Hepatogastroenterology, 2003 Jul-Aug, 50(52), 1133 - 5 Treatment of portal vein septic thrombosis by infusion of antibiotics and an antifungal agent into portal vein and superior mesenteric artery: a case report; Takahashi H et al.; A 44-year-old man was hospitalized because of right-sided abdominal pain and fever . On admission, he presented spike fever, jaundice, and renal failure . Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography showed extensive thrombus in the portal vein . Anaerobic bacteria were identified in arterial and portal blood cultures . Based on these findings, septic thrombosis of the portal vein was diagnosed . Intraportal infusion of antibiotics, urokinase and an antifungal agent, followed by infusion of antimicrobials, urokinase, and heparin into the superior mesenteric artery resulted in marked improvement of symptoms and signs . Diverticulitis of the ascending colon was later found to be the underlying disease . In the follow-up, there were no signs of recurrent disease. J Biol Chem, 2003 Sep 5, 278(36), 34582 - 6 Epub 2003 Jul 03. The crystal structure of the Escherichia coli YfdW gene product reveals a new fold of two interlaced rings identifying a wide family of CoA transferases; Gruez A et al.; Because of its toxicity, oxalate accumulation from amino acid catabolism leads to acute disorders in mammals . Gut microflora are therefore pivotal in maintaining a safe intestinal oxalate balance through oxalate degradation . Oxalate catabolism was first identified in Oxalobacter formigenes, a specialized, strictly anaerobic bacterium . Oxalate degradation was found to be performed successively by two enzymes, a formyl-CoA transferase (frc) and an oxalate decarboxylase (oxc) . These two genes are present in several bacterial genomes including that of Escherichia coli . The frc ortholog in E . coli is yfdW, with which it shares 61% sequence identity . We have expressed the YfdW open reading frame product and solved its crystal structure in the apo-form and in complex with acetyl-CoA and with a mixture of acetyl-CoA and oxalate . YfdW exhibits a novel and spectacular fold in which two monomers assemble as interlaced rings, defining the CoA binding site at their interface . From the structure of the complex with acetyl-CoA and oxalate, we propose a putative formyl/oxalate transfer mechanism involving the conserved catalytic residue Asp169 . The similarity of yfdW with bacterial orthologs (approximately 60% identity) and paralogs (approximately 20-30% identity) suggests that this new fold and parts of the CoA transfer mechanism are likely to be the hallmarks of a wide family of CoA transferases. Indian J Pediatr, 2003 May, 70(5), 395 - 400 Cefprozil: a review; Bhargava S et al.; Cefprozil is a novel third generation, broad-spectrum oral cephalosporin with activity against a spectrum of aerobic gram-negative and positive bacteria, as well as certain anaerobes . The beta-lactamase stability of cefprozil may exceed that of other oral cephalosporins for some important pathogens . Cefprozil may be a suitable alternative to several other commonly used beta-lactams and cephalosporins in the treatment of mild to moderate upper and lower respiratory tract infections including sinusitis, otitis media, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, secondary bacterial infection of acute bronchitis, and acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, and skin and skin structure infections in children . Available data indicate the safety of cefprozil in both pediatric and adult population. Nature, 2003 Jul 3, 424(6944), 62 - 5 Detoxification of vinyl chloride to ethene coupled to growth of an anaerobic bacterium; He J et al.; Tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) are ideal solvents for numerous applications, and their widespread use makes them prominent groundwater pollutants . Even more troubling, natural biotic and abiotic processes acting on these solvents lead to the accumulation of toxic intermediates (such as dichloroethenes) and carcinogenic intermediates (such as vinyl chloride) . Vinyl chloride was found in at least 496 of the 1,430 National Priorities List sites identified by the US Environmental Protection Agency, and its precursors PCE and TCE are present in at least 771 and 852 of these sites, respectively . Here we describe an unusual, strictly anaerobic bacterium that destroys dichloroethenes and vinyl chloride as part of its energy metabolism, generating environmentally benign products (biomass, ethene and inorganic chloride) . This organism might be useful for cleaning contaminated subsurface environments and restoring drinking-water reservoirs. Appl Environ Microbiol, 2003 Jul, 69(7), 3874 - 82 Isolation of tetracycline-resistant Megasphaera elsdenii strains with novel mosaic gene combinations of tet(O) and tet(W) from swine; Stanton TB et al.; Anaerobic bacteria insensitive to chlortetracycline (64 to 256 microg/ml) were isolated from cecal contents and cecal tissues of swine fed or not fed chlortetracycline . A nutritionally complex, rumen fluid-based medium was used for culturing the bacteria . Eight of 84 isolates from seven different animals were identified as Megasphaera elsdenii strains based on their large-coccus morphology, rapid growth on lactate, and 16S ribosomal DNA sequence similarities with M . elsdenii LC-1(T) . All eight strains had tetracycline MICs of between 128 and 256 microg/ml . Based on PCR assays differentiating 14 tet classes, the strains gave a positive reaction for the tet(O) gene . By contrast, three ruminant M . elsdenii strains recovered from 30-year-old culture stocks had tetracycline MICs of 4 microg/ml and did not contain tet genes . The tet genes of two tetracycline-resistant M . elsdenii strains were amplified and cloned . Both genes bestowed tetracycline resistance (MIC = 32 to 64 microg/ml) on recombinant Escherichia coli strains . Sequence analysis revealed that the M . elsdenii genes represent two different mosaic genes formed by interclass (double-crossover) recombination events involving tet(O) and tet(W) . One or the other genotype was present in each of the eight tetracycline-resistant M . elsdenii strains isolated in these studies . These findings suggest a role for commensal bacteria not only in the preservation and dissemination of antibiotic resistance in the intestinal tract but also in the evolution of resistance. Dent Update, 2003 May, 30(4), 205 - 10 Halitosis; Scully C et al.; Halitosis (oral malodour or breath odour) is a fairly common complaint . Halitosis is most often a consequence of oral bacterial activity, typically from anaerobes . Occasional causes include systemic disease, and some patients have a psychogenic background to the complaint . The management is outlined in this paper. Prim Care, 2003 Mar, 30(1), 25 - 39, v Microbiology and management of human and animal bite wound infections; Brook I; This article describes the microbiology, diagnosis, and management of human and animal bite wound infections . Various organisms can be recovered from bite wounds that generally result from aerobic and anaerobic microbial flora of the oral cavity of the biting animal, rather than the victim's own skin flora . The role of anaerobes in bite wound infections has been increasingly appreciated . Anaerobes were isolated from more than two thirds of human and animal bite wound infections, especially those associated with abscess formation . This article describes several of the organisms found in the bites of various species . In addition to local wound infection, other complications may occur, including lymphangitis, local abscess, septic arthritis, tenosynovitis, and osteomyelitis . Rare complications include endocarditis, meningitis, brain abscess, and sepsis with disseminated intravascular coagulation, especially in immunocompromised individuals . Wound management includes the administration of proper local care and the use of proper antimicrobial agents when needed. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2003 Nov, 63(1), 29 - 34 Epub 2003 Jun 18. Solid residues from Ruminococcus cellulose fermentations as components of wood adhesive formulations; Weimer PJ et al.; Residues from the fermentation of cellulose by the anaerobic bacteria Ruminococcus albus (strain 7) or Ruminococcus flavefaciens (strains FD-1 or B34b) containing residual cellulose, bacterial cells and their associated adhesins, were examined for their ability to serve as components of adhesives for plywood fabrication . The residues contained differing amounts of protein (0.4-4.2% of dry weight), but the ratios of monosaccharides recovered following two-stage treatment of the residue with detergent (pH 7) and TFA were similar for all three strains (0.71 glucose:0.18 xylose:0.08 mannose:0.02 galactose), suggesting similarities in exopolysaccharide composition . Three-ply aspen panels prepared with fermentation residues (FR) displayed better shear strength and wood failure under dry conditions than following a vacuum/pressure/soak/dry treatment, but adhesive properties were inferior to those prepared with conventional phenol-formaldehyde (PF) adhesives . However, panels prepared by incorporating the R . albus 7 FR into PF formulation, at 73% by weight of the total adhesive, exhibited shear strength and wood failure similar to that obtained with PF adhesive alone . Use of residues from fermentations by these bacteria as components of adhesives may add value to biomass fermentations aimed primarily at producing ethanol and other chemical products. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2003 May, 53(Pt 3), 669 - 73 Rhodoferax ferrireducens sp . nov., a psychrotolerant, facultatively anaerobic bacterium that oxidizes acetate with the reduction of Fe(III); Finneran KT et al.; To further investigate the diversity of micro-organisms capable of conserving energy to support growth from dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction, Fe(III)-reducing micro-organisms were enriched and isolated from subsurface sediments collected in Oyster Bay, VA, USA . A novel isolate, designated T118(T), was recovered in a medium with lactate as the sole electron donor and Fe(III) as the sole electron acceptor . Cells of T1 18(T) were Gram-negative, motile, short rods with a single polar flagellum . Strain T1 18(T) grew between pH 6.7 and 7.1, with a temperature range of 4-30 degrees C . The optimal growth temperature was 25 degrees C . Electron donors utilized by strain T1 18(T) with Fe(III) as the sole electron acceptor included acetate, lactate, malate, propionate, pyruvate, succinate and benzoate . None of the compounds tested was fermented . Electron acceptors utilized with either acetate or lactate as the electron donor included Fe(III)-NTA (nitrilotriacetic acid), Mn(IV) oxide, nitrate, fumarate and oxygen . Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that strain T1 18(T) is most closely related to the genus Rhodoferax . Unlike other species in this genus, strain T1 18(T) is not a phototroph and does not ferment fructose . However, phototrophic genes may be present but not expressed under the experimental conditions tested . No Rhodoferax species have been reported to grow via dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction . Based on these physiological and phylogenetic differences, strain T1 18(T) (=ATCC BAA-621(T) = DSM 15236(T)) is proposed as a novel species, Rhodoferax ferrireducens sp . nov. Biodegradation, 2003, 14(1), 57 - 64 Anaerobic biodegradation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors; Sanz JL et al.; The anaerobic biodegradation of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) was studied in Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactors (UASB) . One reactor was fed with easily degradable substrates and commercial LAS solution during a period of 3 months (Reactor 1), meanwhile a second reactor was fed with a commercial LAS solution without co-substrate (Reactor 2) during 4 months . Both reactors were operated with an organic loading rate of 4-5 mg-LAS/l x day and a hydraulic retention time of one day . The LAS biodegradation was determined by full mass balance . LAS was analysed by HPLC in the liquid phase (influent and effluent streams of the reactors) as well as in the solid phase (granular sludge used as biomass) . The results indicate a high level of removal (primary biodegradation: 64-85%) . Biodegradation was higher in the absence of external co-substrates than in the presence of additional sources of carbon . This indicates that the surfactant can be partially used as carbon and energy source by anaerobic bacteria . Under the operating conditions used, inhibition of the methanogenic activity or any other negative effects on the biomass due to the presence of LAS were not observed . The methanogenic activity remained high and stable throughout the experiment. FEMS Microbiol Lett, 2003 Jun 6, 223(1), 129 - 34 A novel electrochemically active and Fe(III)-reducing bacterium phylogenetically related to Aeromonas hydrophila, isolated from a microbial fuel cell; Pham CA et al.; A facultative anaerobic bacterium was isolated from a mediator-less microbial fuel cell fed with artificial wastewater containing acetate and designated as PA3 . The isolate was identified as a strain of Aeromonas hydrophila based on its biochemical, physiological and morphological characteristics as well as 16S rDNA sequence analysis and DNA-DNA hybridization . PA3 used glucose, glycerol, pyruvate and hydrogen to reduce Fe(III), nitrate and sulfate . Cyclic voltammetry showed that PA3 was electrochemically active and was the culture collection strain A . hydrophila KCTC 2358 . Electricity was generated from a fuel cell-type reactor, the anode compartment of which was inoculated with cell suspensions of the isolate or A . hydrophila KCTC 2358 . The electrochemical activities are novel characteristics of A . hydrophila. Eur J Clin Invest, 2003 Jun, 33(6), 518 - 24 Broad identification of bacterial type from pus by 1H MR spectroscopy; Garg M et al.; BACKGROUND: Abscess formation is a common bacterial infection and requires an immediate antimicrobial approach for apposite treatment . Delay in patient treatment is usually a common feature, as the bacterial identification of clinical samples is based on the culture, which is a time-consuming exercise . The current study was aimed at developing an alternative technique with the potential for rapid bacterial group identification . MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study we performed ex vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of 40 pus samples collected from abscesses in different locations and the results have been retrospectively compared with the microorganism identified in the pus culture . In addition, the microbes obtained from the culture have been further subcultured and studied with magnetic resonance spectroscopy to identify the bacterial fingerprint in the pus sample seen on spectroscopy . RESULTS: On reviewing the spectra obtained from the various abscesses, they were found to be qualitatively similar for a particular bacterium . The similar spectral pattern of the pus with obligate aerobes/anaerobes and pure cultures of the same bacteria suggests its strict metabolism under in vivo and in vitro conditions, respectively . CONCLUSIONS: The characteristic metabolite pattern of obligate anaerobes may be used as a prototype for its rapid identification . This information may be of value for more appropriate clinical management of such cases. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 2003, 83(2), 135 - 48 Promicromonospora pachnodae sp . nov., a member of the (hemi)cellulolytic hindgut flora of larvae of the scarab beetle Pachnoda marginata; Cazemier AE et al.; Intestinal microorganisms play an important role in plant fiber degradation by larvae of the rose chafer Pachnoda marginata . In the hindgut of the larvae 2.5 to 7.4 x 10(8) bacteria per ml of gut content with xylanase or endoglucanase activity were found . Bacteria in the midgut were not (hemi)cellulolytic, but the alkaline environment in this part of the intestinal tract functions as a precellulolytic phase, solubilizing part of the lignocellulosic material . Accordingly, the degradation of lignocellulose-rich material in Pachnoda marginata larvae appeared to be a combination of a physico-chemical and microbiological process . A number of different facultative anaerobic and strictly anaerobic bacteria with (hemi)cellulolytic activity were isolated from the hindgut . A dominant (hemi)cellulolytic species was a Gram positive, irregular shaped, facultative aerobic bacterium . Further physiological identification placed the isolate in the genus Promicromonospora . Comparative 16S rDNA analysis and phenotypic features revealed that the isolate represented a new species for which the name Promicromonospora pachnodae is proposed . P . pachnodae produced xylanases and endoglucanases on several plant derived polymers, both under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol, 1999 Sep, 12(3), 143 - 148 Invasion of human cultured cells by Prevotella nigrescens; Pantanella F et al.; Invasion of gingival and junctional epithelial cells has been recently proposed as a potentially relevant mechanism in the pathogenesis and recurrence of periodontal disease . The gram negative anaerobe Prevotella nigrescens was shown to be involved in the development of periodontal lesions in man, suggesting a possible involvement of invasivity as a mean to circumvent the host immune surveillance and other hostile factors . Appropriately designed invasion assays demonstrated that P . nigrescens efficiently invades human epithelial cells, through a mechanism whose efficiency is influenced by the phase of growth, by the multiplicity of infection, and by the cell line used, and that requires microfilament integrity, but is not affected by an impairment of microtubule organization . Intracellular replication assays suggested that P . nigrescens probably multiplies within Kb epithelial cells, causing extensive cell alterations . Invasion of gingival epithelial cells could consequently be a basic step in the virulence mechanism of the species. Microbiology, 2003 Jun, 149(Pt 6), 1513 - 22 Response of a strict anaerobe to oxygen: survival strategies in Desulfovibrio gigas; Fareleira P et al.; The biochemical response to oxygen of the strictly anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio gigas was studied with the goal of elucidating survival strategies in oxic environments . Cultures of D . gigas on medium containing lactate and sulfate were exposed to oxygen (concentration 5-120 micro M) . Growth was fully inhibited by oxygen, but the cultures resumed growth as soon as they were shifted back to anoxic conditions . Following 24 h exposure to oxygen the growth rate was as high as 70 % of the growth rates observed before oxygenation . Catalase levels and activity were enhanced by exposure to oxygen whereas superoxide-scavenging and glutathione reductase activities were not affected . The general pattern of cellular proteins as analysed by two-dimensional electrophoresis was altered in the presence of oxygen, the levels of approximately 12 % of the detected proteins being markedly increased . Among the induced proteins, a homologue of a 60 kDa eukaryotic heat-shock protein (Hsp60) was identified by immunoassay analysis . In the absence of external substrates, the steady-state levels of nucleoside triphosphates detected by in vivo (31)P-NMR under saturating concentrations of oxygen were 20 % higher than under anoxic conditions . The higher energy levels developed under oxygen correlated with a lower rate of substrate (glycogen) mobilization, but no experimental evidence for a contribution from oxidative phosphorylation was found . The hypothesis that oxygen interferes with ATP dissipation processes is discussed. Environ Sci Technol, 2003 May 1, 37(9), 1850 - 8 Inhibition of bacterial U(VI) reduction by calcium; Brooks SC et al.; The rapid kinetics of bacterial U(VI) reduction and low solubility of uraninite (UO2,cr) make this process an attractive option for removing uranium from groundwater . Nevertheless, conditions that may promote or inhibit U(VI) reduction are not well-defined . Recent descriptions of Ca-UO2-CO3 complexes indicate that these species may dominate the aqueous speciation of U(VI) in many environments . We monitored the bacterial reduction of U(VI) in bicarbonate-buffered solution in the presence and absence of Ca . XAFS measurements confirmed the presence of a Ca-U(VI)-C03 complex in the initial solutions containing calcium . Calcium, at millimolar concentrations (0.45-5 mM), caused a significant decrease in the rate and extent of bacterial U(VI) reduction . Both facultative (Shewanella putrefaciens strain CN32) and obligate (Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, Geobacter sulfurreducens) anaerobic bacteria were affected by the presence of calcium . Reduction of U(VI) ceased when the calculated system Eh reached -0.046 +/- 0.001 V, based on the Ca2UO2(CO3)3 --> UO2,cr couple . The results are consistent with the hypothesis that U is a less energetically favorable electron acceptor when the Ca-UO2-CO3 complexes are present . The results do not support Ca inhibition caused by direct interactions with the cells or with the electron donor as the reduction of fumarate or Tc(VII)O4- under identical conditions was unaffected by the presence of Ca. Extremophiles, 2003 Jun, 7(3), 213 - 20 Epub 2003 Feb 19. Anoxynatronum sibiricum gen.nov., sp.nov . alkaliphilic saccharolytic anaerobe from cellulolytic community of Nizhnee Beloe (Transbaikal region); Garnova ES et al.; New alkaliphilic anaerobic fermentative bacteria, strains Z-7981 and Z-7981', with Gram-positive cell walls, were isolated from the cellulolytic community from the soda lake Nizhnee Beloye, south-east of Baikal . Cells were motile rods, which differed in dimensions but, according to 98% DNA/DNA homology, belonged to the same species . Strain Z-7981 was chosen as the type and studied in detail . It did not produce spores and its cells were non-thermoresistant . It was a true alkaliphile with a growth range from pH 7.1 to pH 10.1 and optimal pH for growth at pH 9.1 . It was obligately dependent on Na(+) and carbonate ions but not on Cl(-) . Growth occurred in media with total sodium content from 0.076 M to 1.27 M Na(+ )with a broad optimum from 0.25 to 0.86 M Na(+) . Growth showed an optimum at 35 degrees C, with absence of growth above 46 degrees C . The organism was aerotolerant and was capable of fermentation in non-reducing medium at less than 4.75% O(2) in the gas phase . Strain Z-7981 fermented mono- and disaccharides, sugar alcohols, but only glutamate and cysteine among the amino acids, and the proteinaceous substrates, chitin and dried Spirulina biomass . Fermentation products were acetate and ethanol . Fe(3+) was reduced in a process that yielded no energy . Phylogenetically the new organism belonged to cluster XI of the Gram-positive bacteria with low G+C content and its closest neighboring taxon was Tindallia magadiensis . However, according to its phenotypic and genotypic characters it did not belong to any known genus from this group . We suggest a new genus and species with the name Anoxynatronum sibiricum and strain Z-7981 as its type (=DSM15060). J Biochem (Tokyo), 2003 Mar, 133(3), 387 - 93 Cloning and expression of the superoxide dismutase gene from the obligate anaerobic bacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Miyazaki F); Nakanishi T et al.; We identified the SOD gene in the obligate anaerobic bacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Miyazaki F) and constructed a high-level expression system in Escherichia coli . A 2.6-kbp DNA fragment isolated from D . vulgaris (Miyazaki F) by double digestion with EcoRI and SmaI contained the SOD gene and part of another open reading frame . The amino acid sequence deduced from the SOD gene, which was composed of 238 amino acid residues, showed high homogeneity with iron-containing SOD (Fe-SOD) and predicted that the amino terminus of this protein would carry an export signal peptide . We produced the precursor form of SOD (PSOD) and the mature form of SOD (MSOD), which lacked the putative signal peptide . In E . coli, PSOD was present in insoluble inclusion bodies, and its putative signal peptide was not cleaved . In contrast, MSOD contained one iron per mononer and formed a dimer, which exhibited an SOD activity of 850 U/mg . Furthermore, D . vulgaris soluble extract showed a band of SOD activity on native polyacrylamide gel that migrated to the same point as MSOD . The intracellular localization of SOD and its role in D . vulgaris are also discussed. Zhonghua Shi Yan He Lin Chuang Bing Du Xue Za Zhi, 1999 Mar, 13(1), 48 - 50 {Bio-safety testing for retroviral vector as gene therapy delivery system}; Zhu M et al.; OBJECTIVE: To generate a bio-safety testing system including the testing of sterility, mycoplasma and replication-competent retroviruses(RCR) in the study of gene therapy anti-hepatitis B virus by intracellular immunization . METHODS: Mycoplasma was detected by polymerase chain reaction . S+/L- assay, NIH3T3 amplification and rescue assay of neo gene were performed to determine RCR . RESULTS: The results showed that all of the packaging cell lines were negative for aerobic, anaerobic bacteria and fungi . One of the packaging cell lines was positive for mycoplasma . No RCR was detected in all of the packaging cell lines . CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that the methods using in present report are stable and sensitive, it is very useful for bio-safety testing of gene therapy in clinical trials. J Appl Microbiol, 2003, 94(6), 1098 - 107 Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of competitive exclusion products for use in poultry; Wagner RD et al.; AIMS: Phenotypic and genotypic bacteria identification methods were compared for their efficacy in determining the composition of competitive exclusion (CE) products . METHODS AND RESULTS: Phenotypic methods used for bacterial identification were fatty acid methyl ester profiles, biochemical assays and carbohydrate utilization profiles . Genotypic methods were MicroSeq16S rRNA sequence analysis and BLAST searches of the GenBank sequence database . Agreement between phenotypic and genotypic methods for identification of bacteria isolated from the Preempt CE product was 20% . A defined test mixture of bacteria was identified to the species level 100% by BLAST analysis, 64% by MicroSeq and 36% by phenotypic techniques . CONCLUSIONS: The wide range of facultative and obligate anaerobic bacteria present in a CE product are more accurately identified with 16S rRNA sequence analyses than with phenotypic identification techniques . SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These results will provide guidelines for manufacturers of CE products to submit more reliable product information for market approval by regulatory agencies. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 2003 May, 82(5), 423 - 31 Microbial invasion and cytokine response in amniotic fluid in a Swedish population of women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes; Jacobsson B et al.; BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown an association between intra-amniotic microbial invasion and/or inflammation and spontaneous preterm birth . The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of intra-amniotic microorganisms and cytokines {interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8} in a Swedish population, with low incidence of preterm birth, of women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes and their correlation to preterm birth . METHODS: Amniotic fluid was retrieved transabdominally from 58 patients with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes before 34 weeks of gestation . Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses for Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis and culture for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were performed . IL-6 and IL-8 were analyzed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . RESULTS: Microorganisms in amniotic fluid were detected in 13 patients (25%) . Patients with bacteria detected in the amniotic fluid had significantly higher levels of IL-6 and IL-8 . An amniotic fluid concentration of IL-6 >/= 0.80 ng/ml {relative risk 1.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-3.29, sensitivity 63%, specificity 75%} was associated with an increased risk of delivery within 7 days . There was also an association between IL-8 and preterm birth (< 34 weeks) . CONCLUSIONS: Intra-amniotic microbial invasion and inflammation in this population of Swedish women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes were similar to data reported from populations with a higher incidence of preterm delivery . Amniotic IL-6 correlated to the presence of microorganisms and delivery within 7 days and IL-8 to delivery before 34 weeks. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo, 2003 Jan-Feb, 45(1), 5 - 9 Plasmid profile in oral Fusobacterium nucleatum from humans and Cebus apella monkeys; Paula MO et al.; Fusobacterium nucleatum is a strict anaerobe and is indigenous of the human oral cavity . This organism is commonly recovered from different monomicrobial and mixed infections in humans and animals . In this study, the plasmid profile, the plasmid stability and the penicillin-resistance association in oral F . nucleatum isolated from periodontal patients, healthy subjects and Cebus apella monkeys were evaluated . Forty-five F . nucleatum strains from patients, 38 from healthy subjects and seven from C . apella were identified and analyzed . Plasmid extraction was performed in all the isolated strains . These elements were found in 26.7% strains from patients and one strain from C . apella . Strains from healthy subjects did not show any plasmid . Most of strains showed two plasmid bands ranging from 4 to 16 Kb, but digestions with endonucleases showed that they belonged to a single plasmid . The plasmid profile was similar and stable in human and monkey strains . Also, plasmids were classified into three groups according to size . Two strains were positive to beta-lactamase production and no plasmid DNA-hybridization with a beta-lactamase gene probe was observed, suggesting a chromosomal resistance. Proteomics, 2003 May, 3(5), 777 - 85 Analysis of the Shewanella oneidensis proteome by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis under nondenaturing conditions; Giometti CS et al.; Proteomes are dynamic, i.e., the protein components of living cells change in response to various stimuli . Protein changes can involve shifts in the abundance of protein components, in the interactions of protein components, and in the activity of protein components . Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) coupled with peptide mass spectrometry is useful for the analysis of relative protein abundance, but the denaturing conditions of classical 2-DE do not allow analysis of protein interactions or protein function . We have developed a nondenaturing 2-DE method that allows analysis of protein interactions and protein functions, as demonstrated in our analysis of the cytosol and crude membrane fractions of the facultative anaerobe Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 . Our experiments demonstrate that enzymatic activity is retained under the sample and protein separation methods described, as shown by positive malate dehydrogenase activity results . We have also found protein interactions within both the soluble and membrane fractions . The method described will be useful for the characterization of the functional proteomes of microbial systems. J Perinat Med, 2003, 31(2), 146 - 52 Biovar diversity of Ureaplasma urealyticum in amniotic fluid: distribution, intrauterine inflammatory response and pregnancy outcomes; Kim M et al.; OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of two biovars of Ureaplasma urealyticum (parvo and T960) in human amniotic fluid and to examine whether the magnitude of the intrauterine inflammatory response and pregnancy outcomes are different between patients with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity with "parvo biovar" and those with "T960 biovar" . STUDY DESIGN: This cohort included 77 preterm singleton pregnancies (gestational age < 37 weeks) in whom U . urealyticum was detected from amniotic fluid using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) . Amniotic fluid was obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis . Amniotic fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as mycoplasmas . U . urealyticum was biotyped by PCR methods . Amniotic fluid inflammatory response was determined by amniotic fluid white blood cell count and interleukin-6 concentration . RESULTS: 1) The "parvo biovar" was detected in 82% (63/77) and "T960 biovar" was in 18% (14/77) of cases; 2) U . urealyticum was isolated by conventional culture method from amniotic fluid in 56% (35/63) of cases with positive for "parvo biovar" and in 50% (7/14) of cases with positive for "T960 biovar"; 3) There were no significant differences in the median gestational age at amniocentesis, gestational age at delivery, birth weight, amniotic fluid white blood cell count, amniotic fluid interleukin-6 concentration and the rates of clinical chorioamnionitis, histologic chorioamnionitis, funisitis and neonatal morbidity between patients in the two biovar groups . CONCLUSIONS: 1) The "parvo biovar" is more frequently isolated from amniotic fluid of preterm gestations than the "T960 biovar"; 2) Biovar diversity of U . urealyticum in amniotic fluid was not associated with different pregnancy outcome and magnitude of the intraamniotic inflammatory response. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2003 May, 61(4), 300 - 8 Epub 2003 Jan 25. Biodegradation of microbial and synthetic polyesters by fungi; Kim DY et al.; A variety of biodegradable polyesters have been developed in order to obtain useful biomaterials and to reduce the impact of environmental pollution caused by the large-scale accumulation of non-degradable waste plastics . Polyhydroxyalkanoates, poly(epsilon-caprolactone), poly( l-lactide), and both aliphatic and aromatic polyalkylene dicarboxylic acids are examples of biodegradable polyesters . In general, most aliphatic polyesters are readily mineralized by a number of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms that are widely distributed in nature . However, aromatic polyesters are more resistant to microbial attack than aliphatic polyesters . The fungal biomass in soils generally exceeds the bacterial biomass and thus it is likely that fungi may play a considerable role in degrading polyesters, just as they predominantly perform the decomposition of organic matter in the soil ecosystem . However, in contrast to bacterial polyester degradation, which has been extensively investigated, the microbiological and environmental aspects of fungal degradation of polyesters are unclear . This review reports recent advances in our knowledge of the fungal degradation of microbial and synthetic polyesters and discusses the ecological importance and contribution of fungi in the biological recycling of waste polymeric materials in the biosphere. J Clin Microbiol, 2003 May, 41(5), 2201 - 2 Influence of lack of CO2 on anaerobic bacteria: a quick method to verify the absence of CO2; Killam RL et al.; Since CO(2) is carbonic acid gas, it will decrease the pH if added to water . Therefore, a simple test can determine whether CO(2) is present in a gas mixture . If the pH of gassed water does not change significantly, then CO(2) is not present in the gas. Appl Environ Microbiol, 2003 May, 69(5), 2999 - 3001 Reductive dehalogenation of chlorobenzene congeners in cell extracts of Dehalococcoides sp . strain CBDB1; Holscher T et al.; Enzymatic reductive dehalogenation of tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexachlorobenzenes was demonstrated in cell extracts with low protein concentration (0.5 to 1 micro g of protein/ml) derived from the chlorobenzene-respiring anaerobe Dehalococcoides sp . strain CBDB1 . 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene dehalogenase activity was associated with the membrane fraction . Light-reversible inhibition by alkyl iodides indicated the presence of a corrinoid cofactor. Appl Environ Microbiol, 2003 May, 69(5), 2964 - 74 Characterization of two tetrachloroethene-reducing, acetate-oxidizing anaerobic bacteria and their description as Desulfuromonas michiganensis sp . nov; Sung Y et al.; Two tetrachlorethene (PCE)-dechlorinating populations, designated strains BB1 and BRS1, were isolated from pristine river sediment and chloroethene-contaminated aquifer material, respectively . PCE-to-cis-1,2-dichloroethene-dechlorinating activity could be transferred in defined basal salts medium with acetate as the electron donor and PCE as the electron acceptor . Taxonomic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing placed both isolates within the Desulfuromonas cluster in the delta subdivision of the Proteobacteria . PCE was dechlorinated at rates of at least 139 nmol min(-1) mg of protein(-1) at pH values between 7.0 and 7.5 and temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees C . Dechlorination also occurred at 10 degrees C . The electron donors that supported dechlorination included acetate, lactate, pyruvate, succinate, malate, and fumarate but not hydrogen, formate, ethanol, propionate, or sulfide . Growth occurred with malate or fumarate alone, whereas oxidation of the other electron donors depended strictly on the presence of fumarate, malate, ferric iron, sulfur, PCE, or TCE as an electron acceptor . Nitrate, sulfate, sulfite, thiosulfate, and other chlorinated compounds were not used as electron acceptors . Sulfite had a strong inhibitory effect on growth and dechlorination . Alternate electron acceptors (e.g., fumarate or ferric iron) did not inhibit PCE dechlorination and were consumed concomitantly . The putative fumarate, PCE, and ferric iron reductases were induced by their respective substrates and were not constitutively present . Sulfide was required for growth . Both strains tolerated high concentrations of PCE, and dechlorination occurred in the presence of free-phase PCE (dense non-aqueous-phase liquids) . Repeated growth with acetate and fumarate as substrates yielded a BB1 variant that had lost the ability to dechlorinate PCE . Due to the 16S rRNA gene sequence differences with the closest relatives and the unique phenotypic characteristics, we propose that the new isolates are members of a new species, Desulfuromonas michiganensis, within the Desulfuromonas cluster of the Geobacteraceae. Chemosphere, 2003 Jul, 52(1), 175 - 83 Microbiological reduction of chromium(VI) in presence of pyrolusite-coated sand by Shewanella alga Simidu ATCC 55627 in laboratory column experiments; Guha H et al.; Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) was reduced to non-toxic trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) by a dissimilatory metal reducing bacteria, Shewanella alga Simidu (BrY-MT) ATCC 55627 . A series of dynamic column experiments were conducted to provide an understanding of Cr(VI) reduction by the facultative anaerobe BrY-MT in the presence of pyrolusite (beta-MnO(2)) coated sand and uncoated-quartz sand . All dynamic column experiments were conducted under growth conditions using Cr(VI) as the terminal electron acceptor and lactate as the electron donor and energy source . Reduction of Cr(VI) was rapid (within 8 h) in columns packed with uncoated quartz sand and BrY-MT, whereas Cr(VI) reduction by BrY-MT was delayed (57 h) in the presence of beta-MnO(2)-coated sand . The role of beta-MnO(2) in this study was to provide oxidation of trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) . BrY-MT attachment was higher on beta-MnO(2)-coated sand than on uncoated quartz sand at 10, 60, and 85.5 h . Results have shown that this particular strain of Shewanella did not appreciably reduce Mn(IV) to Mn(II) species nor biosorbed Cr and Mn during its metabolic activities. J Periodontol, 2003 Mar, 74(3), 307 - 11 Subgingival plaque removal at interdental sites using a low-abrasive air polishing powder; Petersilka GJ et al.; BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to test the efficacy of a novel low-abrasive air polishing powder in subgingival plaque removal at interdental sites during periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT) . METHODS: Using a split mouth design, subgingival plaque was removed in 23 PMT patients using a low abrasive powder using a standard air polishing unit (test) or curets (positive control) . Before and immediately after treatment, subgingival plaque samples were taken from interdental sites with 3 to 5 mm probing depth (PD) at 2 test teeth and 2 positive control teeth . To evaluate the influence of sampling on the microflora, plaque samples were also taken twice at 2 teeth without therapy with PD of 3 to 5 mm (negative control) . PMT treatment and plaque sampling were repeated 3 times at quarterly intervals . Anaerobe cultivation was utilized to assess the mean reduction of total colony forming units (CFU) immediately after treatment . RESULTS: Test treatment resulted in a significantly greater reduction in subgingival bacterial counts (log 1.9 +/- 0.7) than positive control treatment (log 1.1 +/- 0.6) and subgingival plaque sampling alone (log 0.5 +/- 0.5; P < 0.05) . Differences between positive and negative control were not significant (P < 0.05) . CONCLUSION: The novel low-abrasive air polishing powder is superior to curets in removing subgingival plaque at interdental sites with up to 5 mm probing depth in PMT. Biosens Bioelectron, 2003 May, 18(5-6), 741 - 9 Rapid electrochemical detection and identification of catalase positive micro-organisms; Sippy N et al.; The rapid detection and identification of bacteria has application in a number of fields, e.g . the food industry, environmental monitoring and biomedicine . While in biomedicine the number of organisms present during infection is multiples of millions in the other fields it is the detection of low numbers of organisms that is important, e.g . an infective dose of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from contaminated food is less than 100 organisms . A rapid and sensitive technique has been developed to detect low numbers of the model organism E . coli O55, combining Lateral Flow Immunoassay (LFI) for capture and amperometry for sensitive detection . Nitrocellulose membranes were used as the solid phase for selective capture of the bacteria using antibodies to E . coli O55 . Different concentrations of E . coli O55 in Ringers solution were applied to LFI strips and allowed to flow through the membrane to an absorbent pad . The capture region of the LFI strip was placed in close contact with the electrodes of a Clarke cell poised at +0.7 V for the detection of hydrogen peroxide . Earlier research identified that the consumption of hydrogen peroxide by bacterial catalase provided a sensitive indicator of aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms numbers . Modification and application of this technique to the LFI strips demonstrated that the consumption of 8 mM hydrogen peroxide was correlated with the number of microorganisms presented to the LFI strips in the range of 2 x 10(1)-2 x 10(7) colony forming units (cfu) . Capture efficiency was dependent on the number of organisms applied and varied from 71% at 2 x 10(2) cfu to 25% at 2 x 10(7) cfu . The procedure was completed in less than 10 min and could detect less than 10 cfu captured from a 200 microl sample applied to the LFI strip . The approached adopted provides proof of principle for the basis of a new technological approach to the rapid, quantitative and sensitive detection of bacteria that express catalase activity. J Clin Periodontol, 2003 Jan, 30(1), 49 - 56 A split-mouth study on periodontal and microbial parameters in children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate; Quirynen M et al.; BACKGROUND: Complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) is a hereditary or multifactorial malformation that can be corrected successfully with a combined orthodontic, surgical and restorative treatment . Such multidisciplinary treatment takes many years and demands a lot of attention to both patients' teeth and periodontium . OBJECTIVES: This split-mouth study aimed to compare the periodontal health as well as the microbial parameters between cleft and non-cleft region . MATERIAL AND METHODS: 75 patients (52 males, 23 females) between 8 and 20 years with a complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (before (n = 30), during (n = 34) and after (n = 11) the active orthodontic treatment) volunteered for this study . Four regions were defined for the split-mouth comparison: teeth neighbouring cleft (site 1), tooth in cleft (site 2), and the corresponding contra-lateral teeth, respectively, in the unaffected quadrants (sites 3 and 4) . At all sites the following periodontal parameters were recorded: plaque and gingivitis indices, pocket depth, attachment loss, bleeding on probing, tooth mobility (visual and Periotest), radiographic bone loss and gingival width . In addition, three pooled subgingival plaque samples were taken (around tooth in cleft, teeth facing the cleft, and contra-lateral teeth of the latter) . RESULTS: The differences between the teeth neighbouring the cleft and the corresponding contra-lateral opponents were of borderline significance (P <or= 0.05) for the plaque index, the approximal probing depths and the attachment loss (teeth facing the cleft always had slightly higher parameters) . When the tooth in the cleft was compared to the contra-lateral tooth, differences were only found for both the approximal probing depths, attachment loss and bone loss, which were significantly higher for the tooth in the cleft . The microbial analysis did not reveal differences between the different sites, neither in the proportion of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria (differences < 0.5 log), nor in the detection frequency of periopathogens . CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that the periodontium in UCLP patients can cope well with a long-term orthodontic treatment, even in unfavourable conditions (like absence of attached gingiva and poor oral hygiene). Intensive Care Med, 2003 Jul, 29(7), 1062 - 8 Epub 2003 Apr 16. Colonization of lower respiratory tract with anaerobic bacteria in mechanically ventilated patients; Robert R et al.; OBJECTIVE: To study lower respiratory tract colonization by anaerobic bacteria in ICU patients on prolonged mechanical ventilation using two types of protected tracheal sampling methods . DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective clinical investigation in the intensive care unit of a university hospital . PATIENTS: Twenty-six consecutive patients mechanically ventilated within 24 h after their admission in ICU and with expected duration of mechanical ventilation longer than 7 days . MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Two types of protected tracheal sampling methods were obtained without the use of bronchoscopic guidance on the day following intubation and twice a week until extubation: protected tracheal aspiration and protected tracheal specimen brush . Specific methods for anaerobic isolation were used . Early colonization was defined if colonization occurred within the first 5 days after intubation . Of the 26 patients studied 22 were colonized by at least one bacterial strain . Twenty-one patients were colonized by aerobic and 15 by anaerobic bacteria . Twenty-eight anaerobic strains were identified, with bacterial counts higher than 10(3) cfu/ml in 11 cases . Of the 15 patients colonized by anaerobes 14 were also colonized by aerobic bacteria . The use of protected specimens ruled out oropharyngeal contamination . Early onset colonization occurred in 16 of 22 patients colonized by aerobes and in 8 of 15 patients colonized by anaerobes . Five patients developed ventilatory-acquired pneumonia following colonization (by anaerobic bacteria in two cases) . In eight patients colonization by anaerobic bacteria occurred despite antimicrobial therapy . CONCLUSIONS: These results show that anaerobic bacteria frequently colonize the lower respiratory tract of mechanically ventilated patients and underline the potential importance of the anaerobic bacteria in ventilatory acquired pneumonia. J Clin Periodontol, 2003 Apr, 30(4), 328 - 33 Subgingival plaque removal in buccal and lingual sites using a novel low abrasive air-polishing powder; Petersilka GJ et al.; AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was aimed at assessing the efficacy of subgingival plaque removal in buccal and lingual sites during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) using a novel low abrasive air-polishing powder . MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 27 SPT patients, subgingival debridement was performed using the novel air-polishing powder (test) and hand instruments (positive control) in a randomized split mouth design . Before and immediately after treatment, subgingival plaque samples were taken from two teeth with pockets of 3-5 mm depth in both groups . To assess the influence of plaque sampling on the microflora, samples were also taken twice from two untreated teeth (negative control) . The mean reduction in total colony forming units (CFU) was assessed by anaerobic culture . The patients' perception of treatment was assessed by a visual analog score (VAS) . Therapy and plaque sampling were repeated after a 3-month interval . RESULTS: Test treatment resulted in a significantly greater reduction in mean CFU than positive control treatment (log 1.7+/-0.98 and log 0.61+/-0.79 respectively; p<0.05) . Following both treatments, the CFU reduction was significantly greater compared to negative control treatment (log 0.06+/-0.49; p<0.05) . In addition, test treatment was perceived as significantly more pleasant than hand instrumentation (p<0.05) . CONCLUSION: The novel low abrasive air-polishing powder is superior to curettes in removing subgingival plaque from pockets of 3-5 mm depth in supportive periodontal therapy and offers greater patient comfort. Acta Vet Hung, 2003, 51(1), 45 - 52 Study of the role of Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma and other microaerophilic and aerobic bacteria in uterine infections of mares with reproductive disorders; Szeredi L et al.; In six healthy mares and 24 mares showing reproductive disorders swab samples were taken from the fossa clitoridis to isolate Taylorella equigenitalis, and from the uterus to isolate mycoplasmas, ureaplasmas and other aerobic bacteria . Swab samples were also taken from the uterus for Chlamydia antigen ELISA and Chlamydia PCR studies . The uterus of 27 mares was examined cytologically, and biopsy samples were taken from the endometrium for histological examinations and for immunohistochemical examinations aimed at the detection of chlamydiae . T . equigenitalis, mycoplasmas, ureaplasmas and chlamydiae could not be detected from any of the mares examined . Aerobic facultative pathogenic bacteria were isolated from mares with endometritis in four cases . In 18 out of 22 mares with endometritis (82%) no infective agents could be demonstrated . Further studies are needed to elucidate the relative importance of non-infectious causes of endometritis and of anaerobic bacteria often detectable in the uterus in the aetiology of the reproductive disorders observed. Phytother Res, 2003 Mar, 17(3), 285 - 9 Brazilian propolis: physicochemical properties, plant origin and antibacterial activity on periodontopathogens; Santos FA et al.; Propolis samples collected in the dry and rainy seasons, from an experimental apiary located in a cerrado vegetation region in Brazil were used in this study . Microscopic analysis showed the presence of 31 pollen types, secretory hairs (genus Baccharis) and fragments of plant epidermis . The oxidation rates and the wax content of the samples after physicochemical analyses were in agreement with the Cuban Guideline NRAG 870-88 . A high performance liquid chromatography analysis showed a similar pattern of chromatograms, characterized by the presence of ten phenolic compounds . There was no significant difference in the pro fi le of phenolic compounds and also in the total flavonoid concentration in propolis samples collected in different seasons . Antibacterial assays were performed by the method of dilution of an ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) in agar (v/v%) and showed that all 16 A . actinomycetemcomitans strains tested were inhibited by propolis concentrations of 0.1% to 0.25%, and did not grow at all at 0.5% . The growth inhibition of six Fusobacterium spp . and 16 black-pigmented anaerobes was observed at concentrations of 0.05% to 0.1%, and no growth was observed at 0.25% . There was no effect of seasonality on the inhibitory activity of propolis . The antibiotics tetracycline and meropenem were used as positive controls . Undersea Hyperb Med, 2002 Fall, 29(3), 159 - 66 Biological effects of hyperbaric oxygen on human severe periodontitis; Chen T et al.; This paper reports the effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO2) in a controlled study of periodontitis in 24 patients . The patients received either HBO2 or no HBO2, and study teeth were divided into 4 groups based on treatment: 1-HBO2 therapy, 2-HBO2 + scaling, 3-scaling, 4-control . We measured indices of periodontal disease and gingival blood flow (GBF) . The microorganisms in a periodontal pocket were stained and the percentage of straight rods (Rods), curved rods (Cur), fusiforms (Fusi) and spirochetes (Spiro) were observed . The numbers of anaerobic organisms were measured by routine anaerobic culture . Highly significant differences in Gingival Indices (GI), Sulcus Bleeding Indices (SBI), Probing Depth (PD), Attachment Loss (AL), Plaque Index (PLI), and GBF were seen in the HBO2, the HBO2 + Scaling and the Scaling Groups compared to the Control Group (P < 0.01) . The number of subgingival anaerobes as well as the number of Rods, Cur, Fusi, and Spiro were reduced markedly in these three treatment groups . Statistically greater differences in clinical indices, GBF, subgingival anaerobe number and number of Rods, Cur, Fusi and Spiro were found by comparison of HBO2 + Scaling and HBO2 Groups, as well as between the HBO2 + Scaling and Scaling Groups, but no significant differences were observed in GI, SBI, PD, or AL between the HBO2 and Scaling Groups . In conclusion, HBO2 had beneficial therapeutic effects on severe periodontitis . HBO2 therapy combined with scaling and root planing was the most beneficial in the treatment of periodontitis . Clinical follow-up suggests that this treatment effect could last more than 1 year. J Hosp Infect, 2003 Apr, 53(4), 283 - 91 Do cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced leukopenia benefit from an antiseptic chlorhexidine-based oral rinse? A double-blind, block-randomized, controlled study; Pitten FA et al.; Patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy frequently suffer from mucositis, particularly if they become leukopenic (leucocytes <1000/microL) . To identify a possible benefit from antiseptic rinsing of the oral cavity, 47 patients were randomized to rinse either with a chlorhexidine-based product (chlorhexidine concentration 0.3%; N=24) or with an amine-stannous fluoride combination (control group; N=23) . Patients were asked to rinse three times a day for 30s from the beginning of chemotherapy until the end of leukopenia . Before rinsing, as well as during and after leukopenia, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the oral cavity were counted . At the same time, the patients were assessed for mucositis . In the chlorhexidine-based group, a significant decrease of the aerobic (P=0.042) and anaerobic (P=0.008) bacterial flora was identified . In the control group, the numbers of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria remained unchanged (P>0.05) . Fifteen patients in the chlorhexidine-based group had a C-reactive protein (CRP) increase >50mg/L, compared with only eight patients in the control group {odds ratio: 3.13, confidence interval (CI) 0.82-12.39} . Nine patients in the chlorhexidine-based group but only two patients in the control group developed severe mucositis . This difference was statistically significant with an odds ratio of 6.30 (CI: 1.02-49.67) . As not all of the 47 patients developed severe leukopenia, a separate analysis was carried out for patients with <1000 leucocytes/microL for a minimum of three days . The results of the microbial counts were very similar, with a clear reduction in the chlorhexidine group and no major alterations in the control group . Twelve of 15 patients in the chlorhexidine-based group had a CRP >50mg/L whereas only eight of 15 patients did so in the control group, which can be regarded as a slightly elevated risk for a CRP increase in the former group . Seven of 15 patients developed severe mucositis in the chlorhexidine-based group, but only two of 15 patients in the control group . These differences were not significant, but patients treated with chlorhexidine-based product seemed to have more problems with inflammation of the oral mucous membranes, resulting in an elevated mucositis score and a CRP increase . Other parameters such as body temperature or application of antibiotics did not differ between the two groups . We conclude that treatment with the chlorhexidine-based product did not provide a clinical benefit for cancer chemotherapy patients . On the contrary, the risk of mucositis and clinical sequelae seems to be enhanced, although the counts of micro-organisms on the oral mucous membranes are significantly reduced. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2003 Apr, 61(2), 94 - 102 Epub 2003 Jan 28. The quest for microbial reductive dechlorination of C (2) to C (4) chloroalkanes is warranted; De Wildeman S et al.; C (2) to C (4) chloroalkanes have been used for a wide range of industrial applications . Consequently, numerous leaks to the environment have occurred . It is generally observed that the lower chlorinated members of the group, containing 1-3 chlorine atoms, accumulate in environments where reductive conditions prevail . Their half-lives under these conditions often exceed several decades . To date, successes in rapid and complete in situ reductive dechlorination have only been obtained with tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE), but not with chloroalkanes . Since the key-player PCE- and TCE-dechlorinating bacteria involved have been studied, these organisms could be used as very efficient tools for low-cost in situ bioremediation . Except for one 1,2-dichloroethane-dehalorespiring bacterium with limited application possibilities and a recent isolate which partly dechlorinates some polychloroethanes, all bacterial reductive conversions of C (2) to C (4) chloroalkanes are based on slow, mostly incomplete and poorly controllable cometabolic dechlorinations . Furthermore, metals such as Fe(0) cannot dechlorinate most lower-chlorinated C (2) to C (4) alkanes . Hence, pump and treat, or aerobic degradation are the applied technologies, although they are expensive and time-intensive . However, energetic consideration of chloroalkane dechlorination suggests that metabolizing anaerobes may exist . Isolation and characterization of these organisms is warranted in order to develop cost-efficient, controlled, fast and complete in situ remediation technologies. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 2003 Apr, 47(4), 1399 - 402 Time-kill studies of the antianaerobe activity of garenoxacin compared with those of nine other agents; Credito KL et al.; The activities of garenoxacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, trovafloxacin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, piperacillin-tazobactam, imipenem, clindamycin, and metronidazole against 20 anaerobes were tested . At two times the MIC, garenoxacin was bactericidal against 19 of 20 strains after 48 h and against 17 of 20 after 24 h . Other drugs, except clindamycin (which gave lower killing rates), gave killing rates similar to those for garenoxacin. Free Radic Res, 2003 Jan, 37(1), 29 - 31 NO synthesis in human saliva; Palmerini CA et al.; Human saliva contains nitrate that is converted into nitrite by the activity of facultative, anaerobic bacteria of the oral cavity . Nitrite can be reduced to NO in the acidic gastric milieu; some NO may also form in the mouth at acidic pH values . In this paper, we show that bacteria (S . salivarius, S . mitis and S . bovis) isolated from saliva, may contribute to NO production in human saliva . NO formation by bacteria occurs at neutral pH values and may contribute to the antibacterial activity of saliva. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol, 2002, 10(4), 181 - 6 Role of the vaginal microbiological ecosystem and cytokine profile in the promotion of cervical dysplasia: a case-control study; Behbakht K et al.; OBJECTIVE: To identify alterations in the cytokine profile and microbial ecosystem of the vagina in association with cervical dysplasia . METHODS: Demographics, lifestyle variables and Papanicolau (Pap) smear results of subjects presenting to the same site for gynecologic complaints, obstetric visits or colposcopy were prospectively recorded . Vaginal smear for Gram stain, aerobic and anaerobic culture, pH, and wet mount and KOH examination for Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis and yeast organisms were performed . Vaginal lavage specimens were centrifuged, and the pellets and supernatants were assayed for human papillomavirus (HPV) by polymerase chain reaction and for cytokines interleukin (IL)-1beta IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) respectively . Subjects with abnormal Pap smears underwent colposcopy and biopsy as indicated . RESULTS: Of 51 patients, 32 were referred for colposcopy, 12 presented with gynecologic needs, and seven presented for obstetric visits . Median age was 24 years . Demographics did not differ significantly between the dysplasia and control groups except for a trend towards more sexual partners in the dysplasia group . Biopsies were performed in 81% (26/32) of patients presenting for colposcopy and 17 revealed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia . IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12 levels were elevated in 63% (20/32), 38% (15/39), 4% (2/49), and 0% of samples respectively . Elevated vaginal lavage IL-1beta was associated with a 6.1 odds ratio (95% confidence interval 1.06-35) of cervical dysplasia . Alterations in other variables studied were not associated with cervical dysplasia . CONCLUSIONS: Elevated IL-1beta, possibly representing a complex host inflammatory response to multiple pathogens, was demonstrated in patients with cervical dysplasia. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 2003 Feb, 82(2), 120 - 8 Microbial invasion and cytokine response in amniotic fluid in a Swedish population of women in preterm labor; Jacobsson B et al.; BACKGROUND: Previous studies indicate an association between intra-amniotic microbial invasion and/or inflammation and spontaneous preterm birth, but there is a limited amount of data available from Europe . The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of intra-amniotic microorganisms and cytokines (interleukin-6 and interleukin-8) in a Swedish population of women in preterm labor and their correlation with preterm birth . METHODS: Amniotic fluid was retrieved transabdominally from 61 patients in preterm labor before 34 weeks of gestation . Polymerase chain reaction analyses for Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis and culture for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were performed . Interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 were analyzed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay . RESULTS: Microorganisms in amniotic fluid were detected in 10 patients (16%) . Patients with detected bacteria in the amniotic fluid had significantly higher levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 . There was also an association between interleukin-6/-8, the amniocentesis-delivery interval (<or= 7 days) and preterm birth (<34 weeks) . An amniotic fluid concentration of interleukin-6 >or= 1.5 ng/mL or interleukin-8 >or= 1.3 ng/mL was associated with an increased risk of delivery within 7 days (interleukin-6: relative risk 7.3; 95% confidence interval: 2.8-19; sensitivity 83%, specificity 87%; interleukin-8: relative risk 14, 95% confidence interval: 3.6-55, sensitivity 91%, specificity 87%) . CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of intra-amniotic microbial invasion and inflammation in this population of Swedish women in preterm labor was similar to data reported from populations with a higher incidence of preterm delivery . Amniotic interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 correlated with the presence of microorganisms and with preterm birth. J Bacteriol, 2003 Apr, 185(7), 2219 - 26 Involvement of the multidomain regulatory protein XynR in positive control of xylanase gene expression in the ruminal anaerobe Prevotella bryantii B(1)4; Miyazaki K et al.; The xylanase gene cluster from the rumen anaerobe Prevotella bryantii B(1)4 was found to include a gene (xynR) that encodes a multidomain regulatory protein and is downstream from the xylanase and beta-xylosidase genes xynA and xynB . Additional genes identified upstream of xynA and xynB include xynD, which encodes an integral membrane protein that has homology with Na:solute symporters; xynE, which is related to the genes encoding acylhydrolases and arylesterases; and xynF, which has homology with the genes encoding alpha-glucuronidases . XynR includes, in a single 833-amino-acid polypeptide, a putative input domain unrelated to other database sequences, a likely transmembrane domain, histidine kinase motifs, response regulator sequences, and a C-terminal AraC-type helix-turn-helix DNA binding domain . Two transcripts (3.7 and 5.8 kb) were detected with a xynA probe, and the start site of the 3.7-kb transcript encoding xynABD was mapped to a position upstream of xynD . The DNA binding domain of XynR was purified after amplification and overexpression in Escherichia coli and was found to bind to a 141-bp DNA fragment from the region immediately upstream of xynD . In vitro transcription assays demonstrated that XynR stimulates transcription of the 3.7-kb transcript . We concluded that XynR acts as a positive regulator that activates expression of xynABD in P . bryantii B(1)4 . This is the first regulatory protein that demonstrates significant homology with the two-component regulatory protein superfamily and has been shown to be involved in the regulation of polysaccharidase gene expression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2003 Apr 1, 100(7), 3802 - 7 Epub 2003 Mar 13. An engineered two-iron superoxide reductase lacking the {Fe(SCys)4} site retains its catalytic properties in vitro and in vivo; Emerson JP et al.; Superoxide reductases (SORs) contain a characteristic square-pyramidal {Fe(NHis)(4)(SCys)} active site that catalyzes reduction of superoxide to hydrogen peroxide in several anaerobic bacteria and archaea . Some SORs, referred to as two-iron SORs (2Fe-SORs), also contain a lower-potential {Fe(SCys)(4)} site that is presumed to have an electron transfer function . However, the intra- and inter-subunit distances between {Fe(SCys)(4)} and {Fe(NHis)(4)(SCys)} iron centers within the 2Fe-SOR homodimer seem too long for efficient electron transfer between these sites . The possible role of the {Fe(SCys)(4)} site in 2Fe-SORs was addressed in this work by examination of an engineered Desulfovibrio vulgaris 2Fe-SOR variant, C13S, in which one ligand residue of the {Fe(SCys)(4)} site, cysteine 13, was changed to serine . This single amino acid residue change destroyed the native {Fe(SCys)(4)} site with complete loss of its iron, but left the {Fe(NHis)(4)(SCys)} site and the protein homodimer intact . The spectroscopic, redox and superoxide reactivity properties of the {Fe(NHis)(4)(SCys)} site in the C13S variant were nearly indistinguishable from those of the wild-type 2Fe-SOR . Aerobic growth complementation of a superoxide dismutase (SOD)-deficient Escherichia coli strain showed that the presence of the {Fe(NHis)(4)(SCys)} site in C13S 2Fe-SOR was apparently sufficient to catalyze reduction of the intracellular superoxide to nonlethal levels . As is the case for the wild-type protein, C13S 2Fe-SOR did not show any detectable SOD activity, i.e., destruction of the {Fe(SCys)(4)} site did not unmask latent SOD activity of the {Fe(NHis)(4)(SCys)} site . Possible alternative roles for the {Fe(SCys)(4)} site in 2Fe-SORs are considered. Med Princ Pract, 2003 Apr-Jun, 12(2), 81 - 6 Comparative evaluation of anoxomat and conventional anaerobic GasPak jar systems for the isolation of anaerobic bacteria; Shahin M et al.; OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of the Anoxomat, in comparison with the conventional anaerobic GasPak jar system, for the isolation of obligate anaerobes . METHOD: Anoxomat, model WS800, and anaerobic GasPak jar system (Oxoid) were evaluated . Anoxomat system utilized a gas mixture of 80% N(2), 10% CO(2) and 10% H(2), while the GasPak used a gas mixture of 90% H(2) and 10% CO(2) . An anaerobic indicator within the jars monitored anaerobiosis . A total of 227 obligate anaerobic bacteria comprising 116 stock strains, 5 ATCC reference strains and 106 fresh strains, representing different genera, were investigated for growth on anaerobic agar plates and scored for density, colony sizes, susceptibility zones of antibiotic inhibition and the speed of anaerobiosis (reducing the indicator) . RESULTS: The results demonstrate that the growth of anaerobic bacteria is faster inside the Anoxomat jar than in the anaerobic GasPak jar system . Of the 227 strains tested, the colonies of 152 (67%) were larger (by size range of 0.2-2.4 mm) in the Anoxomat at 48 h than in the GasPak jar compared with only 21% (range 0.1-0.3 mm) that were larger in the GasPak than in the Anoxomat . The remaining 12% were equal in their sizes . There was no measurable difference in the colony sizes of the reference strains . The Porphyromonas asaccharolytica strains failed to grow within the GasPak system but grew inside the Anoxomat . With the Anoxomat, anaerobiosis was achieved about 35 min faster than in the GasPak system . The density of growth recorded for 177 (78%) strains was heavier in the Anoxomat than in the GasPak jar . The zones of inhibition of the antibiotics tested were not different in the two systems . CONCLUSION: The Anoxomat system provided superior growth, in terms of density and colony size, and achieved anaerobiosis more rapidly . Evidently, the Anoxomat method is more reliable and appears to support the growth of strict anaerobes better . Med Dosw Mikrobiol, 2002, 54(3), 233 - 41 {Identification and susceptibility to antimicrobial agents of strictly anaerobic bacteria isolated from hospitalized patients}; Kot K et al.; The aim of this study was to identify anaerobic strains isolated in 2001 from clinical specimens obtained from patients of Warsaw hospital and to evaluate a susceptibility of these strains to antimicrobial agents . In 2001 two hundred and twenty five clinical strains of obligate anaerobes were cultured, which were identified in the automatic ATB system (bioMerieux, France) using biochemical tests API 20 A . Drug-susceptibility of strains was determined also in ATB system with the use of ATB ANA strips . C . difficile strains were isolated on selective CCCA medium . Toxins A/B of C . difficile directly in stool specimens were detected by means of ELISA test (TechLab, USA) . Fifty four strains of Gram-negative anaerobes (B . fragilis strains dominated) and 171 strains of Gram-positive anaerobes (the greatest number of strains belonged to genus Peptostreptococcus) were cultured from clinical specimens . In the cases of antibiotic-associated diarrhea 28 C . difficile strains were isolated and C . difficile toxins A/B were detected in 39 stool samples . The most active in vitro antimicrobials against Gram-negative anaerobes were metronidazole, imipenem, ticarcillin combined with clavulanic acid and piperacillin with tazobactam . Gram-positive, clinical strains of anaerobes were the most susceptible in vitro to beta-lactam antibiotics combined with beta-lactamase inhibitors (amoxicillin/clavulanate, piperacillin/tazobactam, ticarcillin/clavulanate) and imipenem. Nat Struct Biol, 2003 Apr, 10(4), 285 - 90 The nature of the di-iron site in the bacterioferritin from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans; Macedo S et al.; The first crystal structure of a native di-iron center in an iron-storage protein (bacterio)ferritin is reported . The protein, isolated from the anaerobic bacterium Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, has the unique property of having Fe-coproporphyrin III as its heme cofactor . The three-dimensional structure of this bacterioferritin was determined in three distinct catalytic/redox states by X-ray crystallography (at 1.95, 2.05 and 2.35 A resolution), corresponding to different intermediates of the di-iron ferroxidase site . Conformational changes associated with these intermediates support the idea of a route for iron entry into the protein shell through a pore that passes through the di-iron center . Molecular surface and electrostatic potential calculations also suggest the presence of another ion channel, distant from the channels at the three- and four-fold axes proposed as points of entry for the iron atoms. J Chromatogr A, 2003 Feb 14, 987(1-2), 277 - 82 Pharmacokinetics of metronidazole in rat blood, brain and bile studied by microdialysis coupled to microbore liquid chromatography; Tsai TH et al.; Metronidazole is a synthetic nitroimidazole-derived antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent used for the treatment of infections involving gram-negative anaerobes . The aim of this study is to develop an in vivo microdialysis with microbore high-performance liquid chromatographic system for the pharmacokinetic study of metronidazole in rat blood, brain and bile . In addition, to investigate the disposition mechanism of metronidazole, the P-glycoprotein modulator and cytochrome P450 inhibitor were concomitantly administered . Separation of metronidazole from various biological fluids was applied to a microbore reversed-phase ODS 5 microm (150 x 1 mm I.D.) column . Its mobile phase consists of an acetonitrile-50 mM monosodium phosphate buffer (pH 3.0) containing 0.1% triethylamine (10:90, v/v) with a flow-rate of 0.05 ml/min . The UV detector wavelength was set at 317 nm . The results suggest that metronidazole penetrates the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and goes through hepatobiliary excretion . However, these pathways of BBB penetration and hepatobiliary excretion of metronidazole may not be related to the P-glycoprotein. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 2003 Mar, 47(3), 1143 - 7 Antianaerobe activity of RBX 7644 (ranbezolid), a new oxazolidinone, compared with those of eight other agents; Ednie LM et al.; The activity of ranbezolid (RBX 7644), a new oxazolidinone, against 306 anaerobes was compared with those of 11 other agents . The MICs at which 50% of the isolates tested are inhibited and those at which 90% of the isolates tested are inhibited (in micrograms per milliliter) were as follows: ranbezolid, 0.03 and 0.5; linezolid, 2 and 4; vancomycin, >16 and >16; teicoplanin, 1 and >16; quinupristin-dalfopristin, 1 and >8; amoxicillin-clavulanate, 0.5 and 2; imipenem, 0.125 and 1; clindamycin, 0.25 and 8; metronidazole, 1 and 4; gatifloxacin, 0.5 and 4; and moxifloxacin, 0.5 and 2, respectively . Ranbezolid had very good in vitro activity against both gram-negative and -positive anaerobes. Mar Pollut Bull, 2003 Mar, 46(3), 308 - 13 Flow cytometry and conventional enumeration of microorganisms in ships' ballast water and marine samples; Joachimsthal EL et al.; Conventional methods for bacteriological testing of water quality take long periods of time to complete . This makes them inappropriate for a shipping industry that is attempting to comply with the International Maritime Organization's anticipated regulations for ballast water discharge . Flow cytometry for the analysis of marine and ship's ballast water is a comparatively fast and accurate method . Compared to a 5% standard error for flow cytometry analysis the standard methods of culturing and epifluorescence analysis have errors of 2-58% and 10-30%, respectively . Also, unlike culturing methods, flow cytometry is capable of detecting both non-viable and viable but non-culturable microorganisms which can still pose health risks . The great variability in both cell concentrations and microbial content for the samples tested is an indication of the difficulties facing microbial monitoring programmes . The concentration of microorganisms in the ballast tank was generally lower than in local seawater . The proportion of aerobic, microaerophilic, and facultative anaerobic microorganisms present appeared to be influenced by conditions in the ballast tank . The gradual creation of anaerobic conditions in a ballast tank could lead to the accumulation of facultative anaerobic microorganisms, which might represent a potential source of pathogenic species. Life Sci Space Res, 1977, 15, 53 - 8 Isolation and characterization of omnitherms and facultative anaerobes from Cape Canaveral soil samples; Brewer JH et al.; In a bacterial population profile of interplanetary spacecraft environments based upon temperature and oxygen requirements, several isolates demonstrated the ability to grow over a temperature range from 3 degrees C to 55 degrees C, and most grew aerobically and anaerobically . Because of the adaptability of these organisms, they may be of significance to planetary contamination . To verify that these were actively growing in this range of temperatures, they were streaked onto trypticase soy agar (TSA) and incubated at the extreme temperatures (3 degrees C and 55 degrees C) . Isolated colonies were transferred to fresh TSA and immediately incubated at the opposite extreme temperatures . Almost all of the isolates grew quite well at both temperatures . Because these have been subcultured numerous times and still possess the ability to grow over a broad temperature range, this appears to be a stable characteristic . Many of these isolates possess the ability to grow anaerobically at 3, 32 and 55 degrees C . All of these organisms are sporeformers, and data are presented concerning their heat resistance and biochemical activity. Life Sci Space Res, 1977, 15, 41 - 5 Evidence for propagation of aerobic bacteria in particles suspended in gaseous atmospheres; Dimmick RL et al.; One factor involved in the possibility that airborne microbes might contaminate the Jovian atmosphere, is whether microbes have the capacity to propagate in air . Prior to these studies, the evidence was that the airborne state was lethal to microbes . By mixing an aerosol of aerobic bacteria with another containing 14C glucose, we were able to detect the presence of 14CO2, showing that the airborne cells were metabolically active . In the same type of experiment, we were able to show that thymidine was incorporated into the acid-insoluble fraction of samples, indicating the formation of DNA . Finally, we were able to show, both by an increase in numbers of viable cells and a parallel increase in particle numbers, that at least two new generations of cells could occur . As of this writing, evidence for propagation of anaerobic bacteria has been negative. Infect Immun, 2003 Mar, 71(3), 1170 - 8 Purification, gene cloning, gene expression, and mutants of Dps from the obligate anaerobe Porphyromonas gingivalis; Ueshima J et al.; The periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis is an obligate anaerobe that is devoid of catalase but exhibits a relatively high degree of resistance to peroxide stress . In the present study, we demonstrate that P . gingivalis contains a Dps homologue that plays an important role in the protection of cells from peroxide stress . The Dps protein isolated from P . gingivalis displayed a ferritin-like spherical polymer consisting of 19-kDa subunits . Molecular cloning and sequencing of the gene encoding this protein revealed that it had a high similarity in nucleotide and amino acid sequences to Dps proteins from other species . The expression of Dps was significantly increased by exposure of P . gingivalis to atmospheric oxygen in an OxyR-dependent manner, indicating that it is regulated by the reactive oxygen species-regulating gene oxyR . The Dps-deficient mutants, including the dps single mutant and the ftn dps double mutant, showed no viability loss upon exposure to atmospheric oxygen for 6 h . In contrast to the wild type, however, these mutants exhibited the high susceptibility to hydrogen peroxide, thereby disrupting the viability . On the other hand, no significant difference in sensitivity to mitomycin C and metronidazole was observed between the wild type and the mutants . Furthermore, the dps single mutant, compared with the wild type, showed a lower viability in infected human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Acta Chir Iugosl, 2002, 49(1), 85 - 8 Case report: multidisciplinary treatment of a patient with gas-producing phlegmone; Vasic G et al.; The authors present a 51-year-old patient with a severe case of gas-producing phlegmone following incision of a perianal abscess . Early diagnosis and extensive surgical excision during the first 12 hours from the onset of symptoms are crucial . Treatment of sepsis complicated by multiple organ failure: lung insufficiency (respiratory distress requiring mechanical ventilation), kidney insufficiency (requiring rehydration, furosemid, manitol), circulation (blood derivatives, saline, colloid solutions, cardio tonics, anti-arrhythmic drugs) and liver must be aggressive . Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is essential with repeated identification of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria (hemoculture, tissue sample, wound swab), their sensitivity to antibiotics and repeated surgical debridement of the wound . Following this treatment the patient was transferred to plastic surgery where Thiersh transplants covered skin defects . He survived with an abdominal wall hernia due to a team effort and aggressive multidisciplinary treatment by the general surgeon, anesthesiologist, hyperbaric medicine specialist, microbiologist and plastic surgeon . He refused hernia repair. Biotechnol Bioeng, 2003 Apr 20, 82(2), 134 - 42 Effect of yeast extract on speciation and bioavailability of nickel and cobalt in anaerobic bioreactors; Gonzalez-Gil G et al.; The speciation of metals plays an important role in their bioavailability . In the case of anaerobic reactors for the treatment of wastewaters, the ubiquitous presence of sulfide leads to extensive precipitation of metals like nickel and cobalt, which are essential for the metabolism of the anaerobic microorganisms that carry out the mineralization of the pollutants present in the wastewater . In practice, nickel, cobalt, and iron are added in excessive amounts to full-scale installations . This study is concerned with the complexation of nickel and cobalt with yeast extract and its effect on the biogas production by methanogenic biomass . Adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdSV) was used to get information about the stability and complexing capacity of the metal-yeast extract complexes formed . Nickel and cobalt form relatively strong organic complexes with yeast extract . The bioavailability of these essential metals in anaerobic batch reactors was dramatically increased by the addition of yeast extract . This is due to the formation of dissolved bioavailable complexes, which favors the dissolution of metals from their sulfides . Trace doses of yeast extract may be effective in keeping additions of essential metals to anaerobic reactors at a minimum . Yan Ke Xue Bao, 1998 Mar, 14(1), 1 - 8 Dacryology in China; Zhang H et al.; PURPOSE: International Society of Dacryology held the IV International Congress in Stockholm on June 1996 . I was warmly invited as a guest of honor beforehand to deliver a lecture on a special topic of "Dacryology in China" there, so that the world might understand the dacryology in China, and thus the international growth of dacryology as a discipline would be promoted . METHODS: In China tear lab research and clinical research of LG are nearly empty except a few papers published . We had studied 3 items on LS for 28 years before 1979, and put our attention mainly on dacryology since 1979 by 3 stages: (1) collecting literatures (1979-81); (2) lab research (1981-84) and (3) clinical research, put DE as the key point by 4 steps: DE diagnosis (1984-86); DE treatment (1987-91); DE Condition Judgement (1989-92) & DE cause & mechanism (1991-95) . RESULTS: In the past 44 years, esp . from 1979 on, in a planned way, we have systematically researched the dacryology with main results below: created new word "Leiyexue" in Chinese & its English words, dacryology & lacrimology by adding-ology to dacrya & lacrima; made LS consisted of reflex LG & LP, and basic LG besides; found out the normal & abnormal data of tear and serum LF & its iron bindingcapacity; MDH, LDH & isoenzymes; beta 2 m; MDA & antioxidants; trace elements, prostaglandins, intramuscular gentamicin passing the blood-tear barrier; bacteria, fungi, anaerobe, virus & parasite; Ig, T cell & subsets, Langerhan cell, HLA antigen; in cidence (KCS, 0.3-3%, trancomatous DE 0.003%); the parallel correlations between DE graded by rb, BUT & Slt; and in SS, lymphocytes infiltration in LG; Lab G & conjunctiva; LF (< 100 mg%) & beta 2 m (> 1.7 mg%); and testosterone receptors in LG; negated presence of tear Beta-lysim; set up a series of models for researching & a complete set of measures to diagnose, grade, judge and treat DE, deviced new operations . AT & prescription for DE; proved SS being autoimmune & EB virus, its one cause . CONCLUSIONS: This relatively, overall & systematical research of dacryology already have been widely applied to practice with over 100 papers published . It indicates that LS & its disease as a scientific discipline under the term of dacryology to grow up is entirely possible and extremely needful. Curr Biol, 2003 Feb 4, 13(3), 230 - 5 Genes encoding A-type flavoproteins are essential for photoreduction of O2 in cyanobacteria; Helman Y et al.; O(2) photoreduction by photosynthetic electron transfer, the Mehler reaction, was observed in all groups of oxygenic photosynthetic organisms, but the electron transport chain mediating this reaction remains unidentified . We provide the first evidence for the involvement of A-type flavoproteins that reduce O(2) directly to water in vitro . Synechocystis sp . strain PCC 6803 mutants defective in flv1 and flv3, encoding A-type flavoproteins, failed to exhibit O(2) photoreduction but performed normal photosynthesis and respiration . We show that the light-enhanced O(2) uptake was not due to respiration or photorespiration . After dark acclimation, photooxidation of P(700) was severely depressed in mutants Deltaflv1 and Deltaflv3 but recovered after light activation of CO(2) fixation, which gives P(700) an additional electron acceptor . Inhibition of CO(2) fixation prevented recovery but scarcely affected P(700) oxidation in the wild-type, where the Mehler reaction provides an alternative route for electrons . We conclude that the source of electrons for O(2) photoreduction is PSI and that the highly conserved A-type flavoproteins Flv1 and Flv3 are essential for this process in vivo . We propose that in cyanobacteria, contrary to eukaryotes, the Mehler reaction produces no reactive oxygen species and may be evolutionarily related to the response of anaerobic bacteria to O(2). Appl Environ Microbiol, 2003 Feb, 69(2), 779 - 86 Hydrogen-dependent oxygen reduction by homoacetogenic bacteria isolated from termite guts; Boga HI et al.; Although homoacetogenic bacteria are generally considered to be obligate anaerobes, they colonize the intestinal tracts of termites and other environments that are not entirely anoxic in space or time . In this study, we investigated how homoacetogenic bacteria isolated from the hindguts of various termites respond to the presence of molecular oxygen . All strains investigated formed growth bands in oxygen gradient agar tubes under a headspace of H(2)-CO(2) . The position of the bands coincided with the oxic-anoxic interface and depended on the O(2) partial pressure in the headspace; the position of the bands relative to the meniscus remained stable for more than 1 month . Experiments with dense cell suspensions, performed with Clark-type O(2) and H(2) electrodes, revealed a large capacity for H(2)-dependent oxygen reduction in Sporomusa termitida and Sporomusa sp . strain TmAO3 (149 and 826 nmol min(-1) mg of protein(-1), respectively) . Both strains also reduced O(2) with endogenous reductants, albeit at lower rates . Only in Acetonema longum did the basal rates exceed the H(2)-dependent rates considerably (181 versus 28 nmol min(-1) mg of protein)(-1)) . Addition of organic substrates did not stimulate O(2) consumption in any of the strains . Nevertheless, reductive acetogenesis by cell suspensions of strain TmAO3 was inhibited even at the lowest O(2) fluxes, and growth in nonreduced medium occurred only after the bacteria had rendered the medium anoxic . Similar results were obtained with Acetobacterium woodii, suggesting that the results are not unique to the strains isolated from termites . We concluded that because of their tolerance to temporary exposure to O(2) at low partial pressures (up to 1.5 kPa in the case of strain TmAO3) and because of their large capacity for O(2) reduction, homoacetogens can reestablish conditions favorable for growth by actively removing oxygen from their environment. Cell Mol Life Sci, 2002 Dec, 59(12), 2071 - 82 The role of conjugative transposons in spreading antibiotic resistance between bacteria that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract; Scott KP; There is huge potential for genetic exchange to occur within the dense, diverse anaerobic microbial population inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of humans and animals . However, the incidence of conjugative transposons (CTns) and the antibiotic resistance genes they carry has not been well studied among this population . Since any incoming bacteria, including pathogens, can access this reservoir of genes, this oversight would appear to be an important one . Recent evidence has shown that anaerobic bacteria native to the rumen or hindgut harbour both novel antibiotic resistance genes and novel conjugative transposons . These CTns, and previously characterized CTns, can be transferred to a wide range of commensal bacteria under laboratory and in vivo conditions . The main evidence that gene transfer occurs widely in vivo between GIT bacteria, and between GIT bacteria and pathogenic bacteria, is that identical resistance genes are present in diverse bacterial species from different hosts. Lin Chuang Er Bi Yan Hou Ke Za Zhi, 2000 Nov, 14(11), 499 - 500 {Bacteriological study of single nasal sinusitis and sensitivity of antibiotics}; Liu X et al.; OBJECTIVE: To properly understand the bacterial distribution and susceptibility to antibiotics in the sinus of nasal sinusitis . METHOD: The mucosal and secretion in sinus were taken from 135 patients who suffered with single nasal sinusitis, by functional endoscopic sinus surgery, were cultured for bacteria . Meanwhile the antimicrobial susceptibility was determined for ordinary antibiotics . RESULT: The bacterial growth was present in 88.15% of cases, mixed bacterial growth was present in 52.10% of all bacterial, anaerobe growth was present in 39.06% of all bacteria, the susceptibility to penicillin was in 53.12% of all bacteria and cefaolin was in 87.50% . The susceptibility to metronidazole was in 94.67% of all anaerobes . CONCLUSION: We think the method that penicillin in combination with streptomycin and metronidazole, sufameth oxazole united with metronidazole, cefaolin added metronidazole were effective in nasal sinusitis treatment before the antimicrobial susceptive examination had been done. Lin Chuang Er Bi Yan Hou Ke Za Zhi, 2000 Sep, 14(9), 407 - 8 {Bacteriological analysis of chronic sinusitis in school-age children (36 cases report)}; Zhan YS et al.; OBJECTIVE: To research the bacteriological characters of chronic sinusitis in school-age children and to provide basis for clinical treatment . METHOD: The purrent discharges taken from middle meatus of 36 patients were cultured for bacteria and the antimicrobial suscepility was determined . RESULT: The positive rate of bacteria culture was 83.3%, the compound infection rate was 36.1% . Aerobic bacteria were present in 76.7%, anaerobic bacteria were present in 55.6% . The result of antimicrobial susceptibility test was scattered . CONCLUSION: Infection rate of anaerobic bacteria was high in chronic sinusitis in school-age children and result of antimicrobial susceptibility was scattered . It was important to have anti-anaerobic treatment in chronic sinusitis in school-age children and to take an antimicrobial susceptibility test before medical treatment. Res Microbiol, 2002 Dec, 153(10), 621 - 8 Anaerobic benzene biodegradation--a new era; Coates JD et al.; Benzene is biodegraded in the absence of oxygen under a variety of terminal electron-accepting conditions . However, the mechanism by which anaerobic benzene degradation occurs is unclear . Phenol and benzoate have been consistently detected as intermediates of anaerobic benzene degradation, suggesting that the hydroxylation of benzene to phenol is one of the initial steps in anaerobic benzene degradation . The conversion of phenol to benzoate could then occur by the carboxylation of phenol to form 4-hydroxybenzoate followed by the reductive removal of the hydroxyl group to form benzoate . 13C-Labeling studies suggest that the carboxyl carbon of benzoate is derived from one of the carbons of benzene . Although the fumarate addition reaction is commonly used to activate many hydrocarbons for anaerobic degradation, the large activation energy required to remove hydrogen from the benzene ring argues against such an approach for anaerobic benzene metabolism . The alkylation of benzene to toluene has been detected in several mammalian tissues, and offers an interesting alternate hypothesis for anaerobic benzene degradation in microbial systems . In support of this, anaerobic benzene degradation by Dechloromonas strain RCB, the only known species to degrade benzene in the absence of oxygen, is stimulated by the addition of vitamin B12 and inhibited by the addition of propyl iodide which is consistent with the involvement of a corrinoid enzymatic step . Alkylation of benzene to toluene is also consistent with labeling data that suggests that the carboxyl carbon of benzoate is derived from one of the benzene carbons . However, it is difficult to envision how phenol would be formed if benzene is alkylated to toluene . As such, it is possible that diverse mechanisms for anaerobic benzene degradation may be operative in different anaerobic microorganisms. Mikrobiol Z, 2002 Sep-Oct, 64(5), 24 - 8 {The distribution of introduced nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the rice root zone}; Sherstoboiev MK et al.; The most oxidized zone 0-1.5 mm of root, which determines the high number of aerobic diazotrophic microorganisms, the reduced zone 1.5-4.5 mm, where their quantity was decreased and maximum of anaerobic nitrogen-fixing bacteria development observed as well as the reducing zone 4.5-7.5 mm, in which aerobic, obligate and facultative anaerobic bacteria coexist, have been discovered in the rice root exudations and their decomposition products. Br J Surg, 2003 Feb, 90(2), 222 - 6 Prospective randomized study of bacteraemia in diathermy and stapled haemorrhoidectomy; Maw A et al.; BACKGROUND: The incidence and consequences of bacteraemia associated with diathermy and stapled haemorrhoidectomy have not been studied previously . METHODS: Two hundred and five healthy patients randomized to stapled haemorrhoidectomy or diathermy haemorrhoidectomy had perioperative blood cultures taken . The clinical sequelae of bacteraemia and complications of surgery were assessed prospectively . RESULTS: Six patients were excluded for protocol violations . Eleven (11 per cent) of 101 patients with stapled and five (5 per cent) of 98 who had diathermy haemorrhoidectomy had positive blood cultures for organisms after haemorrhoidectomy, predominantly anaerobes commonly found within the bacterial flora of the anorectum (P = 0.19) . Transient postoperative pyrexia in several patients did not correlate with detected bacteraemia and settled spontaneously without treatment . There were no serious complications from either operative technique, and no clinical consequences from proven bacteraemia . CONCLUSION: Transient bacteraemia may complicate surgical haemorrhoidectomy but has no serious clinical consequences for healthy adults. Wei Sheng Wu Xue Bao, 1998 Aug, 38(4), 245 - 50 {The composition and distribution of some kinds of anaerobic microorganisms in Yinqion basin}; Deng Y et al.; Under the strictly anaerobic conditions, the population of Sulfate-reducing bacteria, fermentative bacteria and methanogenic bacteria of serial samples got from erect sections of different Sedimentary of Yingqiong basin (a typical marine sedimentary environment) were measured by MPN method . The morphology of different kinds of bacteria and the metabolic types of methanogen and methanogenic activity were observed . The relation between population of bacteria and some indexes were compared . The results show that SRB present in all of the samples . The distribution of SRB and fermentative bacteria have no interrelation with the depth of samples but SRB has interrelation with the SO(4)2- concentration, and fermentative bacteria has negative interrelation with the contents of organic matter . Two kinds of methanogen present in all of the samples . They belong to Methanobacterium and Methanococcus, respectively . Their types of nutriment are H2/CO2. Wei Sheng Wu Xue Bao, 1998 Apr, 38(2), 146 - 51 {A new genus of oral bacteria in human}; Ping W et al.; A strain, No . 90-1, is isolated from the oral cavity of a patient with periodontophthy . This strain is a Gram-positive, non-endospore-forming, facultative anaerobe with spherical cells, 0.9-1.5 microns in diameter, occuring in pairs and seldom in short chains of four cells, and motile by one flagellum per cell . The optimum growing temperature is 35-37 degrees C; appreciable growth is not found below 10 degrees C, but growth at 53 degrees and tolerance to 60 degrees C for 30 min . This strain is microhalophilous and grows best, well and poorly in the medium containing 2%, 10%-15% and 25% NaCl respectively . Catalase and urease are positive and nitrate is reduced . Acid is produced from many carbohydrates, but no gas . Gelatin can be hydrolyzed, but starch, cellulose and dextrin do not . G + C content in DNA is 41.34 mol%(Tm) . The strain(90-1) is considered to be a new species belonging to a new genus because its some characteristics are different from those of the known coccus genuera and designated as Stomatostreptococcus microhalophilus Ping, Zhou, Sun et Fan gen . nov . sp . nov . according to its source and microhalophilic trait. J Periodontol, 2002 Dec, 73(12), 1507 - 11 Isotypic antibody response to plaque anaerobes in periodontal disease; Plombas M et al.; BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that locally produced immunoglobulin (Ig)A could be more protective than IgG and that there could be a relationship between crevicular fluid-specific IgA levels and the onset of periodontal disease . This study was designed to investigate this hypothesis regarding specific immune responses towards 4 plaque anaerobes in gingival crevicular fluid and saliva from patients with periodontopathies and controls . METHODS: Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and whole saliva were collected from 35 adults with periodontitis and 24 periodontally healthy adults (controls) . Antigens were extracted from Actinomyces actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum and used to set up specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests to assess IgA and IgG levels to these microorganisms in the fluids collected . RESULTS: The crevicular fluid of periodontitis patients contained significantly higher levels of IgG to the 4 microorganisms tested than that of controls (P < 10(-6) for all comparisons) . IgA levels to the 4 bacteria were statistically significantly much higher in control crevicular fluid (P < 10(-7) for all comparisons) . Controls also had statistically significantly higher levels of specific salivary IgA than patients (P < 0.02 for all comparisons) . CONCLUSIONS: These data support the potentially protective role of specific IgA directed to oral microorganisms involved in the onset and development of periodontal disease. Transplantation, 2003 Jan 15, 75(1), 79 - 83 Hepatic abscess after liver transplantation: 1990-2000; Tachopoulou OA et al.; BACKGROUND: Infections following solid-organ transplants are a major cause of morbidity and mortality . Few studies have reported the complications of hepatic abscesses . METHODS: This investigation consisted of a retrospective chart review of all solid-organ transplant recipients from 1990 to 2000 . Criteria for diagnosis included parenchymal hepatic lesions, positive cultures from liver aspirates or blood cultures, or both, and a compatible clinical presentation . RESULTS: Of 2,175 recipients of all organ transplants (heart, lung, kidney, liver, pancreas), we identified 12 patients who had experienced 14 episodes of hepatic abscess, all in liver transplant recipients . Median time from transplant to hepatic abscess was 386 days (range 25-4,198) . The most common predisposing factor was hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT), which occurred in eight patients, and was diagnosed at an average of 249 days (range 33-3,215) after transplantation . Clinical presentation of hepatic abscess was similar to that described in non-immunosuppressed patients . All but one patient showed hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dL); those with HAT also had significantly elevated lactate dehydrogenase . Liver aspirates grew gram-positive aerobic bacteria (50% of isolates), gram-negative aerobic bacteria (30%), and anaerobes and yeasts (10% each) . Patients received an average of 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotic therapy . Catheter drainage was successful in 70% of cases; and five patients required retransplantation . Altogether, five of the patients died, yielding a mortality rate of 42% . CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic abscess, a rare complication after liver transplantation, was frequently associated with hepatic artery thrombosis . Mortality was higher than in patients who had not undergone transplantation . Prolonged antibiotic therapy, drainage, and even retransplantation may be required to improve the outcome in these patients. Gerodontology, 2002 Dec, 19(2), 66 - 72 Bronchopneumonia and oral health in hospitalized older patients . A pilot study; Imsand M et al.; AIMS: To correlate microbial findings obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage in pneumonia patients with the clinical situation of the oral cavity . METHOD: Quantitative aerobic and anaerobic cultures were carried out in 150 ml samples of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) obtained by means of an endoscope (Video Endoscope Pentax) inserted per os in the infected bronchus . MATERIAL: Twenty consecutive patients with a tentative clinical diagnosis of bronchopneumonia in whom BAL was carried out for diagnostic purposes . A clinical evaluation of the oral health status (oral hygiene, caries, periodontal diseases) was subsequently carried out . RESULTS: In seven edentulous subjects wearing complete dentures the culture of anaerobic microorganisms was negative or yielding less than 100 cfu/ml BAL . Two patients yielded high counts of S . aureus and one high counts of P . aeruginosa . In the 13 subjects with natural teeth left one showed high counts of Veillonella spp . (anaerobic) + P . aeruginosa, one high counts of Veillonella spp . + S . aureus, one high counts of P . aeruginosa + S . aureus and one high counts of E . coli . These four subjects showed poor oral hygiene, periodontal pockets and a BAL microflora consistent with periodontal pathology . CONCLUSION: The results of this pilot study suggest that microorganisms of denture plaque or associated with periodontal diseases may give rise to aspiration pneumonia in susceptible individuals. Nature, 2003 Jan 23, 421(6921), 357 - 60 Reductive dehalogenation of chlorinated dioxins by an anaerobic bacterium; Bunge M et al.; Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs and PCDFs) are among the most notorious environmental pollutants . Some congeners, particularly those with lateral chlorine substitutions at positions 2, 3, 7 and 8, are extremely toxic and carcinogenic to humans . One particularly promising mechanism for the detoxification of PCDDs and PCDFs is microbial reductive dechlorination . So far only a limited number of phylogenetically diverse anaerobic bacteria have been found that couple the reductive dehalogenation of chlorinated compounds--the substitution of a chlorine for a hydrogen atom--to energy conservation and growth in a process called dehalorespiration . Microbial dechlorination of PCDDs occurs in sediments and anaerobic mixed cultures from sediments, but the responsible organisms have not yet been identified or isolated . Here we show the presence of a Dehalococcoides species in four dioxin-dechlorinating enrichment cultures from a freshwater sediment highly contaminated with PCDDs and PCDFs . We also show that the previously described chlorobenzene-dehalorespiring bacterium Dehalococcoides sp . strain CBDB1 (ref . 3) is able to reductively dechlorinate selected dioxin congeners . Reductive dechlorination of 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (PeCDD) demonstrates that environmentally significant dioxins are attacked by this bacterium. J Endod, 2003 Jan, 29(1), 51 - 4 Antimicrobial activity of Ca(OH)2 dental cements: an in vitro study; Morrier JJ et al.; The effect of five commercial calcium hydroxide root canal medications (XR-SPAD, Calcicur, Hy-cal, Root-cal, Hypo-cal) and two calcium hydroxide mixtures (with water or glycerin) on the growth of (a) three anaerobic bacteria associated with endodontic infections; and (b) saliva bacterial strains was determined using the agar diffusion inhibitory test . Statistically significant zones of bacterial growth inhibition for all the bacteria tested were observed . Calcium hydroxide mixed with glycerin showed the largest zones of bacterial inhibition, whereas Root-cal was the least active . These results underline the necessity to evaluate the antibacterial potential of endodontic medications against the different bacterial strains commonly isolated from infected root canals. Hua Xi Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi, 2000 Aug, 18(4), 235 - 6, 239 {Distribution of Prevotella intermedia in the periodontal plaques of children and their parents}; Liu M et al.; OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution of Prevotella intermedia (Pi) among family members by culturing technique and biochemical identification . METHODS: Of all 60 families, 181 subjects were included in the study . Supragingival and subgingival plaques were collected and cultured, 279 strains of black-pigmented gram-negative anaerobes were obtained . Biochemical identifications were performed . RESULTS: Pi could be identified from parents and children with healthy periodontal status . The prevalence of Pi in children was 70.49%, which was significantly higher than that in adults (43.33%) . CONCLUSION: The result indicates that Pi might be an opportunistic periodontal pathogen that could be colonized in periodontal plaques easily and early . To study the exact role of Pi in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, it is necessary to do longitudinal following study of the subjects. Toxicol In Vitro, 2003 Feb, 17(1), 35 - 40 Cytogenetic evaluation of two nitroimidazole derivatives; Lopez Nigro MM et al.; 5-Nitroimidazoles are a well-established group of antiprotozoal and antibacterial agents . Thanks to their antimicrobial activity these chemotherapeutic agents inhibit the growth of both anaerobic bacteria and certain anaerobic protozoa such as Trichomonas vaginalis, Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia . The aim of the present study is to achieve a precise characterization of the genotoxic activity of these compounds and to establish the value of cytogenetic assays in order to determine the effect of these drugs, at therapeutic doses, to settle an improved risk assessment . Two nitroimidazole were studied, metronidazole and ornidazole, at four different concentrations (0.1, 1, 10 and 50 microg/ml of peripheral blood lymphocyte culture) . Endpoints analyzed included: mitotic index (MI), replication index (RI), sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and chromosomal aberrations (CA) . An analysis of variance test (ANOVA) was performed to evaluate the results . A significant decrease (P<0.0001) in MI as well as an increase in SCE (P<0.0001) and CA (0.0001) frequencies for both drugs was observed . No modifications in RI were found . The results suggest a genotoxic and cytotoxic effect of MTZ and ONZ in human peripheral blood cultures in vitro. J Bacteriol, 2003 Feb, 185(3), 703 - 13 Novel organization and divergent dockerin specificities in the cellulosome system of Ruminococcus flavefaciens; Rincon MT et al.; The DNA sequence coding for putative cellulosomal scaffolding protein ScaA from the rumen cellulolytic anaerobe Ruminococcus flavefaciens 17 was completed . The mature protein exhibits a calculated molecular mass of 90,198 Da and comprises three cohesin domains, a C-terminal dockerin, and a unique N-terminal X domain of unknown function . A novel feature of ScaA is the absence of an identifiable cellulose-binding module . Nevertheless, native ScaA was detected among proteins that attach to cellulose and appeared as a glycosylated band migrating at around 130 kDa . The ScaA dockerin was previously shown to interact with the cohesin-containing putative surface-anchoring protein ScaB . Here, six of the seven cohesins from ScaB were overexpressed as histidine-tagged products in E . coli; despite their considerable sequence differences, each ScaB cohesin specifically recognized the native 130-kDa ScaA protein . The binding specificities of dockerins found in R . flavefaciens plant cell wall-degrading enzymes were examined next . The dockerin sequences of the enzymes EndA, EndB, XynB, and XynD are all closely related but differ from those of XynE and CesA . A recombinant ScaA cohesin bound selectively to dockerin-containing fragments of EndB, but not to those of XynE or CesA . Furthermore, dockerin-containing EndB and XynB, but not XynE or CesA, constructs bound specifically to native ScaA . XynE- and CesA-derived probes did however bind a number of alternative R . flavefaciens bands, including an approximately 110-kDa supernatant protein expressed selectively in cultures grown on xylan . Our findings indicate that in addition to the ScaA dockerin-ScaB cohesin interaction, at least two distinct dockerin-binding specificities are involved in the novel organization of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes in this species and suggest that different scaffoldins and perhaps multiple enzyme complexes may exist in R . flavefaciens. J Biotechnol, 2003 Feb 27, 101(1), 57 - 68 Decolorization of the textile dyes by newly isolated bacterial strains; Chen KC et al.; Six bacterial strains with the capability of degrading textile dyes were isolated from sludge samples and mud lakes . Aeromonas hydrophila was selected and identified because it exhibited the greatest color removal from various dyes . Although A . hydrophila displayed good growth in aerobic or agitation culture (AGI culture), color removal was the best in anoxic or anaerobic culture (ANA culture) . For color removal, the most suitable pH and temperature were pH 5.5-10.0 and 20-35 degrees C under anoxic culture (ANO culture) . More than 90% of RED RBN was reduced in color within 8 days at a dye concentration of 3,000 mg l(-1) . This strain could also decolorize the media containing a mixture of dyes within 2 days of incubation . Nitrogen sources such as yeast extract or peptone could enhance strongly the decolorization efficiency . In contrast to a nitrogen source, glucose inhibited decolorization activity because the consumed glucose was converted to organic acids that might decrease the pH of the culture medium, thus inhibiting the cell growth and decolorization activity . Decolorization appeared to proceed primarily by biological degradation. Surg Infect (Larchmt), 2002 Summer, 3(2), 135 - 44 Emergence of resistant microbes in critical care units is transient, despite an unrestricted formulary and multiple antibiotic trials; Franklin GA et al.; BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem in the intensive care setting .