Bacteria

Tsitol Genet, 1975 Jul-Aug, 9(4), 363 - 72
{Genetic bases for the selection of microorganisms using analogs}; Stepanov AI; The main mechanisms are considered for biosynthesis processes regulation by means of repression and inhibition with final products . On the basis of these mechanisms the state and prospects of the directed alteration of various stages in regulating the synthesis of primary and secondary metabolites, using breeding selection of mutants resistant to analogues are discussed . The main regularities are presented for using analogues of primary metabolites in the breeding strains with overproduction of various biologically active compounds.

Mikrobiologiia, 1975 Jul-Aug, 44(4), 756 - 8
{Characteristics of filamentous phototrophic bacteria from freshwater lakes}; Gorlenko VM; Filamentous phototrophic bacteria were isolated in pure cultures from fresh-water stratified lakes, and identified as chlorobacteria . The photosynthesizing apparatus of these bacteria is chlorobium-vesicules, the main pigment is bacteriochlorophyll c . The bacteria do not require reduced compounds of sulphur; they are capable of anaerobic photosynthesis on organic compounds or grow under aerobic conditions in the light or in the darkness . They are mesophilic (optimum temperature is 25 degrees C); the optimum of pH is 7.0 . A possibility to class these microorganisms as a new species of the genus Chloroflexus is discussed.

Arch Microbiol, 1975 Jun 22, 104(2), 113 - 21
{Degradation of 14C, 3H, and 36Cl-labelled gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane by anaerobic soil microorganisms (author's transl)}; Haider K et al.; Up to 90% of the gamma-Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) applied to an anaerobic mixed bacterial flora enriched from an arable soil were degraded within 4-5 days . Degradation resulted in a rapid release of chloride and in formation of chlorine-free volatile metabolites . CO2 formation from the molecule was not detected . Investigations with 14C/3H- and 36Cl/3H double-labelled gamma-HCH indicated that the release of Cl and H did not occur in the ratio of 1:1 . More Cl than H was split off . The volatile compounds contained more 14C than 3H . Gas chromatographic studies also showed the rapid decrease of gamma-HCH and the formation of several metabolities . gamma-Pentachlorocyclohexene was nto detected . Increasing O2-contents in the gas phase of cultures resulted in decreases of the compound's degradation . Release of chloride and of volatile metabolites were observed with O2 contents in the gas phase up to 5% . alpha-HCH was also, but more slowly as with gamma-HCH, degraded by the anaerobic mixed flora . Chloride was released and volatile, chlorine-free metabolites were found.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1975 Jun 12, 392(2), 328 - 34
The effect of neomycin and streptomycin on the electrical polarisability of aqueous suspensions of Escherichia coli; Morris VJ et al.; Aqueous suspensions of bacteria scatter light strongly . In addition, the bacteria exhibit strong induced dipole moments in an electric field . In this note we report how, by measuring the intensity of the scattered light, the electric polarisability (alpha) of Escherichia coli could be monitored as small quantities of antibiotics were added to the suspensions . The effect of the presence of quite small quantities of antibiotic on the electrical polarisability, which gave rise to the induced dipole, was dramatic . From the hypothesis that alpha had its origins in the bacteria-solvent interface, a theory is presented which adequately accounts for both alpha and its changes in the presence of these antibiotics . The study is taken to suggest that the antibiotic molecules were adsorbed on to the bacterial surface thereby reducing the surface charge . This in turn reduces the number of counterions and the apparent induced dipole moment . Because the electric-field scattering method is both quick and sensitive to changes in alpha, it may prove a valuable method for the study of antibiotic action on cell and microorganism surfaces.

Antibiotiki, 1975 Jun, 20(7), 633 - 5
{Study of the sensitivity of Halprowia (microorganisms of the OLT group) isolated in joint pathology to antibiotics and sodium sulfapyridazine in in ovo experiments}; Sumarokova NI; Sensitivity to antibiotics and sodium sulfapiridasin of the microorganisms of group OLT, i . e . Halprowia and Chlamidia isolated from the joint fluid and synovial of the affected joints in patients with rheumatoid or non-specific infectious arthritis and Raiter syndrome was studied in ovo . The data provided determination of the spectrum of their sensitivity to various drugs . The antibiotics of the tetracycline group, i . e . olemorphocycline, tetracycline and rondomycin were shown to have the highest inhibitory effect . Penicillin and ampicillin only delayed the death of the infected embryons . As for kanamycin and streptomycin used in the doses tested, the agents were not sensitive to them . The isolates were also resistant to sodium sulfapiridasin which once more confirmed the questionable value of this criterion for differentiation of Halprowia.

Tropenmed Parasitol, 1975 Jun, 26(2), 219 - 31
{Observations on the behaviour of coxiella burneti in the argasid tick ornithodoros moubata (author's transl)}; Weyer F; Based on a long-term study of many years, a report is given on the behaviour of Coxiella burneti in the argasid tick, Ornithodoros moubata . Recent observations were made on ticks infected on mice and subsequently maintained separately . Particular emphasis was placed upon the localization of the ricksettsiae in certain organs of the ticks, its excretion -also with regard to routes of transmission - and transovarial passage . C . burneti invade primarily the gut epithelial cells of the tick and these cells remain infested with the causative agent throughout the entire life of the vector . After a certain infection period, other organs of the tick may become also infected . Thus, infection of the coxal organ, of salivary glands, rectal ampullae and ovaries has been confirmed through the presence of the rickettsiae in the coxal fluid, saliva and excreta or through transovarial passage of the agent with the saliva during feeding transmission to a new host takes place . Infection of the various organs of the tick and excretion or passage of the agent is not necessarily the rule, but may be even considered as an exception . This is especially the case for transovarial passage . On the other side, the multiplication of rickettsiae in the tick can be so intensive that the haemolymph and all internal organs become flooded with the organisms . These observations have been made in moribund and dead ticks . One of the most remarkable results was that the behaviour of C . burneti in its tick host varied considerably not only within the same series of experiments but more frequently in one and the same individual tick as well . Thus, e.g . excretion of the agent - with the saliva or coxal fluid - could be interrupted and resumed again later on . Evidently, these variations indicate a shift in the host-parasite interrelationship in which the multiplication of the rickettsiae is greatly enhanced by a decrease in the host's immune response, whereas an increase in its defence reaction will cause suppression of multiplication . It is not known, however, if the relevant impulse is primarily given by the tick or the rickettsial organism . The behaviour of C . burneti in O . moubata which does not follow a definite pattern coincides well with the high adaptability and variability characterizing this microorganism in other aspects as well.

Nord Vet Med, 1975 Jun, 27(6), 329 - 36
{Mycoplasms of the swine--A review}; Friis NF; The mycoplasmas constitute a group of microorganisms placed between bacteria and virus . The name, Mycoplasma, is derived from the mycelial morphology of the organisms . The minimal reproductive unit, the elementary body, measures 0.2-0.5 mum . Unlike bacteria, mycoplasmas are not confined by a rigid cell wall, but just by a thin membrane . For their cultivation, though common bacteriological technique is adequate, especially enriched media are required . Antibiotics, as a rule penicillins, are added to the medium for inhibition of bacteria . Up to the present, 5 porcine species of mycoplasma are known: Mycoplasma suipneumoniae, Mycoplasma hyorhinis, Mycoplasma hyosynoviae, Mycoplasma flocculare, and Acholeplasma granularum . The 4 species first mentioned are very common among swine in Denmark . A . granularum has not been demonstrated so far . Occasionally, other species of mycoplasma are found in swine . M . suipneumoniae is by far the most important porcine mycoplasma, being to-day regarded as the primary etiologic agent in porcine enzootic pneumonia . A pure mycoplasma infection usually results in only weak clinical signs of pneumonia, but the disease may be aggravated by secondary factors as bacteria, parasites, and bad housing conditions . Enzootic pneumonia is usually prevalent only in fattening units, where it tends to persist indefinitely . The mycoplasma infection is practically incurable . Control of the disease is attempted by the SPF-program launched by the Danish Meat Research Institute, Roskilde . In this connexion the high sensitivity of mycoplasmas to physico-chemical influence is of advantage, because it results in a low rate of survival of the organisms outside the host . A further advantage is afforded by the fast that M . suipneumoniae is a definitely swine-specific organism . The rest of the porcine mycoplasmas are of far lesser importance . Yet, M . hyorhinis may produce a sero-fibrinous inflammation of serous cavities and joints in pigs less than 10 weeks old, and M . hyosynoviae may produce arthritis in fattening pigs.

J Bacteriol, 1975 Jun, 122(3), 866 - 73
Microbial metabolism of phenolic amines: degradation of dl-synephrine by an unidentified arthrobacter; Devi NA et al.; Microorganisms capable of degrading dl-synephrine were isolated from soil of Citrus gardens by enrichment culture, with dl-synephrine as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen . An organism which appears to be an arthrobacter, but which cannot be identified with any of the presently recognized species was predominant in these isolates . It was found to metabolize synephrine by a pathway involving p-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde, p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid as intermediates . Some of the enzymes of this pathway were demonstrated in cell-free extracts . An aromatic oxygenase, which could also be readily obtained in a cell-free system, was found to degrade 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid by meta cleavage.

J Infect Dis, 1975 Jun, 131(6), 727 - 30
Combined type-specific antisera in the identification of Mycoplasma hominis; Lin JS et al.; In the usual serologic test for Mycoplasma hominis, disks containing antibody to a prototype strain are applied to an agar plate that has been inoculated with the microorganism to be tested, and inhibition of growth is studied . The recent demonstration that M . hominis is not serologically homogeneous but consists of at least seven serotypes suggested the need for reexamination of the specificity of the disk test . The inhibition of growth of M . hominis on solid medium by disks containing seven antisera to the seven prototype strains was studied . Antisera to strains 1, 2, and 3 significantly inhibited all seven prototype strains, but the other four antisera did not inhibit the growth of all heterologous strains . The individual antisera 1, 2, and 3 did not inhibit all of a group of 19 recent genital isolates of M . hominis . However, when the three antisera were combined, they inhibited all 19 isolates as much as or more than any of the three alone . The growth of the prototype strain 5 (PG 21) and of some recent clinical isolates was not completely prevented by the homologous or reference antisera, but the growth of all was partially inhibited.

Appl Microbiol, 1975 Jun, 29(6), 787 - 94
Degradation of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid by mictobial populations from an aerated lagoon; Belly RT et al.; The ferric chelate of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was biologically degraded by a mixed population of microorganisms present in an aerated lagoon receiving this chemical in its feed . As determined radiorespirometrically, 28% of the acetate-2-C and 30% of the ethylene position of the ammonium ferric chelate of {14C}EDTA was recovered as 14CO2 after 5 days . In a separate experiment using gas liquid chromatography and the sodium ferric chelate, as much as 89% disappearance of EDTA (0.1% wt/vol) was observed during a similar time period . Optimum 14CO2 evolution was observed at a pH value between 7 and 8 and at room temperature . Degradation of NH4Fe-{2-14C}EDTA was stimulated by the addition of either unlabeled NaFe-EDTA, nitrilotriacetic acid or ethylenediamine, and inhibited by the addition of a variety of different sugars and amino acids . Consistent with the biological nature of this degradation, little or no 14CO2 evolution was observed after heat treatment of the microorganisms at 100 C for 10 min, or after the addition of antibiotics to the incubation mixtures . Gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectral analyses were performed to demonstrate EDTA disappearance and to identify possible intermediates of EDTA degradation.

Appl Microbiol, 1975 May, 29(5), 708 - 9
Dioxane treatment to improve microbial digestibility of cellulosic fibers; Han YW et al.; The hemicelluloses of grass seed straws can be extracted rather completely by acid detergent, but the treated residue (acid-detergent fiber) is normally not digested by rumen microorganisms . This residue can be made digestible if it is treated with acidic dioxane.

Arch Pathol, 1975 May, 99(5), 259 - 66
Microorganism-like structures in Hodgkin disease . Electron microscopical demonstration; Parmley RT et al.; Ultrastructural examination of lymph nodes from patients with untreated Hodgkin disease showed unique spherical structures that were found extracellularly and within vacuoles of reticulum cells, macrophages, mononuclear cells, and occasional tumor cells . These spheroids varied in size and internal composition possibly in relation to developmental stages, and resembled mycoplasma morphologically and in cellular distribution . The spheroids were found predominantly in the neoplastic areas in lymph nodes of four out of nine patients with Hodgkin disease of the mixed cell variety, but were not seen in other types of Hodgkin disease or reticulum cell sarcoma . The structures were much more numerous in the lymph nodes from young children with Hodgkin disease . A lymph node of one child, disclosed numerous extracellular structures resembling viral type C particles in addition to mycoplasma-like spheroids . The results indicate that subclinical infections may occur in Hodgkin disease and contribute to the histopathologic manifestations of the disease.

J Dent Res, 1975 May-Jun, 54(3), 471 - 4
Antimalarial drugs and reduced incidence of dental plaque; Kinnamon KE et al.; Known antimalarial compunds from several chemical classes were tested for their ability to inhibit in vitro growth of microorganisms causing dental plaque and to prevent the development of plaque in a hamster model . Approximately a third of the compounds tested inhibited in vitro growth; however, none prevented development of plaque.

Microsc Acta, 1975 May, 77(1), 48 - 59
{Investigation of living and flattened microorganisms (author's transl)}; Etzold H et al.; In 1973 one of the present authors described a new method of cytological observation based upon flattening of living cells . This method was tested with several microorganisms as bacteria, fungi and algae . The application of the method allows the clear resolution of cytological structures that are otherwise obscured or can hardly be recognized . In addition cellular motion and development can be followed much better than by usual methods of cell culture . In certain objects (yeasts and fungal hyphae tips) all cellular organelles are forced into one plane of focus and are thus resolved simultaneously even at highest magnification . Different species especially among the yeasts exhibited quite varying intracellular contrast of mitochondria.

J Protozool, 1975 May, 22(2), 296 - 306
A mathematical model of pattern formation by swimming microorganisms; Levandowsky M et al.; Bioconvection in suspensions of Tetrahymena pyriformis and Crypthecodinium cohnii is described and 2 new patterns, the toroid and the cat's-eye, which appear in shallow suspensions of C . cohnii, are reported . Except in very dense cultures, bioconvection does not arise unless the depth of the suspensions or the mean concentration exceed certain critical values, other things being equal . A mathematical model describing the hydrodynamics of suspension of negatively geotactic microorganisms is described which predicts the existence of critical depths and concentrations . The equations presented admit solutions describing the "polka-dot" patterns seen at low organism concentration in suspensions slightly deeper than the critical value . The discussion here is limited to the case of fairly dilute suspensions, but the basic approach can be applied also to richer cultures.

Am J Med Technol, 1975 May, 41(5), 180 - 4
Comparison of the germicidal activity of prepodyne and betadine surgical scrub solutions; Kilpatrick L et al.; Two iodophoric surgical scrubs soaps, Prepodyne and Betadine, were evaluated for bacteriocidal activity in a modified phenol coefficient test . A standard inoculum of each of 18 species of microorganisms was mixed with a 1:8 dilution of each iodophor and subcultured after one, three, and five minutes of exposure . Complete cidal activty was exhibited by both Prepodyne and Betadine . Twenty-five subjects were tested in hand washing experiments using Betadine and Prepodyne surgical scrub solutions . Quantitative fingerprint cultures were obtained before and after hand washing . Betadine resulted in an 85.2 per cent plus or minus 24 per cent decrease; Prepodyne, and 83.6 per cent plus or minus 21 per cent decrease . It can'be concluded from this data that there is no difference in bacteriocidal effectiveness between the two scrub soaps.

Z Naturforsch {C}, 1975 May-Jun, 30(3), 417 - 9
{Michaelis constants of neuraminidases of pathogenic and apathogenic microorganisms (author's transl)}; Muller HE et al.; The Km-values of neuraminidases from different pathogenic and apathogenic microorganisms have been determined on low and high molecular substrates . The substrate specificity and the affinity to the different types of substrates in relation to the pathogenicity of the microorganisms are discussed.

Mol Biol (Mosk), 1975 May-Jun, 9(3), 341 - 50
{The regulator effect of fructose-1,6-diphosphate and cyclic adenosine monophosphate on protein and RNA synthesis by isolated mitochondria}; Neifakh SA et al.; Effects of fructoso-1,6-diphosphate (FDP) and cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) on various steps of protein biosynthesis in isolated rat liver mitochondria were investigated . It was shown that FDP repressed and cAMP depressed the incorporation of both 14C-amino acid and {3H}uridine into mitochondrial polysomes . Cyclic 2',3'-adenosine monophosphate, a physiologically inactive analog of cAMP, had no depressing effect on the polysomes formation in mitochondria . Effects of FDP and cAMP on the synthesis of mitochondrial RNA at different periods of incubation (5, 10, 30 min) were studied . It was found that FDP repressed the high molecular weight mitochondrial RNA biosynthesis and prevented the mRNA formation . cAMP derepressed the FDP effect . Rifampicin prevented the derepressing action of cAMP . The rate of protein synthesis in the translation system isolated from mitochondria was affected neither by FDP nor by cAMP . Authors concluded that in the mammalian mitochondria the repression of protein synthesis by a glycolytic metabolite (FDP) and its derepression by cAMP represented regulatory mechanism acting at the transcription level like catabolite repression-derepression in microorganisms.

Mol Biol (Mosk), 1975 May-Jun, 9(3), 341 - 50
{The regulator effect of fructose-1,6-diphosphate and cyclic adenosine monophosphate on protein and RNA synthesis by isolated mitochondria}; Neifakh SA et al.; Effects of fructoso-1,6-diphosphate (FDP) and cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) on various steps of protein biosynthesis in isolated rat liver mitochondria were investigated . It was shown that FDP repressed and cAMP depressed the incorporation of both 14C-amino acid and {3H}uridine into mitochondrial polysomes . Cyclic 2',3'-adenosine monophosphate, a physiologically inactive analog of cAMP, had no depressing effect on the polysomes formation in mitochondria . Effects of FDP and cAMP on the synthesis of mitochondrial RNA at different periods of incubation (5, 10, 30 min) were studied . It was found that FDP repressed the high molecular weight mitochondrial RNA biosynthesis and prevented the mRNA formation . cAMP derepressed the FDP effect . Rifampicin prevented the derepressing action of cAMP . The rate of protein synthesis in the translation system isolated from mitochondria was affected neither by FDP nor by cAMP . Authors concluded that in the mammalian mitochondria the repression of protein synthesis by a glycolytic metabolite (FDP) and its derepression by cAMP represented regulatory mechanism acting at the transcription level like catabolite repression-derepression in microorganisms.

Vopr Virusol, 1975 May-Jun, (3), 336 - 41
{Morphological manifestations of the intracellular toxic effect of microorganisms of the ornithosis-lymphogranuloma-trachoma group}; Pigarevskii VE et al.; Interactions of the causative agents of meningopneumonia and ovine abortion with pulmonary macrophages in experimental infection in white mice were studied by histological, immunofluorescent and electron microscopic methods . The causative agent of meningopneumonia did not multiply in colonies and caused toxic lesions in the cells and formed cytoplasmic oxiphilic inclusion bodies . Being the product of cell degeneration, these oxiphilic inclusion bodies were conducive to long-term survival of the cell and slow release from them of elementary bodies of meningopneumonia agent . The agent of ovine abortion multiplied in colonies without toxic affection of the cells or formation of oxiphilic inclusion bodies . It is suggested that oxiphilic inclusion bodies represent morphological manifestation of the intracellular toxic effect of rickettsial and ornithosis-like agents possessing dissociated (non-colonial) mode of multiplication.

Can J Microbiol, 1975 May, 21(5), 727 - 9
A simple fluorescence of staining technique for in situ soil microorganisms; Mayfield CI; A simple, rapid straining technique using the magnesium salt of 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonic acid is described . Treatment of soil with an aqueous, membrane-filtered solution (3.5 mg/ml) of the salt causes the soil microorganisms to fluoresce when examined with light from a mercury arc light source.

Nature, 1975 Apr 24, 254(5502), 667 - 71
Evolutionary implications of different types of microbial enzymology for L-tyrosine biosynthesis; Jensen RA et al.; Several patterns of enzymology for L-tyrosine biosynthesis exist in modern microorganisms, each differing in the apparent degree of regulatory efficiency . The extent of pathway evolution in a particular organism may reflect the relative selective pressure for regulation encountered in different ecological niches.

Aust J Biol Sci, 1975 Apr, 28(2), 133 - 44
Pole cells of Drosophila paulistorum: embryologic differentiation with symbionts; Ehrman L et al.; The pole cells of young D . paulistorum embryos are destined to form the germinal cells of both male and female imagoes . In addition, specialized portions of the midgut may be derived from pole cell progenitors . In this initial study of their embryogenesis by means of electron microscopy, various stages of pole cell development are shown in both non-hybrid (potentially fertile) and intersemispecific hybrid (potentially sterile as males) materials . Originally, approximately 5 or 6 cells emerge to form the early polar cap and subsequently divide asynchronously until the 35-50 cells of the late polar cap are derived . Unlike other Drosophila species, however, mycoplasma-like symbionts, apparently an hereditary infection, have been traced to locations within the cytoplasm of these pole cells . They are depicted as arriving there after transmission via the egg cytoplasm, implicating this as their probable route of entry into the future germinal tissues of adult flies . It is postulated that these microorganisms function as an infectious reproductive isolating mechanism fostering hybrid male sterility between D . paulistorum semispecies.

Acta Pathol Microbiol Scand {B}, 1975 Apr, 83(2), 157 - 60
Brief report . separation of pathogenic Treponema pallidum from host rabbit tissue to obtain virulent and viable microorganisms; Rathlev TT; T . pallida extracted from infected rabbit testes were purified from different tissue particles by equilibrium density centrifugation at 25 degrees C after layering on a column of Ficoll-sodium metrizoate solution . After centrifugation, 32 per cent of the treponemes were present in a visible band and about 57 per cent were concentrated in the three ml suspension just above the interface between the Ficoll-Na metrizoate cushion and treponeme-containing medium . The treponemes were viable, virulent and retained their morphological integrity, infectivity, and antigenicity . Purity of the different fractions was studied by immunodiffusion experiments . The purified preparations of virulent, viable treponemes will provide a better antigen in the FTA-ABS tests and possibly in the TPI and TPHA tests; in cellular immunity studies, electron microscopic investigations of the ultrastructure of treponemes, vaccination studies and in tissue culture investigations.

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1975 Apr, 39(4), 547 - 52
Intraoral actinomycosis . Report of five cases; Stenhouse D; Five intraoral presentations of actinomycetes are recorded, in three of which the infection was almost certainly specifically due to the microorganisms . The importance of careful histopathologic examination is underlined, and the failure in some cases to investigate apparently simple infections bacteriologically is highlighted.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1975 Mar 28, 384(1), 215 - 27
Properties and specificity of the major metal-chelator-sensitive proteinase in the keratinolytic larvae of the webbing clothes moth; Ward CW; The metal chelator-sensitive proteinase activity from the larvae of the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella, was fractionated into two components by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and the properties of the major fraction investigated . The approximate molecular weight obtained by gel filtration was 24 000 . The pH optimum of 9.4 and the high stability between pH 9.0 and 11.5 are consistent with the alkaline conditions known to be present in the larval mid-gut . The enzyme also showed a second region of high stability around pH 2.3 . The cleavage specificity against S-carboxy-methyl A and B chains of insulin was quite different to that of the metal chelator-sensitive proteinases from snake venoms and microorganisms . 10 bonds in the A-chain and 8 bonds in the B-chain were cleaved and the tentative rules governing the specificity limitations of this metal-chelator-sensitive proteinase are discussed.

Mikrobiologiia, 1975 Mar-Apr, 44(2), 365 - 6
{Rapid selection of microorganisms producing extracellular lipases}; Kuimova TF et al.; A method for rapid selection of microorganisms producing extracellular lipases is described . The method is based on diffusion of the enzyme into agar containing olive oil . The hydrolysis zones revcal by 0,05--0,25% OSO4 solution.

Mikrobiologiia, 1975 Mar-Apr, 44(2), 210 - 3
{Activity of microorganisms decomposing cholesterol}; Imsenecki AA et al.; The rates of cholesterol decomposition was compared among cell suspensions of different microorganisms . Fifty seven cultures were studied: 2 strains of actinomycetes, 23 strains of proactinomycetes, 22 strains of mycobacteria, and 10 strains of bacteria . During four hours of incubation, 11 strains virtually did not decompose cholesterol at all, 10 strains decomposed it by up to 20 per cent, 21 strains by 20 to 70 per cent, and 15 strains by 70 to 100 per cent . The highest activity was displayed by Mycobacterium rubrum 297 and Mycobacterium sp . 2B, which decomposed all cholesterol in the sample within 4 hours . The high activity was also displayed by Proactinomyces sp . 2006, Nocardia opaca JMET 7030, and Nacardia erythropolis JMET 7252.

Can J Biochem, 1975 Mar, 53(3), 312 - 9
S-adenosylhomocysteine metabolism in various species; Walker RD et al.; Eleven microorganisms, four plants, and major organs from the chicken, dog, rat and rabbit were assayed for the presence of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase, S-adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidase, and S-ribosylhomocysteine-cleavage enzyme . All bacteria (procaryotes) were found to possess S-adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidase and S-ribosylhomocysteine-cleavage enzyme but not S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase; All eucaryotes tested, including yeasts, plants, birds, and mammals, possessed S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase but not S-adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidase or S-ribosylhomocysteine-cleavage enzyme . Of all the organs assayed in the vertebrates, the level of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase was highest in liver, pancreas, and kidney, lower spleen and testis, and very low in brain and heart; In all systems tested, equilibrium of the hydrolase reaction always favored synthesis over hydrolysis . We studied some of the kinetic properties of the hydrolase from rat liver; In the direction of synthesis, the Km value was 1.5 mM for adenosine and 4.5 mM for L-homocysteine, whereas marked substrate inhibition was observed with L-homocysteine . The condensation reaction is subject to product inhibition, and was inhibited by adenine . Results from in-vivo experiments revealed that the cells of the various organs of the dog are impermeable to the exogenously administered S-adenosylhomocysteine.

Can J Surg, 1975 Mar, 18(2), 192 - 6
{Emphysematous cholecystitis: presentation of two clinical cases}; Samson E et al.; Emphysematous cholecystitis is relatively rare: in 1971 the cumulative total of cases reported in the world literature was 115 . Two cases seen in the period 1967 to 1972 can be added . The features of these two cases, and those described in the literature support the view that emphysematous cholecystitis results from a primary obliterative endarteritis and a secondary proliferation of microorganisms.

Can J Microbiol, 1975 Mar, 21(3), 314 - 22
Measurement of bacterial and fungal contributions to respiration of selected agricultural and forest soils; Anderson JP et al.; A technique using selective inhibitors was used to estimate the relative contributions of bacterial and fungal populations to the respiration of six soils and one litter sample . The ratios of bacterial to fungal respiration in the four agricultural soils, given in percentage of the total microbial activity, ranged from 10/90 to 35/65, with the average ratio being about 30/70 . In the forest soils, the ratios were 20/80 and 30/70, and in a beech litter sample, the ratio was 40/60 . The fungi clearly dominated in all samples . The ratios were not found to be pH related . The difficulties which had previously limited the use of selective inhibitors for in situ soil ecological investigations, such as insufficient inhibitor specificity, inhibitor inactivation or degradation, and errors of measurement caused by elimination of competitor populations, were either resolved or methodologically avoided in the experiments . Inhibitor selectivity was demonstrated using both mixed and pure cultures of microorganisms from each soil . Through the use of experiments with short incubation periods (6-8 h), problems with population shifts and inhibitor degradation were eliminated.

Can J Microbiol, 1975 Mar, 21(3), 305 - 13
Some effects of petroleum on estuarine and marine microorganisms; Walker JD et al.; Degradation of mixed hydrocarbon substrate in a system comprising water from an environment relatively free of oil and a sediment inoculum from an oil-contaminated site was significantly greater than when sediment from the non-oil-contaminated environment served as inoculum . Mixed hydrocarbon substrate, however, was observed to have a limiting effect on the growth of autochthonous bacteria from the non-oil-contaminated estuarine source . Growth and cell yield were similarly reduced when marine sediment bacteria were cultured in seawater supplemented with mixed hydrocarbon substrate . The addition of a South Louisiana crude oil or a No . 2 fuel oil to water and sediment collected from a marsh area of Chesapeake Bay showed no limiting effects on growth of the total heterotrophic microbial flora when examined over a 28-day period . However, results of these studies indicate that the effects of petroleum on microoganisms should be examined carefully under conditions closely approximating those in situ.

Biofizika, 1975 Mar-Apr, 20(2), 271 - 5
{Determination of the optical constants of intact microogranisms by the method of attenuated internal reflection spectroscopy}; Korolev IuN; The problems are considered of the determination of the optical constants (dispersion of refraction, n2, and absorption, K, indexes) of strongly dispersing biological objects on undestroyed cells of microorganisms (E . coli, strain C-85) by the method of repeated attenuated total refraction . The volume of unpacked intercellular space and the effect of repeated propagation of the light current through measuring elements with high refraction index were taken into account . Relationships R, s (n1, n2, O) K were obtained for determining the optical constants on the elements with the angle of light current incidence 0=45 degrees, made of infrared glass, IRG-24, IRF-24 and of Si and Ge as well . The optical constants of bacteria in the region of absorption bands 1660, 1550 cm-1 were also determined.

Biofizika, 1975 Mar-Apr, 20(2), 266 - 70
{Polarization state of the light source and determination of attenuated total internal reflection spectra in intact microorganisms}; Korolev IuN; The problems are considered of the interaction of linear polarized light current with undestroyed microorganisms while recording the spectra of attenuated total refraction(ATR) and repeated ATR (RATR) . It is shown that proper allowance should be made of dichrosim of absorption bands of microorganisms during quantitative studies . Peculiarities of obtaining RATR spectra of the linearly polarized light source with polarization azinut other than 0 and 90 degrees are considered.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1975 Mar, 0(3), 43 - 8
{A method of determining the efficiency of the projected process of uninterrupted microorganism cultivation for vaccine production}; Zaporozhtsev LN et al.; The authors suggest the method of study of the process of periodic cultivation of microorganisms for prognostication of the optimal process of biomass accumulation at the level of microbial population, homogenous by the spectrum of biochemical properties . A regimen of continuous growth of the microorganisms (calculated with the use of this method), corresponding to the phase of delay of the growth rate, was economically more effective in comparison with the traditional process used in the vaccine production.

Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1975 Mar-Apr, 11(2), 290 - 3
{Modification of the gas chromatographic method for identifying gaseous metabolites of microorganisms}; Volodin VI et al.; A procedure for analyzing gaseous products resulting from metabolic processes of microorganisms has been developed . The procedure allows a distinct separation of gaseous products (H2, O2, N2, CO2, H2O, etc) . The relative error ranges from 3.4 to 2.9% depending on the concentration of the gas in the volume tested.

Can J Microbiol, 1975 Mar, 21(3), 263 - 9
Soil sterilization effects on in situ indigenous microbial cells in soil; Labeda DP et al.; Soil was sterilized by various procedures, and then the resident microorganisms were physically separated and concentrated from the soil for viewing by transmission electron microscopy as thin sections and frozen-etched preparation . Remaining cell viability in the soil was tested by conventional plating before and after enrichment culture . The soil proved to be sterile after treatment with 60Co radiation, prolonged autoclaving, prolonged dry heat application at 200C, or glutaraldehyde (if followed by subsequent milk heating), and could be considered sterile after OsO4 treatment . Treatment with glutaraldehyde alone, or 160C dry heat for 3 h, did not sterilize the soil . Cellular fine structure was latered or destroyed by the heat treatments, but was not affected to any extent by any of the other treatments including glutaraldehyde followed by milk heating . These findings are considered in relation to the residual biological information observable by electron microscopy in soil samples which have been sterilized to eliminate possible pathogens before handling of the soil . These findings are also considered with the objective of obliterating the fine structure of the indigenous microorganisms during soil sterilization so that electron microscopy studies can be made of microorganisms inoculated into and grown in the presterilized soil . These findings are considered in relation to the residual biological information observable by electron microscopy in soil samples which have been sterilized to eliminate possible pathogens before handling of the soil . These findings are also considered with the objective of obliterating the fine structure of the indigenous microorganisms during soil sterilization so that electron microscopy studies can be made of microorganisms inoculated into and grown in the presterilized soil.

Mikrobiologiia, 1975 Mar-Apr, 44(2), 317 - 20
{Application of the method of capillary microscopy to determing the total population and biomass of microorganisms in seas and oceans}; Mitskevich IN; The total number and biomass of microorganisms in samples of sea water were determined by direct counting in capillaries by Perfiliev and Gabe after preliminary concentration of water by filtering it through membrane filters . Reliability of the figures obtained upon concentration of diluted bacterial suspensions (10(3) to 10(5) cells/ml) was checked with dilutions of the cell suspension of Bacterium parvulum . The total number of the microorganisms was determined in 22 samples of sea water fixed with 4 to 5 per cent formalin, and deviations for each capillary were calculated.

Can J Microbiol, 1975 Mar, 21(3), 252 - 62
Simplified procedures for releasing and concentrating microorganisms from soil for transmission electron microscopy viewing as thin-sectioned and frozen-etched preparations; Balkwill DL et al.; A simplified procedure is presented for releasing and concentrating indigenous microbial cells from soil for viewing by transmission electron microscopy as thin sections or replicas of frozen-etched preparations . This procedure is compared with two others reported earlier, and their relative merits are discussed as concerns the choice of procedure for the cellular information desired from the soil . Freeze-etching showed that the cell types and size distributions for cells which have been released and concentrated from soil are in general agreement with those for cells in a crude soil slurry in which no attempt to release and concentrate cells was made . Microcolonies were present both in the crude slurry and in the discard soil debris centrifugation pellets from the cell release and concentration procedures . In contrast to the historic assumptions, these microcolonies, as well as some individual cells embedded in soil debris could not be broken up and (or) dislodged so that they would be washed from the soil . The relative numbers of these cells remaining with the soil debris, however, could not be quantitated in the present study.

J Clin Periodontol, 1975 Feb, 2(1), 14 - 24
Experimental gingivitis in young and elderly individuals; Holm-Pedersen P et al.; The development of experimental gingivitis was studied in young elderly humans during a 21-d period of oral hygiene abstention . The state of the gingiva was assessed by the Gingival Index and by measurements of the amount of gingival exudate on filter paper strips placed at the entrance of the gingival sulcus of the lower lateral incisors and cuspids . Soft deposits were assessed by the Plaque Index and by differential counts of microorganisms in gram stained smears od ento-gingival plaque . At the end of the plaque growth period, the patients were given a thorough dental prophylaxis . Gingival condition and plaque were assessed at regular intervals during a subsequent period of controlled oral hygiene . The development of gingivitis during the oral hygiene abstention period was more rapid and more severe in old than in young individuals . Plaque accumulation was greater in the older persons . A definite difference in plaque consistency was alos observed . However, microscopic counts of various types of microorganisms did not reveal any differences throughout the period of plaque accumulation . When active oral hygiene was reinstituted, the state of the gingiva rapidly returned to pre-experimental levels in both groups . The findings of this study indicate that with age ther is an altered host response to the microorganisms of the plaque.

Infect Immun, 1975 Feb, 11(2), 405 - 14
Phagocytosis of Mycoplasma salivarium by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes; Parkinson CF et al.; Mycoplasmacial activity was exhibited by human peripheal blood leukocytes in the absence of detectable specific antiserum . After incubation of varying concentrations of Mycoplasma salivarium with leukocytes, changes in colony-forming units (CFU) of this species per millilter occurred . The most noticeable decrease in CFU per milliliter was then the incubation mixtures contained five mycoplasmas per leukocyte . At this ratio, the mycoplasmacial min of incubation . Continued incubation demonstrated a tenfold decrease in CFU per milliliter by 4 h . Electron micrographs of incubated mixtures of human leukocytes and M . salivarium showed this mycoplasma to be phagocytized by monocytes and neutrophils whenever mutual contact or pseudopodial formation occurred . The process was continuous . Numerous phagocytic vacuoles developed which contained multiple ingested microorganisms . After the cytoplasmic granules of the leukocytes fused with the phagocytic vacuole, the phagocytized mycoplasmas became disrupted and unrecognizable.

Aust J Biol Sci, 1975 Feb, 28(1), 1 - 23
Resolution of proteases in the keratinolytic larvae of the webbing clothes moth; Ward CW; The proteases of the larvae of the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella, were investigated because of this organism's phylogenetic rank as a member of the lower invertebrates, its unique position as one of the relatively few organisms that can digest keratin and its importance as a serious fabric pest . Both the number and nature of different proteolytic enzymes present were investigated and the various activities partially fractionated by ammonium sulphate precipitation and chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G200 columns . A complex mixture of peptidases and proteinases has been found in extracts of whole larvae and has been shown to be associated with the larval digestive tract . The proteinases include metal-chelator-sensitive proteinases (metalloproteinases) and serine proteinases but no SH-proteinases or acid proteinases . The serine proteinases include both trypsin-like and chymotrypsin-like activities . Four major and three minor anionic trypsin-like enzymes and a single major cationic trypsin-like enzyme have been detected . Only a single anionic chymotrypsin-like enzyme appears to be present . The trypsin-like enzymes are unaffected by the naturally occurring proteinase inhibitors, chicken ovomucoid, soybean trypsin inhibitor and lima bean trypsin inhibitor, while the chymotrypsin-like enzyme is inhibited by soybean trypsin inhibitor only . The enzymes resemble the serine proteinases from microorganisms in their pH stability . The peptidases include both aminopeptidase and carboxypeptidase activities and both are present in multiple forms . Sixteen aminopeptidase bands have been detected and all are present in individual larvae . They are not inhibited completely by reagents specific for any of the common active sites, and have different specificity requirements . Two carboxypeptidases have been detected on acrylamide gels and have been completely separated on DEAE-cellulose . No evidence could be found for the existence of any of these proteases as inactive precursors.

J Periodontal Res, 1975 Feb, 10(1), 28 - 5
Early formation of dental plaque on platic films . 1 . Light microscopic observations; Ronstrom A et al.; In human subjects with healthy gingiva thin transparent plastic films were applied to the buccal surfaces of premolars in the upper and lower jaws . The films were left in place for peiods of 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 minutes . The presence of coccoid bacteria, leukocytes and epithelial cells was investigated in an area adjacent to the gingival margin . The results showed that by 15 minutes coccoid bacteria had become attached to the artificial tooth surface . The number of microorganisms gradually increased during the time of the study . Large numbers of cocci and the formation of micro-colonies were observed after 120 and 240 minutes . Increasing numbers of leukocytes and epithelial cells were also found during the period of observation.

MMW Munch Med Wochenschr, 1975 Jan 17, 117(3), 97 - 8
{The action of the yeast preparation Perenterol (author's transl)}; Gedek B; This is a report on a yeast preparation of a strain of the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae, not killed as usual, but living, in a lyophilised form in gelatine capsules containing 1 x 10 9 organisms . It is possible to treat dysbiotic conditions of the gastro-intestinal tract successfully with Perenterol even without the use of chemotherapeutic agents . There is no danger that the living nonpathogenic yeast administered will increase in numbers and suppress other microorganisms.

Ann Immunol Hung, 1975, 18, 249 - 54
Examination of sterilization parameters with a view to improving the quality of infusion solutions; Regos E et al.; A determining time factor in the course of sterilization in autoclaves is the time required for killing microorganisms . Damaging of microorganisms takes its course as an exponential function of time . Taking into account this fact, the parameters of sterilization are determined by the technical standards of the equipment used for autoclaving . The authors present the sterilization problems of infusion solutions, with special regard to the sterilization conditions of heat labile preparations . The results of experiments carried out with autoclaves of different technical standards are discussed.

Genetika, 1975, 11(10), 156 - 69
{A system for assessment of chemical substances on mutagenicity in man: general priniciples, practical recommendations and further elaboration}; Bochkov NP et al.; As a basis of the suggested test-system, the following conditions are observed: 1) the economy of fulfilment in a short time; 2) the analysis of gene and chromosome mutations in germ and somatic cells; 3) the evaluation of mutagenic effects of not only substance, but also of the products of its metabolism; 4) including in the system only the tests which give the minimal variability between separate experiments; 5) the evaluation of dose-effect relationship . The practical scheme of testing is divided into two parts: a screening and a complete one . The screening programme consists of two tests: a) a test on microorganisms with a metabolic activation in vitro; b) a cytogenetic analysis of bone marrow of mammals . The complete programme of testing includes 4 tests: a) a test on microorganisms with a metabolic activation in vitro and in vivo; b) a test of dominant lethal mutations on mammals; c) a cytogenetic analysis of bone marrow of mammals; d) a cytogenetic analysis in the culture of human lymphocytes . There are good reasons for the principles of selection of substance for testing according to the screening and complete programme: population occurence, economic (or medical) significance, information about relative chemicals showing mutagenic, carcinogenic and teratogenic effect . In the group of chemicals which are to be tested according to the screening programme, such ones can be included: industrial chemicals, phosphoorganic insecticides, drugs which are taken by a limited group of patients . The group of chemicals which are to be tested according to the complete programme consists of the following ones: pesticides, food additices, widespread drugs, the chemicals of the group 1, if during one of the tests of the screening programme a genetic effect is detected . At the genetic risk estimation it is advisable to keep to the following rule: a positive effect, identified in any object of the system must in the direct meaning extrapolate on men . The quantitative evaluation of the mutagenic danger of a chemical can be determined by the increase of the spontaneous level of mutations in the test-object on the basis of an average dose and exposition of the given chemical in the human population . Those chemicals are subject to the quantitative evaluation, which have shown a mutagenic activity during any of the test-objects; they are also widespread and because of their social or economic value can not be replaced or excluded from taking . From the point of view of genetics any substance with a mutagenic activity is dangerous and must be prohibited from using or replaced by any other non-mutagenic chemical, or limited by the contact of persons of non-reproductive age . As a temporary measure from a hygienic point of view, it is recommended to evaluate this chemical as especially mutagenic and prohibit or limit its using, when its average population dose produces 1/10 or more increase of the spontaneous level of mutations.

Bilt Hematol Transfuz, 1975, 3(3), 69 - 77
{Bacteriological control of blood preservation, production of infusion solutions and dry human plasma under conditions of aseptic work and possible sources of their contamination}; Boskovic S et al.; In premises for blood conservation, production of dry human plasma and infusion solutions "notwithstanding the permanent measures for desinfection, new bacterial contamination occurs from time to time and whose source are the casings and material originating from non-sterile environment . Bacteriological control, which has primarily a preventive character, enables a due forecast for measures to be undertaken by the appropriate desinfection of the working surfaces and air, satisfactory conditions of aseptic work can be maintained . General hygiene should be paid attention to as well as mechanical cleansing of premises, avoidance of groups for lunch-time etc., since the treatment by desinfectors would not be sufficient for maintenance of aseptic working conditions . In order to prevent the transmission of bacterial contamination, premises for blood conservation should be strictly separated from other operations and also prevent the unnecessary movements of personnel through corridors . The results of the bacteriological control of the personnel show that greater attention should be paid to their health care since the workers there work in closed aseptic systems and thus avoid them as a bacteria transmittors in respect to danger of blood and dry human plasma contamination . It is also necessary to efficiently educate the personnel for work in aseptic conditions and also increase their elementary knowledge from bacteriology and hygiene . The bacterial skin-flora on the spot of donor's venepuncture also presents a certain danger for blood contamination . Therefore, it is necessary to establish the most optimal manner of skin desinfecate together with the most appropriate means having a fast bactericidal and fungicidal action . It would also be useful, on the basis of further test, to suggest certain standard for an allowed number of conditionally pathogenic and saprophytic microorganisms which would be used by the instutions performing the blood transfusion and production of the intravenous solutions during their bacteriological controls.

Arkh Patol, 1975, 37(5), 40 - 5
{Possible role of microbial factors in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis}; Gokhberg SL et al.; Electron-microscopy studies of the epithelium of the large intestine mucosa in patients with nonspecific ulcerative colitis (biopsy material) and that of rats with experimental allergic ulcerative colitis revealed the penetration of microorganisms into goblet cells of the experimental animals at various stages of mucigenoformation . The bioptic material showed no such pictures . It appears that factor of immunization played a certain role in the realization of the influence of microorganisms on pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis . The structural feature of the development of glycocalix are described on the basis of clinical and experimental material.

Vet Med Nauki, 1975, 12(8), 15 - 20
{Contamination of the air with microorganisms at various distances from the poultry house}; Petkov G et al.; Experiments were carried out to establish the microbial contamination of air (including moulds) at various distances from the buildings for raising birds . Results showed that the presence of organisms in the outer air is directly dependent on the microbial contamination of the air in the poultry houses . It was found that the distances between the buildings are too short and the air driven into the premises is of a high bacterial count . Comparative investigations have revealed that the contamination of the air out of the buildings is likewise dependent on the technologic design of the ventilation system . It is concluded that the low contamination of outdoor air is substantiated by an effective system of forced ventilation on the premises coupled with measures lowering the microbial count indoors.

Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1975 Jan-Feb, 11(1), 52 - 6
{Formation of organic acids by the fungus Cladosporium resinae in media containing n-alkanes}; Nette IT; The so-called fungus Cladosporium resinae that often occurs in oil fuels ane increases their acidity grows well at the expense of n-alkanes from C11 to C16 . On the n-alkane containing media the fungus grows slowly and only under the stationary conditions . During the fungal cultivation on the media containing n-dodecane or kerosene the culture liquid shows acetic acid and other fatty acids, ketoacids (pyruvic and alpha-ketoglutaric) as well as citric and isocitric acids that dominate among nonvolatile acids . Upon nitrogen deficiency in the medium and comparatively good aeration the content of citric acids increases . The culture liquid of the fungus devoid from the mycelium and nonutilized n-alkanes can be used a a nutrient medium for different microorganisms.

Bull Pan Am Health Organ, 1975, 9(2), 157 - 9
Enviromental sanitation in urban and rural areas: its importance in the control of enteric infections; Wolman A; In Central and South America, enteric infections constitute one of the leading causes of disease and death . The terrible toll is exacted by a host of different microorganisms, virtually all of which are transmitted via contact with human excreta . To change this picture we need many more water supply and sewerage systems, better food preparation and handling, and public comprehension of how elementary good hygiene promotes good health . Attaining these objectives will be difficult, but less costly than one might suppose, and there is little to be gained by delay . The basic enviromental causes of enteric disease are clear, current conditions have been aggravated by rapid population growth and urbanization, and basic corrective measures have already been postponed long enough.

Orig Life, 1975 Jan-Apr, 6(1-2), 37 - 44
Microbial contributions to the evolution of the 'steady state' carbon dioxide system; Morita RY; Various processes for the production of carbon dioxide by microorganisms are presented . It is postulated that a 'microniche' developed in a reducing environment; a symbiotic relationship between alga-like organisms and bacterium-like organisms in the 'microniche' governed the production of carbon dioxide resulting in the establishment of the steady state carbon dioxide system in the sea.

Z Rechtsmed, 1975, 75(4), 253 - 63
{The influence of soil differences in determining the quantity and recognizability of serological properties of blood traces in the earth (author's transl)}; Kijewski S et al.; In order to test the influence of soil differences in determining the quantity and recognizability of serological properties of blood traces in the earth 6 different pedologically examined soil samples of the area of Lower Saxony were impregnated with human blood and tested in two series with reference to the passage of time in dry and damp conditions . The determination of blood quantity by the protein-elution method of Schulz and the cyan-methaemoglobin method of Schleyer was basically possible in all soils . The results of the colour method were more constant and less subject to interference . Decreasing values from 100 down to 13% in the order: sand--Rendsina chalk--garden soil--water meadow loam--clay--humus were to be found, chiefly depending on the size of the particles in the various samples . In damp condition the values dropped to zero after 3 days already . The immediate determination of the ABO blood groups with the absorption technique only proved possible in the case of blood traces in washed sand procesures . One might take NaCl extraction and ascending chromatography on strips of filterpaper or (preferably!) concentrate an initially large quantity of elution fluid . A determination of the Gm factors, however, is only possible on unprepared material . The enrichment procedures often lead to a falsely positive determination of the factors; Testing of ABO groups was most unfavourably influenced by loam, that of Gm by clay and chalk soils . All results may be distrubed by humin-and non-humin substances and any metabolism of microorganisms, which of course is especially noticable in damp humas soil . In practice therefore the samples must be dried as soon as possible.

Can J Microbiol, 1975 Jan, 21(1), 85 - 9
The origin of fatty acids in the hydrocarbon-utilizing microorganism Mycobacterium vaccae; King DH et al.; The fatty acid pattern in Mycobacterium vaccae strain JOB5 was examined after growth on n-alkanes (C14-C18), 1-alkenes (C14-C18), 2- or 3-methyl octadecane, and 8-heptadecene . It was evident that monoterminal oxidation of n-alkanes was followed by beta-oxidation and that both parent fatty acid and products of beta-oxidation were incorporated into cellular lipids . Radioactive experiments demonstrated that there was desaturation of long-chain fatty acids . There was no evidence of chain elongation . Growth on 1-alkenes resulted in the incorporation of fatty acids that were products of two primary modes of oxidation: (1) methyl group attack resulting in omega-unsaturated fatty acids and (2) double-bond attack resulting in the removal of one carbon from the substrate . Cells of strain JOB5 grown on 2- and 3-methyl octadecane contained the corresponding iso- or anteiso-fatty acids in significant quantity . Cells cultured on 8-heptadecene contained 8- and 9-heptadecenoic acids, 6- and 7-pentadecenoic acids, 9- and 10-methyl heptadecanoic acids, and 7- and 8-methyl pentadecanoic acids . Fatty acid composition (C13 to C19) was affected by substrate chain length and was additionally modified by cellular control mechanisms.

Can J Microbiol, 1975 Jan, 21(1), 104 - 7
Indicator media for microorganisms degrading chlorinated pesticides; Loos MA; A bromocresol purple liquid indicator medium and an eosin-methylene blue agar have been developed for the demonstration and isolation of microorganisms able to degrade the chlorinated herbicide, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) . Plates of the eosin-methylene blue agar indicate individual 2,4-D-degrading bacterial colonies . Both indicator systems show the production of acid, presumably hydrochloric, during degradation of the 2,4-D in the media . Concentrations of 2,4-D required to give an acid reaction in media with varying concentrations of yeast extract were determined; the production of about 0.24 mmol of hydrochloric acid seems necessary to counteract the buffering effect of 100 mg of metabolized yeast extract . Acid production from the herbicide, 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid(MCPA), which in the salt form could yield only small amounts of hydrochloric acid, was inconsistent . The two indicator media should be useful in investigations of the microbial degradation of other acid-yielding halogenated pesticides.

Vet Med Nauki, 1975, 12(1), 3 - 9
{Influence of tissue emulsions on the phagocytic activity of the RES}; Konstantinov P et al.; Radiometric, microbiologic, biochemical and morphologic investigations were carried out with a total of 95 guinea pigs and 20 rabbits in order to study the effect of the biogenic stimulants after Filatov on the phagocytic activity of the reticulo-endothelial system . Use was made of a tissue emulsion of swine embryos with biologic activity up to 160 per cent and a microbial stain - Escherichia coli 078 . The labeling of the microorganisms was effected by means of 32P as obtained from Na2 H32PO4 . It was found that the parenteral treatment of the animals with tissue emulsion after Filatov leads to the enhancement of the phagocytic activity and the lysing of the phagocytised bacteria by the elements of the reticulo-endothelial system by 7 to 10 per cent more than was observed with the use of control animals . The biogenic stimulants after Filatov activate the plasmocytic reaction of the body and the development of ribonucleoproteids in the parenchymal organs, and raise the level of properdin and gamma-globulins in the blood of the treated animals.

Biochimie, 1975, 57(6-7), 811 - 24
Further analysis of acyl-CoA-ACP-transacylases of mycobacterium smegmatis . Identification of a long chain alkyl malonyl-CoA-ACP-transacylase; Kervabon A et al.; Homogenates were prepared from three sources, Mycobacterium smegmatis Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli and tested for docosyl malonyl-CoA-ACP transacylase activity, using ACP purified from E . coli strain B and {2R, 2S, 1, 3-14C2} docosyl malonyl-CoA synthesized chemically, as substrates . Only homogenates of M . semegmatis showed positive transacylase activity . Successive chromatographies on Sephadex G-150 and then on DEAE-Sephadex A-50 prove that neither the palmityl-CoA-ACP-transacylase nor the malonyl-CoA-ACP-transacylase of M . smegmatis are responsible for this activity . The question concerning the identity of the enzyme with one of the two entities exhibiting acetyl-CoA-ACP-transacylase activity, previously identified in homogenates of this microorganism (1973 this journal, 55, 1381-1394), remains open for further experimentation . The physiological significance of the presence of a long chain alkyl malonyl-CoA-ACP-transacylase in homogenates of M . smegmatis, a representative of the Actinomycetales, is discussed in relation to the mechanism of the biosynthesis of mycolic acids . Chromatography on Sephadex G-100 showed that the substrate of the enzyme, docosyl malonyl-CoA, exists, in 50 mu molar aqueous solution, mostly in an aggregated state . A factor has been identified in the homogenates, which in the presence of radioactive docosyl malonyl-CoA, leads to the formation of a radioactive material showing an apparent molecular weight less than 10000 . The nature of this material is discussed.

Pathol Microbiol (Basel), 1975, 42(2), 73 - 91
Cells involved in the immune response . XXIX Establishment of optimal conditions for the primary and secondary immune responses by rabbit lymphoid cells in vitro; Richter M et al.; Attempts were made to initiate the primary and secondary humoral immune responses to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) in vitro as determined by the hemolytic plaque-forming cell (PFC) response, with cell suspensions prepared from a variety of lymphoid organs of the rabbit- thymus, bone marrow, spleen, appendix, sacculus rotundus, Peyer's patches, popliteal lymph node and circulating leukocytes . A number of different media and gaseous phases were utilized in order to establish the optimal conditions for the immune response in vitro . The induction of a secondary PFC response was consistently obtained with 'memory' spleen cells obtained from rabbits 3-6 months following intravenous immunization with SRBC but not with cells of any of the other lymphoid organs, and this response probably represents the activity of memory cells which reside in the rabbit spleen . A primary response was observed only with 'normal' spleen cells, and the medium which faciliated the response was different from that which facilitated the induction of the secondary response in vitro . It was also observed, using a medium in which normal spleen cells were incapable of generating PFC', that mixed cultures of normal spleen and normal appendix or bone marrow cells could give a marked PFC reponse in vitro . Whether the PFC response to SRBCs obtained with the lymphoid cells of normal, unimmunized rabbits represent a true primary response, a secondary response, or a response of a different nature as a consequence of continuous subthreshold immunization of the rabbit with enteric microorganisms which cross-react with the antigen, remains to be determined . However, out initial successes with cultures consisting of cells of at least two distinct lymphoid organs in cases where the cells of any one of these organs could not respond, suggest that interaction of at least two functionally distinct cells is required and that the repsonse observed in vitro is probably a primary immune response.

Annu Rev Med, 1975, 26, 9 - 20
Metabolic response to infection; Beisel WR; A generalized infectious process leads to a broad and complex array of metabolic responses within the host . Certain of these responses have a direct causal relationship to the interactions of body cells with invading microorganisms or their products, or to specific host defensive mechanisms . Other host metabolic responses have less clearly defined roles although they involve many tissues and seem to be initiated and regulated by certain hormones-like endogenous mediators . These latter responses contribute to the maintenance of body homeostasis, the provision of metabolizable energy to meet increased body needs, and the synthesis of the acute phase reactant serum proteins.

J Immunol, 1975 Jan, 114(1 Pt 2), 516 - 8
Enhancement of nitroblue tetrazolium dye reduction by leukocytes exposed to a component of complement in the absence of phagocytosis; Goldstein IM et al.; Enhancement of in vitro nitroblue tetrazolium dye reduction by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes may be mediated by a low molecular weight fluid phase component of the complement system . This occurs in the absence of phagocytosis and is associated with an increase in leukocyte hexose monophosphate shunt activity . The stimulatory component may be generated by activating the alternate complement pathway in serum, and shares many of the properties of human C5a . Thus, the enhanced spontaneous reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium by leukocytes from patients with bacterial sepsis may not necessarily be due to the phagocytic activity of these cells, but rather may occur as a consequence of in vivo complement activation by either intact microorganisms or their products.

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 1975 Jan, 69(1), 152 - 9
Selective sputum cultures . A bronchial culture technique using a modified nasotracheal suction catheter with a sterile, inner telescoping cannula; Cattaneo SM et al.; The contamination of expectorated or catheter-aspirated sputum specimens by pathogenic microorganisms which have colonized the nose and oropharynx remains a formidable obstacle to the accurate interpretation of sputum cultures . This problem is encountered in all forms of acute and chronic bronchopulmonary infection . A standard suctioning technique via a nasotracheal catheter has been modified with a telescoping sterile inner cannula to obtain uncontaminated bronchopulmonary secretions for culture . Bacteriologic results of selective bronchial cultures obtained in 18 patients following major chest surgery have provided important considerations concerning the prophylactic use of antibiotics . The telescoping cannula method is a simple, safe, and practical means of selectively monitoring the bacteriologic flora of the lower respiratory tract.

J Periodontol, 1975 Jan, 46(1), 10 - 26
Development of dental plaque on epoxy resin crowns in man . A light and electron microscopic study; Listgarten MA et al.; A method was presented to fabricate epoxy resin crowns to be worn by human subjects requiring full crown restorations . These crowns were utilized in six young adults to study the internal structure of plaque after plaque formation periods of 1 and 3 days, 1 and 3 weeks and 2 months . This study confirmed previous findings that early plaque contains primarily coccal forms, with a shift to predominantly filamentous forms by 3 weeks . Early plaque growth seems to occur by the formation of columnar microcolonies which coalesce and grow by cell division within the colony in a direction perpendicular to the crown surface . Filamentous microorganisms appear in large numbers by 1 week . They appear to colonize the surface of the predominantly coccal plaque, eventually growing into it and replacing the coccal forms . The subgingival, mature plaque contains many motile forms including bacteria with unusual cell wall ultrastructures . Certain bacteria combine into distinctive bacterial aggregations resembling "corn cobs" and "test tube brushes," the latter occurring exclusively in subgingival plaque . Spirochetes appear to grow preferentially on the external surface of subgingival plaque in close contact to the gingival tissue of the deepened sulcus . Their high concentration in the external layer of subgingival plaque suggests that because of their strategic location they may play an important role in the etiology of periodontal disease . Studies of well preserved plaque, possibly combined with the use of serological markers, can serve a useful role in identifying certain microorganisms in dental plaque . Because of their numbers and/or location in relation to periodontal tissues, some of these bacteria may warrant further studies as potential etiologic agents of certain forms of periodontal disease.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1975, 41(1), 25 - 32
Polysaccharide production and the possible occurrence of GDP-D-mannose dehydrogenase in Azotobacter vinelandii; Couperwhite I et al.; During the growth of Azotobacter vinelandii in batch culture in Burk's 2% glucose medium supplemented with 50 mg EDTA per litre, water-insoluble capsular polysaccaride material accumulated in cultures prior to the appearance of water-soluble polysaccharide in the culture medium . On isolation, hydrolysis and chromatography, both these polysaccharides were observed to be composed of carbohydrate monomers having the same chromatographic mobilities as glucose, rhamnos, guluronic acid and mannuronic acid . The activity of GDP-D-mannose dehydrogenase recorded in crude cell-free extracts from Azotobacter vinelandii, when these polysaccharides were produced, may indicate a close similarity between the biosynthetic pathway of alginate synthesis in marine Phaeophyceae and this soil microorganism.

Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1975, 266, 166 - 72
Symbiosis and attenuation; Brooks MA; Parasitic protozoa and bacteria transmitted by vector insects and ticks resist destruction in the intermediate host, possibly through the possession of antigens similar to those of the host . There is no evidence that symbiotic microorganisms have evolved similar eclipsed antigens . Symbiotes are protected from destruction by the natural lytic agents in the host, because they remain for the most part inside special cells that have lost the ability to recognize the symbiotes as "nonself." Metallic ions may play an important role in attenuation through their effect on cell membranes and on the release of lytic agents . The symbiotes of insects are useful and interesting subjects for studying attenuation.

Odontol Revy, 1975, 26(2), 135 - 44
Denture stomatitis . A histological and microradiographic study of the alveolar mucosa; Anneroth G et al.; The alveolar mucosa in the upper jaw from 12 patients suffering from severe denture stomatitis was examined histologically and microradiographically using ultrasoft X-rays . Pathological changes of the epithelial cell layers were observed in all cases . In 10 of the 12 cases examined no keratinization was found . A reduction in the number of epithelial cell layers was commonly observed . In most cases the connective tissue showed signs of moderate to severe inflammation . The inflammatory reaction and the degenerative changes of the tissue were presumably due to a combined effect of microorganisms and mechanical trauma.

Genetika, 1975, 11(5), 142 - 6
{Cytogenetic study of blood lymphocytes in children revaccinated against smallpox}; Frolov AK et al.; As the result of primary re-immunization with small-pox vaccine of eight years' old children chromosome aberrations were observed in their peripheral blood lymphocytes, the frequencies being 5.3% and 7.9% on the seventh day and in a month after the reimmunization respectively . Chromosome aberrations were significantly more rare in children with a high level of immunity retained after the preceding immunization as compared to those whose immunity was weakened with time . After the elapse of 6 months following the re-immunization the frequency of chromosome aberrationd did not exceed the initial level . The changes observed in the chromosome apparatus of lymphocytes are not specific for the small-pox vaccine alone, but are the evidence of the disturbance of homeostasis of the microorganism as the result of the effect of an alien antigen.

Ann Nutr Aliment, 1975, 29(6), 603 - 13
{Changes in the lysine of spiruline algae samples after various heat treatments}; Adrian J; The spirulina algae are microorganisms which are cultivated on Mexican lakes for feeding use . After drying, they contain about 52 per cent of proteins, with 4 per cent of lysine and 1, 7 per cent of methionine . In the studied samples, pH is 6, 2; they are partially autolysed and contain 4 to 18 per cent of free lysine and methionine and 6, 5 per cent of soluble carbohydrates . During heating treatments, the spiurlina lysine reacts as the same as oilcak meal lysine; it resists rather well to autoclaving but less to roasting . The yeast lysine is more stable than the spirulina lysine . The thermic stability of spirulina lysine is caused first by the small amount of free reducing carbohydrates, and for a minor part by the natural acicity of these products . The lysine destruction is proportional to the autolysis stage of the samples, that is to say the presence of free aminoacids . All the behavior differences between the various spirulina samples disappear when are heated with xylose, which induces a strong Maillard reaction.

Ann Nutr Aliment, 1975, 29(6), 577 - 88
{Determination of various toxic minerals in spiruline algae of different origins, and evaluation of long-term toxicity in the rat of a lot of spiruline algae of Mexican origin}; Boudene C et al.; A detailed analytical study made on samples of Spirulines algae of various origins showed that these microorganisms may present an important telluric contamination, especially demonstrated by high levels of fluorine and arsenic they contain . A long term animal experimentation has been achieved with Spirula Maxima, obtained from the Sosa Texcoco solar evaporator . A diet contained in total proteins 25 p . 100 of dried atomized algae and was given for 75 weeks to Wistar rats . All along the experiment, the animals submitted to that diet showed no difference with control animals fed with caseine . The increase in weight was comparable for control animals and male experimented animals; a slight decrease in weight has been observed for females fed with algae up to the 30th week . At the end of the experiment, a normal frequency of tumours was noted on experimented animals . The cumulative potentiality of certain mineral toxicants, has been evaluated, when abnormal high levels of them have been detected in the Spirulines samples . The fed animals have been killed at definite times all along the experiment and the metals dosed in the body . Such a cumulative potency has been demonstrated for arsenic . On the contrary, in the case of fluorine, even particular dosages in the femoral bone could not show any significant cumulation of that toxicant, comparing with control animals . In conclusion, the authors have not noted any evident toxicity related to the samples of Spirulines tested in rats, whatever these algae were the only source of proteins in the diet . They hope anyway that the exact origin of contamination of these algaes by these metals will be better known to prevent the variations in the composition of industrial samples of Spirulines according to these metals for instance.

Vestn Khir Im I I Grek, 1975 Jan, 114(1), 82 - 6
{Bacterial flora and preventive antibiotic treatment in open fractures}; Deviatov AA et al.; In 172 patients with open fractures of long tubular bones the wound bacterial flora was studied on their admission to the clinic and in occurrence of suppurative complications . There were no cases of "outdoor" microorganisms being the cause of suppuration . Pathogenic agents of suppurative infection differed from "outdoor" strains in their species content, signs of pathogenicity, sensitivity to antibiotics . As a rule, suppuration was preceded by soft tissues necrosis . Since wound suppuration was produced not by the initial or changed "outdoor" microorganisms but hospital strains, which penetrate in the wound due to inadequate observation of the rules of asepsis and antisepsis in surgical treatment or subsequent dressing, then prophylactic antibioticotherapy should cover mostly sensitivity of hospital bacterial strains . To this end, the study of bacteriological background for each surgical department seems to be absolutely necessary . In a small zone of the soft tissues injury under conditions of secure fixation of bone fragments with Ilizarov apparatus a limited use of antibiotics is believed to be permissible.

Acta Microbiol Pol B, 1975, 7(3), 157 - 66
Production of gibberellin-like substances by bacteria and fungi isolated from the roots of pine seedlings (Pinus silvestris L.); Kampert M et al.; The production of gibberellin-like substances by bacteria and fungi was investigated . A considerable number of the microorganisms studied produced these substances (55 and 86% of bacterial and fungal isolates respectively) . Most of the organisms tested synthesized biologically active substances located on the chromatograms with the solvent system benzene, acetic acid (10:3 v/v) at Rf 0.05--0.3 . The ammount of gibberellin-like substances produced varied in the range 0.00007--0.00065 GA3 equivalents mug/ml in bacteria and 0.00014--0.00118 mug/ml in fungi.

J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol Immunol, 1975, 19(3), 389 - 92
Disinfectant effect of performic acid; Kozarov D et al.; 1 . Performic acid applied at short exposures to various kinds of microorganisms known for their resistance shows a strong bactericidal and sporicidal effect . 2 . In addition to disinfection of hands and other parts of the body, the preparation could be used for the disinfection of various surfaces and objects.

Acta Biol Med Ger, 1975, 34(2), 173 - 80
{Microbial hydroxylation of estratrienes}; Schubert K et al.; Incubation of the synthetic estrogen 17alpha-ethinyl-estradiol-3-methylether (mestranol) with cultures of Penicillium chrysogenum gave 6alpha-hydroxy-17alpha-ethinylestradiol-3-methylether and 6beta-hydroxy-17alpha-ethinylestradiol-3-methylether . The corresponding 3-demethylated compound, 17alpha-ethinylestradiol, gave the 6alpha- and 6beta-hydroxy derivatives in lower yields . If the 6-hydroxy compounds were incubated, they were partially isomerized to a mixture of the 6alpha- and 6beta-hydroxy compounds . Estradiol, estrone and the corresponding methylethers were not hydroxylated . By incubation with cultures of Streptomyces olivaceus, estradiol, estrone and the corresponding methylethers were hydroxylated to 16alpha-hydroxy derivatives . 17alpha-Ethinyl compounds were not hydroxylated . 17alpha-Azidomethyl estradiol gave 17alpha-hydroxymethyl estradiol . Structures were established by chromatographical comparison and by IR and NMR spectra . Relations between metabolism of estratrienes by the mentioned microorganisms and the mammalian metabolism are discussed

Annu Rev Pharmacol, 1975, 15, 259 - 84
Selenium in biology; Frost DV et al.; The role of Se in biology appears from the evidence now at hand to be as a catalyst par excellence . As unique prosthetic group of a variety of enzymes, presumably as Se(2-), Se functions with tocopherol to protect cell and organelle membranes from oxidative damage, to facilitate the union between oxygen and hydrogen at the end of the metabolic chain, and to transfer ions across cell membranes, in protein synthesis in erythrocytes and in liver organelles, in immunoglobulin synthesis, and in ubiquinone syntheses . As perhaps the most versatile and rapid nucleophile, Se is thought to amplify and orient SH in equilibrium -S-S-interactions involving glutathione and proteins . Its toxicity appears to be due to overaccumulation of selenite ions, which act as oxidants to inhibit SH interactions . Such toxicity is readily avoided or reversed in many ways . Although not yet recognized as essential for man, Se is clearly essential for many animal species and some microorganisms . As the active selenide, Se emerged as the target for many heavy metal toxicities; contrariwise, as a specific antidote against heavy metal toxicities . Despite all this, its unusual toxicity and the many preconceived notions about Se continue to confuse attitudes toward the safe uses of selenicals . From a suspected cause of cancer, Se metamorphosed, via evidence over many years, into something of possible anticancer value . Interrelations between Se, Vitamin E, the ubiquinones, and various chronic diseases appear as beckoning research areas . The reported veterinary values of Se-tocopherol combinations in animals, together with clinical evidence, plus human and animal evidence for safety, offer promise for intensive medical investigation . The historical confusion and misunderstandings regarding Se must be corrected, however, before advantage can be taken of its potential for human welfare . The many misjudgments about Se, ever since 1900 and more obviously since the 1930s, have involved other trace elements . Unrealistic regulations stemming from these misunderstandings prevail worldwide . Evidence suggests that, once the nutrition biochemistry and toxicology of Se is sufficiently understood and appreciated, major breakthroughs in agriculture, medicine, and public health can result . Much has been accomplished along these lines in New Zealand in animal agriculture, in the US and other countries in veterinary medicine, and in Mexico in human medicine.

Vet Med (Praha), 1975, 20(1), 13 - 22
{Bactericidal effect of iodophors of Czechoslovak origin on support materials}; Kubicek K; The bactericidal effectiveness of Jodofor A and Jodofor B produced in Czechoslovakia was tested on carriers (stoneware, concrete, brick, wood, aluminium sheet) contaminated with E . coli and St . aureus . The two Czechoslovak products were compared with Iosan produced by the Ciba-Geigy Comp . Cold water solutions of iodophores were applied in fine spray to horizontal and vertical carriers at two stages with a one-hour interval; the over-all application rate was 1 lt . of solution per 1 m-2 of area . One-hour exposure time from the last application was respected in all cases . On carriers contaminated with E . coli the microorganisms were totally killed by a 1.5% water solution of Jodofor A and Iosam . In Jodofor B the same effect was achieved only with the 2.5% water solution . In St . aureus-contaminated carriers a 100% disinfecting effect was obtained with a 2% water solution of Jodofor A and Iosan and witha 2.5% solution of Jodofor B . Different effectiveness in the disinfectibility of different materials was suggested, and the effect was not found dependent on the position of the material disinfected (vertical, horizontal positions) . This testifies to quite a rapid disinfecting effect of iodophores . No large differences in the overall bactericidal effectiveness between Jodofor A and Iosan (Ciba-Geigy) were found either in the evaluation of 100% disinfecting effect or in the use of lower concentrations which only reduced the number of germs surviving on carriers . The effectiveness of Jodofor B was somewhat lower.

Drug Metab Rev, 1975, 4(2), 177 - 98
Metabolism of radiolabeled insecticides in insects and related arthropods: a critical study of various techniques; Ahmad S; The metabolism of radiolabeled insecticides in insects and acarina is studied largely by coupling radiotracer techniques with analytical methods, such as TLC, paper and column chromatography, gel-permeation chromatography, and enzymatic assays . These techniques in various combinations yield both the identification and quantification of the metabolites . Other analytical methods such as gas chromatography or IR spectrometry may also be used to obtain additional support for identification of metabolites . In the absence of authentic chromatographic standards, however, NMR and mass spectrometry are necessary in the identification of the unknown compound . The quantity of the radiolabeled insecticide administered should be within the toxicological range of the insect . Therefore, the dosage-mortality response of the insect using unlabeled material should be determined . A dose should be selected that keeps insect mortality to a minimum in order to avoid complications in the computation of the balance data . The radiolabeled insecticide is usually applied topically to the insect . Alternately, the material may be administered by dipping in a solution containing the radiolabeled compound or by exposure to filter paper impregnated with radiolabeled material . Administration of the radiolabeled material by the oral route presents several problems . Sterile rearing conditions are mandatory to avoid contamination of treated diet with microorganisms . Some knowledge of the insect's feeding rhythm is desirable so that the labeled diet is given at peak feeding time . Synthetic diets should be adjusted to pH 7.0 . These precautions minimize degradation of the insecticide in the diet prior to consumption by the insect . Precise doses of radiolabeled materials may be administered by injection . The technique is mainly useful in metabolism studies of intermediate materials resulting from the biotransformation of the parent compound.

Acta Microbiol Pol B, 1975, 7(2), 91 - 6
The influence of glucose on simazine decomposition; Strzelec A; Glucose added to soil and to the culture medium of Penicillium citrinum stimulated simazine decomposition . Differences in the rate of simazine decomposition depended on the dose of glucose . Both in soil and in the medium the rate of simazine decomposition was connected with the intensity of development of microorganisms.

Orig Life, 1975 Jan-Apr, 6(1-2), 239 - 43
Some physical parameters controlling cell size during the evolution of the procaryons; McCabe M; Possible factors controlling cell size during the evolution of unicellular organisms have been examined . It has been shown that considerations of osmotic and membrane pressure eqilibria will predict minimal cell sizes which are in good agreement with those found in present day microorganisms . It has also been shown that the possibility of random proton 'noise' would not be a limiting factor for even the smallest organisms or structures . Maximum cell size would be governed by the requirements of diffusion and transport within the cell.

Birth Defects Orig Artic Ser, 1975, 11(1), 563 - 6
Heat labile opsonin system to pneumococcus; Shin HS et al.; Normal mammalian sera contain the heat labile opsonin system that promotes the phagocytosis of various microorganisms by polymorphonuclear leukocytes . Because the heat labile opsonin system is present in normal nonimmune sera and because it operates against various microorganisms in an apparently nonspecif manner, it is considered to play an important role during the early phase of an acute bacterial infection . The role of various factors participating in the heat labile opsonin system, and its in vivo significance are discussed.

Odontol Revy, 1975, 26(1), 7 - 16
Degradation of maltose and starch by human saliva and by supernatants of dental plaque material; Birkhed D et al.; The pH-decrease in dental plaque in vivo after mouth rinses with solutions of sucrose and maltose has been compared . No statistically significant differences were found between the results obtained with these two disaccharides . Pooled samples of parotid saliva, centrifuged whole saliva and dental plaque supernatants were separated with the isoelectric focusing technique . The results suggest that maltose is hydrolysed in parotid saliva by the salivary alpha-amylase and in dental plaque by enzymes from sources other than the salivary glands, probably microorganisms . No bacterial alpha-amylases, separated from salivary alpha-amylase, were found in whole saliva specimens or in dental plaque supernatants . Quantitative determinations of "maltase" and amylase activities in parotid saliva, centrifuged whole saliva and dental plaque supernatants from 10 subjects were carried out . The highest enzyme activity of "maltase" was found in the samples of dental plaque and the highest amylase activity in parotid saliva specimens.

Acta Microbiol Acad Sci Hung, 1975, 22(4), 471 - 9
Production of 13beta-alkyl-3-methoxy-8,14-seco-1,3,5(10),9(11)-gonatetraen-14beta-ol-17-ones and 13beta-alkyl-3-methoxy-8,14-seco-1,3,5(10),9(11)-gonatetraen-17alpha-ol-14-ones by microbial enzymes; Szentirmai A et al.; For the purpose of producing hydroxy-keto-seco-steroids in which hydroxyl group is attached to a carbon atom having the R-configuration, numerous biochemically active microorganisms were tested without any success . The hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase enzymes of the investigated bacterial, yeast and fungal strains were suitable only for the production of 17beta-ol-14-one and 14alpha-ol-17-one derivatives . The required compounds were prepared by combinations of enzymatic reactions with chemical reduction . (i) By hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase of Saccharomyces uvarum and Saccharomyces drosophilarum, 17beta-ol-14-one and 14alpha-ol-17-one derivatives of 14,17-dione, respectively, were obtained . (ii) The above compounds were acetylated then reduced by sodium borohydride . (iii) 14beta,17beta-diol-17-acetate and 14alpha,17alpha-diol-14-acetate were dehydrogenated by dehydroxysteroid oxidoreductase of Nocardia sp . and Mycobacterum sp., respectively, in the presence of steroid esterase . The reaction mixture contained either 14beta-ol-17-one or 17alpha-ol-14-one derivatives, since oxidation by hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase was limited to the hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom having the S-configuration.

Can J Comp Med, 1975 Jan, 39(1), 22 - 31
Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis I . Experimental production; Nayar PS et al.; One or both eyes of 20 calves were inoculated one or more time with variou(s combinations of microorganism (live oor killed Moraxella bovis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, bovine adenovirus, bovine parainfluenza-3 virus and Mycoplasma bovoculi) by conjunctival instillation or direct inoculation of the conjunctivea or cornea . The eyes of all the calves received natural or artificial ultraviolet irradiation . Neither the adenovirus nor parainfluenza-3 virus became established in the eye or produced keratoconjunctivitis . Both M . bovis and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus became established in the bovine eye and produced disease . Subconjunctival or intracorneal inoculation of M . bovis caused a severe disease, simulating natural infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis . Only the intracorneal inoculation of mycoplasma produced severe keratoconjunctivits . Eyes that on initial exposure to M . bovis became severly inflamed were more resistant to a second or third exposure to M . bovis, presumably by enhanced local defence mechanisms.

Mikrobiologiia, 1975 Jan-Feb, 44(1), 156 - 9
{Study of ron-manganese microorganisms by the overgrowth technic}; Kutuzova RS; Microorganisms were studied by capillary microscopy in the surface layer of ooze and in the bottom layer of water in the ore field of the lake Krasnoye . The lake overgrowing of iron-maganese organisms differ from that in the second ooze profile . The growth of the iron-maganese microorganisms on Euglena was found, and the character of their relationship is discussed.

Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig A}, 1975, 230(2), 252 - 64
{Vital fluorescent staining of microorganisms by 3',6'-diacetyl-fluoresceine for determination of their metabolic activity (author's transl)}; Ziegler GB et al.; By fluorescent microscopy and spectroscopy studies involving micro-organisms which were either viable or devitalised by heat sterilisation or gamma irradiation and could not be cultured any more, fluorochrome binding with 3' , 6'-diacetyl fluorescein was shown to be linked with the viability of a cell and a function of its actual metabolic state . The incorporation of diacetyl fluorescein into cells, its storage and hydrolysis to fluorescein mean active processes taking place at high speed . Viable cells are capable of storing fluorescein intracellularly, bound to structural elements . If the storage capacity is surpassed, it will be eliminated from the cell . The mechanism of this process is discussed . Devitalised cells are not capable of active uptake of fluorescein nor of its storage and accelerated hydrolysis . Beyond this, they are incapable of fluorescein binding to structural elements . There will be only a minor homogenous staining of such cells by fluorescein . An express method based upon the results is providing information on viability, actual metabolic state, morphology, and motility of micro-organisms within a few minutes and without affecting onward culturing.

Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1975, 266, 152 - 61
Transovarial transmission of Rickettsia-like microorganisms in mosquitoes; Yen JH; The wolbachiae found in Culex pipiens and the Tafahi strain of the A . scutellaris group are small rickettsia-like symbionts of the gonads . They are extrachromosomal self-replicating units that are vertically transmitted through the ovaries . Their presence in the only two groups of mosquitoes known to exhibit incompatibility, the fact that they are found in only the Tafahi strain, and the loss of incompatibility after removal of Wolbachia in C . pipiens are compelling evidence for the role that Wolbachia plays in incompatibility.

J Am Diet Assoc, 1973 May, 62(5), 510 - 4
Interactions of nutrients with oral contraceptives and other drugs; Butterworth CE Jr; PIP: All drugs either directly or indirectly interact with the concentrations of nutrients and their derivatives in an organism . Pharmacology is ultimately inseparable from nutrition: From ancient times man has made use of natural products for medicinal purposes . Since nutritional requirements are species-specific, drugs based on nutritional requirements of man but unhelpful to disease-producing microorganisms could be developed . Also, drugs could be developed to beneficially effect specific, highly differentiated tissues of man . Mechanisms of drug-nutrient interaction involve similarities in chemical structure, enzyme inhibition, interference with systems necessary for transport and storage of nutrients, interference with genetic apparatus, and alteration of functional characteristics of cell membranes . Oral contraceptives may have many effects on nutrients, including vitamin-B6 deficiency, effects on other vitamin concentrations, and derangement of folate function .

J Lipid Res, 1971 Jul, 12(4), 442 - 9
Separation and identification of menaquinones from microorganisms; Dunphy PJ et al.; Simple thin-layer chromatographic procedures are outlined for the separation, isolation, and characterization of a complex of lipophilic naphthoquinones . Procedures are also described for the quantitative recovery of naphthoquinones from thin-layer plates . The general usefulness of the described methods is demonstrated by their application in the analysis of menaquinones from several microorganisms . The methods allow distinction between menaquinones varying in side-chain length, degree of saturation, and geometry, as well as in the presence or absence of ring methyl groups.

J Lipid Res, 1971 Mar, 12(2), 192 - 7
Reduction and esterification of cholesterol and sitosterol by homogenates of feces; Rosenfeld RS et al.; Mixtures of cholesterol-1,2-(3)H and sitosterol-4-(14)C have been incubated with suspensions of feces in order to compare the behavior of the phytosterol with transformations known to take place with cholesterol under these conditions . Within the limitations of the study, both labeled sterols were esterified to the same extent, and reduction of the Delta(5) double bond to the saturated analogue proceeded equally in both substances . After correcting for procedural losses, the recoveries of (3)H and (14)C from the incubations were always less than the controls; this strongly indicates destruction of sterol by feces microorganisms.

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