Microbial

Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1982, 176(5-6), 463 - 71
{A new method for the microbiological evaluation of disinfecting laundering procedures for textiles}; Koller W et al.; A new method is described to evaluate the efficacy of disinfecting laundering processes . Testpieces (contaminated cotton fabric patches) are enclosed between a pair of membrane-filter discs . Being immersed in the wash liquor this test system acts as a perfusion chamber permeable for detergent and disinfectant solution but retaining the testbacteria to the testpieces . Tests performed in a shaking water bath as well as practical laundering processes with detergents showed the following: from contaminated test pieces wrapped in cotton fabric - as commonly used in such experiments - test bacteria can hardly be recovered even after a non-bactericidal washing process . This is a result of mechanical wash-off . In contrary, with the new method reductions of viable counts are mainly due to bactericidal effects as physical removal of testbacteria is prevented by the filter membranes . Thus, disinfecting laundering procedures are readily distinguishable from merely cleaning ones . As additional advantage the filter-method prevents test pieces from being contaminated by other bacteria carried by the wash liquor.

Vet Med Nauki, 1982, 19(6), 84 - 9
{Intramammary drug forms of neotil in treating mastitis during lactation}; Donev B et al.; Technological, biopharmaceutical, and clinico-pharmacological studies were carried out on the varying composition of drug formulas that included a tylosin base and neomycin sulfate, intended for the treatment of mastitis-affected cows during the lactation period . A base was developed of suitable viscosity and physico-chemical properties, that rapidly released the active ingredients included in it and made them penetrate in depth in the udder glandular tissue . Both the base and the drug formula Neotil were shown to be well tolerated . Following the single intracisternal infusion tylosin was excreted with the milk up to fifth milking (the 60th hour), and neomycin--up to the 4th milking (the 48th hour) . When applied therapeutically in the case of clinical and subclinical mastitis Neotil led to the clinical and bacteriological recovery of 92.5 per cent of the affected quarters . Developed was a microbiological method for the analysis of the active ingredients contained in the drug formula and the milk secretion.

Curr Med Res Opin, 1982, 8(4), 260 - 5
Prophylactic netilmicin in surgery; Abbas AM et al.; Seventy-seven elective or emergency surgical patients were treated with a prophylactic course of netilmicin . Netilmicin (150 mg intramuscularly) was given 1 hour prior to operation and continued 12 hourly until the patient was free of risk of post-operative infection . There was no microbiological or clinical evidence of post-operative infection in general surgical or orthopaedic patients . Netilmicin seems to be less nephrotoxic than other aminoglycosides . Netilmicin serum levels were within expected values . Netilmicin was found to be an effective and well-tolerated antibiotic, and prophylactic treatment shortened the mean patient bed-stay and hence costs incurred.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1982, 48(4), 373 - 81
Bacteriological testing of a modified laminar flow microbiological safety cabinet; Heidt PJ; A modified microbiological safety cabinet which can be used as a class II and a class III safety cabinet has been bacteriologically tested . This cabinet makes use of a high-speed down-flow air curtain in the front opening to minimize the amount of air escaping over the arms of the operator . By using artificial aerosols and a dummy or a test person placing his arms into the working opening of the cabinet, a transfer from the inside to the environment was detected only when the highest concentration of the test aerosol was used . Since the number of bacteria detected was very low, this is considered to be acceptable . When the cabinet was used as a class III type, with a glove panel mounted in the front opening, leakage from the environment occurred . This could be completely prevented by fixing tape over the hinge of the front panel . The conclusion is drawn that this type of biohazard hood can be safely used as a class II and a class III microbiological safety cabinet, provided the construction of the hinge of the front panel will be adapted to prevent transfer from the environment to the working area.

Vet Med Nauki, 1982, 19(3), 56 - 64
{Cytological, microbiological and biochemical analysis of cow's milk at the beginning of lactation}; Bozhkova G et al.; Milk samples of eleven cows of first lactation and ten cows of second lactation were studied in dynamics with regard to their cytological, microbiological, and biochemical properties . The milk was ampled with all quarters individually every other day up to the 10th day, and every fifth day up to the 20th day from calving . It was found that on the second day of calving the cell content of the milk of cows of both first and second lactation was higher, showing a trend of a rapid drop and reaching 441--484 thou . per 1 cm3 by the sixth day . In the course of 20 days following calving there were essential differences in the level of infections with the cows of the two groups . On the basis of the microbiologic investigations it was considered possible to differentiate the inflammation processes of the udder from the normal status on the sixth day.

Int J Environ Anal Chem, 1982, 12(2), 141 - 51
A comparative study of chemical and microbiological monitoring of pollutant hydrocarbons in urban aquatic environments; Solanas AM et al.; Conventional chemical and microbiological methods-aromatics by UV-fluorescence and the number of oil-degrading microorganisms, respectively-have been used for the monitoring of pollutant hydrocarbons in three different aquatic systems: two rivers, one harbour and three marine coastal areas . An evaluation of the first year data of such study is presented . Relative populations of total heterotrophic microorganisms and those of degrading hydrocarbons correlate satisfactorily with hydrocarbon concentrations in marine areas, where chronic pollution situations occur, whereas unreliable results were obtained in the river systems . The water temperature seems to have a positive influence on the response of microorganisms to oil pollution.

Infection, 1982, 10 Suppl 2, S70 - 3
{Clinical picture of Legionnaires' disease (author's transl)}; Lode H et al.; Legionella infections can take the clinical course of a relatively harmless respiratory infection . However, serious, atypical pneumonia is a more frequent manifestation of infection with these pathogens . As yet, six different Legionella species can be identified; Legionella pneumophila appears to be the most common . Legionnaires' pneumonia is being found with increasing regularity during summer and autumn in elderly male patients with previous illnesses . The clinical picture is characterised by viral "prodrome", high fever, a dry cough, breast pain, confusion, diarrhoea, haematuria, moderate leukocytosis with lymphopenia, low concentrations of sodium in the serum and negative results from microbiological analysis of the sputum and pleural exudate . Diagnosis is confirmed culturally, microscopically and serologically; the indirect immunofluorescence test is of particular value for this purpose . Erythromycin alone or in combination with rifampicin is the treatment of choice.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1982 Jan, 21(1), 135 - 40
Pharmacokinetics of single-dose erythromycin in normal and alcoholic liver disease subjects; Kroboth PD et al.; Six normal males and eight male subjects with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and ascites were given a single 500-mg dose of erythromycin base . Twelve serum samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 24 h after dosing and assayed microbiologically for erythromycin concentration . Absorption was characterized by a zero-order model for both groups . ALD subjects demonstrated a shorter lag time (2.0 versus 3.0 h), an earlier peak (4.6 versus 6.3 h, P less than 0.05), and higher peak concentrations (2.04 versus 1.50 micrograms/ml) than normal subjects . Previously unreported biphasic elimination kinetics after oral dosing were observed in five and four ALD subjects . In the ALD group, the mean half lives for the first (alpha) and terminal (beta) phases were 1.6 and 4.5 h, respectively, and in normal subjects, were 1.3 and 6.6 h . The difference in alpha between groups was significant, P less than 0.05 . The clinical significance of this finding for ALD patients receiving prolonged courses of erythromycin is discussed.

Vopr Pitan, 1982 Jan-Feb, (1), 26 - 9
{Use of vitamin B12 in the combined therapy of viral hepatitis}; Komar VI; The microbiological method was used in 168 virus hepatitis patients aged 16-55 years to study the content of unbound vitamin B12 in the blood serum over the time of the disease before administration of cyanocobalamin and in the course of its application in a dose of 100 and 200 micrograms intramuscularly every other day for 3-4 weeks . In the acute stage of the disease, the patients showed an appreciable hypercyanocobalaminemia that correlated well with the disease severity and with the magnitudes of liver function tests . Cyanocobalamin administered to the patients intramuscularly in a dose of 100 micrograms every other day exerted a more remarkable normalizing effect on the level of unbound vitamin B12, bilirubin, the thymol test, aldolase and alanine aminotransferase of the blood as compared to that produced by the drug injected in a dose of 200 micrograms.

J Clin Pathol, 1982 Jan, 35(1), 82 - 93
The United Kingdom national microbiological quality assessment scheme; Snell JJ et al.; A comprehensive microbiological quality assessment scheme for the benefit of all clinical microbiological laboratories in the United Kingdom was established in 1974 . The main emphasis of the scheme has been on the supply of simulated clinical material for proficiency testing . Of 494 laboratories currently participating in the scheme, 84 are abroad and over 500 specimens have been distributed between 1974 and 1980 . A wide variety of specimens are issued . These include specimens for: general bacteriology including isolation, sensitivity testing and serology; mycobacterial bacteriology; syphilis serology; virus isolation; general viral serology; rubella serology; hepatitis B antigen detection; electron microscopy; mycology; parasitology; antibiotic assay; public health specimens including milk and water . Laboratories are requested to examine the specimens using their routine procedures and report their results to the Microbiological Quality Control Laboratory (MQCL) . The reports are analysed at MQCL and the summarised results of each distribution are sent to all participants . Each participant receives details of his individual performance on current specimens and an analysis of the previous 6 months, cumulative performance . The performance of all laboratories is reviewed twice yearly and laboratories with results significantly worse than those of their peers are offered the opportunity to seek advice and help from a National Advisory Panel of their professional colleagues . The Scheme is confidential and its main role is educational.

Br J Nutr, 1982 Jan, 47(1), 131 - 7
The availability to the chick of pantothenic acid in foods; Latymer EA et al.; 1 . The content of total pantothenic acid (PaA) in two foodstuffs of microbial origin was measured by standard microbiological and chick biological assays . 2 . Substantially and consistently higher values were found by the chick assay than by the microbiological determination, indicating that PaA-containing compounds were present that were not utilized by the test micro-organisms but were available for chicks . Attempts to identify these compounds did not explain the source of excess PaA activity for the chick . 3 . It is suggested that forms for PaA that are undetected by standard methods of microbiological assay differ from one food to another and require different treatments to make the vitamin available to the assay organism.

Infection, 1982, 10 Suppl 2, S86 - 91
{Erythromycin versus amoxicillin for the treatment of pneumonia in children (author's transl)}; Ruhrmann H et al.; Following a study in which the etiology of nearly 70% of 142 cases of pneumonia in children could be determined using a combination of bacteriological and serological methods, the effect of erythromycin ethylsuccinate was compared with that of amoxicillin in a randomized study on 120 cases of pneumonia . We first examined the tracheal secretion microbiologically and determined other serological parameters and clinical data . The tracheal secretion was sterile in only 19% of the cases . We were able to identify the etiology in 64% of the cases using a combination of microbiological and serological methods . A discontinuation of therapy and acceptable side-effects were considerably more frequent with amoxicillin than with erythromycin ethylsuccinate (75 mg/kg body weight) . The advantages of erythromycin, especially for the initial therapy of pneumonia, and the improvements in diagnosis resulting from the examination of the tracheal secretion will be discussed.

Poumon Coeur, 1982, 38(1), 11 - 5
{Contribution of contra-immunoelectrophoresis to the diagnosis of acute pneumococcal pneumopathies: report on 37 cases (author's transl)}; Lepilliez A et al.; Employed since 1971, contra-immunoelectrophoresis is a microbiological technique now recognised as being of increasing value . Used in 37 cases of pneumococcal lung infections its diagnostic reliability was 81% the technique being of particular interest in that it enabled a positive diagnosis in lung infections previously treated by antibiotics . Though performed in only a small number of cases, this method was able to confirm the frequency of pneumococcal infections . The technique can now be considered to be well established, the production of specific anti-serums, approaching type-specificity, being possible . Fairly simple to perform, and giving rapid results (within hour) it requires a minimum of apparatus and is a standard procedure that should be employed in all microbiological medical laboratories . Of undeniable diagnostic value, it should be associated with conventional bacteriological tests, which though essential sometimes give insufficient data.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1982 Jan, 21(1), 19 - 25
Performance characteristics of bioassay, radioenzymatic assay, homogeneous enzyme immunoassay, and high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of serum gentamicin; Delaney CJ et al.; We compared the accuracy, precision, and between-method error of the microbiological assay, the radioenzymatic assay, the homogeneous enzyme immunoassay, and the high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for the quantitation of gentamicin in serum . Precision and accuracy were evaluated by reference samples prepared to contain 0.0 to 32.7 micrograms of gentamicin per ml . Correlations between the methods utilized patient sera with gentamicin concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 13.3 micrograms/ml . All methods were reliable within acceptable limits for routine clinical use; intermethod correlation coefficients exceeded 0.96 . Relative to the microbiological assay, the alternative methods offer the advantage of rapid analysis . The elapsed times for acquiring data on a set of 10 specimens under routine operating conditions were 0.5 h by the enzyme immunoassay, 4 h by the radioenzymatic assay, 5 h by the high-performance liquid chromatographic assay, and 10 h by the microbiological assay.

J Assoc Off Anal Chem, 1982 Jan, 65(1), 85 - 8
Radioisotope dilution technique for determination of vitamin B12 in foods; Casey PJ et al.; A radioisotope dilution (RID) method for the determination of vitamin B12 is presented . The method combines a standard extraction procedure (AOAC 43.108, 12th ed.) with a commercially available RID assay kit . The method was evaluated on a wide range of fortified and unfortified food products . Recovery studies on both groups yielded average recoveries of 98.1 and 95.8%, respectively . Reproducibility data generated from replicate analyses on both groups gave a relative standard deviation of 6.9% for the fortified group and 9.2% for the unfortified group . For the samples studied, the mean vitamin B12 content determined by the RID method was 8.01 micrograms/100 g vs a mean of 7.54 micrograms/100 g by the AOAC microbiological method; the correlation coefficient was r = 0.983.

Arch Oral Biol, 1982, 27(1), 21 - 31
Plaque sampling and telemetry for monitoring acid production on human buccal tooth surfaces; Jensen ME et al.; The plaque sampling method and wire telemetry using miniature, glass pH electrodes on the buccal surface of mandibular first permanent molars, compared human dental plaque pH responses to a 10 per cent solution of sucrose . Nine subjects abstained from oral hygiene and were tested in morning sessions on 5 consecutive days . The mean resting plaque pH value for all sessions by plaque sampling was 6.60 +/- 0.18 (mean +/- SD) and by telemetry was 6.56 +/- 0.19 . After a 1 min sucrose rinse, 1-day-old plaque showed a decrease in pH approx . 5.5 by both methods . The 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-day-old plaque, the mean minimum pH achieved was 4.69 +/- 0.28 as measured by sampling and 3.94 +/- 0.49 as determined by telemetry . The times taken to reach minimum pH as determined by the two methods were almost identical . The electrode calibration data showed that all the telemetry electrodes responded consistently for all 5 days of study . Scanning electron microscopy and microbiological analysis of electrode tips and enamel replicas revealed that plaque accumulated on glass at the same rate with a similar bacterial composition to plaque formed on clean enamel . It is proposed that glass microelectrodes and wire telemetry are a reasonable means for continuously monitoring plaque pH in situ . Comparison with plaque sampling suggested that telemetric responses reflect the type of plaque which accumulates at particular sites on the dentition.

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 1982, 18(1), 1 - 58
Post-mortem stimulation of carcasses: effects on biochemistry, biophysics, microbiology, and quality of meat; Asghar A et al.; The influence of post-mortem electrical stimulation of carcasses on the physicochemical, ultrastructural, microbiological, and quality characteristics of meat have been described at length . The latest views, based on the physiological, biochemical, and mechanical models that have been extended to explain the development of tension (contraction) in muscle are presented . The mechanisms by which electrical stimulation causes improvement in certain quality characteristics of meat are considered with some new thoughts . The significance of the mode of electrical flow through the carcass and how the various electrical parameters (electrode-carcass contact, type of current, voltage, pulse characteristics) affect the rate of glycolysis have been explained . The commercial implications of electrical stimulation in the meat industry are highlighted giving special emphasis to hot-boning, energy conservation, and operator safety.

Ann Biol Clin (Paris), 1982, 40(3), 209 - 19
{Non-ventilatory functions of the cells of the respiratory system}; Bignon J et al.; The physiology of the respiratory system was limited until recently to study of the structures subjected to simple physical laws and involved in gas exchanges only . Today, the airways and lung itself are conceived as complex living structures adapted to defence against exogenous, microbiological, organic and inorganic substances which reach the respiratory epithelium, contained in the 10 to 12 m3 of air entering and leaving the lungs daily . In addition, the considerable surface area represented by the endothelium of the pulmonary circulation is a site of synthesis and elimination, the implications of which are increasingly important in the area of the metabolism of endogenous substances: prostaglandins, vasomotor substances and the bioconversion of drugs and toxic agents . This is an increasingly large area of research and investigation, the clinical applications of which appear to be more and more frequent and important.

Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol, 1982, 4(4), 249 - 53
An evaluation of the homogeneous substrate-labeled fluorescent immunoassay for tobramycin in serum; Belpaire FM et al.; The homogeneous substrate-labeled fluorescent immunoassay for tobramycin in serum was evaluated . Standard curves are linear and reproducible . The within-run coefficient of variation for control samples containing low, medium and high concentrations of tobramycin ranged from 1.9 to 6.5%; the between-run coefficient of variation was 11% for a control sample at low concentration . The accuracy measured on spiked samples was good and comparable to the accuracy measured by a microbiological assay; it was somewhat better than for the radioimmunoassay . For patient samples, the results with this method correlated well (r - 0.914) with results obtained by radioimmunoassay.

Arzneimittelforschung, 1982, 32(10), 1319 - 21
Cefotaxime in human lung tissue; Blind R et al.; In the course of thoracic surgery in 79 patients lung tissue samples were taken up to around 2 and 4 h, respectively, after i.v . injection of 1 (n = 22) or 2 g cefotaxime (n = 57) . In these samples cefotaxime levels were measured using a microbiological method . About 1 h after injection 1.6 and 5.1 microgram/g (median values), respectively, were found . Even later after injection cefotaxime could still be detected . These results are evaluated with respect to the problem encountered in the biological measurement of concentrations of ester cephalosporins in tissue due to desacetylation by hemolytic samples.

Ann Rech Vet, 1982, 12(4), 403 - 11
{Frequency of enteropathogenic K99+ ST+ Escherichia coli and rotaviruses in neonatal diarrhea of calves . Survey of a veterinarian's clientele in Sarthe}; De Rycke J et al.; A clinical and microbiological study was carried out on 21 diarrhoeic calves less than 20 days old, belonging to 20 different farms in the French department of Sarthe . Each diarrhoeic calf was compared with a clinically healthy calf of the same age, from the same farm . Two visits were made : one during the acute phase of diarrhoea, the other 10 to 15 days later . Of the 21 diarrhoeic calves, nine died . On the first visit, rotavirus was found in faeces of 11 diarrhoeic calves and E . coli K99+ ST+ in faeces of three diarrhoeic calves, in two cases together with rotavirus . At the same time, rotavirus was found in the faeces of five control calves whereas E . coli K99+ ST+ was not present . On the second visit, rotavirus was detected in the faeces of one of the 12 surviving diarrhoeic calves and in the faeces of two control calves . No E . coli K99+ and ST+ was found in any of the two groups . Short duration antibiotic treatment (sulfonamide + colistin) carried out on the first visit did not result in increased resistance of E . coli to the ten antibiotics tested . On the contrary, cases of resistance to certain of these antibiotics were more frequent during the acute phase of illness (and before any treatment) than 10 to 15 days later . This fact was explained by the presence, in at least five cases, of multiresistant E . coli strains which disappeared with recovery.

Infection, 1982, 10 Suppl 3, S201 - 3
{Pharmacokinetic investigations on the penetration of mezlocillin into the pleural fluid}; Welter J et al.; 5 g of mezlocillin were administered by a 30 minute drip infusion to each of ten patients (mean age 59.4 years) . Antibiotic concentrations in serum and pleural fluid were assayed microbiologically at regular intervals . The antibiotic concentrations determined 1.5 and 8 hours after beginning the infusion were between 83.9 and 4.0 mg/l in the serum and 53.1 and 6.5 mg/l in the pleural fluid . A comparison of the mean antibiotic concentration found in the pleural secretions (22 mg/l) with the minimal inhibitory concentrations of clinically relevant pathogens shows that mezlocillin covers 69% to 84% of the pathogen spectrum . Mezlocillin can thus be used in the therapy of infectious pleural effusions.

J Environ Sci Health B, 1982, 17(2), 171 - 82
The effect of fonofos and carbofuran on microbiological population, and persistence of fonofos in four organic soils infested with onion maggot; Belanger A et al.; One hundred days after field-application of fonofos as bands under the onion seed, 39 to 59% of that material was present in 3 moderately humified organic soils of pH varying from 5.4 to 6.7 . In a low humified organic soil, only 21 to 24% of the applied fonofos remained . Thus humus enhanced the persistence of fonofos and curtailed the stimulating effect of fonofos on soil microbial populations . An assessment of low damage caused by onion maggot was found in a poorly humified soil with an even higher natural infestation than in a moderately humified soil . The effects of fonofos in other soils and of the low rate of carbofuran applied to four different types of soils on the numbers of fungi, bacteria, and actinomycetes were difficult to assess.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1981 Dec, 174(4), 375 - 82
{Microbial settlement of paint- and building-materials in the sphere of drinking water . 9 . Communication: experimental examination of cement mortar for the lining with tiles (author's transl)}; Schoenen D et al.; The observation of a microbial growth in form of macrocolonies upon the joints of a tiled drinking water reservoir caused the microbiological testing of different pure mineral and some plastic containing cement mortar . Besides the conditions allowing the growth of macrocolonies on tiled plates with a construction like in a reservoir were examined.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1981 Dec, (12), 47 - 50
{Biochemical characteristics of pneumococcal reference strains}; Klimenko TV et al.; The results of the study of the enzymatic properties of pneumococcal collection strains belonging to 83 K-types, their sensitivity to optochine and their facility of lysis under the action of bile indicate that the strains in the collection belong to the species Str . pneumoniae, which makes this collection suitable for obtaining diagnostic preparations, as well as for other microbiological, immunological and genetic studies.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1981 Dec, (12), 43 - 7
{Microbiological methods of diagnosing pneumococcal infection in acute and chronic inflammatory lung disease}; Faustova ME et al.; The simultaneous microbiological study of sputum and bronchial washings from 440 patients with acute and chronic inflammatory pulmonary diseases has revealed that pneumococci can be isolated most frequently from both these materials or sputum alone . The isolation of pneumococci by the inoculation of the pathological materials or sputum alone . The isolation of pneumococci by the inoculation of the pathological material into solid culture media is practically as effective as the inoculation of white mice with this material, but the former method accelerates the isolation of Str . pneumoniae and allows one to determine the content of these organisms in the initial material . The appearance and the size of pneumococcal colonies depend on the composition of the culture medium, the biological properties and the amount of Str . pneumoniae and other microorganisms in the material under study . The identification of the S-forms of pneumococci is based on their cultural and morphological properties and carried out by one test or by a complex of tests . 4 criteria allowing to determine the etiological importance of pneumococci isolated from patients are proposed.

Int J Cancer, 1981 Nov 15, 28(5), 551 - 7
Morphological and microbiological signs of endogenous C-virus in human oocytes; Larsson E et al.; Human oocytes in different stages of maturation were obtained by follicular aspiration from women given Clomovid and Gonadex . Particles similar to type-C virus were observed in three out of 16 oocytes . The particles were irregularly distributed along the oocyte membrane . They were seen both in a state of budding and lying free in the perivitelline space . Reverse transcriptase activity was detected in three out of nine samples of follicular fluid obtained from women other than those donating the oocytes . The supernatants from bat lung cells and dog thymus cells cultivated with oocytes or follicular fluids were tested for reverse transcriptase . An increased activity was observed only transiently in one case . It is assumed that these findings indicate the expression of endogenous retroviruses in human oocytes.

Bull Soc Pathol Exot Filiales, 1981 Nov-Dec, 74(6), 714 - 21
{Supervision of the antibiotic therapy in tropical areas (author's transl)}; Ricosse JH et al.; The use of antibiotics in tropical areas is coming up against many various problems . It is necessary to organize a supervision of the antibiotic therapy, which must be more severe . The diagnosis of bacterial diseases should be carried out in small laboratories, in rural regions . Microbiological researches, adapted to every country, are devoted to national laboratories . For the latter, collaborating regularly with international reference centres is very helpful . So it is easy to assure a continuous epidemiological surveillance of the major disease and to study bacteria, in order to find out resistant strains.

J Clin Pharmacol, 1981 Nov-Dec, 21(11-12 Pt 1), 477 - 83
A study of the transplacental transfer and the mammary excretion of cefoxitin in humans; Dubois M et al.; Cefoxitin is a new semisynthetic cephamycin derivative with broad bactericidal activities . In order to determine the extent of the transplacental transfer of cefoxitin, 35 pregnant women received 1 Gm cefoxitin intramuscularly 15 to 180 minutes before normal or Caesarean delivery . Cefoxitin was measured microbiologically in maternal blood (multiple-time samples), umbilical blood (one-time sample), and amniotic fluid in the cases of Caesarean sections . The mammary excretion of cefoxitin injected at the same dose was investigated by measuring cefoxitin in the milk of 16 nursing mothers . In the maternal blood, a peak plasma level of approximately 25 microgram/ml was reached 30 minutes after the 1-Gm intramuscular injection . A clear-cut passage of cefoxitin in the umbilical cord blood was demonstrated . In the fetal blood, a peak level of 15 microgram/ml was obtained 45 minutes after the injection . No cefoxitin was detectable in any of the milk samples from 30 minutes to 24 hours after the 1-Gm intramuscular injection.

Mikrobiologiia, 1981 Nov-Dec, 50(6), 1105 - 8
{Complex effect of surface-active substances on the process of microbiological hydrocarbon oxidation}; Kucher RV et al.; The object of this work is to study the effect of various emulsifiers on microbiological oxidation of n-alkanes . The detergents improved permeability of cellular membranes and increased the activity of dehydrogenase . A considerable effect was observed in the presence of anionic (sodium laurylsulfate and ammonium alkylpyrophosphate) and nonionogenic (Tween 85, Syntanol DS-10) surfactants.

Infect Immun, 1981 Nov, 34(2), 605 - 9
Clinical microbiological, and histological manifestations of Streptobacillus moniliformis-induced arthritis in mice; Savage NL et al.; Intravenous inoculation of Streptobacillus moniliformis into mice resulted in an infection in which the predominant feature was progressive polyarthritis that rendered some joints immobile within 6 months . No migration of arthritis from joint to joint or remission and exacerbation were apparent . Viable organisms were apparently removed by the host from blood, liver, and spleen within 28 days post inoculation but persisted in joints for approximately 6 months in some animals . Specific antibody was detectable by complement fixation 7 days post-inoculation and persisted throughout the course of the disease . The inflammatory responses, which was initiated by the appearance of neutrophils in the joint space within 24 h of inoculation, culminated in obliteration of the joint space by fibrosis and exostosis.

Am J Hosp Pharm, 1981 Nov, 38(11), 1737 - 42
Compatibility of netilmicin sulfate injection with commonly used intravenous injections and additives; Chaudry IA et al.; The compatibility and stability of netilmicin sulfate in a concentration of 3 mg/ml in 37 intravenous injections and in 5% dextrose and 0.9% sodium chloride injection with 26 commonly used additives were studied . Compatibility between an intravenous administration set and selected admixtures were also evaluated . The admixtures were stored at 4 and 25 degrees C for seven days . After mixing and on days 1, 3, and 7, all admixtures were evaluated for netilmicin potency, pH, color, osmolarity, and clarity . A microbiological assay was used to measure netilmicin potency . No changes in netilmicin potency, pH, osmolarity, color, or clarity were observed in any of the 37 netilmicin sulfate admixtures . Similarly, no changes in pH, osmolarity, or clarity were seen in the admixtures of netilmicin sulfate with a second additive . Netilmicin activity was retained for seven days in 22 of the 26 admixtures with a second additive . Netilmicin sulfate in admixtures with multivitamin injection or vitamin B complex (Upjohn) was stable for only one day; with diphenhydramine hydrochloride or neostigmine methylsulfate, for only three days . No incompatibilities between the intravenous infusion set and admixtures of netilmicin sulfate were apparent . Netilmicin sulfate injection is compatible and stable for at least seven days stored at 4 and 25 degrees C when mixed in 37 intravenous injections, and when mixed individually with 22 additives in 5% dextrose and 0.9% sodium chloride injection.

J Chromatogr, 1981 Oct 9, 225(2), 417 - 26
Micro-determination of tobramycin in serum by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection; Barends DM et al.; A procedure for the high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of tobramycin in serum is described using pre-column derivatisation with 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and subsequent chromatographic analysis on a reversed-phase column with ultraviolet detection . Gentamicin is used as the internal standard . The sensitivity is 0.5 mg/l with 50-microliters samples . Precision, expressed as the coefficient of variation, is 3% or better in the concentration range 0.5-16 mg/l . The absolute recovery of tobramycin is 41% . The analyses of serum samples obtained in an in vivo experiment correlated well with the results from a microbiological assay . The influence of variation of derivatisation conditions and the implications for the reliability of the internal standardisation were studied . The 2,4-dinitrophenyl tobramycin derivative was synthesized and its structure was proved to be the fully derivatized tobramycin . Side-products of the derivatisation reaction were isolated.

Br J Vener Dis, 1981 Oct, 57(5), 327 - 33
Clinical and microbiological study of non-gonococcal urethritis with particular reference to non-chlamydial disease; Munday PE et al.; A double-blind placebo-controlled study of minocycline in 221 men with non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) was undertaken . Techniques were used which enabled diagnoses of chlamydial and mycoplasmal infections to be made within 24 hours of a patient attending a clinic . All patients from whom Chlamydia trachomatis was isolated were treated with minocycline, while patients from whom Ureaplasma urealyticum or Mycoplasma hominis was isolated, or from whom no micro-organisms were isolated, were treated on a double-blind basis with either minocycline or placebo . Chlamydia were isolated from 77 (35%) patients and were eradicated by minocycline from 76 (99%) . Ureaplasmas were isolated initially from 96 (43%) patients . Treatment with minocycline eradicated them from 43 of 52 (83%) patients, and they disappeared from six of 31 (19%) patients who were treated with placebo . After one week significantly more patients had responded clinically to minocycline than to placebo . The response to minocycline was not influenced by the microbiological status of the patients, which suggests that ureaplasmas are playing a similar role to chlamydia in the pathogenesis of the disease and that an antibiotic-sensitive micro-organism may be producing disease in the isolate-negative group . An immunological approach is required to resolve the problem of the persistent urethral inflammation which occurred despite eradication of the micro-organisms.

J Hyg (Lond), 1981 Oct, 87(2), 313 - 9
Virus diarrhoea associated with pale fatty faeces; Thomas ME et al.; Steatorrhoea was a significant feature in an outbreak of rotavirus gastroenteritis which affected adults and infants in hospital . Fat globules or fatty acid crystals were obvious by light microscopy (LM) in faeces from 14 of 25 patients examined . Ten of the fatty stools and two of the remainder were very pale . By electron microscopy (EM) a rotavirus was seen in 11 of the 14 fatty faeces and in only two of 11 specimens without visible fat . In a further study of pale or fatty faeces 20 such specimens sent for laboratory examination from patients not involved in the hospital outbreak were compared microbiologically with a similar number which were neither pale nor fatty . Viruses were found by EM in 11 (55%) of the pale or fatty stools; eight rotaviruses, two astroviruses and an uncultivable adenovirus were seen; one further patient had acute jaundice . In contrast, no viruses were seen by EM in the twenty specimens which were normally pigmented and without evident fat . Steatorrhoea was significantly associated with rotavirus infection of the alimentary tract which usually presented as a fatty enteritis . We conclude that rotaviruses certainly, and other viruses possibly, can impede both the digestion of fat and the pigmentation of the faeces . Inspection and LM of faeces are easy . In acute enteritis a fatty or pale stool is an indication for virological examination.

J Neurochem, 1981 Sep, 37(3), 709 - 13
Inhibitors of a rat brain enkephalin aminopeptidase; Wagner GW et al.; Eight protease inhibitors of microbiological origin were examined as potential inhibitors of a homogeneous rat brain enkephalin aminopeptidase . Bestatin {(2S,3R)-3-amino-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutanoyl}-L-leucine and analogs of bestatin having basic, acid, and other neutral amino acids substituted for the Leu residue exhibited inhibition constants ranging from 3.3 X 10(-5) to 8.3 X 10(-8) M . The best inhibitor had a positively charged amino acid (Lys) substituted for Leu . A series of phenylalanyl dipeptides were examined as substrates with the aminopeptidase . The amino acid residue on the carboxyl side of the peptide bond undergoing cleavage was varied systematically in the dipeptides to include neutral, acidic, and basic residues . Again, a positively charged amino acid (Arg) adjacent to the bond undergoing scission was kinetically preferred . These results may be used to design highly specific inhibitors of the enkephalin aminopeptidase.

Surg Gynecol Obstet, 1981 Sep, 153(3), 374 - 6
Surgical management of burn wound sepsis; Parks DH et al.; Twenty-two burned pediatric patients were diagnosed as having wound sepsis confirmed histologically and microbiologically . The availability of histologic and quantitative microbiologic data based upon biopsy data has permitted an early, accurate method of detecting burn wound sepsis . The histologic data have been of greatest value because of their prompt availability and accuracy . All patients underwent tangential debridement or surgical excision to fascia based upon the assessment of the wound by the surgeon . Two patients died at two and five days postoperatively of sepsis attributable to the burn wound . A third patient died at 56 days of sepsis originating at a site other than the burn wound . Thus, the over-all mortality, including the third patient, was 14 per cent . Children surviving the septic episodes showed a marked improvement in the clinical course shortly after undergoing therapeutic surgical excision . Since initiation of surgical intervention in burn wound sepsis, the over-all mortality has decreased from an average annual rate of 11.2 to 2.8 per cent.

Andrologia, 1981 Sep-Oct, 13(5), 440 - 4
Survey of carnitine content of human semen using a semiquantitative auxanographic method: decreased semen total carnitine concentration in patients with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia; Soffer Y et al.; A microbiological method, using the carnitine-requiring yeast, Torulopsis bovina ATCC 26014, was developed to identify samples of human semen which contained low levels (less than 250 micron M) of total carnitine . Of 399 semen samples from a male infertility clinic which were tested, 30 (7.5%) were low in carnitine . Of these, 14 were azoospermic and 16 were severely oligozoospermic . Some azoospermic samples (19 = 58%) and severely oligozoospermic samples (51 = 79%) did not give evidence of low carnitine concentrations . These results indicate that decreased total carnitine concentration in semen occurs in certain classes of azoospermic and severely oligozoospermic patients.

Ann Microbiol (Paris), 1981 Sep-Oct, 132B(2), 257 - 65
Semi-quantification of a microbiological method using beta-lactamases in detecting the hydrolysis of beta-lactam antibiotics; Labia R et al.; The so-called "double disc" technique of Masuda et al . for detecting the hydrolysis of beta-lactams by beta-lactamases was semi-quantified . This semi-quantification consisted of using beta-lactamase preparations progressively diluted by a factor of ten . The last dilution producing a detectable hydrolysis of the antibiotic was thus noted . By using the species Escherichia coli (potentially cephalosporinase producer) as a model, we studied the possible applications of this method . Due to its great sensitivity it was possible to analyse and appreciate the degradation of some cephalosporins reputedly resistant to beta-lactamases, such as cefoxitin, cefuroxime, cefamandole and cefotaxime . The carboxy-penicillins (carbenicillin and ticarcillin) were the most stable beta-lactams towards the cephalosporinase of E . coli 0002.

Am J Clin Nutr, 1981 Sep, 34(9), 1837 - 48
Long-term feeding of unavailable carbohydrate gelling agents . Influence of dietary concentration and microbiological degradation on adaptive responses in the rat; Elsenhans B et al.; Guaran, tragacanth, gum arabic, carrageenan, gum karaya, and methylcellulose were used in a long-term feeding study to evaluate their effects upon adaptive responses of nutritionally controlled parameters in rats by feeding a fiber-free diet containing increasing additions of polysaccharides . In general, supplements reduced weight increases due to lower energy intakes . Only in the case of microbiologically inert polysaccharides the dilution of the the energy density was partially compensated by an increased food intake . Neither of the polysaccharides fed, however, decreased energy utilization . All polysaccharides similarily increased small intestinal length up to about 30% without grossly altering mucosal protein and DNA per unit of length . Concerning their effects on the colon and the cecum, polysaccharides behaved differentially according to their accessibility to microbiological degradation . Inert polysaccharides exerted a more pronounced effect on the colon whereas the others mainly increased cecum weight . Degree and locus of the observed changes are determined mainly by the dietary concentration of the polysaccharides and their accessibility to bacterial degradation within the intestinal tract.

Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd, 1981 Aug, 179(2), 102 - 8
{Damage caused by wearing contact lenses throughout the day}; Bernd HJ; Seventy-eight contact lens patients issued with soft HEMA lenses were examined in order to establish reasons for intolerance . The examination was carried out in conjunction with a questionnaire designed to furnish information about the habits of the contact lens patients . Less than 50% of the patients had been advised to have their lenses checked . Almost all the patients wore their contact lenses all day without interruption . On average they had been wearing the lenses for up to 17 hours per day over a 3.3 year period . In approximately 2/3 of the cases the eye had suffered some damage and in approximately 1/3 of the cases the effects were more serious . Patients who had worn their lenses for even longer periods of time had suffered still more severe eye damage . However, microbiological findings, allergies to the cleaning fluids, reduced tear production, incorrect lens fit and severe deterioration of the lens material were not found to be the prime causes of intolerance . Photographs shot by SEM showed evidence of defects of the corneal surface after the HEMA lens had been worn 18 hours.

J Chem Inf Comput Sci, 1981 Aug, 21(3), 124 - 7
Patent coverage by abstracting services . 4 . Coverage of microbiological patents; Oppenheim C et al.; The paper reports a study on the coverage by seven major abstracting services in the field of microbiology in regard to patents . Only three of the services--Chemical Abstracts, Microbiology Abstracts, Section A, and Food Science and Technology Abstracts--cover patents at all . We assessed the three services in terms of the information they provide about patents and then in terms of their performance in retrieving patents taken from a master list of patents on genetic engineering and Vitamin D, obtained by searches on World Patents Index . Timeliness of the three services was also assessed . We found that none of the standard abstracting services in the field cover patents satisfactorily and they are slow in picking up patents . The research demonstrates that by scanning just Japanese, Soviet, U.S., and British patents, both timely and comprehensive coverage of the microbiological patent literature can be obtained.

Br J Vener Dis, 1981 Aug, 57(4), 263 - 7
Fluorimetric and microbiological assays of erythromycin concentrations in plasma and vaginal washings; Iliopoulou A et al.; Using a microbiological and a fluorimetric assay to determine penetration of erythromycin into vaginal fluids, concentrations were measured in plasma from nine men one hour after a single oral dose of erythromycin stearate 2 g and in vaginal washings and plasma samples taken simultaneously from 11 women two hours after the last dose of a 10-day course of erythromycin stearate (250 mg four times daily) . Both assay methods gave accurate and reproducible results in plasma but only the fluorimetric method was capable of measuring concentrations of erythromycin in vaginal washings . The latter method had many advantages in estimating drug concentrations in body fluids such as vaginal washings and the results from it may provide an index of tissue penetration and of patient compliance in adhering to drug regimens.

Br J Ophthalmol, 1981 Aug, 65(8), 549 - 52
A double-blind comparison of topical therapy of chlamydial ocular infection (TRIC infection) with rifampicin or chlortetracycline; Darougar S et al.; A double-blind stratified trial was carried out on 85 patients to assess the efficacy of topical therapy with 1% chlortetracycline eye ointment in comparison with 1% rifampicin eye ointment in the treatment of chlamydial ocular infection of sexually transmitted origin (paratrachoma) . Patients included were selected on the basis of positive culture for Chlamydia trachomatis . A 6-week course of treatment with chlortetracycline or rifampicin 3 times daily gave a clinical cure rate of 80% and 75% and a microbiological cure rate of 93% and 86% respectively . In patients who were not cured the intensity of inflammatory responses was considerably reduced.

Ann Thorac Surg, 1981 Aug, 32(2), 146 - 53
Prospective evaluation of aspiration needle, cutting needle, transbronchial, and open lung biopsy in patients with pulmonary infiltrates; Burt ME et al.; Twenty consecutive patients with pulmonary infiltrates undiagnosed by routine, noninvasive methods were entered into a prospective study designed to evaluate the diagnostic yield of four methods of lung biopsy . Percutaneous aspiration needle, cutting needle, transbronchial, and open (anterior thoracotomy) biopsy were performed synchronously on all patients . Specimens were evaluated by microbiological, virological, and pathological methods . The diagnostic yields of the four methods were as follows: aspiration needle, 29%; cutting needle, 53%; transbronchial, 59%; and open lung biopsy, 94% . Open lung biopsy was significantly better in yielding a diagnosis than aspiration needle (p less than 0.001), cutting needle (p less than 0.001), and transbronchial biopsy (p less than 0.04).

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed), 1981 Jul 4, 283(6283), 29 - 32
Sexually transmitted diseases in a defined population of women; Adler MW et al.; A study was conducted to identify and estimate the proportion of patients suffering from gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and candidosis, both with and without symptoms, seeking care or failing to seek care at all . Samples women in a defined population were studied in antenatal, gynaecology, family planning, and sexually transmitted diseases clinics and in general practice . The incidence rates varied according to the conditions and to whether cases not proved microbiologically were included or excluded . The incidence rate may be less important than the prevalence rate since the former takes into account patients who have sought care whereas the latter is largely contributed by asymptomatic women who do not consult . The highest prevalence rates, in different agencies, were found for candidosis followed by trichomoniasis, with very low or zero rates for gonorrhoea . In view of these results general practitioners could treat women with genital symptoms empirically so long as accurate sexual histories are taken and follow-up were guaranteed . There is no place for wide-scale screening for gonorrhoea, but limited screening for trichomoniasis in antenatal, gynaecology, and hospital family planning clinics should be encouraged.

G Batteriol Virol Immunol, 1981 Jul-Dec, 74(7-12), 239 - 49
{Experimental research on microbiological profile of josamycin . II: Findings on the phenomenon of resistance in comparison with other macrolides}; Maury F et al.; The interactions between josamycin, other macrolides and lincomycin have been considered as far as the microbic resistance phenomenon is concerned, in relation to Staph . aureus strains . It has been possible to give rise to resistance to josamycin as well as to erythromycin even though the daily average increase is far lower for josamycin . Subinhibitory concentrations of josamycin have not provoked resistance in relation to other macrolides while this phenomenon has been observed as far as the use of erythromycin is concerned.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1981 Jul, 20(1), 25 - 9
Fluorimetric determination of cefuroxime in body fluids; Al-Rawi ZH et al.; A simple and accurate fluorimetric procedure for measuring cefuroxime in body fluids is described . A fluorescent product was produced by addition of hydrochloric acid, heating, and cooling, followed by addition of sodium hydroxide and further heating at 100 degree C . The fluorescence intensity of the final solution was measured in a fluorimeter at an excitation wavelength of 375 nm and an emission wavelength of 440 nm and related to the antibiotic concentration . Thin-layer chromatography of the final solution showed a single fluorescent spot (Rf value, 0.6) . Freedom from interference from other therapeutic agents and endogenous substances, as well as the close correlation between this method and the standard microbiological assay method, was demonstrated . The simplicity and reliability of the fluorimetric assay method make it particularly suitable for clinical use.

Infect Immun, 1981 Jul, 33(1), 292 - 6
Pathogenicity of Spiroplasma sp . strain SMCA in rabbits: clinical, microbiological, and histological aspects; Kirchhoff H et al.; Newborn rabbits inoculated intracerebrally with early-passaged broth cultures of Spiroplasma strain SMCA (suckling mouse cataract agent) either died or developed eye disease . Death occurred 4 to 12 days after infection . Rabbits which died showed hemorrhages throughout the brain, especially in areas leading to the optic nerve, and hemorrhages in the liver . SMCA could be reisolated from brain, liver, and eyes . Rabbits with eye disease did not open their eyes during an observation time of 3 to 4 months . Pathological examination revealed marked microophthalmia and severe cataract formation characterized by complete degeneration of lens fibers and liquefaction and mineralization of the lens . Other ocular changes were chronic panophthalmitis with complete destruction of the retina . Neither eye disease nor death could be induced by inoculating SMCA subcutaneously into newborn rabbits . In adult rabbits, no disease occurred after intravenous or subcutaneous injection or after inoculation into the conjunctival sac.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1981 Jul, 42(1), 159 - 67
Effect of turbidity on chlorination efficiency and bacterial persistence in drinking water; LeChevallier MW et al.; To define interrelationships between elevated turbidities and the efficiency of chlorination in drinking water, experiments were performed to measure bacterial survival, chlorine demand, and interference with microbiological determinations . Experiments were conducted on the surface water supplies for communities which practice chlorination as the only treatment . Therefore, the conclusions of this study apply only to such systems . Results indicated that disinfection efficiency (log10 of the decrease in coliform numbers) was negatively correlated with turbidity and was influenced by season, chlorine demand of the samples, and the initial coliform level . Total organic carbon was found to be associated with turbidity and was shown to interfere with maintenance of a free chlorine residual by creating a chlorine demand . Interference with coliform detection in turbid waters could be demonstrated by the recovery of typical coliforms from apparently negative filters . The incidence of coliform masking in the membrane filter technique was found to increase as the turbidity of the chlorinated samples increased . the magnitude of coliform masking in the membrane filter technique increased from less than 1 coliform per 100 ml in water samples of less than 5 nephelometric turbidity units to greater than 1 coliform per 100 ml in water samples of greater than 5 nephelometric turbidity units . Statistical models were developed to predict the impact of turbidity on drinking water quality . The results justify maximum contaminant levels for turbidity in water entering a distribution system as stated in the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Am J Clin Nutr, 1981 Jul, 34(7), 1321 - 7
The metabolism of 3H-pyridoxine in rat liver and brain; Segalman TY et al.; A study of the metabolism and distribution of 3H-pyridoxine in normal rat liver and brain was done in animals given small single doses of the labeled vitamin intraperitoneally . Liver and brain tissues were collected from 1 h to 14 days . Perchloric acid extracts of tissues were fractionated by an ion exchange chromatographic procedure and six B6 vitamers were separated and assayed for radioactivity and microbiological activity . In liver 3H-pyridoxal phosphate peaked at 1 h after the administration of 3H-pyridoxine; however, the accumulation of total isotope in combined vitamers continued slowly until 4 h . During the first 4 h, about 50% of the tritium resided in the supernatant fraction of liver . In the brain, tritium accumulated slowly and reached a peak at day 7 . Nearly 90% of the vitamin in the brain was in the form of pyridoxal phosphate and pyridoxamine phosphate . The concentrations of the total microbiologically active vitamin in the liver and brain were 35 to 40 and 20 to 25 nmol/g, respectively . However, the maximum amount of tritium in the brain was less than 10% of that in the liver . These data indicate that uptake and turnover of vitamin B6 in brain studied with tracer doses was very much slower than previously reported from studies with larger doses.

Clin Chem, 1981 Jul, 27(7), 1256 - 61
Evaluation of a method for enzymic radiochemical assay of tobramycin and amikacin in serum; McKnight RP et al.; This enzymic radiochemical procedure for measuring tobramycin and amikacin in serum is based on the transfer of the 14C-acetyl group from {14C}acetyl-coenzyme A to the 6' nitrogen atom of the drug by the enzyme kanamycin 6'-acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.55) . The transfer, stoichiometric and quantitative, is complete after 10-min incubation at 37 degrees C . The labeled acetylaminoglycoside is adsorbed onto phosphocellulose paper discs, which are washed to removed any unreacted {14C}acetyl-coenzyme A . The radioactivity is then eluted into liquid scintillation counting vials and counted for 1 min each . The assay detects as little as 2 ng of either drug and the standard curve is linear into the toxic range of concentrations . Most of the commonly administered aminoglycosides act as substrates in the assay, except for the C1 component of gentamicin C complex . Neither hemolysis, lipemia, nor icterus interfere with the assay . Results compare favorably with those determined by radioimmunoassay and a microbiological method.

Ann Microbiol (Paris), 1981 Jul-Aug, 132B(1), 101 - 22
Short-term variations of microbiological and physicochemical parameters in submersion water over a rice field; Baldensperger JF; Diurnal variations of the number of colony-forming bacteria and total bacteria and of some physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, redox potential, oxygen concentration, carbonates and total alkalinity) have been studied in the flood layer over the rice field . Confidence limits (95%) around means were evaluated according to accuracy of plate and microscopic counts and to patchiness within the rice field . Bacterial clumping both at the meter and the millimeter scale has been evidenced, and transformation of raw data was necessary to normalize counts . Seven per cent of total bacteria enumerated by epifluorescence microscopy could develop colonies on agar plates . Significant variations of numbers of colony-forming bacteria and bacterial biomass (evaluated to 0.016 mg/l dry-weight) were not correlated with physicochemical parameters within the flood layer, indicating additional influence of grazing and exchange with sediment interface.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1981 Jul, 20(1), 81 - 7
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole therapy of experimental Escherichia coli meningitis in rabbits; Mylotte JM et al.; We used two strains of ampicillin-susceptible Escherichia coli to produce meningitis in rabbits and utilized these models (i) to compare the killing effects of parenteral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) and ampicillin on E . coli in cerebrospinal fluid after 8 h of treatment and (ii) to measure the penetration of TMP-SMZ and ampicillin into cerebrospinal fluid and the brain . At 16 h after intracisternal inoculation with a test strain, rabbits were treated with TMP (6 mg/kg per h) and SMZ (30 mg/kg per h), ampicillin (40 mg/kg per h), or saline intravenously for 8 h . TMP-SMZ levels were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography, and ampicillin levels were measured by microbiological assay . Mean +/- standard deviation concentrations of TMP, SMZ, and ampicillin in cerebrospinal fluid (mean percent penetration) at the completion of 8 h of therapy were 0.80 +/- 0.41 (18%), 15.7 +/- 21.1 (27.2%), and 2.6 +/- 1.7 (8.9%) microgram/ml, respectively . TMP, SMZ, and ampicillin levels in brain homogenate after 8 h of therapy were 0.23 +/- 0.07 (6.6%), 3.31 +/- 3.3 (5.5%), and 0.6 +/- 4.53 (1.9%) microgram/g, respectively . TMP-SMZ infusion for 8 h produced a significant reduction in mean bacterial counts in cerebrospinal fluid in both models of meningitis compared with saline controls . The decrease in mean bacterial counts with TMP-SMZ therapy was equivalent to that produced by ampicillin.

G Batteriol Virol Immunol, 1981 Jul-Dec, 74(7-12), 202 - 8
Microbiological research on specimens (dusts) drawn from the Holy Shroud; Martinetto P et al.; The Holy Shroud is a relic of great historical importance that, according to catholic tradition, represents the "Sudarium" i.e . the "Sindon" of Jesus Christ . By several techniques, the most recent studies try to establish a well defined dating of the Holy Shroud . In addition an attempt is also made to find out the best mean to preserve the relic . We have to this purpose performed microbiological tests on specimens (Dusts) from the Holy Shroud establishing the microbic content in various spots . Besides few exceptions, the bacteria and fungi found on the Shroud and related objects are common and spread in all the areas examined.

MMW Munch Med Wochenschr, 1981 Jun 12, 123(24), 1001 - 4
{The problem patient in dermatological practice . Psychomatic aspects (author's transl)}; Maass G; In an exemplary case (44 year old female patient with pruritus) the priority of somatic aspects of an "organized disease" is questioned . The conception of a "total diagnosis" on the basis of a "pluriperspective complementary medicine" taking into consideration genetic, anatomic, physiologic, biochemical, microbiological, psychological and sociocultural facts is presented as the antithesis . Besides a somatic diagnosis the aim of medical procedure is the recognition ("reference diagnosis") of a "reference disturbance" in the doctor-patient relationship in which the "fundamental disturbance" of the patient is recalled from early childhood . This reference diagnosis can be learned by dermatologists and general practitioners in Balint groups.

Nouv Presse Med, 1981 Jun 6, 10(25), 2089 - 91
{A study of the diffusion of cefamandole into bronchial secretions (author's transl)}; Bergogne-Berezin E et al.; The penetration of cefamandole into bronchial secretions was investigated in 5 tracheostomized patients with respiratory tract infections and purulent or mucopurulent expectorations . Bronchial secretions were collected by aspiration through the cannula at successive predetermined times after an intravenous injection of 1.5 g of the drug . Cefamandole concentrations in simultaneous samples of serum and bronchial secretions were measured by the agar diffusion microbiological method . Useful concentrations of cefamandole were obtained in bronchial secretions, with an early peak (mean: 1.97 microgram/ml; range: 0.5 -- 4.6 microgram/ml) one hour after the injection . The ratio of bronchial concentration to simultaneous serum concentration reached 24% six hours after the injection . These results show that cefamandole achieves bronchial concentrations which are superior, or at least equal, to the MICs of organisms responsible for respiratory infections . This and the resistance of cefamandole to beta -lactamases suggest that this second generation cephalosporin can be valuable in acute bronchopulmonary infections.

Arch Latinoam Nutr, 1981 Jun, 31(2), 337 - 49
{Formulation of a rice-based beverage of high nutritive value}; Guerra MJ et al.; The purpose of this work was the production of a beverage with a nutritive value similar to that of milk, but available at a lower cost . A traditional beverage in Venezuela, "Chicha de Arroz" (Rice Chicha), was chosen . The various formulas studied were based on rice, non-fat milk and different kinds of soy flour, in addition to sugar, vegetable oil, vitamins, ferrous sulfate and different flavors . A product with protein and caloric values similar to those of milk was obtained . Twenty formulas were prepared and submitted to physico-chemical, microbiological and sensorial evaluations with respect to flavor, color, viscosity and stability during period of refrigeration . The most adequate formula was prepared on a pilot-plant scale . Rat assays gave the same PER results as those of casein . Consumer acceptability was tested on 1,080 school children, and showed to be greater than 95% . The stability was superior to that of milk and the cost, approximately three-fourths that of the latter . In the school-snack program of the National Institute of Nutrition, milk is now being replaced by this Chicha.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1981 May, 19(5), 930 - 3
Evaluation of a new latex agglutination inhibition card test for determining serum gentamicin levels; Doern GV et al.; A new latex agglutination inhibition card test was compared with a microbiological method and radioimmunoassay for determining serum gentamicin levels . When 60 sera, each containing a known concentration of gentamicin, were analyzed by the microbiological method and by radioimmunoassay, both methods were found to yield accurate and precise results . Analysis of the same 60 sera with the latex agglutination inhibition card test revealed significant variability over a wide range of serum gentamicin concentrations.

Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol, 1981 May-Jun, 3(3), 179 - 82
Comparison of microbiological and high pressure liquid chromatographic assays of the new cephalosporin cefroxadine; Bergan T et al.; A method employing high pressure liquid chromatography has been developed for the new cephalosporin cefroxadine (CGP 9000) . This uses Lichrosorb RP-8 5 micron as the stationary phase and 2 mM phosphoric acid mixed with methanol in the ratio 72:28 for the mobile phase . The retention time is 6.5 minutes . The procedure has a correlation with microbiological assay of r = 0.968 for sera after oral dosage and r = 0.944 after intravenous doses . Correlations in sera from each individual has ranged from 0.957 to 0.998 . A protein binding of 5 per cent was found for a concentration of 10 microgram/ml and of 7.5 per cent at 2 microgram/ml . The HPLC method had a recovery of 92.5 at a low level of 2 microgram/ml and 95 per cent at 10 microgram/ml.

Vopr Pitan, 1981 May-Jun, (3), 14 - 7
{Effect of Vitalact humanized milk varying in carbohydrate composition on the development of intestinal bifid flora in nursing infants}; Shvedova LV; In the course of feeding infants with "Vitalact-DM" and "Vitalact I" with the increased content of dextrin-maltose (1.5%) and "Vitalact III" supplemented with lactulose (1%), the characteristics of the infants' physical development correlated with the age norm and indicated high food and biological value of the test products . In being fed with experimental varieties of "Vitalact" milk the infants received 3.5-4.5 g protein, 6-7.2 g fat, 14-14.8 g carbohydrates, 125-136 kcal/kg bw . Microbiological studies have demonstrated that in feeding infants with "Vitalact I" and "Vitalact III" the intestine manifested a high level of bifidoflora in 45.7 and 78.3% of the cases, respectively (in 36.8% of the cases of controls) . The results of the studies formed the basis for the development of a new humanized product "Vitalact enriched" (TS 49 435-77) which was approved by the Ministry of Health of the Ukrainian SSR . At present it is manufactured by the Gnedynsk infant and dietetic food pilot plant . It is recommended that, "Vitalact enriched" be widely used in formula . mixed and dietetic feeding, particularly in feeding premature and weakened infants.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1981 May, 34(5), 567 - 75
Microbiological ring expansion of penicillin N; Felix HR et al.; A mutant of Cephalosporium acremonium producing high amounts of penicillin N was isolated . This antibiotic was purified and characterized . It was possible to convert this penicillin N to deacetoxycephalosporin C enzymatically . The reaction could be carried out with enzyme systems prepared from C . acremonium mutants producing either no beta-lactam antibiotics or excreting only penicillin N . It was surprising that a high level of transformation capacity was just found in a cephem negative mutant which overproduces penicillin N . For that reason the inability of the latter mutant to produce cephem compounds cannot be explained by a functional block of the ring expanding enzyme complex . The enzyme preparations used to carry out this reaction were made by ether-treatment or sonication of C . acraemonium cells, or by submitting them to osmotic shock . The ring expanding enzyme system is strongly dependent on ATP and behaves as a 2-oxoglutarate dependent dioxygenase.

Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd, 1981 May, 41(5), 343 - 6
{Endometritis--a diagnostic problem . Differentialdiagnostical considerations including histological and microbiological methods (author's transl)}; Meinen K et al.; In 100 patients with the assumed diagnosis "endometritis" an examination program including histological and microbiological methods was conducted . In only 73% of these, the histological examination confirmed the assumed diagnosis, and only in 3% concerning the microbiological tests; therefore other diagnoses such as peritoneal irritation at ovulation, adenomyosis uteri and spastic pelviopathias were dominant . The diagnosis of an endometritis therefore is often an exclusive one and should induce subtle examination methods before an unspecific antibiotic therapy is begun . This procedure is absolutely possible regarding out-patients.

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol Suppl, 1981 May-Jun, 90(3 Pt 3), 44 - 7
Pharmacokinetics of cefaclor in chronic middle ear effusions; Lildholdt T et al.; Fifty children aged 1 to 13 years with chronic or recurrent otitis media with effusion received a single dose of cefaclor (15 mg/kg body weight) by the oral route 30 minutes to seven hours before the removal of middle ear effusion and insertion of tympanostomy tubes . Serum and middle ear aspirate concentrations of the antibiotic were determined employing a microbiological assay technique by a disk diffusion method . Middle ear specimens were also cultured for aerobic bacteria . The mean peak serum concentration level (8.49 +/- 7.89 micrograms/ml) was observed after 30 minutes, whereas the middle ear peak level (0.47 +/- 0.78 micrograms/ml) occurred after one hour . Of the 87 middle ear specimens, 37 had cefaclor concentrations which were detectable within the resolution of the bioassay method (greater than 0.16 micrograms/ml) . There was no correlation between the type of middle ear effusion (mucoid or serous) and the concentration of cefaclor in the middle ear . Only 18% of the middle ear cultures were positive for aerobic bacteria; Hemophilus influenzae was the most common organism.

Antibiotiki, 1981 May, 26(5), 367 - 70
{Rapid microbiological method of determining the gentamicin, sisomicin and kanamycin concentrations in patients' serum}; Goncharskaia TIa et al.; A modification of the microbiological agar-diffusion method for rapid determination of gentamicin, sisomycin and kanamycin levels in the blood serum of patients is described . The decrease in the time for determination of the antibiotic levels in the serum specimens with the modified method was provided by the use of a higher inoculation dose of the test microbe, higher levels of the incubation temperature and an enriched nutrient medium . The assay time was decreased from 18 to 3--4 hours as compared to the routine agar-diffusion method.

Arch Androl, 1981 May, 6(3), 189 - 96
Andrological evaluation of oligozoospermic men for AIH; Hermanns U et al.; A protocol for the assessment of oligozoospermia prior to AIH is presented . Three to six carefully performed semen analyses at optimal intervals are required to confirm oligozoospermia . Routine semen analysis consist of volume, pH, viscosity, sperm count, motility, morphology, agglutination, fructose content, and leukocytes . Because of the high incidence of reproductive tract infection and chromosomal abnormalities in oligozoospermic men, microbiological investigation and full chromosomal analyses should be performed in all cases with sperm counts below 10 million/ml . Chromosomal abnormalities are an indication to reject a couple from AIH . Genital tract infections must be treated prior to insemination . Only sperm counts below 10 million/ml require the estimation of FSH levels . The existence of an oligozoospermia group with pituitary adenoma justifies routine PRL measurements in all cases of oligozoospermia and further investigations such as visual field examination and sella tomogram in case of hyperprolactinemia . Testicular biopsy may indicate an epididymal block that can be surgically repaired . Simultaneous in-depth evaluation of the female partner is emphasized, as oligozoospermia in the man does not rule out the possibility of an additional infertility factor in his partner . It is still controversial whether or not AIH, as compared to intercourse, will improve the conception rate for oligozoospermic men.

Fortschr Med, 1981 Apr 16, 99(15), 541 - 4
{Drug therapy in surgical biliary diseases . A microbiological and animal experiment study}; Wacha H; In this study type and occurrence of microorganisms in gallbladder and choledochal bile are compared to results of other authors . The value of antibiotic therapy in acute cystic duct obstruction in a clinical study and in animal experiments are discussed . Efficacy of different antibiotic substances (mezlocillin, cefazolin, cefotaxim, rolitetracyclin and aminoglycosides) are measured by means of the reduction in colony count in T-tube bile . Antibiotic effect was least when tetracyclines and aminoglycosides were given . Beta-lactam antibiotics caused marked reduction and even elimination of bacteria in choledochal bile . Antibiotic therapy for the treatment of bacterial infection of the bile is reasonable only after decompression of the biliary tract in the presence of obstructive jaundice . In case of cystic duct obstruction antibiotic therapy is uncertain.

Biochem J, 1981 Apr 15, 196(1), 369 - 71
Mechanism of hydroxylation of biphenyl by Cunninghamella echinulata; Smith RV et al.; The hydroxylation of {U-2H}biphenyl and {2,2',3,3',5,5',6,6'-2H}biphenyl by Cunninghamella echinulata A.T.C.C . 9244 has been studied . G.l.c.-mass-spectrometry analyses indicate the lack of an isotope effect during the hydroxylation of the perdeuterated substrate . Both g.l.c.-mass spectrometry and 1H n.m.r . were used to definitively demonstrate the presence of a 1,2-hydride-shift during the microbiological hydroxylation of {2,2',3,3',5,5',6,6'-2H}biphenyl.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1981 Apr, 19(4), 508 - 12
Comparison of five methods for the assay of serum gentamicin; Ratcliff RM et al.; The microbiological bioassay, the adenylation method, and the radiometric, enzyme, and fluorescent immunoassay methods for assaying serum gentamicin were compared . The precision, reproducibility, and specificity of each method was assessed and proved satisfactory, with the exception of the radioimmunoassay, which gave artificially high results . Good correlations between the other four methods was obtained in a comparison involving 103 patient sera . The other aspects of performance were also compared, namely, simplicity, speed, cost, ease of automation, and application to large and small workloads . The enzyme immunoassay performed best in this comparison, being accurate, specific, rapid, and very simple to perform . However, other laboratories might find that workload, staffing, and available equipment make other methods more attractive.

J Infect Dis, 1981 Apr, 143(4), 578 - 84
Evaluation of commercially available diagnostic test kits for rubella; Castellano GA et al.; Three standard hemagglutination-inhibition (HAI) methods were compared with 11 commercially available diagnostic test kits for determination of immunity and serologic diagnosis of rubella using a panel of 100 sera . The three standard HAI methods involved removal of serum inhibitors with kaolin, heparin-MnCl2, or dextran sulfate-CaCl2 . The HAI kaolin (Flow Laboratories, McLean, Virginia) and Rubelisa (Microbiological Associates Bioproducts, Walkersville, Maryland) kits gave the best specificity as judged by the absence of false-positive results . Rubacell (Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, Illinois), Rubindex (Ortho Diagnostics, Raritan, New Jersey), Fiax (International Diagnostic Technology, Santa Clara, California), and Rubesure (Calbiochem-Behring, La Jolla, California) gave the best sensitivity as judged by the absence of false-negative results . The kits with the highest degree of both specificity and sensitivity were HAI kaolin (Flow), HAI heparin-MnCl2 (Flow), Rubacell (Abbott), and Rubindex (Ortho) . In paired sera from five patients with clinical rubella, seroconversions were shown by seven of the kits . One of the kits, Cordia R (Cordis Laboratories, Miami, Florida), showed no significant rise in antibody titer with one pair of sera . Antibody titers in the same serum varied widely between the different kits.

J Clin Pathol, 1981 Apr, 34(4), 357 - 60
Comparison of serum vitamin B12 estimation by saturation analysis with intrinsic factor and with R-protein as binding agents; Zacharakis R et al.; It has been reported that serum vitamin B12 levels assayed by saturation analysis methods may give misleadingly high results, so much so that the diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency may be obscured . This defect was ascribed largely to assays using a vitamin B12 binder other than pure intrinsic factor . To test out this hypothesis two assays were set up, one using saliva (non-intrinsic factor R-binder) and the other using human gastric (intrinsic factor) as B12-binding agents . Both assays were able to differentiate sera from patients with pernicious anaemia from those from control subjects . Published results accumulated over the past 10 years indicate that properly designed and performed saturation analysis vitamin B12 assays are as reliable as microbiological assay methods for detecting low serum B12 levels . The failure of some methods to do does not appear to be due to the nature of the B12-binding agent.

Clin Nephrol, 1981 Apr, 15(4), 175 - 80
Gentamicin and ticarcillin in subjects with end-stage renal disease . Comparison of two assay methods and evaluation of inactivation rate; Russo ME et al.; Eight subjects with end-stage renal disease were given gentamicin alone (single dose) and in combination with ticarcillin (multiple doses) to determine to what extent ticarcillin inactivates gentamicin in vivo and when this inactivation becomes significant . Gentamicin serum concentrations were performed by both a rapid radioimmunoassay (1 1/2 hours) and a conventional bioassay (8 hours) to determine whether the bioassay results would be falsely lowered by ticarcillin . The results of the study showed that ticarcillin inactivates gentamicin in vivo with an inactivation rate of 0.01 hours(-1) . This was demonstrated by a decrease in serum gentamicin levels which became significant at 12 hours after gentamicin was given, and a decrease in gentamicin half-life from 46 to 28 hours during ticarcillin administration . Ticarcillin did not interfere with the bioassay method of measuring gentamicin levels . Although ticarcillin inactivates gentamicin in subjects with end-stage renal disease, the serum level data of gentamicin suggest that supplemental doses of the aminoglycoside are not necessary for 48 hours after a single loading dose of gentamicin . Widely used microbiological assay procedures are reliable in determining gentamicin levels and do not appear to be falsely lowered by concurrent ticarcillin administration.

Sci Total Environ, 1981 Apr, 18, 205 - 17
Report of the NATO/CCMS drinking water pilot study on health aspects of drinking water contaminants; Borzelleca JF; Various methods of disinfection are being successfully used to control water borne diseases due to biological contaminants in water (viruses, bacteria, protozoa) . These methods of chemical control are adding chemical contaminants to the drinking water . For example, trihalomethanes may be formed by the interaction of chlorine with humic and/or fulvic acids . In addition, chemical contaminants may arise from natural, agricultural, industrial or distributional sources . Acute or chronic exposures to these chemicals may result in adverse health effects that are immediate or delayed, reversible or irreversible . Since these contaminants rarely occur singly, chemical interactions (additives, synergistic, antagonistic) must be considered . The nature of the adverse health effects can usually be determined from properly designed and executed animal experiments and/or human epidemiological studies . Potentially toxic agents may also be identified by the use of short term or in vitro tests . Other methods of identification of potentially toxic agents include chemical similarity with known toxicants . Attempts should be made to reduce the number of potentially toxic chemical contaminants but the microbiological quality of drinking water must not be compromised.

J Nutr, 1981 Apr, 111(4), 610 - 7
Effects of vitamin B-6 deficiency during lactation on the vitamin B-6 content of milk, liver and muscle of rats; Felice JH et al.; Effects of a dietary deficiency of vitamin B-6 imposed during the lactation period on the level of this vitamin in milk, liver and muscle were assessed in rats . A control diet (vitamin B-6 free basal diet supplemented with 10 mg pyridoxine . HCl/kg) was fed to all rats just before and during the gestation period . On day 1 of lactation, dams were randomly assigned to three dietary treatment groups: deficient (vitamin B-6 free basal diet), control or restricted control (control diet restricted in quantity to that consumed by the deficient group) . Levels of total vitamin B-6 in milk, liver and muscle were determined by microbiological assay on days 1, 6, 16 and 21 of lactation . On day 6, the concentration of vitamin B-6 in milk of deficient dams was less than 20% of control or restricted control values . The low level of vitamin B-6 in milk of the deficient group continued to be evident on days 16 and 21 whereas in control and restricted control groups the vitamin content increased on days 16 and 21 compared to the values on day 6 . In contrast to the low level of vitamin B-6 content observed in milk on day 6 in the deficient group, the vitamin content in liver of this group was approximately 75% of control or restricted control values, and the vitamin content in muscle was not significantly altered by the deficiency . Hence, milk was effected sooner by the deficiency and was an earlier indicator of impending vitamin B-6 deficiency than was liver or muscle tissues.

Arch Sci Med (Torino), 1981 Apr-Jun, 138(2), 209 - 42
{Aerobic bacterial flora in cutaneous lesions and in venous catheters of severely burned patients}; Angela GC et al.; Bearing in mind the complexity of the topic and its variability owing to the progress made in antibiotic management, and the development of many concepts concerning the pathogenesis and biochemistry of major burns, the already massive literature is supplemented by the addition of relatively recent data to enable comparisons to be made with regard to the quality and frequency of isolation of the bacterial flora observed in such patients, and above all their sensitivity to currently employed antibiotics . The investigation was conducted on patients admitted to the Turin CTO Major Burns Centre between 1972 and 1977 . Initially (1972-1975), a microbiological examination was made of purulent secretions from wounds . Subsequently, management was prevalently directed to the early excision of injured surfaces, and attention was therefore directed to the indwelling venous catheters used in treatment and parenteral alimentation . In cases examined in parallel, moreover, there was often a substantial similarity between wound and catheter flora, and when only one species was present in the wounds, the catheter was often sterile . Furthermore, numerous data were collected from antibiograms relating to the most frequently encountered micro-organisms . These usually displayed wide resistance spectra, especially with respect to the most commonly used of historically oldest antibiotics, whereas their resistance to those recently introduced was generally lower . The question of provenance (from the patient himself, the hospital or its medical and paramedical staff) is also examined . Reference is made to a point that has recently become important in the treatment of burns, namely the ascertainment of the degree of contamination not only on the surface, but also in the immediate sub-surface of the lesions, so as to permit a suitable excision of the eschar and skin transplantation . When a sufficient number of findings exist to support this new concept, it will certainly give rise to further studies and research aimed at bringing new, important data to this so rich and multiform topic.

J Clin Pathol, 1981 Apr, 34(4), 351 - 6
Use of an improved E . coli method for the measurement of cobalamin in serum: comparison with the E . gracilis assay results; Sourial NA; Owing to the higher serum cobalamin results that are obtained by R-binder radioisotopic dilution assay compared to microbiological assays (E . gracilis and L . leichmannii) it was suggested that serum contained a cobamide(s) that could not be detected by the more specific microbiological assays and that a much less specific test organism, which responds to most naturally occurring cobamides, such as the cobamide-dependent E . coli mutant, might respond to these cobamide(s) in serum . In an attempt to investigate this possibility an improved and simplified E . coli assay for the measurement of cobamide in serum was developed . The method is described, and the results obtained in normal subjects, in patients with megaloblastic anemia, and in anaemic pregnant women not suffering from megaloblastic anaemia are reported and compared with E . gracilis assay results.

Am J Surg, 1981 Apr, 141(4), 460 - 4
Application of polyethylene glycol turbidity assay to detection of circulating immune complexes in cancer patients; Rayner AA et al.; A rapid, reproducible immune complex screening assay was used to quantitate levels of circulating immune complexes in the sera of normal subjects, patients with documented increases in immune complexes from rheumatoid arthritis, patients with clinically or microbiologically documented infections, and patients with cancer . Although wide variations in individual values within the groups were noted and the concurrent elevation of polyethylene glycol-circulating immune complex levels by infection was documented as expected, significant differences were found in the values in patients with cancer compared with those in normal subjects . The overall clinical application of polyethylene glycol-circulating immune complex screening is discussed and current application of screening of serial sera samples from individual patients for correlation with measurable tumor volume is proposed.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1981 Apr 1, 178(7), 700 - 3
Abortion and death in goats inoculated with Sarcocystis sporocysts from coyote feces; Dubey JP; Ten 75- to 105-day-pregnant does each were inoculated orally within 1 million (2 does), 10,000 (4 does), or 1,000 (4 does) sporocysts of Sarcocystis from coyote feces . Two does not inoculated with sporocysts served as controls . The 2 does inoculated with 1 million sporocysts died from acute sarcocystosis 21 and 22 days after inoculation (DAI), and each had 2 dead fetuses . The 4 does inoculated with 10,000 sporocysts were ill 19 to 33 DAI but survived; 1 aborted at 33 DAI, 1 had a live kid that died within 2 hours of birth 31 DAI, 1 aborted 2 dead fetuses 23 DAI, and 1 had a normal kid 56 DAI . The 4 does inoculated with 1,000 sporocysts and the 2 control does remained clinically normal and had normal kids . Does and their offspring were killed within 24 hours of parturition, and their tissues were examined histologically and microbiologically . Meronts of Sarcocystis were found in the maternal placenta of does inoculated with 1 million sporocysts . Sarcocystis was not found in the placenta, fetuses, or tissues of kids from does inoculated with 10,000 or 1,000 sporocysts, or from control does . Other abortifacient agents were not found in the placenta, fetuses, or kids from any does.

Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper, 1981 Mar 30, 57(6), 614 - 20
{Application of the biotic index and the diversity index to the study of macro-benthons in a river}; Castagna A et al.; Using the Biotic Index and the Diversity Index the results are analysed of a study of the macrobenthic community sampled in the course of one year at three stations along he lowest-lying stretch of the River Simeto . The results obtained from applying the two different indices are not in perfect agreement one with the other . Whereas with the Biotic Index one could be led to consider the fluvial environment situation a good one, the Diversity Index shows the environment to be partially compromised by organic substances . On the basis of results of chemico-physico-microbiological analyses as well as data concerning the nutritive habits of the species found, we conclude that the Diversity Index is a more suitable instrument for measuring the biological reality of the Simeto.

Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1981 Feb 7, 111(6), 190 - 1
{Oral ketoconazole therapy of a case of pulmonary histoplasmosis}; Zellweger JP; A 46-year-old man with recurrent pulmonary histoplasmosis was given oral treatment with ketoconazole (a new imidazole derivative related to miconazole) in a dose of 400 mg/day for 3 months, followed by 200 mg daily for 6 months . The clinical and microbiological signs disappeared and the chest X-ray cleared . The drug was well tolerated without clinical or biological side-effects . The pharmacology of ketoconazole, its indications and the results of treatment of other deep mycoses are discussed . Unlike amphotericin B, ketoconazole can be administered orally without noticeable toxicity and appears to have approximately the same fungicidal activity.

Br J Vener Dis, 1981 Feb, 57(1), 36 - 40
Microbiological, serological, and histopathological features of experimental Chlamydia trachomatis urethritis in chimpanzees; Taylor-Robinson D et al.; A laboratory-passaged genital strain of Chlamydia trachomatis and two unpassaged genital strains from patients with nongonococcal urethritis were inoculated intraurethrally into three young male chimpanzees . Chlamydia were recovered from the urethra of two animals and specific antibody responses were detected in all of them . Furthermore, a urethral polymorphonuclear leucocyte response, but not an overt discharge, occurred in all the chimpanzees about 1-2 weeks after inoculation . None of these events occurred in a chimpanzee inoculated with medium only . At necropsy three months after inoculation the submucosa of the urethra of one chimpanzee was densely infiltrated with small round cells . This suggests that a similar chronic lymphocytic response may occur in human chlamydial infection of the urethra.

Aust J Ophthalmol, 1981 Feb, 9(1), 27 - 32
Vitrectomy in the management of endophthalmitis; Hadden OB; Four cases of endophthalmitis were managed with pars plana vitrectomy and intravitreal antibiotics . All four cases made a good structural recovery, but the only cases which regained good vision were the two which had vitrectomy within three days of the first signs of endophthalmitis . The vitreous aspirate in all four cases showed polymorphonuclear leukocytes, but in only one case were organisms cultured . Vitrectomy is a means of removing the bulk of the infected material, of allowing dispersion of intra-ocular antibiotic, of removing membranes which may lead to later traction detachment of the ciliary body or retina, and of clearing the visual pathway . Microbiological diagnosis is best made by culture of vitreous aspirate . Retinal function is affected early in the course of the inflammatory process . Vitrectomy is recommended as the emergency primary treatment of acute endophthalmitis.

Arch Microbiol, 1981 Feb, 128(4), 355 - 9
Evaluation of kappa carrageenan as a substitute for agar in microbiological media; Abbott IA et al.; Seventy-one samples of the colloid kappa-carrageenan extracted from 12 seaweed species were subjected to a number of standard physical demands of solid bacteriological culture media . All samples had a lower melting temperature (less than 67 degrees C) than agar and a gelling (setting) temperature between l6 degrees C and 51 degrees C, some the same and others lower or higher than agar . Temperature spreads were narrow (ca 10 degrees C) to broad (ca 30 degrees C), depending on the seaweed source, but none were as broad as that of agar (ca 40 degrees C) . The majority of commercially prepared samples held a slant when incubated at 37 degrees C, but California seaweed colloids were best at 28 degrees C in this test . The majority of samples released little to no water of syneresis in slant tests as well as in plates . Some plates prepared with the colloid were crystal clear as compared to agar plates . All test microorganisms grew as well on kappa-carrageenan media s on agar media . Some media responses could be attributable to the seaweed species, but others could be traced to chemical extraction methods and modification of the colloid.

Steroids, 1981 Feb, 37(2), 177 - 94
Synthesis of 16 alpha-3H androgen and estrogen substrates for 16 alpha-hydroxylase; Cantineau R et al.; The synthesis of 16 alpha-3H androgens and estrogens is described . 1-(3H)-Acetic acid in the presence of zinc dust reacts with 16 alpha-bromo-17-ketosteroids to produce 16 alpha-3H-17-ketosteroids . This chemical reaction was used to prepare 16 alpha-3H-dehydroepiandrosterone (I) and 16 alpha-3H-estrone acetate (XI) from 16 alpha-bromo-dehydroepiandrosterone (X) and from 16 alpha-bromo-estrone acetate (XII), respectively . Using appropriate microbiological techniques, it was possible to convert these radiolabelled substrates into 16 alpha-3H-androstenedione (II) and 16 alpha-3H-estradiol-17 beta (VII) . 16 alpha-3H-Estrone (VI) was obtained by the chemical hydrolysis of 16 alpha-3H-estrone acetate . The label distribution as determined by microbiological 16 alpha-hydroxylations indicated a specific labelling of 77% for androgens and 65% for estrogens in the 16 alpha position . These substrates can be used for measuring the 16 alpha hydroxylase activity, an important step in the biosynthesis of estriol (VIII) and estetrol (IX).

Clin Chem, 1981 Feb, 27(2), 249 - 52
Double-antibody fluorescence immunoassay of tobramycin; Karnes HT et al.; This heterogeneous assay for tobramycin involves fluorescein-labeled tobramycin, which competes with native unlabeled tobramycin for anti-tobramycin binding sites . Bound and free labeled antigen are separated by precipitation with a second antibody . Fluorescence intensity of the resuspended precipitate is inversely proportional to native tobramycin concentration . Background interference was consistently about 10% of the total fluorescence precipitated . Assay sensitivity was sufficient to detect nanogram quantities of tobramycin per assay tube . Correlation coefficients (r) were 0.96 and 0.98 for comparisons of this assay with a microbiological assay and a radioimmunoassay, respectively . Mean analytical recovery was 101% and the CV was less than 10% throughout the therapeutic range.

J Pharm Sci, 1981 Feb, 70(2), 186 - 9
Fluorometric determination of tetracyclines in small blood and tissue samples; van den Bogert C et al.; A reported fluorometric method to determine tetracycline in biological material was modified to determine low levels of the antibiotics when using only small amounts of starting material . The method is applicable to tissue distribution studies in small experimental animals and also can be used for serial determinations in blood samples of these animals and for biopsy material . The tetracyclines are extracted in the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and the phosphate precipitation steps are omitted . This omission makes the procedures considerably less time consuming . The recoveries of the tetracyclines, oxytetracycline and doxycycline, are approximately 80-100% . The values obtained by this method were consistent with those from microbiological assays, and its reliability was shown further in a comparison with the fate of radioactive tetracycline.

Clin Chem, 1981 Feb, 27(2), 263 - 7
Radioassay for cobalamin (vitamin B12) requiring no pretreatment of serum; Houts TM et al.; We describe a radioassay for cobalamin (vitamin B12) in human serum or plasma that requires no boiling or other pretreatment of the sample . Normal chicken serum covalently coupled to magnetizable particles is used as the binding agent . The assay is performed at pH 12.9, at which pH all cobalamin in human serum is released from its binding proteins, whereas the binding agent maintains a high affinity for cobalamin (Ka 1.7 x 10(10) L/mol) . Under these assay conditions the binding protein shows a specificity for cobalamin similar to that of purified intrinsic factor . The assay is simple, rapid, and precise, and results correlate well with those of the Euglena gracilis microbiological assay and an intrinsic-factor binding assay.

Med Pediatr Oncol, 1981, 9(1), 23 - 34
Protected environments in cancer chemotherapy: design and function of a large unit; Bodey GP et al.; The construction of a new hospital building permitted the design of a new protected environment unit . The design and operating procedures of this unit are described . Microbiological monitoring has been conducted using air sampling, floor sampling, and settling plates . Microbial contamination is substantially lower in the protected environment unit than in comparable locations elsewhere in the hospital.

Br J Ophthalmol, 1981 Jan, 65(1), 10 - 3
Lacrimal canaliculitis due to Arachnia (Actinomyces) propionica; Seal DV et al.; The clinical and microbiological findings in a chronic case of lacrimal canaliculitis due to Arachnia propionica are described . Bacterial culture and identification should be performed in the investigation of the disease in order to establish the role of A . propionica and other specific actinomycetes at the acute as well as at the chronic stage.

Acta Paediatr Acad Sci Hung, 1981, 22(4), 359 - 62
Rapid diagnosis of bacterial meningitis by counter-immunoelectrophoresis; Storm W; Counterimmunoelectrophoresis is described as a rapid and specific method for the early detection of causative organisms in bacterial meningitis . This technique was applied to CFS samples from 213 patients in whom neonatal septicaemia and/or meningitis or bacterial meningitis was suspected . Out of 14 patients with meningitis all but one bacterial organism could be detected by CIE, long before results of routine microbiological cultures were available . CIE was especially helpful in children treated with antibiotics prior to admission . Despite some shortcomings of the method, CIE is a useful diagnostic tool for the early determination of the aetiology of bacterial meningitis.

Natl Inst Anim Health Q (Tokyo), 1981 Winter, 21(4), 163 - 74
Occurrence of bovine dermatophilosis in the southernmost islands of Japan; Kinjo E et al.; Such cutaneous symptoms as characteristic incrustation and alopecia were noticed in 25 calves of the indigenous Japanese Black breed grazing on subtropical islands in Japan over a period of April, 1978 to February, 1980 . These islands were Ishigaki, Kuro, Yonaguni and Tarama belonging to the Sakishima Islands . Microbiological and pathological examination on three of these calves revealed that the calves were affected with dermatophilosis caused by Dermatophilus congolensis . The disease in these calves seemed to be the same as that reported previously in other countries, since it attacked young calves in a humid district with an abundant rainfall . It broke out first on Ishigaki Island and subsequently on the other islands in 3 years . Discussion was made on factors inducing these outbreaks.

Z Allg Mikrobiol, 1981, 21(7), 555 - 62
Microbiological implications of electric field effects . III . Stimulation of yeast protoplast fusion by electric field pulses; Weber H et al.; Prototrophic colonies could be selected on minimal medium after mixing of protoplasts from diauxotrophic mutants of the yeasts Saccharomycopsis lipolytica and/or Lodderomyces elongisporus and treatment with polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the presence of calcium chloride . This is the result of protoplast fusion and complementation of auxotrophic deficiencies . Under identical conditions an electric field pulse in the mus-range applied via an electric discharge to the protoplast-PEG mixture resulted in a drastic enhancement of the protoplast fusion rate . The presence of polyethylene glycol was demonstrated to be a prerequisite for fusion in this case, too . The frequency of hybrid formation detected a prototrophic colonies could be increased in the case of intraspecific fusion at initial electric field strengths between 2.5 and 5 kV . cm-1 . The application of an electric field pulse of proper strength and duration to a yeast protoplast suspension turned out to be a more effective tool in production of fusion products that conventional methods . Large numbers of parasexual hybrids for different selection programmes in yeast genetics and for industrial purpose may be delivered by this technique.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1981, 173(3-4), 197 - 203
{Microbial settlement of paint- and building-materials in the sphere of drinking-water . 6 . Communication: Experimental examination of chlorcaoutchouc paints under working conditions and in laboratory tests (author's transl)}; Schoenen D et al.; Five different chlorcaoutchouc coating materials were microbiologically tested . All materials showed a visible microbial growth on the surface . The amount of slime decreased with the increase of age of the coat of paint . After a period of 1 to 1 1/2 years no visible microbial growth could be observed . The decrease of microbial growth on the coat of paint is independent on having been in contact with water or air before . One can say that the main compound of the coating material does not itself produce the visible microbial growth, but additions like volatile compounds.

Z Erkr Atmungsorgane, 1981, 156(3), 246 - 54
{A computerized information system of bacillary tuberculosis in the Czech Socialist Republic (author's transl)}; Kubin M et al.; The automated information system for bacillary tuberculosis is based on the registration of all positive mycobacterial examinations in the 43 tuberculosis laboratories in CSR . Data on the patient, the health service reporting, the kind of the material examined, and the actual microbiological examination including the identification of species and sensibility to antituberculotics are surrendered to the computer by means of a punched card or tape . On the base of the entrance information all sources are collected in the computer the data input being checked in regard to accuracy of the parts and logical relationship to the various variables . All sources of information of the data bank, made actual concerning the mycobacterial examinations are available to the programme . Another programme is supplementing the information on tests for identification and antituberculotic sensibility of the mycobacteria . With the aid of other programmes regular monthly summaries are done by the data bank for the cooperating laboratories and the specialists in the districts and countries . Finally another programme answers the evaluation of the annual reports of the mycobacterial investigations and reports on the epidemiological data of the diseased persons . In 1977 13,909 notifications of tuberculosis findings were analysed, coming from 3,782 persons . This analysis made evident the following conclusions reflecting the recent situation of mycobacteriologic diagnostics and the significance of the tuberculosis problem in communities with a low tuberculosis prevalence: a) The prevalence of bacillary tuberculosis in CSR (37/100,000) is ranging in the various districts between 27 and 44/100,000 . The prevalence of persons with proof of mycobacteria already by smear amounts to 10/100,000 inhabitants . b) The highest portion of bacillary tuberculosis comes from persons with symptoms (45%), it amounts to 17% in persons with active tuberculosis already in dispensary care, to 15% in persons with fibrotic lesions and 14% in recidives . After a five year experience with the computerized information system of bacillary tuberculosis the authors recommended to centralize and to combine it with the central state tuberculosis register in order to utilize the data and evaluated in the level of the districts and countries as well for the management of the tuberculosis control programme in the level of the whole state.

Infect Immun, 1981 Jan, 31(1), 445 - 52
Pathogenicity of Spiroplasma sp . strain SMCA in Syrian hamsters: clinical, microbiological, and histological aspects; Kirchhoff H et al.; The intracerebral inoculation of newborn Syrian hamsters with pure cultures of Spiroplasma sp . strain SMCA caused severe, prolonged disease involving the central nervous system, culminating in death . The disease was characterized by spasms, muscular tremors, disturbances in motor control, inability to feed, dramatic loss of weight, and runting . The effect ws dose related, with the largest numbers of viable spiroplasmas producing the highest incidence of disease and death in the shortest period of time . Severe hemorrhaging developed throughout the brain, liver, and spleen, and spiroplasmas were readily recovered from these organs, indicating that the agent disseminated from the initial site of infection to distant host tissues . Newborn animals were susceptible, but adults were resistant; these findings are similar to those reported for newborn mice and rats . Unlike mice and rats, hamsters did not develop cataracts visible to the unaided eye . The histopathological features of eye disease in hamsters were different from those in rats and were characterized by microophthalmia (especially in runted hamsters) and abnormal proliferation, disorientation, and disorganization of corneal, lens, and retinal tissues . The significance of these findings is discussed.

Arzneimittelforschung, 1981, 31(8A), 1353 - 9
{Penetration and antifungal activity of ciclopiroxolamine in hornified tissue (author's transl)}; Dittmar W; A brief survey is given on microbiological methods commonly used in investigations on the penetration of effective amounts of antimycotics into the epidermis . By means of more recent and widely improved techniques, 6-cyclohexyl-1-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(1H)-pyridone, 2-aminoethanol salt (ciclopiroxolamine, Batrafen) when applied in a sufficient amount--was shown to penetrate (enter) to an exceptional extent both average and very thick horny layers of skin as well as compact horny material.

Arzneimittelforschung, 1981, 31(8A), 1317 - 22
{Microbiological laboratory studies with ciclopiroxolamine (author's transl)}; Dittmar W et al.; A survey is given on the microbiological laboratory results obtained up to date with 6-cyclohexyl-1-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(1H)-pyridone, 2-aminoethanol salt (ciclopiroxolamine, Cic, Hoe 296, Batrafen) . The activity spectrum of the drug on fungi, bacteria and other organisms is described . Various properties by which Cic differs from commercial antimycotics are mentioned . They concern the great uniformity of MICs in pathogenic fungi, their consistency under various test conditions, the importance of the nutrient medium for the level of in vitro activity, and the steepness of dose-response curves . In addition, previously described properties of Cic are summarized, including findings on its mode of action in fungi, its effect in model mycoses, and its high efficacy in hornified skin types . The relevance of laboratory findings for therapy is discussed.

Zentralbl Gynakol, 1981, 103(13), 732 - 9
{Use of metronidazole in treatment of postoperative obstetric infections (author's transl)}; Amon K et al.; Thirteen patients with abscess of the abdominal wall, including one case of endomyometritis following caesarean section, received metronidazole treatment (Vagimid), on the first two days of therapeutic action . The dosage was 500 mg twice per days, some of the applications combined with antibiotics . Proper healing was achieved in the majority of the cases . Clinical symptoms improved very soon, and hospitalisation could be shortened . Metronidazole was well tolerated . Microbiological tests were undertaken, and gas chromatography was used to establish from pus anaerobic metabolic products.

Acta Vitaminol Enzymol, 1981, 3(4), 205 - 13
{Methods of determination of vitamin B 12}; Scandurra R et al.; A brief review on the methods for vitamin B12 determination is presented . The most appropriate utilization of each method based on its sensitivity, on the availability of the sample and on practical difficulties has been indicated . The methods have been divided into: a) physico-chemical methods, where the vitamin is identified spectrophotometrically; b) microbiological methods, where the vitamin is determined quantitatively by means of the growth of cobalamine dependent bacterial strains; c) kinetic methods, based on the different rate of conversion of the different cobalamines into dicyanocobalamine in the presence of an alkaline solution of cyanide; d) enzymatic methods, where activation of apodioldehydrase is used for the quantitative determination of adenosylcobalamine; e) chromatographic methods, where the separation of the cobalamines is obtained by chromatography and the quantitative determination is obtained by means of the growth of cobalamine-dependent bacterial strains (bioautography); f) radioisotopic methods where total cobalamines are determined quantitatively by measuring radioactivity after addition of (57Co)-CNCbl and a specific binder.

Proc Eur Dial Transplant Assoc, 1981, 18, 275 - 9
Prophylaxis of peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) by a simple microbiological patient self-check; Zaruba K et al.; For prophylaxis of peritonitis a simple microbiological patient self-check method was developed . By regular twice daily cultivation of dialysate drainage in a tube with nutrient medium (= Dialysate-Digest Medium-tube method) a latent peritoneal infection can be detected before the symptoms of peritonitis appear . The outbreak of peritonitis can then be prevented by early antibiotic treatment . After the dialysate digest medium-tube method was introduced in our CAPD programme the incidence of peritonitis was reduced from 5.6 to 0.5 episodes per patient year.

Acta Vitaminol Enzymol, 1981, 3(1), 27 - 30
The usefulness of radioisotopic dilution assay in a population with high serum vitamin B12 concentration; Osifo BO et al.; This report describes the results of a vitamin B12 study among ninety normal healthy school children using commercial radioisotopic dilution assay kits . Values obtained in this study are higher than those obtained in previous study by the microbiological assay using L . leichmannii as the test organism . These high values render the commercial kit unsuitable in its present form in the diagnostic process of liver and related diseases where serum vitamin B12 are significantly elevated . Some dilution of the serum will be essential if the commercial kits are to prove useful among populations with normal high vitamin B12 concentrations.

Z Allg Mikrobiol, 1981, 21(3), 225 - 33
Microbiological implications of electric field effects . II . Inactivation of yeast cells and repair of their cell envelope; Jacob HE et al.; The inactivation of yeast cells in different growth phases by an electric field pulse was investigated . Cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the logarithmic growth phase were found to be much more sensitive with respect to an electric discharge than those in the stationary phase . The influence of the electric field pulse characteristics on the inactivation as well as possible secondary effects were studied . The polyene antibiotic perhydrohexafungin (PHF) is used as a tool to sense defects in the yeast cell envelope brought about by electric field action . The repair kinetics of these defects was followed after the impulse . At least two repair stages can be distinguished, a fast one in the second range and a slower one which takes place after plating the cells on a nutrient medium . The obtained results are discussed in connection with current theories of reversible dielectric breakdown in biological membrane systems.

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 1981, 14(3), 231 - 94
Heat transfer and temperature of foods during processing; Holmes ZA et al.; Safety and economics concerns have accentuated an interest in energy input and consumption in the foods industry . This review article focuses on reported temperatures and temperature histories in food preparation and processing . To assist in interpreting reported data, a basic understanding of heat transfer parameters used is given . The relationships between temperature and time histories and quality effects of physical and chemical changes in foods, the production of new compounds with possible health effects, and microbiological safety are summarized . Several areas of needed research are identified.

Biopharm Drug Dispos, 1981 Jan-Mar, 2(1), 69 - 77
The concentrations of cephalosporins in tissue fluid of rats with localized infection; Polacek I; Rats implanted with multiperforated subcutaneous plastic capsules were used as a model for study of the penetration of four cephalosporins into sites infected with Escherichia coli . The concentrations of the antibiotics were determined in uninfected and infected cages microbiologically up to 4 h after treatment . All four cephalosporins entered infected capsules faster than the control ones and the peak concentrations were attained 30-60 min earlier . The clearance of the antibiotics from infected capsules was faster than from uninfected ones, probably due to inactivation by microbial beta-lactamase(s) . Serum protein binding may account for differences in the penetration rate of cephalosporins, but serum level and serum half-time seem to contribute to their kinetic profile in tissue fluid.

Urologe A, 1981 Jan, 20(1), 25 - 30
{Infectious non-gonococcal urethritis in males (author's transl)}; Bredt W et al.; Infectious non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is a sexually transmitted disease of considerable importance . The etiologic agents are bacteria, to lesser extent yeasts, parasites (Trichomonas) or viruses . A considerable part of NGU is caused by bacterial groups with peculiar properties: Mycoplasmas, which lack a rigid cell wall, and chlamydiae, which are intracellular parasites . Because of the diversity of etiologic agents and qualified microbiological diagnosis is a prerequisite for a specific and successful therapy.

Z Allg Mikrobiol, 1981, 21(8), 587 - 90
Studies on microbial transformations . XVIII . Microbiological transformation of 1-alpha-santonin; Iida M et al.; The microbial transformation of a sesquiterpene lactone, 1-alpha-santonin was carried out by Streptomyces roseochromogenes NRRL-B-1233 . The product obtained from 1-alpha-santonin was purified using silica gel column chromatography with 1% acetone-benzene as the eluant . The molecular weight of the product was 248, estimated by mass spectroanalysis . The product was assigned the chemical structure of 1,2-dihydro-1-alpha santonin on the bases of 1H and 13C-NMR and mass spectroanalyses . Similar products were also obtained from other actinomycetes . The conversion of 1-alpha-santonin to 1,2-dihydro-1-alpha-santonin was 28% for Streptomyces roseochromogenes NRRL-B-1233, 14% for S . roseochromogenes ATCC 13400, 30.9% for S . aureofaciens KCC-S-0008, and 43.0% for S . aureofaciens KCC-S-0624, respectively.

Acta Vitaminol Enzymol, 1981, 3(2), 115 - 25
{Folate determination in serum for clinical use (author's transl)}; Marchetti M; Folate deficiency may be diagnosed in man by measuring serum folate activity using either a microbiological procedure with L . casei or a radioassay . The microbiological procedure tends to be time consuming and tedious, as compared with the radioassay; nevertheless it allows the accurate determination of each folate derivative that is normally present in serum . The comparison of serum folate levels obtained by the two methods shows an adequate correlation . However, it results from individual samples show that the values obtained by the radioassay are lower than the microbiological ones by 10-30% . The lower results in the radioisotope test may be caused by the presence of high levels of unsaturated endogenous protein binders in serum and/or by the difference in affinity of lactoglobulin - the binding protein used in the test - for folic acid (standard) and 5-methyl FH4 or 10-formil FH4 (serum).

Vet Med (Praha), 1981 Jan, 26(1), 1 - 5
{Microbiological evaluation of milk feed mixtures for calves}; Pawel O et al.; Hundred-and-two samples of four kinds of mild replacers for calves, produced in Czechoslovakia, were examined and evaluated . None of the studied pathogenic germs was detected in the samples . More than a half of the samples contained 1000 and 10000 mesophilous germs per 1 g . More than a third contained 1 to 1000 coliform germs per 1 g . On the basis of the results it is recommended--within microbiological requirements for the product--to propose that the maximum total number of microorganisms should be 100000 per 1 g of product.

Ther Drug Monit, 1981, 3(3), 291 - 5
Measurement of serum and tissue concentration of moxalactam using high pressure liquid chromatography; Diven WF et al.; We describe a sensitive high pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) procedure for the analysis of the new beta-lactam antibiotic moxalactam . Conditions are described for either measurement of total drug concentration or the concentration of the individual isomers . The proteins in a 1.0 ml plasma sample are denatured with isopropyl alcohol which is then extracted into a chloroform reagent, leaving the drug in the aqueous phase . An aliquot is then injected into a mu-bondapak phenyl column . A similar extraction procedure was employed for tissue homogenates . Linear regression analysis and comparison of the HPLC assay with the microbiological assay gave a correlation coefficient of 0.97 . Analysis of tissue samples indicated that significant concentrations of moxalactam were obtained at the site of infection.

J Int Med Res, 1981, 9(5), 353 - 9
Piperacillin Sodium (a phase III clinical trial); Macbeth WA; Twenty-one patients with a variety of clinical infections were treated with Piperacillin Sodium intravenously . One case was considered to be a therapeutic failure . Two further cases were incapable of scientific assessment with respect to their response as no satisfactory pathogen could be identified in spite of a significant febrile illness . In all the other patients in the study a good clinical response was deemed to have been achieved . In nine of these patients, a microbiological cure was also achieved . In the remainder, because of the nature of their clinical problem, no final microbiological sample was available for culture due to the absence of any infective material . Only one adverse incident was encountered (a thrombo-phlebitis, in relation to the intravenous avenue of administration.

Acta Med Scand, 1981, 209(1-2), 115 - 20
Acute encephalitis . A survey of epidemiological, clinical and microbiological features covering a twelve-year period; Koskiniemi M et al.; The 191 adult patients with acute encephalitis who attended the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Helsinki, during the 12-year period 1967-78, were analyzed for epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological features . Young healthy adults of either sex under 30 years of age were the most susceptible . The duration of symptoms varied from some hours to more than one month (less than or equal to 5 days in half of the patients) . Prodromal symptoms were observed in 37.7%, meningeal signs or symptoms in 93.2%, features indicating brain involvement in 84.3% and clear effects on consciousness in 27.7% of the patients . Half (50.8%) recovered, while 43 (22.5%) were left with at least moderate disability after the acute phase . Twelve patients (6.3%) died . Lower socioeconomic status and age over 35 years were associated with increased mortality . The 10 patients with proven or presumptive herpes simplex virus (HSV) etiology had a mortality of 40% and only one recovered satisfactorily . There were 14 further cases suggestive of HSV . Mumps, Coxsackie B, adeno, and measles were the most frequent identifiable causes after HSV . Other etiological factors, including bacteria, appeared occasionally . The etiology remained obscure in 58.6% of the cases.

Acta Microbiol Pol, 1981, 30(3), 247 - 53
Studies on sulfite reduction by Desulfovibrio vulgaris; Domka F et al.; Dissimilatory reduction of sulfites by Desulfovibrio vulgaris was investigated . Medium with alpha-glycerophosphate as a source of organic carbon and phosphorus was applied . It was found that sulfite at the concentration up to 1M Na2SO3 is not toxic for D . vulgaris and acts efficiently as an electron acceptor . Basing on the presented results, a general mechanism of microbiological transformation of sulfites is proposed.

Acta Microbiol Pol, 1981, 30(2), 165 - 71
Synthetic hydrocarbons obtained by means of coal processing as a raw material for the microbiological industry . III . Assimilation of individual hydrocarbons from kogasin by selected yeast strains of the genus Candida; Wojtatowicz M et al.; The dynamics of the utilization of hydrocarbons from a synthetic mixture used as sole carbon and energy source in medium during the growth of two strains of yeast, Candida scottii A-31 and Candida rugosa A-7, was studied . The yeasts grew in a mineral medium with 2% of hydrocarbons, on a shaker, for 72 hours . During this time almost complete utilization of n-paraffins in the medium was observed and the biomass increments were 11.2 and 12.64 g of dry wt./l, respectively . The examined strains did not utilize iso-paraffins but were found to metabolize n-paraffins at various rates.

J Dairy Sci, 1981 Jan, 64(1), 52 - 61
Influence of administered indigenous microorganisms on uptake of {iodine-125} gamma-globulin in vivo by intestinal segments of neonatal calves; James RE et al.; Ten calves less than 14 h of age (average 8.6 h) were anaesthetized, and the intestine was ligated into segments 10 cm in length at 3-cm intervals beginning 1.8 m anterior of the ileocecal junction and proceeding proximally . Seven treatments were assigned in random order to segments in three successive sections of the small intestine . Segments received 1 ml of viable bacteria of intestinal origin, autoclaved bacteria of intestinal origin, or sterile microbiological broth at zero time; then after 4 h they were injected with iodine-125 labeled gamma-globulin . After an additional 1.5 h, the experiment was ended and uptake assayed . Two treatments measured anaerobic microbial growth after 4 h incubation with 1 ml of either sterile broth or live bacteria culture . Residual {iodine-125} gamma-globulin was measured in segments receiving 1 ml of sterile broth or live bacteria culture with 5.5-h incubation followed by 15-s exposure to labeled gamma-globulin . Uptake was lowest in segments receiving live bacteria as compared to segments receiving sterile inocula . Number of bacteria per gram of tissue was correlated negatively with uptake . Low corticosteroids in serum were associated with low uptake of gamma-globulin.

J Neurol, 1981, 225(1), 73 - 6
Cerebral disseminated coagulation . An encephalitis-like syndrome in a boy with dissecting aortic aneurysm; Hens L et al.; A boy was suspected of having meningoencephalitis probably of viral origin, although all microbiological, including virological, tests were negative . Postmortem examination revealed a dissecting aortic aneurysm and disseminated intravascular coagulation involving the central nervous system exclusively . The clinical evolution, the age of the patient, and the association of DAA with this cerebral disseminated coagulation is very unusual.

Aktuelle Probl Chir Orthop, 1981, 19, 71 - 6
Antibiotic prophylaxis in general surgery: a comparison of single-dose intravenous and single-dose intra-incisional cephaloridine; Pollock AV; Four hundred and five consecutive patients undergoing emergency or elective abdominal operations were randomly allocated to receive prophylaxis against wound sepsis by means of a single dose of 1 g cephaloridine either injected intravenously at the start of, or instilled into the incision at the end of, operations . Ten patients died within two weeks without wound sepsis and in the remaining 395 patients there were no significant differences between the two groups in the rates of major (3.5% and 2.1%) or minor (12.4% and 15.5%) wound sepsis . Nutrient broth culture of visceral and parietal swabs during operations enabled a microbiological classification of abdominal operations to be made, the rates of wound sepsis being significantly different among "clean" (1.0%), "potentially contaminated" (8.1%), "lightly contaminated" (19.4%) and "heavily contaminated" (44.6%) operations . This classification by extent of operative contamination makes it possible to standardize the audit of sepsis rates both among surgeons and among hospitals.

Lancet, 1980 Dec 6, 2(8206), 1217 - 21
Infection with Mycoplasma hominis in postpartum fever; Platt R et al.; A follow-up of 535 patients after vaginal delivery showed that 9% had a fever of 37.7 degrees C or greater, and 2% had a fever of 38 degrees C or more, on two days . The commonest cause of both categories of fever was Mycoplasma hominis infection as defined by a fourfold or greater rise in mycoplasmacidal antibody titre . Among women for whom sera were available this agent caused 50% (14/28) of all fevers and 71% (5/7) of the higher fevers . Absence or low titre (< 1:8) of antibody against M . hominis was the strongest single predictor of otherwise unexplained fever (16/40 patients with low antibody titre were febrile vs 7/50 with high antibody titre, p < 0.01) . Among women with absent or low antibody titres, both rise in titre of antibody to this organism and lochial colonisation by it were significantly associated with fever (p < 0.001, p < 0.025, respectively) . Standard microbiological and clinical techniques identified probable causes in only 18% (5/28) of all fevers and 29% (2/7) of higher fevers . Patients who had postpartum infection caused by M . hominis remained in hospital 31% longer than the non-infected patients (4.57 vs 3.49 days, p < 0.001) . Low antibody to and lochial colonisation with M . hominis occurred together in 17% of patients, who accounted for 71% of all higher fevers . Since these risk factors for postpartum fever can be identified before delivery, prophylactic measures applied selectively to women with these risk factors may prevent a large proportion of postpartum fevers and the excess hospital stay associated with them.

Am Ind Hyg Assoc J, 1980 Dec, 41(12), 908 - 14
Physical/chemical and microbiological analyses of dusts at a resource recover plant; Duckett EJ et al.; Airborne dusts at a resource recovery pilot plant were sampled and analyzed to determine physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics . The sampling device was a multi-stage impactor equipped with a pre-collector . Dusts are primarily fibrous organic materials, predominantly of nonrespirable size . Microbiological aerosol concentrations are reported and discussed.

Quad Sclavo Diagn, 1980 Dec, 15(4), 1033 - 60
{Microbiological dosage of the antitumoral drugs (author's transl)}; Nardi B et al.; The AA . give a complete list of now available microbiological methods to titrate chemo-cytostatic drugs in organic fluids . The described techniques are of particular interest for many reasons: they are easy, inexpensive and rapid; they are reproducible, very sensible and specific . The latter quality privileges the microbiological test in comparison with RIA methods . The introduction into clinical practice of chemotherapy routine monitoring will improve the handling of so active drugs as cytostatics and, toward a more rational treatment of the patients and a better definition of individual minimum active doses.

Acta Anaesthesiol Scand, 1980 Dec, 24(6), 487 - 90
Do moisture exchangers prevent patient contamination of ventilators? A microbiological study comparing two different humidifying devices; Stange K et al.; Fifteen tracheostomized and mechanically ventilated patients in an intensive care unit for surgical patients were studied . Two types of humidifiers were used: the Cascade humidifier and the Servo humidifier . Results from bacteriological cultures of the tracheal exudates, the expiratory and inspiratory ports of the ventilator, and various parts of the Servo humidifier are presented . There was a high incidence of colonization of the trachea of the patients . When the Cascade humidifier was used, a low rate of contamination in the expiratory and inspiratory ports of the ventilator was found, while no such contamination could be demonstrated with the Servo humidifier . There was a great difference in the colonization rate of the three different parts of the Servo humidifier . The part first exposed to the gas from the patient was frequently contaminated whereas the part towards the ventilator was not contaminated et all.

Eur J Pediatr, 1980 Dec, 135(2), 175 - 80
Protracted diarrhoea: secondary monosaccharide malabsorption and zinc deficiency with cutaneous manifestations during total parenteral nutrition; Stern M et al.; Protracted diarrhoea in early infancy gives rise to many diagnostic and therapeutic problems . Jejunal biopsy often reveals villous atrophy of varying degrees . Severe reduction of small intestinal absorptive area causes secondary monosaccharide malabsorption, as well as secondary disaccharide deficiency, consequences which are relevant in any attempts at oral feeding . Morphologic, metabolic, endocrinological and microbiological studies have to be undertaken in order to establish a definitive diagnosis in protracted diarrhoea, but these studies often fail to reveal the aetiology of the disease . Immunologic abnormalities like phagocyte dysfunction, thymic atrophy and hypoplasia of B-cell regions in lymph nodes might be secondary events, but some types of immunodeficiency are of primary importance in the development of protracted diarrhoea . Total parenteral nutrition in many cases has to be instituted, with all its implications and hazards: septicaemia is the most dangerous of these . Zinc deficiency and acrodermatitis enteropathica may occur during total parenteral nutrition, and zinc deficiency secondarily contributes to the symptoms of diarrhoea . Parenteral administration of zinc is able to overcome these effects.

Boll Ist Sieroter Milan, 1980 Nov 30, 59(5), 430 - 6
{Microbiological diagnosis of tetanus and serological verification of the immunological status . Serological monitoring in the course of therapy and prophylaxis}; Pitzurra M et al.; The tests for tetanus aetiological diagnosis are briefly surveyed: with particular attention to Passive Haemagglutination on Turkey Red Blood Cells (P.H./T.R.B.C.), for the assessment of antitoxin serum level . The P.H./T.R.B.C . proves a valuable tool in different occasions: -in patients, to control the immunotherapy; -in subjects at risk, to apply a correct prophylaxis; -in the whole population, to verify the outcome of compulsory vaccination.

Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1980 Nov 15, 110(46), 1739 - 45
{Microbiological aspects of Legionnaires' disease}; Krech U et al.; Legionella pneumophila was isolated in 1947 but its etiological role was only recognized after the Philadelphia outbreak in 1976 . Since then, infections with Legionella pneumophila in patients with so-called atypical pneumonia have been found in different parts of the world in sporadic cases and outbreaks affecting up to several hundred patients . The etiological agent is a bacterium which can be found in dust, mud and water . Transmission to the human most likely occurs through water-cooled air condition units or showers . Air conditioning in hotels, hospitals and offices may transmit the organism and lead to infection which, moreover, is more frequent during the warm season . The diagnosis is based on clinical data and the demonstration of specific antibodies . Isolation of the agent is technically difficult and up to now only approximately 3% of the cases have been confirmed by isolation of the agent . Evidence of Legionella pneumophila infection in Switzerland was obtained by testing stored blood samples from transplanted patients in 1970 . Sporadic cases were observed in the period 1977 to 1980 . Acute infection was considered in 141 patients on the basis of serological results . Approximately 3% of all pneumonias in 1979 were caused by Legionella pneumophila . Isolation of the etiological agent has been achieved in 3 patients only.

Lancet, 1980 Nov 15, 2(8203), 1072 - 4
Problems with the serum vitamin B12 assay; England JM et al.; Quality control trials have shown that, in routine practice, serum vitamin B12 estimations vary so much from laboratory to laboratory that serious confusion can result irrespective of whether microbiological or radioassay methods are used . Even experienced centres find the assay too insensitive and non-specific for a low level to be used as the sole criterion of vitamin B12 deficiency; the haemopoietic and biochemical sequelae of vitamin B12 deficiency also correlate poorly with the serum level . These basic difficulties with the assay seem to stem from the pattern of vitamin B12 (or cobalamin) binding in serum . Human beings are unique in having virtually all of their cobalamin attached to an apparently functionless binder, transcobalamin I . It is therefore not surprising that the serum cobalamin is such a poor predictor of cobalamin deficiency . The metabolically important serum binder is transcobalamin II and deficiency of this protein causes a potentially lethal megaloblastic anaemia even though the serum cobalamin level is normal . Tissue cobalamin depletion with normal serum levels also occurs after nitrous oxide inhalation and in certain inborn errors of metabolism.

J Pharm Sci, 1980 Nov, 69(11), 1271 - 3
Preparation, characterization, and stability of new prostaglandin E2 gel for local administration; Harris AS et al.; A new gel delivery system for the local application of prostaglandin E2 consists of drug incorporated in the matrix of a cross-linked starch polymer . The properties of the starch powder provide a stabilizing milieu for the labile prostaglandin E2 and, by addition of saline, a ready-to-use gel for immediate local administration . The gel offers advantages over existing preparations in terms of chemical and microbiological stability, homogeneity, and dosage safety . This report outlines the pharmaceutical aspects involved in the development of the delivery system.

Antibiotiki, 1980 Nov, 25(11), 803 - 7
{Ambiguous relationship between the rates of biomass growth and metabolic product biosynthesis under conditions of multifactorial limitation and inhibition}; Biriukov VV et al.; Theoretical analysis of the relationship between the rates of the biomass growth mu and biosynthesis of the metabolites q was performed, when the both kinetic characteristics depended not on one, but on two and more environmental factors . Apparently similar effects of the factors on the biomass growth and biosynthesis (limiting, inhibition or combined limiting-inhibition) at different values of the kinetic equation constants were studied . Examples of different character of the effects of one or both factors on the growth and biosynthesis are discussed . In all cases it was found that relationship q (mu) was uncertain . The relationship pattern was connected with the fact, by means of which the culture growth was controlled, while the absolute values of the kinetic characteristics depended on the value of the second unchangeable factor . When relationship q (mu) was obtained by means of correlation between the experimentally found values of q and mu at accidentally changed factors of the environment, the relationship form could be anyone and not connected with any regularities of the microbiological process . Setting up an equation for mathematical description of relationship q (mu) in such cases is not correct . The only exception is the process, in which biosynthesis is directly connected with the culture growth rate.

J Environ Pathol Toxicol, 1980 Nov, 4(5-6), 313 - 6
The future challenge for anatomic pathology; Stasney J; Review of the recent literature indicated, that the general interest in anatomic pathology is declining and the value of "routine" autopsies is debated, since they disclose merely different degrees of degenerative changes, without any explanation as to their possible causes . Today it is an accepted fact, that rapid changes in man's environment represents a serious health hazard . The acute cases of fulminating poisoning by different pollutants are well established, but the effects of insidiously deposited environmental agents in the body in microgram doses need to be investigated . The systematic study of the relationship between the deposited environmental materials during life and the tissue alterations would be a challenging role for anatomic pathology . To achieve this task, it will be necessary to re-tool the 19th century autopsy room where microbiological agents were recognized as the primary health hazard, to a 20th century laboratory with instruments capable of exact quantitation, which recognizes the microchemical agents as a danger to health . The concept of Environmental Research Pathology is proposed in a programmatic outline form.

Mikrobiologiia, 1980 Nov-Dec, 49(6), 867 - 9
{Microbiological transformation of pyridine}; Shevchenko AG et al.; The purpose of this work was to study the conditions for the reaction of co-oxidation of pyridine by seven strains of Pseudomonas using succinic acid, glucose, and sodium salicylate and benzoate as a growth substrate . The structure of a growth substrate was shown to influence pyridine oxidation . The dependence of co-oxidation on the nature of a growth substrate seems to stem from the electron structure of substrate and cosubstrate molecules.

Mikrobiologiia, 1980 Nov-Dec, 49(6), 870 - 5
{Microbiological transformation of cephalosporin C}; Bondareva NS et al.; Bacteria and actinomycetes were screened for finding organisms that produced enzymes transforming cephalosporin C . Different bacteria were found to be capable for producing enzymes that degraded cephalosporin; actinomycetes possessed this capability to a lesser extent . The transformation of cephalosporin was catalyzed by beta-lactamase and acetyl esterase . One and the same culture could synthesize the both enzymes simultaneously; their activities and proportion depend on the conditions of cultivation . The production of enzymes degrading cephalosporin in bacteria seems to be a trait typical of a species or a strain.

Ann Clin Biochem, 1980 Nov, 17(6), 287 - 92
Validity of transcobalamin II-based radioassay for the determination of serum vitamin B12 concentrations; Paltridge G et al.; A valid radioassay for the estimation of serum vitamin B12 in the presence of naturally occurring vitamin B12 (= cobalamin) analogues can be operated if serum transcobalamin II (TC II) is used as the binding protein . Serum samples that gave diagnostically discrepant results when their vitamin B12 content was analysed (i) by a commercial radioassay known to be susceptible to interference from cobalamin analogues, and (ii) by microbiological assay, were further analysed by an alternative radioassay which uses the transcobalamins (principally TC II) of diluted normal serum as the assay binding protein . Concordance between the results from microbiological assay and the TC II-based radioassay was found in all cases . In an extended study over a three-year period, all routine serum samples sent for vitamin B12 analysis that had a vitamin B12 content of less than 320 ng/l by the TC II-based radioassay (reference range 200-850 ng/l) were reanalysed using an established microbiological method . Over 1000 samples were thus analysed . The data are presented to demonstrate the validity of the TC II-based radioassay results in this group of patients, serum samples from which are most likely to produce diagnostically erroneous vitamin B12 results when analysed by a radioassay that is less specific for cobalamins.

Rev Epidemiol Sante Publique, 1980 Oct 30, 28(3), 299 - 306
{Study of factors affecting presence of atypical Mycobacteria in water of a swimming pool (author's transl)}; Dailloux M et al.; Observation of skin lesions due to M . marinum in patients who frequent the same swimming pool, led to a survey of the water of this swimming pool . The mycobacterial analysis was completed by a microbiological and chemical examination . M . marinum, M . kansasii and M . fortuitum were isolated . There was no correlation between the presence of Mycobacteria and microbiological indicators; but it was found a relation between the residual chlorine concentration and the presence of opportunistic Mycobacteria . The contamination could be proceed from water filling the pool, or from swimmers.

Nature, 1980 Oct 23, 287(5784), 716 - 7
Chemical alkylation of lead (II) salts to tetraalkyllead (IV) in aqueous solution; Ahmad I et al.; Methylation of lead in the environment would have serious consequences for water quality and for the well being of aquatic biota . As there is strong evidence that tetraalkylleads, the end products of lead alkylation, are considerably more toxic than lead (II) compounds, the elevated levels of inorganic lead now present in inland waterways and sediments as a result of industrial and motor vehicle emissions will pose a serious environmental hazard if mechanisms exist for the conversion to alkyllead (IV) species in aquatic systems . In the belief that the key to biological Pb(II) methylation lies in methyl transfer to Pb(II) from a carbonium ion donor (for example, S-adenosylmethionine), we recently initiated chemical and biological studies on the reactions of CH3+ donors with neutral and anionic Pb(II) compounds . We describe here the unequivocal synthesis of volatile tetramethyllead and other tetraalkylleads from Pb(II) salts and simple chemical reagents in aqueous solution . The known occurrence of methyl iodide in natural waters and our demonstration that Me4Pb is readily synthesized from this reagent and Pb(II) salts in aqueous solution could have far reaching significance not only for the chemical synthesis of toxic organoleads but also for possible mechanisms of microbiological methylation.

N Z Med J, 1980 Oct 8, 92(669), 275 - 7
Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography: related nosocomial infections; Schousboe M et al.; The flexible endoscopes of a gastroenterology department were microbiologically examined after one patient developed a possible nosocomial infection . The endoscopes were found to be contaminated by pseudomonas species . An appropriate cleaning regime was developed and the initial difficulties in sterilising the instruments are described . The medical records of all ERCPed patients for the one and half years prior to and the half year after the monitoring exercise were examined . It was found that approximately 50 percent of patients examined in the half year prior to the introduction of endoscopic monitoring had infections with Pseudomonas species.

Eur J Pediatr, 1980 Oct, 135(1), 65 - 7
Early detection of bacterial antigens by counterimmunoelectrophoresis; Storm W et al.; Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) is described as a rapid and specific method for early detection of bacterial antigens . This simple and reliable technique was applied to samples of serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 67 patients in whom neonatal septicemia or bacterial meningitis was initially suspected . Seven out of 11 patients with culture-proven bacterial infections had positive CIE determinations before results of routine microbiological cultures were available . CIE was especially helpful in children treated with antibodies prior to admission . All negative CIE results in proven bacterial infections were due to non-available antisera for the specific antigens detected by routine blood or CSF cultures . Shortcomings of the method and a future CIE diagnostic program are discussed.

Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 1980 Oct, 18(4), 347 - 50
Disposition of Dibekacin in patients undergoing haemodialysis; Campillo JA et al.; The pharmacokinetics of Dibekacin were studied in 10 patients with terminal renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 5 ml/min) undergoing haemodialysis sessions lasting 4 h . The dialyzers were either the Gambro Lundia Major 13.5 or the Ultra Flo II 1.4., and the patients were divided into two groups according to the dialyzer used . Blood flow varied between 250 and 280 ml/min and dialyzate flow between 450 and 600 ml/min . All patients received a single i . v . dose of Dibekacin 1.5 mg/kg at the beginning of the dialysis session . The concentration of the antibiotic at the input and the output of the dialyzer were determine microbiologically by a plate diffusion method using B . subtilis as the test organism . The intravenously administered antibiotic followed an open two-compartment kinetic model . The type of dialyzer used did not influence the dialysis of Dibekacin . Haemodialysis significantly increased the elimination rate of the antibiotic with respect to the interdialysis periods . The plasma half-life in the slow disposition phase fell from 30 h in the interdialysis period to 4.0 h during dialysis sessions . From the calculated pharmacokinetic parameters, a dosage regimen for this kind of patient is proposed.

J Assoc Off Anal Chem, 1980 Sep, 63(5), 1144 - 8
Improved microbiological procedure for determining erythromycin in milk and some milk products; Harpster CP et al.; An improved microbiological assay for erythromycin in milk and some milk products was developed . Acidification of the samples to pH 4.5 resulted in precipitation of milk solids which were separated by centrifugation . The pH of the aqueous supernatant solution was readjusted to pH 8.0 to obtain maximum sensitivity . Th sample cleanup and the use of a single, thin, seeded agar layer with Microsoccus lutea as the assay organism permitted the mesurement of 0.05 micrograms/mL milk with recoveries averaging 84.0%, 0.50 micrograms/g nonfat dry milk with recoveries averaging 55.4%, 0.10 micrograms/g cream cheese with recoveries averaging 100.2%, and 0.05 micrograms/mL buttermilk with recoveries averaging 44.0% . The improved procedures showed superior recoveries and improved the ability to detect and measure lower levels when compared with commonly recommended assay procedures for erythromycin residues.

J Assoc Off Anal Chem, 1980 Sep, 63(5), 1038 - 43
Turbidimetric microbiological determination of oxytetracycline hydrochloride in finished feeds and a feed premix: collaborative study; Mueller-Brennecke DL et al.; New automated and manual turbidimetric microbiological assay methods for oxytetracycline (OTC) in finished feeds and a feed premix were submitted to 17 collaborating laboratories for comparison with the official AOAC method . Six finished feeds of 50 and 100 g/ton levels and one premix containing 20 g OTC/lb were sent to the collaborators . Results were received from 12 laboratories . Six laboratories provided results derived from the Autoturb System and 7 laboratories poerformed the turbidimetric analyses manually . All 12 laboratories assayed the samples by the AOAC cylinder-plate method . Ranges of recoveraies expressed as percent were 89.5-102.0, 91.2-97.0, and 91.4-96.0 for the AOAC, Autoturb turbidimetric, and manual turbidimetric methods, respectively . Average recoveries were 96.3, 93.4, and 93.6%, respectively . The mean relative standard deviation values were 5.7, 6.3, and 7.2, respectively . There was little significant difference between the turbidimetric methods and the AOAC method; however, the turbidimetric methods were faster.

Vet Med (Praha), 1980 Sep, 25(9), 537 - 43
{Colostral immunoglobulin levels in dead calves as related to microbiological and pathoanatomic findings}; Horyna B et al.; At the age from three days to one month, 76 deceased calves were subjected to examination . Their average weight was 36.2 kg . The patho-anatomic examination revealed gastro-enteritis in 76.3% of the dead calves, pneumonia in 46 percent . A reduced level of immunoglobulins was recorded in 78% of the deceased calves . A low average immunoglobulin level was found in the calves in which septicaemia (IgG 217.9 mg and IgM 9.1 mg per 100 ml) or pyaemia (IgG 236.6 mg and IgM 8.3 mg per 100 ml) had been demonstrated . In the calves which had died from pneumonia or dietetic and technological defects, the average immunoglobulin values were higher (IgG 813.1 mg and 856.3 mg, IgM 41.1 and 47.4 mg per 100 ml) . The microbiological finding was positive in 66 calves.

Am J Hosp Pharm, 1980 Aug, 37(8), 1087 - 8
Stability of antibiotics frozen and stored in disposable hypodermic syringes; Kleinberg ML et al.; The effect of freezing on the stability of several reconstituted antibiotics packaged in disposable hypodermic syringes was studied . The following drugs were reconstituted and, after taking samples for initial assay, were frozen at -20 degrees C in Hy-Pod hypodermic syringes: cephalothin, 1 g/5 ml; cefazolin (with water), 1 g/3 ml; cefazolin (with lidocaine injection), 1 g/3 ml; cefamandole, 1 g/3.5 ml; and nafcillin, 1 g/4 ml . At three, six, and nine months, samples of the frozen solutions were allowed to thaw at room temperature and then were assayed microbiologically . All antibiotics maintained at least 90% potency at the end of nine months . Cefazolin with lidocaine, however, turned cloudy after thawing . The data suggest that cephalothin, cefazolin with water, cefamandole, and nafcillin, when frozen and stored at -20 degrees C in Hy-Pod hypodermic syringes, may be used within nine months of initial freezing.

J Gen Microbiol, 1980 Aug, 119(Pt 2), 351 - 9
Inapparent chlamydial infection in the urogenital tract of guinea-pigs; Ozanne G et al.; Microbiologically inapparent urogenital infection appeared to be induced in male guinea-pigs inoculated intra-urethrally with low doses of the guinea-pig inclusion conjunctivitis strain (GP-IC) of Chlamydia psittaci . This state was indicated by the ability of inoculated animals to donate eye infection to normal animals caged with them . Donors failed to develop overt urogenital infection throughout the period of transmission judged by both absence of infected cells in urethral scrapings and failure to isolate GP-IC in cell culture; however, inoculation of donors with 5-iododeoxyuridine led to transient appearance of infectivity in scrapings . In distinction from overtly infected animals, donors failed to develop serum antibody and remained susceptible to urethral challenge with larger doses of GP-IC . Animals that had recovered from overt urethral infection were resistant to challenge and appeared unable to transmit eye infection.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1980 Aug, (8), 50 - 3
{Use of the growth inhibition test, the CFT, and the agar gel diffusion precipitation test to identify mycoplasmae isolated from monkeys}; Efremova II et al.; The data are presented on comparative evaluation of the growth inhibition test (GIT), the diffuse precipitation test in agar gel (DPTAG) and the complement fixation test (CFT) in the identification of Mycoplasma isolated from monkeys . The results obtained in the study of 4 Mycoplasma strains from the internal organs of monkeys in the CFT and the DPTAG with hyperimmune rabbit sera provided by Microbiological Associates, Bethesda, Maryland, USA, allowed these Mycoplasma to be identified as M . laidlawii (l 6916, p 6240 and M 6802) and M . hominis (C 7034), which was confirmed by the study of the biological properties of these strains and in the GIT . The CFT and the DP-TAG, equally to the GIt and other serological tests, can be used for identification of newly isolated Mycoplasma strains.

Proc R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, 1980 Jul 28, 209(1174), 59 - 69
The better use of food resources for infants and mothers; Whitehead RG; The nutritional and food safety characteristics of the foods customarily eaten by infants and mothers in The Gambia are discussed . Special emphasis is placed on their low energy and nutrient density and the consequent difficulty of meeting internationally recommended levels of intake . The consequences of an inadequate diet during pregnancy and lactation are considered in terms of their effect on the size of the baby at birth, the mother's lactational performance, and the growth and development of the baby . The microbiological contamination of locally introduced weaning foods is also highlighted . Suggestions are made concerning the desirable characteristics of new foods that need to be introduced to overcome these problems . Attention is paid to a more rational distribution and use for aid foods.

Z Gesamte Inn Med, 1980 Jul 15, 35(14), 582 - 7
{The significance of blood culture contamination in microbiological laboratories}; Kohler W et al.; Blood cultures in open systems are exposed to an additional danger of contamination, when manifold subcultures are made . The blood tests of 48 patients with suspicion to sepsis were investigated in two parallel series with 6 cultures each . The blood culture flasks of one series were for the first time opened to subculture on the 10th day, those of the second series on the 3rd, 6th and 10th day . The contamination rate which was to be led back to laboratory work was in the first series nearly 1.1% (total contamination rate 2.8%), in the second series nearly 14% (and 15.8%, respectively) . For blood cultures closed systems are to be recommended . If with open systems is worked, a subcultivation is to be recommended only after macroscopically visible growth or only on the 10th day.

Z Gesamte Inn Med, 1980 Jul 15, 35(14), 30 - 2
{Microbiological aspects of human pyelonephritis}; Naumann G et al.; Issuing from the adhesive ability of bacteria to human mucous membranes the phenomenon of the adhesion of E . coli to uroepithelial cells is analysed in detail . Fimbrias and colonisation factors might be of importance . In own experiments the first clues concerning the numberous appearance of these adhesive factors could be got . In further investigations the author adopts a definite attitude to the problems of the rough forms of E . coli as the pathogenic agent of a pyelonephritis of man . It is to be assumed that by the occurrence of certain factors of virulence rough forms possess importance as causal agents of pyelonephritis.

S Afr Med J, 1980 Jul 5, 58(1), 13 - 7
Legionnaires' disease in Johannesburg; Kaplan C et al.; Legionnaires' disease (LD) was first identified as an epidemic pneumonia occurring in the USA in 1976 . Sporadic cases have since been identified in many countries . This report describes the first 2 cases in South Africa of LD with pneumonia in patients in whom the diagnosis was established by the finding in early acute and follow-up convalescent sera of a greater than fourfold rise in titre with the immunofluorescent antibody test . The microbiological investigations are discussed in some detail and the clinical, radiological and laboratory features of LD are briefly reviewed.

Med Instrum, 1980 Jul-Aug, 14(4), 232 - 3
Sterilization Committee recommends further study of MSI labeling.
{Molecular nitrogen fixation in the waters of eutrophic and polyhuic lakes of the Estonian SSR}
Saralov AI, Dziuban AN, Krylova IN.

A modified acetylene technique was used to assay the rate of molecular nitrogen fixation in Estonian lakes containing methane in the hypolimnion . Methods were elaborated to eliminate ethylene cooxidation by methane oxidizing bacteria . Methane oxidation and nitrogen fixation were found in a narrow microaerobic zone in lakes with the stratification of temperature in the water mass; these biochemical processes occurred when the content of dissolved oxygen varied within the range of 0.1 to 0.8 mg O2 per litre . The rate of these microbiological processes was significantly influenced by trophic relationships with microorganisms from the adjacent ecological niches . In the epilmnion of eutrophic lakes, atmospheric nitrogen was fixed by the blue-green algae Anabaena and Gloeocapsa minima and by the heterotrophic bacterium Azomonas agilis; in the microaerobic zone of metalimnion, atmospheric nitrogen was fixed by the methane oxidizing bacteria Methylosinus trichosporium and M . sporium and by the hydrogen oxidizing bacterium Mycobacterium flavum . In polyhumic lakes, nitrogen fixation was performed by the bactera Az . insignes, Methylosinus trichosporium, M . sporium and Mycobacterium flavum only in water layers near the bottom with microaerobic conditions.

Ann Sclavo, 1980 Jul-Aug, 22(4), 624 - 32
{Microbiological testing of commercial ice cream in Messina as required by the Ministerial Ordinance of 11 October 1978}; Delia S et al.; The Authors in accordance with the Government Ordinance of the October 11, 1978, made a microbiological control on 50 artisan made ice-creams produced in Messina town in March-April 1979 . The 24% of the products analyzed presented one or more parameters not in conformity with the law; whereas 34.78% of the 23 locals controlled commercialised not completely hygienic ice-creams . Commenting the results obtained the Authors wish that the application of the law should have principally an educational and not punishing aim.

Biol Bull Acad Sci USSR, 1980 Jul-Aug, 7(4), 311 - 22
Microbiological synthesis of protein . State of the problem and developmental trends; Popova TE; While the share of protein from unicellular organisms is but a small fraction of total protein production, the methods of microbiologic production appear rather promising and have been greatly developed in the last 10-15 years . The author discusses technologic methods for obtaining protein from unicellular organisms, questions of selecting the raw material and the producers used in these processes, and the fields for use of the product obtained . The range of suitable taxonomic groups of microorganisms and of substrates for these processes has lately been broadened . Attention has been focussed on the use of renewable feedstock and of industrial wastes (cellulose-containing materials, etc.) . Use of the latter for microbiologic synthesis could produce enough protein to make up for the global deficit in protein . The author also discusses questions of improving, enlarging, and automating the equipment suitable for these processes.

Br J Dis Chest, 1980 Jul, 74(3), 287 - 8
Diagnosis of Nocardia pneumonia by transtracheal aspiration; Shneerson JM et al.; We report a case of pulmonary nocardiosis in which the microbiological diagnosis was made by transtracheal aspiration after all conventional methods had failed . The simplicity of the technique and the importance of diagnosing nocardiosis are discussed.

Can J Biochem, 1980 Jul, 58(7), 577 - 80
Determination of bioavailability of some long-chain N-substituted derivatives of L-methionine and L-lysine; Paquet A et al.; The bioavailability of N-acyl-L-methionine derivatives has been determined using microbiological assay with Tetrahymena pyriformis . It was found that palmitoyl- and stearoyl-L-methionine, stearoyl-L-methionine ethyl ester, and stearoyl-L-methionine sodium salt were partially utilized (14-38%) for growth of the microorganism . These compounds partially inhibited utilization of free methionine added to the media . The shorter derivatives, acetyl-, hexanoyl-, lauroyl-, and myristoyl-L-methionine completely inhibited the growth of T . pyriformis . This effect was not reversed when DL-methionine was added to the media . N6-fatty acyl L-lysine derivatives gave low availability values (3-18%) in microbiological assessment with T . pyriformis . N2-Acetyl-and N6-acetyl-lysine did not inhibit the utilization of the added parent amino acid . Nutritional evaluation of L-methionine derivatives by the rat growth method using net protein ratio (NPR) as the performance index indicated complete availability of stearoyl-L-methionine, stearoyl-L-methionine sodium salt, and partial availability of stearoyl-L-methionine ethyl ester (52%), stearoyl-L-methionylglycine (32%), and lauroyl-L-methionine (75%).

J Clin Pathol, 1980 Jun, 33(6), 566 - 70
A microbiological survey of automated biochemical machines; Newsom SW et al.; The potential microbial hazards to laboratory personnel from operating three pieces of automated laboratory equipment have been tested using challenges of bacteria in serum or water . Aerosols did not seem to be a hazard, and the recommended disinfection procedures seemed quite adequate, although 2% aqueous activated glutaraldehyde is to be preferred to hypochlorite . The use of plastic gloves for protecting hands when changing rinse cups and pH electrodes is recommended.

Quad Sclavo Diagn, 1980 Jun, 16(2), 231 - 6
{Management of data in the microbiological laboratory . Experience with the Olivetti TES 501 system}; Marchiaro G et al.; The Authors note their experience of dealing with data in a microbiology laboratory using the Olivetti TES 501 system . This system permits a rational organisation of the work programme, from writing out the work sheets, simultaneous type-out of results, filing, to the possibility of rapid consultation of records, etc . According to the Authors, however, its most important function is the possibility of being able to obtain the read-out of the infective position of each ward in the hospital very easily and rapidly, which makes it possible to adopt an effective antibiotic policy.

J Pharm Sci, 1980 Jun, 69(6), 697 - 700
Evaluation of nystatin stability using tristimulus colorimetry; Fairbrother JE et al.; A tristimulus reflectance spectrophotometer was used to examine the color changes of nystatin during accelerated stability studies, and a relationship was observed between the loss of microbiological potency and the change in color during thermal degradation . By substitution of the measured tristimulus values in the Kubelka-Munk equation, the remission function was calculated and resulted in a linear response with time . Application of the technique to bulk raw materials and formulated products is demonstrated, and uses of the technique are discussed.

J Microw Power, 1980 Jun, 15(2), 95 - 105
Cook/chill foodservice system with a microwave oven: aerobic plate counts from beef loaf, potatoes and frozen green beans; Dahl CA et al.; The purpose was to evaluate microbiological quality and end temperature (ET) of portioned food after heating in a microwave oven as used in a hospital cook/chill foodservice system . Beef loaf (15 kg), potatoes (6 kg), and green beans (5 kg) were prepared in a laboratory . After initial cooking to 60 degrees C, and storage (7 degrees C for 24 h), beef loaf (100 g) was microwave heated: 20, 50, 80 or 110 s . Potatoes were reconstituted, stored (7 degrees C for 24 h), portioned (100 g/portion), and microwave-heated: 25, 45, 65 or 84 s . Beans were thawed (7 degrees C for 24 h), portioned (100 g/portion), and microwave-heated: 20, 50, 80 or 110 s . Aerobic plate counts (APC) for foods were obtained throughout product flow . Wide ranges of Et and of APC in foods indicates that research is needed, for greater control of microwave-heating through advanced microwave engineering and food technology, to produce food with constant microbiological quality.

Scand J Work Environ Health, 1980 Jun, 6(2), 153 - 7
Extrinsic allergic alveolitis in a sawmill worker . A case report; Terho EO et al.; Extrinsic allergic alveolitis, with acute attacks of the disease, developed in a sawmill worker . The diagnosis was based on the history of exposure to moldy wood, on the symptoms and clinical signs, and on physiological and radiographic findings . A microbiological analysis of the ambient air of the patient's work environment showed that the air contained a considerable number of spores, both of fungi and actinomycetes . The most common fungal genus was Aspergillus . Thermoactinomyces vulgaris predominated the actinomycetal flora . The patient's serum contained precipitins to Thermoactinomyces vulgaris and Aspergillus fumigatus . Based on the microbiological and serological data, it was concluded that the causative agent(s) of the disease was either T vulgaris or species of the genus Aspergillus.

J Clin Microbiol, 1980 Jun, 11(6), 569 - 72
Nontuberculous mycobacteria as unsuspected agents of dermatological infections: diagnosis through microbiological parameters; Damsker B et al.; Nontuberculous mycobacteria were identified as the agents of dermatological lesions in seven patients seen at The Mount Sinai Hospital from 1969 to 1979 . Three patients had water-associated cutaneous lesions, three had abscesses at the site of an injection, and one had an erosive nasal lesion . In each of these instances, the mycobacterial etiology was not suspected, and diagnosis was achieved only after careful microbiological studies . These experiences emphasize that a mycobacterial etiology should be sought in chronic cutaneous lesions occurring at traumatized sites.

Br J Vener Dis, 1980 Jun, 56(3), 151 - 5
Comparative study of bacampicillin and ampicillin in the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhoea; Spengler PJ et al.; Bacampicillin hydrochloride, a pro-drug ester of ampicillin trihydrate which is hydrolysed to ampicillin after absorption, was used in a randomised comparative study of ampicillin 3.5 g and bacampicillin 1.6g (each with probenecid 1 g) in the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhoea . This dose of bacampicillin was selected because in serum it gives approximately the same peak concentration of ampicillin as 3.5 g of the present drug . Genital, pharyngeal, and anal cultures were performed at the initial visit and at follow up 5-9 days after treatment . There was no statistically significant difference in the microbiological or clinical response of patients with genital gonorrhoea who were treated with ampicilin and those treated with bacampicillin . At 5-9 days after treatment, 93% of the ampicillin-treated patients and 89% of the bacampicillin-treated patients had negative genital, pharyngeal, and anal culture results; furthermore, 87% and 89% respectively had no symptoms of infection . Fewer gastrointestinal side effects were noted in the patients treated with bacampicillin.

J Clin Periodontol, 1980 Jun, 7(3), 232 - 41
Effect of stannous fluoride mouthrinse on dental plaque formation; Tinanoff N et al.; A double-blind, crossover design study was performed on 29 young adults to test the effectiveness of 0.1% SnF2 mouthrinse (250 ppmF-) on plaque formation using clinical and microbiological criteria . Participants were assigned to either a placebo or SnF2 rinse which was used twice daily for 5 days . After an interim recovery period of 2 days, the participants used the alternate rinse in a similar manner for another 5 days . Clinical data collected at the end of each experimental period included Gingival Index (GI), and plaque scores . Supragingival plaque removed from each subject at the end of the experimental periods was weighed and then microbial enumeration was performed . Results showed that after SnF2 rinses, there were statistically significant reductions (P < 0.01) in plaque wet weight, number of bacteria per milligram plaque (CFU/mg), and total number of bacteria per sample (Total CFU) . Visual plaque scores (PS) showed a significant (P < 0.05) but small reduction as a result of SnF2 rinse . No significant difference in gingival inflammation was noted . It is apparent from this study that, besides the well-documented ability of SnF2 to increase the resistance of teeth to demineralization, this agent is capable of reducing plaque formation . Long-term studies are indicated to examine usefulness of SnF2 in the control of early periodontal disease.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1980 Jun, 33(6), 600 - 3
Gentamicin bioautography assay vs . the microbiological disk test; Rosner A et al.; The use of bioautography for quantitative measurement of gentamicin concentrations was compared with the disk test . Following chromatographic separation and bioautography, gentamicin produced inhibition zones, 2 approximately 7 times larger than the inhibition zones formed by the same amounts of gentamicin in the disk test . Bioautography, therefore, is a more sensitive assay method.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1980 Jun, 39(6), 1138 - 43
Membrane filtration of dairy products for microbiological analysis; Peterkin PI et al.; Incubation with protease or Tween 80 or both dramatically improved the membrane filterability of liquid milks, powdered skim milk, and frozen dairy products without reducing the viability of five common species of bacteria . The technique can permit isolation and enumeration of microorganisms from test samples of these foods as large as 5 g . Flow direction through the filter was an important factor in filterability of dairy products.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1980 Jun, 39(6), 1105 - 10
Survival of human enteroviruses in the Hawaiian ocean environment: evidence for virus-inactivating microorganisms; Fujioka RS et al.; The stability of certain human enteroviruses in the Hawaiian ocean environment was examined . The present data indicated that the time for 90% reduction of poliovirus type 1 at 24 +/- 1 degree C in seawater samples obtained from different sites in Hawaii ranged from 24 to 48 h, and complete inactivation occurred within 72 to 96 h . The accumulated evidence also strongly indicated that a virus-inactivating agent(s) of a microbiological nature was present in both clean and sewage-polluted seawaters, but not in fresh, mountain stream waters . The antiviral activity was lost when the seawater samples were subjected to boiling, autoclaving, or filtration through a 0.22- or 0.45-micrometer, but not a 1.0-micrometer, membrane filter . That the antiviral activity of the seawater was related to the growth activities of microorganisms was corroborated by the observed effects of added nutrients, a lower temperature of incubation, and the presence of certain antibiotics . Other enteric viruses, such as coxsackie virus B-4 and echo virus-7, were also shown to be similarly inactivated in seawater.

Boll Ist Sieroter Milan, 1980 May 31, 59(2), 155 - 8
Use of Hoechst 33258 fluorochrome for detection of mycoplasma contamination in cell cultures: development of a technique based on simultaneous fixation and staining; Battaglia MF et al.; A simple rapid technique for detection of mycoplasma contamination in cell cultures by a modified Hoechst 33258 staining procedure, is described . After brief alcoholic fixation in situ, cell monolayers were definitively fixed and simultaneously stained by the addition of a 0.001% (w/v) Hoechst 33258 fluorochrome solution in ethanol for a few minutes . This method and conventional mycoplasma isolation techniques resulted in comparable sensitivity . Mycoplasma contaminants were detected in 21 out of 217 cell culture specimens tested . However, two different specimens were positive only by either procedure . A sequential use of both techniques, based on the search for mycoplasma contamination by microbiological methods only in Hoechst 33258 - negative samples, should provide a reasonable degree of sensitivity, being also accessible to virtually every laboratory involved in tissue cuture work.

Med J Aust, 1980 May 17, 1(10), 482 - 6
An epidemiological survey of human brucellosis in three Victorian abattoirs; Gilbert GL et al.; During the period 1977-1978, a serological and epidemiological investigation was conducted by the Victorian Departments of Health and Agriculture to determine the risk to abattoir workers of exposure to Brucella abortus from infected cattle . Nearly 1000 specimens of serum from workers at three abattoirs were tested for brucella antibodies at the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit . Serum agglutination and antihuman globulin tests were performed by a microtitre technique . Approximately 25% of these specimens gave positive results, with a wide variation in frequency in different abattoirs . Data relating to personal, employment and medical history were obtained by means of questionnaires . An attempt was made to identify risk factors by analysis of this information and the serological results . Within each abattoir, the presence of detectable antibodies was no more likely in people with symptoms than in asymptomatic people working in the same abattoir . However, the proportion of workers with symptoms was much higher in two abattoirs with a relatively high percentage of seropositive workers, than in a third, in which the percentage was comparatively low . There was evidence that the risk of exposure to B . abortus correlated with the percentage of cows in the total yearly "kill" for each abattoir.

J Assoc Off Anal Chem, 1980 May, 63(3), 448 - 51
Some factors affecting assay variability in the determination of chlortetracycline in premix feeds; Ragheb HS; There are many sources of error in the microbiological determination of high levels of chlortetracycline in premix . Among the critical factors that can be controlled by the analyst are careful weighing of the reference standard and careful dosing of cylinders . A spectrophotometric approach and automatic filling of cylinders are suggested to ensure proper monitoring of these operations . Among factors that cannot be controlled by the analyst is the assay design . A 3-point design which is a modified version of the (3+3) design is considered, and its advantages are illustrated.

Vopr Pitan, 1980 May-Jun, (3), 63 - 7
{Sanitary microbiological standards for Bac . thuringiensis, a producer of bacterial insecticides, in plant products}; Daburov KN et al.; Survival of Bac . thuringiensis, producers of bacterial insecticides in plant products, was studied in the process of culinary and technological treatment (thermal treatment, preservation, etc.), depending on the extent of dissemination of plant raw material, type of the plant product and pattern of culinary treatment . A study was also made of the viability of the above species in finished products and dishes exposed to varying storage temperatures . According to the data obtained, the use of plant raw material with Bac . thuringiensis at a rate of not over 10(3)/g for vegetables (cabbage, potato, and tomatoe) and not over 10(5)/g for fruit and berries (apples, currants, gooseberry, grape) guarantees their epidermiological safety . At this dissemination level, the finished vegetable products did not show Bac . thuringiensis spores after culinary treatment, while in the processed fruit and berries the remaining small quantities of the spores (about tens or hundreds per 1 ml) did not reproduce . Moreover, their quantity rapidly decreased because of atrophy . However, to have a final judgment about the safety of the spores supplied to the body together with food in the quantities mentioned requires an additional study into potential side effects they can elicit.

Hautarzt, 1980 May, 31(5), 259 - 62
{Mycoplasma-induced urethritis}; Blenk H; Abacterial urethritis and colpitis in man and woman is frequently produced by Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis . These agents are transmitted by sexual intercourse and they have to be classified as facultative pathogenic . The clinical value and the therapeutical necessity depend on the clinical picture as well as on an exactly follow up microbiological and immunological diagnosis . As in all sexually transmitted diseases the sex-partner too should be examined and given a corresponding therapy . For general treatment of genital Mycoplasma infections tetracyclines are usually employed, whereas for Ureaplasma infections erythromycin has been very successful too . To prevent reoccurrence treatment should be consequently executed for 14 days up to three weeks.

J Nutr, 1980 May, 110(5), 954 - 8
Growth response of the yeasts Saccharomyces uvarum and Kloeckera brevis to the free biologically active forms of vitamin B-6; Guilarte TR et al.; The ideal microorganism for the microbiological assay of total vitamin B-6 should respond equally to all forms of vitamin B-6 . The yeasts Saccharomyces uvarum (ATCC 9080) and Kloeckera brevis (ATCC 9774) were compared in their ability to utilize pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine in the concentration range needed for the measurement of vitamin B-6 in biological materials . Our results showed that K . brevis responded equally to all three free forms of vitamin B-6 at a dosage range of 2--10 ng molar equivalent of pyridoxine . In contrast, S . uvarum, which is currently widely used for the vitamin B-6 assay, had a significantly different growth response to three forms of vitamin B-6 at the comparable dosage range . The results suggest that the yeast K . brevis is better suited for the microbiological assay of total vitamin B-6.

Vet Med (Praha), 1980 May, 25(5), 285 - 91
{Microbiological investigation of fresh and refrigerated partially cooked meat products}; Palasek J et al.; Semi-finished meat products were demonstrated to be heavily contaminated with microbes already at the moment of production . The main source of microorganisms was meat surface . Psychrotolerant organisms represented the main factors involved in the rise of organoleptical signs of decay . For the evaluation of the level of hygiene and sanitation, quality of the raw materials used and conditions of storage, the maximal limit values were proposed for 10 species or groups of the microorganisms under study . Pathogenic microorganisms were not detected by the multiplication method in any of the samples.

Clin Chim Acta, 1980 Apr 25, 103(2), 209 - 17
Liquid chromatographic estimation of doxycycline in human tissues; Nelis HJ et al.; A rapid, sensitive and specific liquid chromatographic method is described for the determination of doxycycline in human tissues . The procedure involves mechanical homogenization of tissue samples in hydrochloric acid followed by extraction of the drug and an internal standard into ethyl acetate . Chromatographic separation is performed on a reversed phase column and allows quantitation of tissue levels as low as 0.68 nmol/g using a 200-400 mg sample . Application of the assay to tissue samples obtained from 36 patients confirmed the excellent penetration of doxycycline in organs . The method supersedes the classical microbiological assays in specificity and speed.

Drug Intell Clin Pharm, 1980 May, 14(5), 353 - 7
Activity of antibiotic admixtures subjected to different freeze-thaw treatments; Holmes CJ et al.; The freezing of antibiotic admixtures has been proposed as a potentially useful method by which the efficiency of admixture services might be improved . The time involved in thawing, however, has discouraged the implementation of this practice . This study describes a technique of thawing frozen antibiotic admixtures contained in minibags in commercially available microwave ovens . A quantitative microbiological agar gel diffusion assay was employed to determine the effect of such treatment on the antibiotic activity of the admixture . Admixtures containing cephalothin sodium, cefazolin sodium, cefamandole nafate, cefoxitin sodium, penicillin G potassium, ampicillin sodium, oxacillin sodium, carbenicillin disodium, and gentamicin sulfate in dextrose 5% solution were frozen at -20 degrees C for 30 days . The admixtures were assayed immediately before freezing, and again after either thawing technique: that is, upon exposure of the minibags to room temperature air or to microwave radiation . Assays were also performed 8 and 24 hours after thawing in order to assess antibiotic stability following each freeze-thaw treatment . It was discovered that, with the exception of ampicillin sodium, each of the antibiotics studied could be frozen and thawed as described without significant loss of activity, and were stable for 24 hours after thawing . The application of a freeze microwave-thaw technique to central admixture services can be seen as a cost-effective method of circumventing many of the problems associated with existing programs.

In Vitro, 1980 Apr, 16(4), 346 - 56
Mycoplasmal infection of lymphocyte cell cultures: infection with M . salivarium; McGarrity GJ et al.; Many conclusions concerning cell culture mycoplasmas are based on data from studies in fibroblast cultures . Some conclusions may not be valid in other types of differentiated cell cultures . M . salivarium was isolated from 35 human lymphocyte cultures (HLC), 34 from the same laboratory . The organism grew to more than 10(8) colony forming units (CFU) per ml of lymphocyte suspensions and was readily detectable by microbiological culture, uridine phosphorylase, and uridine/uracil assays . Direct mycoplasmal assays on HLC by DNA fluorochrome staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) yielded artifacts that interfered with diagnosis . For DNA and SEM of HLC, inoculation into indicator cell cultures is recommended . M . salivarium infection of HLC did not produce any immediate difference in growth rates; however, infected cultures eventually died 14 to 29 passages after infection in contrast to uninfected controls . The same organism in 3T6 fibroblasts effected a 60% decrease in growth rate . Although M . salivarium is a frequent isolate from the oral cavity, it is a rare cell culture isolate . M . salivarium was able to initiate growth over a wide pH range, grew as well in cell cultures as in cell-free media, and was resistant to 50 microgram per ml of gentamycin, tylocine, kanamycin, and erythromycin . By Cot1/2 analysis, M . salivarium had a genomic molecular weight of 4.2 X 10(6) daltons . M . salivarium did not increase chromosome aberrations in one HLC . Some of these results have application to infection of HLC by other mycoplasmal species.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1980 Apr, 17(4), 691 - 4
Pharmacokinetics of nafcillin in infants with low birth weights; Banner W Jr et al.; The pharmacokinetics of nafcillin were studied in 13 premature neonates with suspected sepsis . The mean weight of the infants studied was 1.19 kg (range, 0.73 to 2.21 kg) . Infants less than 7 days of age were given 100 mg of nafcillin per kg per 24 h (every 12 h), and infants more than 7 days of age were given 100 mg of nafcillin per kg per 24 h (every 8 h) . Blood samples were obtained before the first dose on day 3 of therapy and at 0.5, 1.5, 3, and 6 h thereafter . Nafcillin concentrations were measured by a microbiological assay . A mean volume of distribution of 326 ml/kg and an elimination rate constant of 0.2040 h-1 were obtained in 10 patients less than 21 days of age . Three patients from 24 to 68 days of age had a mean volume of distribution of 303 ml/min and a mean elimination rate constant of 0.3944 h-1 (P less than 0.05) . These data suggest that doses of nafcillin lower than those currently recommended may be adequate to achieve desired peak plasma levels of approximately 75 microgram/ml in infants with low birth weights.

Br J Ophthalmol, 1980 Apr, 64(4), 279 - 83
Guinea-pig inclusion conjunctivitis as a model for the study of trachoma: clinical, microbiological, serological, and cytological studies of primary infection; Monnickendam MA et al.; The course of primary ocular infection with guinea-pig inclusion conjunctivitis agent was followed in 2 groups of animals . One group of fully grown animals was repeatedly scraped; the other of small animals was used on 1 occasion only and scraped after clinical examination . The intensity of conjunctival inflammation was measured, conjunctival scrapings were taken, and the numbers of polymorphonuclear cells, mononuclear cells, and epithelial cells containing chlamydial inclusions were counted, and the level of antibodies in serum was measured . It was found that inflammation of the conjunctiva lasted for about 30 to 40 days, and the clinical features (oedema, hyperaemia, papillary reaction) were very similar in the 2 groups . Inclusions and polymorphonuclear cells were found for up to 21 days, and mononuclear cells were found on days 7 to 25 . Serum antibodies were first detected on day 10 and reached a peak on day 21 . The intensity of inflammation was significantly higher on day 2 in the animals which had been scraped . After this the severity of the inflammation and the course of disease were similar in the 2 groups.

Can J Microbiol, 1980 Apr, 26(4), 475 - 81
Degradation of parathion in culture by microorganisms found in cranberry bogs; Gorder GW et al.; Oxygen concentration and different carbon sources drastically altered parathion degradation in culture media inoculated with microorganisms from Wisconsin cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) growing soils . These microorganisms also grew in basal salts media utilizing parathion as the sole carbon source . 14CO2 was produced only from {phenyl-14C}parathion, whereas {ethyl-14C}parathion-derived radiocarbon remained in the stale media of the soil-free cultures . Addition of 0.05% glucose to basal salts medium inhibited {phenyl-14C}parathion degradation, whereas the addition of 0.05% yeast extract to basal salts medium also inhibited microbiological degradation of the insecticide to 14CO2, but to a lesser extent . Aminoparathion and aminoparaoxon were formed only in basal salts medium with 0.05% yeast extract . Aerobic cultures produced more 14CO2 and less aminoparathion from {phenyl-14C}parathion than did anaerobic cultures . Aminoparathion was more abundant in cultures with inocula obtained from the 18- to 23-cm soil layer than with culture inocula obtained from the 0- to 5-cm soil layer under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

J Nutr, 1980 Apr, 110(4), 634 - 40
Comparison of the nutritive values of L-, DL- and D-tryptophan in the rat and chick; Ohara I et al.; Experiments were designed to compare the nutritive values of L-, DL- and D-tryptophan in rats and chicks . Growing rats and chicks were fed for 19 and 21 days, respectively, diets containing amino acid mixtures with graded levels of either L-, DL- or D-tryptophan so that the regression of weight gain or protein retention on tryptophan intake could be established . After the end of the experiments, plasma free L-tryptophan was estimated by a microbiological method . The nutritive values of DL- and D-tryptophan relative to the L-isomer were 47 and 21%, respectively in chicks and close to 100% in rats . In chicks, plasma free L-tryptophan concentration increased with the increase of L- and DL-tryptophan levels in the diet, but remained at a low level regardless of the D-tryptophan level in the diet . In rats, however, a good correlation was observed between plasma free L-tryptophan and tryptophan level in the diet.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1980 Apr, 17(4), 654 - 7
Comparison of a radioimmunoassay and a microbiological assay for measurement of serum vancomycin concentrations; Crossley KB et al.; A newly developed radioimmunoassay was used to measure the concentration of vancomycin in 137 specimens of serum from patients being treated with this antibiotic . Of these sera, 84 were also analyzed with a microbiological assay technique for vancomycin . Duplicate determinations were done with each of the techniques . Individual values and averaged values for both methods were used for statistical analyses . The correlation coefficients between all possible combinations of radioimmunoassay and microbiological assay results for the 84 sera were greater than or equal to 0.99 (P less than 0.01) . Values for the regression coefficients of radioimmunoassay results on microbiological assay results ranged from 0.98 +/- 0.01 to 1.03 +/- 0.01 . The mean percent deviation of radioimmunoassay versus microbiological assay results was -1.56 +/- 0.60 . A one-way analysis of variance demonstrated that the use of different standard curves for each batch of specimens assayed by microbiological assay did not significantly influence the results (P = 0.07) . The microbiological assay and the radioimmunoassay for measurement of serum vancomycin levels yielded essentially identical results.

J Dairy Sci, 1980 Apr, 63(4), 650 - 64
Symposium: disease prevention in calves . Factors affecting susceptibility of calves to disease; Roy JH; Enteric and respiratory disorders are the main hazards to successful calf rearing . The many interrelated factors in the etiology of these disorders are reviewed, and an attempt has been to classify the factors into those of a microbiological, immunological, nutritional, genetic, physical, or psychological nature . No one would dispute that enteric and respiratory disorders are the two main hazards to calf health, but many would argue about the relative importance of specific pathogens and other predisposing factors in the etiology of these disorders.

Lab Anim, 1980 Apr, 14(2), 123 - 6
Bacteriological examination of specified-pathogen-free animals: a procedure for small rodents; Erfle V et al.; Organs of 10 mice or 5 rats were pooled and homogenized . A portion of the homogenate was cultured on several selective and enrichment media . The method was tested by adding various pathogenic organisms to organ homogenates . 10(3)-10(4) microorganisms in homogenates of 10 organs were readily detected . This procedure allows even a small microbiological laboratory to detect a low frequency of infected animals in a colony.

Environ Health Perspect, 1980 Apr, 35, 107 - 12
Experimental models for study of common respiratory viruses; Clyde WA Jr; Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that there is excess respiratory disease morbidity in areas of high atmospheric pollution, implying an interactive effect on the clinical illness associated with these common infections . The principal etiologic agents of human respiratory infections are respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses (IV), parainfluenza virus types 1 and 3 (P1, P3), adenoviruses (AD), rhinoviruses (RV) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mpn) . Understanding the pathogenesis of the excess morbidity related to pollutants would facilitate detection of undesirable human health effects and provide a basis for intervention strategies . Through use of experimental model systems the mechanism of toxic effects could be defined (whether microbiological, immunological, pathological or physiological) to provide direction for appropriate studies in the human host . Small animal models of IV and Mpn infections have been available for many years; recently, experimental models of several more common viral diseases have been developed . A parallel to human RSV infections is provided by the ferret: virus replicates in the lungs of infant animals, but only in the noses of adults . The common cotton rat infected with RSV develops small airways lesions which may mimic the pathophysiologic changes of bronchiolitis . Both guinea pigs and Syrian hamsters are susceptible to human P3 virus, developing peribronchiolar and interstitial lesions . Practical small animal models for human AD and RV infections are not available because of the high host-specificity of these agents . Both the RSV and P3 model infections are nonlethal which enables study for long-term sequelae . Recent reports of pulmonary function abnormalities among children suffering bronchiolitis in infancy underscores the importance of defining toxic influences which could play a role by making the initial infections more severe.

Laryngol Rhinol Otol (Stuttg), 1980 Mar, 59(3), 190 - 7
{A contribution to diagnosis, specificity and treatment of rhinoscleroma (author's transl)}; Franz B et al.; As a disease with a peculiar geographical distribution rhinoscleroma is a kind of chronic inflammation which may cause some diagnostic difficulties in non-endemic regions . In general, the diagnosis based on histological features and the microbiological identification of the causative agent . In case where a definite microbiological identification could not be achieved the diagnosis should be expressed in the following terms: "rhinosclerotic granuloma with features of specificity" . The diagnosis is facilitated by the aid of cytological methods which are easy to perform and do not hurt the patient . The characteristic cells of the Mikulicz type may be observed in the smear . This paper presents the case of a 25-year old man with a rhinosclerotic granuloma of the larynx which caused dyspnea and aphonia . The diagnostic procedure was done by cytological, histological and ultrastructural methods . The patient was treated by surgery and by applications of antibiotics.

Laryngol Rhinol Otol (Stuttg), 1980 Mar, 59(3), 176 - 8
{Microbiological investigations in tamponades after tympanoplasties (author's transl)}; Pau HW et al.; In 100 cases microbiological examinations of removed tamponades after tympanoplasties were performed . This paper is concerned with the question, whether there is a correlation between the preoperative status of the middle-ear-mucosa and the postoperative bacterial flora.

J Clin Pathol, 1980 Mar, 33(3), 234 - 42
An evaluation of commercial radioisotope methods for the determination of folate and vitamin B12; Dawson DW et al.; Five commercial kits for the determination of folate and six kits for the determination of vitamin B12 were investigated . Their performance has been compared with microbiological methods for the two vitamins and with a non-commercial radioisotopic method for B12 . The results show the importance of the determination of the reference range for an individual laboratory for each method . The precision of the kits varied appreciably, as did their performance using specimens from patients with different haematological disorders . In particular, certain kits failed to detect all patients with pernicious anaemia . The relative accuracy of the kits was assessed . Various factors which should be taken into account in the final selection of a satisfactory kit are discussed.

Med Hypotheses, 1980 Mar, 6(3), 315 - 27
Shellfishborne disease control in the United States: a commentary; Shear CL et al.; Shellfishborne disease control in the United States began in the 1920's . The water quality standard promulgated at that time to reduce the incidence of shellfishborne disease has never been adequately evaluated . Evidence suggesting such an evaluation is needed comes from 1) the frequency of shellfishborne disease outbreaks, 2) the changing nature of disease agents, 3) reports of shellfishborne disease in non-outbreak settings, and 4) microbiological studies indicating a lack of correlation between the standard and potential pathogenic organisms . A proper evaluation will define the standard's ability to protect human health and allow for the harvesting of an important food resource.

Zentralbl Bakteriol {B}, 1980 Mar, 170(3-4), 328 - 36
{Hygienic problems encountered in the production and utilization of meat meal and bone meal as well as of silage from animal raw material (author's transl)}; Skovgaard N; The effect of the dry heat treatment in carcase disposal is dealt with in the light of the data on ther thermal resistance of spore-forming bacteria . The sources of recontamination in the carcass processing plants have been established on the basis of the microbiological examination of samples taken from the environment of these plants and from the end-product of seven plants . The results are compiled in tables . Standard values were established for the analyses of meat meal and bone meal . The main processes for the production of silage from animal raw material are described and illustrated with the help of a table containing typical results of analysis . Hygienic aspects of the silage production as well as the tenacity of micro-organisms and the possibilities of microbial and enzymatic activities are elucidated and supported by tables . Some basic principles for the culturing of the bacteria responsible for the gas-formation in the silage are briefly dealth with.

Vet Pathol, 1980 Mar, 17(2), 123 - 33
Histiolymphocytic lymphosarcoma in the subcutis of two horses; Sheahan BJ et al.; Two aged mares with histiolymphocytic lymphosarcoma had multiple rapidly proliferating tumours in the subcutis . Consistent haematological changes were absent . One mare had lymph node involvement but no neoplastic lesions in the viscera . Microbiological examination of tumour tissue showed coryneform bacteria; there was no evidence of C-type or lytic viruses or of reverse transcriptase . Prominent intramitochondrial crystalline inclusions were in histiocytic tumour cells.

J Clin Pathol, 1980 Mar, 33(3), 243 - 8
Interlaboratory comparison of serum vitamin B12 assay; Mollin DL et al.; The results have been compared of microbiological and radioisotope dilution (RID) assay of serum vitamin B12 by participants in national interlaboratory trials in Britain . There was wide variation between the individual participants, especially marked in the L . leichmannii microbiological assay and in the RID methods, whereas excellent correlation, reproducibility, and recovery were obtained in reference laboratories by microbiological assay with both E . gracilis and L . leichmannii . In general, RID gave higher results than microbiological assay . The need for suitable reference sera is emphasised.

J Clin Microbiol, 1980 Mar, 11(3), 295 - 6
Photograms for microbiological assays; Miller MH et al.; The use of photograms provides a permanent record of microbiological assays in which diffusion of a substance in agar is measured . The accuracy of this procedure is comparable to direct measurement . This technique is inexpensive, does not require special photographic equipment, and is applicable to many tests commonly employed in clinical microbiology and immunology laboratories.

J Clin Microbiol, 1980 Mar, 11(3), 234 - 7
Simple and microbiologically safe portable transport unit for patients requiring protected isolation; Talbot TL et al.; The removal of a patient from a laminar air flow room during protected isolation poses the risk of his microbial contamination and infection . Nonetheless, temporary removal from the laminar air flow room may be necessary for certain medical procedures or for psychological relief during prolonged periods of isolation or both . A means for protecting patients during temporary removal from the laminar air flow room is highly desirable . A previously described total body garment has been shown to be microbiologically safe and effective, but is expensive, cumbersome, and not very adaptable to patients of different ages and body sizes . We now present an alternative, microbiologically safe transportation system which delivers, high-efficiency particulate air-filtered air over the head and neck through a modified, lightweight, commercially available helmet and power supply and which can be comfortably and reliably used by isolated patients.

J Assoc Off Anal Chem, 1980 Mar, 63(2), 180 - 1
Survey for aflatoxins and Zearalenone in canned and frozen sweet corn; Stoloff L et al.; Aflatoxins and zearalenone were determined in 263 samples of canned or frozen sweet corn, collected from packing plants during the 1976 and 1977 packing seasons . As anticipated from geographic, agronomic, and microbiological considerations, no aflatoxin or zearalenone was found . Based on this sampling, the highest incidence of detectable aflatoxin that could be statistically anticipated in the major packing areas is 1.5%.

Aust J Ophthalmol, 1980 Feb, 8(1), 75 - 9
Actinomycotic canaliculitis; Smith RL et al.; Actinomycotic infection should always be considered in any patient with persistent purulent conjunctivitis of chronic canaliculitis . The clinical features, investigation including macrodacryocystography, and treatment in four patients with actinomycotic canaliculitis are presented . The difficulty of microbiological diagnosis is stressed and the occurrence of associated lacrimal obstruction is reported.

Am J Surg Pathol, 1980 Feb, 4(1), 13 - 28
Solitary necrotizing granulomas of the lung: differentiating features and etiology; Ulbright TM et al.; The clinical and pathologic features of 86 roentgenographically solitary pulmonary granulomas were reviewed to determine etiology and to provide guidelines for histologic evaluation . Fungal or acid-fast organisms were identified within the tissue in 60 cases (70%) and fragments of a helminth were found in one . The organisms were almost always present in the center of necrotic granulomas, and examination of two blocks containing active granulomas was usually sufficient for their identification . Microbiological cultures were less productive than direct examination of the tissue . In 25 cases an infectious etiology could not be identified: two were diagnosed as hyalinizing granuloma, one as Wegener's granulomatosis, and 22 were not further classified . A prominent overlapping spectrum of histologic features was found between infectious granulomas and Wegener's granulomatosis, suggesting that the latter may represent an abnormal immune response to an infectious agent that is no longer identifiable within the tissue . Caution is urged in diagnosing limited Wegener's granulomatosis and other pulmonary angiitides in patients with roentgenographically solitary granulomas.

J Pharm Sci, 1980 Feb, 69(2), 140 - 4
Validation of washing procedures for maintaining a microbiologically clean gel filtration column; Wen LF et al.; Chromatographic gel filtration matrixes used in various separation techniques are subject to microbial contamination . The need for a microbe-free column is critical when preparing materials that require a low or zero microbial count . This report proposes two alternative washing systems: 0.02 N HCl containing 0.81% NaCl, and 0.1 M tromethamine--hydrochloride buffer (pH 7.0) containing 0.81% NaCl and 0.02% thimerosal . These washing systems were validated using a 100 x 2.6-cm column packed with a modified dextran gel slurry previously inoculated with known counts of USP test organisms . After each wash, the column separation characteristics were verified further with appropriate test proteins.

Immun Infekt, 1980, 8(3), 108 - 10
{Microbiological and histologic correlations in inflammatory gallbladder disease (author's transl)}; Grozinger KH et al.; In a hospital population of 243 patients undergoing surgery for gallstones, inflammatory alterations were seen in 177 cases . The search for bacteria was positive in 33 cases . Thus, more than 80 per cent of the cholecystitis cases were abacterial . Under the age of 50, micro-organisms were found in 4.5 per cent only, and in 37 per cent of patients above fifty . In 11 cases of acute cholecystits no bacteria were found at all . Antibiotic treatment is justified in high-risk patients.

Zentralbl Gynakol, 1980, 102(11), 585 - 91
{New aspects of fluorodiagnosis and -therapy}; Spitzbart H; The most common infections in the vaginal and cervical regions are covered in this paper . Latest results are briefly described, but no general propositions are made . Insufficiently established microbiological findings were left unconsidered.

Vet Med Nauki, 1980, 17(2), 92 - 8
{Cellular element study of bulk milk}; Zakhariev Ts et al.; Cytologic and microbiological investigations were carried out of pooled milk arriving in two milk plants, coming from various farms in amounts of 300 to 4 000 1 . Additional studies were made of milk samples taken in the barn after milking a group of 15--30 cows in amounts of 80--260 1 and samples from tanks with capacity of 6 to 10 tons stored in the milk plants . Cell content was indirectly determined by rapid mastitis tests and directly by Breed's method; cultures were made on TCT medium to establish mastitis Streprococci and most of all of Str . agalactiae . It was found that the cell content of pooled milk arriving in the milk plants is in 80.74 per cent under 400 000 and in 19.26 per cent over 400 000 cells per cc milk . Their determination in pooled milk is a reliable orientation index for evaluation of the farm's mastitis status . A norm is suggested for the cell content of pooled milk--400 000 in cc milk--which corresponds to the present yeild conditions and to those in the near future and to the real possibilities of occurence of secretion disturbances and bovine mastitis . The adoption of the norm will improve mastitis control and will raise milk quality.

Infection, 1980, Suppl 1, 58 - 61
Basis for an adequate dosage of aminoglycoside antibiotics; Luthy R; Findings in clinical and microbiological investigations indicate that aminoglycoside therapy should be monitored by means of serum concentration assays for the following three reasons: 1) In vitro and in vivo studies indicate a quantitative relationship between aminoglycoside blood concentrations and clinical efficacy . 2) In contrast, attained serum concentrations correlate only poorly with the administered dose . 3) Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity appear to be correlated with the area under the serum concentration time curve . Each of these arguments is illustrated with microbiological, pharmacokinetic or clinical studies . Presently available computer-based dosage recommendations inadequately take into account the individual variability of the patient.

Mikrobiologiia, 1980 Jan-Feb, 49(1), 134 - 40
{Structure of a primed microbial community as an integral method of evaluating the microbiologic state of soil}; Guzev VS et al.; The paper describes a laboratory method of initiated microbial cenosis which makes it possible to evaluate the microbiological state of soil and to predict its change under the action of various anthropogenic factors . To this end, the structure and characteristics of a microbial cenosis initiated by a substrate are studied using a scanning electron microscope in combination with classical techniques of microbiology: the actual predominance and proportions of individual microbial groups (bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, algae, protozoa and microscopic invertebrates); the interaction and interrelation between individual microbial populations in the cenosis; the biological properties of predominating microorganisms; the ratio between active and resting forms; the rate and character of growth of individual microbial populations in the cenosis and their succession . All these indices taken together may serve as a criterion for integral evaluation of the effect produced by various physico-chemical factors on the microbiological state of soil.

Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet, 1980, 5(1), 1 - 7
Microbiological transformation of 1,2-diphenyl-3,5 dioxo-4-n-butyl pyrazolidine (phenylbutazone); Favero J et al.; Microbiological conversion of phenylbutazone with Rhizopus arrhizus Fischer gave 4-hydroxy phenylbutazone in excellent yield . Spectral studies, mass spectrometry, in particular, were made of the obtained metabolite; other experiments performed with the intact microorganism or with the cell-free system, as well as studies with the well-known metabolic inhibitor, SKF 525 A, indicated that the obtained 4-hydroxy phenylbutazone was not an artefact . Similar experiments were performed on oxyphenbutazone.

Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol, 1980, 18(2), 57 - 61
The influence of ascites on the pharmacokinetics of amikacin; Lanao JM et al.; The pharmacokinetics of Amikacin are studied after the administration of 7.5 mg/kg body weight to 10 ascitic patients diagnosed with various hepatic disorders . The antibiotic was determined microbiologically in plasma and in the ascitic fluid . The antibiotic follows a two-compartment kinetic model, and it may be seen that once the rapid disposition phase has ended, an inflexion in the plasma-time levels curve takes place, with a passing increase in the plasma concentrations . From the pharmacokinetic study of Amikacin in these patients, it may be deduced that the ascitic liquid forms part of the central compartment for the effects of distribution, though not for the effects of elimination . The plasma half-life of the slow disposition phase is analogous to that obtained from non-ascitic patients with normal renal function . In one of the patients, the antibiotic was administered intraperitoneally; following this, the plasma concentrations of Amikacin were detected . In the last of the 10 patients included in the survey, the evolution of the plasma concentrations of the antibiotic were studied while the patient was undergoing a multiple dosage regimen with the aim of determining the accumulation of Amikacin in the ascitic fluid . A dosage regimen of multiple doses is programmed which should guarantee the efficiency and safety of the antibiotic.

Acta Paediatr Scand, 1980 Jan, 69(1), 93 - 9
Vitamin B12 in human colostrum and milk . Quantitation of the vitamin and its binder and the uptake of bound vitamin B12 by intestinal bacteria; Samson RR et al.; The concentration of vitamin B12 was measured by microbiological assay in 229 samples of normal human colostrum and milk taken at various stages of lactation . Colostrum obtained within 48 hours of delivery contains high concentrations of vitamin B12 (mean 2 431 pg/ml), but within a few days the levels fall to a range similar to the levels in normal serum . The vitamin B12 binding capacity of 111 samples of colostrum and milk was estimated by gel filtration or charcoal binding . Colostrum samples have a mean binding capacity of 72 ng/ml, while the binding capacity in milk is only one third of this value . The ability of a range of intestinal bacteria to take up colostrum-bound vitamin B12, was assessed . All the organisms took up free vitamin B12, but when the vitamin was bound in colostrum, there was little or no uptake even after 24 hours incubation.

Am J Hosp Pharm, 1980 Jan, 37(1), 98 - 101
Stability of frozen solutions of cefamandole nafate; Bornstein M et al.; The chemical, microbiological and visual stability of frozen solutions of cefamandole nafate was studied . Solutions of cefamandole nafate were prepared by diluting 1 g of drug with 3 ml of Water for Injection, USP, or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP (i.m . dilutions); or with 50 or 100 ml of the latter two diluents (i.v . dilutions) . Stability of samples stored in glass and polyvinyl chloride plastic containers for up to 52 weeks at -10 and -20 C was measured by microbiologic, polarographic, iodometric, nephelometric and chromatographic assay and pH was measured . In mice, LD50 tests were performed using the i.m . dilutions . I.M . dilutions of cefamandole nafate were stable for 52 weeks when stored at -20 C; at -10 C, however, some samples did not freeze completely and were turbid when thawed . I.V . dilutions were stable for 26 weeks when stored at -20 C . I.V . dilutions with D5W stored at -10 C developed a transient haze . A gradual decrease in pH, which was a function of storage time, was noted for the frozen solutions . Six months of freezing did not alter the LD50 in mice . Solutions of cefamandole nafate are stable for at least 26 weeks when stored at -20 C in glass or PVC containers.

Am J Clin Nutr, 1980 Jan, 33(1), 137 - 43
Stability of vitamin B12 in the presence of ascorbic acid in food and serum: restoration by cyanide of apparent loss; Marcus M et al.; Ascorbic acid in varying amounts was added to food and serum samples and heated at 37 C . Vitamin B12 was then measured by radioimmunoassay and microbiologically using several extraction methods . B12 values in a cottage cheese meal were lower than controls when concentrations of ascorbic acid greater than but not equal or less than 0.5 mg/ml were added and if KCN was not used during extraction, but when 70 micrograms/ml KCN was added after ascorbic acid exposure B12 was quantitatively recovered . Serum B12 was variably decreased by lesser concentrations of ascorbic acid but was also quantitatively restored by increasing KCN concentration during extraction . In the absence of KCN in the extraction step some loss of B12 at 100 C was observed; the loss was greater with added ascorbic acid . Our results indicate that previous reports on B12 loss in the presence of ascorbic acid are artifacts of the methods used . In view of these in vitro findings B12 destruction by ascorbic acid in vivo seems highly improbable.

Clin Chim Acta, 1980 Jan 1, 100(1), 13 - 9
Folate assay: a comparison of radioassay and microbiological methods; Shane B et al.; Folate mono- and polyglutamate standards were assayed by a microbiological method and by four commercially available radioassay methods to evaluate the usefulness of radioassay techniques for the quantitation of naturally occurring folates . Folate monoglutamates exhibited different responses in the radioassay procedures, depending on the one-carbon constituent and oxidation state . Folate polyglutamates exhibited an increased response that varied depending on the folate concentration . The varied responses of folate mono- and polyglutamates in the radioassay procedures make this technique unsuitable for the determination of the mixture of folate derivatives that are normally encountered in biological extracts.

Vet Med Nauki, 1980, 17(4), 53 - 8
{Cell count of the milk from sheep in machine milking}; Vitkov M et al.; A number of microbiological and parallel direct and indirect cytological studies were carried out on sheep milk, obtained by machine-milking . It was established that the sheep milk containing up to 183,000 somatic cells per cm3 showed a negative reaction if Bernburg's mastite test was applied . Samples of cellular elements from 200,000 up to 400,000 per cm3 showed a weak positive reaction of the test, and above 420,000 per cm3 proved to be strongly positive . Polynuclear heterophils and a high percentage of infected samples were found in a quantity of cells above 500,000 per cm3 . The data obtained showed good correlation between the bacterial find and the cell contents and are a reliable prerequisite for the application of Bernburg's test in studying sheep milk.

Arzneimittelforschung, 1980, 30(11), 1932 - 8
{Comparison of methods of determination of serum doxycyline assessing relative bioavailability of two commercial formulations (author's transl)}; Jaeger H et al.; The present study was undertaken to evaluate the accuracy of the analytical results of an investigation of relative bioavailability of two doxycycline preparations . Six methods in four laboratories were applied: one fluorimetric, three high-pressure-liquid-chromatographic and three microbiological methods . The analyses were performed after coding the samples . In all cases the two preparations were bioequivalent . When comparing the methods, it could be shown that the fluorimetric method was slightly more accurate than the others . The HPLC-methods were almost as accurate . The results of the microbiological determinations showed the lowest accuracy . Two of the results were in good agreement with the biochemical methods, whereas the third showed such a high deviation that a comparison was no longer possible . Altogether a good agreement of all compared methods (except one) could be demonstrated.

Dev Biol Stand, 1980, 45, 67 - 72
Production and standardization of the chimpanzee for research; Cummins LB et al.; Laboratory born and reared chimpanzees are essential for quality biomedical research and to ensure that adequate numbers of the animal model will be available to the research community without the depletion of wild populations . Production of progeny in sufficient numbers for research efforts is an expensive and time consuming task, encompassing cost efficiency factors of harem breeding, high birth rates, low maternal-infant interaction times, efficient nursery systems, and appropriate husbandry . Standardization methods provide for identical diets, handling procedures, and laboratory evaluation of all animals . Applied psychological techniques utilizing non-isolate rearing, juvenile-peer socialization, and adolescent-adult adaptation methods complete the generation cycle of the laboratory chimpanzee . Continuous microbiological and clinical chemistry monitoring provides baseline data, as well as revealing any alterations from the normal.

Acta Paediatr Acad Sci Hung, 1980, 21(4), 243 - 51
Metabolic effects of septicaemia in newborn and young infants with particular reference to the plasma free amino acids; Schultz K et al.; Blood samples were obtained from 13 infants with clinically and microbiologically confirmed septicaemia . Two subgroups of the septic infants were formed according to postnatal age, an early onset group consisting of 6 infants younger than 7 days, and a late onset group comprising 7 infants of 20 infants . The blood samples were analysed for 18 plasma amino acids and glucose, lactate and FFA . Except the significantly lowered blood glucose in the early onset group of infants, no appreciable change occurred in the glucose, lactate and FFA levels . The plasma aminogram was different in the two groups, as hypoaminoacidaemia was more pronounced in the early onset group . The branched chain amino acids decreased significantly in both groups . The three important glucogenic amino acids alanine, glycine and proline showed a decrease only in the early onset group . Among the calculated plasma amino acid ratios the phenylalanine: tyrosine quotient was markedly increased . This, in addition to the response of the branched chain amino acids, has been found characteristic of a variety of clinical and experimental infections.

Immun Infekt, 1980, 8(3), 89 - 95
{Microbiological surveillance in patients treated by bone marrow transplantation (author's transl)}; Haralambie E et al.; Patients suffering from acute leukemia were treated by bone marrow transplantation under strict gnotobiotic conditions . The microbiological surveillance was performed during three phases: the admission phase, the phase of decontamination and reverse isolation and the reconventionalisation phase . During the second phase no infections of exogenous origine occurred . All clinically manifest infections in this phase were induced by unsuppressed endogenous bacteria . In our study the bacteria of oropharynx was the main source of infections therefore this biotop deserves special attention during the microbiological surveillance of the immune compromised host . In leukemia patients selective decontamination will be the method of choice, but considering the possibility of GvHR in patients with bone marrow transplantation a complete decontamination should be achieved.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Naturwiss, 1980, 135(6), 541 - 51
Carbomycin, a macrolide antibiotic; Ashy MA et al.; Carbomycin is produced by Streptomyces halstedii . It was produced in a medium containing the following ingredients (g/l): soybean meal, 30.0; glucose, 22.0; NaCl, 1.0; CaCO3, 5.0; CoCl2 . 6 H2O, 0.005; and lard oil, 4.0 . Influence of trace elements on the biosynthesis of carbomycin was recorded . Methods of extraction and purification were given in the review article . Chemical and physical properties of carbomycin were also described . A microbiological assay method for carbomycin determination was described . Biosynthesis of carbomycin was reported . Mechanism of action of carbomycin on micro-organisms was also given in the review article.

Scan Electron Microsc, 1980, (Pt 2), 45 - 56
Preparation of microbiological specimens for scanning electron microscopy; Watson LP et al.; This tutorial paper describes techniques for processing microorganisms for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) . For ease of discussion, the subject is divided into two sections: A . General Processing Requirements, and B . Specific Processing Techniques . The objective of the first section is to outline processing requirements, explain their purpose, and point out where variations are possible . The following basic steps are discussed: (1) specimen selection, (2) prefixation treatment, (3) chemical fixation, (4) dehydration, (5) critical-point drying and freeze-drying, (6) coating, and (7) viewing . The second section describes methods of manipulating microorganisms through the processing steps . Instructions will cover microorganisms processed for SEM (1) in suspension, (2) in tissues . (3) in tissue culture, and (4) on agar . We are relying heavily on our own experiences in the laboratory and the results are illustrated by use of bacteria, mycoplasmas, rickettsiae, fungi, free-living protozoa, and parasitic protozoa . This tutorial is intended to be a general reference for processing microorganisms for study with the scanning electron microscope . Although we have described basic requirements and several specific techniques, it must be emphasized that there is a wide range of preparation flexibility permissible, depending upon the objectives of the study.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Naturwiss, 1980, 135(1), 22 - 37
Linkage-maps and their relations to linkage cluster procedures; Ohmayer G et al.; Methods of numerical taxonomy should provide a good representation of the relations of the objects and the structure of the groups . Besides dendograms, shade diagrams and minimum spanning trees, linkage-maps are suggested as a good additive tool to accomplish this representation . In this paper linkage-maps and similar technics are described, their relations to some generally known linkage cluster procedures are shown and their advantages are discussed . Their application is demonstrated using a small microbiological data set.

J Med, 1980, 11(4), 293 - 302
Legionnaires' disease and other newly recognized Legionella-like causes of bacterial pneumonia; Myerowitz RL; Three "new" pneumonias have recently been recognized which are old diseases whose etiology has only been newly-recognized . Legionella pneumophila (Legionnaires' disease), Pittsburgh Pneumonia Agent (PPA), and Legionella-like Organisms (the Family Legionellaceae) are "rickettsia-like" bacteria which require special media for cultivation . They can each cause nosocomial pneumonia in immunosuppressed patients and all but PPA cause community-acquired pneumonia . The Legionellaceae reside in the environment within water and soil . Diagnosis can be established by morphologic, microbiological, and immunologic analysis of respiratory secretions or lung tissue . It may be confirmed retrospectively by serology . Legionella pneumophila and PPA are susceptible to erythromycin and rifampin; erythromycin is the current drug of choice for treatment of these diseases.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1980, Suppl 23, 143 - 5
The value of the micromethod erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the diagnosis of infections in newborns; Ibsen KK et al.; 200 newborns, gestational age between 27 and 43 weeks (mean 39 weeks) and a birth weight between 900 and 4600 g (mean 2600 g) were studied . 18 patients had severe infections, 20 topical infections, 11 had signs of infection but negative microbiological cultures, 26 had positive cultures but no clinical signs of infection, and 125 patients had no sign of infection at all . In the group without infection (125 patients), the micromethod erythrocyte sedimentation rate (MESR) raised slowly from 2 mm/h at birth (95% upper limit 8 mm/h) to 4 mm/h 8 days after delivery . The MESR of the patients with respiratory distress, asphyxia, intubated children and patients with umbilical catheter, who had no infection, did not differ from other patients in this group . In patients with focal and general infections, rapidly rising MESR within wide limits was observed . Thus, in the individual newborn a high MESR supports the diagnosis of severe infection, whereas a low MESR does not exclude this diagnosis.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1980, 172(1-3), 96 - 104
{The role of water in the production and processing of milk (author's transl)}; Terplan G; Water is used in various ways in milk production and dairy industry, thereby becoming part of the food intentionally, inevitably or accidentally . The contamination of the food by water-borne microorganisms occurs directly, much more often, however, indirectly after multiplication of these microorganisms on the cleaned surfaces of the equipment used . Decisive for the influence of these microorganisms on the quality of milk and dairy products are the number and characteristics of the microorganisms, the extrinsic factors and the properties of the food . The various possibilities of an influence resulting from the microbiological quality of the water are exemplarily shown for raw milk, pasteurized milk, butter and cheese . The requirements concerning the water used in milk producing and processing plants are settled in the drinking-water-regulation . The bacteriological requirements of this regulation, however, don't absolutely guarantee a water of good technologic-hygienic quality . Doubts about the use of cooling water, which must not show the quality of drinking water, arise only with regard to pathogenic microorganisms.

J Inherit Metab Dis, 1980, 3(4), 145 - 7
Uptake of lysosomal enzymes by human fibroblasts: lack of uptake of fungal or plant glycosidases in comparison with a mammalian enzyme; Dooley KC et al.; alpha-Galactosidase from human placenta was actively taken up by cultured fibroblasts from patients with Fabry's disease whereas the enzyme from the fig was not absorbed . alpha-Glucosidase from two microbiological sources . A . fumigatus and A . niger, was not taken up by cultured fibroblasts from patients with Pompe's disease.

Zentralbl Bakteriol A, 1980, 247(2), 276 - 81
{Investigations on the determination of doxycycline concentrations in biological material by high pressure liquid chromatography and the agar diffusion method (author's transl)}; Bocker R et al.; A new high performance liquid chromatographic method for quantitative analysis of doxycycline has been compared with the microbiological assay . Both analytical methods yielded the same results of nearly 100% recovery when doxycycline was incubated with serum, lung-, or liver-homogenate (Table 1) . The advantages of the chromatographic method over the microbiological method are i . short and simple way of analysis (Fig . 1), ii . need of only small amounts of biological material . In a pilot study doxycycline - after i.v . application to mice - could be analyzed in good agreement by both methods (Fig . 2) . The microbiological analysis yielded in slightly lower serum- or organ-levels what might be due to an inactivation of the antibiotic attached to proteins to some extend.

Zahn Mund Kieferheilkd Zentralbl, 1980, 68(2), 106 - 15
{Clinical and experimental animal studies made to determine the influence of topically applied chlorohexidine upon plaque formation, germ flora, and caries production (author's transl)}; Treide A et al.; A clinical and microbiological study has been made to determine, within a period of four weeks and on a total of ten Soviet schoolchildren, the effects of daily rinses with Polfa, a 0.2% solution of chlorohexidine gluconate, upon plaque formation, plaque flora, and gingival condition within the framework of controlled oral hygiene, with the subjects included in this program being twelve-year-olds . A 20-day experiment on forty Wistar rats was performed with the object of determining the effect of two applications per week of chlorohexidine upon both caries production and oral germ flora . Topical application of chlorohexidine resulted in a marked reduction of plaque formation, substantial improvement in gingival condition, and considerable decrease in the germ content of the plaque . A significant reduction in oral germ count could be determined in the experimental animals . However, it was not possible to observe a significant inhibition of caries production.

J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris), 1980, 9(4), 445 - 53
{A microbiological study of swabs taken laparoscopically in cases of salpingitis and tubal sterility . Research for Chlamydia trachomatis and for mycoplasmas (author's transl)}; Henry-Suchet J et al.; Research was made for chlamydia trachomatis and ureaplasma urealyticum in the peritoneum and the tubes of 99 women divided into 4 groups: 17 of them were being investigated because of acute salpingitis (Group A), 17 were being investigated for tubal sterility with chronic inflammation diagnosed laparoscopically (Group B), 29 were being investigated for tubal sterility without any laparoscopic evidence of inflammation (Group C) and 36 women had absolutely normal pelves and were being investigated for sterility . These were the control group (D) . Swabs were also taken from the lower genital tracts as well as serological tests for chlamydia trachomatis and cytological samplings of the fluid from the Pouch of Douglas and the histology of the tubes . In the 17 women who had acute salpingitis the swabs 4 cases of C.T . and 4 of U.U . In the 46 women who had tubal sterility the laparoscopic swabs showed cases of C.T . and 7 of U.U . The swabs were most often positive in Group B . This group is characterised by a special appearence of the inflammation, with fluid present and viscous adhesions as well as peritoneal inflammatory cysts . These altogether help to make a presumptive diagnosis of C.T . infection on laparoscopy . In the control group of 36 cases there was no sign of C.T . in any case, although 2 swabs from the peritoneum showed U.U . So there is a statistically significant difference between the groups that were suspicious and the control group whether the results were obtained by cultures or by serological diagnosis . On the other hand there is no definitive difference as far as U.U . is concerned . These observations, which are similar to those published by other authors, lead us to think that micro-organisms and especially chlamydia trachomatis could be the bacteriological agent responsible for chronic inflammatory states found so frequently in women with tubal sterility.

Acta Microbiol Pol, 1980, 29(4), 353 - 64
Biotransformation of sodium lignosulfonates of different molecular weights by the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus; Wojtas-Wasilewska M et al.; Fractions of sodium lignosulfonates (NaLS) of varied molecular weight, obtained by gel-permeation chromatography on Sephadex G-50, were exposed to microbiological degradation using liquid cultures of Pleurotus ostreatus . The intensity of transformation observed during 4 weeks of growth (based on nitroso determinations) was inversely proportional to the molecular weight of the fractions studied . Degradation of lignosulfonates was accompanied by polymerization, particularly where low molecular weight fractions were involved . The activity of p-diphenol oxidase (laccase) was stimulated by the presence of lignosulfonates . This effect was especially noticeable in the case of high molecular weight components.

Ciba Found Symp, 1980, 79, 183 - 207
Copper deficiency in ruminants; McMurray CH; Copper deficiency can reduce the productivity of livestock . The effect of copper deficiency on a number of copper enzymes and copper-dependent systems is discussed, to highlight the areas where their role needs to be clarified . Special reference is made to cytochrome c oxidase, lysyl oxidase, superoxide dismutase and endoplasmic reticulum enzymes and to their role in the expression of disease . The modification of microbiological insult by a change in superoxide dismutase activity without any other direct metabolic consequences is discussed, to introduce the concept of an external challenge being necessary before any effect of an otherwise sub-clinical copper deficiency is observed . The changes in activity of the various copper enzymes are described in clinical and experimentally induced copper deficiency in sheep and cattle, two species in which copper deficiency can have economic consequences . The diagnostic value of various blood markers, such as copper, caeruloplasmin and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase is discussed . The measured degree of hypocupraemia is related to different types of sampling (e.g . plasma or serum), physiological status (e.g . in the pre- and postpartum cow), changes that occur in the neonate, and also to the effect of the acute-phase reaction . The use of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase as a marker for the copper status of sheep and cattle is compared with more conventional markers such as plasma concentration of copper . The use of blood markers to map the extent and location of hypocupraemia (due to reduced copper intake or availability) among suckler (beef) herds in Northern Ireland is also discussed.

J Environ Pathol Toxicol, 1979 Dec, 3(1-2), 315 - 27
NCTR computer systems designed for toxicologic experimentation . V . Post-experiment information system; Herrick SS et al.; The Post-Experiment Information System (PEIS) is an automated data collection and reporting system composed of three specialized subsystems: Pathology, Chemistry and Microbiology . These subsystems function either independently or collectively to construct and maintain a comprehensive data base of all experimental values derived from, or associated with, an animal carcass . All data are retrievable by the unique Carcass Identification (CID) number assigned at death, which is the correlative of the Unique Identification Number (UIN) assigned to the animal at birth and used throughout its lifespan . Elements processed under the PEIS include gross and microscopic pathological observations, organ weights, hematologic data, chemical data, and microbiological analyses . The ability of the system to integrate the post-experiment data with the information collected on an animal from birth (BIS) and during the experiment (EIS) provides a complete animal history to the Principal Investigator or other requestor.

Z Ernahrungswiss, 1979 Dec, 18(4), 233 - 8
{Microbiological aspects of stored hard-boiled eggs}; Bomar MT; Hard-bioled eggs in the shell were without any pretreatment stored in air at 20 degrees C and 4 degrees C . Furthermore the keeping quality of varnish-coated eggs stored in air at 20 degrees C and of untreated eggs stored in 100% carbon dioxide at the same temperature was studied . Hard-boiled eggs stored at 4 degrees C and varnish-coated eggs stored at 20 degrees C were of excellent bacteriological quality up to 5 weeks . Untreated eggs stored in air at 20 degrees C showed high microbiological contamination (more than 10(6)/g) already after one week . The CO2 storage atmosphere inhibited the growth of microorganisms during the first week of storage, but in the days to follow counts increased to more than 10(6)/g as well.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1979 Dec, 16(6), 808 - 12
Microbial transformation of A23187, a divalent cation ionophore antibiotic; Abbott BJ et al.; A23187 is an ionophore antibiotic that forms dimeric complexes with divalent cations such an Mn2+ and Ca2+ . Over 200 randomly selected soil microorganisms were incubated with A23187 . None of these cultures was capable of transforming this compound . In contrast, many microorganisms were able to modify the methyl ester of A23187 . The transformation products produced by one culture, Streptomyces chartreusis, were isolated and identified as 16-hydroxy-N-demethyl A23187 methyl ester, 16-hydroxy-A23187 methyl ester, and N-demethyl A23187 methyl ester . These ester derivatives lack most of the ionophore properties of the acids and cannot readily form dimeric complexes with divalent cations . However, they could be hydrolyzed by a mild treatment with ethanolic KOH to free acids that possess good ionophore activity . The use of the ester substrate in conjunction with the hydrolysis procedure is, at the present time, the only known method for microbiologically producing A23187 derivatives.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1979 Dec, 32(12), 1303 - 10
Further studies on microbiological ring-expansion of penicillin N; Sawada Y et al.; The rate of microbiological ring-expansion of penicillin N to deacetoxycephalosporin C using protoplast lysates of the antibiotic-negative mutant Cephalosporium acremonium M-0198 has been increased some 70-fold over that of our earlier system . We confirmed the stimulatory effects of FeSO4 and ascorbate described by Hook et al . (Biochem . Biophys . Res . Commun . 87: 258, 1979); the optimum concentrations found were 0.04 mM FeSO4 and 0.67 mM ascorbate . Adenosine triphosphate concentration was lowered to 0.83 mM; phosphoenolpyruvate and pyruvate kinase were eliminated . The optimum pH and temperature for the reaction were 7.2 and 25 degrees C, respectively . Alpha-ketoglutarate and MnCl2 showed no marked effect on the reactions, MgSO4 and KCl were mildly stimulatory, and CuSO4 and ZnSO4 were very inhibitory . Penicillin N was optimal at a concentration of 0.07 mM . Specific ring-expansion activity reached its peak 13 hours after growth ceased and then disappeared rapidly.

Boll Ist Sieroter Milan, 1979 Nov 30, 58(5), 429 - 34
{Cutaneous mycobacteriosis of aquaria . A disease transmitted from fish to man}; Monti M et al.; The Authors refer about one case of cutaneous infection from Mycobacterium marinum transmitted to man from tropical fishes of a fish tank . The Authors describe the lesions produced by mycobacterium in man and in fish, as well as the relevant hystological findings and the microbiological enquiries carried out for isolation and typing . The possibility of direct transmission of a tubercular infection from fish to man has been demonstrated . The Authors think it to be useful a careful sanitary control on the ichthyc fauna destined to domestic fish tanks.

Med J Aust, 1979 Nov 17, 2(10), 515 - 8
Surveying antibiotic use in a general teaching hospital; Mashford ML et al.; Four antibiotic surveys were carried out in a teaching hospital within the framework of an intensive drug monitoring system during 1976-1978 . The proportion of inpatients receiving antibiotic therapy at any one time varied from 25% to 32% . Penicillin, ampicillin and co-trimoxazole were the most frequently used antibiotics . The use of cloxacillin increased over the survey period . Approximately 85% of presumed infections were treated before the results of microbiological tests became available . Between 29% and 39% of all courses of antibiotics were given for prophylaxis of infection . Between 13% and 30% of patients received more than one antibiotic concurrently; indication for such combined use appeared inadequate in 31% to 80% of courses.

Vet Rec, 1979 Nov 3, 105(18), 410 - 4
A field trial with a multicomponent inactivated respiratory viral vaccine; Morzaria SP et al.; An inactivated virus vaccine containing strains of parainfluenza type 3 (PI3), bovine adenovirus type 3, reovirus type 1, bovine virus diarrhoea (BVD) and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) viruses was tested in a group of 58 calves reared in a semi-intensive management system . Following vaccination, 1/30, 14/30 and 17/30, showed significant rises in antibody titre to reovirus type 1, adenovirus type 3 and IBR respectively . None of the animals showed significant serological response to PI 3 and BVD . In the control group, 2/28, 1/28, 6/28 and 3/28 developed antibody responses to reovirus type 1, BVD, adenovirus type 3 and IBR respectively . Microbiological examination revealed the presence of a wide variety of commensal bacteria and Mycoplasma bovirhinis in both groups . Analysis of the records of clinical examinations indicated that the respiratory tract infections occurred among the calves at between 50 and 80 days after arrival at the farm, and that there was no significant difference between the test and the control groups . A number of animals had maternal antibodies to the various components of the vaccine present before the trial commenced and these antibodies appeared to interfere with the subsequent serological response to the antigen challenge . The vaccination schedule recommended by the manufacturer does not entirely circumvent this problem.

Poult Sci, 1979 Nov, 58(6), 1541 - 7
Sulfur amino acid and methyl donor status of corn-soy diets fed to starting broiler chicks and turkey poults; Pesti GM et al.; Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of supplementing corn-soy-bean meal-white grease diets with sulfur amino acids and methyl group donors for starting broiler-strain chicks . The diets (23% protein and 3200 kcal ME/kg) were fed to quadruplicate lots of chicks in battery brooders . The diets were calculated to contain .37% methionine, .37% cystine, and 1499 mg/kg choline . Chemical and microbiological assays yielded values of .32% and .42% for methionine and cystine content respectively . Results of 5 chick experiments showed that supplementing this diet with .23% DL-methionine significantly (P less than .05) improved 3 week-gain (375 vs . 415 g) and feed/gain (1.54 vs . 1.47) over that obtained with the basal diet . When L-cystine and 2(CaSO4).H2O failed to give a significant (P greater than .05) response, compounds capable of donating methyl groups were fed . Significant (P less than .05) responses in gain (404 and 420) and feed/gain (1.48 and 1.51) over the basal were obtained with choline and betaine . These responses were not significantly (P greater than .05) different from that obtained with methionine . Serine and sodium formate failed to give consistent responses . Using a poult diet of 28% protein and 2800 kcal ME/kg, a significant (P less than .05) response to DL-methionine was again observed, with intermediate responses to betaine, choline, and serine . It is concluded that (within the limits of the experimental model) corn-soy type diets contain an adequate amount of total sulfur amino acid for chicks, but not poults, when sufficient choline or betaine are provided.

Mikrobiologiia, 1979 Nov-Dec, 48(6), 1066 - 74
{Microorganisms of the upper layers of the atmosphere}; Lysenko SV; Samples for microbiological studies were taken at a high altitude using meterological rockets with specially constructed analyzers so that no extraneous microorganisms could get into them before sampling . The analyzers were sterilized by gamma-irradiation before sampling . For the first time, microscopic fungi, bacteria and mycobacteria were detected at a height of 48--77 km . Five among six of the microbial species were found to contain pigments . The prevalence of these forms at high altitudes suggests that natural selection may take place in the upper atmospheric layer since cells containing chromogenic pigments (carotenoids, melanins) are more resistant to the action of ultraviolet rays.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1979 Nov, 16(5), 529 - 32
Assay of flucytosine (5-fluorocytosine) in human plasma by high-pressure liquid chromatography; Bury RW et al.; The use of the antifungal agent flucytosine has been associated with dose-related hepatotoxicity and bone marrow depression, and measurement of plasma concentrations is useful in determining dosage schedules . The present study describes a rapid, simple, and sensitive high-pressure liquid chromatographic analysis of plasma flucytosine which may be completed within 30 min of receipt of a plasma sample . Sample preparation is minimal and merely involves precipitation of plasma protein before injection onto a reverse-phase column . The method is accurate and reproducible and yields results comparable to or perhaps slightly superior to those obtained by conventional microbiological assay . The value of the procedure for routine use is enhanced by the freedom from interference by a large range of medications administered concurrently with flucytosine.

Vopr Pitan, 1979 Nov-Dec, (6), 23 - 7
{Food and biological value of the adapted acidophilous mixtures, Maliutka and Malysh}; Sukhova TS et al.; The new acidophilus liquid mixtures "Malyutka" and "Malysh" manufactured under industrial conditions were subjected to comprehensive physicochemical, microbiological and biological studies . Amino acids and fatty acids contained by the mixtures as well as their biological value were also examined.

Mikrobiologiia, 1979 Nov-Dec, 48(6), 1075 - 81
{Search for life on Mars}; Imshenetskii AA et al.; The paper presents the data about the catalytic activity of several minerals from the Martian ground and of some laboratory analogues of the planet ground . It has been shown that it is possible to obtain unambigious data about life on Mars by using such methodological approaches which are based on biological principles of the determination of living matter . Microbiological methods for detection of extraterrestrial life should be preferred in future over biogeochemical methods which were used by the Viking stations.

Vet Rec, 1979 Oct 13, 105(15), 348 - 50
The aetiology of a keratoconjunctivitis occurring in goats in the Sudan; Abbas B et al.; An infectious keratoconjunctivitis occurring in goats in the Sudan is described . Experimental transmission using infective ocular discharges resulted in a conjunctivitis in young kids and a severe keratoconjunctivitis in an adult goat . A pleomorphic organism which resembled Rickettsia spp was found in conjunctival smears from naturally and experimentally infected animals . Neither Mycoplasma nor Chlamydia spp were isolated in microbiological cultures.

Aviat Space Environ Med, 1979 Oct, 50(10), 1067 - 72
Containment aircraft transit isolator; Clayton AJ; The Containment Aircraft Transit Isolator is a self-contained unit capable of transporting a patient with a highly virulent disease and at the same time providing maximum microbiological security while full nursing care and treatment are carried out . The isolator was employed in a trans-Atlantic simulated aeromedical evacuation in a Canadian Forces Boeing 707 . During the exercise, flight testing was undertaken and nursing care, treatment, and decontamination procedures were developed and evaluated . Flight medical personnel were trained in the use of the unit . It was concluded that flight-trained medical teams, well versed in general aviation medicine and with a detailed familiarity with the isolator, are necessary for safely transporting patients with exotic diseases.

Aust Fam Physician, 1979 Oct, 8(10), 1087 - 97
Antibiotics in immunosuppressed patients; Tosolini FA; The initial treatment of an infection in an immunosuppressed patient must be aimed at the most commonly involved microorganisms which may result in a rapidly fatal infection . As soon as a microbiological diagnosis had been made, the treatment should be altered if necessary to provide optimal management of the condition.

Lab Anim Sci, 1979 Oct, 29(5), 625 - 32
Microbiological evaluation of a biological safety cabinet modified for bedding disposal; Rake BW; A biological safety cabinet modified for bedding disposal was tested to determine the cabinet's ability to protect operators and experiments from aerosol exposure during routine microbiological and cage cleaning procedures . Stringent test conditions were provided by modifications of standardized protocols in addition to simulated cage dumping procedures, both of which utilized bacterial aerosols as challenges . Results of standardized test procedures (with no operator present) indicated good performance in protecting both operators and experiments . Procedures involving the dumping (by an operator) of contaminated bedding within the unit showed that the cabinet was able to contain 99.96% or greater of the total particles generated.

Antibiotiki, 1979 Oct, 24(10), 742 - 6
{Collector device for apparatus hookup connections in microbiological manufacture}; Matveev VE et al.; A collector device developed on the basis of a holding tank is discussed . The working principle of the device, its characteristics and advantages as applied to microbiological industry are described . The use of the collector devices in the assembly diagrams of the apparatus provides reduction of the number of the piping fittings, the pipe-line length, the number of the sealing elements, heat evolution into the environment, and time of the apparatus servicing.

Z Gesamte Inn Med, 1979 Oct 1, 34(19), 584 - 6
{Laparoscopy in chronic gallbladder diseases}; Petzold H et al.; The laparoscopy is the only riskless possibility of directly inspecting the gall-bladder, to ascertain the diagnosis of a chronic cholecystitis, further to consider the indications to internal or surgical measures . For the judgment the form of the gall-bladder, the behaviour of its wall with different colouring, oedema and furthermore its behaviour to neighbouring organs are of decisive evidence . In a disease of the bile-ducts the laparoscopy allows to prove or to exclude a participation of the liver . For the judgment of the activity of a disease of the gall-bladder should, however, always be used clinical and radiological findings, the microbiological investigation of the A-, B-, and C-bile and the testing of the reflex of the gall-bladder . This is necessary with regard to the therapy.

Zentralbl Bakteriol {B}, 1979 Oct, 169(3-4), 271 - 81
{Hydrotherapy pools, microbiological and chemical results (author's transl)}; Klenner MF et al.; The results of microbiological and chemical examinations of water samples collected from hydrotherapy pools for non incontinent patients proved that the officially agreed parameters for the surveillance of public swimming pools (Osterr . Baderhygiene-Gesetz and Verordnung) have to be extended to meet the requirements of epidemiology . Similarly the requirements for treatment and operating conditions of those waters should be more rigorous . Minimal requirements for the treatment of water in hydrotherapy pools are recommended . The results of the study indicated also that the microbicide action of chlorine (chlorine gas, hypochlorite solution) was superior to those of DIHALO (chlorine-bromine-hydantoine) . Suggestions are made for proper handling of waters which would lose their therapeutical potencies by any kind of treatment.

J Biol Chem, 1979 Sep 10, 254(17), 8561 - 6
Regulation of fatty acid synthetase activity . The 4'-phosphopantetheine hydrolase of rat liver; Sobhy C; The 4'-phosphopantetheine hydrolase of rat liver, partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, catalyzes the hydrolysis of the prosthetic group 4'-phosphopantetheine from the holo-fatty acid synthetase . The two products of the action of this enzyme, 4'-phosphopantetheine and apo-fatty acid synthetase, were isolated by DEAE-cellulose chromatography and by chromatography on a Sepharose epsilon-aminocaproyl pantetheine column, respectively . The resultant apo-fatty acid synthetase was quantitated by immunoprecipitation and it was also converted to the holoprotein with a crude preparation of rat liver 4'-phosphopantetheine transferase . Quantitative determination of the hydrolase reaction product, 4'-phosphopantetheine, by amino acid analysis and microbiological assays confirmed the presence of 1 mol of this compound/mol of holo-fatty acid synthetase.

Z Ernahrungswiss, 1979 Sep, 18(3), 191 - 208
{Keeping quality of hard boiled eggs}; Partmann W et al.; Only a few and contradictory results are available on the storage stability of hard boiled eggs which are of considerable importance for institutional feeding . Therefore four storage experiments on about 500 hard boiled eggs each were carried out and chemical and sensorial changes occurring during storage investigated . The one-day-old eggs of the same origin were boiled for 17 minutes under standard conditions and subsequently stored in air at a relative humidity between 73 and 85% at 4 degrees C (experiment No . 1), at 20 degrees C (experiments No . 2 and 3) and in pure carbon dioxide at 20 degrees C (experiment No . 4) . Immediately after boiling, the eggs used for experiments No . 3 were dipped into coloured resin for egg shells (natural Manila-Kopa; dissolved in ethanol and stained with "Acillantechtgrun) . Losses in weight during storages were distincly lower in the lacquered eggs than in the non-lacquered samples otherwise treated in the same manner . The weight decrease caused by the loss of water was extraordinarily high in pure CO2 and is due mainly the the decrease of the pH in the egg whites caused by the uptake of CO2 . A few days after boiling the concentration of the free amino acids reached approximately the same level in albumen and yolk and remained practically constant over the following 3 weeks . For the breakdown of lecithine in yolk determined according to Grossfeld and Peter, a "deterioration quotient" of 6, like in unboiled eggs, was fixed as the limit value for unspoiled condition . Accordingly a possible storage time of 3 to 4 weeks resulted for the eggs stored at 4 degrees C and for the eggs treated with stained resin . The non-lacquered eggs stored in air or in CO2 at 20 degrees C reached the critical value in about 10 days . From the vitamins A, B1 and B2 only vitamin A showed considerable losses during storage . On the basis of the microbiological (3) and chemical findings and of the sensorial evaluation of colour, consistency, odour and taste of egg whites and yolks, the following storage times were determined for eggs in the quality class "saleable" requiring an overall rating not lower than 6 (satisfactory): 14 to 16 days, for non-lacquered eggs stored at 4 degrees C and for lacquered eggs at 20 degrees C whereas 5 days were found to be the maximum storage time for untreated eggs stored at 20 degrees C . If boiled eggs are stored in pure carbon dioxide at 20 degrees C, a distinct quality loss is observed already after a few days.

J Assoc Off Anal Chem, 1979 Sep, 62(5), 1170 - 3
Stability of three forms of vitamin B6 to laboratory light conditions; Ang CY; Pyridoxine.HCl, pyridoxal.HCl, and pyridoxamine.2HCl solutions were exposed to several laboratory light treatments, and the resulting vitamin retentions were determined by the AOAC microbiological method . The 5 treatments compared were total darkness, regular laboratory light, low actinic glass protection, yellow incandescent light, and golden fluorescent light . All treatments were imposed for 8 and 15 hr, and with the vitamin solutions at both a low and a high pH . Regular laboratory light was the most destructive to the vitamins, with greater destruction at higher pH and longer exposure time in all cases . Pyridoxine retentions ranged from 97 (pH 4.5, 8 hr) to 66% (pH 7, 15 hr); pyridoxal from 97 (pH 4.5, 8 hr) to 55% (pH 6, 15 hr); and pyridoxamine from 81 (pH 4.5, 8 hr) to 47% (pH 8, 15 hr) . Retentions in low actinic glassware or in clear glassware under yellow or golden fluorescent light were essentially com,lete, ranging from 94 to 106% over all treatments and all 3 forms . Results showed that either of the 2 subdued light conditions, yellow or golden fluorescent light, is suitable in vitamin B6 assays and that low actinic glassware is suitable for storing sample solutions.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1979 Sep, 32(9), 900 - 8
New cephalosporins and 7 alpha-methoxy cephalosporins . Chemistry and biological activities; Elitropi G et al.; The synthesis and the in vitro activity of a number of cephalosporins and 7 alpha-methoxy cephalosporins having 7-acyl substituents derived from 1-methyl-4 (or 5)-nitro-1H-imidazolyl-thioacetic acids are described . The microbiological profile is influenced by the position of both the nitro group and the side-chain sulfur atom on the 1-methyl imidazole, and by the nature of the 3-substituent.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1979 Sep, 16(3), 372 - 7
High-pressure liquid chromatography analysis of antibiotic susceptibility disks; Hagel RB et al.; The analysis of antibiotic susceptibility disks by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was investigated . Methods are presented for the potency determination of mecillinam, ampicillin, carbenicillin, and cephalothin alone and in various combinations . Good agreement between HPLC and microbiological data is observed for potency determinations with recoveries of greater than 95% . Relative standard deviations of lower than 2% are recorded for each HPLC method . HPLC methods offer improved accuracy and greater precision when compared to the standard microbiological methods of analysis for susceptibility disks.

J Pharm Sci, 1979 Sep, 68(9), 1075 - 80
Effect of 60Co-irradiation on penicillin G procaine in veterinary mastitis products; Tsuji K et al.; The effect of 60Co-irradiation on penicillin G procaine in a peanut oil-based veterinary mastitis product was examined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) . The HPLC method is capable of separating and quantifying procaine, penicillin G, and various degradation compounds . Penicillin G recovery from a placebo formulation was 100.4% with a relative standard deviation of less than 1% . When irradiated at 4.0 Mrads, the penicillin G in two product lots decreased slightly (approximately 1-2%) with a corresponding increase in two compounds inherently present in bulk penicillin G powder . These compounds may be formed in abundance by treating penicillin G in an acidic solution . From the mass spectrometric analysis and the relative retention data with authentic compounds, these compounds were identified as benzylpenilloaldehyde and benzylpenaldic acid . Values obtained by the HPLC method on the product irradiated and stored at various temperatures correlated well with those of the microbiological assay . No significant decrease in the procaine was detected even after 4.0-Mrad irradiation . The HPLC method is applicable for analysis of other beta-lactam antibiotics.

Br J Surg, 1979 Sep, 66(9), 657 - 9
A safe and effective disposable low pressure suction drain; Seely MF et al.; The physical and microbiological properties of a new disposable suction drainage system have been investigated under clinical and laboratory conditions . The system appears to have overcome the disadvantages associated with previous disposable and reusable low pressure suction drainage systems for use after surgical operation in that this system effectively prevents reflex and retrograde contamination.

Zentralbl Bakteriol {Orig A}, 1979 Sep, 244(4), 439 - 51
Some biological characteristics of Escherichia coli strains isolated from acute diarrhoeal diseases of infants; Dragas AZ et al.; The aim of this study was to evaluate the methods of biological characterization of Escherichia coli strains, in order to use them as screening tests in clinical microbiological laboratories . In two thirds of the 45 E . coli, isolated from acute intestinal infection of infants, different factors of virulence were found . The strains showed prevalently an enterotoxigenic character (66,6%), which was in correlation with the increased permeability (62,2%) . Adhesive properties were present in 20% of E . coli independent of their enterotoxigenicity; only 11,1% of the strains had penetrating abilities . The rabbit skin model seems to be accurate and quick for ETEC screening purposes, as is the guinea-pig eye for the EIEC . The mouse intestinal loop has been found sensitive but time-consuming . The infant mouse model is simple and quick, but in this study it has not given optimal results . The Vero cell culture system is simple and easy to perform, but at least for some strains the preparations should be concentrated . The investigation of adhesiveness by haemagglutination is possible to conduct in every small clinical laboratory . Our opinion is, however, that after the isolation of E . coli from different pathological materials, the determination of the antigenic structure of the strains is necessary and later on the additional biological characterization should be performed.

J Assoc Off Anal Chem, 1979 Sep, 62(5), 1027 - 30
Semiautomated method for niacin and niacinamide in food products: collaborative study; Egberg DC; A collaborative study was conducted comparing a semiautomated colorimetric niacin method with a manual colorimetric and a microbiological method for 10 food products . Seven laboratories used the microbiological method, 7 laboratories used the manual colorimetric method, and 6 laboratories used the semiautomated method . The semiautomated method was more repeatable within a laboratory and more reproducible between laboratories than was either of the other methods . The semiautomated method results compared favorably with both the microbiological and manual colorimetric method results.

J Assoc Off Anal Chem, 1979 Sep, 62(5), 989 - 97
Equivalence of microbiological and hydroxylamine methods of analysis for ampicillin dosage forms; Lin SL et al.; Ampicillin formulations were assayed by microbiological and hydroxylamine methods to determine whether thehydroxylamine analytical method is a suitable substitute for the microbiological method . Paired assay results by the 2 analytical methods were obtained on different strengths of tablet, capsule, and suspension, formulations containing ampicillin and ampicillin degradation compounds . Several statistical tests were used to assess the equivalence of the paired assay results . The data analyses indicate that the hydroxylamine method is a suitable substitute for the microbiological method for potency assays and stability studies of ampicillin formulations . The hydroxylamine method yielded slightly higher assay results than the microbiological method for severely degraded formulations.

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