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| Bull Soc Pathol Exot, 1992, 85(5 Pt 2), 460 - 3 Are Streptomyces bacteria involved in the ciguatoxicity of the surgeon fish Ctenochaetus striatus? Chinain M, Boiron P, Legrand AM, Plichart R. Several Streptomyces strains have been isolated from the digestive tract of the herbivorous fish C . striatus, a preeminent ciguateric fish of Polynesian waters . In order to study the possible role played by these bacteria in the toxicity of this fish, the quantitative and qualitative distributions of these isolates within toxic and non toxic fish are compared . The preliminary results are discussed. Nephron, 1992, 60(2), 210 - 5 Antioxidant effect on renal scarring following infection of mannose-sensitive-piliated bacteria; Matsumoto T et al.; Renal scars have been considered to occur in later stages of chronic pyelonephritis . In our experimental pyelonephritis model, bacteria which possessed mannose-sensitive (MS) pili on the surface promoted renal scarring following inoculation to the renal parenchyma . Polyethylene glycol-modified superoxide dismutase (PEG-SOD) and 2-O-octadecylascorbic acid (CV3611) significantly suppressed scarring when administered orally or parenterally during the early stage of kidney infection with MS-piliated bacteria . These findings suggest that the superoxide and other active oxygens play an important role in renal scarring following infection and that PEG-SOD and CV3611 may be agents capable of preventing renal scarring following bacterial pyelonephritis. J Bacteriol, 1992 Jan, 174(1), 179 - 85 Role of nitrogen regulator I (NtrC), the transcriptional activator of glnA in enteric bacteria, in reducing expression of glnA during nitrogen-limited growth; Shiau SP et al.; During nitrogen-limited growth, transcription of glnA, which codes for glutamine synthetase, requires sigma 54-RNA polymerase and the phosphorylated from the nitrogen regulator I (NRI; also called NtrC) . In cells in which the lac promoter controlled expression of the gene coding for NRI, increasing the intracellular concentration of NRI lowered the level of glutamine synthetase . The reduction in glutamine synthetase does not appear to result from the NRI-dependent sequestering of any protein that affects transcription of glnA . Our results also suggest that the negative effect of a high concentration of NRI on glnA expression is a major determinant of the level of glutamine synthetase activity in nitrogen-limited cells of a wild-type strain . We propose that the inhibition results from an impairment of the interaction between NRI-phosphate and RNA polymerase that stimulates glnA transcription . We discuss a model that can account for this reduction in glutamine synthetase. C R Seances Soc Biol Fil, 1992, 186(6), 635 - 40 {Control of homologous recombination by mismatch base repair system in bacteria: implications concerning the chromosome stability and the evolution of species}; Rayssiguier C; The generalized mismatch repair system controls, in bacteria, the homologous recombination between diverged (homologous) DNA . It thus constitute, together with the sequence divergence, a barrier to recombination between bacteria of different species as we have shown for E . coli and S . typhimurium . It is moreover, by preventing the recombination between diverged repeated sequences, a key component of the chromosome stability. Arch Microbiol, 1992, 158(3), 183 - 7 Protonmotive force in freshwater sulfate-reducing bacteria, and its role in sulfate accumulation in Desulfobulbus propionicus; Kreke B et al.; The protonmotive force in several sulfate-reducing bacteria has been determined by means of radiolabelled membrane-permeant probes (tetraphenylphosphonium cation, TPP+, for delta psi, and benzoate for delta pH) . In six of ten freshwater strains tested only the pH gradient could be determined, while the membrane potential was not accessible due to nonspecific binding of TPP+ . The protonmotive force of the other four strains was between -110 and -155 mV, composed of a membrane potential of -80 to -140 mV and a pH gradient between 0.25 and 0.8 (inside alkaline) at pH(out) = 7 . In Desulfobulbus propionicus the pH gradient decreased with rising external pH values . This decrease, however, was compensated by an increasing membrane potential . Sulfate, which can be highly accumulated by the cells, did not affect the protonmotive force, if added in concentrations of up to 4 mM . The highest sulfate accumulation observed (2500-fold), which occurred at external sulfate concentrations below 5 microM, could be explained by a symport of three protons per sulfate, if equilibrium with the protonmotive force was assumed . At higher sulfate concentrations the accumulation decreased and suggested an electroneutral symport of two protons per sulfate . At sulfate concentrations above 500 microM, the cells stopped sulfate uptake before reaching an equilibrium with the protonmotive force. Annu Rev Biochem, 1992, 61, 861 - 96 Proton transfer in reaction centers from photosynthetic bacteria; Okamura MY et al.; Proton transfer in the bacterial RC associated with the reduction of the bound QB to the dihydroquinone is an important step in the energetics of photosynthetic bacteria . The binding of two protons by the quinone is associated with the transfer of the second electron to QB at a rate of ca . 10(3) s-1 (pH 7) . Mutation of three protonatable residues, GluL212, SerL223, and AspL213, located near QB to nonprotonatable residues (Gln, Ala, and Asn, respectively) resulted in large reductions (by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude) in the rate or proton transfer to QB . These mutations can be grouped into two classes: those that blocked both proton transfer and electron transfer (SerL223, and AspL213) and those that blocked only proton transfer (GluL212) . These results were interpreted in terms of a pathway for proton transport in which uptake of the first proton, required for the transfer of the second electron, occurs through a pathway involving AspL213 and SerL223 . Uptake of the second proton, which follows electron transfer, occurs through a pathway involving GluL212 and possibly AspL213 . Acidic residues near QB affect electron transfer rates via electrostatic interactions . One residue, with a pKa of ca . 10 interacting strongly with the charge on QB (delta pKa greater than 2), was shown to be GluL212 . A second residue with a pKa of ca . 6, which interacts more weakly with the charge on QB (delta pK approximately 1), could be either AspL210 or AspL213 . Several possible mechanisms for proton transfer are consistent with the observed experimental results and proposed proton pathways . These involve proton transfers from individual amino acid residues or internal water molecules either as single steps or in a concerted fashion . The determination of the dominant mechanism will require evaluation of the energetics of the various steps. Acta Clin Belg, 1992, 47(1), 15 - 20 {Is there in Belgium an increase in resistance to the combination amoxicillin/clavulanic acid of Escherichia coli as reference bacteria?}; Yourassowsky E et al.; The difficulties encountered in measuring the susceptibility of the association amoxicillin/clavulanate can be a cause for disagreements between laboratories . With an inoculum standardized at 10(4) CFU/spot, the resistance level of E . coli approaches 10% . If the variety of current methods is taken into account, the evaluation of a resistance increase can only be an internal one, specific for each laboratory, provided that methods do not change in the course of time. Doc Ophthalmol, 1992, 82(1-2), 125 - 33 (An)aerobic bacteria found in secondary-cataract material . A SEM/TEM study; Kalicharan D et al.; Twenty four patients, who had marked reduction of vision due to secondary-cataract developed after an ECCE, were treated by surgical cleaning of the posterior lens capsule . During this procedure globular secondary-cataract material was removed and collected for morphological examination by SEM and TEM . Fragments of various sizes and shapes, including some with a 'golf ball' structure, were seen; these closely resembled particles frequently found in cataractous lenses . In addition, in 18 patients micro-organisms were found: rod-shaped bacteria, cocci, and in 2 cases yeasts . These findings were the more remarkable because these were clinically quiet eyes with no signs of intra-ocular inflammation and cultures have been persistently negative . We imagine that these bacteria must have entered the eye during the cataract extraction and have settled there without causing an infection. Nauchnye Doki Vyss Shkoly Biol Nauki, 1992, (2), 18 - 24 {The effect of metal ions on the synthesis of extracellular enzymes by sporulating bacteria}; Feoktistova NV et al.; The action of metal ions which are present in nutritious medium on the synthesis of extracellular enzymes by sporulating bacteria is analysed . An important role of these ions in post-secretory modification of protein molecules and formation of functionally active molecules of enzyme is shown . The effect of metal ions on some cell envelope properties and extracellular enzyme secretion is under discussion. Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 1992, 62(4), 334 - 41 Influence of a natural-ingredient diet containing Phaseolus vulgaris on the colonization by segmented, filamentous bacteria of the small bowel of mice; Klaasen HL et al.; The appearance of segmented, filamentous bacteria (SFBs) in the small bowel of mice is influenced by the composition of the diet, but the dietary components responsible are not known . The addition of ground, whole Phaseolus vulgaris to a natural-ingredient diet at the expense of part of the skim milk powder, ground barley and wheat middlings components, caused an increase of the colonization of the mouse small bowel by SFBs . This effect was not seen when whole Phaseolus was added to a purified diet at the expense of part of the casein, corn oil, coconut fat, corn starch, dextrose and cellulose components . In an attempt to identify the fraction of Phaseolus that might contain SFB-inducing substances, the skin and kernel fraction of the bean were added to the natural-ingredient diet . The skin and kernel fraction were found to be as effective in inducing SFB appearance as was whole Phaseolus. Adv Exp Med Biol, 1992, 327, 71 - 81 Induction of mucosal and serum immune responses to a specific antigen of periodontal bacteria; Hamada S et al.; The dynamics of the host immune response to periodontal bacteria not only may be informative from the standpoint of specific mucosal protection to these pathogens, but also may reveal the capacity of the mucosal immune response to provide protection of the host . To this end, we have examined the immune response to chromatographically purified fimbriae of P . gingivalis administered orally or systemically with liposomes and adjuvant in BALB/c mice, high responders to this antigen . Oral administration of P . gingivalis fimbriae clearly enhanced the fimbriae-specific salivary IgA response . ELISPOT analysis revealed that significant numbers of fimbriae-specific IgA SFC were seen in lamina propria and mesenteric lymph nodes but not in Peyer's patches of mice immunized orally . In contrast, antigen-specific IgM and IgG SFC were seen mainly in the circulating blood mononuclear cells . On the other hand, subcutaneous injection of fimbriae with GM-53 also raised the fimbriae-specific IgG followed by IgM and IgA responses in serum, and both IgA and IgG responses in saliva . Oral immunization was less effective than subcutaneous injection in terms of the serum antibody response . However, the salivary antibody level of mice injected subcutaneously was similar to that of mice immunized orally . In the subcutaneously immunized mice, fimbriae-specific SFC were detected in the spleen, blood, and brachial lymph nodes by ELISPOT assay . Fimbriae-specific IgM SFC appeared earlier and antigen-specific IgG SFC were seen later . These results show that the combined use of fimbriae together with the adjuvant results in sharply increased IgA responses in saliva and IgG responses in serum . In summary, it is clear that the nature of the host's antibody response in serum and mucosal secretions is distinct, and depends on the route of antigen administration, the use of adjuvant and/or liposomes, and the temporal phase of the humoral immune response following various immunization regimes. Curr Opin Genet Dev, 1991 Dec, 1(4), 544 - 51 Comparative biochemistry of Archaea and Bacteria; Zillig W; This review compares exemplary molecular and metabolic features of Archaea and Bacteria in terms of phylogenetic aspects . The results of the comparison confirm the coherence of the Archaea as postulated by Woese . Archaea and Bacteria share many basic features of their genetic machinery and their central metabolism . Similarities and distinctions allow projections regarding the nature of the common ancestor and the process of lineage diversification. Protein Seq Data Anal, 1991 Dec, 4(6), 363 - 6 Methanog: a specialized database on methanogenic bacteria; Thakur AR et al.; A specialized, interdisciplinary database on various types of related information on methanogenic bacteria is described . Derived from other sequence databases etc., this database collects information from many sources, including unpublished work from research laboratories working in this field, and makes them accessible from a single source, to interested scientists, free of cost . It is presently held in eight 48 T.P.I . floppy disks and can be run on any IBM PC under DOS 3.0 or above, making this database of particular interest to researchers with limited resources and on-line search/access facilities. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1991 Dec, 57(12), 3637 - 40 Immunocytochemical localization of nitrogenase in bacteria symbiotically associated with Azolla spp; Lindblad P et al.; In situ immunogold labeling and transmission electron microscopy were used to detect nitrogenase in bacteria (bactobionts) symbiotically associated with leaf cavities of Azolla caroliniana and Azolla filiculoides . In A . caroliniana, the Fe protein of the nitrogenase complex was detected in a subset of the distinct bactobiont types present in leaf cavities of all ages . Similar results were obtained for the bactobionts of A . filiculoides with antisera against both the Fe and MoFe subunits of nitrogenase. J Am Dent Assoc, 1991 Dec, 122(12), 55 - 7 Measuring harmful levels of bacteria in dental aerosols; Earnest R et al.; The potential spread of the bacteria in aerosols emphasizes the familiar triad--gloves, masks and eyewear--for all operative procedures. Microbiol Rev, 1991 Dec, 55(4), 684 - 705 Surface layers of bacteria; Beveridge TJ et al.; Since bacteria are so small, microscopy has traditionally been used to study them as individual cells . To this end, electron microscopy has been a most powerful tool for studying bacterial surfaces; the viewing of macromolecular arrangements of some surfaces is now possible . This review compares older conventional electron-microscopic methods with new cryotechniques currently available and the results each has produced . Emphasis is not placed on the methodology but, rather, on the importance of the results in terms of our perception of the makeup and function of bacterial surfaces and their interaction with the surrounding environment. J Immunol, 1991 Nov 15, 147(10), 3545 - 52 The cellular location of a foreign B cell epitope expressed by recombinant bacteria determines its T cell-independent or T cell-dependent characteristics; Leclerc C et al.; We have targeted two foreign B cell antigenic determinants to different locations in the Escherichia coli cell to examine what effect this had on antibody responses elicited by the recombinant bacteria . The two epitopes were the 132-145 peptide from the PreS2 region of hepatitis B virus and the C3 neutralization epitope of poliovirus type 1 . They were each expressed in two forms either on the surface, as part of the outer-membrane protein LamB, or soluble in the periplasm, as part of the periplasmic protein MalE . When live bacteria expressing the foreign epitope at the cell surface were used for immunization of mice, they induced T cell-independent antibody responses characterized by a rapid induction of IgM and IgG antibodies . In contrast, when the same foreign epitope was inserted into the MalE protein, the antibody response was only detectable after 3 wk, belonged only to the IgG class and was strictly T cell dependent . This study has therefore identified two major pathways by which epitopes expressed by bacterial cells can stimulate specific antibody responses . The first pathway is mediated by direct activation of B cells by bacterial cell-surface Ag and does not require T cell help . The second pathway is T cell dependent and concerns Ag that can be released from the bacteria in a soluble form . We have also studied the effect of the exact position of the B cell antigenic determinant within the LamB protein and with respect to the outer membrane by comparing the immunogenicity of the PreS epitope inserted at three different permissive sites of LamB . The data indicated that to obtain an antibody response with intact bacteria, the epitope must be protruding sufficiently from the outside of the outer membrane . In contrast, when semipurified hybrid proteins were used as immunogen, the exact position of the B cell antigenic determinant within solubilized LamB protein does not influence its immunogenicity. Z Naturforsch {C}, 1991 Nov-Dec, 46(11-12), 1059 - 62 Thiazolylidene-ketonitriles are efficient inhibitors of electron transport in reaction centers from photosynthetic bacteria; Oettmeier W et al.; Thiazolylidene-ketonitriles are efficient inhibitors of photosynthetic electron flow in reaction centers from either Rhodobacter sphaeroides or Rhodobacter capsulatus . Some compounds of this class exhibit a higher inhibitor potency in the bacterial system as compared to photosystem II . Up to now, photosystem II inhibitors were generally less active in photosynthetic bacteria . An azido-thiazolylidene-ketonitrile upon illumination almost exclusively tags the L-subunit in the bacterial reaction center. Mol Biol (Mosk), 1991 Nov-Dec, 25(6), 1683 - 7 {Pea (Pisum sativum) genes participating in symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria . II . Nucleotide sequence of cDNA and parts of the late nodulin-6 (PsNod6) gene}; Kardail'skii et al.; Certain characteristics of late noduline gene from pea-Nod6 were investigated as part of works of characterization of higher plant genes taking part in symbiotic nitrogen fixation . The complete 450 b.p . long cDNA was sequenced, it's coding sequence includes the open reading frame . The part of DNA containing the corresponding gene from the genomic clone was also sequenced . The predicted Nod6 amino acid sequence has been analyzed and do not reveal the significant homology with any known protein. Gig Sanit, 1991 Nov, (11), 64 - 6 {The prediction of the membrane-damaging action of chemical substances in experiments on bacteria}; Gudz' OV; Comparative study of the cytoplasmic membrane sensitivity in procaryotic cells (E . coli) and eucaryotic cells (rat red blood cells) to bis-quaternary ammonea compounds and diatomic aliphatic alcohols was carried out . Comparative study of the membrane permeability demonstrated, that E . coli is more sensitive for these xenobiotics . Cells of E . coli recommended as a biotest-object for the membrane tropic toxic reactions to study. Cell, 1991 Oct 18, 67(2), 411 - 21 A novel T . cruzi heparin-binding protein promotes fibroblast adhesion and penetration of engineered bacteria and trypanosomes into mammalian cells; Ortega-Barria E et al.; T . cruzi invades mammalian cells in various organs after migrating through the ECM . These activities appear to be mediated by a unique 60 kd protein exposed on the T . cruzi surface, which promotes selective adhesion of trypomastigotes to three ECM components: heparin, heparan sulfate, and collagen . The affinity-purified protein binds to host fibroblasts in a saturable and glycosaminoglycan- and collagen-inhibitable manner . When adsorbed to plastic, it promotes adhesion and spreading of fibroblasts, as does the recombinant protein expressed in E . coli . The endogenous protein, and reactive ECM proteins, are very effective in preventing T . cruzi invasion of culture cells . The recombinant protein localizes on the E . coli surface and induces the bacteria that express it to adhere to and penetrate nonphagocytic Vero cells in a proteoglycan- and collagen-inhibitable manner . Therefore, the protein, named penetrin, could play a critical role in T . cruzi binding to the ECM and to cells, and in host cell invasion. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1991 Oct 8, 1090(2), 167 - 72 Interactions of bovine mitochondrial phenylalanyl-tRNA with ribosomes and elongation factors from mitochondria and bacteria; Kumazawa Y et al.; A homologous in vitro poly(U)-directed translation system has been established using animal mitochondrial ribosomes, elongation factors (EF) and phenylalanyl-tRNA(Phe) . The rate of incorporation of phenylalanine into polyphenylalanine in the mitochondrial system is slower than that observed for the homologous Escherichia coli system . E . coli ribosomes can be used in place of mitochondrial ribosomes in this system with only a slight decrease in the efficiency of phenylalanine incorporation from mitochondrial Phe-tRNA . However, E . coli elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) cannot replace the mitochondrial EF-Tu in promoting the use of mitochondrial Phe-tRNA . The interaction between EF-Tu and mitochondrial Phe-tRNA was investigated by using the ability of EF-Tu to protect the aminoacyl-tRNA bond from hydrolysis . These results showed that both mitochondrial and E . coli EF-Tus are capable of interacting with mitochondrial Phe-tRNA . However, ribosomal A-site binding assays demonstrated that efficient binding of the mitochondrial Phe-tRNA to the ribosomal A-site was only obtained with the homologous mitochondrial EF-Tu. J Clin Microbiol, 1991 Oct, 29(10), 2351 - 3 Chemical characterization of clinical isolates which are similar to CDC group DF-3 bacteria; Daneshvar MI et al.; Six clinical isolates, taken from blood or wounds, that had biochemical characteristics most similar to Centers for Disease Control group DF-3 bacteria were examined for cellular fatty acid composition and isoprenoid quinone content to evaluate their chemical relatedness to known bacterial species and groups . The fatty acids were liberated from whole cells by base hydrolysis, methylated, and analyzed by capillary gas-liquid chromatography . The isoprenoid quinones were extracted from lyophilized whole cells and analyzed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography . All six strains, which were designated group DF-3-like, possessed a distinct fatty acid profile that was characterized by large amounts (greater than 20%) of 13-methyltetradecanoate (i-C15:0) and 12-methyltetradecanoate (a-C15:0), moderate amounts of saturated branched-chain 13-carbon acids (i-C13:0 and a-C13:0) and hexadecanoate (n-C16:0), and small to moderate amounts of both branched- and straight-chain hydroxy acids (i-3-OH-C15:0, 3-OH-C16:0, i-3-OH-C17:0, and 2-OH-C17:0) . This fatty acid profile was unique compared with the profiles of group DF-3 and other bacteria we have previously tested and is useful for the rapid identification of group DF-3-like isolates . The isoprenoid quinone content of four group DF-3-like strains was similar, with ubiquinone-9 (Q-9) and Q-10 as their major quinones, while the other two group DF-3-like strains contained Q-7 as their major quinones, with smaller amounts of Q-8 and Q-9. J Struct Biol, 1991 Oct, 107(2), 146 - 56 Conjugational junctions: morphology of specific contacts in conjugating Escherichia coli bacteria; Durrenberger MB et al.; F-plasmid-mediated bacterial conjugation was studied with hfr (traDts) and tra I mutant Escherichia coli donor strains . This allowed us to observe a statistically significant number of conjugation-specific contacts by video and electron microscopy . Single mating events between E . coli were observed in real time by video-enhanced light microscopy . Conjugation in vivo takes place by initial contact formation via pili, followed by direct and transient wall-to-wall contact, during which DNA is transferred and disaggregated . Electron microscopic observations of the contact zone between donor and recipient bacteria were made by thin sectioning of mating pairs that were arranged in monolayers . We defined the conjugation-specific contact found in stabilized mating pairs as the conjugational junction . Within this junction no specific substructure such as plasma bridges by fusion could be detected during transfer of DNA. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1991 Oct, (10), 31 - 4 {The immunogenicity of mono- and associated vaccines made from strains of opportunistic bacteria}; Soboleva SV; In experiments on white mice the immunogenic potency of two variants of combined vaccines prepared from strains of opportunistic bacteria was compared with that of monovaccines used as the components of the combined vaccines . All the vaccines under study were found highly immunogenic . Decrease of monovaccine share in the combined vaccine did not reduce the immunogenic potency to any of the strains . An 8- to 16-fold increase in the level of specific antibodies in the colostric lactosera of cows immunized with combined vaccines was observed, and the survival rate of newborn calves increased 3- to 4-fold. Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi, 1991 Oct, 12(5), 299 - 301 {Study on the elimination of bacteria from the cultures of Lyme disease spirochetes (Borrelia burgdorferi)}; Wan K; Contaminated cultures of strains H11, H20 from ticks, and strain R9 from patient were purified by antisera for bacteria, chemicals, filtration dilution and animal inoculation . Most of bacteria were eliminated after adding antisera into contaminated strains H11, H20 . The preliminarily decontaminated cultures of strains H11, H20 or those with a few bacteria such as strain R9 could be completely purified by filtration, chemicals, dilution, or animal inoculation, but filtration is the simplest and the most effective purification method. Int J Syst Bacteriol, 1991 Oct, 41(4), 571 - 9 Codes and abbreviations for approved of effectively published names of genera of bacteria published from January 1980 to December 1990; Pittman KF et al.; Lists of abbreviations for genus names of bacteria are expanded to accommodate 103 new entries which are names that have been validity published since the publication of an updated list by Rogosa et al . in 1986 (Int . J . Syst . Bacteriol . 36:464-472) . These abbreviations are provided to serve the need for appropriate codified abbreviations for use in processing or indexing of information on computers. Curr Opin Genet Dev, 1991 Oct, 1(3), 404 - 11 Mechanism of site-specific DNA inversion in bacteria; Johnson RC; A wealth of new information regarding the structure of the synaptic complex, the mechanism of DNA strand exchange, and the role of the recombinational enhancer in promoting DNA inversion has been obtained from a combination of approaches . These include: electron microscopy of reaction intermediates, topological analysis of recombination products, and X-ray crystallography coupled with genetic analysis. Biotechniques . 1991 Oct;11(4):442, 444. Isolation of restriction fragments from large plasmids recovered from bacteria with multiple plasmids; Via LE et al.; A rapid and simple method for isolation of restriction DNA fragments from large plasmids is described . The loss of large plasmids is avoided by restriction endonuclease cleavage in an agarose gel before DNA precipitation . Plasmids were separated in low-melting-point agarose by electrophoresis, the desired plasmid DNA band was cut from the gel and digested with a restriction endonuclease in the agarose . Restriction fragments in agarose were recovered by a modified phenol-extraction, concentrated with 2-butanol and precipitated with ethanol . The procedure simplifies the task of cloning genes from large plasmids, resulting in high yields of restriction fragments from a desired plasmid in a short time. Am J Infect Control, 1991 Oct, 19(5), 243 - 9 Comparison of cloth, paper, and warm air drying in eliminating viruses and bacteria from washed hands; Ansari SA et al.; We compared the efficiency of paper, cloth, and electric warm air drying in eliminating rotaviruses and Escherichia coli remaining on finger pads washed with 70% isopropanol, a medicated liquid soap, an unmedicated liquid soap, or tap water alone . The contaminated area on the finger pads of a volunteer was exposed to the hand-washing agent for 10 seconds and then rinsed in 40 degrees C tap water . The washed areas were dried for 10 seconds by one of the three methods . Irrespective of the hand-washing agent used, electric air drying produced the highest and cloth drying the lowest reduction in the numbers of both test organisms . These findings indicate the importance of selecting the right means for drying washed hands, particularly when less effective hand-washing agents are used. Curr Opin Biotechnol, 1991 Oct, 2(5), 746 - 50 Optimizing protein folding to the native state in bacteria; Schein CH; A correctly folded protein is usually both active and soluble . This review focuses on novel ways to improve the folding of recombinant proteins during production in bacteria and includes a few tips for refolding proteins . Major results in correlating protein primary structure with proper folding and stability, and the production of viral antigens and antibodies in bacteria are also discussed. Mutat Res, 1991 Sep-Oct, 250(1-2), 199 - 204 Mutagenic DNA repair in Escherichia coli, XX . Overproduction of UmuD' protein results in suppression of the umuC36 mutation in excision defective bacteria; Bates H et al.; Overproduction of Umu+ or UmuD' protein by means of a gene carried on a multicopy plasmid suppressed the umuC36 phenotype and permitted induction of mutations by ultraviolet light . The umuC122::Tn5 phenotype was not suppressed . Suppression of the umuC36 phenotype was only seen when excision repair was blocked by acriflavine or by an uvrA or uvrB mutation . Cleavage of UmuD to UmuD' in SOS-induced cells was not dependent upon the presence of UmuC protein . The results are interpreted in terms of a revised model in which UmuC protein is envisaged as guiding UmuD' to RecA protein which has recognized and become bound to an appropriate DNA lesion . It is suggested that the umuC36 mutation gives rise to a protein with reduced affinity for UmuD' and that the effect of this can be compensated by an excess of UmuD'. J Bone Joint Surg Br, 1991 Sep, 73(5), 811 - 5 Ultraviolet radiation compared to an ultra-clean air enclosure . Comparison of air bacteria counts in operating rooms; Berg M et al.; Clean air in the operating room is important during joint replacement surgery . We compared monochromatic ultraviolet radiation of 254 nm with the use of a Charnley-Howorth air enclosure by bacterial air-sampling during 113 total hip arthroplasties . Air samples were taken continuously at the edge of the wound and every 15 minutes at a site 130 cm from the operating table . We also tested the effect of occlusive clothing for all personnel . Ultraviolet light was more efficient than the ultra-clean air enclosure, and occlusive clothing on its own or in combination also produced improvement . The implications of these findings are discussed. Mutat Res, 1991 Sep, 264(1), 25 - 8 Increased mutation rate in bacteria overexpressing a cloned foreign gene; Lukacsovich T et al.; Escherichia coli cells growing slowly as a result of the overexpression of a cloned foreign gene were shown to exhibit an increased mutation rate in the foreign gene as well as in several non-selected markers . This phenomenon is discussed in terms of the model proposed by Hall (1990). Appl Environ Microbiol, 1991 Sep, 57(9), 2775 - 6 Resuscitation effects of catalase on airborne bacteria; Marthi B et al.; Catalase incorporation into enumeration media caused a significant increase (greater than 63%) in the colony-forming abilities of airborne bacteria . Incubation for 30 to 60 min of airborne bacteria in collection fluid containing catalase caused a greater than 95% increase in colony-forming ability . However, catalase did not have any effects on enumeration at high relative humidities (80 to 90%). Biochim Biophys Acta, 1991 Aug 6, 1074(3), 439 - 42 Isolation of two new natural pteridines from photosynthetic bacteria, Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides; Seo N et al.; Two new natural pteridines have been isolated from the cultured medium of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides GM-1 . The compounds are tentatively identified as 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-hydroxy-6-(1,2, 3,4-tetrahydroxybutyl)pteridine and 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-(3-hydroxy-4-phosphonoxy-1-butenyl)pteridine by degradative experiments and by electrophoretic and paper chromatographic comparison with authentic materials. J Gen Microbiol, 1991 Aug, 137 ( Pt 8), 1911 - 21 Molecular and evolutionary relationships among enteric bacteria; Lawrence JG et al.; Classification of bacterial species into genera has traditionally relied upon variation in phenotypic characteristics . However, these phenotypes often have a multifactorial genetic basis, making unambiguous taxonomic placement of new species difficult . By designing evolutionarily conserved oligonucleotide primers, it is possible to amplify homologous regions of genes in diverse taxa using the polymerase chain reaction and determine their nucleotide sequences . We have constructed a phylogeny of some enteric bacteria, including five species classified as members of the genus Escherichia, based on nucleotide sequence variation at the loci encoding glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and outer membrane protein 3A, and compared this genealogy with the relationships inferred by biotyping . The DNA sequences of these genes defined congruent and robust phylogenetic trees indicating that they are an accurate reflection of the evolutionary history of the bacterial species . The five species of Escherichia were found to be distantly related and, contrary to their placement in the same genus, do not form a monophyletic group . These data provide a framework which allows the relationships of additional species of enteric bacteria to be inferred . These procedures have general applicability for analysis of the classification, evolution, and epidemiology of bacterial taxa. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1991 Aug, 57(8), 2429 - 32 Detection of coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli by multiplex polymerase chain reaction: comparison with defined substrate and plating methods for water quality monitoring; Bej AK et al.; Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gene probe detection of target lacZ and uidA genes were used to detect total coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli, respectively, for determining water quality . In tests of environmental water samples, the lacZ PCR method gave results statistically equivalent to those of the plate count and defined substrate methods accepted by the U.S . Environmental Protection Agency for water quality monitoring and the uidA PCR method was more sensitive than 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-glucuronide-based defined substrate tests for specific detection of E . coli. J Exp Med, 1991 Aug 1, 174(2), 417 - 24 The appearance of T cells bearing self-reactive T cell receptor in the livers of mice injected with bacteria; Abo T et al.; We demonstrated in the present study that with bacterial stimulation, an increased number of alpha/beta T cells proliferated in the liver of mice and that even T cells bearing self-reactive T cell receptor (TCR) (or forbidden T cell clones), as estimated by anti-V beta monoclonal antibodies in conjunction with immunofluorescence tests, appeared in the liver and, to some extent, in the periphery . The majority (greater than 80%) of forbidden clones induced had double-negative CD4-8-phenotype . In a syngeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction, these T cells appear to be self-reactive . Such forbidden clones and normal T cells in the liver showed a two-peak pattern of TCR expression, which consisted of alpha/beta TCR dull and bright positive cells, as seen in the thymus . A systematic analysis of TCR staining patterns in the various organs was then carried out . T cells from not only the thymus but also the liver had the two-peak pattern of alpha/beta TCR, whereas all of the other peripheral lymphoid organs had a single-peak pattern of TCR . However, T cells in the liver were not comprised of double-positive CD4+8+ cells, which predominantly reside in the thymus . The present results therefore suggest that T cell proliferation in the liver might reflect a major extrathymic pathway for T cell differentiation and that this hepatic pathway has the ability to produce T cells bearing self-reactive TCR under bacterial stimulation, probably due to the lack of a double-positive stage for negative selection. Oral Microbiol Immunol, 1991 Aug, 6(4), 221 - 7 Effect of initial treatment of chronic inflammatory periodontal disease on the frequency of peripheral blood T-lymphocytes specific to periodontopathic bacteria; Mahanonda R et al.; Limit dilution analysis (LDA) was used to determine the effect of initial treatment of chronic inflammatory periodontal disease on the frequency of periodontopathic bacteria-specific T-cells in peripheral blood . Eleven marginal gingivitis (MG) and 8 adult periodontitis (AP) subjects took part in the study . The proliferative T-lymphocyte precursor (PTL-P) frequencies to Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinomyces viscosus were determined using LDA and Poisson statistics both before and after treatment . Tetanus toxoid was used as a control antigen . Treatment resulted in a significant reduction in clinical disease parameters in both groups . The median peak PTL-P frequency for P . gingivalis was significantly higher in the AP group compared with the MG group before treatment . This was not the case after treatment nor with A . viscosus . In the MG group the median peak PTL-P frequency with both P . gingivalis and A . viscosus declined as a result of treatment . Although this decline was not statistically significant it may indicate an antigen-specific response in this group . In the AP group the median peak PTL-P frequency with P . gingivalis before treatment was 83.76 x 10(-6) (approximately 1 in 12,000) and after treatment it was 36.17 x 10(-6) (approximately 1 in 28,000) . Dose-response relationships showed at each concentration of organisms/well this trend for a decline in PTL-P frequency after treatment, suggesting that any increased responsiveness to this organism in this group may be largely antigen-specific . However, there was no difference in this group in the median peak PTL-P frequency with A . viscosus before and after treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Biochim Biophys Acta, 1991 Jul 23, 1089(3), 362 - 6 Codon usage, transfer RNA availability and mistranslation in amino acid starved bacteria; Ulrich AK et al.; The fidelity of codon reading was examined in amino acid starved Escherichia coli . In one case the level of misincorporation of methionine was measured at an isoleucine residue encoded by either the commonly used AUU codon or the rarely used AUA codon . In this situation we found the frequency of methionine misincorporation to be very low and to be unaffected by the identity of the isoleucine codon . In other experiments histidine misincorporation for glutamine was measured in glutamine starved cells with normal levels of histidine-specific tRNA and cells overproducing this tRNA . Cells overproducing the tRNA had higher levels of misincorporation. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1991 Jul, 60(1), 43 - 8 Characterization of new plasmids from methylotrophic bacteria; Brenner V et al.; Several tens of methanol-utilizing bacterial strains isolated from soil were screened for the presence of plasmids . From the obligate methylotroph Methylomonas sp . strain R103a plasmid pIH36 (36 kb) was isolated and its restriction map was constructed . In pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFM), belonging to the genus Methylobacterium four plasmids were detected: plasmids pIB200 (200 kb) and pIB14 (14 kb) in the strain R15d and plasmids pWU14 (14 kb) and pWU7 (7.8 kb) in the strain M17 . Because of the small size and the presence of several unique REN sites (HindIII, EcoRI, NcoI), plasmid pWU7 was chosen for the construction of a vector for cloning in methylotrophs . Cointegrates pKWU7A and pKWU7B were formed between pWU7 and the E . coli plasmid pK19 Kmr, which were checked for conjugative transfer from E . coli into the methylotrophic host. J Appl Bacteriol, 1991 Jul, 71(1), 51 - 8 The differential fluorescence of bacteria stained with acridine orange and the effects of heat; Back JP et al.; Some factors affecting the fluorescence of bacteria stained with acridine orange and the direct epifluorescent filter technique (DEFT) were studied . When bacterial cells from a chemostat operated at dilution rates between 0.1 and 0.7/h were used the differential fluorescence observed in the DEFT related to cell 'activity' and the orange fluorescence, which was predominant at high growth rates, may be related to an increase in the RNA content of the cells . Heat affected the colour of cell fluorescence and this was dependent on the cell type and, in particular, age . Uptake of acridine orange into the cells was also found to be an important factor determining the colour of fluorescence . However, with heat-treated cells there was no correlation between the amount of uptake and colour of fluorescence . The relative amounts and degree of denaturation of the different types of nucleic acids remaining in the cells after heat treatment appeared primarily to determine the colour of fluorescence. Biochemistry, 1991 Jun 11, 30(23), 5734 - 42 Fluorescence polarization and low-temperature absorption spectroscopy of a subunit form of light-harvesting complex I from purple photosynthetic bacteria; Visschers RW et al.; Measurements of polarized fluorescence and CD were made on light-harvesting complex 1 and a subunit form of this complex from Rhodospirillum rubrum, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, and Rhodobacter capsulatus . The subunit form of LH1, characterized by a near-infrared absorbance band at approximately 820 nm, was obtained by titration of carotenoid-depleted LH1 complexes with the detergent n-octyl beta-D-glucopyranoside as reported by Miller et al . (1987) {Miller J . F., Hinchigeri, S . B., Parkes-Loach, P . S., Callahan, P . M., Sprinkle, J . R., & Loach, P . A . (1987) Biochemistry 26, 5055-5062} . Fluorescence polarization and CD measurements at 77 K suggest that this subunit form must consist of an interacting bacteriochlorophyll a dimer in all three bacterial species . A small, local decrease in the polarization of the fluorescence is observed upon excitation at the blue side of the absorption band of the B820 subunit . This decrease is ascribed to the presence of a high-energy exciton component, perpendicular to the main low-energy exciton component . From the extent of the depolarization, we estimate the oscillator strength of the high-energy component to be at most 3% of the main absorption band . The optical properties of B820 are best explained by a Bchl a dimer that has a parallel or antiparallel configuration with an angle between the Qy transition dipoles not larger than 33 degrees . The importance of this structure is emphasized by the results showing that core antennas from three different purple bacteria have a similar structure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) J Immunol Methods, 1991 Jun 3, 139(2), 197 - 205 Colony assays for antibody fragments expressed in bacteria; Dreher ML et al.; This paper describes procedures for the detection and selection of bacterial colonies expressing antibody fragments of desired antigen specificity . Fab and Fv fragments are detected in a filter assay in which bacterial colonies are grown on a master filter in contract with a second, antigen-coated filter . Ab fragments diffusing onto the second filter bind antigen directly and specifically and are detected with a monoclonal antibody directed against a myc-tag sequence fused to the carboxy-terminal end of the light chain or heavy chain (direct assay) . Single-chain Fv (scFv) in which the VH and V1 sequences are joined by a short linker peptide are detected by a modified procedure in which scFv are immobilized on filters coated with the anti-myc-tag sequence and subsequently detected by specific binding to radiolabeled antigen (indirect assay) . A single positive bacterial colony expressing antigen-specific Fv (or scFv) can be recovered among at least 10,000 negative colonies using the procedures described . The direct assay has been successfully used to discriminate Fv fragments which express point mutations known to increase the binding affinity of antibodies to the hapten 2-phenyl-oxazolone . The procedures described may thus prove generally useful for the selection of antigen-specific clones expressed in bacteria and/or higher-affinity variants of such antibodies. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1991 Jun, 57(6), 1630 - 4 Methanogenic bacteria as endosymbionts of the ciliate Nyctotherus ovalis in the cockroach hindgut; Gijzen HJ et al.; Production of methane in the hindgut of the cockroach Periplaneta americana was found to vary, depending on the feeding regimen . Methane production was positively correlated with the numbers of the ciliate Nyctotherus ovalis living in the cockroach hindgut . Defaunation of the cockroaches by means of low concentrations of metronidazole (Flagyl) resulted in a quick drop of methane production . Addition of the methanogenic substrates acetate and formate to isolated hindguts stimulated methane production . Inside the ciliate cells, autofluorescing bacteria could be demonstrated which were presumed to be methanogens . Electron microscopy revealed that the bacteria resembled Methanobrevibacter and that they were closely associated with organelles which contained infolded membranes and which were presumably hydrogenosomes. Microbiol Rev, 1991 Jun, 55(2), 288 - 302 Iso- and anteiso-fatty acids in bacteria: biosynthesis, function, and taxonomic significance; Kaneda T; Branched-chain fatty acids of the iso and anteiso series occur in many bacteria as the major acyl constituents of membrane lipids . In addition, omega-cyclohexyl and omega-cycloheptyl fatty acids are present in several bacterial species . These two types of fatty acids are synthesized by the repeated condensation of malonyl coenzyme A with one of the branched-chain and cyclic primers by the same enzyme system . The pathway of de novo branched-chain fatty acid synthesis differs only in initial steps of synthesis from that of the common straight-chain fatty acid (palmitic acid) present in most organisms . The cell membranes composed largely of iso-, anteiso-, and omega-alicyclic acids support growth of bacteria, which inhabit normal as well as extreme environments . The occurrence of these types of fatty acids as major cellular fatty acids is an important criterion used to aid identification and classification of bacteria. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1991 May 23, 1058(1), 28 - 30 The distribution of soluble metallo-redox proteins in purple phototrophic bacteria; Bartsch RG; A comparison is made of types and distribution of cytochromes and certain ferredoxins (HiPIP) among photosynthetic bacteria . These are subdivided as to the type of reaction center each species is believed to contain . The proteins listed are assumed to be of periplasmic origin . Interrelationships suggested by the comparison are discussed. Eur J Biochem, 1991 May 23, 198(1), 25 - 30 Isolation and characterization of recombinant human casein kinase II subunits alpha and beta from bacteria; Grankowski N et al.; cDNA encoding the casein kinase II (CKII) subunits alpha and beta of human origin were expressed in Escherichia coli using expression vector pT7-7 . Significant expression was obtained with E . coli BL21(DE3) . The CKII subunits accounted for approximately 30% of the bacterial protein; however, most of the expressed proteins were produced in an insoluble form . The recombinant CKII alpha subunit was purified by DEAE-cellulose chromatography, followed by phosphocellulose and heparin-agarose chromatography . The recombinant CKII beta subunit was extracted from the insoluble pellet and purified in a single step on phosphocellulose . From 10 g bacterial cells, the yield of soluble protein was 12 mg alpha subunit and 5 mg beta subunit . SDS/PAGE analysis of the purified recombinant proteins indicated molecular masses of 42 kDa and 26 kDa for the alpha and beta subunits, respectively, in agreement with the molecular masses determined for the subunits of the native enzyme . The recombinant alpha subunit exhibited protein kinase activity which was greatest in the absence of monovalent ions . With increasing amounts of salt, alpha subunit kinase activity declined rapidly . Addition of the beta subunit led to maximum stimulation at a 1:1 ratio of both subunits . Using a synthetic peptide (RRRDDDSDDD) as a substrate, the maximum protein kinase stimulation observed was fourfold under the conditions used . The Km of the reconstituted enzyme for the synthetic peptide (80 microM) was comparable to the mammalian enzyme (40-60 microM), whereas the alpha subunit alone had a Km of 240 microM . After sucrose density gradient analysis, the reconstituted holoenzyme sedimented at the same position as the mammalian CKII holoenzyme. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1991 May 23, 1058(1), 61 - 6 Structural and functional approach toward a classification of the complex cytochrome c system found in sulfate-reducing bacteria; Moura JJ et al.; Following the discovery of the tetraheme cytochrome c3 in the strict anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria (Postgate, J.R . (1954) Biochem . J . 59, xi; Ishimoto et al . (1954) Bull . Chem . Soc . Japan 27, 564-565), a variety of c-type cytochromes (and others) have been reported, indicating that the array of heme proteins in these bacteria is complex . We are proposing here a tentative classification of sulfate- (and sulfur-) reducing bacteria cytochromes c based on: number of hemes per monomer, heme axial ligation, heme spin state and primary structures (whole or fragmentary) . Different and complementary spectroscopic tools have been used to reveal the structural features of the heme sites. Arch Biochem Biophys, 1991 May 15, 287(1), 128 - 34 Redox potentials of flavocytochromes c from the phototrophic bacteria, Chromatium vinosum and Chlorobium thiosulfatophilum; Meyer TE et al.; The redox potentials of flavocytochromes c (FC) from Chromatium vinosum and Chlorobium thiosulfatophilum have been studied as a function of pH . Chlorobium FC has a single heme which has a redox potential of +98 mV at pH 7 (N = 1) that is independent of pH between 6 and 8 . The average two-electron redox potential of the flavin extrapolated to pH 7 is +28 mV and decreases 35 mV/pH between pH 6 and 7 . The anionic form of the flavin semiquinone is stabilized above pH 6 . The redox potential of Chromatium FC is markedly lower than for Chlorobium . The two hemes in Chromatium FC appear to have a redox potential of 15 mV at pH 7 (N = 1), although they reside in very different structural environments . The hemes of Chromatium FC have a pH-dependent redox potential, which can be fit in the simplest case by a single ionization with pK = 7.05 . The flavin in Chromatium FC has an average two-electron redox potential of -26 mV at pH 7 and decreases 30 mV/pH between pH 6 and 8 . As with Chlorobium, the anionic form of the flavin semiquinone of Chromatium FC is stabilized above pH 6 . The unusually high redox potential of the flavin, a stabilized anion radical, and sulfite binding to the flavin in both Chlorobium and Chromatium FCs are characteristics shared by the flavoprotein oxidases . By analogy with glycolate oxidase and lactate dehydrogenase for which there are three-dimensional structures, the properties of the FCs are likely to be due to a positively charged amino acid side chain in the vicinity of the N1 nitrogen of the flavin. J Bacteriol, 1991 May, 173(9), 2852 - 63 Inhibition of cell division in hupA hupB mutant bacteria lacking HU protein; Dri AM et al.; Escherichia coli hupA hypB double mutants that lack HU protein have severe cellular defects in cell division, DNA folding, and DNA partitioning . Here we show that the sfiA11 mutation, which alters the SfiA cell division inhibitor, reduces filamentation and production of anucleate cells in AB1157 hupA hupB strains . However, lexA3(Ind-) and sfiB(ftsZ)114 mutations, which normally counteract the effect of the SfiA inhibitor, could not restore a normal morphology to hupA hupB mutant bacteria . The LexA repressor, which controls the expression of the sfiA gene, was present in hupA hupB mutant bacteria in concentrations half of those of the parent bacteria, but this decrease was independent of the specific cleavage of the LexA repressor by activated RecA protein . One possibility to account for the filamentous morphology of hupA hupB mutant bacteria is that the lack of HU protein alters the expression of specific genes, such as lexA and fts cell division genes. Jpn J Surg, 1991 May, 21(3), 284 - 91 The relationship between juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula and the presence of bacteria in the bile; Shinagawa N et al.; A total of 432 patients with gallstone disease were studied with respect to the existence of juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula and their relationship to the presence of bacteria in the bile . A total of 63 patients were found to have diverticula with an incidence of 14.6 per cent, being significantly higher in the elderly group aged 60 years or older (p less than 0.01), and no sex difference was noted . Among the patients with diverticula, positive bacterial cultures of bile were recognized at a significantly higher frequency, being found in 49 of the 63 patients (77.8 per cent; p less than 0.01), and the probability of bilirubinate stones was also higher, being found in 35 of 37 patients (94.6 per cent; p less than 0.01) . The presence of a diverticulum bore significant relation to a higher positive bile bacterial culture (p less than 0.05), dilation of the common bile duct (p less than 0.05), and elevation of the bile duct pressure (p less than 0.05), even when the conditions were divided into cholecystolithiasis or choledocholithiasis . It was suggested that the presence of a diverticulum affected the flow in the bile duct by narrowing it from the outside and chronically stimulating the papilla, inducing biliary tract infection and/or the formation of gallstones . As the surgical procedures for juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula, including its indications, have not been established, long term follow up investigations seem necessary. Mutat Res, 1991 May, 248(1), 135 - 43 Mechanism of quinolone mutagenicity in bacteria; Gocke E; Gyrase inhibitors of the quinolone type are genotoxic in bacteria . A functioning excision-repair system is needed to show the mutagenic activity in the Ames tester strains . The antibiotics do not interact with DNA directly but induce the gyrase enzyme to cleave the DNA with protein covalently bound at the site-specific double-strand scission . A prominent site of action is shown to be located at a distance of about 80 bp from the hisG428 sequence at which mutations are scored in the responsive strain TA102 . Since the interaction of quinolones with the mammalian counterparts of gyrase, topoisomerase II, is lower by orders of magnitude, it is argued that the bacterial screening tests are of little relevance for predicting effects in mammalian cells. Cell Immunol, 1991 Apr 15, 134(1), 249 - 56 The interaction of macrophages and bacteria: a comparative study of the induction of tumoricidal activity and of reactive nitrogen intermediates; Keller R et al.; The abilities of various bacteria to induce in a pure population of bone marrow-derived mononuclear phagocytes (BMM phi) tumoricidal activity and/or the generation of reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI) were comparatively assessed . Interaction of BMM phi with bacteria led to expression of these functional activities, indicating that the organisms were recognized as foreign . As the majority of bacteria elicited in BMM phi either tumoricidal activity (that is maintained for days) or the production of RNI, measured by the release of nitrite (that is short-lived), it appears that the two functions are under separate control . However, both functions are inhibited or even abrogated by arginase or the L-arginine analogue, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, suggesting that their expression is dependent on L-arginine. J Bacteriol, 1991 Apr, 173(8), 2600 - 7 Three short fragments of Rts1 DNA are responsible for the temperature-sensitive growth phenotype (Tsg) of host bacteria; Mochida S et al.; Rts1 is a multiphenotype drug resistance factor, and one of its phenotypes is temperature-sensitive growth (Tsg) of host bacteria . A 3.65-kb fragment from Rts1 DNA was shown to cause the Tsg phenotype in host cells . This tsg fragment was split by a restriction enzyme, HincII, into four fragments . Two of these fragments were called HincII-S (short) and HincII-L (long), respectively . Each of these two fragments conferred the Tsg phenotype, indicating that, in fact, these two independent regions were responsible for the Tsg phenotype . The HincII-S 783-bp and HincII-L 1,479-bp fragments were sequenced . The region in the HincII-S fragment to which the Tsg phenotype was attributed was narrowed to a 146-bp (nucleotides 1 to 146) fragment by various restriction enzyme digestions . Further digestion of the 146-bp fragment with Bal 31 suggested that the 116-bp (nucleotides 9 to 124) fragment is the minimum sequence required for Tsg . On the other hand, in the HincII-L fragment, a fragment of 249 bp (nucleotides 1210 to 1458) and a fragment of 321 bp (nucleotides 1942 to 2262) contained separate temperature-sensitive growth activity . None of three tsg fragments contained open reading frames . The 249-bp fragment had very weak Tsg activity, while the 321-bp fragment had no Tsg activity . On the other hand, when these two fragments were together in the pUC19 vector, they exhibited very strong Tsg activity equivalent to that of the original 1,479-bp fragment . In addition, two of the 249-bp fragments gave similar, strong Tsg activity . The HincII-L 1,479-bp fragment contained an open reading frame for kanamycin resistance which was found between nucleotides 1423 and 2238 . This kanamycin resistance gene sequence was different from that of the reported kanamycin resistance gene of Tn903 at 12 positions which were deduced to change seven amino acids. Ann Surg, 1991 Apr, 213(4), 315 - 26 The role of bacteria in pigment gallstone disease; Cetta F; One hundred ten of nine hundred sixty consecutive patients who underwent surgery for gallstones (GS) had pigment stones (PS) (11.45%) . Fifty brown PSs contained calcium bilirubinate, small amounts of cholesterol, and always calcium palmitate, were usually found in the common duct (96%), and were almost always associated with bile infection (98%) and diffuse erosion of the biliary mucosa . Fifty-one black PSs contained bilirubin polymers, calcium carbonate, and/or phosphate, seldom cholesterol, and never evident amounts of calcium palmitate, were mostly found in the gallbladder, and were associated with hemolysis or liver damage and with hyperplastic cholecystosis . Bile infection was found in 19.6% of cases, but bacteria were never found in the center of black PSs by scanning electron microscopy . Nine additional patients (8.2% of PSs, 0.9% of GSs) had concomitant black and brown PSs that were mostly found in the common duct and were always associated with bile infection . It is suggested that, even if PSs with concomitant black and brown material can be found, black and brown PSs greatly differ not only in pathogenesis but also in clinical behavior and treatment . In particular bacterial infection is important only in the pathogenesis of brown PSs while it plays no role in the initial formation of cholesterol, mixed or black GSs. Gastroenterology, 1991 Apr, 100(4), 884 - 91 Gastric injury and invasion of parietal cells by spiral bacteria in rhesus monkeys . Are gastritis and hyperchlorhydria infectious diseases? Dubois A, Tarnawski A, Newell DG, Fiala N, Dabros W, Stachura J, Krivan H, Heman-Ackah LM. The possibility of using the rhesus monkey as a model for studying gastric function in the presence of infection with spiral bacteria was studied . Endoscopic evaluation of the gastric mucosa was performed under general anesthesia in 29 colony-bred rhesus monkeys, and gastric pinch biopsy specimens were obtained from each animal . On a separate day, gastric emptying and acid output were determined using a 99mTc dilution technique . Biopsy samples were fixed for light microscopy (H&E, Gram, and Warthin-Starry stains) and for transmission electron microscopy . The presence of spiral bacteria and gastritis was assessed and rated on coded slides . In 8 of 29 monkeys, Helicobacter pylori-like organisms were observed in close proximity to the mucosal epithelial cells or in the lumen of the gastric pits . In 14 other monkeys, "Gastrospirillum hominis"-like organisms were observed in the mucus covering the surface of epithelial cells, in the lumina of the gastric glands, and overlying parietal cells . Gastritis was present in 8 of 8 animals positive for H . pylori-like organisms, in 2 of 14 animals positive for "G . hominis"-like organisms, and in none of the uninfected monkeys, and the mean gastritis index was significantly greater in animals positive for H . pylori-like organisms . Moreover, acid output was significantly higher in monkeys positive for "G . hominis"-like organisms than in controls or animals positive for H . pylori-like organisms . Gastric emptying was not significantly different in the three groups . In conclusion, (a) H . pylori-like, but not "G . hominis"-like, organisms cause gastritis while not modifying acid output; (b) "G . hominis"-like, but not H . pylori-like organisms, invade and on occasion damage parietal cells while apparently causing hyperchlorhydria; and (c) the rhesus monkey appears to be a good model for the study of gastric infection with spiral bacteria. Mol Microbiol, 1991 Apr, 5(4), 775 - 8 Calcium in bacteria: a solution to which problem? Norris V, Chen M, Goldberg M, Voskuil J, McGurk G, Holland IB. Calcium and calcium-binding proteins including those resembling calmodulin are implicated in numerous diverse processes in bacteria . These processes include chemotaxis, sporulation, virulence, the transport of sugars and proteins, phosphorylation, heat shock, the initiation of DNA replication, septation, nucleoid structure, nuclease activity and recombination, the stability of the envelope, and phospholipid synthesis and configuration . That such varied processes should have a common factor, calcium, suggests major underlying principles of calcium metabolism which have yet to be discovered. Protein Expr Purif, 1991 Apr-Jun, 2(2-3), 127 - 35 A strategy for obtaining active mammalian enzyme from a fusion protein expressed in bacteria using phospholipase A2 as a model; Tseng A et al.; An active preparation of human phospholipase A2 (PLA2) was made after expression as an insoluble fusion protein in Escherichia coli . The new key elements required for PLA2 isolation were the maintenance of the fusion protein in solution after the initial solubilization and the use of a tryptophan cleavage procedure for regeneration of native PLA2 from the fusion protein . The fusion protein was composed of a beta-galactosidase leader peptide incorporating six consecutive threonine residues to aid in insoluble inclusion body formation, followed by a tryptophan adjacent to the N-terminus of PLA2 . The fusion protein was purified from cell lysates, and the leader peptide was cleaved on the C-terminal side of the tryptophan residue with N-chlorosuccinimide . The released PLA2 was refolded and renatured to produce an enzyme with activity comparable to that of other phospholipases A2. J Microsc, 1991 Apr, 162 ( Pt 1), 147 - 54 Ultrastructural and electron spectroscopic analyses of cyanobacteria and bacteria; Golecki JR et al.; The extracellular sheath material and some intracellular cell components of cyanobacteria and phosphate-accumulating sewage bacteria were analysed by electron spectroscopic imaging (ESI) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) . The specimens were embedded in water-soluble Nanoplast resin without any previous fixation and ultrathin sections were examined in a Zeiss CEM 902 microscope . A high sulphur content was detected in the inner sheath of the cyanobacterium Gloeothece . The elemental composition of some cell components and inclusion bodies, such as carboxysomes and cyanophycin, was determined by ESI and EELS . In addition, the phosphate content in specific granules of phosphate-accumulating sewage bacteria was estimated by EELS and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Biochem J, 1991 Mar 15, 274 ( Pt 3), 881 - 4 Dimeric carotenoid interaction in the light-harvesting antenna of purple phototrophic bacteria; Zurdo J et al.; The carotenoid content of intracytoplasmic membrane vesicles isolated from purple phototrophic bacteria was reduced to a variable extent by mild extraction with light petroleum . Using preparations obtained from Rhodobacter capsulatus strains that contained the Light Harvesting System I (LHI) complex as the only major photosynthetic holochrome, it was shown that the visible circular dichroism of the carotenoids increased with the square of the membrane carotenoid content, as expected from being caused by dimeric exciton interaction . No chirality resulting from twists of the individual planar chromophore was detected . Therefore the contribution to carotenoid optical activity of non-degenerate interactions with bacteriochlorophyll or the apoprotein does not appear to be significant . The broadening of the absorption band of the bound pigment, caused by the splitting of the monomer transition, was demonstrated in membrane vesicles of both Rb, capsulatus and Rhodospirillum rubrum as a decrease of the fine structure of the band . Furthermore, the dimeric organization of the carotenoid pigments in the bacterial LHI complex accounted for the observed quantitative relationship between the fine structure of the band and the carotenoid content of the membrane. FEBS Lett, 1991 Mar 11, 280(1), 47 - 52 Analysis of the protein products encoded by variant glucokinase transcripts via expression in bacteria; Quaade C et al.; Five variant transcripts of the single rat glucokinase gene have been described that are naturally expressed in islets of Langerhans, liver and anterior pituitary . Four of these were prepared as cDNA and expressed in bacteria in order to begin to address their physiological roles . Expression of constructs pGKB1 (normal islet/pituitary glucokinase) and pGKL1 (normal liver glucokinase) resulted in a glucose-dependent, glucokinase-like activity, 7-fold and 45-fold, respectively, above background . Expression of pGKB3 (variant islet/pituitary glucokinase) and pGKL2 (variant liver glucokinase) in contrast, did not result in any glucokinase-like activity. Ann Allergy, 1991 Mar, 66(3), 263 - 6 Double-blind study of suppression of indoor fungi and bacteria by the PuriDyne biogenic air purifier; Nelson HS et al.; The PuriDyne Air Purification System was studied in a double-blind trial for its ability to reduce the prevalence of bacteria and fungi in residential units . Twelve apartments were studied employing an Andersen Sampler for airborne fungi and Rodac plates for surface bacteria . Following determination of baseline levels, PuriDyne units with active filters were installed in six apartments, and units with inactive filters in six others . Sampling continued weekly for 1 month while the Air Purifiers were in place and at the end of 2 weeks following their removal . There was no statistically significant difference in airborne fungal or surface bacterial levels between baseline and treatment periods for apartments with either active or inactive units, nor were there significant differences between the two groups at any time. Vopr Virusol, 1991 Mar-Apr, 36(2), 122 - 5 {The expression of a fragment of the HIV-1 env gene in the cells of Escherichia coli bacteria}; Kazennova EV et al.; A recombinant plasmid pEK6 determining the synthesis of a hybrid protein the N-terminus of which was represented by full-size beta-galactosidase and C-terminus by HIV-1 gene env virus-specific sequence was constructed . The analysis of lysates of E . coli HB101/pEK6 bacteria in 6% PAAGE revealed additional proteins with molecular weights from 185 to 130 kDa . These proteins interacted with blood serum antibodies of a virus carrier but formed no specific bands with sera from normal donors . Densitometric analysis of polyacrylamide gels stained with Coomassi R250 demonstrated that the level of production of recombinant protein was at least 15% of the total cell protein . Hybrid polypeptides formed poorly soluble inclusion bodies in the bacterial cells . Study of the immunological properties of the recombinant polypeptides showed that immunization of rabbits with these proteins induced antibodies specifically reacting with viral polypeptides with molecular weights of about 82 and 140 kDa . Such features as a high level of synthesis, technologically feasible purification of inclusion bodies, and adequate antigenic properties recommend this preparation for use in the development of diagnostic test systems. Biokhimiia, 1991 Mar, 56(3), 406 - 19 {ATP-synthase of bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts . Properties of the F(0) membrane sector}; Ivashchenko AT et al.; An analysis of literary data concerning the physico-chemical properties of the hydrophobic fragment of bacterial, mitochondrial and chloroplast ATP-synthases has been carried out . The distribution patterns of enzyme subunits and of the whole enzyme complex are reviewed on the basis of amino acid analysis data taking account of physico-chemical characteristics of constituent amino acids . The roles of subunits, their invariant and other amino acids in the hydrophobic fragment function are discussed. Eur J Biochem, 1991 Feb 26, 196(1), 79 - 85 Structure of the human brain calcium-binding protein calretinin and its expression in bacteria; Parmentier M et al.; Calbindin D28k and calretinin are two closely related intracellular calcium-binding proteins belonging to the troponin C superfamily . Calbindin is known to be involved in the vitamin-D-dependent calcium absorption through intestinal and renal epithelia, while the function of neuronal calbindin and calretinin is poorly understood . Using antibodies directed against chick intestinal calbindin D28k, human calretinin cDNA clones were isolated from brain cDNA libraries . The sequence of the calretinin cDNA revealed an open reading frame of 271 codons coding for a protein of 31,520 Da, and sharing 58% identical residues with human calbindin D28k . Calretinin contains five presumably active and one presumably inactive calcium-binding domains . Comparison with the partial sequences available for chick and guinea pig calretinins revealed that the protein is highly conserved in evolution (evolutionary rate: 0.27 x 10(-9) amino acid-1 year-1) . The calretinin message was detected in the brain, while absent from heart muscle, kidney, liver, lung, spleen, stomach and thyroid gland . Recombinant calretinin was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the calcium-binding properties were confirmed on both the natural and the recombinant proteins . Part of the human gene coding for calretinin was isolated and the region corresponding to the promoter and the first exon was sequenced. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1991 Feb 15, 198(4), 644 - 6 Naproxen-associated duodenal ulcer complicated by perforation and bacteria- and barium sulfate-induced peritonitis in a dog; Gfeller RW et al.; Signs of abdominal pain and frequent vomiting developed in a 4-year-old dog that had been given naproxen sodium for 3 weeks . The examination included an upper gastrointestinal contrast study, using barium sulfate (BaSO4) . Nine hours after barium administration, a duodenal ulcer perforated, leaking duodenal contents and BaSO4 into the peritoneal cavity . The ulcer was surgically resected, and the BaSO4 was manually removed, using saline solution-soaked gauze sponges . Treatment included peritoneal drainage and lavage every 6 hours . Recovery was without complications and the dog has not had any detectable long-term effects from peritonitis induced by BaSO4. Epidemiol Infect, 1991 Feb, 106(1), 83 - 119 Waterborne transmission and the evolution of virulence among gastrointestinal bacteria; Ewald PW; Diarrhoeal diseases are primary contributors to millions of deaths annually . Yet, little is known about the evolutionary reasons for the differences in virulence among gastrointestinal pathogens . Applying the comparative, cost/benefit approach of evolutionary biology this paper proposes that waterborne transmission should favour evolution towards high virulence . This hypothesis is supported by a cross-specific test, which shows that waterborne transmission is strongly correlated with the virulence of bacterial gastrointestinal pathogens of humans . Alternative explanations of this correlation are not supported by available data . These findings bear on public health policy because they draw attention to a previously unrecognized long-range benefit gained from purification of water supplies; diarrhoeal pathogens may evolve to lower levels of virulence. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1991 Feb 1, 88(3), 750 - 4 Signal transduction in bacteria: CheW forms a reversible complex with the protein kinase CheA; Gegner JA et al.; An essential step in the signal transduction pathway of Escherichia coli is the control of the protein kinase activity of CheA by the chemotaxis receptor proteins . This control requires the participation of the CheW protein . Although the biochemical nature of the coupling between the receptors and the kinase is unknown, it is likely that CheW interacts with the receptors and with CheA . In this communication, we report direct measurement of a physical interaction between CheW and CheA . We utilized the equilibrium column chromatography method of Hummel and Dreyer to show that CheW and CheA exhibit reversible binding with the stoichiometry of two CheW monomers per CheA dimer . CheW was found to exist as monomers and CheA was found to exist as dimers by equilibrium analytical ultracentrifugation . The dissociation constant for the CheW-CheA interaction (in 160 mM KCl/5 mM MgCl2, pH 7.4 at 4 degrees C) was determined to be in the physiologically relevant range of 17 microM . No evidence for cooperativity in the association of CheW with CheA was found. Gut, 1991 Feb, 32(2), 137 - 40 Gastritis due to spiral shaped bacteria other than Helicobacter pylori: clinical, histological, and ultrastructural findings; Heilmann KL et al.; An intensive histological search for Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsy specimens has led to the detection of other spiral shaped bacteria in the human gastric mucosa . The clinical and morphological findings of 39 cases (0.25% of all gastric biopsies performed in the observation period) are reported for 34 patients (87.2%) complaining of upper abdominal discomfort . Five patients (12.8%) had chronic gastritis and 34 (87.2%) chronic active gastritis . The organisms were seen by light microscopy deep in the gastric foveolae and intracellularly . The scanning and transmission electron microscopic findings show bacteria which invade and damage gastric mucosal cells . These organisms are similar to the spiral shaped bacteria found in the stomachs of cats and dogs and non-human primates . In eight patients organisms were not detected after four weeks of treatment with bismuth salts . The disappearance of the organisms coincided with resolution of the chronic active gastritis and the symptoms. FEMS Microbiol Immunol, 1991 Feb, 3(1), 19 - 24 Characterisation of the urease from Helicobacter pylori and comparison with the ureases from related spiral gastric bacteria; Turbett GR et al.; The urease enzyme of Helicobacter pylori was partially purified from whole cell extracts and found to have a molecular weight of 484 +/- 12 kDa . Ten monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced against four different epitopes of the native enzyme . These mAbs also recognised the ureases of H . pylori-like organisms isolated from monkeys and pigs and the H . mustelae urease from ferrets . The urease enzymes of each of these organisms were found to be of the same molecular weight . The urease enzyme of H . pylori consisted of two subunits of 68.2 and 31.3 kDa. Mol Carcinog, 1991, 4(3), 180 - 8 Mutational specificities of environmental carcinogens in the lacl gene of Escherichia coli H . V: DNA sequence analysis of mutations in bacteria recovered from the liver of Swiss mice exposed to 1,2-dimethylhydrazine, azoxymethane, and methylazoxymethanolacetate; Zeilmaker MJ et al.; The host-mediated assay (HMA) was used to determine the spectra of mutations induced in the lacl gene of Escherichia coli cells recovered from the livers of Swiss mice exposed to the carcinogens 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (SDMH), azoxymethane (AOM), and methylazoxymethanolacetate (MAMA) . These spectra were further compared with changes induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMNA) in the HMA methodology . A total of 177 independent lacl mutations arising in the HMA following exposure to SDMH, AOM, and MAMA were analyzed . Single-base substitutions accounted for 97% of all mutations analyzed . The vast majority of the single-base substitutions consisted of G:C----A:T transitions (94% of all mutations) . The remaining mutations consisted of A:T----G:C transitions (3% of all mutations) while non-base substitutions accounted for only 3% of the total mutagenesis . The latter mutations consisted of one frameshift mutation and four lacO deletions . The distribution of G:C----A:T transitions induced by the three chemicals in the first 200 bp of the lacl gene was not random, but rather clustered at sites where a target guanine was flanked at the 5' site by a purine residue. Cancer Detect Prev, 1991, 15(2), 107 - 13 Expression in bacteria of a polypeptide encoded by a transforming fragment of herpes simplex virus type 2; Danik M et al.; We have constructed a plasmid (pMD2) containing the 38,000 MW polypeptide (38K polypeptide) gene from the transforming Bg1II-N fragment of HSV-2 fused to the amino-terminal portion of the beta-galactosidase gene in plasmid pUC8 . Nucleotide sequence determination around the fusion-junction confirmed that the viral gene sequences starting at its second codon is in the correct reading frame in relation to the translation initiation codon of beta-galactosidase . The lac control sequences direct the synthesis of a 39K protein . This protein was shown to be structurally related to the 38K protein from HSV-2-infected cells by partial proteolytic cleavage analysis . Furthermore, antiserum directed against HSV-2-infected cells, as well as a monoclonal antibody against the 38K viral polypeptide and antibodies raised against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the nine C-terminal amino acid residues of the 38K viral protein, detected the fusion protein in bacteria containing the recombinant plasmid pMD2 but not in Escherichia coli containing a related plasmid or no plasmid. J Laryngol Otol, 1991 Jan, 105(1), 29 - 32 Attachment of bacteria to tonsillar epithelium during acute tonsillitis; Stenfors LE et al.; Epithelial cells were scraped from the tonsillar surfaces of 15 patients with current acute tonsillitis (AT) and of 15 individually matched healthy persons . The cellular mixture was stained with acridine orange and bacteria seen to be attached to the epithelial cells under the fluorescent microscope were calculated . Conventional bacterial culturing was also performed simultaneously . Significantly more bacteria were attached to epithelial cells from the AT group than from the controls (greater than 10 attached bacteria per cell p = 0.0103, greater than 50 attached bacteria per cell p = 0.0212) . In vivo determination of bacteria attached to epithelial cells offers prospects of gaining a better understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of acute tonsillitis. J Clin Microbiol, 1991 Jan, 29(1), 38 - 41 Evaluation of API Coryne in comparison with conventional methods for identifying coryneform bacteria; Freney J et al.; A study was performed to evaluate a new manual miniaturized system, API Coryne (API-bioMerieux, Inc., La Balme les Grottes, France), in which conventional biochemical methods were used to identify 240 isolates of coryneform and related bacteria . A total of 40% of the isolates were excluded from the study because they could not be identified by conventional methods . Identifications of the 240 isolates obtained with API Coryne showed a 97.6% concordance with conventional methods (79% after 24 h of incubation, 21% after 48 h of incubation): 158 (65.8%) isolates were identified with no further testing, and extra testing was required for 76 (31.8%) isolates . In three (1.2%) cases, the organisms did not correspond to any key in the code book and could not be identified by the computer service of the manufacturer . Only three (1.2%) strains were misidentified . The system was shown to be reliable and rapid when compared with standard identification methods. J Surg Res, 1991 Jan, 50(1), 47 - 50 Effect of bFGF on the inhibition of contraction caused by bacteria; Stenberg BD et al.; Bacterial contamination of open wounds significantly inhibits wound contraction required in the healing process . Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has been shown to overcome contraction inhibition in wound-healing models impaired by diabetes or steroids . This study was designed to determine the effect of bFGF on wound contraction inhibition in an area contaminated with bacterial overgrowth . The topically applied bFGF reversed inhibition to wound contraction that normally occurs with bacterial contamination . This reversal does not appear to be due to increased collagen synthesis since bFGF has been shown to decrease collagen synthesis and the treated wounds showed no increase in breaking strength . The use of bFGF significantly decreased the number of days required for wound healing (P less than 0.01) despite active bacterial invasion and may be of value in the treatment of human contaminated wounds. Acta Otolaryngol, 1991, 111(4), 750 - 5 Cellular events in relation to bacteria-specific antibodies in middle ear effusion during acute otitis media; Karjalainen H; The proportions of neutrophils and lymphocytes, the total number of viable lymphocytes and their spontaneous proliferating activity as well as the proportion of B-cells were determined in 238 middle ear effusion (MEE) samples from 124 ears and in 40 serum samples of 85 children in relation to the presence of bacteria-specific antibodies in MEE and the clinical outcome of acute otitis media (AOM) during the course of AOM . The percentage of lymphocytes was higher, and that of the neutrophils lower, in the ears with bacteria-specific antibodies than in the ears with no antibodies . The higher proportion of MEE lymphocytes and the presence of antibodies correlated to the faster resolution of AOM . Moreover, the total number of viable lymphocytes and the proliferating activity of these cells were related to the presence of specific antibodies in MEE . The findings of this study underline the importance of local mucosal immunity taking place in the middle ear in connection with bacteria-specific antibodies in resting AOM. Arch Surg, 1991 Jan, 126(1), 50 - 5 Pathophysiologic glucocorticoid levels and survival of translocating bacteria; Jones WG 2nd et al.; Burn wound sepsis in rats results in sustained corticosterone elevations and the prolonged presence of translocated bacteria in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) . To determine if survival of bacteria in the MLNs may be influenced by pathophysiologic corticosterone levels, MLNs were quantitatively analyzed from rats randomized to the following groups: burn wound sepsis (BI); BI with adrenocortical response attenuated by cyclosporine (cyclosporine/BI); or cyclosporine/BI with corticosterone replacement (cyclosporine/BI + P) . Although rates of bacterial translocation were similar, corticosterone levels were significantly different among the three groups and correlated with the number of lymphocytes and the number of enteric bacteria present per gram of MLN . Thus, pathophysiologic elevations of corticosterone levels during sepsis may exert an effect that allows survival of translocated bacteria in the MLNs of rats, perhaps due to glucocorticoid-associated alterations in regional immunity. Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig, 1991, 42(4), 407 - 13 {The role of some groups of psychrophilic bacteria in the process of fish spoilage}; Peconek J; On the basis of the literature survey, the present state of knowledge of the part played by psychrophilic bacteria in the fish spoilage process was described . Furthermore, the role of psychrophilic bacteria in the formation of histamine was discussed. Braz J Med Biol Res, 1991, 24(7), 649 - 75 The nifHDK operon in the free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria Azospirillum brasilense sequentially comprises genes H, D, K, an 353 bp orf and gene Y; Passaglia LM et al.; 1 . The complete nucleotide sequence of the nitrogenase structural genes from Azospirillum brasilense was determined . Two additional open reading frames of 353 and 683 base pairs were detected downstream of the nifK gene, one of which shows homology to the nifY gene . 2 . Structures resembling the consensus nif promoter and NifA-binding motif were found only upstream from the nifH region and an inverted repeat structure located downstream of the nifY gene may be a potential stem-and-loop transcriptional terminator . 3 . The nif structural genes of Azospirillum brasilense are transcribed as a single transcription unit and organized as nifHDKorf1Y . NifH, NifD and NifK polypeptides share significant sequence identities when compared to nif structural gene products from other organisms . 4 . The three polypeptides are characterized by the presence of highly conserved cysteine residues which may play a role in binding the iron-sulfur cluster. Arch Insect Biochem Physiol, 1991, 18(4), 285 - 300 Bacteria-induced protein P4 (hemolin) from Manduca sexta: a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily which can inhibit hemocyte aggregation; Ladendorff NE et al.; The synthesis of a number of hemolymph proteins is induced in insects in response to bacterial infections . The major induced hemolymph protein in larvae of Manduca sexta is a glycoprotein of Mr = 48,000 known as P4 . We have isolated a clone for P4 from a fat body cDNA library constructed from RNA isolated from larvae injected with bacteria . The cDNA has an open reading frame encoding a 411 residue polypeptide with a hydrophobic NH2-terminal sequence, which appears to be a signal peptide . Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence shows that P4 is a member of the immunoglobulin (Ig) gene superfamily, and is composed largely of four C2 type Ig domains . The M . sexta P4 amino acid sequence is 60% identical with hemolin (P4) from Hyalophora cecropia . The name "hemolin" has also been adopted for the M . sexta P4 protein . Hemolin mRNA levels in fat body begin to increase within 1 h after injection of bacteria into fifth instar larvae and within 4 h after injection of adults . Hemolin associates with the surface of hemocytes and inhibits hemocyte aggregation responses, suggesting a role for the protein in modulating hemocyte adhesion during recognition and response to bacterial infections in insects. Farmakol Toksikol, 1991 Jan-Feb, 54(1), 40 - 3 {The toxic and immunomodulating properties of the somatic O-antigen polysaccharide of typhoid bacteria}; Duplishcheva AP et al.; In experiments on random bred mice and mice of various strains it was shown that when administered parenterally typhoid bacteria O-somatic antigen polysaccharide possesses the immunomodulatory properties . It stimulates the non-specific resistance of the organism to bacterial infection, produces the polyclonal activation of beta-lymphocytes, possesses the adjuvant properties, activates cells of the mononuclear phagocytic system . At administration in therapeutic doses the drug is not toxic, possesses no carcinogenic, mutagenic and allergenic properties. Vopr Virusol, 1991 Jan-Feb, 36(1), 17 - 8 {The expression of a fragment of the HIV-1 Nef gene in Escherichia coli bacteria}; Garaev MM et al.; The presence of antibodies to p27, the product of gene Nef, may be an important diagnostic sign since some sera from subjects of the risk groups negative to HIV-1 structural proteins may contain antibody to p27 . The study resulted in construction of a hybrid plasmid determining in E coli bacteria the synthesis of a hybrid protein the N-terminus part of which is represented by full-size beta-galactosidase and the C-terminus by a part of protein p27 with the main immunoreactive epitopes . The resulting polypeptide specifically interacts with sera of the infected subjects and may be used for detection of antibodies to the protein Nef in the blood of virus-carriers. Trends Biochem Sci, 1991 Jan, 16(1), 18 - 21 Retroelements in bacteria; Inouye M et al.; A peculiar type of satellite DNA, called msDNA, has been discovered in myxobacteria and some natural isolates of E . coli . These molecules are characterized by the presence of single-stranded DNA branching out from an internal guanosine residue of an RNA molecule by a unique 2',5'-phosphodiester linkage . Reverse transcriptase is required for the synthesis of msDNA . The discovery of retroelements in bacterial populations raises many intriguing questions concerning the evolutionary origin of reverse transcriptase, the function and the biosynthesis of msDNA, and the nature of the mechanisms generating the extensive diversity found in msDNA and reverse transcriptase genes among different bacterial strains. Urol Res, 1991, 19(4), 229 - 33 Role of superoxide in renal scarring following infection by mannose-sensitive piliated bacteria; Matsumoto T et al.; The role of superoxide in scar formation following renal infection caused by mannose-sensitive (MS) piliated strains of bacteria was studied in the experimental pyelonephritis model using female Sprague-Dawley rats . The MS piliated strain stimulated renal scarring to a significantly greater extent than either the non-piliated or MR-piliated strain . Modulation of leukocytes by administering cyclophosphamide to induce neutropenia and colchicine to inhibit leukocyte migration was effective in preventing renal scarring . Treatment with superoxide dismutase during the early stage of infection was also effective in preventing scar formation . Finally, the production of superoxide by rat leukocytes was significantly larger following stimulation by MS piliated than either the non-piliated or MR piliated strains . These observations suggest that superoxide released from leukocytes plays a critical role in the development of renal scarring following a bacterial infection, especially by MS piliated strains. Rev Latinoam Microbiol, 1991 Jan-Mar, 33(1), 71 - 6 {Chromates: resistance and detoxification in bacteria}; Cervantes C et al.; Derivatives of hexavalent chromium (chromates and dichromates) are highly toxic and have been shown to be mutagens and carcinogens . These compounds are often disposed to the environment as a result of diverse industrial procedures . The presence of chromates selects bacterial strains possessing chromate resistance determinants, commonly carried by plasmids . Some bacteria are able to reduce hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium which is much less toxic . Bacterial strains combining both properties, resistance to and reduction of chromate, are potentially useful for decontamination of sewage or other refuse contaminated by chromates. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants, 1991 Fall, 6(3), 313 - 8 Subgingival bacteria associated with hydroxylapatite-coated dental implants: morphotypes and trypsin-like enzyme activity; Palmisano DA et al.; This study investigated the colonization of teeth and hydroxylapatite-coated dental implants by different groups of oral bacteria . Periodontal and gingival health were assessed and subgingival plaque samples were taken . Bacterial morphotypes in subgingival plaque samples were enumerated and expressed as percent of bacteria counted, and presence of trypsin-like enzymes was detected by hydrolysis of benzoyl-arginine naphthylamide (BANA) . For both pooled and separate implant and teeth data, positive correlations were found between pocket depth and both BANA hydrolysis and percent spirochetes, and a negative correlation was found between pocket depth and percent cocci . With one exception, analysis of variance revealed no significant differences between implants and teeth for presence of bacterial morphotypes when considering both periodontal and gingival health. Life Sci, 1991, 49(15), 1079 - 86 Gamma-aminobutyric acid-modulated benzodiazepine binding sites in bacteria; Lummis SC et al.; Benzodiazepine binding sites, which were once considered to exist only in higher vertebrates, are here demonstrated in the bacteria E.coli . The bacterial {3H}diazepam binding sites are modulated by GABA; the modulation is dose dependent and is reduced at high concentrations . The most potent competitors of E.Coli {3H}diazepam binding are those that are active in displacing {3H}benzodiazepines from vertebrate peripheral benzodiazepine binding sites . These vertebrate sites are not modulated by GABA, in contrast to vertebrate neuronal benzodiazepine binding sites . The E.coli benzodiazepine binding sites therefore differ from both classes of vertebrate benzodiazepine binding sites; however the ligand spectrum and GABA-modulatory properties of the E.coli sites are similar to those found in insects . This intermediate type of receptor in lower species suggests a precursor for at least one class of vertebrate benzodiazepine binding sites may have existed. Biofizika, 1991 Jan-Feb, 36(1), 91 - 6 {Analysis of the binding site of copper with intact and Escherichia coli bacteria modified by N-ethylmaleimide by ESR}; Lebedev VS et al.; Characteristics of copper binding sites in the bacteria E . coli were studied using ESR spectroscopy . It was found that these cations had high local density on the strong binding range represented by the two type sites . The former include nitrogen and oxygen ligands and the second ones--sulfur of the thiol biomolecules . The weak coupling Cu(II) sites of E . coli represent more polar nitrogen-oxygen environment . Blocking SH-groups by N-ethylmaleimide makes them inaccessible for copper ligation, sharply increases the percentage of ESR-detectable copper of the strong-binding sites and prevents the membrane breakdown by these cations . The results suggest that the Cu(2+)-induced membrane damage is the effect of Cu2+ binding with the SH-containing sites of the bacterial membrane. Eur J Biochem, 1990 Dec 27, 194(3), 779 - 84 Large-scale preparation of T4 endonuclease VII from over-expressing bacteria; Kosak HG et al.; Endonuclease VII is the product of gene 49 of phage T4 and was the first enzyme shown to resolve Holliday structures in vitro {Mizuuchi, K . et al . (1982) Cell 29, 357-365} . Low amounts of the enzyme were originally purified from phage-infected cells {Kemper, B . & Garabett, M . (1981) Eur . J . Biochem . 115, 123-131} . We now report a purification procedure for milligram amounts of cloned endonuclease VII expressed in Escherichia coli with gene 49 under the control of a temperature-inducible promoter on a plasmid system {Tomaschewski, J . (1988) PhD Thesis, University of Bochum, FRG} . The protein was purified 500-fold from crude extracts in five steps with a recovery of 15% . The steps include (a) poly(ethyleneglycol)/dextran two-phase separation; (b) DEAE-cellulose; (c) single-stranded DNA-agarose; (d) Mono-Q and (e) Mono-S chromatography . The final protein was more than 98% pure as estimated from SDS/PAGE analysis . The protein has an apparent molecular mass of 17.8 kDa on SDS-containing polyacrylamide gels and 36 kDa when determined by gel filtration or sedimentation through sucrose gradients in the presence of high salt (600 mM NaCl) . In the absence of additional salt, the enzyme has a tendency to aggregate and products of molecular masses differing in steps of about 18 kDa appear on SDS-containing polyacrylamide gels. Virology, 1990 Dec, 179(2), 857 - 61 Complete nucleotide sequence of the matrix gene of human parainfluenza type 2 virus and expression of the M protein in bacteria; Kawano M et al.; The sequence of the M gene of human parainfluenza virus type 2 (PIV-2) has been determined . The sequence contained a large open reading frame with 1131 nucleotides encoding a protein with a calculated molecular weight of 42,312 . Comparison of M protein sequence indicated that PIV-2 was more closely related to mumps virus and Newcastle disease virus than to other parainfluenza viruses, Sendai virus (SV), and parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV-3), indicating a possible subdividing of the Paramyxovirus into two groups . This grouping is consistent with that obtained from analysis of the HN gene . Measles virus and canine distemper virus definitely belong to the subgroup composed of SV and PIV-3 . No homology region was found in all the paramyxoviruses compared . However, a tertiary structure may be conserved in each subgroup of paramyxovirus . The M protein of PIV-2 was expressed in bacteria, and the product was recognized by a monoclonal antibody specific for the PIV-2 M protein . The bacterial-expressed protein, however, was heterogeneous and smaller in size. Kitasato Arch Exp Med, 1990 Dec, 63(4), 25 - 31 Studies on the use of monoclonal antibodies in the investigation of blood stains contaminated by bacteria; Nagai T et al.; On the basis of some models (bacteria and animal blood groups), it was demonstrated that monoclonal antibody-preparations obviously possess a much higher specificity against the ABO-properties of human than the usual human antisera or lectins . The behaviour of polyclonal and monoclonal reagents for ABO-determination should now be tested in comparative studies using contaminated blood stain material . The results presented in this paper suggest advantages in using monoclonal antibodies. FEMS Microbiol Rev, 1990 Dec, 7(3-4), 437 - 43 Recent studies on the molecular biology and biochemistry of CO2 fixation in phototrophic bacteria; Tabita FR et al.; Rhodobacter sphaeroides was found to contain two clusters of chromosomally encoded CO2 fixation structural genes . Recent studies indicate that genes within each cluster are cotranscribed, suggesting that there is a single long transcript for each cluster . All of the genes have been sequenced, homologies noted, specific mutations obtained, and interesting upstream regulatory sequences found . Site-directed mutagenesis studies of the Anacystis rbcS has begun to provide information relative to RubisCO structure and function . In addition, RubisCO-negative strains of photosynthetic bacteria have been constructed to screen for altered RubisCO sequences. Carcinogenesis, 1990 Dec, 11(12), 2267 - 9 Differential activity of human, rat, mouse and bacteria glutathione transferase isoenzymes towards 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide; Aceto A et al.; The conjugation capacity of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO) with GSH by a number of human, rat, mouse and bacteria glutathione transferases (GSTs) was investigated . Pi and mu classes GSTs exhibited maximum conjugation capacity . Alpha class glutathione transferases as well as bacteria glutathione transferases were found to be unable to conjugate GSH to 4-NQO . The Km values as well as the catalytic efficiency (Kcat/Km) for most of the GSTs investigated were also determined . Mouse liver GST MIII (class mu) was the most efficient of the various isoenzymes tested . Its Kcat/Km value was 162 times higher than that of mouse liver GST MI (class alpha) . The relatively high catalytic efficiency exhibited by GST-alpha (class pi) is prevalently due to its low affinity for 4-NQO. Zentralbl Bakteriol, 1990 Dec, 274(3), 350 - 8 Lectins: mediators of adhesion for bacteria in infectious diseases and for tumor cells in metastasis; Beuth J et al.; Adhesion of bacteria and adhesion of tumor cells have much in common, especially the participation of lectins in this process . In the future it might be possible to inhibit the metastatic process into the liver (e.g . during surgical operations of malignant tumors) and bacterial adherence to mucosal linings or plastic devices by blocking of adhesion molecules (lectins) with appropriate glycoconjugates . Initial clinical trials are very promising. Virology, 1990 Dec, 179(2), 896 - 900 Expression of enzymatically active reverse transcriptase of simian immunodeficiency virus in bacteria: sensitivity to nucleotide analogue inhibitors; Prasad VR et al.; A fragment of the SIVmac251 pol gene was expressed in Escherichia coli as a trpE fusion protein . Analysis of extracts from bacteria containing this expression plasmid revealed the presence of a reverse transcriptase activity dependent on Mg2+ as divalent cation and active on both poly(rA).oligo(dT) and poly(rC.oligo(dG) templates . In comparative studies, the SIV and HIV-1 reverse transcriptases expressed in bacteria displayed very similar high sensitivities to the chain terminator inhibitors AZTTP and ddTTP . The reverse transcriptase of Moloney murine leukemia virus and the DNA polymerase of E . coli were both more resistant to ddTTP, and the E . coli enzyme was significantly more resistant to AZTTP. Trends Biotechnol, 1990 Dec, 8(12), 354 - 8 Chaperonin assisted polypeptide folding and assembly: implications for the production of functional proteins in bacteria; Gatenby AA et al.; Production of biologically active foreign proteins with correct three-dimensional structures is often difficult in bacteria . Recent advances demonstrate that, for some proteins at least, their correct folding and assembly is facilitated by a class of proteins known as molecular chaperones . An understanding of the function of molecular chaperones may assist in the synthesis in bacteria of functional foreign proteins produced by recombinant techniques. Cell, 1990 Nov 2, 63(3), 631 - 42 Histone-like protein H1 (H-NS), DNA supercoiling, and gene expression in bacteria; Hulton CS et al.; Changes in DNA supercoiling in response to environmental signals such as osmolarity, temperature, or anaerobicity appear to play an underlying role in the regulation of gene expression in bacteria . Extensive genetic analyses have implicated the osmZ gene in this regulatory process: osmZ mutations are highly pleiotropic and alter the topology of cellular DNA . We have shown that the product of the osmZ gene is the "histone-like" protein H1 (H-NS) . Protein H1 is one of the most abundant components of bacterial chromatin and binds to DNA in a relatively nonspecific fashion . These data imply a regulatory role for one of the major components of bacterial chromatin and provide support for the notion that changes in DNA topology and/or chromatin structure play a role in regulating gene expression. Gac Med Mex, 1990 Nov-Dec, 126(6), 509 - 12 {Quantification of bacteria in the small intestine of malnourished children with chickenpox}; Vega-Franco L et al.; The purpose of the present study was to determine whether a high number of bacteria could be demonstrated in the upper small bowel during the chickenpox infection . Intestinal juice was drawn in nine malnourished children, during and two weeks after the acute period of the disease . The results of the study fail to demonstrate quantitative differences in the bacterial flora of the small bowel in both periods . Besides that, the bacterial overgrowth previously reported in malnutrition, is confirmed. Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi, 1990 Nov, 28(11), 655 - 7, 702 {Analysis of results of 1847 cultures of bacteria pre- and post-cardiopulmonary bypass}; Cheng WS; From Apr . 1984 to Jan . 1990, 1847 samples were taken in the operating room pre-and post-CPB-operatively and were cultured for observation of bacteria . The results showed that the sterilizing method for the articles used in the operating room was reliable . The positive culture rate of blood remnant from CPB machine was 18.4% . The authors believe that the increase of blood contamination rate during the operation may be related with the following factors: (1) The inevitably increased number of bacteria in the air of the operating room during CPB operation, (2) prolonged CPB time (greater than 80 min); (3) wet and warm weather. J Endod, 1990 Nov, 16(11), 534 - 8 Localization and identification of root canal bacteria in clinically asymptomatic periapical pathosis; Fukushima H et al.; Twenty-one teeth with clinically asymptomatic periapical pathosis (class 3) were extracted and the isolation, identification, and localization of bacteria in the root apex were examined . Mixtures involving several bacteria were isolated from more than 60% of the cases . Scanning electron microscopy revealed bacterial masses to be associated with the apical part of the root canal, but not with the area of apical foramen or on the surface of root apex . Our results indicate that the bacteria in class 3 cases may be derived from organisms which colonized before or during endodontic treatment, but not from anachoresis . The bacteria-positive cases of asymptomatic periapical pathosis have the potential to progress to symptomatic periapical pathosis. Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi, 1990 Nov, 12(6), 401 - 3 {Effect of human semen and vaginal bacteria culture fluid on induction of cervical cancer in mice}; Sun Y; The effect of human semen and culture fluid of bacteria (SB) isolated from the cervix of carcinoma patients on the induction of cervical carcinoma by 20-methylcholanthrene (MCA) in mice was studied . It was found that cervical carcinoma could be induced by SB with an induction rate of 12% . That by MCA alone was 11.8% whereas the SB positive for inducing EB virus EA in Raji cells used in combination with MCA gave an induction rate of 54.2% . The experimental results indicated that SB was both carcinogenic and tumor promoting . The possible mechanism of action of SB is discussed. FEBS Lett, 1990 Oct 15, 272(1-2), 34 - 6 The specific incorporation of labelled aromatic amino acids into proteins through growth of bacteria in the presence of glyphosate . Application to fluorotryptophan labelling to the H(+)-ATPase of Escherichia coli and NMR studies; Kim HW et al.; Growth of Escherichia coli in the presence of glyphosate, an inhibitor of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis, has permitted the production of proton translocating ATPase that is specifically labelled with 5-fluorotryptophan . Five sets of 19F nuclear magnetic resonances are resolved . The use of glyphosate should be of wide applicability in the preparation of proteins labelled in aromatic amino acid residues for NMR studies. J Dairy Sci, 1990 Oct, 73(10), 2996 - 3012 Strategies of nutrient transport by ruminal bacteria; Russell JB et al.; The survival of bacteria in natural environments like the rumen depends on the ability of the bacteria to scavenge nutrients . It is now evident that ruminal bacteria use a variety of transport mechanisms . Hydrophobic substances, such as ammonia and acetate, are permeable to the lipid bilayers of cell membranes and can be taken up by passive diffusion . Hydrophilic compounds (e.g., sugars, amino acids, peptides) do not easily pass through lipid bilayers and must be transported across cell membranes on carrier proteins . Facilitated diffusion can display saturable kinetics but does not result in accumulation of solute . Active transport can establish extremely high concentration gradients, and this work may be driven by the hydrolysis of chemical bonds (e.g., ATP) or ion gradients, which are coupled to solute symport . Many solute symports involve protons, but sodium systems also are common in ruminal bacteria . The phosphotransferase system chemically modifies sugars as they pass across the cell membrane, and several ruminal bacteria have this method of group translocation . Many feed additives have either a direct or indirect effect on rumen bacterial transport . For instance, ionophores can inhibit transport by destroying (sometimes even reversing) ion gradients, lowering intracellular pH, or causing excessive ATP hydrolysis. J Biol Chem, 1990 Sep 25, 265(27), 16043 - 53 Hemoglobins of the Lucina pectinata/bacteria symbiosis . I . Molecular properties, kinetics and equilibria of reactions with ligands; Kraus DW et al.; Three hemoglobins have been isolated from the symbiont-harboring gill of the bivalve mollusc Lucina pectinata . Oxyhemoglobin I (Hb I), which may be called sulfide-reactive hemoglobin, reacts with hydrogen sulfide to form ferric hemoglobin sulfide in a reaction that may proceed by nucleophilic displacement of bound superoxide anion by hydrosulfide anion . Hemoglobins II and II, called oxygen-reactive hemoglobins, remain oxygenated in the presence of hydrogen sulfide . Hemoglobin I is monomeric; Hb II and Hb III self-associate in a concentration-dependent manner and form a tetramer when mixed . Oxygen binding is not cooperative . Oxygen affinities are all nearly the same, P50 = 0.1 to 0.2 Torr, and are independent of pH . Combination of Hb I with oxygen is fast; k'on = (estimated) 100-200 x 10(6) M-1 s-1 . Combination of Hb II and Hb III with oxygen is slow: k'on = 0.4 and 0.3 x 10(6) M-1 s-1, respectively . Dissociation of oxygen from Hb I is fast relative to myoglobin: koff = 61 s-1 . Dissociation from Hb II and Hb III is slow: koff = 0.11 and 0.08 s-1, respectively . These large differences in rates of reaction together with differences in the reactions of carbon monoxide suggest differences in configuration of the distal heme pocket . The fast reactions of Hb I are comparable to those of hemoglobins that lack distal histidine residues . Slow dissociation of oxygen from Hb II and Hb III suggest that a distal residue may interact strongly with the bound ligand . We infer that Hb I may facilitate delivery of hydrogen sulfide to the chemoautotrophic bacterial symbiont and Hb II and Hb III may facilitate delivery of oxygen . The midpoint oxidation-reduction potential of the ferrous/ferric couple of Hb I, 103 +/- 8 mV, was independent of pH . Potentials of Hb II and Hb III were pH-dependent . At neutral pH all three hemoglobins have similar midpoint potentials . The rate constant for combination of ferric Hb I with hydrogen sulfide increases 3000-fold from pH 10.5 to 5.5, with apparent pK 7.0, suggesting that undissociated hydrogen sulfide is the attacking ligand . At the acid limit combination of ferric Hb I with hydrogen sulfide, k'on = 2.3 x 10(5) M-1 s-1, is 40-fold faster than combination with ferric Hb II or myoglobin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) J Biol Chem, 1990 Sep 25, 265(27), 16054 - 9 Hemoglobins of the Lucina pectinata/bacteria symbiosis . II . An electron paramagnetic resonance and optical spectral study of the ferric proteins; Kraus DW et al.; We report an optical and EPR spectral study of three hemoglobins, Hb I, II, and III, from the gill of the clam Lucina pectinata . Hemoglobin I reacts much more avidly with hydrogen sulfide than do Hbs II and III . The proximal ligand to the heme iron of each hemoglobin is histidyl imidazole . The acid/alkaline transition of ferric Hb I occurs with pK 9.6; those of ferric Hbs II and III with pK 6.6 and 5.9, respectively . At their acid limits each ferric hemoglobin exists as aquoferric hemoglobin . Broadening of the g = 6 resonance suggests that the bound water enjoys great positional freedom . Ferric Hb I, at the alkaline limit (pH 11), exists as ferric hemoglobin hydroxide . Ferric Hbs II and III, at their alkaline limit (pH 7.5), each exist as equal mixtures of two species . The low spin species with optical maxima near 541 and 576 nm and g values of 2.61, 2.20, and 1.82, are identified as ferric hemoglobin hydroxide . The high spin species, with optical maxima near 486 and 603 nm and g values of 6.71, 5.87, and 5.06, resemble Dicrocoelium hemoglobin and hemoglobin MSaskatoon . Here we show that Hbs II and III resemble hemoglobin MSaskatoon in which a distal tyrosinate oxygen ligated to the ferric heme iron at alkaline pH is displaced by water at acid pH . The H2S product of ferric Hb I is identified as ferric hemoglobin sulfide. J Gen Microbiol, 1990 Sep, 136 ( Pt 9), 1849 - 57 Purification and characterization of a protein antigen from Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo, common to a wide range of bacteria; Ballard SA et al.; A protein with a molecular mass of 64 kDa (P64) from Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo was partially purified by using successively, phase partitioning with Triton X-114, ion-exchange chromatography and sucrose gradient centrifugation . Purification to homogeneity was obtained by electroelution of P64 from SDS-polyacrylamide gels . Monospecific rabbit antiserum (R alpha P64) was prepared using the purified protein preparation . P64 had a native molecular mass of greater than 670 kDa and was recognized by R alpha P64 as well as by human antisera . Western blotting of leptospiral serovars and 18 other bacterial species with R alpha P64 showed that P64 was cross-reactive with an equivalent antigen in a wide range of bacteria, indicating that it belongs to a family of antigens previously designated 'common antigen' . This putative common antigen from Leptospira appears to have a sub-surface location, but its function is not yet known. Khirurgiia (Mosk), 1990 Sep, (9), 94 - 8 {Interrelations between macroorganisms and bacteria in wounds and tissues of humans and animals}; Nikitenko VI; It is shown that bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract penetrate systematically into the tissues of the focus of damage in man and animals in the blood and lymph . It was found that certain bacterial species maintain vitality in tissues, in which they do not induce pathological reactions but may produce a therapeutic effect due to the production of antibiotics, proteolytic enzymes, immunomodulators, etc . The author describes the results of experimental and clinical study of Sporobacterin, a new agent, intended for the prevention and treatment of surgical infection. J Dairy Sci, 1990 Sep, 73(9), 2480 - 8 Composition of ruminal bacteria harvested from steers as influenced by dietary energy level, feeding frequency, and isolation techniques; Cecava MJ et al.; The effects of isolation techniques and time of sampling on composition of ruminal bacteria were examined in four steers fed two energy levels (2.24 or 2.92 Mcal metabolizable energy/kg DM) at two feeding frequencies . Diets were alfalfa hay and corn silage or ground corn/corn silage and were fed twice or 12 times daily . Whole ruminal contents were collected at four time intervals over a 4-d period . Fluid- and particle-associated bacteria were isolated . Energy level, feeding frequency, and preisolation freezing had little effect on composition of bacteria . Sampling time did not affect composition of bacteria harvested from steers fed frequently but had linear and quadratic effects on concentrations of cell components of bacteria harvested from steers fed twice daily . Differences were observed in the composition of bacteria harvested from the fluid phase compared with particle-associated or mixed populations of ruminal bacteria . These differences translated into different estimates of bacterial N supplied to the small intestine depending on N:purine ratio used . Composition of bacteria may be affected by fraction of contents sample and by time of sampling for animals fed infrequently . Freezing of samples before isolation of mixed bacteria does not appear to affect composition or estimates of bacterial N flows to the small intestine. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Sep, 56(9), 2658 - 66 Effects of light, temperature, nitrate, orthophosphate, and bacteria on growth of and hepatotoxin production by Oscillatoria agardhii strains; Sivonen K; The effects of bacteria, temperature, light, nitrate, and orthophosphate on growth of and hepatotoxin (desmethyl-3-microcystin-RR) production by Oscillatoria agardhii strains were studied under laboratory conditions . Strains were cultivated in Z8 medium under continuous illumination . Growth was determined by measuring dry weight and chlorophyll a, while toxin was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography . Two of the three toxic cultures studied produced more toxins in axenic than in nonaxenic cultures . High toxin production correlated with high nitrogen concentrations (test range, 0.42 to 84 mg of N per liter) and low light intensity (test range, 12 to 95 microeinsteins/m2 per s) . Toxin production depended on phosphorus concentration at low levels of phosphorus (0.1 to 0.4 mg of P per liter) and higher concentrations had no additional effect . The optimum temperature for toxin production and growth of green O . agardhii was 25 degrees C . Red O . agardhii produced almost similar amounts of toxin at temperatures of 15 to 25 degrees C . The lowest toxin production by both strains was at 30 degrees C. J Biol Chem, 1990 Aug 15, 265(23), 13735 - 40 Novel, acid-labile, hydroxydiether lipid cores in methanogenic bacteria; Sprott GD et al.; Polar ether lipids extracted from 15 methanogenic bacteria, representative of seven genera, were screened by nuclear magnetic resonance and thin layer chromatography for the presence of hydroxyl groups on the C20-phytanyl moieties . Major amounts of hydroxydiether core lipid were confirmed for Methanosaeta concilii and discovered in two Methanosarcina species, Methanococcus voltae, and tentatively in several Methanobacterium species . Signals at 1.24 and 1.8-1.9 ppm in 1H NMR spectra are characteristic of Methanosaeta concilii lipids hydroxylated on carbon-3 (sn-3 chain) . Related signals, which were shifted slightly, appeared in spectra of the polar lipids extracted from both Methanosarcina species . Following mild hydrolysis to remove the polar head groups, only two chromatographically distinct core lipids were found in significant amounts in Methanosarcina barkeri (and Methanosarcina mazei) consisting of 43% 2,3-di-O-phytanyl-sn-glycerol (C20,20-diether) and 57% C20,20-hydroxydiether . This latter core lipid differed from the hydroxydiether from M . concilii by hydroxylation, on carbon-3, of the phytanyl chain in ether linkage to the sn-2 carbon of glycerol . The structural assignment was based on identification of the novel hydroxydiether core and its methylation products by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopy . The hydroxy core lipid degraded to various products during standard methanolic HCl and sulfuric acid procedures, including a methoxy derivative (methanolic HCl) and the 3-mono-O-phytanyl-sn-glycerol. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Aug, 56(8), 2529 - 34 Adhesion and motility of gliding bacteria on substrata with different surface free energies; Burchard RP et al.; The adhesion and motility of several aquatic and terrestrial gliding bacteria on slides differing in their critical surface energies have been examined . In general, adhesion was tenacious on low-critical surface energy (hydrophobic) surfaces and tenuous on hydrophilic surfaces . Gliding was inhibited on very hydrophobic substrata and skittish on very hydrophilic surfaces. Arch Biochem Biophys, 1990 Aug 1, 280(2), 369 - 75 Effects of the photobleaching herbicide, acifluorfen-methyl, on protoporphyrinogen oxidation in barley organelles, soybean root mitochondria, soybean root nodules, and bacteria; Jacobs JM et al.; The photobleaching herbicide, acifluorfen-methyl (AFM), has been reported to be an inhibitor of the heme and chlorophyll biosynthetic enzyme protoporphyrinogen oxidase (Protox) in several plant species . However, AFM had no effect on the levels of Protox activity measured in a mitochondrial fraction from soybean roots . In contrast, AFM inhibited Protox activity in etioplasts from barley leaves and in mitochondria from barley roots, but the extent of inhibition varied depending upon the assay conditions and was maximal only in the presence of 5 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) . AFM inhibition was enhanced by preincubation of barley organelle extract in the presence of DTT . Preincubation of barley extract with DTT and AFM together (but not with AFM alone) caused extensive enzyme inhibition which was not reversible by dialysis . These findings have implications for the mechanism of AFM action and for the differential effect of these herbicides on crop and weed species . AFM had no effect on the Protox activity of membranes from free-living bacterial cell of Bradyrhizobium japonicum or Escherichia coli, or on the high levels of Protox activity associated with the plant-derived membrane surrounding the symbiotic bacteria within the soybean root nodule. J Appl Bacteriol, 1990 Aug, 69(2), 228 - 34 Effect of minocycline on subgingival plaque bacteria; Wilson M et al.; The effects of minocycline on subgingival plaque samples from patients with chronic periodontitis were investigated in vitro . Minocycline concentrations as low as 1.0 microgram/ml inhibited 95.7% of the cultivable bacteria in the samples but 256 micrograms/ml was necessary to inhibit all of the cultivable bacteria in the samples . Although up to 99.9% of bacteria in the plaque samples were killed by a 6 h exposure to 8.0 micrograms/ml of minocycline, large numbers of viable bacteria remained . These results imply that adequate reductions in the numbers of viable subgingival plaque bacteria are unlikely to occur after exposure to minocycline at concentrations attainable in gingival crevicular fluid after systemic administration. Burns, 1990 Aug, 16(4), 278 - 80 Effect of acute burn trauma on reticuloendothelial system phagocytic activity in rats . II: Comparison of uptake of radiolabelled colloid and bacteria; Trop M et al.; The uptake of radiolabelled colloid or bacteria was compared in normal rats and animals subjected to acute burn trauma . The uptake of colloid by the liver was unaffected by burn trauma, but uptake of the labelled bacteria was reduced . Spleen uptake of both colloid and bacteria was reduced by burn trauma while lung uptake was increased . These data are consistent with the hypothesis that acute burn trauma alters reticuloendothelial system phagocytic activity in the rat towards both inert particles and live bacteria. J Bioenerg Biomembr, 1990 Aug, 22(4), 509 - 23 Anion exchange reactions in bacteria; Maloney PC; Bacterial anion exchange now includes both "carboxylate-linked" reactions in which there is an antiport of mono- and dicarboxylic acids, and "Pi-linked" reactions that build on phosphate (Pi) and organic phosphates . To illustrate the general features of this expanding class, this article discussed the biochemistry, physiology, and molecular biology of Pi-linked antiporters that accept glucose 6-phosphate (G6P) as their primary substrate . Kinetic and biochemical analysis suggests that Pi-linked exchangers have a bifunctional active site that accepts a pair of negative charges . For this reason, exchange stoichiometry moves between the limits of 2:1 and 2:2 to reflect the ratio of mono- and divalent substrates at either membrane surface . This results in a particularly interesting reaction sequence in vivo, where, because cytosolic pH is relatively alkaline, one can expect the asymmetric exchange of two monovalent G6P anions against a single divalent G6P . In this way, an otherwise futile self-exchange of G6P gives a net flux driven (indirectly) by the pH gradient . Despite this biochemical and physiological complexity, Pi-linked carriers resemble all other secondary carriers at a molecular level . Indeed, sequence analysis leads one to infer a common (albeit low resolution) structural theme in which each functional unit has two sets of six trans-membrane alpha helices separated by a central hydrophilic loop . Present examples show that this topology can derive from either a single protein, as is typical in bacteria, or from pairs of identical subunits, as found in mitochondria and chloroplasts . The finding of this common structure should make it possible to build detailed structural models that have implications for all membrane carrier proteins. J Bioenerg Biomembr, 1990 Aug, 22(4), 525 - 69 Proton-linked sugar transport systems in bacteria; Henderson PJ; The cell membranes of various bacteria contain proton-linked transport systems for D-xylose, L-arabinose, D-galactose, D-glucose, L-rhamnose, L-fucose, lactose, and melibiose . The melibiose transporter of E . coli is linked to both Na+ and H+ translocation . The substrate and inhibitor specificities of the monosaccharide transporters are described . By locating, cloning, and sequencing the genes encoding the sugar/H+ transporters in E . coli, the primary sequences of the transport proteins have been deduced . Those for xylose/H+, arabinose/H+, and galactose/H+ transport are homologous to each other . Furthermore, they are just as similar to the primary sequences of the following: glucose transport proteins found in a Cyanobacterium, yeast, alga, rat, mouse, and man; proteins for transport of galactose, lactose, or maltose in species of yeast; and to a developmentally regulated protein of Leishmania for which a function is not yet established . Some of these proteins catalyze facilitated diffusion of the sugar without cation transport . From the alignments of the homologous amino acid sequences, predictions of common structural features can be made: there are likely to be twelve membrane-spanning alpha-helices, possibly in two groups of six; there is a central hydrophilic region, probably comprised largely of alpha-helix; the highly conserved amino acid residues (40-50 out of 472-522 total) form discrete patterns or motifs throughout the proteins that are presumably critical for substrate recognition and the molecular mechanism of transport . Some of these features are found also in other transport proteins for citrate, tetracycline, lactose, or melibiose, the primary sequences of which are not similar to each other or to the homologous series of transporters . The glucose/Na+ transporter of rabbit and man is different in primary sequence to all the other sugar transporters characterized, but it is homologous to the proline/Na+ transporter of E . coli, and there is evidence for its structural similarity to glucose/H+ transporters in Plants . In vivo and in vitro mutagenesis of the lactose/H+ and melibiose/Na+ (H+) transporters of E . coli has identified individual amino acid residues alterations of which affect sugar and/or cation recognition and parameters of transport . Most of the bacterial transport proteins have been identified and the lactose/H+ transporter has been purified . The directions of future investigations are discussed. Oral Microbiol Immunol, 1990 Aug, 5(4), 219 - 22 Doxycycline-resistant bacteria in periodontally diseased individuals after systemic doxycycline therapy and in healthy individuals; Fiehn NE et al.; The occurrence of doxycycline-resistant bacteria was examined in subgingival plaque and on the tonsils of 12 periodontally healthy and 12 periodontally diseased individuals . The healthy group was examined 6 times at intervals of one month . The diseased group was examined before and 1, 5, 15, 26, 39, and 52 weeks after conventional periodontal therapy supplemented with systemic doxycycline for 3 weeks . The occurrence of doxycycline-resistant bacteria in the healthy group varied on average between 2.0% and 6.6% in subgingival plaque and between 3.0% and 12.4% in the tonsil samples over a 6-month period . In the diseased group the percentage of resistant bacteria increased from 10-20 times for tonsil and subgingival plaque, respectively . About half a year after therapy the values returned to the baselines . For both groups the morphological distributions of resistant bacteria were similar and unaffected by the doxycycline therapy. FEBS Lett, 1990 Jul 30, 268(1), 257 - 60 N-furfurylformamide as a pseudo-substrate for formylmethanofuran converting enzymes from methanogenic bacteria; Breitung J et al.; Methanofuran (4-{N-(4,5,7-tricarboxyheptanoyl-gamma-L-glutamyl)-gamma-L- glutamyl)-p-(beta-aminoethyl)phenoxymethyl}-2-(aminomethyl)furan is a coenzyme involved in methanogenesis . The N-formyl derivative is an intermediate in the reduction of CO2 to CH4 and the disproportionation of methanol to CO2 and CH4 . Formylmethanofuran dehydrogenase and formylmethanofuran:tetrahydromethanopterin formyltransferase are the enzymes catalyzing its conversions . We report here that the two enzymes from Methanosarcina barkeri and the formyltransferase from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum can also use N-furfurylformamide as a pseudo-substrate albeit with higher apparent Km and lower apparent Vmax values . N-Methylformamide, formamide, and formate were not converted indicating that the furfurylamine moiety of methanofuran is the minimum structure required for the correct binding of the coenzyme. J Chromatogr, 1990 Jul 20, 512, 403 - 7 Characterization of temperature-sensitive cytidine triphosphate synthase mutations in bacteria by high-performance liquid chromatography; Bailey AJ et al.; Cytidine triphosphate (CTP) synthase catalyzes the last step in pyrimidine ribonucleotide synthesis, namely the formation of CTP from UTP, ATP, and glutamine . Mutants devoid of CTP synthase activity require cytidine for growth and have been designated pyrG in an obligate cdd background . Using a ts mutation blocked in the conversion of UTP to CTP at 43 degrees C, it was demonstrated that the conversion occurs by growing cells at 33 degrees C or below where UTP and CTP pools are normal . Growth at 43 degrees C shuts off the enzyme, while UTP accumulates and CTP is decreased significantly . By now feeding exogenous cytidine the CTP pool can be restored to the level found at the permissive temperature . Intracellular nucleoside triphosphates (CTP and UTP) were separated on a Partisil SAX10 cartridge, using a linear gradient of low buffer (7 mM ammonium dihydrogenphosphate, pH 3.8) to high buffer (250 mM ammonium dihydrogenphosphate, pH 4.5 with 500 mM potassium chloride) . Nucleoside triphosphates were also separated after enzymatic conversion of UTP to CTP in solution by cell extracts using ion-pair reversed-phase chromatography on a C18 cartridge eluted with a mixture of 95% buffer A (25 mM ammonium dihydrogenphosphate with 1 mM tetrabutylammonium phosphate, pH 7.0) and 5% buffer B (15% aqueous acetonitrile) . Using the two different separation techniques, it was possible to monitor the level of UTP and CTP inside cells as well as the enzymatic conversion of UTP to CTP by the enzyme CTP synthase. Mol Gen Mikrobiol Virusol, 1990 Jul, (7), 3 - 11 {Genetic determinants of restriction-modification systems in bacteria}; Kariagina AS; The recent data on the molecular arrangement and functioning of the genetical determinants for the enzymes of restriction-modification systems are discussed . The problems of restriction endonucleases and methylases genes localization, regulation of activity of the genes for enzyme systems of the II type restriction-modification, characteristics of the primary structure of the genes and phylogeny of restriction endonucleases and methylases are reviewed. J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Jul, 28(7), 1666 - 8 Methanogenic bacteria in human vaginal samples; Belay N et al.; Twelve vaginal samples were collected from separate patients, processed anaerobically, and added to methanogenic enrichment medium . Methanogenic activity was detected in two samples, both of which were from patients with bacterial vaginosis . None of the samples from healthy patients yielded positive methanogen cultures . One sample from a patient with bacterial vaginosis did not show any detectable methanogenic activity . Two methanogen isolates were obtained from one of the methanogen-positive samples, and both were identified as Methanobrevibacter smithii on the basis of morphological, cultural, and immunological features. Vet Med (Praha), 1990 Jul, 35(7), 397 - 402 {Elution of bacteria adhering to the epithelium in the rumen in sheep and their detection using electron microscopy}; Legath J et al.; A method of preparing the pure concentrate of epithelium-adherent bacteria in sheep rumen was worked out and it was tested in 24 samples of the rumen wall, obtained from 12 slaughtered sheep . The purity of the bacterial eluate was checked by transmission electron microscopy and negative staining, followed by electron-microscopic evaluation . Besides bacterial cells no residues of feed, epithelium and other undesirable impurities were found out in the eluate . The percent yield of this method was determined by scanning electron microscopy and it made 93.3% . An isolated pure concentrate of the mixture of bacterial cultures, previously adhered to the rumen epithelium, was prepared which can be used for morphological and biochemical studies of this interesting group of rumen bacteria. Poult Sci, 1990 Jun, 69(6), 1023 - 6 Effect of alanine-producing bacteria on the growth of chicks; Furuse M et al.; The effects of alanine-producing bacteria administered orally on the growth of chicks was investigated . The chicks were given diets containing adequate amounts of only the essential amino acids as sources of nitrogen: a basal diet (BD); a BD plus 40 g of urea per kilogram of diet (UD); a UD with bacteria named AR-8-3; a UD with bacteria named AB-605; and a BD plus 59.4 g and plus 118.7 g of L-alanine per kg of diet, respectively, from Day 8 to Day 15 . The growth of chicks fed diets containing urea or alanine was significantly faster than that of the BD controls; no significant difference in growth was detected among the groups given the UD and bacteria . Since viable bacteria could not be detected from the intestinal content or from excreta for both groups given the bacteria, the establishment and achievement of alanine-producing activity by the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract were considered doubtful . The supplement with 59.4 g of alanine per kg of diet improved the growth rate, but the higher inclusion (118.7 g of alanine per kg of diet) resulted in no further improvement. J Antimicrob Chemother, 1990 Jun, 25(6), 921 - 9 Effect of phenoxyethanol, chlorhexidine and their combination on subgingival plaque bacteria; Wilson M et al.; The effects of phenoxyethanol, chlorhexidine and a mixture of both on subgingival plaque samples from 44 patients with chronic periodontitis were investigated in vitro . At a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml, chlorhexidine inhibited the growth of all cultivable bacteria in all 44 samples while a comparable effect was achieved with phenoxyethanol only at a concentration of 20 mg/ml . All cultivable bacteria in the samples were inhibited by a mixture of the two agents containing 5 mg/ml of phenoxyethanol and 0.125 mg/ml of chlorhexidine i.e . considerably lower concentrations than when the agents were used separately . Kill times for 99.9% of bacteria in 19 of the plaque samples were less than 15 min using a chlorhexidine concentration of 0.125 mg/ml, but were from 24 to greater than 240 min with 10 mg/ml phenoxyethanol . A mixture of the two agents at these concentrations was more effective than either agent alone with 99.9% kill times of less than 10 min . This investigation has shown that the addition of phenoxyethanol to chlorhexidine results in a mixture which is effective against bacteria found in subgingival plaque samples from patients with chronic periodontitis . It also implies that formulations with lower concentrations of chlorhexidine than those currently in use may be effective as adjuncts in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. AIDS, 1990 Jun, 4(6), 545 - 51 Immunogenicity and antigenicity of conserved peptides from the envelope of HIV-1 expressed at the surface of recombinant bacteria; Charbit A et al.; We expressed peptides from the HIV-1 envelope protein at the surface of Escherichia coli by genetic insertions into an exposed loop of the outer membrane protein LamB . Recombinant bacteria expressing eight peptides from gp110 (pep1-pep8), conserved between HIV-1 and HIV-2, were used as live immunogens in rabbits by the intravenous route . The eight constructions elicited anti-LamB antibodies, showing that the hybrid proteins were immunogenic . One of them, LamB-pep8, gave rise to antibodies able to react with gp160 and to neutralize HIV-1 in vitro . We also show that this type of recombinant E . coli can provide a convenient reagent to monitor and characterize specific antibodies . Recombinant clones were used to test sera of seropositive individuals, as well as to narrow down the monoclonal antibody 110-1 recognition site to a cluster of eight residues at the carboxy-terminal end of gp110. FEMS Microbiol Rev, 1990 Jun, 6(2-3), 239 - 46 Enteric bacteria and osmotic stress: intracellular potassium glutamate as a secondary signal of osmotic stress? Booth IR, Higgins CF. Enteric bacteria have evolved an impressive array of mechanisms that allow the cell to grow at widely different external osmotic pressures . These serve two linked functions; firstly, they allow the cell to maintain a relatively constant turgor pressure which is essential for cell growth; and secondly they permit changes in cytoplasmic composition such that the accumulation of intracellular osmolytes required to restore turgor pressure does not impair enzyme function . The primary event in turgor regulation is the controlled accumulation of potassium and its counterion glutamate . At high external osmolarities the cytoplasmic levels of potassium glutamate can impair enzyme function . Rapid growth is therefore dependent upon secondary responses, principally the accumulation of compatible solutes, betaine (N-trimethylglycine), proline and trehalose . The accumulation of these solutes is achieved by the controlled activity of transport systems and enzymes in response to changes in external osmotic pressure . It has been proposed that the accumulation of potassium glutamate during turgor regulation acts as a signal for the activation of these systems {1,2} . This brief review will examine the evidence that control over the balance of cytoplasmic osmolytes is achieved by sensing of the intracellular potassium (and glutamate) concentration. Vaccine, 1990 Jun, 8(3), 269 - 77 Critical role of neighbouring sequences on the immunogenicity of the C3 poliovirus neutralization epitope expressed at the surface of recombinant bacteria; van der Werf S et al.; The C3 neutralization epitope of poliovirus type 1 (PV-1) is a continuous epitope comprised within residues 93-103 of capsid protein VP1 . These residues form a loop at the surface of the virus particle . The authors compared the immunogenicity of two peptides which contain this epitope, when presented at the surface of Escherichia coli by genetic insertion in the outer membrane protein LamB . One peptide was 13 residues long (VP1:93-103) and the other one contained flanking sequences increasing its size to 35 residues (VP1:86-115) . Mice and rabbits were immunized with recombinant bacteria expressing the corresponding LamB-VP1 hybrid proteins . Antibodies against synthetic peptides, against native and heat denatured viral particles, as well as neutralizing antibodies were monitored . In this mode of presentation the shortest form of the epitope was more immunogenic . We provide evidence that the conformation of the epitope is different in the two hybrid LamB proteins and discuss possible consequences for immunogenicity. Br J Nutr, 1990 May, 63(3), 563 - 78 Lipid metabolism of liquid-associated and solid-adherent bacteria in rumen contents of dairy cows offered lipid-supplemented diets; Bauchart D et al.; The lipid distribution and fatty acid (FA) composition of total lipids, polar lipids and free fatty acids (FFA) were determined in liquid-associated bacteria (LAB) and solid-adherent bacteria (SAB) isolated from the rumen contents of seven dairy cows fitted with rumen fistulas . Two experiments, arranged according to a 4 x 4 and 3 x 3 Latin Square design, were performed using two basal diets consisting of one part hay and one part barley-based concentrate, and five lipid-supplemented diets consisting of the basal diet plus (g/kg dry matter):53 or 94 rapeseed oil, 98 tallow, 87 soya-bean oil or 94 palmitostearin . For all diets used, total lipids were 1.7-2.2 times higher in SAB than in LAB (P less than 0.05); this probably resulted from a preferential incorporation of dietary FA absorbed onto food particles . Addition of oil or fat to the diets did not modify the polar lipid content but increased the FFA content of SAB and LAB by 150% . Lipid droplets were observed in the cytoplasm in SAB and LAB using transmission electron microscopy, which suggested that part of the additional FFA was really incorporated into the intracellular FFA rather than associated with the cell envelope by physical adsorption . Linoleic acid was specifically incorporated into the FFA of SAB, which emphasized the specific role of this bacterial compartment in the protection of this acid against rumen biohydrogenation. FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1990 May, 57(1-2), 87 - 90 Establishment of cellulolytic bacteria in the digestive tract of conventionally reared young mice: effect of the dietary cellulose content in the adult; Boulahrouf A et al.; Cellulolytic bacteria became established 12 days after birth in the caecum and colon of conventionally-reared mice fed a diet containing 5 p . 100 crude cellulose (Weende) . Their population reached a level between 10(6) and 10(7) bacteria per gram of digestive contents in 25-day-old animals . However, variations between animals were very large; 20 to 50% of the individuals were free of cellulolytic bacteria . A low cellulolytic population was observed in adult mice fed a cellulose-free diet . The amount of cellulose in the diet and its nature (crude or pure cellulose) affected the number of cellulolytic bacteria: the higher the percentage of cellulose in the diet, the higher the number of cellulolytic bacteria, in particular with crude cellulose-containing diet. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1990 May, 34(5), 844 - 8 Purification of a glutathione S-transferase that mediates fosfomycin resistance in bacteria; Arca P et al.; The enzyme that modifies fosfomycin by formation of an adduct with glutathione was purified 12-fold with a 56% activity yield by passage through DEAE Sephacel and high-performance liquid chromatography molecular exclusion columns . Its functional form was a homodimer of two 16,000-dalton polypeptides, which possibly showed an antiparallel alpha tertiary structure and which lacked marked hydrophobic regions . Visualization of the reaction was achieved by precolumn derivatization of glutathione and the adduct, separation by high-performance liquid chromatography, and fluorescence detection of both compounds . Temperature and pH optima were 20 to 30 degrees C and 8.25, respectively; Mn2+, Fe2+, and Co2+ enhanced the rate of modification; and Km values were 9.4 and 11 mM for fosfomycin and glutathione, respectively . Phosphoenolpyruvate did not interfere with fosfomycin modification . The enzyme was stable at 4 degrees C for at least 6 months but progressively lost its activity upon being heated for 60 min at temperatures over 30 degrees C. Appl Nurs Res, 1990 May, 3(2), 63 - 7 Growth of bacteria in prefilled syringes stored in home refrigerators; Weinbacher FM et al.; Insulin was examined for the rate of bacterial growth after being stored in prefilled syringes in home refrigerators and in a controlled laboratory refrigerator . Home refrigerators were used to simulate conditions that exist in client homes to establish the safety of storing insulin in prefilled syringes in uncontrolled environments . Insulin from each source was inoculated on three different media and incubated at three temperatures in three oxygen environments . A total of 768 cultures were examined . It was found that temperature had a significant effect on the incidence of bacteria . The difference in incident of bacteria between syringes stored in the controlled versus uncontrolled environments was not statistically significant. Med Hypotheses, 1990 May, 32(1), 1 - 9 Cancer and cell wall deficient bacteria; Macomber PB; Since the 1920's, a small number of researchers have been quite regularly isolating highly pleomorphic bacteria from the blood and tumors of humans and animals with cancer . These bacteria show characteristics of cell wall deficient bacteria, and can apparently be observed regularly in the blood of cancer patients by darkfield microscopy . Cancer appears to be induced by injecting these bacteria into experimental animals, and some forms of cancer can be prevented by prevaccination with killed bacteria, isolated from experimental animals affected with the specific cancer . The bacteria regularly produce a protein ressembling chorionic gonadotropin hormone, a substance which appears to protect trophoblastic and cancer cells from immune recognition . There is some evidence that a plasmid may be responsible for this property, and even that these bacteria may in some manner be intimately associated with retroviruses . Further studies are proposed to clarify the role these bacteria play in cancer. Izv Akad Nauk SSSR Biol, 1990 May-Jun, (3), 443 - 7 {Free iron in bacteria}; Kurbanov IS et al.; Free iron content has been estimated in autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria . It constituted 40-50 micrograms/g dry weight as compared to 15 micrograms/g dry weight in animal cells . A method for estimation of free iron has been proposed . It is based on formation of paramagnetic dinitrosyl iron complexes by free iron and protein thiol groups or low molecular weight thiol ligands . The reasons for high iron content in bacteria have been discussed. Zentralbl Hyg Umweltmed, 1990 May, 190(1-2), 141 - 53 {Quantitative recovery of bacteria from different germ carrier materials}; Hunger W et al.; A number of germ carriers have been tested quantitatively, in order to select the optimum germ carrier for future quantitative tests of chemical disinfectants, belonging to the class of surface and instrument disinfectants . Quality criteria applied were the storage capacity of the carrier and the germ recovery fraction . For the surface disinfectant, the cotton piece was confirmed to be suited best, while for the instrument disinfection the mineralized soft rubber tube proved to be optimal . The cotton piece, however, stores ten times more germs than the rubber tube which means that with the former, reduction factors of as high as log 6 (-7) can be measured. J Gen Virol, 1990 May, 71 ( Pt 5), 1109 - 17 Presentation and immunogenicity of viral epitopes on the surface of hybrid hepatitis B virus core particles produced in bacteria; Clarke BE et al.; We recently reported the enhanced immunogenicity of a peptide epitope when it was presented as a fusion protein with hepatitis B core antigen . In those experiments the fusion protein was expressed in vaccinia virus . We have now refined the system so that large amounts of highly immunogenic particles can be produced using a simple bacterial expression system . We describe the expression of three different viral epitopes as chimeric particles that induce good antibody responses to each epitope after one dose of low amounts of antigen . Finally we demonstrate that the immunogenicity is a reflection of both T helper cell sites within the core protein and also the particulate nature of the immunogens. Biochemistry, 1990 Apr 24, 29(16), 3834 - 42 Photosynthetic reaction center of green sulfur bacteria studied by EPR; Nitschke W et al.; Membrane preparations of two species of the green sulfur bacteria Chlorobium have been studied by EPR . Three signals were detected which were attributed to iron-sulfur centers acting as electron acceptors in the photosynthetic reaction center . (1) A signal from a center designated FB, (gz = 2.07, gy = 1.91, gx = 1.86) was photoinduced at 4 K . (2) A similar signal, FA (gz = 2.05, gy = 1.94, gx = 1.88), was photoinduced in addition to the FB signal upon a short period of illumination at 200 K . (3) Further illumination at 200 K resulted in the appearance of a broad feature at g = 1.78 . This is attributed to the gx component of an iron-sulfur center designated FX . The designations of these signals as FB, FA, and FX are based on their spectroscopic similarities to signals in photosystem I (PS I) . The orientation dependence of these EPR signals in ordered Chlorobium membrane multilayers is remarkably similar to that of their PS I homologues . A magnetic interaction between the reduced forms of FB and FA occurs, which is also very similar to that seen in PS I . However, in contrast to the situation in PS I, FA and FB cannot be chemically reduced by sodium dithionite at pH 11 . This indicates redox potentials for FA and FB which are lower by at least 150 mV than their PS I counterparts . The triplet state of P840, the primary electron donor, could be photoinduced at 4 K in samples which had been preincubated with sodium dithionite and methyl viologen and then preilluminated at 200 K.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) J Immunol, 1990 Apr 15, 144(8), 3174 - 82 Induction of virus-neutralizing antibodies by bacteria expressing the C3 poliovirus epitope in the periplasm . The route of immunization influences the isotypic distribution and the biologic activity of the antipoliovirus antibodies; LeClerc C et al.; Two viral epitopes (C3 neutralization epitope from poliovirus type 1 and the 132-145 peptide from the PreS2 region from hepatitis B virus) have been expressed in the Escherichia coli periplasm as protein fusion with the maltose binding protein (MalE protein) . Immunization of mice with live bacteria expressing the foreign viral epitopes in their periplasm elicited high antibody titers against the viral peptide as well as against the corresponding virus . This demonstrates for the first time in the case of defined epitopes that, when live bacteria are used as immunogens, presentation at the cell surface is not a prerequisite to obtain an antibody response . On the other hand, the induction of antiviral antibody responses by these recombinant bacteria depended dramatically on the route of immunization: a response was induced by live bacteria through the i.v . route but not through the s.c . route . However, when bacteria were heat killed or when the MalE hybrid protein was released under a soluble form from the cell, a response was induced even upon s.c . immunization . From these results, we suggest that in order to induce high levels of antibodies by the s.c . route, a major parameter for bacterial Ag would be their capacity to be released into a soluble form before the interaction of the bacteria with the APC . This would permit the presentation by B cells rather than by phagocytic cells . Finally, we demonstrate that the route of immunization influences the isotypic distribution and the neutralizing activity of the antipoliovirus antibodies . Such results may have major implications for the development of bacterial vaccines based on fusion proteins. Mycopathologia, 1990 Apr, 110(1), 51 - 6 Enzymatic characterization of Nocardia spp . and related bacteria by API ZYM profile; Boiron P et al.; Characterization of 62 isolates belonging to the genus Nocardia and related bacteria was obtained by using the API ZYM system . The difference in enzymatic profile should allow a relatively efficient, low-cost means to identify aerobic actinomycetes of clinical significance. J Biolumin Chemilumin, 1990 Apr-Jun, 5(2), 71 - 7 The luminescent bacteria toxicity test: its potential as an in vitro alternative; Bulich AA et al.; During the past several years, the use of animals for toxicity testing has come under critical surveillance . For ethical and economic reasons, various techniques have been developed and proposed as potential alternatives for some of the whole animal toxicity assays . One assay proposed as an alternative to animal testing is the luminescent bacteria toxicity test (LBT), provided under the trade name of Microtox . The sensitivity and specificity of the LBT was compared with two commonly used toxicity tests--the L-929 Minimal Eagle's Medium (MEM) elution cytotoxicity test and the Draize test . Cytotoxicity and LBT test data from 709 medical device and biomaterial extracts were compared using a positive/negative ranking system which provided a measurement of false positive and false negative results . These data were compiled from nine separate laboratories producing or using a wide variety of biomaterials and medical device products . The LBT was more sensitive than the tissue culture assay and displayed few false negatives . LBT EC50 values were compared with eye irritancy categories for a group of 34 chemicals and 27 personal care products . As with tissue culture, the LBT was more sensitive and produced minimal false negatives . The data from this study indicate the LBT has potential as a rapid, simple method to screen biomaterials and personal care products for toxicity and irritancy. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1990 Apr, 69(4), 491 - 501 Scanning electron microscope study on the action of endodontic irrigants on bacteria invading the dentinal tubules; Gutierrez JH et al.; Three groups of 10 maxillary anterior teeth each, which had been exposed to oral media, were flushed with 9 ml of tap water, physiologic saline solution, and alternating irrigation with NaOCl and hydrogen peroxide respectively . Residual caries, necrotic tissue remnants, intertubular cavitation, and dentinal tubule invasion by bacteria were searched for by means of the scanning electron microscope . Cuboidal sodium chloride crystals were very frequently found deposited in the main root canal, in lateral canals, and inside the dentinal tubules . This study discusses the important role NaOCl may play as a solvent of dental plaque and necrotic tissue remnants in the clinical endodontic treatment of infected teeth that had been exposed to oral media. Can J Vet Res, 1990 Apr, 54 Suppl, S12 - 5 Overview of the virulence attributes of the HAP-group of bacteria; Nicolet J; The pathogenicity requirements of the HAP bacteria include colonization of mucous surfaces, invasion of the host tissues, survival and multiplication in the host, interference with the defences of the host, and damage to the host . For these purposes the bacteria possess adhesion structures, capsular polysaccharides, surface structures such as outer membrane proteins, and lipopolysaccharides . They also secrete extracellular products, including exotoxins . The information available in this context for the major pathogens of the HAP group is reviewed. Br Poult Sci, 1990 Mar, 31(1), 129 - 37 Scanning and transmission electron microscopic observations of bacteria adhering to ileal epithelial cells in growing broiler and White Leghorn chickens; Yamauchi K et al.; 1 . Bacteria adhering to the ileal epithelial cells in broiler and White Leghorn (WL) chickens aged 1 to 60 d were observed with scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopes . 2 . In SEM observations, bacteria were not found on day 1 after hatching in either breed . In 10-d-old broilers many bacteria were observed around the apical area of villi . The number decreased with age and disappeared by 50 d . In WL chicks, the bacteria were first observed at 20 d . Numbers were much fewer than in broilers and none were seen after 30 d . 3 . TEM investigations showed that bacteria had a cytoplasmic membrane, cell wall and nucleus but no nuclear membrane and organella, were compartmentalised and resembled Streptobacillus moniliformis . At the attachment zone to the epithelium, many mitochondria were observed in the epithelial cells; the bacterial membrane did not fuse to the epithelial cell membrane except at the apex of the attachment end where the bacterial membrane seemed to undergo lysis, suggesting a possibility that some bacterial components were transferred to the epithelial cells . 4 . It is possible that the bacterial aid in the functioning of ileal epithelial cells . Possible functions are discussed in relation to the morphological features. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Mar, 56(3), 776 - 81 Comparison of phenotypic diversity and DNA heterogeneity in a population of soil bacteria; Torsvik V et al.; The phenotypic diversity of about 200 bacterial strains isolated from soil was compared with the genotypic diversity of the same population . The strains were phenotypically characterized by the API 20B test system . The results of these tests were subjected to cluster analysis, which revealed 41 biotypes at 80% similarity . The five dominating biotypes contained 43% of the strains . The phenotypic diversity as determined by the Shannon index, equitability, rarefaction, and cumulative differences was high, but indicated some dominant biotypes . The genetic diversity was measured by reassociation of mixtures of denatured DNA isolated from the bacterial strains (C0t plots) . The observed genetic diversity was high . Reassociation of DNA from all bacterial strains together revealed that the population contained heterologous DNA equivalent to 20 totally different bacterial genomes (i.e., genomes that have no homology) . This study showed that reassociation of DNA isolated from a collection of bacteria gave a good estimate of the diversity of the collection and that there was good agreement with different phenotypic diversity measures . The Shannon index in particular has features in common with the genetic diversity measure presented here. Eur J Immunol, 1990 Mar, 20(3), 695 - 8 Lymphokines and bacteria, that induce tumoricidal activity, trigger a different secretory response in macrophages; Keller R et al.; The abilities of various macrophage-activating agents to trigger tumoricidal activity and/or the secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin 6 (IL 6) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) in bone marrow-derived mononuclear phagocytes (BMM phi) in vitro were comparatively assessed . Induction of tumoricidal activity by lymphokines, that is only short-lived, was not associated with enhanced secretion of these activities by BMM phi; in contrast, incubation with heat-killed facultative intracellular bacteria resulted in persisting tumoricidal activity and in marked enhancement of the secretion of IL 6 and PGE2, but not of TGF beta activity . These findings support the concept that the pattern of the secretory response induced in macrophages by lymphokines differs from that triggered by bacteria and that the rapid decay of lymphokine-induced tumoricidal activity is not due to autocrine macrophage deactivation mediated by one of these agents alone. J Immunol Methods, 1990 Feb 9, 126(2), 247 - 52 Bacteria as solid phase in a concentration fluorescence immunoassay analysis of antibodies to surface antigens; Schwan WR et al.; A modified solid-phase fluorescence immunoassay was developed using bacterial cells as the solid phase to screen antibodies produced against surface antigens from a clinical isolate of Escherichia coli, strain 1-149 . The bacterial solid phase was used to analyze both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies . The bacterial concentration fluorescence immunoassay (BCFIA) showed up to 50-fold greater sensitivity in bacterial cell detection as compared to ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) . Moreover, BCFIA was considerably faster than ELISA with uniform reproducibility . This paper demonstrates the utility of using bacteria and their surface antigens as solid-phase matrices for antibody characterization in a FIA. Nippon Jibiinkoka Gakkai Kaiho, 1990 Feb, 93(2), 244 - 55 {Inner ear damage induced by bacteria (Mycobacterium chelonae)}; Takahashi H; Mycobacterium chelonae has a pathogenicity for mouse inner ear, resulting in "spinning disease" . The mice were subjected to intravenous injection of 1-1.2 x 10(7) organisms of strain ATCC19977 of M . chelonae subspecies abscessus . Morphological changes in the inner ear were investigated together with changes in behavior and auditory brainstem response (ABR) . Three days after injection, the threshold of ABR rose in high frequency and the latency of the fifth wave prolonged . The behaviors of the mice such as "grooming" or "sniffing" were suppressed day by day . Fourteen days after injection, 35% of mice showed abnormal behavior, such as "spinning disease" . The damage in the cochlear and vestibular sensory cells were observed using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy . The inner ear showed serous or purulent labyrinthitis after injection . The most specific change found in purulent labyrinthitis was massive abscess of the cochlea with necrosis . Serous labyrinthitis which might have been induced by bacterial toxins was characterized by homogeneous and eosinophilic precipitates and slight cellular infiltrations in the perilymphatic and endolymphatic spaces . In the organ of Corti, the inner and outer hair cell cilia had degenerated and disappeared . In the vestibular end organs, the sensory cilia were fused, lost and sustained ballooning . The cross links and rough nature of the sensory hair membrane had disappeared in the early stage of serous labyrinthitis. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Feb, 56(2), 566 - 8 Equilibrium temperature in a clump of bacteria heated in fluid; Davey KR; A theoretical model was developed and used to estimate quantitatively the "worst case", i.e., the longest, time to reach equilibrium temperature in the center of a clump of bacteria heated in fluid . For clumps with 10 to 10(6) cells heated in vapor, such as dry and moist air, and liquid fluids such as purees and juices, predictions show that temperature equilibrium will occur with sterilization temperatures up to 130 degrees C in under 0.02 s . Model development highlighted that the controlling influence on time for heating up the clump is the surface convection thermal resistance and that the internal conduction resistance of the clump mass is negligible by comparison . The time for a clump to reach equilibrium sterilization temperature was therefore decreased with relative turbulence (velocity) of the heating fluid, such as occurs in many process operations . These results confirm widely held suppositions that the heat-up time of bacteria in vapor or liquid is not significant with usual sterilization times. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Feb, 56(2), 352 - 6 Enumeration and biomass estimation of planktonic bacteria and viruses by transmission electron microscopy; Borsheim KY et al.; Bacteria and virus particles were harvested from water samples by ultracentrifugation directly onto Formvar-coated electron microscopy grids and counted in a transmission electron microscope . With this technique, we have counted and sized bacteria and viruses in marine water samples and during laboratory incubations . By X-ray microanalysis, we could determine the elemental composition and dry-matter content of individual bacteria . The dry weight/volume ratio for the bacteria was 600 fg of dry weight microns-3 . The potassium content of the bacteria was normal compared with previous estimates from other bacterial assemblages; thus, this harvesting procedure did not disrupt the bacterial cells . Virus particles were, by an order of magnitude, more abundant than bacteria in marine coastal waters . During the first 5 to 7 days of incubation, the total number of viruses increased exponentially at a rate of 0.4 day-1 and thereafter declined . The high proliferation rate suggests that viral parasitism may affect mortality of bacteria in aquatic environments. Pneumologie, 1990 Feb, 44 Suppl 1, 460 - 1 {Determination of the sensitivity of tuberculosis bacteria to pyrazinamide using human macrophage culture}; Salfinger M et al.; Increasing interest is being shown in the antituberculous drug pyrazinamide . An in-vitro model using cultures of human blood macrophages was tested with 8 different Mycobacterium tuberculosis trains . A good correlation was found between the susceptibility of the strains to pyrazinamide and the Kinetics in the macrophage culture. J Interferon Res, 1990 Feb, 10(1), 83 - 9 Interferon treatment reduces endocytosis of virus and facultatively intracellular bacteria in various cell lines; Bukholm G et al.; Previous studies have shown that interferons (IFNs) specifically interact with a number of cells cultured in vitro and reduce the invasiveness of facultatively intracellular bacteria . IFN treatment also reduced the internalization of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in cell cultures . Here we show that the anti-invasive effect of IFN on bacteria is eliminated in an L-cell variant where its effect on the uptake of vesicular stomatitis virus is lost . The data strongly suggest that the anti-invasive effect of IFN is mediated through inhibition of endocytosis. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, 1990 Jan 30, 326(1236), 341 - 51; discussion 351-2 Atomic structures of periplasmic binding proteins and the high-affinity active transport systems in bacteria; Quiocho FA; We have determined and refined the X-ray crystal structures of six periplasmic binding proteins that serve as initial receptors for the osmotic-shock sensitive, active transport of L-arabinose, D-galactose/D-glucose, maltose, sulphate, leucine/isoleucine/valine and leucine . The tertiary structures and atomic interactions between proteins and ligands show common features that are important for understanding the function of the binding proteins . All six structures are ellipsoidal, consisting of two similar, globular domains . The ligand-binding site is located deep in the cleft between the two domains . Irrespective of the nature of the ligand (e.g . saccharide, sulphate dianion or leucine zwitterion), the specificities and affinities of the binding sites are achieved mainly through hydrogen-bonding interactions . Binding of ligands induces a large protein conformational change . Three different structures have been observed among the binding proteins: unliganded 'open cleft', liganded 'open cleft', and liganded 'closed cleft' . Here we discuss the functions of binding proteins in the light of numerous crystallographic and ligand-binding studies and propose a mechanism for the binding protein-dependent, high-affinity active transport. Nature, 1990 Jan 11, 343(6254), 161 - 3 Occurrence of magnetic bacteria in soil; Fassbinder JW et al.; Enrichment of the ferrimagnetic minerals magnetite and maghemite is frequently observed in the top layer of soil horizons . Although both inorganic and organic processes are known to produce magnetite, magnetite in soils has been ascribed to an inorganic origin . We report here the discovery of living magnetic bacteria, similar to those found in salt- and fresh-water sediments, in the A horizon of a well developed soil profile in a typical meadow environment in southern Bavaria . The bacteria were detected in fresh samples using an optical microscope equipped with a rotating magnetic field and a volumetrically calibrated depression slide, permitting accurate counts of the volume density of the organisms . We suggest that magnetic bacteria and their magnetofossils can contribute to the magnetic properties of soils. Br J Surg, 1990 Jan, 77(1), 36 - 9 Roles of bile and bacteria in biliary peritonitis; Andersson R et al.; Bile is known to have an adverse effect in peritonitis but the mechanism(s) and site of action of bile are unknown, as are the relative roles of bile and bacteria . The present study was designed to answer some of these questions . Experiments in which rats were injected intraperitoneally and intravenously with bile, Escherichia coli or saline showed that bile had no systemic toxicity and that it increased the mortality rate only when introduced into the peritoneal cavity together with bacteria . Measurements of peritoneal fluid volumes and blood pressure did not confirm the theory that the increased mortality rate was a consequence of loss of plasma volume into the peritoneal cavity . The number of intraperitoneal bacteria decreased continuously in animals receiving intraperitoneal E . coli alone . When bile was added by intraperitoneal injection, the number of intraperitoneal bacteria started to rise at 2 h and then increased steadily with a consequent bacteraemia at 10 h . The number of bacteria per peritoneal phagocyte was significantly lower after intraperitoneal injection of E . coli and bile, when compared with injection of E . coli alone . It is concluded that bile exerts its detrimental effect within the peritoneal cavity in the presence of bacteria . Bile impairs local host defence in a way that remains unknown and may be related to the detergent-lytic effects of bile salts. Adv Exp Med Biol, 1990, 263, 111 - 4 The rapid detection of clinically significant bacteria; Tilton RC; In summary, there are a variety of methods for the rapid detection of bacteria, only a few of which have been covered in this essay . However, 3 points must be made: 1) The availability of a test for antigen detection does not guarantee its clinical relevance . 2) More attention must be paid to the statistical relevance of tests for bacterial detection . 3) The advantages of a rapid test compared to a very lengthy traditional test for bacterial detection may not be obvious unless there is an organized method of education and accompanying justification, such as treatment efficacy, for the use of this new test. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Jan, 56(1), 304 - 5 Organomercurial-volatilizing bacteria in the mercury-polluted sediment of Minamata Bay, Japan; Nakamura K et al.; A total of 4,604 bacterial strains isolated from the sediments of Minamata Bay and nearby low-level-mercury stations (control stations) were screened for the ability to volatilize mercury from inorganic and organic mercurial compounds . The strains that volatilize mercury from several kinds of organomercurials were found only in the sediments of Minamata Bay. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 1990, 69(5), 405 - 8 Control of fetal membrane prostaglandin E2 production by bacteria; Helmig R et al.; The effect of bacteria on the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and PGE2 metabolites by fetal membranes has been investigated . Live bacteria stimulated a large increase in the levels of PGE2 metabolites, but only a small increase in the levels of PGE2 on the fetal side of the membranes . No significant changes in the levels of PGE2 or its metabolites were found on the maternal side . Bacteria may therefore stimulate PGE2 production by fetal membranes during short-term incubations, but it seems that the metabolic capacity of the chorion was so high that no change in PGE2 levels was detectable on the maternal side of the fetal membranes . This was confirmed by the finding that less than 1% of 3H-PGE2 added to the fetal side of the membrane reached the maternal side without being metabolized. Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1990, 35(4), 348 - 52 Colicins E7 and E8 degrade DNA in sensitive bacteria; Smarda J et al.; The primary target of colicin E7 in sensitive bacteria are their DNA molecules . In agarose gel electrophoresis of lysates of cells treated with colicin E7, both chromosomal and plasmid DNA bands disappear, in direct relation to E7 concentration and to the duration of treatment . DNA degradation is followed by a cessation of DNA synthesis . In E7-immune bacteria, no damage to DNA due to colicin E7 occurs . The mode of action of colicin E7 thus appears to be equal to that of colicin E2 . Also, colicin E8 causes a distinct damage to chromosomal and plasmid DNA in sensitive, but not in immune bacteria . None of the colicins E1, E3, E4, E5, E6 or E9 has any influence on bacterial DNA. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 1990, 69(4), 287 - 90 Perinatal and neonatal significance of bacteria-related placental villous edema; Ilagan NB et al.; In a study of 82 cases of clinical chorioamnionitis in which no antibiotics were administered antenatally, significant villous edema was observed in 51 placentas (62%) . Polymorphonuclear leukocyte invasion of the placental plate was found in 53 placentas (65%) . The presence of SVE was significantly associated with placental bacterial recovery, occurrence of prolonged rupture of membranes, lower one minute Apgar score, the need for resuscitation and significant neonatal respiratory problems . Findings suggest that bacteria-related placental villous edema can lead to significant perinatal and neonatal morbidities. Mol Gen Mikrobiol Virusol, 1990 Jan, (1), 3 - 6 {Natural transformation in bacteria}; Kosovich PV et al.; Transformants may be formed by some bacterial species when the growing cultures are mixed . This phenomenon caused by the DNA release from bacterial cells is called natural transformation . DNA release is most likely to be mediated by cell autolysis . Both chromosomal markers and plasmids are transferred by natural transformation . The phenomenon is reproduced while growing bacteria together in sterile soil . The DNA adsorbed on sand and other soil solid particles was more resistant to DNAse action, than the free transforming DNA . Natural transformation seems to be one of the forms of the genetic exchange in bacteria in their habitats . An indirect argument for this suggestion is perfect coordination between the different steps of transformation process, at least, in some bacterial species. J Appl Bacteriol, 1990 Jan, 68(1), 81 - 91 Numerical analysis of electrophoretic protein patterns of Group EF-4 bacteria, predominantly from dog-bite wounds of humans; Holmes B et al.; Thirty-seven strains of Group EF-4 bacteria (from various countries) were characterized by one-dimensional SDS-PAGE of cellular proteins . They comprised 21 from dog-bite wounds of humans, three from cat-bite wounds of humans and five from human limb wounds which may have been inflicted by dogs or cats; there was also one each from a pet monkey, a tiger lung (fatal), a dog tonsil, a mouse, a cat liver, a wallaby mandible, a human vagina and one from a human limb wound which was apparently not inflicted by an animal . The protein patterns, which contained 45 to 50 discrete bands, were highly reproducible and were used as the basis for three numerical analyses . In the first, in which the principal protein bands (in the 34.8 to 41.3 kD range) were excluded, the 37 Group EF-4 strains formed, at the 62% S level, two major clusters corresponding to strains producing a dihydrolase for arginine and those not doing so . In the second analysis, which included all the protein bands and which was performed only on the 22 arginine-positive strains, two phenons formed (one of which could be further divided into two sub-phenons) at the 56% S level . The third analysis, also based on all the protein bands, divided the 15 arginine-negative strains into three clusters at the 56% S level . We conclude that high resolution PAGE combined with computerised analysis of protein patterns correlates exactly with the separation of Group EF-4 into two biovars (also with the distinction of the biovars on the basis of G + C content) . Reference strains of each of the PAGE types identified are available from the NCTC for inclusion in future studies. Annu Rev Cell Biol, 1990, 6, 297 - 327 Regulation of transposition in bacteria; Kleckner N; Bacterial transposons are subject to a variety of regulatory processes that affect the quantity, quality, and timing of transposition events . Many of these processes seem specifically designed to provide features that favor the evolutionary success of the element . The most important conclusion reached from the identification and characterization of these regulatory mechanisms is that transposable elements are not mechanistic accidents of recent origin, but instead are highly evolved entities that have adapted to their ecological niche with a degree of sophistication comparable to that exhibited by plasmids and bacterial viruses. Arch Microbiol, 1990, 154(4), 349 - 54 Different physiological roles of two independent pathways for nitrite reduction to ammonia by enteric bacteria; Page L et al.; Operon fusion strains and mutants of Escherichia coli K-12 lacking the NADH-dependent nitrite reductase have been used to determine the regulation and physiological roles of two independent pathways for nitrite reduction to ammonia . Both the formate- and NADH-dependent pathways (Nrf and Nir, respectively) were totally repressed during aerobic growth, partially active during anaerobic growth in the absence of nitrite and further induced anaerobically by nitrite . Both were dependent upon a functional Fnr protein (a transcription activator of genes for anaerobic respiration) . During anaerobic growth in the presence of nitrate, the Nir pathway was fully induced but Nrf was strongly repressed . Mutants defective in the NarL protein, which induces transcription of nitrate reductase genes but represses fumarate reductase genes in the presence of nitrate, were derepressed for Nrf activity during growth with nitrate, but the Nir enzyme was less active . The synthesis of Nrf components was also sensitive to glucose repression and weak activation by NarL during growth in the absence of nitrate . These data indicate that the Nir pathway provides a mechanism for detoxifying nitrite formed in the cytoplasm as a product of nitrate reduction . In contrast, the electrogenic reduction of nitrite by the Nrf pathway provides a secondary source of energy during anaerobic growth and is consequently repressed by the NarL protein when the thermodynamically more favourable electron acceptor, nitrate, is available . Two short DNA sequences, 5'-TACCAT-3' and 5'-CTCCTT-3', were found in the promoters of operons known to be activated or repressed by the NarL protein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1990, 35(5), 454 - 5 An efficient method for isolation of plasmid DNA from methylotrophic bacteria; Brenner V et al.; A method, suitable for the isolation of closed circular plasmid DNA from methylotrophic bacteria is described . Improvement of cell lysis was achieved by butanol extraction of cells before application of the lytic agent . Using this method, cryptic plasmids of 7.8, 14, 36 and 200 kb were purified from soil-isolated methylotrophs. J Electron Microsc Tech, 1990 Jan, 14(1), 52 - 62 Effect of fixation-resin combinations and ruthenium red on elucidating outer envelope structure and surface morphology of two methanotrophic bacteria; Fassel TA et al.; We examined the ultrastructure of the cell envelope in Type I, Methylomonas albus (BG8), and Type II, Methylosinus trichosporium (OB3b), methane-oxidizing bacteria by using different fixatives, ruthenium red (RR) combinations and resins . We compared LR White and Spurr embedments with the following fixations: glutaraldehyde/OsO4, two glutaraldehyde-paraformaldehyde, and two different en bloc ruthenium red procedures, one utilizing OsO4 and the other with glutaraldehyde/OsO4 in sequential fixation . These fixations were also studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) . Unfixed cells prepared by freeze etch were used for comparison . Transmission electron microscopy of BG8 embedded in LR White resin (with or without red0 preserved a layer of cup-like structures that were not seen in Spurr resin-embedded cells unless ruthenium red was used . For OB3b, the second RR method preserved beads and filaments where only "spike-like" structures were seen in all other fixations in both resins . By SEM, all fixations preserved a capsular slime layer of BG8 that was removed from some cells by both RR methods . In all SEM fixations, a bead layer was preserved in OB3b that was enhanced by RR . Filaments seen by freeze-etch and thin-section techniques were not seen in SEM . Presence or absence of particular envelope structures in these methanotrophs is dependent on the combination of fixatives and/or resins employed and is species-specific . The chemical preparation methods used resulted in enhanced understanding of the structure and composition of the cell envelope. Arch Exp Veterinarmed, 1990, 44(6), 891 - 6 Molecular cloning of porcine parvovirus DNA for the purpose of obtaining viral antigen synthesis in bacteria; Zaberezhny AD et al.; An expression of porcine parvovirus 1.05 kb DNA fragment was obtained in Escherichia coli under the control both of Pr-lambda and lac-promoters . The product of expression under Pr-control was demonstrated to show PPV-specific antigenic properties . Its electrophoretic mobility corresponded to a molecular weight of approximately 45 KD. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1990, 590, 430 - 8 Molecular genetics of populations of intracellular bacteria: the spotted fever group rickettsiae; Fuerst PA et al.; The population structure of tick-borne rickettsiae show the following characteristics: (1) the amount of genetic differentiation between strains within subpopulations is very small . (2) The evolution of the subpopulations does not fit into models based on either host or geographic similarities, suggesting the need for more information on the frequency of vertical versus horizontal transmission of strains between hosts . (3) The species are highly clonal, with little evidence of genetic exchange between populations . (4) The dominant class of genetic change is single-nucleotide point mutation . No evidence for major rearrangements was observed . (5) Differentiation between species of the spotted fever group is equivalent to that seen between local strains of E . coli. New Biol, 1990 Jan, 2(1), 5 - 9 Signal transduction in bacteria: kinases that control gene expression; Igo MM et al.; A new paradigm, termed two-component regulatory systems, is emerging from the study of signal transduction in bacteria . A simple example of such a system is provided by the Omp regulon of Escherichia coli . This regulon, which controls the expression of the major outer membrane porin proteins OmpF and OmpC in response to changes in osmolarity, includes the inner membrane protein EnvZ (a receptor kinase) and the DNA-binding protein OmpR (a transcriptional activator) . Although we do not know what "ligand" is sensed in the Omp system, we can trace the signal transduction pathway from the receptor at the cell surface directly to regulatory sequences within the DNA . Perhaps signal transduction in bacteria can serve as a simple archetype for understanding certain functions performed by receptor kinases and phosphorylated DNA-binding proteins in higher organisms. Bol Estud Med Biol, 1990 Jan-Jun, 38(1-2), 29 - 40 Review article: structural and functional properties of cytochrome aa3 from bacteria; Garcia-Horsman JA et al.; The aa3 oxidases from bacteria form a group of related enzymes that resemble the far more complex mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, both functionally and structurally . These enzymes catalyze electron transfer from ferrocytochrome c to oxygen to produce water . This transfer is coupled to proton translocation . Several oxidases of this type have been purified from cytoplasmic membranes of bacteria . This review summarizes the present knowledge on purified bacterial aa3 oxidases and correlates these findings with data available for the eukaryotic cytochrome c-oxidases. Acta Microbiol Pol, 1990, 39(3-4), 197 - 204 Production of B--vitamins by heterotrophic planktonic bacteria isolated from littoral zone of lake Jeziorak; Donderski W et al.; Different genera and groups of heterotrophic planktonic bacteria of the littoral zone of the lake Jeziorak produced different B-group vitamins . Most numerous among the planktonic bacteria of this zone of the lake were biotin producers and least numerous were organisms synthesizing riboflavin and nicotinic acid . Most bacteria produced one or two vitamins . Three or more vitamins were produced by only a few strains . In autumn no strain produced all five vitamins studied in this work. Lab Delo, 1990, (12), 74 - 5 {A method of determining lipase in bacteria of the intestinal group}; Buzoleva LS et al.; A method for detection of lipase in intestinal bacteria is suggested with fatty acid esters used as enzyme substrates . This modification not only allows the enzyme detection but is more rapid that the known procedures . Preliminary cultivation of bacteria in the accumulation media rich in organic substances helps shorten the time of investigation and simplifies reading the reaction. Lab Delo, 1990, (7), 64 - 6 {Characteristics of the serologic properties of bacteria of the genus Moraxella}; Zubkov MN; Antigenic relationships between different Moraxella species and closely related bacteria were examined in agglutination (AT), indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), double gel immunodiffusion tests, and counter-current immunoelectrophoresis with experimentally obtained antisera . Specificities of commercial antibody reagents, manufactured by Abbott, USA, intended for enzyme immunoassay diagnosis of gonorrhea and urogenital chlamydia infections, were assessed . Results of donor blood serum examinations helped establish AT and IIF diagnostic titres to be used in serologic diagnosis of infections induced by various Moraxella species. Int Endod J, 1990 Jan, 23(1), 1 - 12 Detection of bacteria in histological sections of the dental pulp; Watts A et al.; A series of deep cavities with and without traumatic pulpal exposures were prepared in the maxillary molars of albino rats . They were left untreated for various time intervals before killing . Demineralized sections were prepared in a mesiodistal plane and stained to demonstrate the presence of bacteria . In the cavities and coronal pulps that were grossly contaminated, bacteria were detected in the majority of sections . In the root canals and periapical tissues, bacteria were detected in only a minority of sections . It is considered that serial sections stained to demonstrate bacteria are necessary for the detection of bacteria that are present in only small numbers in the tissues . The demonstration of small numbers of micro-organisms in specific zones of the pulp remains problematic . Failure to detect stained bacteria in histological sections is not absolute proof of their absence. Biomed Biochim Acta, 1990, 49(2-3), S11 - 6 The expression of active human reticulocyte 15-lipoxygenase in bacteria; Sloane DL et al.; A cloned cDNA that encodes human reticulocyte 15-lipoxygenase was characterized by Northern blot analysis and heterologous expression in bacteria . The 2.7 kb cDNA specifically hybridizes to reticulocyte RNA from anemic rabbits . The RNA levels correlate with the appearance of enzymatic activity in anemia . The cDNA was subcloned into an inducible bacterial expression vector in frame with the amino terminal ten amino acids of beta-galactosidase (pUCLOX) . The soluble fraction of the cell lysate of E . coli transformed with pUCLOX contained a protein that has the same catalytic and antigenic characteristics as reticulocyte 15-lipoxygenase. Arch Microbiol, 1990, 153(2), 123 - 8 Evolutionary relationship of some stalked and budding bacteria (genera Caulobacter, "Hyphobacter", Hyphomonas and Hyphomicrobium) as studied by the new integral taxonomical method; Nikitin DI et al.; A new approach was developed for the determination of taxonomic and evolutional relationships among four genera of oligotrophic bacteria . The main idea of this approach is the algorithmized integrative analysis of the morphological and physiological specificity of these bacteria, their 5S rRNA sequences, fatty acid and lipid composition of their membranes, as well as their sensitivity to a large variety of antibiotics . It was shown that the genera Caulobacter and Hyphomonas are closely related to each other, but they are both distant from Hyphomicrobium species . The new genus, "Hyphobacter", is placed between Caulobacter and Hyphomonas . Taxonomic heterogeneity was found to exist within the genera Caulobacter and Hyphomicrobium . Evolutional pathways from Caulobacter to Hyphomicrobium are proposed on the basis of the present data . No correlations were found between the cell morphology of the organisms and their geno- and chemotaxonomy. Eur J Biochem, 1989 Dec 8, 186(1-2), 309 - 16 The sodium cycle in methanogenesis . CO2 reduction to the formaldehyde level in methanogenic bacteria is driven by a primary electrochemical potential of Na+ generated by formaldehyde reduction to CH4; Kaesler B et al.; CH4 formation from CO2 and H2 rather than from formaldehyde and H2 in methanogenic bacteria is inhibited by uncouplers, indicating that CO2 reduction to the formaldehyde level is energy-driven . We report here that in Methanosarcina barkeri the driving force is a primary electrochemical sodium potential (delta mu Na+) generated by formaldehyde reduction to CH4 . This is concluded from the following findings . 1 . CO2 reduction to CH4 was insensitive towards protonophores, when the Na+/H+ antiporter was inhibited; under these conditions delta mu Na+ was 120 mV (inside negative), whereas both delta mu H+ and the cellular ATP content were low . 2 . CO2 reduction to CH4, rather than formaldehyde reduction, was sensitive towards Na+ ionophores, which dissipated delta mu Na+ . 3 . CO2 reduction to CH4, in the presence of protonophores and Na+/H+ antiport inhibitors, was coupled with the extrusion of 1-2 mol Na+/mol CH4, and formaldehyde reduction to CH4 was coupled with the extrusion of 3-4 mol Na+/mol CH4 . Thus during CO2 reduction to the formaldehyde level 2-3 mol Na+ were consumed. Arch Surg, 1989 Dec, 124(12), 1390 - 5 Development of a bacteria-independent model of the multiple organ failure syndrome; Steinberg S et al.; Criteria that allow definition of the multiple organ failure syndrome include pulmonary, hepatic, renal, and gut barrier dysfunction along with characteristic histopathologic changes . It has been difficult to study multiple organ failure due to lack of a satisfactory experimental model that would reproduce the pathophysiologic and histopathologic characteristics, would be stable enough to allow study over several days, and would be free of exogenous primary bacterial infection . We have studied pathophysiologic and histopathologic alterations in a potential model of multiple organ failure . Wistar rats received one of the following solutions by intraperitoneal injection: 4 mL of saline, 4 mL of mineral oil, or 1 mg per gram of body weight of zymosan A in 4 mL of mineral oil . Animals that received zymosan developed hypoxia, decreased creatinine clearance, and changes in hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 content and aniline hydroxylase activity . Bacterial translocation occurred in the zymosan group . The lungs, liver, and kidneys of the animals that received zymosan exhibited histopathologic changes . We conclude that this model fulfills our criteria for a model of multiple organ failure. Microbiol Rev, 1989 Dec, 53(4), 450 - 90 Protein phosphorylation and regulation of adaptive responses in bacteria; Stock JB et al.; Bacteria continuously adapt to changes in their environment . Responses are largely controlled by signal transduction systems that contain two central enzymatic components, a protein kinase that uses adenosine triphosphate to phosphorylate itself at a histidine residue and a response regulator that accepts phosphoryl groups from the kinase . This conserved phosphotransfer chemistry is found in a wide range of bacterial species and operates in diverse systems to provide different regulatory outputs . The histidine kinases are frequently membrane receptor proteins that respond to environmental signals and phosphorylate response regulators that control transcription . Four specific regulatory systems are discussed in detail: chemotaxis in response to attractant and repellent stimuli (Che), regulation of gene expression in response to nitrogen deprivation (Ntr), control of the expression of enzymes and transport systems that assimilate phosphorus (Pho), and regulation of outer membrane porin expression in response to osmolarity and other culture conditions (Omp) . Several additional systems are also examined, including systems that control complex developmental processes such as sporulation and fruiting-body formation, systems required for virulent infections of plant or animal host tissues, and systems that regulate transport and metabolism . Finally, an attempt is made to understand how cross-talk between parallel phosphotransfer pathways can provide a global regulatory curcuitry. J Bioenerg Biomembr, 1989 Dec, 21(6), 717 - 40 Sodium, protons, and energy coupling in the methanogenic bacteria; Lancaster JR Jr; In this review, I focus on the bioenergetics of the methanogenic bacteria, with particular attention directed to the roles of transmembrane electrochemical gradients of sodium and proton . In addition, the mechanism of coupling ATP synthesis to methanogenic electron transfer is addressed . Evidence is reviewed which suggests that the methanogens possess great diversity in their bioenergetic machinery . In particular, in some methanogens the primary ion which is translocated coupled to metabolic energy is the proton, while others appear to utilize sodium . In addition, ATP synthesis driven by methanogenic electron transfer is accomplished in some organisms by a chemiosmotic mechanism and is coupled by a more direct mechanism in others . A possible explanation for this diversity (which is consistent with the relatedness of these organisms to each other and to other members of the Archaebacteria as determined by molecular biological techniques) is discussed. Scand J Prim Health Care, 1989 Dec, 7(4), 203 - 9 Colonization with potentially pathogenic respiratory tract bacteria . A household study; Schwan A et al.; A group of 235 persons (180 adults and 55 children 0-15 years old) recorded symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection daily during two three-month periods (autumn 1986 and spring 1987) . Samples for culture were taken from the nasopharynx and throat once during each period . Fifteen per cent of asymptomatic subjects harboured respiratory pathogens in the nasopharynx, as did 28% of those subjects with minor respiratory tract infections and 46% of those with more severe respiratory tract infections . Of children up to seven years of age, 58% were colonized with potential respiratory pathogens, which is important to keep in mind when evaluating culture reports from young children . Adults living with young children were colonized significantly more often than other adults . Branhamella catarrhalis was the most common pathogen. Biochemistry, 1989 Nov 28, 28(24), 9417 - 23 Steps in the conversion of alpha-ketosuberate to 7-mercaptoheptanoic acid in methanogenic bacteria; White RH; The biosynthetic steps involved in the conversion of alpha-ketosuberate to 7-mercaptoheptanoic acid were studied in cell-free extracts of methanogenic bacteria . The pathway was established by measuring the incorporation of stable isotopically labeled precursors into the S-methyl ether methyl ester derivative of the enzymatically generated 7-mercaptoheptanoic acid by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) . Quantitation of the 7-mercaptoheptanoic acid produced in the incubations with the substrates was accomplished by using an internal standard of 6-mercaptohexanoic acid . {4,4,6,6-2H4}-2-Oxosuberic acid, {7-2H}-7-oxoheptanoic acid, {2-2H}-2(RS)-(5-carboxypentyl)thiazolidine-4(R)-carboxylic acid, and S-(6-carboxyhexyl)cysteine were each shown to be converted to 7-mercaptoheptanoic acid . Incubation of cell extracts with a mixture of 2(RS)-(5-carboxypentyl)thiazolidine-4(R)-carboxylic acid and {2-2H}-2-(RS)-(5-carboxypentyl)-{34S}thiazolidine-4(R)-carboxylic acid showed that both 34S and 2H are incorporated into the 7-mercaptoheptanoic acid but only after separation of the cysteine from the {7-2H}-7-oxyheptanoic acid portion of the molecule . Furthermore, the sulfur from the cysteine was incorporated into the thiol only after its elimination from the cysteine and subsequent mixing with an unlabeled sulfur source which had a molecular weight of sufficient size that it was excluded from Sephadex G-25 . Hydrogen sulfide was found to supply the sulfur for the production of the 7-mercaptoheptanoic acid in a reaction that was shown to obtain its reducing equivalents from hydrogen via an F420-dependent hydrogenase. Eur J Biochem, 1989 Nov 20, 185(3), 695 - 700 Electron transport in sulfate-reducing bacteria . Molecular modeling and NMR studies of the rubredoxin--tetraheme-cytochrome-c3 complex; Stewart DE et al.; A hypothetical model of the complex formed between the iron-sulfur protein rubredoxin and the tetraheme cytochrome c3 from the sulfate-reducing bacteria Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough) has been proposed utilizing computer graphic modeling, computational methods and NMR spectroscopy . The proposed complex appears feasible on the basis of complementary electrostatic interaction and steric factors and is consistent with the data from NMR experiments . In this model, the non-heme iron atom of rubredoxin is in close proximity to heme 1 of cytochrome c3 . The complex is stabilized by charge-pair interactions and hydrogen bonds . This complex is compared to the flavodoxin-cytochrome c3 complex previously proposed {Stewart, D . E., LeGall, J., Moura, I., Moura, J . J . G., Peck, H . D . Jr, Xavier, A . V., Weiner, P . K . & Wampler, J . E . (1988) Biochemistry 27, 2444-2450} and new NMR data shows that both proteins interact with the same heme group of the cytochrome as postulated. Mol Biol (Mosk), 1989 Nov-Dec, 23(6), 1669 - 81 {Immune electron microscope determination of the localization of tryptophanyl-tRNA-synthetase in bacteria and higher eukaryotes}; Popenko VI et al.; Localization of tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (TRS) was studied on ultrathin (UT) sections of Escherichia coli cells and of rat fibroblasts fixed with glutaraldehyde and embedded in "Lowicryl K4M" resin at -35 degrees C . The UT sections were treated with the complexes of monoclonal and/or polyclonal antibodies against TRS with colloidal gold 15 and 8 nm in size . In both types of the cells cytoplasm was the most intensely labelled . In fibroblast cytoplasm, zones with a greater amount of ribosomes were mainly labelled, the gold particles being found over both the cysternae of granular endoplasmic reticulum and the areas of localization of free ribosomes . In the zones of microfilament localization TRS was not detected . A great amount of TRS was found in mitochondria and in the fibroblast nuclei . In the latter case, the label was concentrated over the diffuse chromatin localization regions, a minimal binding being observed over compact chromatin . The number of particles observed over diffuse chromatin equals to 50-80% against the label in fibroblast cytoplasm . In contrast, the label used to be absent over the E . coli nucleoid . The presence of TRS in the fibroblast nucleus may evidence in favour of a possible regulatory role of TRS in eukaryots. Z Naturforsch {C}, 1989 Nov-Dec, 44(11-12), 1058 - 60 Swarming phenomena, basis of a method to identify motile bacteria densitometrically; Blessing B et al.; The swarming phenomenon of 18 strains was tested with the intention to identify motile, swarming bacteria . Not all bacteria which are motile in liquid are able to swarm on semisolid nutrient broth, but all swarming bacteria show characteristic swarming developments, resulting in different swarming zones which could be scanned densitometrically . The densitograms are fully reproducible for the same strain and show similarities between strains of one species. Mol Gen Mikrobiol Virusol, 1989 Nov, (11), 3 - 13 {Energy of the transmembrane DNA transfer in bacteria}; Sabel'nikov AG; The natural transmembrane DNA transfer in the course of the genetic transformation, transfection and conjugation is analyzed as well as the inducible transmembrane transfer affected by the different physicochemical factors . Different models for the transfer are discussed . Special attention is paid to the energetic aspects of the transfer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1989 Nov, 86(21), 8358 - 62 Salt taxis in Escherichia coli bacteria and its lack in mutants; Qi YL et al.; Escherichia coli is attracted to a variety of salts . This attraction is highly reduced in mutants missing a known transducer, the methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein I; there is a smaller role for another transducer, the methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein II . We discuss the relation of salt taxis to osmotaxis. Vopr Pitan, 1989 Nov-Dec, (6), 32 - 5 {A comparative study of the biological value of proteins in products of hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria biomass processing}; Radionov VN et al.; Chemical and biological methods have shown solubility decrease of protein biomass of hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria in water and neutral salt solutions, in the process of its autoclave drying and sterilizing . The potential and real biological values of the protein of the sterilized biomass are highly different . Denucleation of biomass decreases the real biological value leading its difference to the null. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1989 Nov, 55(11), 2789 - 92 Most-probable-number procedures for enumerating ruminal bacteria, including the simultaneous estimation of total and cellulolytic numbers in one medium; Dehority BA et al.; Based on results from eight experiments, no overall difference was found between roll tube and three- and five-tube most-probable-number (MPN) methods for estimating total numbers of ruminal bacteria . However, standard errors for the replicate means within an experiment were higher with the MPN procedures . Visual growth and pH were the criteria used for scoring the MPN tubes . Total numbers were significantly higher in MPN medium containing 40% ruminal fluid, as compared with a complete medium without ruminal fluid . By using a broth medium containing ball-milled cellulose and soluble carbohydrates as energy sources, it was possible to estimate both total and cellulolytic ruminal bacterial numbers in the same MPN series . Disappearance of cellulose and decrease in pH were used to determine growth . Values did not differ from those obtained in separate MPN assays . By using this method, diurnal changes in total and cellulolytic bacterial numbers were estimated in sheep fed forage or a concentrate-type diet. J Reprod Med, 1989 Nov, 34(11), 872 - 4 Endometrial bacteria in asymptomatic, nonpregnant women; Hemsell DL et al.; The existence of normal lower reproductive tract flora has been recognized for many years . A study was conducted to identify the possible existence of upper reproductive tract (endometrial) bacteria in asymptomatic women with no history of previous pelvic infection and a normal pelvic examination . Bacteria were recovered from the endometria of 55 women with a double-lumen-catheter-protected brush; six cultures were sterile . Two hundred thirty-one bacterial species were present in 54 endocervical cultures . Type of contraception and phase of the menstrual cycle had no significant effect on the bacterial species recovered . Although contamination by cervical bacteria was possible, there was evidence of separate endometrial flora. Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1989 Oct 31, 164(2), 772 - 9 Studies of nucleotide sequence homology between naphthalene-utilizing strains of bacteria; Serdar CM et al.; The ability of P . putida, strain NCIB 9816, to grow with naphthalene (Nah+) and salicylate (Sal+) is correlated with the presence of an 83 kilobase (kb) conjugative plasmid (pDTG1) . The genes encoding the upper pathway (Nah--greater than Sal) for naphthalene degradation are located on a 15 kb EcoRI fragment which was cloned into pKT230 . The resulting recombinant, pDTG113, was nick-translated and used as a radioactive probe to investigate nucleotide sequence homology between the naphthalene-utilizing organisms, P . putida G7, P . putida NP, and strain PL6 . Each of these bacterial strains were isolated from different locations at different times . The results show that all of these organisms contain closely related genes that are involved in naphthalene metabolism. Science, 1989 Oct 6, 246(4926), 116 - 8 Symbiotic marine bacteria chemically defend crustacean embryos from a pathogenic fungus; Gil-Turnes MS et al.; Embryos of the shrimp Palaemon macrodactylus are remarkably resistant to infection by the fungus Lagenidium callinectes, a recognized pathogen of many crustaceans . An Alteromonas sp . bacterial strain consistently isolated from the surface of the embryos, produces 2,3-indolinedione (isatin), a compound that inhibits the pathogenic fungus . If exposed to the fungus, bacteria-free embryos quickly die, whereas similar embryos reinoculated with the bacteria or treated only with 2,3-indolinedione live well . The commensal Alteromonas sp . bacteria protect shrimp embryos from fungal infection by producing and liberating the antifungal metabolite 2,3-indolinedione. J Biol Chem, 1989 Oct 5, 264(28), 16689 - 93 A novel in situ colony screening method to detect human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase activity expressed in bacteria . Isolation of pseudorevertants of reverse transcriptase mutants; Prasad VR et al.; An in situ screening procedure is described that permits the detection of RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity in bacterial colonies expressing the reverse transcriptase of the human immunodeficiency virus . The procedure has been applied to the isolation of rare pseudorevertants of an inactive parental mutant. Arch Tierernahr, 1989 Oct, 39(10), 813 - 21 {The effect of different centrifugation conditions in the isolation of mixed rumen bacteria on their content of nitrogen and diaminopimelic acid: use of duodenal content as raw material}; Krawielitzki R et al.; The objective of the present study was, to investigate the effect of varying conditions of differential centrifugation of duodenal content on the isolation of bacteria (B-fraction) and feed particles + protozoa (FP-fraction) . The treatments at low-speed centrifugation were as follows: 100 x g/5 min, 400 x g/10 min, 1000 x g/10 min and 2000 x g/10 min, high speed conditions were 30,000 x g/30 min/4 degrees C . The results of three experiments are given . Analytical examination gave similar results for N-contents for all treatments, the mean values being 7.90 +/- 0.27% (n = 12) for B-fractions and 6.53 +/- 0.73% (n = 12) for FP-fractions . Increasing the low-speed from 100 x g to 2000 x g lead to increasing DAP-contents and decreasing N:DAP-ratios of the bacterial isolates, the values being 2.43, 3.02, 3.22 and 3.39 mg DAP/g DM and 32.0, 27.4, 25.0 and 23.0 N:DAP-ratio . Decreased isolation of bacterial material in the B-fraction in conjunction with increased incorporation in the FP-fraction resulted in rising the speed of the low speed centrifugation . The rates of loss of DAP, measured by comparison with the total amount were 10, 32, 48 and 70% respectively . It was concluded to prefer the isolation of bacteria from rumen fluid. J Comp Pathol, 1989 Oct, 101(3), 341 - 9 Argyrophilic, intracellular bacteria in some cats with idiopathic peripheral lymphadenopathy; Kirkpatrick CE et al.; Lymph node biopsy specimens from several previously reported cases of unusual feline peripheral lymphadenopathies were re-examined by a modified Dieterle silver-impregnation staining technique . In a proportion of these specimens, the Dieterle stain revealed tiny pleomorphic, intensely argyrophilic coccobacilli . These organisms were predominantly located within macrophages . The infected cells were focally distributed, particularly in the interfollicular regions of the nodes . They were inconspicuous in sections stained by other, more conventional staining methods . It is possible that these coccobacilli represent yet another, previously unidentified, cause of chronic lymph node hyperplasia in the cat. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1989 Oct, 33(10), 1813 - 5 Rapid nucleic acid assay for detection of bacteria with tetM-mediated tetracycline resistance; Sanchez-Pescador R et al.; A novel nucleic acid assay has been developed to screen bacterial populations for the presence of the tetM structural gene . The method involves the specific hybridization of several synthetic oligonucleotides to the gene in a crude bacterial lysate solution . As few as 1.5 x 10(4) CFU can be detected with the assay. Zentralbl Hyg Umweltmed, 1989 Oct, 189(1), 29 - 36 {Bacteria of the Flexibacter/Sporocytophaga group and violet-pigmented bacteria as indicators for hygienically doubtful drinking water}; Schindler PR et al.; Bacteria of the Flexibacter/Sporocytophaga group indicate, that drinking water is deficiently protected by the soil covering or may be infiltrated by surface waters . In South Bavaria those germs could be demonstrated in 1225 of 3743 samples from central water supplies and in 951 of 1714 samples from decentralized water supplies . F/Sp-bacteria could be isolated to a much greater extend from samples which were likewise polluted with Escherichia coli, coliforms and colony counts in excess . Over the year, bacteria of the F/Sp group are constantly distributed in contrast to E.coli or coliforms and will therefore constitute an useful indicator germ for hygienic hazardous drinking water supplies . In agreement with that violet-colored bacteria could also be isolated to a greater extend from polluted drinking water samples. J Periodontol, 1989 Sep, 60(9), 521 - 5 In vitro activity of a chlorhexidine-containing mouthwash against subgingival bacteria; Wade WG et al.; Three hundred and fifteen subgingival isolates were tested for their susceptibility to a mouthwash containing 0.2% chlorhexidine . The majority of strains tested were susceptible at high dilution although some strains of S . mitior, S . sanguis, and Capnocytophaga were relatively resistant . It was concluded that, on the basis of these in vitro results, the mouthwash should have potential for subgingival use in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. J Bacteriol, 1989 Sep, 171(9), 4589 - 94 Interference reflection microscopic study of sites of association between gliding bacteria and glass substrata; Godwin SL et al.; Sites of close contact between gliding Cytophaga sp . strain U67 cells and glass were examined by interference reflection microscopy . Site patterns changed during translocation and moved relative to the substratum, in contrast to previous interference reflection microscopy observations of fibroblast and amoeboid motility . Sinistral rotation around the long axis of the cell was coupled with gliding, except when curved cells traversed curvilinear pathways . Close contact was temporary, since cells flipped up off the substratum on one pole, pivoted, or were displaced laterally in collisions . Other members of the order Cytophagales and Myxococcus sp . demonstrated similar patterns of close association with substrata. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1989 Sep, 86(18), 6973 - 7 Migration of bacteria in semisolid agar; Wolfe AJ et al.; We studied the migration through semisolid agar of chemotactic and nonchemotactic cells of Escherichia coli . While swarms of nonchemotactic cells were generally smaller than those of chemotactic cells, they varied markedly in size and in structure . Cells that failed to tumble or that tumbled incessantly formed the smallest swarms . Cells that tumbled at intermediate frequencies formed much larger swarms, even when deleted for many of the genes known to be required for chemotaxis . Surprisingly, the higher the tumble frequency, the larger the swarms . Microscopic examination revealed that tumbles enable cells to back away from obstructions in the agar . Thus, not all cells that swarm effectively need be chemotactic. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo), 1989 Sep, 37(9), 2435 - 7 Metabolism of gentiopicroside (gentiopicrin) by human intestinal bacteria; el-Sedawy AI et al.; As a part of our studies on the metabolism of crude drug components by intestinal bacteria, gentiopicroside (a secoiridoid glucoside isolated from Gentiana lutea), was anaerobically incubated with various defined strains of human intestinal bacteria . Many species had ability to transform it to a series of metabolites . Among them, Veillonella parvula ss parvula produced five metabolites, which were identified as erythrocentaurin, gentiopicral, 5-hydroxymethylisochroman-1-one,5-hydroxymethylisochromen-1- one and trans-5,6-dihydro-5-hydroxymethyl-6-methyl-1H,3H-pyrano{3,4-c}pyra n-1-one. Kosm Biol Aviakosm Med, 1989 Sep-Oct, 23(5), 32 - 5 {Growth and development of unicellular algae in the algae-bacteria-fish biocenosis system during space flight}; Levinskikh MA et al.; The population of Chlorella cells flown as a component of the algobacterial cenosis--fish system on Cosmos-1887 was investigated . During the flight experiment over two generations of Chlorella cells were obtained . No differences in the algal growth rate in flight and on the ground were observed . On the whole, space flight did not affect the growth, development or population characteristics of Chlorella algae incorporated into the closed algobacterial cenosis-fish system. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1989 Sep, 86(17), 6479 - 83 Production of simian virus 40 large tumor antigen in bacteria: altered DNA-binding specificity and dna-replication activity of underphosphorylated large tumor antigen; Mohr IJ et al.; A bacterial expression system was used to produce simian virus 40 large tumor antigen (T antigen) in the absence of the extensive posttranslational modifications that occur in mammalian cells . Wild-type T antigen produced in bacteria retained a specific subset of the biochemical activities displayed by its mammalian counterpart . Escherichia coli T antigen functioned as a helicase and bound to DNA fragments containing either site I or the wild-type origin of replication in a manner identical to mammalian T antigen . However, T antigen purified from E . coli did not efficiently bind to site II, an essential cis element within the simian virus 40 origin of replication . It therefore could not unwind origin-containing plasmids or efficiently replicate simian virus 40 DNA in vitro . The ability of protein phosphorylation to modulate the intrinsic preference of full-length T antigen for either site I or site II is discussed. Biochimie, 1989 Sep-Oct, 71(9-10), 1039 - 41 Protein phosphorylation in purple photosynthetic bacteria; Pairoba CF et al.; Endogenous protein phosphorylation was shown in both in vitro and in vivo experiments in R . rubrum and in other purple photosynthetic bacteria . Among the substrates of this protein kinase activity the apoproteins of the light harvesting complex were tentatively identified . Phosphoamino acid analysis revealed the presence of phosphoserine, phosphothreonine and phosphotyrosine in R . rubrum . A tyrosine kinase was partially purified in the same bacteria. Anal Biochem, 1989 Aug 15, 181(1), 23 - 7 An oligonucleotide probe to assay lysis and DNA hybridization of a diverse set of bacteria; Jones CL et al.; A computer bank of 16 S rRNA bacterial sequences was searched to determine a consensus sequence expected to hybridize with DNA from a wide variety of bacteria . An oligonucleotide probe, named a panprobe, containing this sequence was used to assay the degree of lysis of bacterial colonies on filter paper heated in a microwave oven and subsequently treated with NaOH . As determined by colony hybridization with the panprobe, lysis was achieved for 51 of 59 different species of bacteria tested . DNA, isolated from the eight bacteria not detected by colony hybridization, did hybridize with the panprobe in slot blot hybridizations. FEBS Lett, 1989 Aug 14, 253(1-2), 226 - 30 Formylmethanofuran dehydrogenase from methanogenic bacteria, a molybdoenzyme; Karrasch M et al.; Formylmethanofuran dehydrogenase, a key enzyme of methanogenesis, was purified 100-fold from methanol grown Methanosarcina barkeri to apparent homogeneity and a specific activity of 34 mumol.min-1.mg protein-1 . Molybdenum was found to co-migrate with the enzyme activity . The molybdenum content of purified preparations was 3-4 nmol per mg protein equal to 0.6-0.8 mol molybdenum per mol enzyme of apparent molecular mass 200 kDa . Evidence is presented that also formylmethanofuran dehydrogenase from H2/CO2 grown Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum (strain Marburg) is a molybdoenzyme. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1989 Aug, 55(8), 2089 - 91 Improved assay for quantitating adherence of ruminal bacteria to cellulose; Rasmussen MA et al.; A quantitative technique suitable for the determination of adherence of ruminal bacteria to cellulose was developed . This technique employs adherence of cells to cellulose disks and alleviates the problem of nonspecific cell entrapment within cellulose particles . By using this technique, it was demonstrated that the adherence of Ruminococcus flavefaciens FD1 to cellulose was inhibited by formaldehyde, methylcellulose, and carboxymethyl cellulose . Adherence was unaffected by acid hydrolysates of methylcellulose, glucose, and cellobiose. Z Lebensm Unters Forsch, 1989 Aug, 189(2), 147 - 8 Automated turbidimetry for the rapid differentiation and enumeration of bacteria in food; Jakob R et al.; A fully automated analysis system has been used to determine bacterial contamination in food, both qualitatively and quantitatively . Growth curves of bacterial flora were monitored using differential media, and a correlation was established between growth curve parameters and colony-forming units derived from drop-plating as the reference method . Optimal correlation was reached by multiple linear regression . The results were already obtained 16 h. Zentralbl Hyg Umweltmed, 1989 Aug, 188(5), 466 - 74 Detoxification of formaldehyde by acetic acid bacteria; Grundig MW et al.; Formaldehyde resistance of methylotrophic and non-methylotrophic Acetobacter strains was investigated . A facultatively methylotrophic Acetobacter methanolicus (MB58) gets rid of free formaldehyde by assimilating it . Heterotrophically growing cells tolerate 12 mM free formaldehyde . Non-methylotrophic but methanol oxidizing Acetobacter pasteurianus strains possess the same level of formaldehyde resistance . Formaldehyde resistance can be drastically lowered down to 4 mM by blocking the formate dehydrogenase by means of hypophosphite . Acetobacter spp . Martin 1 and LMG 76.10 are not able to oxidize methanol or formaldehyde via formate to CO2 and possess a significantly lower formaldehyde resistance (4 mM) . Hence high formaldehyde resistance of the Acetobacter spp . investigated is based above all on a properly operating linear dissimilatory sequence . The dissimilatory RuMP cycle can hardly help detoxify formaldehyde. J Bacteriol, 1989 Aug, 171(8), 4511 - 3 Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis determination of the genome size of obligate intracellular bacteria belonging to the genera Chlamydia, Rickettsiella, and Porochlamydia; Frutos R et al.; The chromosome length of obligate intracellular procaryotes was determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of intact or NotI- and SfiI-restricted genomes . Sizes averaged 2,100, 1,720, 1,550, 2,650, and 1,450 kilobases for Rickettsiella grylli, Rickettsiella melolonthae, Porochlamydia buthi, Porochlamydia chironomi, and Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia trachomatis, respectively . An SfiI restriction map of the R . melolonthae genome was derived. J Periodontol, 1989 Aug, 60(8), 441 - 7 A scanning electron micrographical study of root surfaces and subgingival bacteria after hand and ultrasonic instrumentation; Garnick JJ et al.; The effects of hand and ultrasonic instrumentation on root surface topography and subgingival plaque were studied . One approximal subgingival root surface on each of two single rooted teeth of six patients was root planed . The opposing proximal surfaces were not treated and served as controls . On each patient, the two test surfaces were randomly treated by hand or ultrasonic instrumentation (Cavitron) until clinically smooth . The teeth were extracted, divided into mesial and distal sides, and processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) . The observations were restricted to an area 2 mm by 3 mm just coronal to the plaque-free zone . The root surfaces were scanned by SEM, both at low (x 100) and at higher magnifications (x 5000) . At low power, a photomontage was produced of the surface area of the test teeth . At low magnifications (x 100, x 500), the topography resulting from hand instrumentation appeared smooth with parallel scratches compared to scaly but flat surfaces with occasional deep gouges with the ultrasonic method . At high magnifications (x 5000), tooth surfaces were similar in topography when instrumented by either hand or ultrasonic methods . Root surfaces were covered in some areas by a fibrillar-like membrane that resembled fibrin . Individual bacteria were found on the surfaces of this material . On other areas not covered by this membrane, bacterial plaque was only observed when tooth surfaces had not been contacted by either hand or ultrasonic instrumentation. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1989 Aug, (8), 5 - 7 {The development of a method of nitrosoguanidine inactivation in the mutagenic treatment of bacteria}; Kulichenko AN et al.; A simple method for the inactivation of nitrosoguanidine, a mutagenic agent permitting the simplification and acceleration of the procedure used for obtaining bacterial mutants, is described . This method is based on the addition of unithiol to nitrosoguanidine solution to a final concentration of 0.25-0.5% and the subsequent normalization of the pH of the medium with 0.1 N NaOH solution. Med Hypotheses, 1989 Aug, 29(4), 231 - 5 A possible role for bacteria in the pathogenesis of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; Morris JA; The hypothesis proposed is that insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is caused by an autoimmune response precipitated by common bacteria which have antigens in common with pancreatic beta cells . If the bacteria are enteric, but IDDM arises when first exposure occurs in the nasopharynx following a viral respiratory tract infection, then the various epidemiological features of IDDM can be explained . These include a latent interval between disease onset and clinical presentation, seasonal variation in presentation, an increased incidence in temperature climates and technologically advanced countries, and the lack of an effect of incidence on age distribution . The hypothesis points to new avenues of research and should be pursued. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses, 1989 Aug, 5(4), 411 - 9 Nucleotide sequences of gag and env genes of a Japanese isolate of HIV-1 and their expression in bacteria; Komiyama N et al.; A DNA clone of HIV-1, JH3, was isolated from a Japanese patient with hemophilia and the gag and env genes were sequenced . The nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences were similar to those reported and showed high divergence in the env gene, particularly in the extracellular domain of the env . The genetic variation of JH3 isolated from a Mongolian was within the range of those of isolates from whites and blacks . The gag and env polypeptides were efficiently expressed in E . coli as fusion proteins with beta-galactosidase, and the products were shown to be useful as diagnostic reagents. Mol Microbiol, 1989 Aug, 3(8), 1141 - 4 Reverse transcriptase in bacteria; Lim D et al.; Reverse transcriptase, discovered in 1970 in retroviruses, has until recently been found only in eukaryotic organisms . Recently it was shown to occur in two groups of bacteria: myxobacteria and Escherichia coli . The gene for reverse transcriptase is part of a chromosomal genetic element that codes for the production of a branched DNA-RNA compound . In this compound a single-stranded DNA is connected to RNA at a specific G residue by a 2'-5' phosphodiester linkage . The precursor for the DNA-RNA compound is a folded messenger RNA, in which the specific G residue is the initiation point for reverse transcription . In the final DNA-RNA compound, the portion of the RNA transcribed by reverse transcriptase is eliminated by RNase H . The DNA-RNA compound is present in several hundred copies per cell . Its biological function is unknown at present. ASAIO Trans, 1989 Jul-Sep, 35(3), 331 - 3 Detection of bacteria in dialysate and its antibody in long-term hemodialysis patients; Yamagami S et al.; The relationship between endotoxin, which was detected in the dialysate, and incidence of its antibody formation in long-term hemodialysis patients was studied . Bacteria in the dialysate were first obtained, identified, and cultured, and then endotoxin was obtained from the bacteria by extraction with phenol . Using the endotoxin obtained and Escherichia coli J-5 as the antigen, the endotoxin antibody was measured in the serum of long-term hemodialysis patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) . It was found that the percentage of endotoxin antibody-positive patients was significantly higher in hemodialysis patients when compared with healthy controls . It was also significantly higher in hemodialysis patients using synthetic polymer membrane dialyzers compared with those using cuprophan membrane dialyzers . These results suggest that endotoxin antibody detected in hemodialysis patients was derived from the dialysate, and that the dialysate must be kept bacteria free, especially in patients using high-flux, highly permeable membrane dialyzers. Eur J Biochem, 1989 Jul 1, 182(3), 593 - 603 The coupling between protonmotive force and the NAD(P)+ transhydrogenase in chromatophores from photosynthetic bacteria; Cotton NP et al.; 1 . The activity of NAD(P)+ transhydrogenase in chromatophores of Rhodobacter capsulatus relaxed from a high rate during illumination to a lower rate after darkening with a half-time of approximately 100 ms . 2 . The dissipative ionic current flowing across the chromatophore membrane was increased in the presence of transhydrogenase substrates . This is attributed to proton current through the transhydrogenase enzyme . Subject to the assumption that transhydrogenase does not conduct in the absence of nucleotide substrates, the ratio of protons translocated across the membrane per hydride ion transferred was 0.4 +/- 0.5 . Within the error and uncertainities in the calibration procedure, this ratio may be consistent with a stoichiometry of one but higher values seem unlikely . The ratio of hydride ion transferred in the transhydrogenase to electrons transferred through the cyclic electron transport system was approximately 0.2 . 3 . The Kappm values for the transhydrogenase substrates were determined for chromatophores in illuminated and darkened suspensions over a range of pH . These values are discussed in relation to the equivalent parameters reported for mitochondria transhydrogenase {Rydstrom, J . (1977) Biochim . Biophys . Acta 255, 9641-9646} and were used to calculate the concentrations of substrates which effectively saturate the enzyme . 4 . At substrate concentrations which were in excess of 8 X Kappm the dependence of transhydrogenase rate on the value of the membrane potential (zero pH gradient) was determined at pH 6.3, 6.9, 7.6 and 9.0 . The relation was similar at pH 6.9 and 7.6 . At alkaline pH the apparent threshold in the relation became more prominent as it was shifted to slightly higher values of membrane potential . At acid pH a shift in the opposite direction diminished the apparent threshold and saturation at high membrane potential became more dominant . We use these data in an attempt to discriminate between two models of energy transduction: (a) the driving force exerted by the membrane potential is mediated by a pH gradient formed through the operation of a proton well in the transhydrogenase; (b) the membrane potential increases a rate constant for charge translocation through transhydrogenase by decreasing the effective height of the Eyring barrier for charge transfer across the membrane through the enzyme . The second model leads to a more simple description than the first of the pH dependence of transhydrogenase rate on membrane potential.4+ transhydrogenase activity in chromatopho Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1989 Jul, 86(13), 4922 - 6 Expression in bacteria of functional inhibitory subunit of retinal rod cGMP phosphodiesterase; Brown RL et al.; The cGMP phosphodiesterase of vertebrate retinal rod outer segments plays a key role in visual transduction . A functionally active form of the inhibitory gamma subunit of the phosphodiesterase, which keeps the enzyme inactive in the dark, has been obtained in high yield from a synthetic gene expressed in Escherichia coli . A DNA sequence encoding the 87-residue bovine gamma subunit was chemically synthesized and assembled from 10 oligonucleotides . The synthetic gene was cloned into an expression vector that uses the promoter PL of lambda phage . E . coli was transformed with this vector, which encodes a fusion protein consisting of the first 31 residues of the lambda cII protein, a 7-residue joining sequence that is specifically cleaved at its C-terminal end by clotting protease factor Xa, and the 87-residue gamma subunit . The fusion protein was solubilized in 6 M urea and purified by ion-exchange chromatography on a CM-Sephadex column . The typical yield was 1 mg of fusion protein per liter of bacterial culture, which corresponds to the amount of gamma in about 2500 bovine retinas . Proteolytic cleavage of the fusion protein by factor Xa released a synthetic gamma with the same amino acid sequence as that of native gamma . Both fusion protein and synthetic gamma inhibited trypsin-activated phosphodiesterase with high affinity (Kd less than 100 pM) . Likewise, both were as effective as native gamma in inhibiting transducin-activated phosphodiesterase in rod outer segment membranes . This inhibition was reversed by the activation of additional transducin . Thus, the N terminus of gamma is not intimately involved in interactions with either the catalytic subunits of the phosphodiesterase or the activated form of transducin . In contrast, a C-terminal deletion mutant terminating at residue 74 of gamma stimulated rather than inhibited the trypsin-activated enzyme . Thus, the C-terminal region of gamma is critical for inhibition of the phosphodiesterase. FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1989 Jul 1, 51(1), 125 - 30 Plasmid analysis in pink facultative methylotrophic bacteria using a modified acetone-alkaline hydrolysis method; Kim YM et al.; Routine screening of indigenous and recombinant plasmids in pink facultative methylotrophic bacteria has been difficult, time-consuming, and yields variable results . We report a modified alkaline hydrolysis method for rapid plasmid isolation from these organisms that reproducibly results in good yields of closed circular plasmid DNA which can be readily digested with restriction enzymes . This method greatly facilitates direct screening of indigenous and introduced recombinant plasmids in the methylotrophic host strain . We have confirmed earlier findings that the original NCIB wild-type strain of Methylobacterium sp . strain AM1 (NCIB 9133) contains three cryptic plasmids . However, sizing of these plasmids by comparison to standards and by restriction fragment analysis suggests that they are larger than previously reported . We have designated these plasmids pAM1-1 (65 kb), pAM1-2 (40 kb) and pAM1-3 (33 kb) . We have also shown that a rifamycin-resistant strain of Methylobacterium sp . strain AM1 used routinely in our laboratory lacks pAM1-2, although no phenotype has been associated with its loss . Finally, we have shown that another pink facultative methylotroph, Methylobacterium isolate (#YK1), contains three cryptic plasmids of approximately 43, 37 and 22 kb, respectively. J Appl Bacteriol, 1989 Jun, 66(6), 529 - 33 Response of enteric luminous bacteria to environmental conditions in the gut of the fish; Ramesh A et al.; The response of luminous bacterial cultures to conditions encountered in the fish gut such as neutral pH, the presence of bile salts, gastric juice and lysozyme was examined . The organisms preferred neutral pH . Bile salts did not inhibit their growth . Neither lysozyme nor gastric juice affected their growth and viability to any extent . In the light of these findings, the adaptability of luminous bacteria to conditions existing in the gut of fish was discussed. Indian J Exp Biol, 1989 Jun, 27(6), 483 - 96 Correlation between occurrence of leprosy and fossil fuels: role of fossil fuel bacteria in the origin and global epidemiology of leprosy; Chakrabarty AN et al.; On the basis of correlative data on the global distribution of leprosy, its bacteria metabolizing fossil fuels (FF), and the FF themselves, the origin of leprosy in the world as a whole, and in the leprosy-free countries, in particular, as indigenous cases, appeared to be primarily due to a soil-to-man, and secondarily due to a man-to-man infection . These findings helped to elucidate similar problems of animal leprosies and nocardial diseases. Shika Kiso Igakkai Zasshi, 1989 Jun, 31(3), 227 - 39 {Production of fibroblast chemotactic factors from root canal bacteria}; Fujimoto H; It is well known that periapical pathosis is one of endogenous infections caused by indigenous bacteria in the oral cavity . Therefore, interaction of host and parasite factors affect the progress of the lesion . In host factors, fibroblasts migrate chemotactically, proliferate and constitute new connective tissues at a late stage of the inflammation process . All of chemoattractants for fibroblasts previously reported are derived from the host . In this study, fibroblast chemotactic activities in bacteria isolated from chronic periapical pathosis cases were examined . Fibroblast chemotactic activity was measured by the membrane filter method using cultured guinea pig dermal fibroblasts . Fibroblast migration was activated by bacterial supernatants of 4 species among 45 species tested . This indicates the possibility that these bacterial factors as well as host derivatives such as fibronectin, lymphokine, collagen-, elastin- and platelet-derived factors, may exert an influence on the process of periapical pathosis . The supernatant from Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens showed the most intensive chemotactic activity, which were separated into two fractions by Sephacryl S-300 . The active fraction having a lower molecular weight (Mw . ca . 280K) did not absorb on DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B and this activity was resistant to heat and proteolytic enzymes. Vaccine, 1989 Jun, 7(3), 242 - 8 Antibody response to a foreign epitope expressed at the surface of recombinant bacteria: importance of the route of immunization; Leclerc C et al.; A genetic procedure has been previously established to expose a foreign epitope at the surface of Escherichia coli by using the outer membrane LamB protein as a carrier . A portion of the pre-S2 region of hepatitis B virus, residues 132-145, has been inserted at amino acid position 153 of the LamB protein, in a cell surface exposed loop . In the present study, we have analysed the antibody responses induced by these recombinant bacteria (live, heat-killed or sonicated) depending upon the route of immunization . The intravenous (i.v.) or intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of the live recombinant bacteria to mice induced the synthesis of antibodies against both the inserted peptide and the native LamB protein . The antibodies raised recognized HBsAg particles . These mice also had high titres of antibodies against E . coli antigens (as determined using a crude bacterial sonicate) . In contrast, mice immunized subcutaneously (s.c.) did not develop antibodies against the pre-S2 peptide nor against the HBsAg particles . Their anti-LamB responses were low compared with the response of mice immunized by the parenteral route . Interestingly, s.c . or i.v . immunizations induced comparable levels of anti-E . coli antibodies . Thus, the antibody response to the inserted peptide generally parallels the response to the LamB protein (and not to the bulk of E . coli antigens) . However, this treatment corresponding to a 'pre-processing' of the recombinant bacteria was not sufficient to obtain an anti-peptide response following s.c . immunization. Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1989 May 30, 161(1), 127 - 33 Effects of acetylene on hydrogenases from the sulfate reducing and methanogenic bacteria; He SH et al.; The effect of acetylene on the activity of the three types of hydrogenase from the anaerobic sulfate reducing bacteria has been investigated . The (Fe) hydrogenase is resistant to inhibition by acetylene while the nickel-containing hydrogenases are inhibited by acetylene with the (NiFe) hydrogenase being 10-50 fold more sensitive than the (NiFeSe) hydrogenase . In addition the Ni(III) EPR signal (g approximately 2.3) of the "as isolated" (NiFe) hydrogenase was significantly decreased in intensity upon exposure to acetylene. J Biol Chem, 1989 May 5, 264(13), 7085 - 8 Protein phosphorylation in chemotaxis and two-component regulatory systems of bacteria; Bourret RB et al.; Two-component regulatory systems appear to be widespread in bacteria . Phosphorylation has been demonstrated in three of the known systems and correlated with in vivo function in two cases (Che and Ntr) . Although phosphorylation of sensor and regulator proteins has so far been observed exclusively in vitro, transient protein phosphorylation could provide a basis for the mechanism of signal transduction in these bacterial systems . There is currently insufficient evidence, however, to establish the precise functional relationship(s) between the conserved sensor and regulator sequences, phosphorylation, and the detailed mechanism involved in signal transduction via the sensor and regulator proteins. J Biol Chem, 1989 May 5, 264(13), 7477 - 82 Functional analysis of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II expressed in bacteria; Waxham MN et al.; The cDNA encoding the 50-kDa subunit of Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II from adult rat brain was cloned into the bacterial expression vector pK223-2 and produced in bacteria . Extensive modification of the cDNA was required to express detectable levels of enzyme . The activity of the bacterially expressed kinase was stringently dependent on Ca2+/CaM but did not exhibit cooperative activation kinetics characteristic of the forebrain enzyme and required 10-fold greater amounts of CaM for half-maximal activation . The bacterially expressed enzyme displayed an apparent Km for a synthetic peptide substrate similar to that of the forebrain enzyme (12 and 10 microM, respectively) . Limited proteolysis maps of autophosphorylated peptides, and Western blot analysis demonstrated that the bacterially expressed enzyme was structurally and immunologically indistinguishable from the 50-kDa subunit of the rat forebrain holoenzyme . The bacterially expressed enzyme became Ca2+/CaM-independent after Ca2+/CaM-dependent autophosphorylation in a fashion identical to the forebrain enzyme. Br J Nutr, 1989 May, 61(3), 725 - 40 Distribution of bacteria in the rumen contents of dairy cows given a diet supplemented with soya-bean oil; Legay-Carmier F et al.; 1 . Liquid-associated bacteria (LAB) were harvested from the liquid phase (LAB1) and from the solid phase of rumen contents after washing and manual shaking (LAB2) . Solid-adherent bacteria (SAB) were recovered after washing and pummelling the total particles (SAB1) . The distribution and the chemical composition of these three bacterial compartments were investigated in four dairy cows fitted with rumen fistulas . The animals received successively a diet consisting of one part hay and one part barley-based concentrate (diet C) and the same diet containing free soya-bean oil (79 g/kg dry matter (DM); diet So) . 2 . The efficiency of removal of SAB1 from total particles of rumen digesta collected 1 h after feeding, was calculated from the diaminopimelic acid content in particles and of the corresponding detached bacteria . It was 24% on diet C and 18% on diet So (P less than 0.05), using a combination of homogenizing and 'stomaching' treatments in saline (9 g sodium choloride/1) (reference treatment) . For diets C and So respectively it was lowered by Tween in saline solution (1 g/l; 22.7 and 17.8%, not significant), but was increased when using a previous chilling (6 h at 4 degrees) of homogenized particles before stomaching in saline (28.8 and 24.7%, P less than 0.05) and in Tween 80 in saline (1 g/l; 26.6 and 20.8%, P less than 0.05) . 3 . The extent of removal of SAB1 from the solid fraction of rumen digesta by the reference treatment decreased with decreasing particle size; it was at the highest for particles retained on 4 and 2 mm sieves (62.1-82.1%) and still elevated for particles retained on 0.8, 0.4 and 0.1 mm sieves (41.3-57.9%) . It was very much reduced for particles smaller than 0.1 mm (11.7-14.5%), suggesting the occurrence of favourable conditions for the adhesion of SAB firmly resistant to removal (SAB2) . 4 . The concentration of total SAB (SAB1 + SAB2) in particles collected 1 h after feeding was lower (P less than 0.05) in diet C (190 g/kg DM) than in diet So (234 g/kg DM) . Values averaged 595-645 g/kg DM for particles smaller than 0.1 mm, but only 61 and 81-98 g/kg DM for particles retained on 4 and 0.4 mm sieves, and on a 0.1 mm sieve respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Ann Surg, 1989 May, 209(5), 584 - 91; discussion 591-2 The role of bacteria in gallbladder and common duct stone formation; Kaufman HS et al.; Debate continues as to the role that bacteria play in gallstone pathogenesis in Western countries . We therefore, examined gallbladder and common duct stones from 67 consecutive patients undergoing cholecystectomy and/or common bile duct exploration . Bile was cultured and stone cholesterol content was measured . Stones were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for bacteria . Individual calcium salts were classified by windowless energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis . Gallbladder stones in 65 patients were identified as cholesterol in 46 (71%), black pigment in 17 (26%), and brown pigment in 2 patients (3%) . Common bile duct stones from ten patients were cholesterol in 4, black pigment in 2, and brown pigment in 4 patients . The five patients with brown pigment stones were significantly (p less than 0.05) older, more likely to be men and to present with bile duct obstruction . Bile cultures were positive in 13% of patients with cholesterol stones, in 14% of those with black pigment stones, and in all of the patients with brown pigment stones (p less than 0.001) . By SEM, bacteria were observed only within the calcium bilirubinate-protein matrix of brown pigment stones (p less than 0.001) . In comparison to black pigment stones, brown stones were more likely to contain calcium palmitate (p less than 0.005) and cholesterol (p less than 0.001) . We conclude that black and brown pigment stones have different pathogenic mechanisms and that bacterial infection is important only in the formation of brown pigment stones. Anal Biochem, 1989 May 1, 178(2), 306 - 10 Vitamin K (menaquinone) biosynthesis in bacteria: high-performance liquid chromatographic assay of the overall synthesis of o-succinylbenzoic acid and of 2-succinyl-6-hydroxy-2,4-cyclohexadiene-1-carboxylic acid synthase; Popp JL et al.; An early enzyme in menaquinone (vitamin K2) biosynthesis is the synthase forming 2-succinyl-6-hydroxy-2,4-cyclohexadiene-1-carboxylic acid (SHCHC) from isochorismic acid . In turn, SHCHC is aromatized to o-succinylbenzoic acid (OSB) by OSB synthase . An assay for the combined activity of these two enzymes ("overall OSB synthesis") has been developed using a high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the quantitation of OSB . The assay, which measures as little as 0.1 nmol of OSB, is vastly superior to the radiogas chromatographic method previously used to estimate overall OSB synthesis . To measure SHCHC synthase activity separately, the enzymatically formed SHCHC is converted nonenzymatically to OSB (heating to 80 degrees C, pH 10, 10 min), which is then quantitated by the HPLC assay . The preparation of the substrate, isochorismic acid, and its purification by preparative HPLC are also described. Mikrobiol Zh, 1989 May-Jun, 51(3), 16 - 9 {Amino acid composition of peptidoglycans isolated from cells of Coryneform bacteria by various methods}; Nogina TM et al.; A comparative study has revealed the identity of the amino acid composition of the peptide part of peptidoglycans obtained from the intact cells (the first method) and of the amino acid composition of peptidoglycans isolated from cell walls (the second method) . This evidences for the possibility of using the first method when determining types of peptidoglycans for diagnosis of the coryneform bacteria genera. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1989 May, 86(9), 3104 - 8 Linker insertion mutagenesis of the human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase expressed in bacteria: definition of the minimal polymerase domain; Prasad VR et al.; A plasmid construct expressing the p66 version of the human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase as a bacterial fusion protein was subjected to in vitro mutagenesis, and the resulting variant proteins were assayed to define the locations of the two major enzymatic activities . The DNA polymerase activity was localized to the N-terminal portion of the protein; mutations altering or eliminating the C-terminal portion had little or no effect on that activity . The results suggest that, in contrast with previous reports, the p51 subunit found in virions should exhibit DNA polymerase activity . Mutations in many parts of the protein eliminated RNase H activity, suggesting that several areas are needed for proper folding and generation of that activity. Experientia, 1989 Apr 15, 45(4), 368 - 9 Selected decrease of haemocytes of the freshwater snail Planorbarius corneus (L.) (Gastropoda, Pulmonata) after bacteria injection; Ottaviani E; The decrease of haemolymph phagocytic cells (SH) in Planorbarius corneus after bacterial injection seems to be mediated by humoral factor(s) released into the haemolymph . SH show different adhesiveness in vitro in the presence of bacterial metabolic products. Planta Med, 1989 Apr, 55(2), 147 - 50 Metabolism of swertiamarin from Swertia japonica by human intestinal bacteria; el-Sedawy AI et al.; The biotransformation of swertiamarin {1, a seco-iridoid glucoside isolated from Swertia japonica (Schult.) Makino} by human intestinal bacteria was investigated . Three metabolites were isolated and identified as erythrocentaurin (2), 5-hydroxymethylisochroman-1-one (3), and gentianine (4) by spectroscopic methods . Through screening of various defined strains of intestinal bacteria (25 species), it was found that all these species had the ability to metabolize 1 to 2 and 3, whereas only a few species had the ability to produce 4 . This is the first report to show that one of the metabolic intermediates of the secoiridoid compound is further transformed to a nitrogen-containing compound through metabolic processes by human intestinal bacteria. FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1989 Apr, 49(2-3), 233 - 8 Enrichment of dibenzofuran utilizing bacteria with high co-metabolic potential towards dibenzodioxin and other anellated aromatics; Strubel V et al.; Dibenzofuran degrading bacteria were enriched from various environmental sources . A mutualistic mixed culture of strain DPO 220 and strain DPO 230 was characterized . Strain DPO 220 alone showed limited growth with dibenzofuran as sole source of carbon and energy (td greater than or equal to 4.5 h) . A labile degradation product, C12H10O5, and salicylate were isolated from the culture fluid . Salicylate was found to be a central intermediate of DBF-degradation . Strain DPO 220 co-metabolized a wide range of anellated aromatics as well as heteroaromatics . High rates of co-oxidation of dibenzodioxin demonstrate analogue-enrichment to be a powerful technique for selecting enzymatic activities for otherwise non-degradable substrates. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 1989 Apr, 17(2), 133 - 48 Quantitative structure-activity relationships for the toxicity of selected shale oil components to mixed marine bacteria; Warne MS et al.; The toxicity of 32 shale oil components to a mixed marine bacterial culture was assessed utilizing an acute static bioassay protocol . Structure-activity relationships were examined between toxicity and 39 physicochemical properties and molecular descriptors, many of which have not been previously utilized in quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) research . The toxicity could be predicted with reasonable accuracy using simple linear regression equations . However, multiparametric linear regression (MLR) equations yielded improved correlation coefficients and predictive capabilities . Such equations allow the inclusion of two or more characteristics in one relationship . The best MLR equations combined carbon number and interatomic distance between the most positive and negative charges, solubility, the approximate sigma electron density, and a variety of other parameters . These multiparametric QSARs with high predictive capabilities require computer-generated data which may not be readily available . Other MLR equations combine parameters such as the octanol water partition coefficient and the specific molecular connectivity index . These latter equations have lower correlation coefficients and yet are probably of more practical use as the data required are readily available or can be calculated . The presented multiparametric QSARs are applicable within the log Kow range of 0.6 to 5.5. Mol Gen Mikrobiol Virusol, 1989 Apr, (4), 18 - 24 {Classification of methylotrophic bacteria according to 5S ribosomal RNA sequencing}; Bulygina ES et al.; 5S ribosomal RNA sequences of 33 strains of methylotrophic bacteria were determined . Tentative phylogenetic tree was constructed using the maximum topological similarity principle . Strains under study can be divided into 7 separate branches consistently with the current classification of methylotrophic bacteria . More extensive tree was also built to show the position of methylotrophic bacteria with respect to non-methylotrophic ones . One can conclude that the in contrast to obligate methane-oxidizing bacteria, facultative methylotrophic bacteria do not comprise phylogenetically separate domain on the tree. Res Microbiol, 1989 Mar-Apr, 140(3), 255 - 61 Comparison of culture methods for enumeration of microaerophilic bacteria in marine sediments; Ferrara-Guerrero MJ et al.; Agar-mixed cultures in semi-solid media provide a range of oxygen concentrations which fulfill microaerophilic bacterial requirements . Such conditions are more suitable than those provided by liquid media since, in broth cultures, the oxygen concentration must be determined at a level which might later show a lack of or excess of sensitivity to microaerophilic bacteria, thereby giving an erroneous count . A high content of organic substrates appears to be disadvantageous . It can prevent enumeration of microaerophilic growing rings or even induce false results . Minielectrodes permit the control of the oxygen concentration in each growing ring so as to confirm the efficiency of the culture method used for a selective count of microaerophilic bacteria . Semi-solid seawater culture medium supplemented with calcium succinate at 0.5 gram per litre appears to be an adequate culture medium for counting microaerophilic bacteria in marine sediments. Microbiol Rev, 1989 Mar, 53(1), 121 - 47 Physiological and genetic responses of bacteria to osmotic stress; Csonka LN; The capacity of organisms to respond to fluctuations in their osmotic environments is an important physiological process that determines their abilities to thrive in a variety of habitats . The primary response of bacteria to exposure to a high osmotic environment is the accumulation of certain solutes, K+, glutamate, trehalose, proline, and glycinebetaine, at concentrations that are proportional to the osmolarity of the medium . The supposed function of these solutes is to maintain the osmolarity of the cytoplasm at a value greater than the osmolarity of the medium and thus provide turgor pressure within the cells . Accumulation of these metabolites is accomplished by de novo synthesis or by uptake from the medium . Production of proteins that mediate accumulation or uptake of these metabolites is under osmotic control . This review is an account of the processes that mediate adaptation of bacteria to changes in their osmotic environment. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1989 Mar, 55(3), 197 - 219 Organic nitrogen metabolism of phototrophic bacteria; Klemme JH; Recent reviews dealing with phototrophic bacteria are concerned with bioenergetics, nitrogen fixation and hydrogen metabolism, synthesis of the photosynthetic apparatus and phylogeny/taxonomy . The organic N-metabolism of these phylogenetically diverse bacteria has last been reviewed in 1978 . However, amino acid utilization and biosynthesis, ammonia assimilation, purine and pyrimidine metabolism and biosynthesis of delta-aminolevulinic acid as precursor of bacteriochlorophylls and hemes are topics of vital importance . This review focuses on utilization of amino acids as N- and C/N-sources, the pathways of purine and pyrimidine degradation, novel aspects of amino acid biosynthesis (with emphasis on branched-chain amino acids and delta-aminolevulinic acid) and some aspects of ammonia assimilation and glutamate synthesis by purple bacteria, green sulfur bacteria and Chloroflexus aurantiacus. J Assoc Off Anal Chem, 1989 Mar-Apr, 72(2), 312 - 8 Dry rehydratable films for enumeration of coliforms and aerobic bacteria in dairy products: collaborative study; Curiale MS et al.; A collaborative study was conducted to compare proposed dry-film plating methods, using aerobic count plates and coliform count plates, to standard agar plating methods for quantifying aerobic bacteria and coliforms in dairy products . In this study, 5 food products (chocolate milk, pasteurized cheese, nonfat dry milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla ice cream), selected as representative dairy products, were analyzed by 11 collaborating laboratories . The results indicate that the dry-film plating methods are equivalent to or better than the agar plating methods . The aerobic count and coliform count dry-film plating methods have been adopted official first action. J Biol Chem, 1989 Feb 25, 264(6), 3470 - 7 Characterization and site-specific mutagenesis of the calcium-binding protein oncomodulin produced by recombinant bacteria; MacManus JP et al.; A bacterial expression system for the parvalbumin-like calcium-binding protein oncomodulin has been constructed . This system can yield 50-fold more oncomodulin than the richest known mammalian source, the rat Morris hepatoma 5123 . The bacterially produced protein folded correctly as monitored by UV, fluorescence, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and is immunologically identical to rat hepatoma oncomodulin . A calcium-specific conformational change is observed in the bacterial oncomodulin similar to that of the hepatoma protein . A modification of the putative calcium-specific CD loop by site-directed mutagenesis, which changed Asp-59 to Glu-59, eliminates calcium-specific effects . In contrast to the native molecule, the mutant Glu-59 now exhibits a magnesium-induced conformational change when monitored by UV difference or fluorescence excitation spectroscopy . The availability of large amounts of bacterially produced oncomodulin combined with the ability to modify at will the metal-binding ligands should now allow dissection of the unusual pairing in oncomodulin of one calcium-specific calmodulin-like site with one calcium/magnesium parvalbumin-like site. J Dent Res, 1989 Feb, 68(2), 124 - 9 Protein dissimilation by human salivary-sediment bacteria; Reynolds EC et al.; Proteins of known composition and structural characteristics were incubated (1.0 mg/mL) with re-suspended salivary sediment (2.5% v/v) in a lactate-salt medium with an initial pH of 5.2 for two hr at 37 degrees C . Hydrolysis of the proteins was monitored by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis . Hydrogen ion, amines, and ammonia were measured by use of a combined pH electrode, high-performance liquid chromatography, and glutamate dehydrogenase, respectively . Of the proteins studied, the caseins alpha s1, beta, and kappa and the histones H1 and H3 were extensively hydrolyzed by the salivary-sediment bacteria . The hydrolysis of these proteins was attributed to their relative lack of tertiary (folded) structure . The only amine detected was the polyamine putrescine arising from the catabolism of arginine following the hydrolysis of the arginine-rich histone H3 . None of the other proteins extensively hydrolyzed by salivary sediment, although containing arginyl and lysyl residues, served as substrates for putrescine or cadaverine production . Pre-hydrolysis of the arginine-rich histone H3 and poly-L-arginine with trypsin resulted in a marked increase in putrescine produced, suggesting that the salivary-sediment proteolytic activity was not "trypsin-like" . Incubation of salivary-sediment bacteria with the caseins and the histone H3 resulted in an increase in ammonium ion concentration and an associated decrease in hydrogen ion concentration . The increase in ammonium ion concentration not attributed to arginine hydrolysis was correlated with the content of glutaminyl plus asparaginyl residues of the proteins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Appl Environ Microbiol, 1989 Feb, 55(2), 529 - 30 Comparison of a new inorganic membrane filter (Anopore) with a track-etched polycarbonate membrane filter (Nuclepore) for direct counting of bacteria; Jones SE et al.; Bacterial counts obtained by using a new Anopore inorganic membrane filter were 21 to 33% higher than those obtained by using a Nuclepore polycarbonate membrane filter . In addition, the inorganic filter had higher flow rates, permitting lower vacuum pressures to be used, while the intrinsically flat, rigid surface resulted in easier focusing and sharp definition of bacteria across the whole field of view. Ann Trop Med Parasitol, 1989 Feb, 83(1), 63 - 6 Uptake of bacteria by trophozoites of Giardia duodenalis (Say); Sogayar MI et al.; Rod-like bacteria were found in the cytoplasm of trophozoites of Giardia duodenalis (Say) in domestic rats (Rattus rattus) . These structures were always in phagocytic vacuoles without signs of bacteria digestion or degradation of the trophozoite cytoplasm . The uptake of the bacteria was observed from their attachment to the trophozoite membrane until their total incorporation by phagocytosis. Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi, 1989 Jan-Mar, 93(1), 139 - 43 {Bacteria detected in the duodenal aspirate of patients with biliary tract disorders}; Burcoveanu C et al.; In 614 patients with pains in the right hypochondrium the cyto-bacterioscopy and bile culture were performed . In 575 patients bile samples were obtained by sterile catheterization and in 39 patients by biliary tract puncture during surgical intervention . It resulted that for a reliable cyto-bacterioscopic examination and its agreement with bile culture results it is necessary to investigate only the samples with pH greater than or equal to 5 and during the first two hours after their collection . The isolated bacterial species can be considered to be etiologic agents of the biliary infection depending on the following parameters: significant quantitative threshold of minimum 10(5) colony forming units per milliliter, presence of inflammatory reaction and activity of the gastric acid barrier. J Antimicrob Chemother, 1989 Jan, 23(1), 59 - 67 The in-vitro effect of an amine fluoride gel on subgingival plaque bacteria; Bullock S et al.; Subgingival plaque samples obtained from 25 patients with chronic inflammatory periodontal disease were exposed in vitro to a commercial dental gel formulation containing two amine fluorides . High dilutions (1 in 32) of the gel inhibited the growth of all cultivable bacteria in all of the samples . Lower concentrations of gel were still effective, with a 1 in 128 dilution of the gel, corresponding to an amine fluoride concentration of 260 mg/l, inhibiting 97.5% of the bacteria in the samples. Lab Anim, 1989 Jan, 23(1), 7 - 15 Evaluation of a one-way airflow system in an animal room based on counts of airborne dust particles and bacteria and measurements of ammonia levels; Yamauchi C et al.; Air cleanliness in the working area of an animal room equipped with a conventional turbulent flow air distribution systems was compared with that in a similar room fitted with a one-way-flow air distribution system; in this, the supply air flowed from the working area through the racks of cages and was removed from the exhaust side . Before the introduction of animals, the air in the working and exhaust areas of both rooms was ascertained to be Class 100 . With animals in situ, however, whereas in the turbulent airflow room both the workspace and exhaust air reached about Class 10,000 (with particle counts, bacterial counts and ammonia levels being almost the same) in the one-way-flow room, the air in the work space only went up to about Class 1000 . With the addition of sliding doors or curtains in front of the rack in the one-way-flow room the work space air was maintained at Class 100 with almost no dust particles over 1 microns in size, airborne bacteria or ammonia being detectable . A comparison of all factors measured showed that whereas in the turbulent flow room the contamination of the work space air was 91% of that of the exhaust air, in the one-way-flow room it was only 47%, with curtains added this was reduced to 7% and with sliding doors to only 2% . In the latter case, contamination levels increased markedly on both sides during and immediately after cage changing, but recovered to the pre-cage changing levels within 30 min in the personnel working area and within 60 min on the exhaust side. J Appl Bacteriol, 1989 Jan, 66(1), 85 - 93 Enhanced resistance of anaerobic rumen fungi to the ionophores monensin and lasalocid in the presence of methanogenic bacteria; Stewart CS et al.; The presence of Methanobrevibacter smithii altered the susceptibility of the anaerobic fungi Neocallimastix frontalis and Piromonas communis to the carboxylic ionophores monensin and lasalocid . The ionophores depressed growth (measured by chitin accretion), the uptake of glucose and the production of H2, formate and acetate by the fungi growing axenically in semi-solid medium . In the presence of M . smithii, the sensitivity of the fungi to monensin and lasalocid was decreased . For example, the uptake of glucose by N . frontalis strain RE1 in the culture was reduced to 50% of the control value by monensin at 0.5 microgram/ml . In the presence of M . smithii strain PS, approximately three times as much monensin was needed to bring about the same effect . In similar tests, the sensitivity of strain RE1 to lasalocid was decreased about nine-fold in the presence of M . smithii . The effect was not observed if the methanogens were killed by autoclaving before inoculation . It is suggested that the enhanced resistance to ionophores in the presence of M . smithii is a consequence of changes in the energy metabolism of the fungi growing in co-culture. Nord Med, 1989, 104(4), 117 - 8 {Wound infections after surgery . The interaction of surgical substances and bacteria}; Wadstrom T; A series of experimental studies have shown that the infection dosage of S . aureus can be reduced from 10(6)-10(9) bacteria to a mere thousand or so, if the dose is given together with such foreign matter as suture material or glove talcum . Our knowledge of bacterial interactions with different substances, such as serum and connective tissue components that may act as links between bacteria and sutures, catheters or prosthetic surfaces, is still incomplete, however.
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