J Clin Microbiol, 1979 Oct, 10(4), 567 - 73 Acceptability and cost savings of selective sputum microbiology in a community teaching hospital; Heineman HS et al.; Our experience in introducing selective sputum microbiology into a clinical laboratory was recorded prospectively and analyzed . Based on low-power microscopy with determination of ratios of polymorphonuclear to squamous cells, 32% of specimens were discarded as unfit for culture . Speedy processing and prompt telephone calls afforded opportunities to replace these with better specimens, but only 29% of rejected specimens were resubmitted . Interpretive readings of smears for microorganisms yielded meaningful yielded meaningful information to clinicians and correctly predicted culture results in 73.8% of acceptable specimens . Technological time was similar to that required to process the same number of specimens in the usual way, but rejection of unsatisfactory specimens led to a 22% saving in supplies . Clinicians readily accepted the new system . Where nurses are responsible for specimen collection, they must be informed of the rationale for selective culture and the unreliability of gross visual inspection in evaluating sputum. Agents Actions, 1979 Oct, 9(4), 344 - 9 Effects of BCG, levamisole and PS-K on the rejection of male skin grafts by female mice; Seo S et al.; Rejection of male skin grafts by BALB/c female mice was accelerated by one s.c . injection of BCG (5 X 10(5) microorganisms/mouse) into recipients on the day of transplantation . Levamisole 20 mg/kg injected similarly was without any effect . Protein-bound polysaccharide Kureha (PS-K) injected 250 mg/kg s.c . or i.p . once every other day from the day of transplantation stimulated graft rejection . The s.c . route was more effective than the i.p . route . These results show that, in sex-linked graft rejection in mice, PS-K has an immunostimulant action similar to that of BCG . This property may be important to the antineoplastic activity of PS-K. Mutat Res, 1979 Oct, 64(5), 295 - 305 The intrasanguineous host-mediated assay procedure distribution and retention of yeast in the mouse; Frezza D et al.; A study of the factors that could affect a method to detect mutations in cells recovered from different organs after intravenous injection in mice, was performed by using the D4 strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae . The recovery of the yeast cells 5 min to 3 days after injection in the host animal was investigated . The circulation, distribution and localization of the cells were determined, and histopathologic analysis was performed in order to detect possible interactions between the mice and the microorganisms . We found that the yeast cells were trapped primarily in the capillaries of the organs; 3 days after injection no cells were found outside of the tissue-blood vessels . The spontaneous gene-conversion frequency of the yeast cells recovered at different times after injection was increased, but this increase was not time-dependent. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1979 Oct, 38(4), 644 - 9 14C-most-probable-number method for enumeration of active heterotrophic microorganisms in natural waters; Lehmicke LG et al.; A most-probable-number method using 14C-labeled substrates is described for the enumeration of aquatic populations of heterotrophic microorganisms . Natural populations of microorganisms are inoculated into dilution replicates prepared from the natural water from which the organisms originated . The natural water is supplemented with a 14C-labeled compound added so as to approximate a true environmental concentration . 14CO2 evolved by individual replicates is trapped in NaOH and counted by liquid scintillation techniques for use in scoring replicates as positive or negative . Positives (14CO2 evolution) are easily distinguished from negatives (no 14CO2 evolution) . The results from a variety of environments using the 14CO2 procedure agreed well with previously described methods, in most instances . The 14C-most-probable-number method described here reduces handling procedures over previously described most-probable-number procedures using 14C-labeled substrates . It also appears to have advantages over other enumeration methods in its attempt to approximate natural conditions more closely. Can J Microbiol, 1979 Oct, 25(10), 1145 - 51 Biological effects of magnetic fields: studies with microorganisms; Moore RL; Five bacteria and one yeast were grown in magnetic fields of 50-900 gauss with frequencies of 0-0.3 HZ and square, triangular, or sine waveform . Growth of these microorganisms could be stimulated or inhibited depending upon the field strength and frequency of the pulsed magnetic field . Spore germination and mutation frequency were unaffected by the magnetic fields used in this study. Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig A}, 1979 Oct, 245(1-2), 171 - 83 The pathogenicity of avian mycoplasmas; Stipkovits L; Based on literature data and own experiences the author gives an outlook about pathogenicity of avian mycoplasmas . In chickens and turkeys M . gallisepticum and M . synoviae (in addition to it M . meleagridis exclusively in turkeys) are the most important mycoplasmas producing respiratory disease, inflamation of synovial membranes and other lesions . Their pathogenic effect is very much influenced by dose of agent, route of entry of microorganism, age of birds, virulence and tropism of organism as well as associated other mycoplasma or virus or bacterial or fungal infections and conditions of environment . These facts rise difficulties in serological diagnostic and erradication program . Recently ureaplasma infection was also established in chickens and turkeys which can also be associated with respiratory disease . From ducks A . laidlawii, M . anatis and various unclassified strains were isolated, among these M . anatis and unclassified arginine splitting mycoplasma strains proved to be pathogenic . In geese M . gallinarum, A . laidlawii and A . axanthum were detected . A . axanthum showed pathogenicity for goslings and goose embryos . Its effect is exacerbated by associated parvovirus infection. Proc R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, 1979 Sep 21, 205(1161), 443 - 52 Evolution of enzyme structure; Hartley BS; Three-dimensional structures of enzymes offer evidence about their evolution . There are clear examples of divergent families (e.g . mammalian serine proteases) and convergence (e.g . chymotrypsin and subtilisin) . Topological similarities in dehydrogenases may reflect an ancient divergence or merely chemical constraints on protein architectures . Further experimental evidence is desirable to back up arguments based on molecular morphology . By growing microorganisms on novel foodstuffs in a chemostat, one can focus selective pressure on a specific enzyme activity . Experiments will be described in which such pressure is focused on pentitol metabolism . Examination of the fine structure of the genes responsible for this pentitol metabolism has given clues about the volution of metabolic pathways. Transfusion, 1979 Sep-Oct, 19(5), 572 - 6 Heterophile antibodies . Part III . Evidence for linkage of high responder activity to sheep red blood cells and the formation of specific antibodies to HBsAg; Vos GH et al.; Group A, B and O subjects who produce immune antibodies to group A1 or B red blood cells also produce high titer antibodies to sheep red blood cells . Sheep red blood cells appear to possess AB-like as well as non-AB determinants on their surface membranes, each capable of producing and reacting with antibodies of their respective specificities . The antibodies against AB-like determinants preferentially agglutinate A or B cells whereas non-AB-like determinants preferentially stimulate hemolytic antibodies . Human antibodies reacting with these two kinds of determinants on sheep red blood cells may be produced in response to microorganisms possessing very similar factors on their membranes . Individuals who possess AB-like determinants in their secretions, similar to the determinants present on sheep red blood cells (or microorganisms), often make weaker antibodies to these red blood cells . Subjects lacking corresponding anti-sheep inhibitors in their secretions generally produce stronger sheep red blood cell antibodies . There is a positive correlation between the formation of antibodies to HBsAg and strong agglutinating antibodies to sheep red blood cells, indicating that similar determinants may be found on HBsAg virus and on sheep red blood cells . No such correlation was found for anti-tetanus antibodies. Arch Microbiol, 1979 Sep, 122(3), 219 - 29 {Metabolic products of microorganisms 183, Imacidin, a new peptid antibiotic from Streptomyces olivaceus (author's transl)}; Brecht-Fischer A et al.; Streptomyces olivaceus, strain Tu 1379 produces beside the red dyestuff prodigiosin several closely related hitherto unknown cyclodepsipeptide antibiotics, mainly imacidine B and C and imacidinic acids . The antibiotics affect murein biosynthesis . Only actinomycetes are inhibited. Arch Tierernahr, 1979 Sep, 29(9), 589 - 95 {Feed value of straw materials in the in vitro system . 4 . Influence of the additional pre-incubation with the rumen fluid of animals deprived of food on the in vitro rate of protein synthesis}; Hasselmann L et al.; Rumen fluid was extracted from sheep after they had been deprived of food for 48 hours . This rumen fluid was either directly applied in an artificial rumen or after pre-incubation (up to 16 hours) . The 35S-incorporation rate into the microbial protein was measured after the admixture of untreated straw meal, straw meal treated with NH3-water of with NaOH . Generally, the 35S-incorporation rates were highest for the blank experiments . The reason for this is that the straw meal admixtures withdraw from the microorganisms low-molecular, energetically utilisable substrates by absorption and adsorption . Pre-incubation could not much reduce the relatively higher 35S-incorporation rate of the blank experiments . The two treated straw variants were significantly superior to the untreated straw meal concerning the 35S-incorporation rate. Z Parasitenkd, 1979 Sep, 59(3), 295 - 8 The detection of rickettsia-like microorganisms within the ovaries of female Ixodes ricinus ticks; Lewis D; An ultrastructural study of tick-borne fever (TBF)-infected Ixodes ricinus ticks revealed the presence of rickettsia-like microorganisms within the ooplasm and the mitochondria of developing oocytes . These microorganisms are similar in appearance to the TBF agent and it is possible that although transovarial transmission of the TBF agent apparently does not occur, the rickettsiae are at least able to establish themselves in the ovaries of infected ticks. Sabouraudia, 1979 Sep, 17(3), 305 - 9 Malassezia pityrosporum pachydermatis (Weidman) Dodge 1935; Gordon MA; Priority of the name Malassezia pachydermatis (Weidman) Dodge 1935 is indicated for the microorganism which has been called Pityrosporum pachydermatis Weidman 1925 and P . canis Gustafson 1955 . M . pachydermatis is here further characterized in culture with information drawn from 2 recent isolates, in particular the presence of spiral grooves on the inner surface of the cell wall, good growth on Mycosel agar, rapid production of urease, and assimilation of glucose by the Wickerham method. Mikrobiologiia, 1979 Sep-Oct, 48(5), 773 - 78 {Anaerobic reduction of ferric iron by hydrogen bacteria}; Balashova VV et al.; Ferric iron is a possible electron acceptor for facultative anaerobic processes . A Pseudomonas culture capable of reducing ferric iron with molecular hydrogen has been isolated from marshy soil . The microorganism can grow because of iron reduction . It reduces ferric hydroxide and ferrihydrite, including residues of iron bacteria . The organism reduces also nitrates in nitrites . Reduced iron and nitrite inhibit the growth of the organism, and therefore the concentration of the cells and of reduced iron is not high . The organism can grow with oxygen as an electron acceptor, even at oxygen concentrations below 1% . The organism requires small quantities of yeast extract for growth under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions . The bacterial reduction of iron with hydrogen may be significant for gaining better insight into processes occurring in flooded soils. Ann Immunol (Paris), 1979 Sep-Oct, 130C(5), 687 - 709 The influence of BCG vaccination on murine leprosy in C57BL/6 and C3H mice; Lagrange PH et al.; Cross-reactivity between Mycobacterium lepraemurium (MLM) and BCG vaccine was found and evaluated in vivo, in C57BL/6 mice, in terms of delayed-type hypersensitivity, local granulomatous response at the injected site and limitation of growth of the challenge inoculum in the draining node . Cross-reactive specific protection and local reactivities were transferred in syngeneic normal recipients by means of non-adherent lymphoid cells from immune donors . When BCG vaccine was injected either intravenously or subcutaneously in C57BL/6 and in C3H mice, it was able to induce resistance to local infection with living MLM in both strains, but no alteration of the local granulomatous reaction (equivalent to local specific immune response) was observed in C3H mice, as compared to the control . When mice were immunized with one or two injections of heat-killed MLM after the immunomodulating effect of BCG vaccination, better immunization was not achieved . In order to test the presence of strain-related immunosuppressive mechanisms, mice were cyclophosphamide-treated during the immunization process . As expected, higher specific DTH reactions were obtained in both strains, but with only a slight increase of the protective mechanism . Protection was always higher in C57BL/6 than in C3H mice . The specific and non-specific immune responses to BCG vaccine were then evaluated in both strains with different parameters: in vivo lymphoproliferative response in the draining node, delayed local granulomatous reaction at the injected site after a subcutaneous injection, increase in spleen index, kinetics of the immunopotentiation to a thymus-dependent antigen (sheep red blood cells) after a single intravenous injection of BCG . A striking interstrain difference was observed; C57BL/6 mice were able to mount a more rapid and marked immune response as compared to C3H mice (which only developed a delayed and slight response) . Moreover, these differences were associated with the fact that BCG did not seem to multiply properly in C3H mice during the first two weeks after inoculation . Thus, it was concluded that higher natural resistance to pathogens and cross-reactive preimmunization with related microorganisms can interfere with the artificial immunization when living microorganisms are used . Implication for vaccination to mycobacterial infection (tuberculosis and leprosy) are discussed. Mikrobiologiia, 1979 Sep-Oct, 48(5), 915 - 8 {Dynamics of the number of soil bacteria calculated by different methods}; Zviagintsev DG et al.; Temporal changes in the incidence of soil bacteria were estimated using different methods such as luminescent microscopy, direct count according to Vinogradsky, growth on MPA . The method of Vinogradsky gave less stable results as compared to luminescent microscopy . The method of calculating microorganisms was found to influence the results obtained while studying the temporal dynamics of bacterial incidence in sod-podzolic soil. Mikrobiologiia, 1979 Sep-Oct, 48(5), 809 - 13 {Lipoamino acids in the composition of actinomycete polar lipids}; Kasymbekova SK et al.; The capacity for substitution of phospholipids, in particular phosphatidyl ethanolamine, by a phosphorus-lacking lipoamino acid was studied in different groups of actinomycetes . In the conditions of phosphorus deficiency, most cultures were found to be capable of synthesizing a phosphorus-lacking nitrogen-containing lipoamino acid . Its characteristics (Rf) in TLC are similar to those of ornithinolipid . This fact confirms, for the first time and for different groups of actinomycetes, the hypothesis concerning interchangeability of membranous lipids . In the case of Actinomyces olivaceus, phosphatidyl ethanolamine and ornithine containing a phosphorus-lacking lipid can be regarded, this being corroborated by comparative data about their quantitative content . The detection of the phosphorus-lacking nitrogen-containing lipid in the composition of the polar fraction in different actinomycetes in the conditions of phosphorus deficiency in the medium demonstrates the possibility of adaptive changes in the composition of membranous lipids in microorganisms depending on their habitat. Mikrobiologiia, 1979 Sep-Oct, 48(5), 798 - 802 {Diauxotrophic properties of microorganisms assimilating C2--C4 hydrocarbons}; Malashenko IuR et al.; Diauxotrophic properties of bacteria assimilating gaseous hydrocarbons C2--C4 and other complex organic substances but not methane were studied . If the medium contained two substrates (hydrocarbon+carbohydrate), the non-growing cells of the strains did not display diauxotrophic properties . In the phase of exponential growth, oxygen-containing carbon sources and then gaseous hydrocarbons were assimilated, i.e . diauxia was observed . If a microbial association containing an obligate methylotroph and a facultative gas-assimilating culture was grown on a medium with a natural gas, the latter culture assimilated carbon-containing metabolites of the methylotroph and then, when their concentration decreased, gaseous hydrocarbons . The order in which complex organic substances (exometabolites of methylotrophs) and hydrocarbons C2--C4 were assimilated was determined by their concentration in the medium . In the course of growth of such a microbial association, the inhibiting effect of metabolites of methylotrophs on their growth decreased as well as the loss of methane being transformed by methylotrophs into exometabolites, and hydrocarbons C2--C4 were utilized. J Chem Inf Comput Sci, 1979 Aug, 19(3), 123 - 5 Information about microorganisms contained in patent specifications; Bannister D et al.; Although patents are an important source for information on microorganisms, a survey disclosed that catalogs from culture collection depositories are unreliable in relating the availability with the microorganisms disclosed in a patent. Isr J Med Sci, 1979 Aug, 15(8), 716 - 23 Diagnostic applications of scanning electron microscopy and microanalysis in pathology; Abraham JL; Microanalytical technology developed within the last decade provides important information in diagnostic pathology . Scanning electron microscopy, including backscattered electron imaging and energy dispersive X-ray analysis should become at least as valuable as polarized light microscopy, histochemistry and conventional transmission electron microscopy . Other as yet less available techniques such as the ion microprobe and laser Raman microprobe are also valuable . The pathologist should consider the use of microanalytic techniques in any disease process in which endogenous or exogenous materials may be present in the tissues, in the same manner in which one would perform stains for microorganisms . Cases are presented illustrating the tissue preparation and results of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis in diagnosis. J Exp Med, 1979 Aug 1, 150(2), 359 - 70 Studies on the mechanisms of macrophage activation . II . Parasite destruction in macrophages activated by supernates from concanavalin A-stimulated lymphocytes; Buchmuller Y et al.; Activation of mouse peritoneal exudate macrophages, as evidenced by destruction of the intracellular protozoan parasite Leishmania enriettii, was obtained by incubation with supernates from concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated syngeneic spleen cells . Parasites were not destroyed in macrophages exposed to control media . Supernate-induced activation was independent of the presence of Con A . The activating principle (macrophage activating factor, or MAF) was produced by Con A-stimulated lymphocytes in presence or absence of serum . In absence of serum, MAF synthesis was highest at Con A concentrations far below those required in serum-containing media . MAF production was reduced at Con A concentrations of 10 microgram/ml or above, probably a result of toxicity of the lectin for lymphocytes . MAF was detectable after 24 h of lymphocyte stimulation and increased up to 72 h; production appeared to be independent of DNA synthesis . Serum-free MAF was inactive when tested as such on macrophages . Full activity could be restored by addition of nanogram amounts of endotoxin or of FCS before assay . Endotoxin also considerably potentiated MAF activity in serum-containing supernates . Full intracellular parasite destruction was observed after contact of macrophages with MAF for 20 h . The continuous presence of MAF was not necessary for activation; a 10-h pulse was sufficient to induce macrophages to destroy all intracellular microorganisms within the next 38 h. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1979 Aug, (8), 37 - 41 {Evaluation of the state of the nonspecific resistance of the body in children in an organized collective}; Rusakova EV et al.; Nonspecific body resistance was evaluated by 2 methods: the surface autoflora of the skin and the degree of autoimmune reaction were determined . An increase in the number of microorganisms in the autoflora (more than 40 colonies on the impression) and the number of cells secreting antibodies against autoerythrocytes suggested a decrease in body resistance against bacterial and viral infections (increased morbidity rate for respiratory and pyoinflammatory infections) . The above methods make it possible to detect the weakest children in closed institutions and to carry out observation of such children with the implementation of the necessary prophylactic measures. Am J Med, 1979 Aug, 67(2), 293 - 306 Clinical uses of microorganisms and their products; Mackowiak PA; Although antibiotics and conventional vaccines are the two most familiar examples of man's exploitation of microorganisms as clinical allies, microorganisms and their products are assuming an increasingly prominent role in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human diseases . This report attempts to give a brief overview of the status of the use of microorganisms in clinical medicine and to identify potentially fertile areas for future progress in their clinical application, concentrating on areas other than the already extensively reviewed ones of antibiotics and classic immunization. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1979 Aug, 48(2), 175 - 7 Microbiologic evaluation of poly-HEMA root canal filling material; Kronman JH et al.; This study was designed to determine whether poly-HEMA root canal filling material can support bacterial growth . Eight different microorganisms were tested against the polymerized material, as well as against the powder and paste components of the unpolymerized material . The results establish that this root canal filling material does not support bacterial growth. Boll Ist Sieroter Milan, 1979 Jul 31, 58(3), 234 - 41 {Influence of composition of the culture media on the in vitro determination of the bacterial sensitivity to sulfonamides, trimethoprim and cotrimoxazole}; Pessione E et al.; The difficulties concerning the interpretation of results of susceptibility tests to sulphonamides, trimethoprim, co-trimoxazole have been investigated . The zones of inhibition produced by discs containing these drugs are peculiar since frequently they contain a light bacterial growth and small colonies . Therefore the real sensitivity or resistance of the microorganism is questionable . Susceptibility tests performed on media of different composition, have shown that the phenomenon is chiefly due to the presence in the medium of thymidine and methionine . Both the substances are end-products of the metabolic pathway on which act sulphonamides, trimethoprim, co-trimoxazole . When they are in the medium, they can be available for the bacteria in spite of the inhibition caused by the mentioned drugs. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1979 Jul 18, 585(4), 611 - 9 Preliminary studies on the composition and rheological properties of the extracellular polysaccharide synthesized by Pseudomonas PBI (NCIB 11264); Williams AG et al.; A microorganism isolated from a carbohydrate-rich industrial effluent synthesized an exocellular slime polysaccharide composed of glucose and galactose in a molar ratio of 7.45 +/- 0.68 : 1, and two non-carbohydrate substituents acetate (3--4%) and pyruvate (5--9%) . Contamination by rhamnose and mannose was detectable in crude polysaccharide samples . Solutions of the polysaccharide were pseudoplastic, but not thixotropic, and formed gels in the presence of certain trivalent cations. Lab Anim, 1979 Jul, 13(3), 199 - 202 Ultrastructural features of spironucleosis (hexamitiasis) in x-irradiated rat small intestine; Gruber HE et al.; An alteration in the host response to the intestinal protozoan Spironucleus (Hexamita) muris was noted in x-irradiated rat small intestine . When few were present in the crypt lumina, the intestinal microvillar border was normal . However, when larger numbers were present, the microvilli were greatly reduced in numbers or entirely absent in some regions . The organism was identified in the base of the crypt lumen, in apical portions of mucous cells, and near the basement membrane . Spironucleus enclosed by digestive vacuoles occasionally appeared to be in the process of being extruded through the basement membrane . Not all intracellular protozoa were surrounded by such digestive vacuoles . Spironucleus was never seen in association with the digestive vacuoles of Paneth cells . Since it has been suggested that Paneth cells have a role as a fixed phagocyte, ingesting protozoa and other microorganisms, the results presented here suggest that this function may have been impaired in irradiated animals. J Dairy Sci, 1979 Jul, 62(7), 1108 - 14 Evaluation of automatic mastitis detection equipment; Gebre-Egziabher A et al.; An electronic sensor was evaluated as an instrument for early detection of mastitis . This method involved measuring the conductivity of milk continuously throughout the milking process and then establishing a conductivity ratio . The lowest conductivity measurement of the four quarters was a basis for assessing the degree of mastitis in the other quarters . This assumed that at least one of the quarters was normal at examination and the lowest reading was normal conductivity . The conductivity ratio was evaluated by comparison with the leukocyte concentration and combined leukocyte concentrations and cultural examiniations of milk samples from 1028 quarters . In healthy cows conductivities of milk from each of the quarters were similar . If, however, one or more quarters were infected, this milk showed higher conductivity compared to the noninfected quarter of the same cow . The conductivity ratio correctly identified 69% of the established cases of mastitis . For the Wisconsin Mastitis Test, 93.2% of the normal quarters were detected correctly by the conductivity ratio . Leukocyte counts were frequently high when there was no other evidence of mastitis . We believe the conductivity ratio is effective in detecting mastitis at an early stage of infection caused by most of the pathogenic microorganisms. Nord Vet Med, 1979 Jul-Aug, 31(7-8), 316 - 20 Survival of microorganisms and helminth eggs in green pills and cobs processed from a green crop irrigated with sewage; Moller J et al.; A grass crop which was contaminated with domestic sewage was dried in a hot air drying plant in order to observe the effect of the drying on pathogenic bacteria, virus and parasite eggs . The investigation showed, that pathogenic bacteria and virus were reduced with a factor 10(5)--10(6), and that parasite eggs were reduced with at least a factor 200, which is sufficient to secure that grasis irrigated with sewage and pre-served with hot air drying is used without hygienic risks. Orig Life, 1979 Jul, 9(3), 241 - 9 Solar-driven chemical energy source for a Martian biota; Clark BC; Microorganisms deep in the Martian soil could derive energy indirectly from the sun via chemical reactions involving atmospheric products of the solar ultraviolet flux . The Viking discovery of a chemically uniform regolith which, though poor in organics, is rich in sulfur-containing compounds suggests reaction sequences in which sulfur is recycled through reduced and oxidized states by biologically catalyzed reactions with photochemically-produced atmospheric constituents . One candidate reaction, reduction of soil ssufate minerals by molecular hydrogen, is already exploited on earth by bacteria of the ubiquitous and tenacious Desulfovibrio genus. Mikrobiologiia, 1979 Jul-Aug, 48(4), 729 - 33 {Electron microscopy study of the microorganism topography on plant roots}; Berestetskii OA et al.; The topography of microorganisms in the root cap zone and in the absorption zone was studied with 7-day-old wheat seedlings . No microorganisms were detected in the root cap zone . Individual microorganisms as well as their accumulations were registered in the absorption zone . The topography of microorganisms in this zone was characterized . Different morphological forms were present among microorganisms . Types of interaction between these microorganisms and the cells of root epidermis are discussed. South Med J, 1979 Jul, 72(7), 889 - 90 Septicemia during antibiotic therapy in neutropenic patients; Balducci L et al.; Two patients with acute leukemia developed septicemia while receiving antibiotic therapy . In both cases, the microorganism grown from the blood was sensitive to the drugs the patients were receiving . Areas of colonization by the same organisms were found at autopsy in the necrotic spleen and in the necrotic colonic mucosa . Septicemia developing during antibiotic therapy can indicate colonization of necrotic organs and appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures may be necessary. Bol Med Hosp Infant Mex, 1979 Jul-Aug, 36(4), 665 - 77 {Pleural empyemas in children due to Hemophilus influenzae}; Herrera P et al.; 22 consecutive cases of pleural empyema due to H . influenzae in children are reported . An increment of its incidence during the 1975-76 period is observed . All cases were in children under 3 years of age, with a mean of 15.5 months . The presenting syndrome at admission was varied . In 50% of cases, pleuropulmonary infection was ignored . Nearly one half of cases of pleural empyema due to H . influenzae had simultaneous purulent meningitis caused by the same microorganism . This type of empyemas, though having a prolonged evolution, apparently appear to have a good prognosis, compared with that produced by S . aureus . There are some differences, being the most outstanding: low frequency of pyoneumothorax and the lack of radiological evidences of abscesses and or pneumotoceles, in any phase of the clinical course . Stress is placed on the value of the bacteriological study of blood and CSF in children under 3 years of age with pleural empyema . A high rate of positive blood cultures was found . (75%) . Pieuropulmonary complications, as a frequent event during severe infections (septicemic disease) due to H . influenzae is considered . A clinical characterization of children in whom a pleural empyema could occur is proposed . A discussion is made about diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic implications of these complications. SSO Schweiz Monatsschr Zahnheilkd, 1979 Jul, 89(7), 637 - 46 {Antibiotic therapy in odontogenic infections}; Wenger B; Antibiotic therapy for oral infections is described in the context of the determination of microorganisms involved and the formation of resistance to antibiotics . The indications are shown and in 115 cases the microorganisms responsible for the infection and their resistance are enumerated . It is alarming to know that increasingly multiple resistances to antibiotics are discovered . This increase is particularly observed in Tetracyclin and Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazol . Finally antibiotic therapies in oral infections are recommended. J Natl Cancer Inst, 1979 Jul, 63(1), 163 - 9 Loss of strain specificity of the TA3-St subline: evidence for the role of epiglycanin in mouse allogeneic tumor growth; Cooper AG et al.; We described the in vivo conversion of the strain-specific ascites murine mammary adenocarcinoma subline TA3-St to a new ascites subline designated TA3-MM . This conversion occurred during passage in a syngeneic A/HeHa mouse infected with pneumonia-producing microorganisms . The mode number of chromosomes of the TA3-MM cell (82) was greater than that of the parental TA3-St cell (69) or the other non-strain-specific subline TA3-Ha (42) . The TA3-MM subline could grow in and kill mice of various allogeneic strains . In addition, the TA3-MM cell possessed numerous receptors for the lectin of Vicia graminea seeds, which were hardly detectable at the surface of the parent TA3-St subline but were present in abundance at the cell surface of the non-strain-specific subline TA3-Ha . These lectin receptors of the TA3-Ha cell were previously demonstrated to be present in a unique high-molecular-weight endogenous cell surface glycoprotein termed epiglycanin . The V . gramines lectin receptors on the new TA3-MM subline also were present on an epiglycanin-like molecule . This finding provides further evidence for the hypothesis that allogeneic growth in the TA3 system is a direct result of these membrane glycoproteins. Jpn J Antibiot, 1979 Jul, 32(7), 720 - 8 Neo-enactin, a new antifungal antibiotic potentiating polyene antifungal antibiotics . II . Taxonomic studies of the producing microorganism and simultaneous production of bleomycin group and streptothricin-like antibiotics; Otani T et al.; A new antifungal antibiotic, named neo-enactin, was produced mainly in the mycelia of strain H 829-MY 10 . Strain H 829-MY 10 was identified as a Streptoverticillium, determined to be nonchromogenic, and fits in the white color-series . Although Streptoverticillium olivoreticuli is known to be chromogenic, strain H 829-MY 10 is most related to that species . Thus, strain H 829-MY 10 is named as Streptoverticillium olivoreticuli subsp . neoenacticus . Besides neo-enactin, two bleomycin-group antibiotics and two streptothricin-like antibiotics were simultaneously produced by strain H 829-MY 10. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1979 Jul, 76(7), 3102 - 6 Active transport of calcium in Neurospora plasma membrane vesicles; Stroobant P et al.; Functionally inverted plasma membrane vesicles isolated from the eukaryotic microorganism Neurospora crassa catalyze Mg2+/ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake . Inhibitors induced efflux studies and isotope-exchange experiments indicate that the Ca2+ is accumulated inside the vesicles against a concentration gradient of about 40-fold, and that the majority of the transported Ca2+ is present essentially in free solution . Comparisons of Mg2+/ATP-driven 45Ca2+ uptake and {14C}SCN-uptake with respect to the Mg2+/ATP concentration dependence, the effects of inhibitors, and the nucleotide and divalent cation specificities indicate that the energy for Ca2+ accumulation is derived from ATP hydrolysis catalyzed by the electrogenic plasma membrane ATPase . Energized Ca2+ uptake is stimulated by the permeant anion SCN- to a degree that varies reciprocally with the ability of this anion to dissipate the membrane potential, and is inhibited by K+ in the presence of nigericin . All of these data point to the conclusion that the active transport of Ca2+ across the Neurospora plasma membrane takes place via a Ca2+/H+ antiporter, which functions to pump Ca2+ out of the intact cell. Scand J Clin Lab Invest, 1979 Jun, 39(4), 343 - 9 Pteroylpolyglutamate hydrolase of human granulocytes . I . Partial purification and kinetic studies; Jagerstad M et al.; Pteroylpolyglutamate hydrolase was demonstrated in the lysosome-like cytoplasmic granules of human granulocytes . Partial purification of this enzyme from granulocytes, obtained from patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia, was achieved by chromatography of the granule extract on Sephadex G-75, Bio-Rex 70 and hydroxylapatite . The enzyme preparation obtained was slightly contaminated with myeloperoxidase . Synthetic pteroyltetraglutamate was used as a substrate for the enzyme . The pH optimum was 5.1; the Km was 6 x 10(-3) mol/l; and the enzyme was activated by divalent cations, e.g . Ca++, Mg++ and Mn++ . Pteroylpolyglutamate hydrolase is suggested to be involved in the destruction of microorganisms in granulocytes during phagocytosis. Can J Microbiol, 1979 Jun, 25(6), 746 - 51 Effect of oxygen on batch and continuous cultures of a nitrogen-fixing Arthrobacter sp; Cacciari I et al.; Growth, acetylene reduction, and respiration rate were studied in batch and continuous cultures of Arthrobacter fluorescents at different oxygen partial pressures . The optimum pO2 values for growth and acetylene reduction were 0.05 and 0.025 atm, respectively, but microorganisms can tolerate higher pO2 values . The growth of cultures provided with combined nitrogen was dependent on oxygen availability, and strict anaerobic conditions did not support growth . Acetylene reduction of a population grown in continuous culture and adapted to low pO2 (0.02 atm) was much more sensitive to oxygenation than that of a population adapted to high pO2 (0.4 atm) . Their maximum nitrogenase activity, at their optimal pO2 values, were quite different . The respiratory activity of nitrogen-fixing cultures increased with increasing oxygen tensions until a pO2 of 0.2 atm . At higher pO2 values, the respiration rate began to decrease. Environ Health Perspect, 1979 Jun, 30, 133 - 8 Scientific basis for the study of demineralization of highly mineralized water for use in public water supply systems; Sidorenko GI et al.; New criteria (full physiological value and preservation of the properties of drinking water) are scientifically substantiated . Also discussed are indices (minimal admissible and optimal levels of basic water mineralization and calcium content, standards of microelements such as boron and bromine content, content of individual groups of microorganisms, water temperature) for evaluating the quality of demineralized water obtained from brackish and briny water (including water from the sea and ocean) by various methods which are designed for public water supply systems . Research results served as the scientific hygiene basis for the development of a new technology of obtaining drinking water . The necessity for developing a special quality standard for demineralized drinking water is shown. Med Hypotheses, 1979 Jun, 5(6), 669 - 82 Membrane glycoproteins shed in defence of the cells of the gastrointestinal tract; Fox RA; The cells lining the gastrointestinal tract are exposed to various potentially harmful agents, including plant lectins and microorganisms . It is proposed that glycoproteins within the mucus layer of the gut protect against these agents . A hypothesis is presented that membrane glycoproteins are shed and, within the mucus close to the cell surface, block the binding of lectins or attachment of microorganisms to membrane receptors . A model is presented that demonstrates that such blocking can be achieved by soluble glycoproteins . The implications of this hypothesis in health and disease are discussed. Am J Surg, 1979 Jun, 137(6), 745 - 8 Microbial colonization of indwelling central venous catheters: statistical evaluation of potential contaminating factors; Michel L et al.; A prospective study of 390 indwelling central venous catheters placed by way of the subclavian route identified bacteremia and tracheostomy as the only significant variables associated with the colonization of the catheters by pathogenic microorganisms . Catheter-related sepsis was likely in only 3 of 33 episodes of proved bacteremia . Detailed statistical analyses of other potential contaminating factors revealed no significant correlations. J Clin Invest, 1979 Jun, 63(6), 1137 - 44 Reversible phagocytosis in rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes; Berlin RD et al.; We have studied the fate of inert phagocytized particles in rabbit neutrophils . Neutrophils release significant quantities of preingested oil emulsion . Roughly 50% of an ingested load is released in 40 min at 37 degrees C . By electron microscopy the process of release appears to be by exocytosis: particles appear extruded through a network of processes often accompanied by membranous vesicles . Exocytosis is temperature and glucose dependent but unlike phagocytosis does not require divalent cations . From Coulter counter measurements virtually the entire cell population appears to undergo the phagocytosis-exocytosis sequence . Neutrophils undergoing exocytosis remain intact as determined by direct counts, electron microscopy, and absence of lactate dehydrogenase release . Moreover, by sequentially feeding differently labeled particles, it is shown that the processes of phagocytosis and exocytosis can occur concurrently . Indeed, it is found that ingestion accelerates release . The implications of these phenomena for membrane recycling, lysosomal enzyme release, and the killing of microorganisms are briefly discussed. Quad Sclavo Diagn, 1979 Jun, 15 Suppl 1, 523 - 31 {Determination of chemoantibiotic levels in tissues and biological fluids (author's transl)}; Renzini G; On the premise that a microorganism is sensitive or resistant to a chemoantibiotic according to it's concentrations in biological fluids and tissues, the A . examines those methods available in chemoantibiotic titration such as chemical, enzymatic, radio-immunologic, turbidimetric, potentiometric and agar-diffusion methods . By further evaluating the limits and capacities of these different methods, the A . describes in larger detail the agar-diffusion method which is considered more sensitive, practical and efficient . A brief report is made on the possibility of measuring antibiotic association. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1979 Jun, 37(6), 1053 - 8 Production of L-serine by Sarcina albida; Ema M et al.; Conditions for the production of microbial L-serine hydroxymethyltransferase and for the conversion of glycine to L-serine were studied . A number of microorganisms were screened for their abilities to form and accululate L-serine from glycine, and Sarcina albida was selected as the best organism . Enzyme activity in this organism as high as 0.12 U/ml could be produced in shaken cultures at 30 degrees C in a medium containing glucose, ammonium sulfate, glycine, yeast extract, and inorganic salts . L-Serine was produced most efficiently by shaking cells at 30 degrees C in a reaction mixture containing 20% glycine, 5 X 10(-3) M formaldehyde, and 3 X 10(-4) M pyridoxal phosphate in yields of 22 mg of broth in 5 days . L-Serine was easily isolated in 84% yields by ion-exchange resin. Med Microbiol Immunol (Berl), 1979 May 15, 167(2), 107 - 15 Cytological changes related to Brucella canis variants uptake in vitro; Egwu IN et al.; In this study, evidence for in vitro uptake, invasion, and cytopathogonomic effects of normal and variant strains of B . canis on tissue culture, is presented . B . canis L-phase were penicillin-induced and these microorganisms produced revertants on penicillin-free media . Tissue culture (LLC-MK2) cells were divided into different normal and variant-infected groups (I-IV), including controls . Bright-field and electron microscopic observations indicated uptake of all the strains and recognizable host cell damage (CPE) to varying degrees . At 72 h after infection, the extent of damage by L-phase was the least (55.5% CPE) . The L-phase-derived revertants resulted in 80% damage; this approximates the adverse effect of normal B . canis (85%) . In addition to these gross changes, various structural abnormalities, including pyknosis, nuclear disorganization, vacuolation, and karyorrhexis, were apparent . The implications of these findings and the indirect role of the L-phase in brucellosis due to B . canis are discussed. Rev Infect Dis, 1979 May-Jun, 1(3), 483 - 501 The complement system in host defense and inflammation; Frank MM; In this discussion I have reviewed the major role of complement in host defense and inflammation . In addition, I have discussed dificiency states . Although these are rare, their clinical signs and symptoms can be predicted, at least in part, on the basis of our current understanding of the biological activities of complement and the various pathways of complement activation . This is not to say that complement plays no role in a wide variety of other illnesses . However, when complement plays a role in an illness, often this is not because it is functioning in an aberrant fashion . The usual situation is that complement is being activated and is serving its normal function in causing inflammation and damage to tissues under abnormal circumstances . Thus, for example, circulating antigen complexes may be deposited in the kidney, activate complement, and mediate tissue inflammation . In this case, complement is functioning normally but is being activated under abnormal circumstances . The same type of analysis can be made for many diseases of many different organ systems . At present, we have no drugs that are effective in humans in controlling the activation of complement and complement-mediated inflammation . We have not yet even established whether local variations in the activity of complement may affect the course of a clinical infection, but there is certainly strongly suggestive evidence to support this idea . It should be clear that under certain circumstances complement may well be a major factor in controlling the course of an infection . The near future should bring a vast expansion in our understanding of how complement contributes to specific clinical illnesses and to the defense of the host against specific microorganisms. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1979 May, 32(5), 472 - 81 Enzymatic conversion of aclacinomycin A to Y by a specific oxidoreductase in Streptomyces; Yoshimoto A et al.; A specific oxidoreductase converting aclacinomycin A to a new analog, aclacinomycin Y, was purified to apparent homogeneity from the culture filtrate of aclacinomycin-producing microorganisms . The isolated enzyme was a weakly acidic protein (isoelectric point, 5.9) with a molecular weight of about 72,000 . The enzymatic reaction requires molecular oxygen and has a pH optimum at 5.5 . The enzyme catalyzed an oxidation of the terminal sugar, L-cinerulose, of the trisaccharide moiety of aclacinomycin A to L-aculose (2,3,6-trideoxyhex-2-enopyranos-4-ulose) with removal of two electrons . Studies of substrate specificity revealed that the enzyme is an oxidoreductase capable of modifying anthracyclic triglycosides by oxidizing their terminal sugars. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1979 May, 37(5), 932 - 7 Microbial metabolism of carbon monoxide in culture and in soil; Bartholomew GW et al.; Nocardia salmonicolor readily oxidized CO to CO2 . Slight activity was found among species of Actinoplanes, Agromyces, Microbispora, Mycobacterium, and other nocardias, and no oxidation was detected in the algae, fungi, and other bacteria tested . Carbon monoxide was oxidized rapidly to CO2 in the dark in two soils incubated in air or under flooded conditions, but little of the 14C from 14CO was incorporated into the organic fraction of these soils . The reaction was microbial because appreciable CO was not converted to CO2 in autoclaved or gamma-irradiated soil . Heating the soil for 25 min at 70 degrees C destroyed its CO-oxidizing activity . The incorporation of 14CO2 into the cells of microorganisms in soil and soil suspension was not enhanced by incubating the samples in the presence of CO, suggesting that CO oxidation was not the result of autotrophic metabolism . The oxidation of 17 mu 1 of CO per liter in the head space was nearly complete in 6 h in soil incubated in air or anaerobically. Mikrobiologiia, 1979 May-Jun, 48(3), 552 - 7 {Total number and biomass of microorganisms in the depths of the Black Sea}; Mitskevich IN; The total number and biomass of microorganisms, as well as the ratio between their main morphological forms, were determined by capillary microscopy in 22 water samples taken at various depths from the surface to 1500 m in the eastern part of the Black Sea . The total number of microorganisms was several times higher at depths over 150 m in the hydrogen sulfide zone than in the oxygen zone (0--150 m), whereas the biomass was greater by an order of magnitude . The number of microorganisms varied within a range of 1.4--12.4X10(3) cells/ml in the oxygen zone and 3.8--34.9X10(3) cells/ml in the hydrogen sulfide zone, whereas the biomass was 0.9--6.9 mg/m3 and 10.8--55.6 mg/m3, respectively . The bulk of the microbial biomass in the hydrogen sulfide zone was constituted by peculiar filamentous forms described for the first time by Lebedeva (1953, 1963) and, apparently, participating in sulfur turnover. Mikrobiologiia, 1979 May-Jun, 48(3), 534 - 40 {Bacterial destruction of synthetic organic flotation agents}; Ilialetdinov AN et al.; Microorganisms that use the flotation agent T-66 as the sole source of carbon have been isolated from soil enriched with this agent . A mixture of bacterial cultures belonging to the genus Pseudomonas (Ps . fluorescens, Ps . desmolyticum, Ps . rathonis, Ps . cyanoides viscosa, and Ps . aeruginosa) oxidized, after adaptation, at a high rate, components of the flotation agent T-66 . Aeration of the medium accelerated the destruction . About 90% of the foltation agent components were oxidized within four months . The highest activity was observed during the first two months . The bacteria also decomposed, actively, oxidized kerosene and oxidized recycle stock added as the sole source of carbon to a mineral medium . Introduction of glucose to the medium accelerated destruction of oxidized recycle stock by the microorganisms, but inhibited destruction of oxidized kerosene. Mikrobiologiia, 1979 May-Jun, 48(3), 490 - 4 {Dynamics of the development of different microorganisms in soil}; Kozhevin PA et al.; The dynamics of individual components from the complex of soil microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes) and the population of Stm . olivocinereus introduced into soil was studied by luminescent microscopy and inoculation . The population density maxima for individual components from the complex of soil microorganisms were shown to be separated in time suggesting a succession . Fungi developed at the first steps of succession and dominated in biomass over the remaining components of the complex . Bacteria and actinomycetes developed at the later steps of succession . Glucose addition stimulated still earlier growth of fungi (the maximal mycelium legth was registered by the second day) but had hardly any effect on the dynamics of other components of the complex. Intensive Care Med, 1979 May, 5(2), 83 - 6 Tracheostomy and indwelling central venous line: a hazaradous combination? Michel L, McMichan JC, Bachy JL. A prospective study of 390 indwelling central venous catheters placed via the subclavian route defined bacteremia and tracheostomy as the only significant variables associated with the colonization of the catheters by pathogenic microorganisms . Catheter related sepsis was likely in only 3 of 33 episodes of proven bacteremia . Detailed statistical analyses of other potential contaminating factors revealed no significance . Specific concern must be assigned to placement of central venous catheters by the subclavian approach, when a tracheostomy is already present, J Pharm Sci, 1979 May, 68(5), 596 - 8 Percutaneous absorption of butylparaben through guinea pig skin in vitro; Komatsu H et al.; Percutaneous absorption of aqueous butylparaben through guinea pig dorsal skin was studied using a diffusion chamber . Polysorbate 80 increased the solubilized concentration but decreased penetration of the preservative . Polyethylene glycol 400 also reduced the amount of penetration . Propylene glycol was less effective than polyethylene glycol 400 . Preservative activities of these systems on several microorganisms were evaluated on agar plates . The relationship between the butylparaben penetration and preservative activity is discussed. Rev Cubana Med Trop, 1979 May-Aug, 31(2), 85 - 8 {Mycobacterium cubense . A new pigmented species of slow growth}; Valdivia JA et al.; The isolation of an acid-fast microorganism of the genus Mycobacterium is reported . Its most relevant characteristics are the intense red color and the initial spheric shape of colonies which furtherly evolve to a peculiar division . The biochemical products from test bacteria as niacin, nitrase, lipase, phosphatase, TCH, catalase, peroxidase and a series of 11 amides as well as the tests for susceptibility against antibacillary drugs and biological tests are described . The patterns obtained permit the characterization of this species as one non previously described . The name Mycobacterium cubense, n . sp . is suggested. Rev Cubana Med Trop, 1979 May-Aug, 31(2), 141 - 58 {Toxoplasmosis: historical summary and bibliographic review}; Leyva Corzo A; A chronologic description of the principal events and discoveries related to toxoplasmosis from 1908 when the causal agent was discovered up to date is performed . The main data with a parasitic interest are summarized, and the endodiogenic multiplication is explained . The cat is the definitive host for this protozoan . Its evolutive cycle in the intestinal epithelium of this domestic animal is commented . The oocyst is recognized as the main infecting form of this microorganism . The classical concepts of congenital and acquired histoplasmosis are briefly exposed . A brief comment of the ophthalmic and gyneco-obstetric complications from the disease is made . Possible relationships between toxoplasmic adenopathies and neurotic states in psychiatry are emphasized. Dtsch Zahnarztl Z, 1979 May, 34(5), 437 - 9 {In vitro experiments on plaque formation}; Bossmann K; The mechanisms contributing to plaque formation have still not been adequately explained . An attempt therefore was made to form plaque in vitro in order to acquire a model for the processes and what influences them . Plaque forms in various stages, analogous to the natural condition when saliva and microorganisms are present on the surface of the teeth . Microorganisms from plaque formed in situ demonstrate a decreased ability for adhesion and cohesion when compared with free salivary microorganisms . Sucrose encourages more rapid and thicker plaque formation. J Prosthet Dent, 1979 May, 41(5), 522 - 7 Effects of subgingival restorations in beagle dogs . Part II: Gingivitis; Smales RJ et al.; For the materials and time period used in this study it was found that: 1 . At the end of the study there were no significant differences recorded between the restored teeth with either the gingival index or the histologic inflammation index . 2 . The gingival index showed that during the study the overall gingival health of the control teeth had improved significantly, while the overall gingival health of the restored teeth had improved only slightly . 3 . At the end of the study the histologic inflammation index, but not the gingival index, showed significantly more gingivitis overall for the restored teeth than for the control teeth . 4 . A comparison of the gingival, histologic inflammation, and microorganism (from Part I) indices, used to assess either the gingival condition or the amount of subgingival plaque on the restored teeth, showed no association between any of them . 5 . In general, the degree of clinical and histologic gingivitis associated with the restored teeth was slight. Biofizika, 1979 May-Jun, 24(3), 544 - 5 {Prolonged afterglow of microorganisms}; Petukhov VG et al.; The afterglow of some organisms is registered in the region of 460--540 nm at excitation in the 365 nm region . Apparently this effect is due to NAD and flavin containing coferments of proteins . The afterflow of NAD and riboflavin is also registered in thin films of albumin at excitation in 365 nm . The afterflow of NAD and riboflavin in thin protein films is similar to that spectrum of freezedried organisms' when the concentrations of these components are close to their concentrations in the cell. J Bacteriol, 1979 May, 138(2), 397 - 403 Control of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate levels by depolarizing agents in fungi; Trevillyan JM et al.; It has been reported that diverse treatments which depolarize the plasma membrane of Neurospora crassa produce rapid increases in cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) levels . In the current study, membrane active antibiotics, which are known or putative depolarizing agents, were found to produce similar cyclic AMP increases, not only in N . crassa, but also in the distantly related fungi Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mucor racemosus . Uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation, which have been found to depolarize Neurospora, also produced cyclic AMP increases in all three fungi . The time course of the cyclic AMP response to these various treatments was similar in all three fungi . The fungal studies and studies on depolarized central nervous tissue suggest that cyclic AMP increases may be produced in response to plasma membrane depolarization in diverse eucaryotic cells . A model is proposed for eucaryotic microorganisms in which membrane depolarization serves as a signal of breakdown of the plasma membrane integrity . The subsequent cyclic AMP increase, in turn, may mediate cellular response to help protect the plasma membrane from chemical and mechanical threats to its integrity. Mikrobiologiia, 1979 May-Jun, 48(3), 430 - 3 {Determination of the optimal growth conditions for microorganisms by using l4C-bicarbonate}; Gorlenko VM et al.; A technique of short-term experiments using 14C-bicarbonate has been proposed for rapid determination of the optimal conditions of growth of autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms . The technique is described and its advantages and limitations are discussed. Kosm Biol Aviakosm Med, 1979 May-Jun, 13(3), 75 - 80 {Characteristics of the proteins of unicellular organisms as potential components of ecological life-support systems}; Barashkov VA et al.; A comparative characterization of the biological value of proteins from green and blue-green algae, bacteria, and microbial coenosis of straw mineralizing active sludge is given with respect to the fractional composition of total protein, its amino acid composition, and affinity for proteolytic enzymes in vitro . The above microorganisms have an adequate amino acid composition, a high content of essential amino acids, and differ in their content of readily soluble proteins . The presence of protein complexes with other cellular components, for instance lipids and carbohydrates, seems to be responsible for a poor digestibility of these proteins. Mutat Res, 1979 Apr, 64(2), 61 - 77 Design and analysis of experiments on mutagenicity . II . Assays involving microorganisms; Katz AJ; The design and statistical analysis of mutagenicity experiments involving microorganisms and a single dose of mutagen are discussed . Test statistics are derived for use in determining the mutagenicity of a chemical when survival data are available and also when such data are not available . One's likelihood (power) of correctly concluding a chemical is mutagenic is examined, and minimum total sample sizes required for 95% power are presented . It is found that one generally has greater power when survival data are available . Required precision is estimating survival is discussed in reference to type-1 and type-2 errors . The proper use of the formulae and figures presented is illustrated by examples. Ann Intern Med, 1979 Apr, 90(4), 631 - 4 Cellular lipids of the Legionnaires' disease bacterium; Finnerty WR et al.; We qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed the simple and complex lipids of 10 Legionnaires' disease bacteria . The phospholipids in decreasing order of concentration were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, cardiolipin, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine . The total phospholipids averaged 96 micromoles per gram dry cell weight . Phospholipid fatty acids were solely branched-chain fatty acids and were, in decreasing order of concentration, iso-C16:0, anteiso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0, iso-C14:0, iso-C16:1, and an unidentified fatty acid . Neutral lipids identified were free fatty acid, ubiquinone, triglyceride, diglyceride, monoglyceride, and wax ester . Neutral lipid fatty acids consisted predominately of branched-chain fatty acids, normal fatty acids, and a minor unidentified fatty acid . Analysis of the cellular lipids of 10 Legionnaires' disease bacteria revealed an unusual and novel microorganism. Arch Microbiol, 1979 Apr, 121(1), 71 - 4 Metabolic products of microorganisms . 181 . Chitin synthase from fungi, a test model for substances with insecticidal properties; Brillinger GU; Chitin synthase from Coprinus cinereus (Schaeff . ex Fr.) S . F . Gray (= C . lagopus sensu Buller) was used as a model for chitin synthase from insects . The effect of dimilin (difluorobenzuron), captan (trichloromethylsulfonyl fungicide), kitazin P (organophosphorus ester fungicide) and parathion (organophosphorus insecticide) on the fungal enzyme was compared with the effect of nikkomycin (nucleosidepeptide antibiotic). Surg Clin North Am, 1979 Apr, 59(2), 185 - 97 Predicting infection in surgical patients; Pietsch JB et al.; To date, simple skin testing using recall antigens has proved to be the most accurate method of assessing preoperative risk for serious infectious complications . When used in conjunction with measures to control the microorganisms and the environment, evaluation of host defense mechanisms with skin testing can aid in reducing postoperative infectious morbidity and mortality. Ann Intern Med, 1979 Apr, 90(4), 704 - 7 Lessons from Legionnaires' disease; Hudson RP; In July 1976 a pneumonialike epidemic from a previously unrecognized microorganism erupted among Legionnaires who had attended a meeting in Philadelphia . There were an estimated 182 cases, in which 29 patients died . Among other things the episodes shows that even in a medically sophisticated industrialized nation, a bacterical pathogen can produce a small epidemic and defy identification for almost 6 months . One historical implication of the event is the need to consider the possibility of a return of large-scale epidemic disease rivaling the sweeps of bubonic plague in fourteenth-century Europe . Such epidemics could occur through any of a variety of microorganismic mechanisms recognized as operating at the present time . It is suggested that humans would react to such a disaster much as their progenitors did centuries ago. Lancet, 1979 Mar 31, 1(8118), 700 - 1 Serological response of patients with non-gonococcal urethritis to causative organism of contagious equine metritis 1977; Taylor CE et al.; The presence of allugtinins to the causative organism of contagious equine metritis (C.E.M.) in human serum has been confirmed . Agglutinins were found in the serum of 84 (37.6%) of 223 patients with non-gonococcal urethritis (N.G.U.), and in 12.5% of these patients there was a four-fold or greater rise in titre during the course of their illness . There was no evidence that these agglutinins were the result of infection by chlamydiae or ureaplasmas . Certain patients with these agglutinins seemed to respond better to therapy with antibiotics to which the C.E.M . bacterium is susceptible in vitro than did patients in whom these agglutinins were not found . The findings suggest that the C.E.M . bacterium or a microorganism related to it may be aetiologically involved in a proportion of patients with N.G.U . A search for such an organism in these patients is in progress. Proc R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, 1979 Mar 26, 204(1154), 83 - 97 Trophoblast transferrin and transferrin receptors in the host--parasite relationship of human pregnancy; Faulk WP et al.; Transferrin and specific transferrin receptors are demonstrated on the microvillous surface of syncytiotrophoblast in human immature and term placentae by immuno histological techniques with the use of light and electron microscopy . That the distribution of transferrin is limited to the materno-foetal interface supports the hypothesis that binding of maternal transferrin to trophoblast receptors is involved in the process of iron transport to the foetus . Parallel studies with baboon placentae demonstrate the presence of trophoblast receptors which bind both baboon and human transferrin, thereby putting forward an experimental model which might be used to test the biological significance of placental transferrin receptors in primates . In addition, investigation of a large number of human cell lines shows that many transformed cells, but no normal cells (such as blood lymphocytes) or cells from primary culture (such as neonatal foreskin fibroblasts), possess the ability to bind transferrin to their membranes . These findings suggest that transferrin receptors may play important biological roles in addition to that of iron transport from mother to foetus . One such role could be the limitation of iron in intervillous spaces, thus depriving iron-requiring microorganisms of iron, hence serving as a non-specific factor of resistance for placentae . Another role for foetal transferrin receptors on trophoblasts could be to bind maternal transferrin at the materno-foetal interface, thus frustrating maternal immunosurveillance . This is similar to a mechahism used by schistosomes in the host-parasite relation where host proteins are bound by the parasite to escape immunological recognition . The presence of transferrin receptors on transformed cells suggests that this mechanism might also be employed by tumour cells . Finally, in view of previous studies which show that transferrin is required by stimulated lymphocytes to pass from the G1 to the S phase of cellular replication, it is proposed that trophoblast transferrin receptors could limit the amount of transferrin in intervillous spaces and thus impede the proliferation and possible cytotoxicity of maternal activated lymphocytes at the materno-foetal interface. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1979 Mar, 32(3), 180 - 6 A new broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic complex, sporaricin . II . Taxonomic studies on the sporaricin producing strain Saccharopolyspora hirsuta subsp . Kobensis nov . subsp; Iwasaki A et al.; Morphological, cultural and physiological characteristics of a new nocardioform actinomycete are reported . The microorganism which produces the antibiotic complex sporaricin has been selectively isolated from a sample of soil obtained from Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan . By whole-cell analysis of the actinomycete, meso-diaminopimelic acid, arabinose and galactose were identified . But lipid LCN-A (lipid characteristic of Nocardia) and nocardomycolic acid were not detected . The taxonomic characteristics of this strain is closely related to the genus of Saccharopolyspora, described by LACEY and GOODFELLOW . Based on the taxonomic comparison with Saccharopolyspora hirsuta ATCC 27875, the strain was considered to be a subspecies of Saccharopolyspora hirsuta . Therefore, the proposed subspecies is named Saccharopolyspora hirsuta subsp . kobensis. Isr J Med Sci, 1979 Mar, 15(3), 227 - 30 Legionnaires's disease; Berman J et al.; The fist case of legionnaires' disease in Israel is described . In a previously healthy woman, the disease was manifested by a rapidly progressive pneumonia, which was unresponsive to conventional therapy . The diagnosis was confirmed by positive serologic tests and the demonstration of the responsbile microorganism in the patient's lung tissue . Legionnaires' disease should now be suspected in patients with unexplained severe pneumonia, even in countries in which this disease has not been previously recognized. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1979 Mar, 37(3), 596 - 600 Nonlogarithmic death rate calculations for Byssochlamys fulva and other microorganisms; King AD Jr et al.; Survivor curves for heat-resistant ascospores of Byssochlamys fulva exposed to lethal heat were nonlogarithmic . At lower heating temperatures, the log survivor curves were characterized by a shoulder plus an accelerating death rate; with increased temperatures, the rate approached logarithmic death . The formula (log No -- log N)a = kt + C was adapted to linearize these data . No and N are the initial and surviving numbers of organisms at the time t . The death rate is given by k, and C is a constant for a set of data . The a value is derived from the least-squares slope of a plot of log (log No -- log N) against log time and is used to linearize the thermal death rate curves . This formula permitted calculations of parameters analogous to those for logarithmic death (D and z) . Use of formula is illustrated for selected nonlinear microbial death rate curves from the literature. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1979 Mar, 37(3), 550 - 3 Mechanism of lethal action of 2,450-MHz radiation on microorganisms; Vela GR et al.; Various bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, and bacteriophages were exposed to microwaves of 2,450 +/- 20 MHz in the presence and in the absence of water . It was found that microorganisms were inactivated only when in the presence of water and that dry or lyophilized organisms were not affected even by extended exposures . The data presented here prove that microorganisms are killed by "thermal effect" only and that, most likely, there is no "nonthermal effect"; cell constituents other than water do not absorb sufficient energy to kill microbial cells. Mikrobiologiia, 1979 Mar-Apr, 48(2), 351 - 9 {Vertical distribution and the characteristics of the species composition of the microorganisms of some stratified lakes in Estonia}; Gorlenko VM et al.; The total number, vertical distribution, and special composition of microorganisms from three stratified lakes in the South-Eastern Estonia containing hydrogen sulfide and ferrous iron were studied in March, 1976 . The number of bacteria was lowest in surface water samples (1.2-1.9 x 10(6) cells/ml) . It increased first in the zone where oxygen disappeared (2.4-7.6 x 10(6) cells/ml), then slightly decreased, and again increased near the bottom where it became maximal (3.7-14.0 x 10(6) cells/ml) . The vertical distribution of individual microbial species corresponded to ecological niches . The content of Spirillum and Flexibacter, colonies of parallel rods containing gaseous vacuoles, was highest in the zone in which oxygen was still present . Iron bacteria, purple sulfur bacteria, colourless sulfur bacteria, and green bacteria Chloronema appeared deeper, in the microaerophilic conditions . Ancalochloris perfilievil, Chloroplana vacuolata, Chlorochromatium aggregatum, Pelochromatium roseum, Hyalosoris sp., and Peloploca sp . were found in the strictly anaerobic conditions . Morphological forms of microorganisms were most versatile in the region of contact between the aerobic and anaerobic zones . Most of the morphologically peculiar species of microorganisms were detected in all three lakes, but some bacterial forms were typical of some of the lakes. Arthritis Rheum, 1979 Mar, 22(3), 209 - 14 Increased toxoplasma antibodies in idiopathic inflammatory muscle disease . A case-controlled study; Phillips PE et al.; Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were measured in sera from 69 patients with polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and myositis associated with other connective tissue diseases and compared to 69 age-, race-, and sex-matched controls with unrelated diseases . Complement fixation toxoplasma antibodies were significantly more frequent in polymyositis and correlated with high IgM levels . Other distinguishing clinical or laboratory features of these patients were not found . The high toxoplasma antibodies were not associated with generally hyperactive humoral immunity . The serologic data suggested that inflammatory muscle disease was associated with recent active toxoplasma infection in certain patients . The pathogenetic role of the microorganism remains uncertain. Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis, 1979 Mar, 47(1), 33 - 6 Fluorescence microscopy for detection of M . leprae in tissue sections; Jariwala HJ et al.; The fluorescence method was compared with the Fite-Faraco method for detecting acid-fast microorganisms in paraffin sections of cases of leprosy . Biopsies were obtained from 50 cases of leprosy covering all varieties and at varying stages of treatment . The fluorescence method was better than the Fite-Faraco method; 22 biopsies showing acid-fast organisms in fluorescence microscopy and 20 in the Fite-Faraco method . Its superiority was evidenced in two cases in which the organisms were very scanty . Fluorescence microscopy can also be used to determine the Bacterial Index and the Morphologic Index of organisms . The Morphologic Index, however, was one and a half times higher than that obtained by the Fite-Faraco technic . The ease and speed of fluorescence microscopy appear to be a great advantage. Arch Pathol Lab Med, 1979 Mar, 103(3), 131 - 4 The role of platelets in infections . I . Observations in human and murine malaria; Fajardo LF; The interaction between platelets and microorganisms may be underestimated . Our in vivo studies support a direct role of thrombocytes in malarial infections . We have found intrathrombocytic parasites of Plasmodium vivax (in 10% of men naturally infected) and P berghei (in 53% of mice experimentally infected); these were both merozoites and trophozoites . Neither the mechanism of parasitization (whether by active penetration or by phagocytosis) nor the outcome of this phenomenon is known . However, structures suggestive of partially digested parasitic material were seen in platelets of almost 50% of the men and 75% of the mice . These findings suggest that other microoganisms (fungi, bacteria, and viruses) may also enter thrombocytes in vivo . If so, platelets could play important roles, either favorable or deleterious, in infections. J Dent Res, 1979 Mar, 58(Spec Issue B), 896 - 903 Demineralization and remineralization of dental enamel; Moreno EC et al.; Experimentation in vitro using organic acid buffers as demineralizing media shows that caries-like lesions can be obtained which are very similar in morphology and developmental stages to early lesions formed naturally under oral conditions . The use of these chemical systems and of mechanistic models advanced to explain the unique histological features of incipient caries have yielded a good understanding of the processes involved in caries formation . The study of natural and induced factors influencing the demineralization process has been greatly facilitated by the use of bacteriological systems in which demineralization is produced by direct colonization of cariogenic microorganisms on the surfaces of extracted teeth . Comparison of results obtained with these latter systems and with chemical systems has allowed us, for example, to elucidate the mechanism by which acquired salivary pellicles and fluoride topical solutions decrease the rate of enamel demineralization . The pellicle retards transport of matter across the enamel surface, whereas the fluoride topical solutions decrease the cariogenicity of the colonizing bacteria. J Bacteriol, 1979 Mar, 137(3), 1140 - 4 Properties of two cyclic nucleotide-deficient mutants of Neurospora crassa; Rosenberg G et al.; Studies on the crisp-1 (cr-1), cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)-deficient mutants of Neurospora crassa were undertaken to characterize the response of these mutants to exogenous cyclic nucleotides and cyclic nucleotide analogs . A growth tube bioassay and a radioimmune assay for cyclic nucleotides yielded the following results . (i) 8-Bromo cAMP and N6-monobutyryl cAMP but not dibutyryl cAMP are efficient cAMP analogs in Neurospora, stimulating mycelial elongation of the cr-1 mutants . Exogenous cyclic guanosine 3'5'-monophosphate (cGMP) also stimulates such mycelial elongation . (ii) Both cAMP levels and cGMP levels found in cr-1 mycelia are lower than those in wild type . However, the levels of both cyclic nucleotides are normal in conidia of cr-1 . The data on cr-1 mycelia and those reported earlier in Escherichia coli (M . Shibuya, Y . Takebe, and Y . Kaziro (Cell 12:528-528, 1977) show a previously unexpected relationship between cAMP and cGMP metabolism in microorganisms . The semicolonial morphology of another adenylate cyclase-deficient mutant of Neurospora, frost, was not corrected by exogenous cyclic nucleotides or by phosphodiesterase inhibitors indicating that the frost morphology is probably not caused by low endogenous cAMP levels . The low adenylate cyclase activity and the abnormal morphology of frost may be related separately to the linolenate deficiency reported in the mutant. Mikrobiologiia, 1979 Mar-Apr, 48(2), 336 - 40 {Isolation of an autotrophic variant of Nocardia opaca}; Kriukov VR; A hydrogen-oxidizing autotrophic actinomycete, strain Z-766, was isolated from the neuston of a marsh near Moscow . The organism was identified as Nocardia opaca Z-766 according to its morphologo-physiological properties . The spectrum of organic compounds used by the strain, its cultural characteristics and growth are similar to those of the monotypical autotrophic microorganism N . opaca 1b described earlier . Repeated isolation of the autotrophic variant of N . opaca Z-766 suggests that the ability of this species for autotrophic growth is not a unique phenomenon . It would be expedient to construct a taxon of the subspecial range, N . opaca var . autotrophica, for autotrophic variants of N . opaca. Farmaco {Sci}, 1979 Mar, 34(3), 183 - 8 In vitro antimycoplasmal activity of mepartricin; Meloni GA et al.; The in vitro antimycoplasmal activity of mepartricin was evaluated on several mycoplasma strains . The results demonstrate that this polyene antibiotic possesses a high efficacy against these microorganisms. Antibiotiki, 1979 Mar, 24(3), 163 - 8 {Possibility of the spectral analysis of heterogeneous biological systems . The determination of the mycelium concentration of Actinomyces aureofaciens, a producer of tetracycline, cultured on a medium with corn meal}; Korolev IuN et al.; A possibility of using spectroscopy of attenuated total reflection in the IR region for analysis of the heterogenic system consisting of the microorganisms and plant cells is discussed . The method of spectroscopy is proposed for estimating the mycelium concentration of Act . aureofaciens producing tetracycline in the presence of corn meal in the medium . The experimental data confirming this possibility are presented . The peculiar properties of the spectral analysis under these particular conditions are discussed . It is supposed that the method may be used for analysis of heterogenous systems including other microorganisms. Cell Biophys, 1979 Mar, 1(1), 15 - 28 Continuous dielectrophoretic separation of cell mixtures; Pohl HA et al.; Use of stream-centered dielectrophoresis (1-4) produced continuous separations on three cell mixtures (1) Chorella vulgaris with Netrium digitus, (2) Ankistrodesmus falcatus with Staurastrum gracile, and (3) Saccharomyces cerevisiae with Netrium digitus . Maximal separations were obtained for these mixtures of live cells at 100 kHz, 600 kHz, and 2.0 MHz, respectively . The technique was restricted to a frequency range of 0.01-32 MHz, and to suspensions of low conductivity in which microorganisms such as these algae and yeast are tolerant . Extension, however, to cellular organisms requiring higher osmolarity is readily feasible through the use of nonionic solutes such as sucrose, mannose, glycine, etc. Med Klin, 1979 Feb 16, 74(7), 235 - 8 {Diffusion of cefamandole into the prostatic tissue (author's transl)}; Adam D et al.; From 21 patients with prostatic adenoma with an average age of 69 years, serum and prostatic tissue concentrations after a single i.v . dose of 2 grams of cefamandole were estimated . The mean serum concentrations 30 minutes after the infusion was completed, were measured with 104.8 and after 60 minutes with 51 microgram/ml . The corresponding concentrations in the prostatic adenoma tissue were after 30 minutes 32.87 and after 60 minutes 17.1 microgram/g . These data are compared with earlier findings with other caphalosporine antibiotics (cephradine, cephapirine, cephacetrile, cephalothin) in the same tissue materials at the same time points . The estimated concentrations of cefamandole in serum and prostatic tissue are suited for the treatment of infections caused by cefamandole sensitive microorganisms. Eur J Immunol, 1979 Feb, 9(2), 149 - 54 Mitogenic activity of Mycoplasma pulmonis . II . Studies on the biochemical nature of the mitogenic factor; Naot Y et al.; The mitogenic activity of Mycoplasma pulmonis has been demonstrated to reside in the membrane of this microorganism . Studies aimed at the identification of the membraneous mitogenic factor have revealed that membrane proteins are essential components of this mitogenic manifestation . In addition, it has been shown that the micro-organism's outer surface membrane proteins are responsible for mitogenic activity . It has been shown, however, that isolated membrane lipids are not mitogenic for rat lymphocytes and are not required for the membrane's mitogenic potential. Acta Pathol Microbiol Scand {B}, 1979 Feb, 87B(1), 15 - 20 Pseudomonas cepacia bacteraemia due to intrinsic contamination of an anaesthetic . Bacteriological and serological observations; Borghans JG et al.; In November-December 1977 an epidemic of bacteraemia due to P . cepacia was observed in Odense, Denmark (nine patients), and in Nijmegen, Holland (seven patients) . All patients recovered . The epidemic was traced to intrinsic contamination of two batches of the anaesthetic fentanyl . All isolates from the patients and from the two batches belonged to the same biotype, had identical sensitivity patterns, and identical antigens . The P . cepacia strain differed from stock strains in being able to grow in two passages in methyl-p-hydroxi-benzoate, 0.5 mg/ml, which promoted the growth of the microorganism: inocula of 2-20 cfu were sufficient to initiate growth in the drug or preservative . These facts indicate the inadvisability of using p-hydroxi-benzoates as preservatives in vials . The strain was inhibited at temperatures above 38.5 degrees C, corresponding to the recovery of the patients after a period with fever above 39 degrees C . Fourteen out of 15 patients examined had agglutinin titres greater than or equal to 320, while 36 blood donors had titres less than 40 . Of 12 patients with postoperative fever in the same period whose blood cultures did not yield P . cepacia, three had titres greater than 320. J Clin Microbiol, 1979 Feb, 9(2), 248 - 52 Effect of blood dilution on recovery of organisms from clinical blood cultures in medium containing sodium polyanethol sulfonate; Salventi JF et al.; This clinical study was designed to evaluate the standard laboratory protocol that requires blood specimens be diluted with greater than or equal to 10 volumes of media . Blood was collected from hospitalized patients, and 1 ml was inoculated into each of three vials containing 2.3, 7.3, and 24 ml of BACTEC 6B aerobic medium resulting in dilutions of 1:4, 1:10, and 1:30, respectively . The three test vials were treated identically, and the study was carried out at four hospitals . Of the 2,550 sets of vials inoculated, 174 were positive with clinically significant isolates from 105 patients . There was no difference in the number of positive cultures recovered by 24 h (67%) or 48 h (90%) from any dilution . These percentages agreed with other reports from BACTEC users . The number of positive vials (139, 144, 147, respectively) at each dilution was not significantly different, indicating that all three dilutions showed equal recovery of pathogenic microorganisms . Despite this overall equality, two patients, one on antibiotic therapy, were found to have correlated cultures which failed to grow at the 1:4 dilution . This finding implies that a 1:4 dilution of blood cannot be recommended unequivocably despite the higher overall recovery rate of positive cultures. J Am Dent Assoc, 1979 Feb, 98(2), 191 - 5 Disinfection of nitrous oxide inhalation equipment; Yagiela JA et al.; Cross-infection by contaminated equipment is a potential hazard associated with conscious sedation with nitrous oxide and oxygen . Nosocomial infections have occasionally been linked wih the use of unsterile inhalation devices; microbial contamination of sterile nasal hoods routinely occurs during administration of nitrous oxide; and in vitro experiments indicate that subsequent use of contaminated nasal masks may lead to aspiration of microorganisms . Although the incidence of respiratory disease after such contamination is unknown, it is clear that disinfection of the nitrous oxide apparatus between patients is desirable . A simple cleaning method involving alkaline glutaraldehyde is described that provides adequate disinfection of the rubber goods used in the administration of gas . Superiority of this technique over previously recommended cleaning methods is shown. Arch Int Physiol Biochim, 1979 Feb, 87(1), 1 - 18 Lipolytic enzymes in bovine thyroid tissue . III . Lysophospholipase activity; De Wolf M et al.; Lysophospholipids are formed during phospholipid breakdown as a result of the action of phospholipases A . At certain concentrations these lysoderivatives destabilise biological membranes . Therefore, their concentration is of critical importance for membrane integrity . Prevention of lysophosphoglycerides accumulation may be the important role for lysophospholipases and is probably the explanation for their widespread occurrence in nature . Lysophospholipase activities were found in molds (Fairbairn, 1948), rice bran (Contardi & Ercoli, 1933), several microorganisms (Brockerhoff & Jensen, 1974), snake and bee venoms (Doery & Pearson, 1964; Mohamed et al., 1969; Shiloah et al., 1973), insects (Khan & Hodgson, 1967; Rao & Subrahmanyam, 1969), fish muscle (Yurkovski & Brockerhoff, 1965; Cohen et al., 1967) and in various animal tissues (Marples & Thompson, 1960) . In mammalian tissue the enzyme was first described in beef pancreas (Shapiro, 1953) . Relatively high levels were detected in intestine, lung, spleen, liver and pancreas, while lower levels were present in muscle, kidney, testes, brain and blood (Marples & Thompson, 1960) . The presence of lysophospholipase activity in both supernatant and sediment of bovine thyroid was reported previously in relation to possible interference of this enzyme with the phospholipase A activity assay (De Wolf et al., 1976) . The subcellular localization of bovine thyroid lysophospholipase and some properties of the membrane bound enzyme activity are discussed in this paper. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1979 Jan 11, 545(1), 94 - 105 The isolation of coupled mitochondria from Physarum polycephalum and their response to Ca2+; Holmes RP et al.; A method for the isolation of coupled mitochondria from the acellular slime mould Physarum polycephalum is described . The mitochondria oxidize respiratory substrates at rates comparable to those of mitochondria from other microorganisms and show similar responses to respiratory inhibitors . ADP/O values approach similar values to those obtained with mitochondria from higher organisms: 3 with NAD-linked substrates, 2 with succinate, and 1 with ascorbate-TMPD . Mitochondria actively take up low concentrations of Ca2+ with stimulation of their respiration . With succinate or pyruvate-malate as substrates respiratory responses are depressed by Ca2+ concentrations in excess of 200 micron in the presence or absence of phosphate . Exogenous NADH is unique in supporting the uptake of large amounts of Ca2+ in the presence of phosphate and in showing an unusual 'uncoupled' response in the absence of phosphate . A sigmoidal relationship occurs between initial velocity of Ca2+ uptake and Ca2+ concentration with a maximum velocity of approx . 15 nmol/s per mg protein and half maximum velocity occurring at approx . 50 micron Ca2+. Arzneimittelforschung, 1979, 29(6), 877 - 82 alpha, beta-Unsaturated gamma-lactones correlations between lipophilicity and biological activity; Dal Pozzo A et al.; A homogeneous series of alpha, beta-unsaturated gamma-lactones was prepared . Their in vitro activity against various microorganisms was quantitatively correlated, with the Hansch approach, to their lipophilicity, expressed by Rm chromatographic values . Although all the experimental results show a parabolic dependence, only in few cases the parabolic model calculated by Hansch fits to them . In most cases it was possible to find a good fitting between the ascending side of the parabola and the linear equation of Hansch . The meaning of the results and their utilization for future work are discussed. J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol Immunol, 1979, 23(4), 468 - 71 {Antibiotic activity of Decamycin on 11 genera of pathogenous microorganisms isolated from Veitnamese patients (author's transl)}; van Ngu V; The author studied inhibitory effects of Decamycin on 545 strains of pathogenous microorganisms . At the same time he compared the activity of Decamycin and that of classical antibiotics applied during treatment. J Dairy Sci, 1979 Jan, 62(1), 128 - 34 Common mammary pathogens and factors in infection and mastitis; Jain NC; Inflammation of the mammary gland, commonly known as mastitis, is considered a complex disease in view of its complexities of etiology, pathogenesis, sequela, therapy, and related aspects . The disease of most concern is the one produced by pathogenic microorganisms . However, as a prerequisite the pathogen must not only enter the mammary gland but also be able to survive and multiply in numbers sufficient to produce pathogenic effects . The normal bovine mammary gland is protected from such attacks by several anatomic and biologic armamenta which must be overcome by the invading pathogens . Organisms involved in causation of mastitis vary in their habitat, virulence, and susceptibility to host barriers . Similarly cows vary in their resistance to microbial entry into the mammary gland and subsequent response to overcome the infection . Only a few organisms, however, need to survive in the milieu of the mammary gland to produce mastitis . This paper is a general discussion of these aspects concerning bovine mastitis in relation to common mammary pathogens. Ann Ist Super Sanita, 1979, 15(1), 167 - 72 {7-Alpha dehydroxylation of bile acids by O2-intolerant anaerobic intestinal microorganisms}; Pacini N et al.; The 7 alpha-dehydroxylation of cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids by mice intestinal microorganisms was studied . When all techniques, from autopsy of the animals to final incubation, are performed in oxygen-free environment, it has been found that anaerobic O2 non tolerant microorganisms might be considered the main responsible for these transformations. Arch Exp Veterinarmed, 1979, 33(4), 495 - 8 {Transformation of 19-norgestagens to estrogens by rumen microorganisms}; Hobe G et al.; The 19-norgestagens norethisterone acetate (17 alpha-ethinyl-4-oestren-17 beta-ol-3-on-17-acetate), ethinodiol diacetate (17 alpha-ethinyl-4-oestren-3 beta, 17 beta-diol-3, 17-diacetate), and norgestrol (17 alpha-ethinyl-18-methyl-4-oestren-17 beta-ol-3-on) are transformed to ethinyloestradiol or 18-methyl homologue by microorganisms of cattle rumen . Such transformation of steroid gestagens to oestrogens is likely to offer an explanation for the occurrence of oestrogen effects which had been observed during synchronised oestrus of cattle following oral application of 19-norgestagens. Z Allg Mikrobiol, 1979, 19(10), 731 - 9 {Steroid-transforming enzymes from microorganisms . XII . Induction characteristics of the 4-en-3-oxosteroid: (acceptor)-1-en-oxidoreductase in Nocardia opaca}; Horhold C et al.; 17 alpha-Methyltestosterone and the corresponding 1(2)-dehydrocompound (Dianabol) are efficient inducers of the 4-en-3-oxosteroid: (acceptor)-1-en-oxidoreductase from Nocardia opaca . After a lag period of 4 hours the enzyme activity increases rapidly . During the induction the steroids are completely metabolized causing a drastical drop of specific enzyme activity . Using a fixed induction time the optimal steroid concentration and the temperature characteristic were found out . The influence of the concentration of the steroid water suspension on the induction effect is discussed to be dependent on the velocity of the dissolving of the steroid particles . Chloramphenicol and streptomycin are powerful inhibitors of the induction process. Vet Med Nauki, 1979, 16(6), 27 - 34 {Chemotherapeutic activity of Albendazole in experimental trichinelliasis in guinea pigs}; Georgieva D et al.; The chemico-therapeutical activity of albendasol was studied on 45 guinea-pigs experimentally invaded by 500 muscle trichinellae . The experimental animals were treated with the preparation on the 30th, 60th and 90th day post invasion . At the 10 mg/kg dose a 96.4% effectiveness against 30 day muscle trichinellae, 95.2% against the 60 day, and 81.2% against the 90 day trichinellae was scored, while at 20 mg/kg dose the effectiveness of the treatment was respectively 97.1, 96.3 and 88.6% . Pathomorphological and enzyme (alkaline and acid phosphatase) changes indicate that albendasol probably inactivates the inflammatory protective mechanism of the microorganism and directly participates in the parasite's cell metabolism. Z Allg Mikrobiol, 1979, 19(6), 375 - 9 {Steroid-transforming enzymes from microorganisms . X . Enrichment of a 4-en-3-oxosteroid-5 alpha-reductase from Mycobacterium smegmatis as well as separation and enrichment of the apoenzyme by means of affinity chromatography}; Atrat P et al.; The 4-en-3-oxosteroid-5 alpha-reductase from Mycobacterium smegmatis was bound biospecifically on the affinant containing an immobilized testosterone ligand . The enzyme obtained by elution with ethylene glycol and urea in a 32 fold purity has a S . A . of 8.73 X 10(-3) microM androstenedione min-1 mg-1 . The coenzyme (FAD) could be separated from the immobilized enzyme substrate complex on the affinity matrix, in the presence of (NH4)2SO4 at pH 3.0 . After elution of the apoenzyme 97% of the initial enzyme activity was obtained by incubation with FAD . The reactivated enzyme results in a 40-fold enrichment. Prog Clin Biol Res, 1979, 35, 119 - 27 An evaluation of bacterial resistance to chemo-antibiotics in a homogeneous area comprising East Veneto and South Friuli; Rigoli E et al.; The experiment, now in progress, consists in the gathering and processing of data obtained from the Antibiotic Sensitivity Test done in all the hospital laboratories in the aforesaid area and within which there may well be some interchange of patients . The Antibiotic Sensitivity Tests are arrived at from the identification of all the microorganisms found in the various biological specimens by rigorously standardized methodology . The data, reported on identical modules by all the laboratories and computerized by the CED of Treviso Hospital for half-yearly evaluation, will furnish information on the evolution of bacterial resistance and the related activity of the chemo-antibiotics for each individual hospital, for hospital groups, and for all the hospitals taken together . Details of the program of this operation, of the difficulties encountered, and of the current state of the survey are discussed. Acta Paediatr Acad Sci Hung, 1979, 20(1), 73 - 98 Lower airway diseases in childhood: a review with emphasis on X-ray signs; Gefferth CM; Lower airway diseases play an important role despite the most sophisticated therapeutic measures . Consequences of modern life, air pollution and many byproducts of our civilisation act in favour of airway diseases . Complicated is the problem by the changing symptoms, the changing virulence of the pathogenic microorganisms, by the unstable immune activity of the organism . Besides new syndromes are detected or separated from old diseases according to the development of the diagnostic tools . This paper reviews the actual situation of the subject. Adv Exp Med Biol, 1979, 120B, 319 - 40 Recent advances in microbial secondary metabolites: inhibitors of hydrolytic enzymes; Umezawa H; We initiated the study of small molecular enzyme inhibitors produced by microorganisms and found about 50 new compounds . In this paper, the author reviewed our studies on inhibitors of various proteases and enzymes on the surface of animal cells . Small molecular inhibitors of cellular surface enzymes enhanced or suppressed immune response . Studies on kinin and its related areas are rapidly progressing as shown by papers presented in this symposium . Parallel to the progress in these areas, it will become possible to establish new screening methods and to find new compounds useful in the study of kinin and its related systems. J Environ Sci Health B, 1979, 14(6), 617 - 24 Influence of pesticides on acetylene reduction and growth of microorganisms in an organic soil; Tu CM; The effects of 32 pesticides at two concentrations on acetylene reduction (non-symbiotic nitrogen fixation), nitrogen fixers, bacteria and fungi in an organic soil were assessed . None of the pesticide treatments suppressed C2H2 reduction as compared to controls . No significant inhibition of the population of non-symbiotic nitrogen fixers occurred . However, stimulatory effects were observed with treatments of fensulfothion, fonofos, oxamyl, DDR, TeloneR and Telone CR . Bacterial and fungal populations showed temporary declines but all recovered within 7 days to levels similar to or higher than those in the controls. Z Allg Mikrobiol, 1979, 19(2), 117 - 22 Structure and function of the conidiospore pigments of Penicillium cyclopium; Ha-Huy-Ke et al.; The cell wall of mature, green condiospores of Penicillium cyclopium Westling contains at least two pigments: A green chromoprotein which is extractable by means of formic acid or liquified phenol and a black insoluble pigment . Both fractions after long term treatment with boiling conc . HCl leave black amorphous residues which, due to their chemical and physico-chemical properties, belong to the group of melanins . The chemical structure of these melanins is still unidentified . No degradation products typical for indol-type or catechol-type melanins have so far been detected . During spore maturation parallel to an increase of pigmentation (determined by remission), the melanin residue left after acid hydrolysis of spores increases . The mature, dark green spores of the wild type strain contain about 40% melanin, the yellow-green spores of the mutant aux-glu 1 about 36% . The unpigmented spores of mutant res-eth 1 possess a melanin content of only about 5% . This value is nearly the same as that found in hyphae, which in all strains are yellowish-brown . The heavily pigmented condia of the wild type strain are about 100-times less sensitive to UV-radiation compared with the unpigmented spores of the mutant res-eth 1 . The reduced sensitivity indicates that, as with other microorganisms, the conidia pigments of P . cyclopium are protective components of the spores. Acta Neurochir (Wien), 1979, 47(3-4), 285 - 91 Relevance of antibiotics in the treatment of brain abscesses . Report of a case with eight simultaneous brain abscesses treated and cured medically; George B et al.; A case of eight simultaneous brain abscesses in the right cerebral hemisphere, treated medically after puncture of two of them, is reported . Antibiotics and hypertonic mannitol and, after seven days, dexamethasone were sufficient to cure these lesions . CT scan was of primary importance to follow the evolution under treatment . To get the best efficiency from antibiotics, identification of the microorganism and assessment of its resistance to antibiotics are necessary . It is suggested that in certain conditions medical therapy might be sufficient to treat cerebral abscess, after simple puncture to isolate the infecting agent . Corticosteroids should be avoided in the acute phase because they prevent antibiotics from penetrating the abscesses. Zentralbl Bakteriol Naturwiss, 1979, 134(2), 133 - 9 Associative symbiosis of Azotobacter chroococcum and higher plants; Monib M et al.; The association between a selected strain of Azotobacter chroococcum and seven plants was investigated in water cultures under sterile conditions . Azotobacter population progressively increased in the nutrient solution and on the rhizoplane . Microbial propagation depends on the type of plant, being much higher in presence of wheat, followed by barley, maize, broad bean, and cotton, while in presence of fenugreek and lentil lower rates of multiplication were recorded . Inoculation increased the dry weight of plants by 5--12% and in length by 3--18% in addition to increased nitrogen content of plants and nutrient solution . Nitrogen balance showed no significant change in systems devoid of Azotobacter, but association between plants and the microorganism invariably showed positive results . The extent of N2-fixation depends on the type of plants; higher gains were recorded in presence of non-leguminous plants. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol, 1979 Jan, 21(1-2), 29 - 36 Degradation of o-sec-butylphenyl N-methylcarbamate (BPMC) in soil; Ueji M et al.; Disappearance rate of BPMC in paddy soils increased with the increase of BPMC concentration in soils, and in contrast, it declined wiht higher moisture content . Since the disapperance rate of BPMC in soils was retarded by addition of sodium azide, it was suggested that soil microorganism(s) participated in the degradation of BPMC . On the other hand, it was probable that organic matter content was one of the main factors participating in the disappearance of BPMC . The soil-bound residues of BPMC which were extractable by heating with 0.5 N HC1 for 15 min, were relatively low, and their percentages ranged from 2.4 to 6.6% . The bound-residues were increased by addition of calcium or magnesium sulfate. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol, 1979 Jan, 21(1-2), 255 - 61 Screening of common bacteria capable of demethylation of methylmercuric chloride; Shariat M et al.; In summary, 21 bacteria were capable or degrading methylmercury chloride as measured by the disappearance of that species from the soil culture media . Disappearance of the methylated form was also accompanied by loss of total mercury in the culture media--probably as a result of reduction of the initial metabolite to volatile Hgo . The role of bacteria in the reduction step is not clear at this time although several authors (SUMMERS et al . 1972 and 1973; BISOGNI and LAWRENCE 1973 ) have suggested facilitated reduction rates in the presence of microorganisms. Comp Biochem Physiol B, 1979, 63(1), 39 - 44 Phylogenetic distribution of glutathione peroxidase; Smith J et al.; 1 . The enzyme glutathione peroxidase (E.C.1.11.1.9), known to be a selenoprotein from mammalian sources, was detected in the following vertebrates: fish, frog, salamander, and turtle . 2 . Among invertebrates, the enzyme was detected in crayfish and snail but not in insects or earthworm . 3 . No plant tissues or microorganisms showed any evidence of the enzyme activity . 4 . The presence of the enzyme activity in so many animal groups implies the widespread occurrence of genetic information for the specific assimilation of the selenium atom. Ciba Found Symp, 1979, (77), 187 - 204 The secretory IgA system in the neonatal period; Hanson LA et al.; It is still not known when the secretory IgA response, important for defence of the mucous membranes, becomes fully competent in the human infant . The infant is, however, provided with 0.25--0.5 g of secretory IgA/day via the maternal milk . The milk contains secretory IgA antibodies against a wide variety of antigens from microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and parasites . Many of the antibodies are directed against important virulence factors such as bacterial pili, enterotoxins, capsular polysaccharides and endotoxic lipopolysaccharides . The passive transfer of antibodies through the milk may explain why breast-fed infants are resistant to enteric infections in particular . The antibodies in the milk are often directed against antigens in the mother's milieu and intestine . An entero-mammary gland link, possibly consisting of lymphoid cells homing from the Peyer's patches in the intestine to the mammary gland, has been suggested . A limited selective uptake of oligomeric IgA from serum in exocrine glands, including the mammary glands, has also been indicated . Whichever the mechanism, the antibodies transferred via breast milk are composed to meet the needs of the infant. Ciba Found Symp, 1979, (72), 49 - 69 Pathways of assimilatory sulphate reduction in plants and microorganisms; Schiff JA; Assimilatory sulphate reduction, largely restricted to plants and microorganisms where it provides reduced sulphur for the formation of amino acids and proteins, nucleic acids, and various sulphur-containing coenzymes, begins with the activation of sulphate through reaction with ATP to form adenosine 5'-phosphosulphate (APS) and adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulphate (PAPS) . Two pathways of assimilatory sulphate reduction are known . One, found in some blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) and in all oxygen-envolving eukaryotes, begins with APS where the sulpho group is transferred via APS sulphotransferase to a thiol acceptor (glutathione (G-S-) in Chlorella) to form the organic thiosulphate (G-S-SO-3) . The organic thiosulphate appears to be reduced further by an organic thiosulphate reductase employing reduced ferredoxin to form G-S-S- . The terminal sulphur is then thought to be reductively transferred to O-acetylserine via O-acetylserine sulphydrase to form cysteine . A second pathway, found in bacteria and fungi, begins with PAPS where the sulpho group is transferred via PAPS sulphotransferase to an acceptor thiol to form an organic thiosulphate . Since thioredoxin is indispensable, this molecule may be the carrier or may serve to reduce the carrier . NADPH via thioredoxin reductase or glutathione and glutathione reductase reduces thioredoxin . These reactions release sulphite which is further reduced to sulphide by sulphite reductase, employing NADPH . Sulphide is then thought to react with O-acetylserine to form cysteine via O-acetylserine sulphydrase . The cellular location and evolution of these pathways is discussed. Ciba Found Symp, 1979, (72), 3 - 18 The sulphur cycle: definitions, mechanisms and dynamics; Kelly DP; The principal biochemical processes of the sulphur cycle are described and the types of organisms known to catalyse the reductive and oxidative phases of the cycle outlined . Attention is drawn to the shortcomings in our current knowledge of the scale of turnover of the sulphur cycle and of our understanding of the microorganisms involved in specialized environments . Examples of some special habitats are used to illustrate these points . The role of sulphate-reducing bacteria and sulphur-oxidizing chemolithotrophs in the formation and recycling of sulphide minerals is described. Ciba Found Symp, 1979, (72), 163 - 76 Observations on the biological roles of sulphatases; Dodgson KS et al.; Until recently little was known about the biological roles played by sulphatase enzymes, owing in part to the selection of assay substrates that were convenient but only removely related to the natural substrates . Once this was recognized the elucidation of function proceeded more rapidly . Microbial sulphatases appear to have roles to play in the nutrition of individual microorganisms whilst collectively they enable sulphur, returned to soils and waters in the form of sulphate esters, to be made available for recycling . In contrast, with one or two important exceptions, mammalian sulphatases are concerned, in association with other enzymes, with the turnover of macromolecules . Still defying understanding are the roles of sulphatases acting on adenosine 5'-phosphosulphate (APT) and 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulphate (PAPA) . APS sulphatases have now been purified from ox-liver lysosomes and cytosol and from a strain of Comamonas terrigena . The lysosomal enzyme shows wide specificity a