disappearance of PMNs from the circulation . The percentage of infused 51Cr cells disappearing was equal to the percentage of disappearance of host cells . The PMNs were found to sequester in the lungs, with peak sequestration of labeled cells occurring 5 min after an endotoxin challenge . Over the next 25 min the 51Cr radioactivity in the lungs declined . Large numbers of PMNs, probably newly derived from the bone marrow, were observed histologically to be sequestered in the lung vasculature 90 min after an endotoxin dose, while the early sequestration of circulating leukocytes could not be assessed histologically . Pulmonary inflammatory lesions were induced selectively with Escherichia coli in the left lower lobes of rabbits, leaving the right lower lobes as intrinsic controls . PMN-accumulation into the lesions was quantitated using 51Cr-labeled blood leukocytes . With the aid of 125I-labeled E . coli, a logarithmic dose-response relationship was found between the number of E . coli and of PMNs . Over a 6-hr period circulating PMNs were found to accumulate in a lesion in the left lower lobe, whereas in the control right lower lobe, leukocyte radioactivity declined . These findings were confirmed with the aid of lavages of the right and left lungs . Two peaks of PMN-accumulation were found by studying leukocyte kinetics: a larger peak between 0 and 6 hr and a smaller peak 18-24 hr after instillation of the microorganisms . Histologic studies confirmed the accumulation of leukocytes, and by 3 weeks showed a complete resolution of the lesions. Infect Immun, 1982 Dec, 38(3), 914 - 20 Adoptive transfer of immunity to Nocardia asteroides in nude mice; Deem RL et al.; Nude mice on a BALB/c background were adoptively transferred with unprimed spleen cells, Nocardia-primed spleen cells, or Nocardia-primed splenic T lymphocytes from syngeneic, heterozygous (nu/+) littermates . Two days later, these recipient mice and unmanipulated (control) nude mice were infected intravenously with a 50% lethal dose of Nocardia asteroides GUH-2 from an early stationary-phase culture . Antibody titers, spleen weights, percent mortality, and organ clearance of the microorganisms were measured at 3 h to 28 days after infection . Adoptively transferred nude mice had larger spleens and greater titers of anti-nocardial antibody 7 to 28 days after infection as compared with control nude mice . Adoptive transfer with either primed spleen cells or primed splenic T lymphocytes enhanced both the survival of recipient nude mice and their ability to eliminate N . asteroides from the liver and spleen . These data indicate that adoptive immunity to infection with N . asteroides can be transferred with either specifically primed spleen cells or splenic T lymphocytes . Thus, it appears that cell-mediated immunity and T lymphocytes are of uppermost importance in host resistance to nocardial infection. Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1982 Dec, 94(12), 104 - 7 {Electron microscopic study of parchment}; Rebrikova NL et al.; A study was made of ultrastructure of parchments dating back as far as the XI-XIX centuries (of different degree of preservation) comparatively to parchment manufactured today . It was shown that parchment consists of densely packed bundles of collagenous fibrils with characteristic periods and subperiods . Fibrils are bound with amorphous interfibrillar (apparently protein) material also containing ruteniophilic compounds . In visually changed parchment samples, there were two types of alterations: formation of cracks between the bundles of fibrils and disintegration of fibrils as a result of vital activity of microorganisms . Formation of the cracks appears to favour the penetration of microorganisms into the thickness of parchment thereby contributing to its destruction. J Clin Microbiol, 1982 Dec, 16(6), 1052 - 6 Concentrated gram stain smears prepared with a cytospin centrifuge; Shanholtzer CJ et al.; A Cytospin slide centrifuge was used to concentrate 0.05- to 0.5-ml samples of cerebrospinal and other body fluids for Gram stain . Trials with cerebrospinal fluid containing known numbers of microorganisms indicated that the Cytospin increased the sensitivity of cerebrospinal fluid Gram stains by up to 2 logs compared with unconcentrated and conventional centrifuge smears . Cytospin-concentrated smears were prospectively compared with unconcentrated Gram-stained smears and bacteriological culture results for 80 clinical body fluid specimens . Bacteria were seen in unconcentrated smears of 9 of the 16 (56%) fluids which were infected, whereas Cytospin smears of 12 of the 16 (75%) showed bacteria . Cytospin smears revealed more bacteria and demonstrated better leukocyte morphology than did unconcentrated or conventionally centrifuged samples of small volumes of infected body fluids, allowing early diagnosis of infection. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1982 Nov 15, 181(10), 1037 - 42 Role of macrophages in the expression of immune responses; Kende M; Cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system have a crucial role as affector and effector cells in the body's defense against foreign cells and microorganisms . Macrophages function as the first line of defense via phagocytosis or opsonic phagocytosis as early as the promonocytic stage of their development . Macrophages act as affector cells via antigen presentation to lymphocytes, and they participate in the activation of T and B lymphocytes through the secretion of lymphostimulatory substances (monokines) . In the cycle of reciprocal interactions, macrophages are themselves being activated via the secretory products of the lymphocytes--the lymphokines . Activated macrophages are endowed with effector functions exerted by their tumoricidal, microbicidal, and suppressor activities . Undoubtedly, additional research will enhance the importance and application of this unique cell type with multiple functions. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd, 1982 Nov, 130(11), 849 - 51 {Severe course of a hemolytic-uremic syndrome}; Leichter H et al.; After an upper respiratory tract infection an eight months old infant developed a severe hemolytic uremic syndrome with anemia, thrombocytopenia and anuria . Remarkable was a lesion of the erythrocytes by neuraminidase producing microorganisms . By early hemodialysis, blood transfusions and accurate fluid therapy the acute stage could be managed . The proceeding course was complicated by hypertension, seizures, coma, abdominal pain attacks and a fibrinous hemorrhagic pericarditis, which made an incomplete pericardectomy necessary . Although it came again to diuresis a severe chronic renal failure with its concluding effects as anemia, acidosis, hypertension and inanition resulted . After a four months period the patient died of biventricular congestive heart failure. Mikrobiologiia, 1982 Nov-Dec, 51(6), 905 - 9 {Dynamics of the accumulation and retention of volatile organic substances released by bacteria}; Kovrov BG et al.; The object of this work was to study the production of volatile biologically active compounds by microorganisms and their accumulation in the medium in the course of several days . The inhibiting action of the accumulated volatile metabolites was found to depend on the time within which the culture was incubated and on the sensitivity of the test organism . The activity of the accumulated metabolites was shown to decrease with the time of storage . Several volatile compounds were found among the metabolites. J Clin Microbiol, 1982 Nov, 16(5), 962 - 4 Gas-liquid chromatography technique for detection of hippurate hydrolysis and conversion of fumarate to succinate by microorganisms; Kodaka H et al.; A gas-liquid chromatography technique which allows simultaneous detection of hippuric acid (N-benzoylglycine) hydrolysis and conversion of fumaric acid to succinic acid by microorganisms uses a new medium, hippurate-formate-fumarate broth, and a gas chromatograph equipped with a thermal conductivity detector . This technique gave more reproducible results than other tests used in the study for detecting hippurate hydrolysis and also gave consistent results in detecting succinic acid produced from utilization of fumaric acid. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol, 1982 Nov-Dec, 91(6 Pt 1), 612 - 4 Scanning electron microscopic examination of nonbeating cilia; Dudley JP et al.; When cilia stop beating, their role in moving mucus ceases, but it is uncertain if nonmotile cilia preserve their external architecture and are thus capable of maintaining an additional role of retarding microbial access to the cell . Cilia of chicken embryo tracheal organ cultures were observed until their activity stopped . When examined with scanning electron microscopy, ciliary axonemes did not appear to differ significantly from normally functioning cilia when observed at lower magnifications . Since their density can remain essentially unchanged, nonbeating cilia may still have a role in protecting respiratory membrane from toxic microorganisms. Crit Care Med, 1982 Nov, 10(11), 736 - 9 Catheter colonization and bacteremia with pulmonary and arterial catheters; Singh S et al.; We prospectively studied the incidence of catheter-related sepsis in 51 critically ill patients who underwent 52 arterial and 37 pulmonary artery catheterizations over a period of 3 months . Daily cultures of blood and catheter insertion site were done and the catheters were cultured semiquantitatively at the time of removal . Catheter colonization defined as growth of 15 or more colonies was observed with 9 (10%) catheters and bacteremia with 4 (4.5%) catheters . The skin cultures were positive in 56% of the colonized catheters compared with 11% of sterile catheters (p less than 0.01) . The mean duration of catheterization of 3.8 days in colonized catheters was not different than 3.3 days in noncolonized catheters . Presence of concurrent infection and use of antibiotic did not change the rate of catheter colonization . Often, microorganisms other than those colonizing the catheter were recovered from blood . Femoral arterial catheterization appeared to be more often associated with colonization than radial catheters . It appears that the arterial and pulmonary artery catheter colonization occurs in about 10% of catheters and predisposes to catheter-related sepsis . Semiquantitative cultures of the catheter may aid in better documentation of catheter-induced sepsis. Ann Emerg Med, 1982 Nov, 11(11), 626 - 9 Injection of household spray insecticide; Goldberg LH et al.; During a three-week period, two patients who had attempted suicide by injecting themselves with commercially available household spray insecticides were seen in our emergency department . Both presented with cellulitis at and adjacent to the injection sites, and both were admitted for intravenous antibiotics, warm soaks, and elevation . In both patients abscesses subsequently developed in the areas of cellulitis . It is not clear whether the pathologic processes in these two patients were primarily due to inoculation of microorganisms or to the effects of the insecticide per se. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1982 Nov-Dec, 18(6), 778 - 91 {Current problems of animal amino acid and vitamin nutrition}; Val'dman AR et al.; Biochemical functions of certain amino acids and their role in improving fodder protein are described . Different aspects of biological significance of proteins and methods of its increase are discussed . It is indicated that concentrates prepared from green plants and starch- and cellulose-containing materials proteinized under the action of microorganisms can be used as an additional source of fodder protein . It is demonstrated that lysine and tryptophane concentrates can be effectively applied to raise the nutrient properties of fodder protein . The data are presented concerning the relations between protein and vitamin nutrition, as well as vitamin absorption and transport depending on the acceptor and receptor proteins of blood and tissues. Mikrobiologiia, 1982 Nov-Dec, 51(6), 1002 - 5 {Determination of the carbamate kinase activity of bacteria}; Khramov VA; The activity of carbamate kinase (EC 2.5.2.2) was determined in bacteria using a simple modified procedure . Carbamoyl phosphate produced under the action of carbamate kinase carbamoylated ammonia in a reaction which was not enzyme-catalyzed yielding urea that was assayed by the colorimetric technique . The activity of carbamate kinase was found by this method in a number of microorganisms . The method can be used to study other enzymes synthesizing carbamoyl phosphate . The advantages of the method over other techniques are discussed. Rev Infect Dis, 1982 Nov-Dec, 4 Suppl, S546 - 54 Effects of moxalactam on blood coagulation and platelet function; Bang NU et al.; Bleeding complications have occasionally been reported in clinical trials of moxalactam therapy for debilitated and/or malnourished patients . Complications that occur secondary to hypothrombinemia are readily corrected by administration of 5-10 mg of vitamin K . In a few instances, the bleeding complications occurred secondary to suppression of platelet function . The present studies aim at clarifying the mechanisms by which bleeding problems attributable to moxalactam and other beta-lactam antibiotics occur . Moxalactam in vitro did not inhibit blood coagulation or platelet aggregation at concentrations of 700 micrograms of moxalactam/ml . When administered to five normal m