Automated direct antimicrobial susceptibility testing of microscopically screened urine cultures

Two screening methods for urine microbiology are proposed: one in which the Gram-stained smear is used to detect significant bacteriuria, and another in which Autobac antibiotic susceptibility tests are performed directly on positive urine samples. Results on 1,350 specimens indicated that an average of 18 bacteria per oil immersion field were observed in the urine of patients with significant bacteriuria, and an average of less than 1 bacterium per oil immersion field was found in the urine of patients without significant bacteriuria. Direct susceptibility testing by Autobac proved to be rapid (3 h versus 24 h) and reliable (0.5 to 1.2% discrepancies).     

Splenectomy in children. A correlative review of indications and complications in fifty patients

We have reported our experience with splenectomy in fifty patients less than fourteen years old. The indications, results, and complications were enumerated. These data were then correlated with the recent literature regarding pediatric splenctomy. Of special note is the problem of immunologic incompetency associated with splenectomy in the patients less than five years old.     

Fluorescence induction in intact spinach chloroplasts

The feces of 318 healthy adults were examined for L. monocytogenes by means of the cold enrichment and of two different selective media (nalidixic acid-trypaflavin-serum agar; Braveny medium). 15 persons (4.7 percent) proved to be carriers. Three of the 15 strains only caused hemolysis on sheep blood agar and belonged to serotypes 1/2b, 1/2c and 3c. The nonhemolytic strains without exception belonged to serotypes 4f and 4g. The Braveny medium proved to be superior to the nalidixic acid-trypaflavin-serum agar for isolating L. monocytogenes from feces.     

Sex-related differences in cadmium-induced alteration of drug action in the rat

A case of multiple adenocarcinoma arising from the kidney, bladder, and prostate is presented with a relevant discussion of the possible factors of pathogenesis. A staged approach of radical extirpative surgery is suggested.     

Complement activation in vivo in cancer patients receiving C. parvum immunotherapy

Serum complement levels were assayed in 26 patients with disseminated cancer, who received immunotherapy with infusion of C. parvum. Complement activation, indicated by the consumption of C3 or C4 or both, was found in 46% of the patients. Serum samples showed direct correlation between decreased C3 and conversion of C3 proactivator, whereas such conversion did not occur when C4 alone was decreased. It is concluded that the bypass (properdin) pathway was activated in patients in whom C3 consumption was detected, while the classical (C1) pathway was activated in the patients with C4 consumption unaccompanied by C3 decrease. Direct correlation was observed between delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to recall antigens and the incidence of C. parvum-associated complement activation.     

Purification and some properties of maleylpyruvate hydrolase and fumarylpyruvate hydrolase from Pseudomonas alcaligenes

Hydrolysis of the gentisate ring-cleavage product, maleylpyruvate (cis-2,4-diketohept-5-enedioic acid), was shown to be catalyzed by an enzyme, maleylpyruvate hydrolase 11, in Pseudomonas alcaligenes (P25X1) after growth with 3-hydroxybenzoate. This activity was separated from fumarylpyruvate hydrolase activity during the course of its purification which accomplished an approximately 50-fold increase in specific activity. An apparent molecular weight of 77,000 was assigned on the basis of Sephadex G-200 chromatography. Despite the presence of up to three similarly migrating bands of protein on polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis of the purified enzyme, at least two of these bands possessed maleylpyruvate hydrolase activity. Electrophoresis on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide before and after reduction with mercaptoethanol gave a principal band of molecular weight of 33,000 (and a minor band of molecular weight 50,000). A number of substituted maleylpyruvates also served as substrates for maleylpyruvate hydrolase 11, but maleylacetoacetate and fumarylpyruvate were not attacked. Fumarylpyruvate hydrolase was purified approximately 40-fold to give a single band on polyacrylamide gels and with an apparent molecular weight of 73,000 by Sephadex G-200 chromatography. Upon sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis before or after reduction with mercaptoethanol, a subunit molecular weight of 25,000 was obtained. Neither maleylpyruvate nor fumarylacetoacetate served as substrates for fumarylpyruvate hydrolase. The activities of both maleyl- and fumarylpyruvate hydrolases were stimulated by Mn(2+) ions. Reasons are discussed for the presence of both enzyme activities, one of which appears to be redundant.