J Exp Med, 2002 Jun 3, 195(11), 1507 - 12 Interferon-alpha and interleukin-12 are induced differentially by Toll-like receptor 7 ligands in human blood dendritic cell subsets; Ito T et al.; Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in the immune responses against infections by sensing microbial invasion through toll-like receptors (TLRs) . In humans, two distinct DC subsets, CD11c(-) plasmacytoid DCs (PDCs) and CD11c(+) myeloid DCs (MDCs), have been identified and can respond to different TLR ligands, depending on the differential expression of cognate TLRs . In this study, we have examined the effect of TLR-7 ligands on human DC subsets . Both subsets expressed TLR-7 and could respond to TLR-7 ligands, which enhanced the survival of the subsets and upregulated the surface expression of costimulatory molecules such as CD40, CD80, and CD86 . However, the cytokine induction pattern was distinct in that PDCs and MDCs produced interferon (IFN)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-12, respectively . In response to TLR-7 ligands, the Th1 cell supporting ability of both DC subsets was enhanced, depending on the cytokines the respective subsets produced . This study demonstrates that TLR-7 exerts its biological effect in a DC subset-specific manner. Front Biosci, 2002 Jun 01, 7, a117 - 25 Chronic alcohol intoxication primes Kupffer cells and endothelial cells for enhanced CC-chemokine production and concomitantly suppresses phagocytosis and chemotaxis; Bautista AP; Chemokines are involved in the pathogenesis of alcoholic hepatitis and are considered to contribute to the migration of leukocytes into the liver during chronic ethanol intoxication . This work tests the hypothesis that chronic ethanol consumption selectively enhances chemokine release by Kupffer cells and hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells and migration of inflammatory cells into the liver . Furthermore, enhanced hepatic chemokine secretion may induce an autocrine effect on the ability of Kupffer cells and endothelial cells to chemotax and ingest microbial particles . Male Wistar rats were fed with ethanol in agar block and water for 32 weeks, and were allowed free access to solid food . Results show that after 32 weeks of feeding, leukocyte infiltration and steatosis were observed in the livers of ethanol-fed rats . The majority of the infiltrated cells were CD8+ cells . Serum ALT, endotoxin, MIP-1alpha, MCP-1 and RANTES, (but not CINC and MIP-2) were also increased in the ethanol-fed rats than in the pair-fed group . Isolated Kupffer cells from ethanol-fed rats were primed for enhanced MIP-1alpha, MCP-1, and RANTES production in vitro, while the endothelial cells were primed for enhanced MIP-1alpha release only . Chronic alcohol intoxication was also associated with increased basal H2O2 formation, enhanced nuclear translocation and binding of NF-kappaB, AP-1 and MNP-1 in Kupffer Cells . Chronic ethanol feeding significantly enhanced MNP-1 binding, but not those of NF-kappaB and AP-1 in endothelial cells . Concomitantly, chemokine-induced chemotaxis, E.coli phagocytosis and f-met-leu-phe-induced superoxide anion production by Kupffer cells were downregulated in the ethanol-fed group . Taken together these data demonstrate that prolonged alcohol consumption may compromise the host to hepatitis as a result of increased chemokine production and at the same time may suppress the innate immune function of hepatic non-parenchymal cells. J Endod, 2002 Apr, 28(4), 269 - 71 Microbial leakage evaluation of the continuous wave of condensation; Jacobson HL et al.; Coronal leakage has been recognized as a cause of pulpal and periradicular disease . Although cleaning and shaping of the root canal system is considered paramount, obturation of the system is an important step in endodontic success . The purpose of this study was to evaluate coronal bacterial leakage in teeth obturated with the System B continuous wave of condensation technique, followed by an Obtura II backfill, versus teeth obturated using the lateral condensation technique . Sixty single-rooted bilaterally matched teeth were evaluated in this study . An anaerobic bacterial leakage model was used . Results indicate that microbial coronal leakage occurs more quickly using lateral condensation than with the System B continuous wave of condensation and Obtura II backfill . This difference was statistically significant (p < or = 0.05) . However, there was no statistical difference between groups 1 and 2 in the numbers of teeth that demonstrated bacterial leakage at the end of the study. Nat Biotechnol, 2002 Jun, 20(6), 607 - 12 Field and pulping performances of transgenic trees with altered lignification; Pilate G et al.; The agronomic and pulping performance of transgenic trees with altered lignin has been evaluated in duplicated, long-term field trials . Poplars expressing cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) or caffeate/5-hydroxy-ferulate O-methyltransferase (COMT) antisense transgenes were grown for four years at two sites, in France and England . The trees remained healthy throughout the trial . Growth indicators and interactions with insects were normal . No changes in soil microbial communities were detected beneath the transgenic trees . The expected modifications to lignin were maintained in the transgenics over four years, at both sites . Kraft pulping of tree trunks showed that the reduced-CAD lines had improved characteristics, allowing easier delignification, using smaller amounts of chemicals, while yielding more high-quality pulp . This work highlights the potential of engineering wood quality for more environmentally benign papermaking without interfering with tree growth or fitness. J Calif Dent Assoc, 2002 May, 30(5), 376 - 82 Laser curettage: where do we stand? Dederich DN, Drury GI. The literature suggests that curettage has no benefit beyond traditional scaling and root planing . However, claims abound as to the benefits of curettage with the laser, including less postoperative pain, less bleeding, and reduction in microbial count . This paper explores whether any of these claims are true and whether laser curettage has any benefit in periodontal treatment. Curr Drug Targets, 2002 Jun, 3(3), 223 - 8 Novel molecular targets for systemic lupus erythematosus; Marino M et al.; For a long time the complement cascade has been believed to be the predominant pathway to inflammation and tissue destruction in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus . Recently, new evidences show that FcRs may share the primacy with complement cascade, playing an equal or greater role in the disease process . The generation of specific mouse strains deficient in individual components has clarified the different role played by complement and Fc receptors in their interaction with ICs, illustrating that complement is essential for innate immunity against microbial pathogens, requiring natural antibodies to mediate its protective effects, whereas FcyRs have evolved as the principal system for coupling antigen-antibody complexes to effector cells and initiate the inflammatory cascade . Validation of FcRs as new therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases, in particular for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), has been provided by a large number of studies where the biological action of soluble forms of FcyRs or of monoclonal antibodies targeting Fc receptors has been assessed . Additional support to the role of FcRs in SLE has been provided by data obtained with compounds derived from combinatorial chemistry, such as TG19320, a tetrameric tripeptide which interferes with IgG/FcgammaR interaction in vitro and prevents glomerulonephritis in vivo in a SLE susceptible mouse strain . These findings might open the way to new therapeutic approaches for disorders where the role of FcRs has been established, including not only autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple myeloma, but also acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). FASEB J, 2002 Jun, 16(8), 849 - 56 Regional manifestations and control of the immune system; Saadi S et al.; Although immune responses are generally considered to be systemic, local events such as interaction of complement products with blood vessels and with inflammatory cells play a pivotal role in determining the nature and manifestations of immune responses . This paper will discuss how blood vessel physiology and immunity influence one another to reach homeostasis upon exposure to an infectious agent . We review new insights into the mechanisms by which the microenvironment of tissues protects against microbial invasion yet facilitates migration of leukocytes and 'decides' whether immunity or tolerance ensues and whether, in the face of immunity, protective responses or tissue injury ensues . These 'decisions' are made based on interaction of components of normal tissues such as proteoglycans and injured tissues such as cell-associated cytokines with receptors on immune cells and blood vessels. Appl Environ Microbiol, 2002 Jun, 68(6), 3094 - 101 Fluorescence in situ hybridization and catalyzed reporter deposition for the identification of marine bacteria; Pernthaler A et al.; Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled oligonucleotide probes and tyramide signal amplification, also known as catalyzed reporter deposition (CARD), is currently not generally applicable to heterotrophic bacteria in marine samples . Penetration of the HRP molecule into bacterial cells requires permeabilization procedures that cause high and most probably species-selective cell loss . Here we present an improved protocol for CARD-FISH of marine planktonic and benthic microbial assemblages . After concentration of samples onto membrane filters and subsequent embedding of filters in low-gelling-point agarose, no decrease in bacterial cell numbers was observed during 90 min of lysozyme incubation (10 mg ml(-1) at 37 degrees C) . The detection rates of coastal North Sea bacterioplankton by CARD-FISH with a general bacterial probe (EUB338-HRP) were significantly higher (mean, 94% of total cell counts; range, 85 to 100%) than that with a monolabeled probe (EUB338-mono; mean, 48%; range, 19 to 66%) . Virtually no unspecific staining was observed after CARD-FISH with an antisense EUB338-HRP . Members of the marine SAR86 clade were undetectable by FISH with a monolabeled probe; however, a substantial population was visualized by CARD-FISH (mean, 7%; range, 3 to 13%) . Detection rates of EUB338-HRP in Wadden Sea sediments (mean, 81%; range, 53 to 100%) were almost twice as high as the detection rates of EUB338-mono (mean, 44%; range, 25 to 71%) . The enhanced fluorescence intensities and signal-to-background ratios make CARD-FISH superior to FISH with directly labeled oligonucleotides for the staining of bacteria with low rRNA content in the marine environment. Appl Environ Microbiol, 2002 Jun, 68(6), 3085 - 93 Neutrophilic Fe-oxidizing bacteria are abundant at the Loihi Seamount hydrothermal vents and play a major role in Fe oxide deposition; Emerson D et al.; A number of hydrothermal vent sites exist on the summit of the Loihi Seamount, a shield volcano that is part of the Hawaiian archipelago . The vents are 1,100 to 1,325 m below the surface and range in temperature from slightly above ambient (10 degrees C) to high temperature (167 degrees C) . The vent fluid is characterized by high concentrations of CO2 (up to 17 mM) and Fe(II) (up to 268 microM), but there is a general paucity of H2S . Most of the vents are surrounded by microbial mats that have a gelatinous texture and are heavily encrusted with rust-colored Fe oxides . Visually, the Fe oxides appeared homogeneous . However, light microscopy revealed that the oxides had different morphologies, which fell into three classes: (i) sheaths, (ii) twisted or irregular filaments, and (iii) amorphous oxides . A morphological analysis of eight different samples indicated that the amorphous oxides were overall the most abundant; however, five sites had >50% sheaths and filamentous oxides . These latter morphologies are most likely the direct result of microbial deposition . Direct cell counts revealed that all of the oxides had abundant microbial populations associated with them, from 6.9 x 10(7) to 5.3 x 10(8) cells per ml of mat material . At most sites, end point dilution series for lithotrophic Fe oxidizers were successful out to dilutions of 10(-6) and 10(-7) . A pure culture was obtained from a 10(-7) dilution tube; this strain, JV-1, was an obligate, microaerophilic Fe oxidizer that grew at 25 to 30 degrees C . A non-cultivation-based molecular approach with terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism also indicated the common presence of Fe-oxidizing bacteria at Loihi . Together, these results indicate that Fe-oxidizing bacteria are common at the Loihi Seamount and probably play a major role in Fe oxidation . A review of the literature suggests that microbially mediated Fe oxidation at hydrothermal vents may be important globally. Appl Environ Microbiol, 2002 Jun, 68(6), 3035 - 45 Empirical and theoretical bacterial diversity in four Arizona soils; Dunbar J et al.; Understanding patterns of biodiversity in microbial communities is severely constrained by the difficulty of adequately sampling these complex systems . We illustrate the problem with empirical data from small surveys (200-member 16S rRNA gene clone libraries) of four bacterial soil communities from two locations in Arizona . Among the four surveys, nearly 500 species-level groups ( Dunbar et al., Appl . Environ . Microbiol . 65:662-1669, 1999) and 21 bacterial divisions were documented, including four new candidate divisions provisionally designated SC1, SC2, SC3, and SC4 . We devised a simple approach to constructing theoretical null models of bacterial species abundance . These null models provide, for the first time, detailed descriptions of soil bacterial community structure that can be used to guide experimental design . Models based on a lognormal distribution were consistent with the observed sizes of the four communities and the richness of the clone surveys . Predictions from the models showed that the species richness of small surveys from complex communities is reproducible, whereas the species composition is not . By using the models, we can now estimate the required survey scale to document specified fractions of community diversity . For example, documentation of half the species in each model community would require surveys of 16,284 to 44,000 individuals . However, quantitative comparisons of half the species in two communities would require surveys at least 10-fold larger for each community. Appl Environ Microbiol, 2002 Jun, 68(6), 2704 - 10 Immobilization of radionuclides and heavy metals through anaerobic bio-oxidation of Fe(II); Lack JG et al.; Adsorption of heavy metals and radionuclides (HMR) onto iron and manganese oxides has long been recognized as an important reaction for the immobilization of these compounds . However, in environments containing elevated concentrations of these HMR the adsorptive capacity of the iron and manganese oxides may well be exceeded, and the HMR can migrate as soluble compounds in aqueous systems . Here we demonstrate the potential of a bioremediative strategy for HMR stabilization in reducing environments based on the recently described anaerobic nitrate-dependent Fe(II) oxidation by Dechlorosoma species . Bio-oxidation of 10 mM Fe(II) and precipitation of Fe(III) oxides by these organisms resulted in rapid adsorption and removal of 55 microM uranium and 81 microM cobalt from solution . The adsorptive capacity of the biogenic Fe(III) oxides was lower than that of abiotically produced Fe(III) oxides (100 microM for both metals), which may have been a result of steric hindrance by the microbial cells on the iron oxide surfaces . The binding capacity of the biogenic oxides for different heavy metals was indirectly correlated to the atomic radius of the bound element . X-ray absorption spectroscopy indicated that the uranium was bound to the biogenically produced Fe(III) oxides as U(VI) and that the U(VI) formed bidentate and tridentate inner-sphere complexes with the Fe(III) oxide surfaces . Dechlorosoma suillum oxidation was specific for Fe(II), and the organism did not enzymatically oxidize U(IV) or Co(II) . Small amounts (less than 2.5 microM) of Cr(III) were reoxidized by D . suillum; however, this appeared to be inversely dependent on the initial concentration of the Cr(III) . The results of this study demonstrate the potential of this novel approach for stabilization and immobilization of HMR in the environment. Appl Environ Microbiol, 2002 Jun, 68(6), 2683 - 9 Detection of microbial growth on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in microtiter plates by using the respiration indicator WST-1; Johnsen AR et al.; We have developed a microtiter plate method for screening a large number of bacterial isolates for the ability to grow on different crystalline polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) . Growth on PAHs cannot easily be determined with standard growth assays because of the very low aqueous solubility and bioavailability of the PAHs . Our microtiter plate assay utilizes a new water-soluble respiration indicator, WST-1 {4-{3-(4-iodophenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio}-1,3-benzene disulfonate}, in combination with easily degradable carbon sources . PAH-mineralizing strains were grown on PAHs in microtiter plates for 7 to 10 days . The tetrazolium dye WST-1 was added after incubation . Dehydrogenases in growing cells reduced WST-1 to a water-soluble colored formazan, and the intensity of the color was a measure of the respiration rate . Addition of easily degradable carbon to the wells along with WST-1 resulted in a 3- to 40-fold increase in the absorbance of positive wells within 90 min, which made it possible to detect growth on fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, and pyrene . Addition of the electron transport blocker sodium azide unexpectedly decreased formazan formation . The method was adapted for most-probable-number enumeration of PAH degraders in soil. Environ Sci Technol, 2002 May 15, 36(10), 2205 - 12 Effect of exposure history on microbial herbicide degradation in an aerobic aquifer affected by a point source; Tuxen N et al.; The effects of in situ exposure to low concentrations (micrograms per liter) of herbicides on aerobic degradation of herbicides in aquifers were studied by laboratory batch experiments . Aquifer material and groundwater were collected from a point source with known exposure histories to the herbicides mecoprop (MCPP), dichlorprop, BAM, bentazone, isoproturon, and DNOC . Degradation of the phenoxy acids, mecoprop and dichlorprop, was observed in five of six sampling points from within the plume . Mecoprop was mineralized, and up to 70% was recovered as 14CO2 . DNOC was degraded in only two of six sampling points from within the plume, and neither BAM, bentazone, nor isoproturon was degraded in any sampling point . A linear correlation (R2 > or = 0.83) between pre-exposure and amount of herbicide degraded within 50 days was observed for the phenoxy acids, mecoprop and dichlorprop . An improved model fit was obtained from using Monod degradation kinetics compared to zero- and first-order degradation kinetics . An exponential correlation (R2 > or = 0.85) was also found between numbers of specific phenoxy acid degrading bacteria and pre-exposure . Combination of these results strongly indicates that the low concentration exposure to phenoxy acids in the aquifer resulted in the presence of acclimated microbial communities, illustrated bythe elevated numbers of specific degraders as well as the enhanced degradation capability . The findings support application of natural attenuation to remediate aerobic aquifers contaminated by phenoxy acids from point sources. Adv Space Res, 2000, 26(12), 2029 - 40 Effects of solar UV-B radiation on aquatic ecosystems; Hader DP; Solar UV degrades dissolved organic carbon photolytically so that they can readily be taken up by bacterioplankton . On the other hand solar UV radiation inhibits bacterioplankton activity . Bacterioplankton productivity is far greater than previously thought and is comparable to phytoplankton primary productivity . According to the "microbial loop hypothesis," bacterioplankton is seen in the center of a food web, having a similar function to phytoplankton and protists . The penetration of UV and PAR into the water column can be measured . Marine waters show large temporal and regional differences in their concentrations of dissolved and particulate absorbing substances . A network of dosimeters (ELDONET) has been installed in Europe ranging from Abisko in Northern Sweden to Gran Canaria . Cyanobacteria are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen which is then made available to higher plants . The agricultural potential of cyanobacteria has been recognized as a biological fertilizer for wet soils such as in rice paddies . UV-B is known to impair processes such as growth, survival, pigmentation, motility, as well as the enzymes of nitrogen metabolism and CO2 fixation . The marine phytoplankton represents the single most important ecosystem on our planet and produces about the same biomass as all terrestrial ecosystems taken together . It is the base of the aquatic food chain and any changes in the size and composition of phytoplankton communities will directly affect food production for humans from marine sources . Another important role of marine phytoplankton is to serve as a sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide . Recent investigations have shown a large sensitivity of most phytoplankton organisms toward solar short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation (UV-B); even at ambient levels of UV-B radiation many organisms seem to be under UV stress . Because of their requirement for solar energy, the phytoplankton dwell in the top layers of the water column . In this near-surface position phytoplankton will be exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation . This radiation has been shown to affect growth, photosynthesis, nitrogen incorporation and enzyme activity . Other targets of solar UV irradiation are proteins and pigments involved in photosynthesis . Whether or not screening pigments can be induced in phytoplankton to effectively shield the organisms from excessive UV irradiation needs to be determined . Macroalgae show a distinct pattern of vertical distribution in their habitat . They have developed mechanisms to regulate their photosynthetic activity to adapt to the changing light regime and protect themselves from excessive radiation . A broad survey was carried out to understand photosynthesis in aquatic ecosystems and the different adaptation strategies to solar radiation of ecologically important species of green, red and brown algae from the North Sea, Baltic Sea, Mediterranean, Atlantic, polar and tropical oceans . Photoinhibition was quantified by oxygen exchange and by PAM (pulse amplitude modulated) fluorescence measurements based on transient changes of chlorophyll fluorescence . c2001 COSPAR Published by Elsevier Science Ltd . All rights reserved. Microb Ecol, 2002 Apr, 43(3), 307 - 14 Epub 2002 Mar 05. Changes in soil microbial community structure and function in an alpine dry meadow following spring snow melt; Lipson DA et al.; Previous work in an alpine dry meadow in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains has shown that microbial biomass is high during winter and declines rapidly as snow melts in the spring, and that this decline is associated with changes in temperature regime and substrate availability . In this study we tested the hypothesis that the summer and winter microbial communities differ in function and composition . Shifts in species composition between pre- and post-snowmelt communities were detected using reciprocal hybridization of community DNA; DNA extracted from soils sampled at different times was significantly less homologous relative to spatial replicates sampled at the same time . Fungal/bacterial ratios, as measured by direct microscopic counts and by substrate-induced respiration experiments with specific inhibitors, were higher in winter soils . Specific activity of cellulase (absolute cellulase activity per unit microbial biomass C) was higher in the winter soils than in summer soils, while specific amylase activity was not different between winter and summer . Based on most-probable number measurements, the use of the phenolic compound vanillic acid was highest in the winter, while the use of the amino acid glycine was lowest in the winter . Winter and summer soil respiration responded differently to temperature; at 0 degrees C, winter soils respired at a higher proportion of the 22 degrees C rate than did summer soils. Caries Res, 2002 Mar-Apr, 36(2), 129 - 35 Inhibition of secondary caries lesion progression using fluoride varnish; Fontana M et al.; The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of fluoride varnish (FV) in inhibiting progression of secondary caries (SC) . In a first experiment, human teeth, restored either with amalgam or resin composite, were exposed for 4 days to a microbial caries model . Half of each specimen was then painted with an acid-resistant nail varnish to maintain the baseline SC lesion . Specimens were then either treated with a FV (removed after 24 h) or not treated (control groups) prior to being exposed for 4 more days to the caries model . A second experiment was conducted to compare the effect that the varnish (with and without fluoride) had on SC development around amalgam . Confocal laser scanning microscopy data from these experiments suggested that the application of a FV to early, active SC lesions significantly slowed down their progression . Furthermore, the application of a placebo varnish showed a trend towards slowing down lesion progression, suggesting that the effect of FV on SC is not only due to its fluoride release . Life Sci Space Res, 1965, 3, 105 - 19 Gulliver and Diogenes--exobiological antitheses; Levin GV et al.; Gulliver field test results in extreme natural environments are presented . A proposed new exobiology experiment, based on the detection of adenosinetriphosphate (ATP), is described with laboratory results . Significant responses were obtained from the Gulliver field tests in approximately one hour . Responses were even more pronounced when the radioactive medium was applied directly to the soil . In the new life detection experiment, the firefly bioluminescent reaction is used to assay for micro-gamma quantities of microbial ATP, a compound ubiquitous in terrestrial life . Gulliver and the ATP experiment, named Diogenes, represent complimentary antitheses in extraterrestrial life detection . The former is general and the latter specific . Theoretical considerations are proposed as guidelines for extraterrestrial life detection experiments. Microb Ecol, 2000 Dec, 40(4), 317 - 329 The Microbial Food Web in the Recently Flooded Sep Reservoir: Diel Fluctuations in Bacterial Biomass and Metabolic Activity in Relation to Phytoplankton and Flagellate Grazers; Jugnia LB et al.; The spatial distribution of the bacterial biomass and production and of potential heterotrophic activity (PHA) were measured every 4 h between 23 July (10:00 h) and 25 July (10:00 h) 1997 in a recently flooded oligo-mesotrophic reservoir (the Sep Reservoir, Puy-de-Dome, France), in relation to temperature, the phytoplankton biomass and production, and the abundance of heterotrophic flagellates . The temperature varied slightly with time during the study, but the well-established thermal stratification agreed well with vertical distribution of the biological variables that were measured . Only the bacterial production and the PHA showed significant diel changes (t-test, p <0.05), with maxima at 18:00 h and minima at 02:00 h . A significant positive relation was found between bacterial abundance and that of heterotrophic flagellates, which, rather than being an association related to the thermal stratification of the water column, was considered to reflect a trophic relation between these two communities . A carbon balance analysis suggested that at least 30% of the C from primary production measured during the sampling period was used by bacteria, and that 42% of this secondary production, or 6% of the primary production, would be used for the development of the heterotrophic flagellates present . We conclude that the bacterioplankton forms, at least occasionally, an important source of carbon for higher trophic levels, and reject the hypothesis that bacterial production in the Sep Reservoir depends exclusively on organic matter of allochthonous origin. Biochem Pharmacol, 2002 May 15, 63(10), 1901 - 10 Involvement of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in the induction of interleukin-12 p40 production in mouse macrophages by berberine, a benzodioxoloquinolizine alkaloid; Kang BY et al.; Interleukin (IL)-12 plays a pivotal role in the development of T helper type 1 (Th1)-immune response, which may have therapeutic effects on diseases associated with pathologic Th2 responses such as allergic disorders and asthma . In this study, we investigated the effects of berberine, a benzodioxoloquinolizine alkaloid with anti-microbial and anti-tumor activities, on the production of IL-12 p40, an inducible subunit of IL-12, in mouse macrophages . Berberine-induced IL-12 p40 production and activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in dose-dependent manners, which were significantly inhibited by p38 MAPK inhibitors and yohimbine, indicating that p38 MAPK and alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor were involved in the induction of IL-12 p40 production in mouse macrophages by berberine . Furthermore, berberine significantly enhanced IL-12 p40 production in mouse macrophages when combined with lipopolysaccharide, a well-known inducer of IL-12 production . These findings may explain some of the known biological effects of berberine and suggests berberine as an immunotherapeutic compound for induction of IL-12, which is potentially applicable for tumors, infectious disease, and airway inflammation. Clin Exp Optom, 2002 May, 85(3), 127 - 40 Is there a question of safety with continuous wear? Brennan NA. The availability of silicone-containing hydrogel contact lenses (SCHCLs) has refocused attention on the risks associated with continuous wear (CW) . The major barrier to optometrists prescribing CW in Western societies is a perceived danger of microbial keratitis (MK) . This perception has been shaped largely by educators who have developed their opinions from case reports in the ophthalmic literature, sensationalist lay press reports and later epidemiological studies and from prominent physicians in tertiary referral centres, following an increased incidence of MK with extended wear (EW) of traditional hydrogel materials . The basis for the perceived lack of safety is the higher risk of MK with EW compared to daily wear and incidence figures that suggest an unacceptable level of MK in a population at risk, albeit a small risk on an individual basis . In this paper, I re-evaluate the validity of the previous data and challenge the conclusions regarding the nature of the risk with traditional hydrogel lens materials . Areas under scrutiny include diagnostic criteria, morbidity caused by different micro-organisms, potential bias in studies and reports, analysis of visual outcomes and cost to the community, and improvements over time in the understanding and handling of contact lens-related complications . Significant loss of vision with EW appears to be less frequent than is the common perception . When the risks are placed in the perspective of other data such as that for refractive surgery, the arguments against EW do not seem so compelling . The high oxygen transmissibility of SCHCLs may enable safe CW but a large-scale epidemiological study is needed to allay remaining doubts . Any such future studies should note the points outlined in this document. Poult Sci, 2002 May, 81(5), 695 - 8 Comparison of eggshell surface microbial populations for in-line and off-line commercial egg processing facilities; Knape KD et al.; The objective of this project was to evaluate the aerobic plate counts (APC) of eggshells at in-line and off-line egg processing facilities at selected sites, throughout the processing procedure . Samples were collected from four sites in the processing plant and five time periods during the daily processing shift . Site 1 was from the conveyor system before the eggs passed through the washing system . Site 2 was after detergent wash but before sanitizer application . Site 3 was immediately after sanitizer treatment . Site 4 was immediately before packaging . Samples were collected from the sites at five equally spaced intervals beginning 15 min after the processing shift began and ending 15 min before the processing shift ended . At each sampling time, eggs were aseptically collected from each site and placed into sterile plastic bags containing 50 mL of PBS that was serially diluted immediately . The dilutions were plated on APC agar within 8 h of collection and were incubated at 37 C for 48 h . APC counts of in-line and off-line eggs were compared within time periods across sites . As the processing shift progressed, off-line APC counts were significantly higher than in-line counts at Site 1 . At Site 2, off-line APC counts were significantly higher than in-line counts for Periods 2 through 5 . At Site 3, off-line APC counts were significantly higher than in-line counts for Periods 2 through 5 . Site 4 off-line counts were significantly higher than in-line counts at all time periods. Microb Ecol, 2001 Feb, 41(2), 83 - 89 The Microbial Logic behind the Prevalence of Incomplete Oxidation of Organic Compounds by Acetogenic Bacteria in Methanogenic Environments; Dolfing J; Microbial degradation of organic material in methanogenic ecosystems is a multistep process in which subsequent groups use the products of the first groups of organisms in the chain as substrates . The acetogenic bacteria in these systems produce both H2 and acetate . In the present minireview a thermodynamic approach is taken to evaluate the logic behind this duality . The evaluation shows that at the H2 partial pressures that usually occur in methanogenic ecosystems the acetogenic oxidation of known acetogenic substrates such as propionate, butyrate, and benzoate yields more energy than their complete oxidation to H2/CO2 . Also, H2 partial pressures needed to achieve complete hydrogenogenic oxidation of these acetogenic substrates would have to be so low that H2 would be virtually unavailable to the hydrogenotrophic bacteria, in casu the methanogens. Microb Ecol, 2001 Feb, 41(4), 341 - 351 Contribution of the Earthworm Lumbricus rubellus (Annelida, Oligochaeta) to the Establishment of Plasmids in Soil Bacterial Communities; Thimm T et al.; The contribution of the earthworm Lumbricus rubellus in spreading plasmids from a nonindigenous bacterial species to the soil microbial community was studied with Escherichia coli strains as donor organisms . The selected donor strains harbored marker-gene tagged plasmids with different transfer properties and host ranges . Prototrophic benzoate degrading indigenous bacteria were analyzed as potential recipients . In filter-mating experiments, donor strains were mixed with bacterial cell consortia extracted from earthworm casts (feces) and incubated on nutrient agar at 28 degrees C . Transfer was detected with the broad host range IncP plasmid pRP4luc; with the IncQ plasmid, pSUP104luc, but only when it was present in a mobilizing donor strain; and with the transposon delivery vector pUTlux . No transfer was detected with the nonmobilizable pUCluc and the mobilizable pSUP202luc, both of narrow host range . In microcosm studies with E . coli inoculated soil incubated at 12 degrees C, transconjugants were only detected in casts of L . rubellus but not in bulk soil, indicating that the gut passage was a precondition for plasmid transfer . Plasmid pRP4luc was transferred at higher frequencies than detected in filter mating . Results of the filter matings were confirmed except that transfer of pUTlux could not be detected . The majority of transconjugants isolated in this study lost their acquired plasmid upon further cultivation . Stable transconjugants, however, were obtained and identified at the 16S rRNA gene level as members of the b- and g-subgroups of Proteobacteria . Incubation of E . coli and selected transconjugants in soil microcosms with L . rubellus demonstrated that the gut passage resulted in a slight but significant reduction of ingested cells . In contrast to the donor strains, however, the population sizes of transconjugants in bulk soil and in casts did not decrease over time . This demonstrated that the transferred plasmids had established themselves in the soil microbial community. Med Clin (Barc), 2002 May 4, 118(16), 622 - 6 {Community-acquired pneumonia associated with influenza virus}; Mirete Ferrer JC et al.; BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is one of the most common complications of influenza infection . However, its characteristics are not well-known . Our aim was to assess the frequency of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) associated with influenza virus and to determine its clinical and epidemiological characteristics . PATIENTS AND METHOD: A total of 240 patients with CAP were evaluated and cases with serological evidence of influenza virus infection were identified . Patients in whom there was no evidence of infection by other microbial agents were selected and defined as influenza virus infection-associated CAP (CAP-i) . Clinical and epidemiological features of CAP-i patients were compared with the rest of patients with CAP . RESULTS: A microbial diagnosis was achieved in 143 (59.6%) of 240 patients with CAP . In 12 cases (5%) there was serological evidence of infection by influenza A virus . In 8 patients no other respiratory pathogens were detected (CAP-i) . In a multivariate analysis, the presence of arthromyalgias (odds ratio {OR} = 30, 68; 95% confidence interval {CI}, 1-946), plasmatic sodium < 133 mEq/l (OR = 16.92; 95% CI, 1.48-193), bilateral infiltrates in chest X-ray (OR = 8.83; 95% CI, 1.35-57.6), diagnosis of CAP in January or February (OR = 5.60; 95% CI, 0.87-35.8) and blood neutrophil cell count >= 14,000/l, (OR = 5.23; 95% CI, 0.85-32) were all independently associated with CAP-i . The simultaneous presence of all these characteristics had a positive and negative predictive value of 95% and 99%, respectively, to differentiate CAP-i from other CAP . CONCLUSIONS: Influenza virus infection-associated CAP is uncommon . Some clinical and radiographic variables could differentiate CAP-i from other CAP . These parameters could also help identify patients who are more likely to benefit from specific antiviral therapy. Inhal Toxicol, 2002 May, 14(5), 541 - 9 Fungal spores as such do not cause nasal inflammation in mold exposure; Roponen M et al.; The increased frequency of respiratory symptoms and diseases among sawmill workers has been linked to occupational exposure to airborne contaminants, especially to different fungi . Similar adverse health effects, together with elevated levels of inflammatory mediators in the nasal lavage (NAL) fluid, have been detected in people working in mold-damaged buildings . However, the indoor fungal spore concentrations in moldy houses are much lower than those in sawmills . To study the effect of fungal spores as such on the inflammatory markers in the NAL fluid, we conducted a similar study in sawmill workers who had an intense exposure to fungal spores . NAL was performed in 11 sawmill workers both during high occupational microbial exposure and during their vacation . Concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-6 in NAL fluid were analyzed, and occupational exposure to inhalable dust, fungal spores, endotoxins and terpenes was confirmed by personal monitoring during the day of sampling . In addition, health data were collected with a questionnaire . Personal exposures to fungal spores varied from 2 x 10(5) spores/m(3) to 1.5 x 10(6) spores/m(3) (mean 7 x 10(5) spores/m(3)) . Concentrations of inhalable dust, endotoxins, and terpenes were relatively low . There were no differences between work and vacation in the concentrations of NO and proinflammatory cytokines in NAL fluid or in the reporting of symptoms, and the levels were lower than in workers at a moldy school building . However, the concentration of TNFalpha in the NAL fluid was positively correlated with the concentration of terpenes in the working environment (r =.768; p =.006) . These results show that microbial exposure as such does not invariably result in inflammatory changes detectable with the NAL method . We suggest that the type of microbial flora or microbial products in the occupational environment determines the proinflammatory potency of microbial exposure. Cell Microbiol, 2002 May, 4(5), 297 - 303 TLR4-dependent lipopolysaccharide signalling in epithelial cells is independent of extracellular protease activity; Backhed F et al.; Epithelial cells are the first cells that encounter infecting bacteria and, as such, they have developed several mechanisms for microbial protection . We have shown previously that bladder epithelial cells express the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 that enables a rapid cellular interleukin (IL)-8 response when exposed to Escherichia coli and LPS . TLR4 belongs to a family of receptors that was initially identified in Drosophila, in which Toll is required for the immune response against fungi . Fungal exposure activates a series of serine proteases that process the protein Spaetzle to a cytokine-like form that acts as a ligand for Toll . Here, we investigated whether a similar proteolytic cascade is required for human TLR activation . When screening a set of 18 protease inhibitors, three serine protease inhibitors (TPCK, TLCK and Pefabloc) were shown to inhibit LPS- and peptidoglycan-induced IL-8 production in TLR2- and TLR4-positive bladder epithelial cells . However, they were equally effective inhibitors of IL-1beta-induced signalling, indicating that their target(s) is/are located downstream of the TLRs . Further characterization showed that these inhibitors blocked I kappa B degradation but not phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated cells, which suggests that the serine protease inhibitors target the 26S proteasome . Identical results were obtained on LPS-stimulated monocytes . Based on these data, we find no evidence for the involvement of proteases upstream of TLRs in either epithelial cells or cells of the monocytic lineage. J Periodontol, 2002 May, 73(5), 564 - 70 Treatment of periodontal disease in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome . A case report and literature review; Perez LA et al.; BACKGROUND: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) designates a heterogeneous group of connective tissue disorders characterized by skin elasticity, tissue fragility, and chronic joint pain . Dental findings have been reported with some types of EDS . This case report describes the periodontal findings in a patient with a previously undiagnosed EDS type VIII . METHODS: Diagnostic aids utilized included microbial testing, histological examination, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) analysis for the levels of C-telopeptide pyridinoline cross-links (ICTP), and genetic counseling . Periodontal treatment consisted of mechanical debridement and adjunctive antibiotic therapy . RESULTS: Genetic counseling and clinical presentation confirmed the diagnosis of EDS type VIII . Periodontal treatment led to marked clinical improvements and GCF levels of the bone resorptive marker ICTP were significantly reduced . The patient and her siblings are currently pursuing appropriate medical care and genetic counseling . CONCLUSION: Periodontal involvement may lead to the diagnosis of an underlying systemic condition . Identification of suspected etiological factors of periodontal disease may prove critical for the general well-being of some patients. Mol Plant Microbe Interact, 2002 Apr, 15(4), 323 - 33 Pseudomonas lipodepsipeptides and fungal cell wall-degrading enzymes act synergistically in biological control; Fogliano V et al.; Pseudomonas syringae pv . syringae strain B359 secreted two main lipodepsipeptides (LDPs), syringomycin E (SRE) and syringopeptin 25A (SP25A), together with at least four types of cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs) . In antifungal bioassays, the purified toxins SRE and SP25A interacted synergistically with chitinolytic and glucanolytic enzymes purified from the same bacterial strain or from the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma atroviride strain P1 . The synergism between LDPs and CWDEs occurred against all seven different fungal species tested and P . syringae itself, with a level dependent on the enzyme used to permeabilize the microbial cell wall . The antifungal activity of SP25A was much more increased by the CWDE action than was that of the smaller SRE, suggesting a stronger antifungal role for SP25A . In vivo biocontrol assays were performed by using P . syringae alone or in combination with T . atroviride, including a Trichoderma endochitinase knock-out mutant in place of the wild type and a chitinase-specific enzyme inhibitor . These experiments clearly indicate that the synergistic interaction LDPs-CWDEs is involved in the antagonistic mechanism of P . syringae, and they support the concept that a more effective disease control is given by the combined action of the two agents. J Environ Qual, 2002 May-Jun, 31(3), 752 - 8 Rototillage, disking, and subsequent irrigation: effects on soil nitrogen dynamics, microbial biomass, and carbon dioxide efflux; Calderon FJ et al.; Spring and summer tillage are usually followed by irrigation before planting crops in California's summer-dry Mediterranean-type climate . Tillage treatments such as rototillage or disking are known to disturb the soil structure to different extents, but little is known about how the intensity of a tillage event and subsequent irrigation affect the microbial biomass, respiration, CO2 efflux, and mineral N of agricultural soils . We carried out an experiment with a Yolo silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, nonacid, thermic Mollic Xerofluvent) with two tilled treatments (rototillage and disked and rolled) and a nontilled control . The soil was subsequently sampled throughout a 17-d period . Nine days after tillage, all treatments were lightly sprinkler-irrigated to bring the soil water potential above -10 kPa . After tillage, the soil ammonium and nitrate content increased rapidly relative to the control with highest increases in the disked soil . Mineral N remained higher in the tilled treatments after irrigation . Rototillage and disking increased the CO2 efflux of the soil within 24 h of the disturbance . The increase was higher in the disked soil, which was more than three times the CO2 efflux of the control soil at 0.25 h after tillage . This effect may be due to degassing of dissolved CO2 since microbial respiration did not increase in tilled soils . Irrigation increased the CO2 efflux of all treatments but this was most pronounced in the control soil, which had an order of magnitude increase in CO2 efflux after irrigation . An ancillary experiment carried out under similar conditions but with more frequent sampling showed that increases in CO2 efflux after irrigation were accompanied by increases in soil respiration . This study shows that different tillage implements affect CO2 efflux, nitrate accumulation, and microbial activity, and thus have different effects on soil and atmospheric environmental quality. J Environ Qual, 2002 May-Jun, 31(3), 1004 - 9 Kraft mill residues effects on Monterey pine growth and soil microbial activity; Jordan M et al.; The production of bleached Kraft pulp generates inorganic and organic residues that are usually deposited on the soil surface or land-filled . Studies conducted to address the impact of these wastes on the environment are scarce . In this work, Monterey pine (Pinus radiata D . Don), an important tree for pulping, was evaluated for germination and development under greenhouse conditions in forest soils exposed to solid residues of the cellulose industry using the Kraft process . Soils exposed to 10 to 60% ashes, 10 to 70% fly ashes, or 10 to 30% dregs allowed substantial seed germination and seedling growth . In contrast, soils exposed to low proportions of brown rejects, grits, or a mixture of all these residues were detrimental for germination, plant growth, or both . The strongest negative effect (no germination) was observed with as low as 10% grits . The changes in pH and/or water content caused by solid wastes did not correlate with detrimental effects observed in various soil-residue combinations . No significant changes in the microbial community of soils exposed to these solid residues were observed by determination of culturable counts, or by terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the microbial community DNA . The presence of organic residues did not affect the ability of the soil microbial community to remove typical pulp bleaching chloroaromatics . However, inorganic wastes strongly decreased the removal of such compounds. Mikrobiologiia, 2002 Mar-Apr, 71(2), 272 - 6 {Coupling of microbial processes of methane and ammonium oxidation in soils.}; Novikov VV et al.; The effect of ammonium ions on the activity of methane oxidation in soils was studied . The degree of inhibition of the methanotrophic activity in the presence of ammonium in the soil solution was quantitatively assessed as dependent on ammonium concentration and the properties of different types of soils of the European part of Russia. Mikrobiologiia, 2002 Mar-Apr, 71(2), 230 - 6 {Phylogenetic diversity of the archaeal component in microbial mats on coral-like structures associated with methane seeps in the Black Sea}; Turova TP et al.; With the use of molecular ecology methods, the archaea component of microbial mats on coral-like structures associated with methane seeps occurring at a depth of about 200 m in the Black Sea was investigated without the isolation of pure cultures . Using archaea-specific 16S rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide primes, long fragments of genes were amplified, cloned, and sequenced and their phylogenetic analysis was carried out . It was shown that archaea in microbial mats on coral-like structures are represented by two dominant phylotypes that belong to the kingdoms Crenarchaeota and Euryarchaeota and are not specifically related to any described archaea species . The possible role of the revealed archaea in the process of anaerobic methane oxidation is discussed. Khirurgiia (Sofiia), 2001, 57(3-4), 13 - 7 {Changing susceptibility patterns of surgical site infection pathogens after the introduction of modern perioperative chemotherapy in the emergency surgery clinic}; Tonev D et al.; 993 surgical site infection aerobic pathogens are isolated over a six-year period (I.1994-I.2000) by the Microbiology Laboratory at University Hospital "Tzaritza Joana" . 224 (22.6%) of them are isolated from patients undergoing abdominal surgery in the Emergency Surgery Clinic . The period covers 3 years before the introduction of current single-dose perioperative prophylaxis (i.e . under the conditions of long-term one) as well as the next 3 years following its introduction in the Emergency Surgery Clinic . The changes of pathogens susceptibility patterns to single-dose drug schemes in both hospital elective abdominal surgery and emergency surgery clinics are followed during the whole period . Our microbial susceptibility data support the ecological expedience of single-dose approach categorically. Microb Ecol, 2001 Aug, 42(2), 177 - 185 Small-Scale Distribution of Bacteria, Enzymatic Activities, and Organic Matter in Coastal Sediments; Danovaro R et al.; The small-scale distribution of several structural (bacterial abundance, phytopigment, total and soluble protein, and carbohydrate content) and functional ecological variables (enzymatic activities, frequency of dividing cells) was investigated in coastal sediments during a spring bloom . For bacterial abundance, enzymatic activity, and organic matter determinations, samples were collected at 5-m depth from a sediment surface delimited by a 42 x 42-cm frame, divided into 49 squares . In order to test the influence of the bottom microtopography on the investigated variables, the size of this frame was defined to cover the distance between two subsequent ripples . As indicated by Fisher's index, benthic bacteria, enzymatic activities, proteins, carbohydrates, and their soluble fractions exhibited an aggregate distribution . Sampling size (i.e., sample unit of 36 cm2) was appropriate for all variables, except for chlorophyll a and frequency of dividing cells that displayed a contagious distribution . To estimate the reliability of the current sampling strategy, we compared the mean values from three randomly selected sample units with the average value of the entire sediment surface (i.e., 49 samples) . For all variables reported in this study, the use of three replicates was representative of the mean values of the sampled area with a confidence limit within +/-20% . Bacterial population sizes did not correlate with their potential food sources (e.g., phytopigments, proteins, and carbohydrates), or with enzymatic activities, suggesting the presence of possible time lags between organic inputs and microbial response . Chlorophyll a during the spring bloom displayed much higher concentrations than phaeopigments and correlated with carbohydrates . Chlorophyll a distribution was autocorrelated and displayed a large patch size (1,134 cm2) . Phaeopigments and proteins accumulated in the central depression of the ripple-mark structure, apparently depending upon a passive accumulation due to the reduced current action . In contrast, microphytobenthic biomass and bacterial numbers were highest in the two opposite ripples, suggesting that different driving forces operate selectively on the living components. Microb Ecol, 2001 Aug, 42(2), 159 - 167 Weak Coupling between Heterotrophic Nanoflagellates and Bacteria in a Eutrophic Freshwater Environment; Wieltschnig C et al.; In a study on the dynamics and trophic role of the heterotrophic nanoflagellate (HNAN) assemblage in the microbial food web of a eutrophic oxbow lake abundances, biomass, and production rates of HNAN and their potential prey organisms, namely heterotrophic bacteria and autotrophic picoplankton, were monitored for a period of 2 years . No coupling between HNAN abundance and biomass and the abundance and biomass of their picoplanktonic prey was observed for the investigation period . The ratio of heterotrophic bacterial to HNAN abundance ranged from 2.2 x 103 to 8.6 x 103 (mean: 4.2 x 103 +/- 1.8 x 103) . HNAN carbon consumption could account for only 10% to 40% of bacterial secondary production . The lack of coupling between HNAN and their potential prey and the low HNAN abundance relative to bacterial abundance suggested (a) that HNAN grazing was an insignificant factor in the regulation of bacterial abundance and (b) that HNAN abundance was regulated by predation rather than by prey abundance . This hypothesis was supported by the fact that HNAN growth rates were high (in the range of 0.45 d-1 to 1.00 d-1 during spring and summer, yearly mean: 0.52 d-1), and only weakly correlated with prey abundance and biomass . The results indicated strong top-down control of HNAN and consequently a weak coupling of HNAN and picoplankton in the investigated eutrophic freshwater environment. Microb Ecol, 2001 Oct, 42(3), 446 - 457 Aquatic Actinomycete-Fungal Interactions and Their Effects on Organic Matter Decomposition: A Microcosm Study; Wohl DL et al.; The role of fungi in the decomposition of organic matter in streams has been well examined, although the role of bacterial antagonists in such processes has gained little attention . To examine bacterial-fungal interactions, experiments involving pairwise combinations of four actinomycete isolates (A1+ and A2+ could remove chitin from chitin-containing media, and A1? and A2? could not) and two fungal isolates (F+ a true fungus, F? an oomycote) were conducted . For each bacterial-fungal combination, 250-ml microcosms were sampled at 8 day intervals for 32 days . Microbial biomass and organic matter, as well as the activities of five extracellular enzymes, were measured . Each experiment consisted of a control group and four treatment groups . Controls comprised sterilized stream water and macrophytes . The first treatment was inoculated with only actinomycetes (~103 cells ml-1), the second treatment was inoculated with only fungi (~102 cells ml-1), the third group was inoculated simultaneously with actinomycetes and fungi, and the fourth group was inoculated with actinomycetes 2 days after fungal establishment . For all combinations, the lowest rates of organic matter decomposition were expected in the controls, as a result of only physical degradation . In contrast, the greatest rates of organic matter decomposition were predicted in treatments inoculated with F+ 2 days prior to A1? or A2? . Greater than 50% of the organic matter was decomposed in each of the fungal treatments . Fungal-actinomycete interactions resulted in reduced fungal biomass relative to the fungal-only treatments . However, when inoculated 2 days apart, combinations of F? and actinomycetes resulted in enhanced rates of organic matter decomposition, as well as greater levels of extracellular enzyme activities . These results demonstrate that actinomycete-fungal interactions and their colonization dynamics affect the accumulation of biomass, extracellular enzyme activities, and rates of organic matter decomposition. Microb Ecol, 2001 Oct, 42(3), 427 - 437 In Situ Assessment on the Physiological State of Purple and Green Sulfur Bacteria through the Analyses of Pigment and 5S rRNA Content; Casamayor EO et al.; Time-depth distribution of the microbial anaerobic assemblage of Lake Ciso was analyzed by microscopy, pigment composition, and electrophoretic analysis of 5S rRNAs . Purple (Amoebobacter-like and Thiocystis minor-like cells) and green (Chlorobium-like) sulfur bacteria were very abundant . Both groups coexisted in depth and in time despite the fact that they compete for the same natural resources (e.g., light and sulfide) . Cell abundance, group-specific pigment content, and group-specific 5S rRNA content did not change in parallel with depth . This was due to variations in the specific content of both RNA and pigments . Specific content of RNA was systematically higher in purple than in green sulfur bacteria . The latter, in turn, displayed a much higher pigment content . Specific content of both RNA and pigments changed with depth and time . Analysis of tRNA band patterns indicated no changes in the populations forming the assemblage . Changes in specific contents, therefore, were the result of physiological adaptations of the populations already present in the system . We concluded that each group of bacteria showed differential adaptations in both RNA and pigment content, and that the specific contents measured were good indicators of the physiological status of these bacteria in situ . The higher content of RNA in purple sulfur bacteria indicates that these organisms are the main contributors to anaerobic carbon fixation and sulfide oxidation processes in Lake Ciso. Microb Ecol, 2001 Oct, 42(3), 248 - 255 Spatial Patterns of Soil Microbial Communities in a Norway Spruce (Picea abies) Plantation; Wilkinson SC et al.; The phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiles of soil microbial communities were determined in relation to the patterns of tree cover in a mature Norway spruce plantation . Replicate samples of the surface organic layers were taken close to the trunk, at 1 m and at 2 m (under the edge of the canopy) beneath five trees . Samples were analyzed for standard PLFAs to assess the initial composition of the microbial communities . Replicate samples were then incubated under constant or fluctuating moisture conditions for 30 d to test the hypothesis that the patterns of microbial community structure (or its physiological state) might be determined by biophysical conditions under the tree canopies . The PLFA profiles near the trunks and at 2 m were similar, but samples taken 1 m from the bases of the trees contained lower concentrations of polyunsaturated (fungal) and monounsaturated PLFAs, and higher concentrations of saturated PLFAs . These differences in PLFA profiles were maintained during laboratory incubation under a regime of drying and wetting cycles, but there was some evidence of convergence in community structure under constant moisture conditions resulting from significant increases and decreases in specific bacterial PLFA concentrations . There were no effects of either moisture treatment on fungal PLFA concentrations . It is concluded that variation in the soil biophysical environment beneath the tree canopies resulted in the differentiation of spatially defined bacterial communities that were tolerant of moisture stress . The anomaly that differences in community structure were largest at an intermediate position of 1 m between the trunk and below the canopy edge was not explained but may relate to tree root distribution. Microb Ecol, 2001 Oct, 42(3), 217 - 227 Size Selective Feeding in Cyclidium glaucoma (Ciliophora, Scuticociliatida) and Its Effects on Bacterial Community Structure: A Study from a Continuous Cultivation System; Posch T et al.; Three aspects of size selective feeding by the scuticociliate Cyclidium glaucoma were studied in continuous cultivation systems . Firstly, grazing-induced changes in abundance, biomass, and size structure of a bacterial community were investigated . Secondly, we studied possible grazing-protection mechanisms of bacteria as a response to permanent presence of the predator . And finally, we were looking for potential feedback mechanisms within this predator-prey relationship, i.e., how the ciliate population reacted to a changed, more grazing-protected bacterial community . The first stage of the cultivation system consisted of the alga Cryptomonas sp . and the accompanying mixed bacterial community . These organisms were transferred to two second stage vessels, a control stage without ciliates and a second one inoculated with C . glaucoma . After the first week, the abundance of bacteria in the latter decreased by 60% and remained stable until the end of the experiment (65 d), whereas bacterial biomass was less affected (393 mg C L-1 during days 0-7, 281 mg C L-1 afterwards) . The mean bacterial cell volume doubled from 0.089 mm3 to 0.167 mm3, which was mainly due to increasing cell widths . During the whole investigation period formation of colonies or filaments was not observed, but we found a clear feedback of ciliates on bacterial size . An increase in bacterial cell volume was always followed by a decline of the predator population, resulting in a yet undescribed type of microbial predator-prey relation . Literature and our own data on the optimal food size range grazed by C . glaucoma showed that bacterial cell width rather than length was responsible for that observed phenomenon . Finally, we suggest that uptake rates of spherical latex beads give only limited information on truly ingestible prey volumes and that prey geometry should be considered in future studies on size selective feeding of protists. Microb Ecol, 2001 Dec, 42(4), 483 - 494 The Use of Whole-Cell Biosensors to Detect and Quantify Compounds or Conditions Affecting Biological Systems; Hansen LH et al.; A new and promising technique in microbial ecology and environmental biology is the use of whole-cell bacterial biosensors . This minireview describes the use of such biosensors for detection and quantification of various compounds and other conditions affecting bacterial expression of different genes . Three types of biosensors (nonspecific, stress-induced, and specific biosensors) are described including their use in different environments . We present tables of published biosensors, including gene fusions, host organisms, and environments in which they are used . We here describe the use of different reporter genes in the construction of biosensors and discuss their use as tools for monitoring the bioavailability of pollutants and their potential use in studying microbial ecology in general. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 2002 May, 128(5), 561 - 6 The impact of atopy on neutrophil activity in middle ear effusion from children and adults with chronic otitis media; Hurst DS et al.; OBJECTIVE: To identify the relationship of neutrophil activity to allergy as reflected by the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in ears of atopic patients with chronic otitis media with effusion (OME) by objective testing . DESIGN: Evidence of neutrophils was measured in the effusion of atopic patients with chronic OME . Atopy was determined by intradermal and/or in vitro testing of allergic reaction to 10 inhalants, 2 molds, and 5 foods . SUBJECTS: Effusion MPO was measured prospectively in 138 ears from 106 consecutive patients with chronic OME . RESULTS: A total of 86 (81%) of 106 patients with OME tested atopic by in vitro or in vivo testing . Excluding 36 ears with purulence, the mean MPO level was 3132 microg/L in 84 atopic vs 142 microg/L in 18 nonatopic ears (P<.001) . A total of 78 (90%) of 87 patients with OME were atopic . CONCLUSIONS: The surprising finding of marked elevation of effusion MPO in atopic patients but very low levels in nonatopic patients (P < .001) suggests that atopy may contribute to elevated levels of neutrophil activity in OME . An atopic patient may respond differently from a nonatopic one to the microbial or viral products of acute inflammation owing to the presence of primed inflammatory cells . This study provides confirmation on a cellular level that neutrophils are an integral part of the inflammatory process in OME to a disproportionate degree among atopic patients. Microb Ecol, 2002 Mar, 43(2), 225 - 31 Epub 2002 Feb 08. Lysogeny and lytic viral production during a bloom of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus spp; Ortmann AC et al.; Lytic viral production and lysogeny were investigated in cyanobacteria and heterotrophic bacteria during a bloom of Synechococcus spp . in a pristine fjord in British Columbia, Canada . Triplicate seawater samples were incubated with and without mitomycin C and the abundances of heterotrophic bacteria, cyanobacteria, total viruses and infectious cyanophage were followed over 24 h . Addition of mitomycin C led to increases in total viral abundance as well as the abundance of cyanophages infecting Synechococcus strain DC2 . Given typical estimates of burst size, these increases were consistent with 80% of the heterotrophic bacteria and 0.6% of Synechococcus cells being inducible by the addition of mitomycin C . This is the highest percentage of lysogens reported for a natural microbial community and demonstrates induction in a marine Synechococcus population . It is likely that the cyanophage production following the addition of mitomycin C was much higher than that titered against a single strain of Synechococcus; hence this estimate is a minimum . In untreated seawater samples, lytic viral production was estimated to remove ca . 27% of the gross heterotrophic bacterial production, and a minimum of 1.0% of the gross cyanobacterial production . Our results demonstrate very high levels of lysogeny in the heterotrophic bacterial community, outside of an oligotrophic environment, and the presence of inducible lysogens in Synechococcus spp . during a naturally occurring bloom . These data emphasize the need for further examination of the factors influencing lytic and lysogenic viral infection in natural microbial communities. J Immunol, 2002 Jun 1, 168(11), 5424 - 33 Distinct clonal Ig diversification patterns in young appendix compared to antigen-specific splenic clones; Sehgal D et al.; The young rabbit appendix is a dynamic site for primary B cell repertoire development . To study diversification patterns during clonal expansion, we collected single appendix B cells from 3- to 9-wk-old rabbits and sequenced rearranged H and L chain genes . Single cells obtained by hydraulic micromanipulation or laser capture microdissection were lysed, PCR amplified, and products directly sequenced . Gene conversion-like changes occurred in rearranged H and L chain sequences by 3-4 wk of age . Somatic mutations were found in the D regions that lack known conversion donors and probably also occurred in the V genes . A few small sets of clonally related appendix B cells were found at 3-5 wk; by 5.5 wk, some larger clones were recovered . The diversification patterns in the clones from appendix were strikingly different from those found previously in splenic germinal centers where an immunizing Ag was driving the expansion and selection process toward high affinity . Clonally related appendix B cells developed different amino acid sequences in each complementarity-determining region (CDR) including CDR3, whereas dominant clones from spleen underwent few changes in CDR3 . The variety of combining sites generated by diversification within individual clones suggests that at least some clonal expansion and selection, known to require normal gut flora, may be driven through indirect effects of microbial components rather than solely by their recognition as specific foreign Ags . This diversity of combining sites within B cell clones supports the proposed role of appendix in generating the preimmune repertoire. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 2002 May, 964, 13 - 45 Current understanding of gastrointestinal immunoregulation and its relation to food allergy; Brandtzaeg PE; Tolerance to food antigens induced via the gut ("oral tolerance") appears to be a rather robust adaptive immune mechanism . However, the neonatal period is particularly critical in terms of mucosal defense, with regard to infections and priming for allergic disease . This is so because the intestinal barrier function provided by secretory antibodies, as well as the immunoregulatory network, is poorly developed for a variable period after birth . Notably, the postnatal development of mucosal immune homeostasis depends on the establishment of a normal commensal microbial flora and also on adequate timing and dose of dietary antigens when first introduced . In this context, breastfeeding appears to exert both shielding and positive regulatory effects . Altogether, the intestinal immune system normally seems rather fit for tolerance induction against innocuous antigens because most children with food allergy "outgrow" their problems, whereas airway allergy tends to persist. Curr Issues Intest Microbiol, 2002 Mar, 3(1), 15 - 22 The development of gut immune responses and gut microbiota: effects of probiotics in prevention and treatment of allergic disease; Rautava S et al.; The infant's immature intestinal immune system develops as it comes into contact with dietary and microbial antigens in the gut . The evolving indigenous intestinal microbiota have a significant impact on the developing immune system and there is accumulating evidence indicating that an intimate interaction between gut microbiota and host defence mechanisms is mandatory for the development and maintenance of a balance between tolerance to innocuous antigens and capability of mounting an inflammatory response towards potential pathogens . Disturbances in the mucosal immune system are reflected in the composition of the gut microbiota and vice versa . Distinctive alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota appear to precede the manifestation of atopic disease, which suggests a role for the interaction between the intestinal immune system and specific strains of the microbiota in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders . The administration of probiotics, strains of bacteria from the healthy human gut microbiota, have been shown to stimulate antiinflammatory, tolerogenic immune responses, the lack of which has been implied in the development of atopic disorders . Thus probiotics may prove beneficial in the prevention and alleviation of allergic disease. J Microencapsul, 2002 May-Jun, 19(3), 347 - 56 Effects of double encapsulation and coating on synthetic seed conversion in M.26 apple rootstock; Micheli M et al.; Encapsulated vitro-derived apical buds of M.26 apple rootstock (Malus pumila Mill) can be employed for the formation of the synthetic seed . Satisfactory levels of conversion (plantlets from synthetic seed) can be achieved if there are adequate (i) rooting induction treatment, (ii) protocol of encapsulation, and (iii) nutritive and environmental conditions . For capsule manufacturing, sodium alginate is largely used; however, this is excessively permeable with loss of the nutritive substances (artificial endosperm) and/or dehydration risks during conservation and transport causing detrimental effects on the synthetic seed conversion and on the plantlet's growth . In order to overcome these problems, two experiments were carried out comparing simple encapsulation in alginate with double encapsulation, and with encapsulation-coating procedures . The presence of a second layer of alginate (double encapsulation) and of a thin external coating layer over the alginate (encapsulation-coating) did not show any detrimental effects on viability, sprouting and regrowth of the encapsulated microcuttings . Satisfactory conversion (70%) was reached with the encapsulation-coating procedure, whereas the double and simple encapsulation converted less than 40% of the synthetic seed . The effect of the addition to the capsule of an anti-microbial substance (Plant Preservative Mixture - PPM) was examined: it did not compromise the conversion of the encapsulated microcuttings sown in ex-vitro non-aseptic conditions. Cell Mol Life Sci, 2002 Apr, 59(4), 575 - 88 Microbial cycling of volatile organic sulfur compounds; Lomans BP et al.; Microbial cycling of volatile organic sulfur compounds (VOSCs), especially dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and methanethiol (MT), is intensively studied because these compounds play an important role in the processes of global warming, acid precipitation, and the global sulfur cycle . VOSC concentrations in freshwater sediments are low due to the balance between the formation and degradation of these compounds . These reactions occur for the greater part at the oxic/anoxic interphase of sediment and water column . In contrast to marine ecosystems, where dimethylsulfoniopropionate is the main precursor of MT and DMS, in freshwater ecosystems, VOSCs are formed mainly by methylation of sulfide and to a lesser extent from the degradation of S-containing amino acids . One of the major routes for DMS and MT formation through sulfide methylation is anaerobic O-demethylation of methoxylated aromatic compounds . Inhibition studies have revealed that the major part of the endogenously produced MT and DMS is degraded anaerobically by methanogens . The major bacterial groups involved in formation and consumption of VOSCs are described. Cleve Clin J Med, 2002 May, 69(5), 419 - 24 The new American diet and the changing face of foodborne illness; Taege AJ; Pathogens responsible for foodborne illness are changing, owing to changes in the American diet as well as in food production and distribution . Microbial adaptations to heat, acid, cold, and antibiotics have made food safety a challenging task . This article reviews the common pathogens, their sources, and treatment. Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2002 Spring, 98-100, 977 - 86 Esterification activity and stability of Candida rugosa lipase immobilized into chitosan; Pereira EB et al.; Microbial lipase from Candida rugosa immobilized into porous chitosan beads was tested for esterification selectivity with butanol and different organic acids (C2-C12), and butyric acid and different aliphatic alcohols (C2-C10) . After 24 h, the acids tested achieved conversions of about 40-45% . Acetic acid was the only exception, and in this case butanol was not consumed . Different alcohols led to butyric acid conversions >40%, except for ethanol, in which case butyric acid was converted only 26% . The system's butanol and butyric acid were selected for a detailed study by employing an experimental design . The influence of temperature, initial catalyst concentration, and acid:alcohol molar ratio on the formation of butyl butyrate was simultaneously investigated, employing a 2(3) full factorial design . The range studied was 37-50 degrees C for temperature (X1), 1.25-2.5% (w/v) for the catalyst concentration (X2), and 1 and 2 for the acid:alcohol molar ratio (X3) . Catalyst concentration (X2) was found to be the most significant factor and its influence was positive . Maximum ester yield (83%) could be obtained when working at the lowest level for temperature (37 degrees C), highest level for lipase concentration (2.5% {w/v}), and center level of acid:alcohol molar ratio (1.5) . The immobilized lipase was also used repeatedly in batch esterification reactions of butanol with butyric acid, revealing a half-life of 86 h. Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2002 Spring, 98-100, 577 - 89 Utilization of xylitol dehydrogenase in a combined microbial/enzymatic process for production of xylitol from D-glucose; Mayer G et al.; The production of xylitol from D-glucose occurs through a three-step process in which D-arabitol and D-xylulose are formed as the first and second intermediate product, respectively, and both are obtained via microbial bioconversion reactions . Catalytic hydrogenation of D-xylulose yields xylitol; however, it is contaminated with D-arabitol . The aim of this study was to increase the stereoselectivity of the D-xylulose reduction step by using enzymatic catalysis . Recombinant xylitol dehydrogenase from the yeast Galactocandida mastotermitis was employed to catalyze xylitol formation from D-xylulose in an NADH-dependent reaction, and coenzyme regeneration was achieved by means of formate dehydrogenase-catalyzed oxidation of formate into carbon dioxide . The xylitol yield from D-xylulose was close to 100% . Optimal productivity was found for initial coenzyme concentrations of between 0.5 and 0.75 mM . In the presence of 0.30 M (45 g/L) D-xylulose and 2000 U/L of both dehydrogenases, exhaustive substrate turnover was achieved typically in a 4-h reaction time . The enzymes were recovered after the reaction in yields of approx 90% by means of ultrafiltration and could be reused for up to six cycles of D-xylulose reduction . The advantages of incorporating the enzyme-catalyzed step in a process for producing xylitol from D-glucose are discussed, and strategies for downstream processing are proposed by which the observed coenzyme turnover number of approx 600 could be increased significantly. Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2002 Spring, 98-100, 395 - 402 Foam fractionation of a dilute solution of bovine lactoferrin; Noel J et al.; Lactoferrin (Lf), a protein found in human and bovine milk, tears, blood, and other secretory fluids, has been used to prevent infection from potential microbial pathogens by its ability to bind with iron (Fe3+) . Currently, bovine lactoferrin can be purified from milk using ion exchange resin, which is a costly procedure making lactoferrin expensive . The purpose of this work was to investigate a low-cost foam fractionation process as the first step in separating lactoferrin from milk. J Mol Med, 2002 May, 80(5), 290 - 300 Epub 2002 Apr 11. Regulation of autoimmune disease by natural killer T cells; Sharif S et al.; Natural killer T (NKT) cells express phenotypic characteristics shared by conventional natural killer cells and T cells, and reside in several primary and secondary lymphoid as well as nonlymphoid organs . Although these cells possess important effector functions in immunity against cancer and microbial pathogens, their immunoregulatory function has received much recent attention . There is convincing evidence to suggest a regulatory role for these cells in the control of susceptibility to autoimmune disease . NKT cells are reduced in number and function in autoimmune disease prone mice and humans . Studies conducted in mice have shown that transfer of NKT cells to disease-susceptible recipients prevents the development of autoimmune disease . The recent discovery that alpha-galactosylceramide, a glycolipid, can specifically target NKT cells expressing the invariant T cell receptor (TCR) to proliferate and produce an array of regulatory cytokines and chemokines has generated considerable interest to utilize these cells as targets of new therapeutic interventions for the immunoregulation of autoimmune disease J Anim Sci, 2002 May, 80(5), 1335 - 43 NutriDense and waxy corn hybrids: effects on site and extent of disappearance of nutrients in sheep; Akay V et al.; Six Suffolk wether lambs (40.9+/-1.05 kg) surgically fitted with ruminal and double-L-shaped duodenal and ileal cannulas were used in a 3 x 6 Latin rectangle design to investigate the effects of three corn hybrids on site and extent of disappearance of nutrients and rumen characteristics . Treatments were 1) a conventional yellow dent corn (CC) diet, 2) a NutriDense corn (NC) diet, and 3) a waxy corn (WC) diet . Diets consisted of 43.9% cracked corn grain, 39.1% cottonseed hulls, 15.3% soybean meal, 1.49% vitamin and mineral supplement, and 0.21% chromic oxide (DM basis) . Lambs were fed twice daily at 1.8 x NEm requirement . Ruminal pH, fluid dilution rate, volume, NH3 N, and total VFA concentrations, as well as molar proportions of isobutyrate, butyrate, and valerate, were similar (P > 0.10) among dietary treatments . Apparent and true OM disappearances (g/d and percentage of OM intake) from the stomach were similar (P > 0.10) among dietary treatments . Apparent OM disappearance (percentage of duodenal OM flow) from the small intestine was higher (P < 0.05) for the WC than for the NC treatment . Apparent total tract OM disappearance (percentage of OM intake) was also similar (P > 0.10) among dietary treatments . Total apparent and true starch disappearances (g/d) from the stomach were higher (P < 0.05) for the WC diet than for the CC and NC diets . However, apparent and true starch disappearances from stomach as percentage of starch intake were higher (P < 0.05) for the WC diet than for the CC diet . Starch disappearance (g/d) from the small intestine was higher (P < 0.05) for the CC diet than for the WC diet; however, apparent starch disappearance (percentages of duodenal starch flow) from the small intestine was higher (P < 0.05) for the WC diet than for the CC diet . Duodenal flows of total N, bacterial N, NH3 N, and non-NH3 nonbacterial N (g/d) and efficiencies of bacterial protein production (g of bacterial N/kg of true or apparent OM disappearing in the stomach) were similar (P > 0.10) among dietary treatments . Apparent and true N disappearance from stomach (g/d) and apparent total tract N disappearance (percentage of N intake) were also similar (P > 0.10) among dietary treatments . Total N disappearance from the hindgut was -0.81, -1.06, and -1.46 g/d for CC, NC, and WC, respectively, and was different (P < 0.05) between CC and WC diets . Results indicated that higher ruminal starch disappearance in WC did not increase microbial N production or efficiency when compared to CC. Curr Biol, 2002 May 14, 12(10), R357 - 9 Microbial killing: oxidants, proteases and ions; Harrison RE et al.; There is accumulating evidence that two aspects of the innate immune response, the respiratory burst and secretion of proteases, are intimately intertwined . A recent study suggests that K(+) may be the missing link . Is it time to merge signal transduction with biophysics? Curr Biol, 2002 May 14, 12(10), R352 - 4 Plant defence: a new weapon in the arsenal; Gray WM; Plants have evolved intricate defence mechanisms to cope with the wide array of microbial pathogens they encounter . The identification of Sgt1 as an essential component of R gene-mediated disease resistance suggests that the ubiquitin protein degradation pathway plays an important role in plant defence. Bull Tokyo Dent Coll, 2002 Feb, 43(1), 7 - 12 SEM observations of resected root canal ends following apicoectomy; Furusawa M et al.; The purpose of this study was to examine the apical foramen of root apices extracted during apicotomies . A total of 25 teeth extracted from 25 patients admitted to the Department of Conservative Dentistry at Tokyo Dental College's Chiba Hospital were used for the study . All patients were between 22 to 56 years of age at the time of the study, and each of the 25 cases was determined clinically on radiographs to be chronic apical suppurative periodontitis . Microsurgery was performed on all cases, and the extracted root apices were then observed using SEM . The results demonstrated a wide opening, greater than 350 microns as measured along the major axis, of the apical foramen in 80% of the cases . Various characteristics indicative of resorption were observed around the apical foramen . These features included those believed to have been caused by overinstrumentation during root canal treatment as well as irregularly shaped areas presumed to be apical lesions that had enlarged and eroded . We observed a high frequency of manifestations of cementum resorption surrounding the root apices of teeth with apical lesions . Furthermore, we concluded that in the majority of cases in the present study, due to the fact that the apical foramen exceeded normal opening dimensions as a result of overinstrumentation during root canal treatment or resorption around the root apex, prolongation of the lesions had occurred in response to direct contact of microbial infectious matter and tissues surrounding the root apex over a large area . The above finding suggested that, in cases in which the apical foramen is destroyed through overinstrumentation larger than #35 or in which the apical foramen opens up to dimensions greater than 350 microns due to pathologic resorption, surgical intervention may be indicated . On the other hand, in 64% of the cases, an accessory canal was observed in the root apical lesion . Based on this observation, the presence of an accessory canal in the root apex may contribute to some degree to the prolongation of the lesion. Curr Opin Pediatr, 2002 Jun, 14(3), 334 - 7 Infections and asthma in children; Montalbano MM et al.; The temporal association of acute asthma exacerbations in children with viral infections such as rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza has been known for many years . Recently, the contributions of infections to the pathophysiology of asthma have been expanded beyond disease exacerbation to include disease inception, chronicity, and even prevention . Respiratory syncytial virus has been implicated in asthma inception, while Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and latent adenovirus infections have been correlated with asthma chronicity . Measles, hepatitis A, and tuberculosis have been associated with a decreased incidence of asthma, implying a contribution to disease prevention . The following review will briefly highlight the relationships between various microbial infections and the pathophysiology of asthma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2002 May 14, 99(10), 6838 - 42 The development of immunity in a social insect: evidence for the group facilitation of disease resistance; Traniello JF et al.; The extraordinary diversity and ecological success of the social insects has been attributed to their ability to cope with the rich and often infectious microbial community inhabiting their nests and feeding sites . Mechanisms of disease control used by eusocial species include antibiotic glandular secretions, mutual grooming, removal of diseased individuals from the nest, and the innate and adaptive immune responses of colony members . Here we demonstrate that after a challenge exposure to the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae, dampwood termites Zootermopsis angusticollis have higher survivorship when individuals develop immunity as group members . Furthermore, termites significantly improve their ability to resist infection when they are placed in contact with previously immunized nestmates . This "social transfer" of infection resistance, a previously unrecognized mechanism of disease control in the social insects, could explain how group living may improve the survivorship of colony members despite the increased risks of pathogen transmission that can accompany sociality. J Hered, 2002 Jan-Feb, 93(1), 27 - 36 Characterization of genetic markers for in vitro cell line identification of the marine sponge Axinella corrugata; Lopez JV et al.; The marine sponge Axinella corrugata is being developed as a model organism for in vitro marine invertebrate research . Molecular genetics methods such as DNA fingerprinting {amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP)} and single-locus DNA sequence analyses were applied to this model to meet the primary objective of identifying positive A . corrugata-specific molecular markers that will aid in verifying cell identity in vitro and distinguish sponge cells from potential microbial contaminants . The extent of intra- and interspecific variation in these markers from geographically distinct samples of A . corrugata and closely related sponge taxa was also assessed . Two novel nuclear loci along with intervening transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of nuclear rRNA were characterized, although the latter appeared to better meet primary marker criteria, such as taxonomic specificity and high frequency of detection (via polymerase chain reaction {PCR}) from different individuals (n > 40) and cell cultures . Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses of ITS DNA sequences helped clarify taxonomies and also suggested species boundaries between and among western Atlantic and eastern Atlantic/Indian Ocean A . corrugata and Axinellidae samples . Patterns of genetic variation have important implications for the systematics, evolution, and chemical ecology of A . corrugata and related axinellids and are discussed. Braz J Infect Dis, 2001 Dec, 5(6), 339 - 44 High prevalence of giardiasis and stronglyloidiasis among HIV-infected patients in Bahia, Brazil; Feitosa G et al.; Diarrhea due to intestinal microbial infections is a frequent manifestation among HIV-infected patients . It has been postulated that HIV-infected patients may have special types of intestinal infections, and that immune activation from such parasites may affect the progression of HIV disease . To evaluate these associations, the frequency of infections was examined in HIV-infected patients in Bahia, Brazil . To determine the potential impact of the presence of intestinal parasitic infections on HIV disease progression, a retrospective study approach was used . The medical charts of 365 HIV-infected patients who had been treated at the AIDS Clinic of the Federal University of Bahia Hospital were reviewed, and the prevalence of parasites was compared with 5,243 HIV-negative patients who had attended the hospital during the same period of time . Among HIV-infected subjects, CD(4) count, RNA plasma viral load (VL), and number of eosinophils were compared according to their stool examination results . The overall prevalence of each parasite was similar for HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients . However, the prevalence of S . stercoralis (p<10(-7)) and G . lamblia (p=0.005) was greater for HIV-infected subjects . The mean CD(4) count and viral load of HIV patients in our clinic who had stool examinations was 350 cells +/- 340 and 4.4 +/- 1.4 log RNA viral load, respectively . In this patient group there was no clear association between the level of the absolute CD(4) count or the viral load and a specific parasitic infection . The presence of an intestinal parasitic infection was not associated with faster progression of the HIV disease among HIV-infected patients . We conclude that strongyloidiasis and giardiasis are more frequent in HIV-infected patients in Bahia, Brazil . If this association is due to immune dysregulation, as has been proposed elsewhere, it must occur in patients after only minor shifts in CD(4) count from normal levels, or as a result of immune dysfunction not represented by CD(4) count . These infections do not appear to alter the progression of HIV disease. Mol Immunol, 2002 May, 38(12-13), 891 - 3 Positive and negative regulation of pathogen induced dendritic cell function by G-protein coupled receptors; Aliberti J et al.; The induction of IL-12 from dendritic cells (DC) is a major initiating step in host resistance to intracellular pathogens . We have studied the regulation of this response using an in vivo model in which IL-12 production by splenic CD8alpha+ DC is followed after injection of a soluble extract (STAg) of the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii . Our findings indicate that the potent IL-12 response observed is highly dependent on both the chemokine receptor CCR5 and G(i)-protein coupled signaling . In addition, we have examined the basis of the unresponsiveness of DC to secondary STAg injection which occurs following primary exposure to this parasite stimulus . Our results demonstrate that this refractory state correlates with the down-regulation of CCR5 expression on DC which, in turn, appears to depend on the induction of endogenous lipoxin A(4) (LXA(4)), a product of arachidonic acid metabolism . Since LXA(4) is known to also signal through a G-protein coupled receptor pathway, these findings taken together support a major role for G-protein signaling in the regulation of microbial-induced DC function. J Environ Sci Health B, 2002 May, 37(3), 255 - 64 Comparison of media and a liquid detergent extraction step on bacterial recovery from animal feeds; Maciorowski KG et al.; The objective of this study was to evaluate the recovery of Tryptic soy agar (TSA) or low nutrient R2 bacterial populations from fresh feeds and animal feeds held in long-term cold storage after extraction with a detergent-based solution combined with repeated centrifugation . Repeated centrifugation after exposure to a detergent-based solution resulted in recoveries generally no more than 10% of the microbial population in the original feed . Feed R2A populations were significantly correlated (P<0.01) with TSA populations enumerated from the feed and feed extracts, as well as R2A populations from feed extracts . Similarly, TSA bacterial populations from feed were significantly correlated with TSA populations from extracts. Environ Pollut, 2002, 118(3), 445 - 52 In situ fixation of metals in soils using bauxite residue: biological effects; Lombi E et al.; Soils polluted with heavy metals can cause phytotoxicity and exhibit impared microbial activities . In this paper we evaluate the responses of different biological endpoints to in situ remediation processes . Three soil amendments (red mud, beringite and lime) were applied to two soils polluted by heavy metals . Oilseed rape, wheat, pea and lettuce were grown successively in pots on the untreated and amended soils and their yield and metal uptake were determined . A suite of microbial tests (lux-marked biosensors, Biolog and soil microbial biomass) were performed to determine the effect of the soil amendments on the functionality and size of the soil microbial community . In both soils all three amendments reduced phytotoxicity of heavy metals, enhanced plant yields and decreased the metal concentrations in plants . The red mud treatment also increased soil microbial biomass significantly . The microbial biosensors responded positively to the remediation treatments in the industrially-contaminated soil used in the experiment . Red mud applied at 2% of soil weight was as effective as beringite applied at 5% . The results also showed that since the biological systems tested respond differently to the alleviation of metal toxicity, a suite of biological assays should be used to assess soil remediation processes. J Virol Methods, 2002 May 16, 103(2), 157 - 70 A multivariate statistical analysis to follow the course of disease after infection of cats with different strains of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV); de Monte M et al.; A descriptive multivariate assay is described which is suitable to analyze results of a biological experiment with small sample size but high qualitative and quantitative complexity of variables . This type of assay allows evaluation of multiple variables observed in the course of an experimental virus infection (e.g . viremia, nucleic acid detection, antibody titers, clinical parameters, anti-microbial treatments or vaccination) in a single graph . In our study, a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was used to correlate a total of 145 measurements from each of a dozen of variables measured in five groups of three cats infected by five isolates of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) . Three groups of virus isolates with distinct virulence were defined and correlation between dynamics of lymphocyte subset counts and viral virulence was established . Comparison between the primary stages of illness and follow-up examinations were of prognostic value and are thus helpful for development and monitoring of therapeutic strategies. Science, 2002 May 10, 296(5570), 1061 - 3 Global dispersal of free-living microbial eukaryote species; Finlay BJ; The abundance of individuals in microbial species is so large that dispersal is rarely (if ever) restricted by geographical barriers . This "ubiquitous" dispersal requires an alternative view of the scale and dynamics of biodiversity at the microbial level, wherein global species number is relatively low and local species richness is always sufficient to drive ecosystem functions. Waste Manag, 2002, 22(2), 187 - 93 Microbial influenced degradation of solidified waste binder; Knight J et al.; Ordinary cement pastes with water/cement (w/c) ratios of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.5 were used to examine the chemical and physical effects of microbial influenced degradation (MID) . Samples were exposed to an active culture of Thiobacillus thiooxidans or to sterile media containing sulphuric acid using an intermittent immersion technique . Acid consumption and Ca, Al and Fe releases are presented for an exposure period of 90 days . Exposed samples were also sectioned and analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) . All cement paste samples were subject to significant degradation in either sterile acid media or the T . thiooxidans lixiviant . Corrosion depths observed from SEM examination of exposed samples were affected by the w/c ratio of the cement . The extent and rate of degradation were not apparent from the calculated rate of hydrogen ion consumption, or the leaching rates of Ca, Al and Fe . It was not possible to distinguish differences in corrosion due to the chemical and microbial influenced degradation from the results obtained to date and further work is focusing on modified procedures to address this. Clin Exp Allergy, 2002 Jan, 32(1), 37 - 42 Coincidence of immune-mediated diseases driven by Th1 and Th2 subsets suggests a common aetiology . A population-based study using computerized general practice data; Simpson CR et al.; BACKGROUND: The recent rise in the prevalence of immune-mediated diseases has been attributed to environmental factors such as a lack of microbial challenge, or dietary change, that deviate the overall balance between mutually antagonistic subsets of T helper (Th) cells . OBJECTIVE: An alternative proposal is that recent environmental changes have resulted in an immune system that is more likely to produce both Th1 and Th2 responses against benign antigens . The prediction of this hypothesis, that Th1 and Th2-mediated diseases are not mutually exclusive, and may be positively associated, is tested here in a whole population . METHODS: Data from General Practices participating in the Scottish Continuous Morbidity Recording (CMR) project were used to determine the coincidence of the major Th2-mediated atopic diseases; asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis, with the Th1-mediated autoimmune conditions; type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis . We also identified the prescription rates of inhaled therapy for asthma in patients with Th1-mediated disease . RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the risk of presenting with a Th1-mediated autoimmune condition in patients with a history of allergic disease (standardized prevalence ratio (95% confidence interval) 1.28 (1.18-1.37)) . Likewise, the standardized prevalence ratios of presenting with either eczema (1.67 (1.48-1.87)) or allergic rhinitis (1.22 (1.02-1.44)) were significantly increased in subjects with a history of Th1-mediated disease . There was a particularly strong association between current psoriasis and current eczema (standardized prevalence ratio ofpsoriasis in subjects with eczema 2.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.38-3.45) . There was also a significant increase in prescriptions for inhaled asthma therapy in patients with Th1 disease . CONCLUSION: It is concluded that Th1- and Th2-mediated diseases are significantly associated in a large General Practice population . This finding supports the proposal that autoimmune and atopic diseases share risk factors that increase the propensity of the immune system to generate both Th1- and Th2-mediated inappropriate responses to non-pathological antigens. Tohoku J Exp Med, 2002 Mar, 196(3), 179 - 84 CXC chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1) is expressed mainly by neutrophils in inflamed gut and stomach tissues; Ohtani N et al.; CXC chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1) is one of the important receptors for CXC chemokines with ELR motif, of which interleukin 8 (IL-8; CXCL8) is representative . To identify the cell type(s) of CXCR1-expressing cells in inflamed stomach and gut tissues, we performed immunoperoxidase method using pre-fixed frozen sections . In chronic gastritis associated with Helicobacter pylori infection (7 cases), CXCR1 was positive in neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leucocytes) in the lamina propria near the neck region and those in pit abscess . In ulcerative colitis (6 cases) and Crohn's disease (5 cases), CXCR1 was sporadically expressed by neutrophils in the mucosa, and particularly CXCR1+ neutrophils were abundantly distributed in inflammatory granulation tissue in ulcer base . Double staining confirmed co-localization of CXCR1 and neutrophil elastase . Neither CD3+ T lymphocytes nor CD68+ macrophages were positive for CXCR1 . Immunoelectron microscopy confirmed the cell surface localization of CXCR1 . Neutrophils protect the host from microbial pathogens . However, they also cause damages to host tissues in chronic inflammation . Therefore, our study underscores the importance of CXCR1 expression in inflammatory processes. Mycopathologia, 2002, 153(2), 71 - 5 The importance of microscopic examination in the management of desquamative diseases of the scalp; Conti Diaz IA et al.; After determining the usual malassezic biota of the scalp in adult, normal persons, 259 patients with different desquamative diseases were studied by a simple adhesive tape technique . The main purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of this technique to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients . Most patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis and sebopsoriasis demonstrated large numbers of Malassezia spp . cells corresponding to the so called "pityrosporosis" . Only 43.6% of patients with pityriasis capitis (dandruff) presented with such a diagnosis . Symptomatic pityrosporosis of the scalp should be treated with imidazolic derivatives or other antifungal substances . Patients with psoriasis of the scalp showed a typical microscopic picture represented by parakeratosic (nucleated) keratinocytes with absence of lipophilic yeasts which should be attributed to the usual dryness of the scales Microbial epidermitis (eczema) of the scalp revealed another characteristic picture constituted by abundant leukocytes and bacteria without the presence of yeasts . The different microscopic pictures seen with this simple technique for diseases of the scalp, offer an adjunct to make a proper diagnosis and to establish a convenient treatment in cases which are not clinically well defined. Int J Food Microbiol, 2002 May 5, 75(1-2), 39 - 51 Quantitative risk assessment of human infection from Escherichia coli O157 associated with recreational use of animal pasture; Strachan NJ et al.; A quantitative microbial risk assessment incorporating Monte Carlo simulations is described which estimates the probability of Escherichia coli O157 infection of humans by visiting pasture previously grazed by cattle . The risk assessment is performed for a number of scenarios including a variation in the grazing period prior to the human visit, the duration of visit (8-h day or 24-h camp) and the level of E . coli O157 shed by the cattle . Assuming the cattle have been on the field for 28 days, followed directly by a human visit, and the proportion of animals shedding the organism are as described in previous surveys 5 +/- 1% (Synge, B.A., Gunn, G.J., Ternent, H.E., Hopkins, G.F., Thomson-Carter, F., Foster, G., Chase-Topping, M., McKendrick, I., 2001) . Prevalence and factors affecting the shedding of verocytotoxin producing Escherichia coli O157 in beef cattle in Scotland . In: Concerted Action CT98-3935 Veroctotoxigenic E . coli in Europe, 5 . Epidemiology of Verocytotoxigenic E . coli, Dublin, pp . 98-103.), a probability of infection of 0.1% is attained for 8- and 24-h periods when the cattle are shedding approximately 10(3) and 10(4) CFU g(-1), respectively . Monte Carlo simulations demonstrated that risk mitigation strategies of removing cattle from the pasture 4 weeks prior to the human visit in addition to physical removal of faeces showed significant reductions in potential infection rates. Int J Food Microbiol, 2002 May 5, 75(1-2), 127 - 33 Variation among Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains relative to their growth, survival, thermal inactivation, and toxin production in broth; Whiting RC et al.; To estimate the potential outcomes of food processing on the fate of foodborne pathogens . variations in microbial parameters such as growth rate, survival time, thermal inactivation time, and toxin production must be known . Previous microbial studies using single strains or cocktails provide error estimates for the uncertainty of the experimental and statistical procedures, but not for variations among strains . In this study, the behavior of 17 strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 were followed when placed in synthetic media that permitted growth, survival, or thermal inactivation . The parameter values were not rejected as being normal, lognormal, gamma, or Weibull distributions . The ratio of the standard deviation to mean (normal distribution) for the exponential growth rate was 0.16 and for the lag phase duration, it was 0.38 . The ratios of times to achieve a 4-log10 reduction at two survival conditions were 0.39 and 0.46; ratios of thermal D values at 55 and 60 degrees C were 0.42 and 0.33, respectively . The ratio of the negative log10 of toxin production was 0.24 . These distributions are larger than the coefficient of variations observed for experimental errors in single strain and cocktail experiments . This indicates the limitations in precision that predictions of future population numbers can have when the potential presence of all strains needs to be considered . This variation among strains is applicable whether predictions are made by traditional subjective and point estimates or by using models and risk assessments. Environ Sci Technol, 2002 Apr 1, 36(7), 1452 - 9 Modeling the inhibition of the bacteral reduction of U(VI) by beta-MnO2(s); Liu C et al.; Pyrolusite (beta-MnO2(s)) was used to assess the influence of a competitive electron acceptor on the kinetics of reduction of aqueous uranyl carbonate by a dissimilatory metal-reducing bacterium (DMRB), Shewanella putrefaciens strain CN32 . The enzymatic reduction of U(VI) and beta-MnO2(s) and the abiotic redox reaction between beta-MnO2(s) and biogenic uraninite (UO2(s)) were independently investigated to allow for interpretation of studies of U(VI) bioreduction in the presence of beta-MnO2(s) . Uranyl bioreduction to UO2(s) by CN32 with H2 as the electron donor followed Monod kinetics, with a maximum specific reduction rate of 110 M/h/10(8) cells/mL and a half-saturation constant of 370 microM . The bioreduction rate of beta-MnO2(s) by CN32 was described by a pseudo-first-order model with respect to beta-MnO2(s) surface sites, with a rate constant of 7.92 x 10(-2) h(-1)/10(8) cells/mL . Uraninite that precipitated as a result of microbial U(VI) reduction was abiotically reoxidized to U(VI) by beta-MnO2(s), with concomitant reduction to Mn(II) . The oxidation of biogenic UO2(s) coupled with beta-MnO2(s) reduction was well-described by an electrochemical model . However, a simple model that coupled the bacterial reduction of U(VI) and beta-MnO2(s) with an abiotic redox reaction between UO2(s) and beta-MnO2(s) failed to describe the mass loss of U(VI) in the presence of beta-MnO2(s) . Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) revealed that the particle size and spatial distribution of the biogenic UO2(s) changed dynamically in systems with, as compared to without, beta-MnO2(s)) . These observations suggested that the surface properties and localization of UO2(s) in relation to the cell and beta-MnO2(s) surfaces was an important factor controlling the abiotic oxidation of UO2(s) and, th