Concentrations Of Bacterial Endotoxin Research Articles

Effect of antioxidant dental gel on the adaptation of the oral mucosa to removable dentures.

Determination of the effect of a gel with natural astaxanthin on the timing of adaptation of the oral mucosa to removable dentures. The gel made from a natural antioxidant reduces the risk of stomatitis, values of hygienic indices and traumatic factor. Aims: Reduction of the period of adaptation to removable dentures in patients with partial adentia. The objective was to evaluate the effect of antioxidant gel on the oral mucosa. Patients and Methods. The state of oropharyngeal microbiocenosis was studied in 105 patients aged 30-65 years old who were divided into three groups: the main group - 45 patients; comparison group - 35 patients; control group - 25 patients. The groups were comparable by age; gender differences were not taken into account. Patients in the main group received astaxanthin gel for 7 days after the delivery of the removable denture. Patients in the comparison group did not receive astaxanthin gel after the delivery of the removable denture. Clinical indices were used to assess oral hygiene: oral hygiene index plaque index API, gingivitis index, papillary-marginal-alveolar - (PMA); gingival sulcus bleeding index – SBI. We used a therapeutic and prophylactic agent in the form of a gel containing natural astaxanthin - 0.026%, vitamin E - 2.2%, Coenzyme Q - 1.5%. Result. According to the results of the analysis of the visual control and the results of photometric registration of the speed of healing and adaptation of the patient to the prosthesis, the data obtained differed in the patients of the 1st and 2nd groups. Visual control data of the dynamics of inflammatory changes in the oral mucosa development, received by the results of semi-quantitative evaluation of the severity of edema and hyperemia indicate significant differences in the rate of their reduction depending on the type of the applied tactics. In the case of group 1, prophylactic gel was applied from the time of denture fitting, and in group 2, only denture correction was performed. Thus, the index of hyperemia intensity testified to the dis-appearance of signs of the latter in Group 1 (gel with natural astaxanthin) - by the 4th day of observation, in Group 2 - by the 10th day after prosthesis correction. Complete disappearance of the signs of edema, respectively, was ascertained: in Group 1 - on the 4-5th day of observation and in Group 2 - by the 10th-11th day, at that, edema was retained 1-2 days longer. The method of photoplanimetric registration of the healing rate objectively confirmed the results obtained. Conclusion. Studies of the effectiveness of the gel containing natural astaxanthin indicate improved oral hygiene parameters of patients and reduced concentration of bacterial endotoxin and plasmalogen metabolites of oral microorganisms after 7 days of using the gel. Prophylactic dental gel with astaxanthin reduces the rate of adaptation to removable dentures by 1.7 - 2 times and reduces the risk of denture stomatitis due to wound healing, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial action.

Safe use of PHI6 IN the experimental studies

Surrogate viruses theoretically provide an opportunity to study the viral spread in an indoor environment, a highly needed understanding during the pandemic, in a safe manner to humans and the environment. However, the safety of surrogate viruses for humans as an aerosol at high concentrations has not been established. In this study, Phi6 surrogate was aerosolized at high concentration (Particulate matter2.5: ∼1018 μg m−3) in the studied indoor space. Participants were closely followed for any symptoms. We measured the bacterial endotoxin concentration of the virus solution used for aerosolization as well as the concentration in the room air containing the aerosolized viruses. In addition, we measured how the bacterial endotoxin concentration of the sample was affected by different traditional virus purification procedures. Despite the purification, bacterial endotoxin concentration of the Phi6 was high (350 EU/ml in solution used for aerosols) with both (two) purification protocols. Bacterial endotoxins were also detected in aerosolized form, but below the occupational exposure limit of 90 EU/m3. Despite these concerns, no symptoms were observed in exposed humans when they were using personal protective equipment. In the future, purification protocols should be developed to reduce associated bacterial endotoxin levels in enveloped bacterial virus specimens to ensure even safer research use of surrogate viruses.

PD32-10 KIDNEY STONE ENDOTOXIN CONCENTRATION CORRELATES WITH POST-OPERATIVE SEPSIS FOLLOWING PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022PD32-10 KIDNEY STONE ENDOTOXIN CONCENTRATION CORRELATES WITH POST-OPERATIVE SEPSIS FOLLOWING PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY David T. Tzou, Farhan Anwar, Ava C. Wong, David T. Harris, Thomas Chi, and Gayatri Vedantam David T. TzouDavid T. Tzou More articles by this author , Farhan AnwarFarhan Anwar More articles by this author , Ava C. WongAva C. Wong More articles by this author , David T. HarrisDavid T. Harris More articles by this author , Thomas ChiThomas Chi More articles by this author , and Gayatri VedantamGayatri Vedantam More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002583.10AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Patients with infected kidney stones are at risk for post-operative sepsis following surgical removal of their calculi. Of all the surgical approaches, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) remains associated with the highest risk for experiencing post-operative SIRS (severe inflammatory response syndrome). Accurate prediction of patients at risk for SIRS after surgery would be of clinical value. While previous studies have demonstrated infected kidney stones contain variable levels of endotoxin concentrations, these were limited in their rigor and ability to correlate stone immunobiology with important clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to quantitate endotoxin levels amongst PCNL patients who experienced and did not experience SIRS. METHODS: Between October 2020 and June 2021, urine & stone specimens from consecutive stone patients were prospectively collected as part of the Registry for Stones of the Kidneys and Ureter (ReSKU) at the University of Arizona. Clinical data including stone analyses and post-operative outcomes have been tracked. Equal weights of stones were uniformly broken using an easy-to-replicate ‘beat-beating’ homogenization approach, allowing for consistent measurement of stone endotoxin using a Pierce™ LAL Chromogenic Endotoxin Quantification Kit (ThermoFisher, Waltham, MA). Endotoxin levels from stones removed during PCNL were compared between patients who experienced and did not experience SIRS. Independent T-test was used to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: Endotoxin levels amongst 4 patients with infection calculi who experienced SIRS were compared to 16 patients who did not experience SIRS – 8 of which had infection calculi and 8 had non-infection calculi (Figure 1). In the SIRS group, the mean Endotoxin concentration was 1.084 endotoxin units (EU)/ml compared to 0.476 EU/ml in the non-SIRS group (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Higher kidney stone bacterial endotoxin concentrations are present in patients who experienced SIRS after percutaneous stone removal compared to those who did not. Whether exceeding a threshold endotoxin level corresponds to patients experiencing SIRS warrants future study. Source of Funding: P30DK081943 – SUBK00015084 - NIH/NIDDK; University of Arizona Health Sciences Career Development Award © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e550 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information David T. Tzou More articles by this author Farhan Anwar More articles by this author Ava C. Wong More articles by this author David T. Harris More articles by this author Thomas Chi More articles by this author Gayatri Vedantam More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products reduce bacterial endotoxin concentrations and inflammation during grain-based subacute ruminal acidosis in lactating dairy cows

Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is a metabolic disorder in dairy cows that is associated with dysbiosis of rumen and hindgut microbiomes, translocation of immunogenic compounds from the gut lumen into blood circulation, and systemic inflammatory response. In this study we hypothesized that Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SCFP) attenuate the increases in ruminal and peripheral bacterial endotoxin concentrations and the inflammation resulting from repeated induction of SARA. Lactating Holstein dairy cows (parity 2 and 3+, n = 32) were fed diets with or without SCFP (all from Diamond V) and subjected to 2 episodes of SARA challenges. Cows received a basal total mixed ration (TMR) containing 34% neutral detergent fiber and 18.6% starch, dry matter (DM) basis. Treatments were randomly assigned to control (basal TMR and 140 g/d of ground corn with no SCFP) or 1 of 3 SCFP treatments: basal TMR and 14 g/d Original XPC (SCFPa), 19 g/d NutriTek (SCFPb-1×), or 38 g/d NutriTek (SCFPb-2×) mixed with 126, 121, or 102 g/d of ground corn, respectively. Treatments were implemented from 4 wk before until 12 wk after parturition. During wk 5 (SARA1) and wk 8 of lactation (SARA2), grain-based SARA challenges were conducted by gradually replacing 20% of DM of the basal TMR over 3 d with pellets containing 50% wheat and 50% barley. Ruminal fluid, fecal, and blood samples were collected weekly during Pre-SARA1 (wk 4, as baseline), Post-SARA1 (wk 7), and Post-SARA2 (wk 10 for blood and wk 12 for rumen and fecal parameters) stages, and twice a week during the challenges SARA1 and SARA2. Rumen papillae samples were taken only during Pre-SARA1 and Post-SARA2. We measured the concentrations of free lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the rumen fluid and feces; free LPS and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) endotoxins in peripheral plasma; interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in peripheral serum; acute-phase proteins, serum amyloid A (SAA), and LPS-binding protein in peripheral plasma; haptoglobin (Hp) in peripheral serum; and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in rumen papillae. Induction of SARA episodes increased free LPS concentrations in rumen fluid and tended to increase LTA in peripheral plasma. The SARA episodes increased concentration of circulating SAA and tended to increase that of IL-1β compared with Pre-SARA1. Induction of SARA did not affect the concentrations of circulating IL-6, Hp, and MPO. The SCFP supplementation reduced plasma concentrations of LTA and SAA and serum concentration of IL-1β compared with control. Additionally, SCFPb-2× tended to reduce ruminal LPS in second-parity cows compared with control. Overall, SCFP supplementation appeared to stabilize the rumen environment and reduce proinflammatory status, hence attenuating adverse digestive and inflammatory responses associated with SARA episodes.

ORAL CAVITY MICROBIOCENOSIS ASSESSMENT ON THE BASIS OF BACTERIAL ENDOTOXIN AND PLASMALOGENS IN A SALIVA BY METHOD GAS-LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY

The concentration of plasmalogen bacterial and endotoxin levels in the saliva of patients with different severity of periodontal disease, injury prosthetic bed and with various degrees of the oral cavity microbiocenosis violations was studied. Determination of the presence of the pathological process was carried out clinically, according to the condition of periodontal tissues. The degree of microbiological disorders was assessed by the quantitative ratio of the types of microorganisms isolated from the smear taken from the gingival groove. It was found that the concentration of plasmalogen for normal microbiocenosis is not less than 0.7 µg/g. For the intermediate type of microbiocenosis, the concentration of 1.82 µg/g was determined; for dysbiosis - 5.64 µg/g, and for the expressed violation of the microbial composition accompanied by inflammatory processes - 6.54 µg/g. An increase in the concentration of bacterial endotoxin (be) more than 6.25 nanomole/g indicates the pronounced inflammatory process, regardless of the determined intensity of contamination of opportunistic gram-negative microflora.

Oral cavity microbiocenosis assessment on the basis of bacterial endotoxin and plasmalogens in a saliva by method GAS-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The concentration of plasmalogen bacterial and endotoxin levels in the saliva of patients with different severity of periodontal disease, injury prosthetic bed and with various degrees of the oral cavity microbiocenosis violations was studied. Determination of the presence of the pathological process was carried out clinically, according to the condition of periodontal tissues. The degree of microbiological disorders was assessed by the quantitative ratio of the types of microorganisms isolated from the smear taken from the gingival groove. It was found that the concentration of plasmalogen for normal microbiocenosis is not less than 0.7 µg/g. For the intermediate type of microbiocenosis, the concentration of 1.82 µg/g was determined; for dysbiosis - 5.64 µg/g, and for the expressed violation of the microbial composition accompanied by inflammatory processes - 6.54 µg/g. An increase in the concentration of bacterial endotoxin (be) more than 6.25 nanomole/g indicates the pronounced inflammatory process, regardless of the determined intensity of contamination of opportunistic gram-negative microflora.

Pantoea agglomerans: a mysterious bacterium of evil and good. Part II--Deleterious effects: Dust-borne endotoxins and allergens--focus on grain dust, other agricultural dusts and wood dust.

Pantoea agglomerans, a Gram-negative bacterium developing in a variety of plants as epiphyte or endophyte is particularly common in grain and grain dust, and has been identified by an interdisciplinary group from Lublin, eastern Poland, as a causative agent of work-related diseases associated with exposure to grain dust and other agricultural dusts. The concentration of P. agglomerans in grain as well as in the settled grain and flour dust was found to be high, ranging from 10(4)-10(8) CFU/g, while in the air polluted with grain or flour dust it ranged from 10(3)-10(5) CFU/m(3) and formed 73.2-96% of the total airborne Gram-negative bacteria. The concentration of P. agglomerans was also relatively high in the air of the facilities processing herbs and other plant materials, while it was lower in animal farms and in wood processing facilities. Pantoea agglomerans produces a biologically-potent endotoxin (cell wall lipopolysaccharide, LPS). The significant part of this endotoxin occurs in dusts in the form of virus-sized globular nanoparticles measuring 10-50 nm that could be described as the 'endotoxin super-macromolecules'. A highly significant relationship was found (R=0.804, P=0.000927) between the concentration of the viable P. agglomerans in the air of various agricultural and wood industry settings and the concentration of bacterial endotoxin in the air, as assessed by the Limulus test. Although this result may be interfered by the presence of endotoxin produced by other Gram-negative species, it unequivocally suggests the primary role of the P. agglomerans endotoxin as an adverse agent in the agricultural working environment, causing toxic pneumonitis (ODTS). Numerous experiments by the inhalation exposure of animals to various extracts of P. agglomerans strains isolated from grain dust, including endotoxin isolated with trichloroacetic acid (LPS-TCA), endotoxin nanoparticles isolated in sucrose gradient (VECN), and mixture of proteins and endotoxin obtained by extraction of bacterial mass in saline (CA-S), showed the ability of these extracts to evoke inflammatory and fibrotic changes in the lungs, to stimulate alveolar macrophages to produce superoxide anion (O2(-)), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and chemotactic factors for other macrophages and neutrophils, and to increase the pulmonary concentrations of toll-like receptors and chemokines. The most potent properties showed the CA-S which may be attributed to the allergenic properties of P. agglomerans proteins enhanced by the presence of the autologous endotoxin. The results of these experiments are in accord with the clinical studies which revealed a high reactivity of the agricultural and grain industry workers to allergenic extracts of P. agglomerans, and the presence in these populations of hypersensitivity pneumonitis and asthma cases caused by this bacterium. P. agglomerans has been also identified as a potential causative agent of allergic dermatitis in farmers and of allergic pulmonary disorders in cattle. In conclusion, similar to the cotton industry, also in the grain industry and in agriculture, Pantoea agglomerans should be regarded as one of the major causative agents of work-related diseases, caused by the adverse effects of protein allergens and endotoxin produced by this bacterium.

Hydroxy fatty acids in fresh snow samples from northern Japan: long-range atmospheric transport of Gram-negative bacteria by Asian winter monsoon

Abstract. Hydroxy fatty acids (FAs) in fresh snow from Sapporo, one of the heaviest snowfall regions in the world, have been studied to ascertain the airborne bacterial endotoxin concentrations and their biomass. The presence of β-hydroxy FAs (C9–C28), constituents of the Gram-negative bacterium (GNB), suggests long-range transport of soil microbes. Likewise, the occurrence of α- and ω-hydroxy FAs (C9–C30 and C9–C28, respectively) in snow reveals their contribution from epicuticular waxes and soil microorganisms. Estimated endotoxin and GNB mass can aid in assessing their possible impacts on the diversity and functioning of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as lethal effects on pedestrians through dispersal of microbes. Air mass back trajectories together with hydroxy FAs reveal their sources from Siberia, the Russian Far East and northern China by the Asian monsoon. This study highlights the role of fresh snow that reduces the human health risk of GNB and endotoxin by the scavenging from air.

서울시 일부 지하철 전동차 객실 시트의 먼지 진드기 알레르겐 농도와 세균 내독소 농도 조사

서울시 일부 지하철 전동차 객실 시트의 먼지 진드기 알레르겐 농도와 세균 내독소 농도 조사

Dynamic Monitoring on the Bacterial Endotoxin Concentration in Whole Blood and Blood Component

Objective To explore the importance of dynamic monitoring on the bacterial endotoxin and assess the blood safety to guarantee the safety of blood transfusion,through dynamically monitoring the bacterial endotoxin concentration in whole blood and blood component. Methods From March to April 2009,300 donors' samples,which had met the requirements of donors' health check,were included in this study.According to the blood component,all these samples were performed into three groups:whole blood group (n=50),red blood cells (RBC) suspension group (n=150),platelet (PLT) components group (n=100).Dynamic turbidity in blood which were respectively stored at early stage,metaphase and later stage,were used as the detection quantitative method of bacterial endotoxin.And the results were further analyzed by variance of repeated measurement data. Results There was no difference of the bacterial endotoxin concentration during the preservation in PLT suspension and RBC suspension(P＞0.05).Meanwhile,there was significant difference of the bacterial endotoxin concentration between preservation periods of the whole blood(P＜0.05).Conclusions Through dynamically monitoring the bacterial endotoxin concentration in whole blood and blood component,the stability of bacterial endotoxin concentration during the preservation period coincides with a negative result of the bacterial culture.It could be shown that the quality control of the blood collection and supply procedure is effective to guarantee the safety of blood. Key words: whole blood; blood component; bacterial endotoxin; monitoring

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Detection of bacterial endotoxin in drinking tap and bottled water in Kuwait

This study was carried out to measure and compare the concentration of bacterial endotoxin in a variety of samples from drinking tap and bottled water available in Kuwait by using the Limulus Amoebocyte lysate test. A total of 29 samples were tested. Samples were collected from a variety of locations throughout the six governorates of Kuwait and 23 brands of local and imported bottled water samples were collected from the local market. The concentration of bacterial endotoxin was measured by using the standard Limulus Amoebocyte lysate test, gel clot method. This study showed that measured endotoxin concentrations in tap drinking water varied from 2.4 to 33.8 EU/ml with the average endotoxin concentration of 14.2 EU/ml. While the results of endotoxin concentrations in the bottled water were <0.03 to 20.1 EU/ml with an average of 1.96 EU/ml. The average concentration of endotoxin in bottled water is 13.5 % of the average concentration of endotoxin in tap drinking water. This experimental investigation has proved that drinking bottled water has less endotoxin as compared to tap water in Kuwait. It is also demonstrated that the endotoxin concentration did not exceed the acceptable level in drinking tap water.

Experimental Study on Inactivation of Bacterial Endotoxin by Using Dielectric Barrier Discharge

The low-temperature plasma (LTP) generated by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) was used to sterilize the E.coli endotoxin, which is usually difficult to kill by traditional methods. Three different concentrations of bacterial endotoxin (1 EU/mL, 0.5 EU/mL and 0.25 EU/mL) were treated by LTP for different time (20 s, 40 s and 60 s). Tachypleus amebocyte lysate (TAL) method was employed to detect the concentration variation of bacterial endotoxin before and after the plasma treatment, and endotoxic shock mice model was used to evaluate the inactivation effects of LTP on endotoxin for further study. Experimental results demonstrated that, DBD plasma can inactivate the bacterial endotoxin quickly and effectively, and when the LTP treatment time was increased, the concentrations of bacterial endotoxin decreased gradually (after 60 s plasma treatment, its inactivation effect was beyond the Chinese pharmacopoeia standard), and the average survival time of mice gradually extended. The possible inactivation mechanisms are proposed to be related to reactive oxygen species (ROSs).

Preclinical transplantation and safety of HS/PCs expanded from human umbilical cord blood

To expand hematopoietic/progenitor stem cells (HS/PCs) from umbilical cord blood (UCB) and prepare the HS/PC product, and analyze preclinical transplantation and safety of HS/PC product. Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were used as feeder cells to expand HS/PCs from UCB in a serum-free culture system. The proliferation potential of HS/PCs was analyzed. The expanded HS/PCs were suspended in the L-15 medium to prepare the HS/PC product. The contamination of bacteria, fungi and mycoplasmas, the infection of exogenous virus, the concentration of bacterial endotoxin, and the SCF residual in HS/PC product were determined. Finally, cells from the HS/PC product with or without bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were transplanted into the irradiated NOD/SCID mice to determine the in vivo engraftment potential. After co-culture for 10 d, the total nuclear cells (TNCs) increased 125-fold, and CD34(+) cells increased 43-fold. The granulocyte-macrophage colony- forming cells (GM-CFCs) and erythroid colony-forming cells (E-CFCs) increased 3.3- and 4.7-fold respectively. The expanded cells were collected and prepared as the expanded product of HS/PCs by re-suspending cells in L-15 medium. For preclinical safety, the HS/PC product was analysed for contamination by bacteria, fungi and mycoplasmas, the bacterial endotoxin concentration and the SCF content. The results showed that the HS/PC product contained no bacteria, fungi or mycoplasmas. The bacterial endotoxin concentration was less than the detection limit of 6 EU/mL, and residual SCF was 75 pg/mL. Based on clinical safety, the HS/PC product was qualified for clinical transplantation. Finally, the HS/PC product was transplanted the irradiated mice where it resulted in rapid engraftment of hematopoietic cells. HSPC product prepared from UCB in the serum-free culture system with hMSCs as feeder cells should be clinically safe and effective for clinical transplantation.

Extracorporeal cell therapy of septic shock patients with donor granulocytes: a pilot study

IntroductionNeutrophil granulocytes are the first defense line in bacterial infections. However, granulocytes are also responsible for severe local tissue impairment. In order to use donor granulocytes, but at the same time to avoid local side effects, we developed an extracorporeal immune support system. This first-in-man study investigated whether an extracorporeal plasma treatment with a granulocyte bioreactor is tolerable in patients with septic shock. A further intention was to find suitable efficacy end-points for subsequent controlled trials.MethodsThe trial was conducted as a prospective uncontrolled clinical phase I/II study with 28-day follow-up at three university hospital intensive care units. Ten consecutive patients (five men, five women, mean age 60.3 ± 13.9 standard deviation (SD) years) with septic shock with mean ICU entrance scores of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II of 29.9 ± 7.2 and of Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II of 66.2 ± 19.5 were treated twice within 72 hours for a mean of 342 ± 64 minutes/treatment with an extracorporeal bioreactor containing 1.41 ± 0.43 × 10E10 granulocytes from healthy donors. On average, 9.8 ± 2.3 liters separated plasma were treated by the therapeutic donor cells. Patients were followed up for 28 days.ResultsTolerance and technical safety during treatment, single organ functions pre/post treatment, and hospital survival were monitored. The extracorporeal treatments were well tolerated. During the treatments, the bacterial endotoxin concentration showed significant reduction. Furthermore, noradrenaline dosage could be significantly reduced while mean arterial pressure was stable. Also, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and human leukocyte antigen DR (HLA-DR) showed significant improvement. Four patients died in the hospital on days 6, 9, 18 and 40. Six patients could be discharged.ConclusionsThe extracorporeal treatment with donor granulocytes appeared to be well tolerated and showed promising efficacy results, encouraging further studies.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00818597

Microbial and Endotoxin Contamination of Water-Soluble Metalworking Fluids

The present study is a part of a larger project on assessment of exposure to biological agents and respiratory health effects among metal workers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of microbial contamination of metalworking coolants as a potential source of harmful biological agents in three different metal industry plants in Poland. Ten samples of coolants with a different state of wear, including four fresh fluids, were analyzed. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of bacteria and mould content was performed using standard analytical methods. Bacterial endotoxin concentration was determined by the kinetic, chromogenic version of the LAL test. The analysis showed the total bacterial counts ranging from 1.0x10(1) CFU/ml to 3.2x10(7) CFU/ml, 60% to 100% of which were Gram-negative bacteria capable of producing endotoxins. Among the highly contaminated coolants, one unused concentrate was also found. The predominant species of bacteria was Shewanella putrefaciens present in 60% of the samples. As for moulds, the predominant species was Acremonium butyri. The average concentration of bacterial endotoxins was 773 EU/ml in the old coolants, and much lower in the fresh fluids 285 EU/ml. A correlation (r=0.66) was found between endotoxin concentration and the number of Gram-negative bacteria detected in the coolants. Procedures should be developed for cleaning tanks during fluid replacement to minimize the risk of bacterial growth in the coolants and limit bioaerosol emission in workplace. Due to the affinity of microflora for the water phase, it is advisable to use effective biocides with appropriate partition coefficient between the water phase and oil phase.

Biological contamination parameters of cotton lint as biomarkers for fibre quality; a preliminary study

It has been reported for several decades that microbes, which naturally contaminate cotton fibres during crop growth and subsequent storage can have an adverse effect on the structural quality of cotton lint. Although several studies have analysed the relationship between numbers of Gram-negative bacteria or bacterial endotoxin and particular physical properties, these studies have been limited to cotton from the United States, and the possible effects of fungal contamination have not been examined in detail. This study quantified the Gram-negative bacteria and fungal cells, as well as measuring concentrations of bacterial endotoxin and fungal glucan, on cotton lint samples from international sources. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients calculated between these results and quality data analysed by an automated testing instrument revealed several significant correlations. Findings included inverse correlations between the biological contamination parameters and fibre elongation, micronaire and reflectance. The possible causes and implications of these findings were also discussed.

Impairment of Phagocytic and T-Cell-Mediated Antibacterial Activity and Plasma Endotoxins in Patients with Untreated Gastrointestinal Cancer

Cancer patients have multiple immune deficits, and mediators, such as prostaglandins, transforming growth factor-beta, and interleukin (IL)-10, may play a role in the pathogenesis of these immune dysfunctions. Fifty-six patients with gastrointestinal cancer (11 gastric cancer, 7 papilla of Vater cancer, and 38 colorectal cancer) were enrolled for this study, before starting conventional treatments. Phagocytosis and killing exerted by polymorphonuclear cells and monocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear cell absolute numbers, T-cell-mediated antibacterial activity, serum levels of IL-10 and interferon (IFN)-gamma, and plasma bacterial endotoxin concentration were evaluated. Data show an impaired phagocytic and T-cell-mediated antibacterial activity in all cancer patients, whereas only in subjects with gastric cancer were IFN-gamma serum levels reduced. Circulating endotoxins were detected in 17 patients. In untreated gastrointestinal cancer patients the capacity of phagocytes and T-cells to clear pathogens is reduced. This dysfunction may increase the risk of becoming infected and may account for the presence of endotoxin in 30% of patients.

Preliminary evaluation of recombinant amino-terminal fragment of human bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein in children with severe meningococcal sepsis

Meningococcal sepsis remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. We hypothesised that children with severe meningococcaemia might benefit from inhibition of the inflammatory processes thought responsible for fulminant disease. rBPI21 is a recombinant, N-terminal fragment of human bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein, which kills meningococci and binds to and clears bacterial endotoxin, these being the primary inducers of the systemic inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and kinetics of rBPI21 in children with severe meningococcaemia and to make a preliminary assessment of clinical outcome. In this open-label, dose-escalation, phase I/II trial in severe meningococcaemia (Glasgow meningococcal prognostic septicaemia score [GMSPS] > or = 8), 26 patients aged 1-18 years, who had received their first dose of antibiotics no more than 8 hours earlier were given rBPI21 by infusion at total doses of 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg/kg. The patients had significantly raised plasma concentrations of bacterial endotoxin and cytokines. Peak and steady state BPI concentrations were comparable with pharmacokinetic data in healthy adults. All complications were compatible with the expected pattern for severe meningococcal sepsis. Only one patient died. This outcome was found to compare favourably with a predicted mortality of > or = 30% by GMSPS, > or = 15% by plasma endotoxin values, > or = 28% by plasma interleukin-6 concentrations, 29-49% by severity of coagulopathy, and 20% (11/54) by comparison with recent historical patients consecutively treated in participating centres before this study. This, the first clinical trial or rBPI21, shows that rBPI21 can be safely administered to children with severe meningococcaemia and that the pharmacokinetics are consistent with patterns seen in healthy adults. Predicted mortality, on the basis of GMSPS, laboratory indices of inflammation and coagulopathy, and historical controls, was for between four and eight deaths. These findings have prompted a phase III randomised trial.

Serotonin regulation of interleukin-1 messenger RNA in rat uterine smooth muscle cells. Relationship to the production of interstitial collagenase.

Previous studies have shown that the production of interstitial collagenase by rat myometrial smooth muscle cells is dependent on serotonin. These cells fail to produce collagenase early in culture, however, and produce the enzyme only 8-12 days after confluence. During the early quiescent period, collagenase production can be induced by low concentrations of bacterial endotoxin. Under these conditions, interleukin (IL)-1 alpha and IL-1 beta mRNAs increase coincident with collagenase and collagenase mRNA. Serotonin removal decreases IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta mRNAs, and effect that is rapidly reversed upon readdition of serotonin. Conversely, serotonin-dependent increases in IL-1 mRNAs are blocked by progesterone. Experiments with 5-HT2 receptor agonists and antagonists indicate that induction is mediated by the 5-HT2 receptor subtype. In serotonin-treated cells late in culture, IL-1 mRNAs increase coincident with the production of collagenase. Similarly, exogenous IL-1 fully substitutes for lipopolysaccharide in stimulating myometrial cells to produce collagenase early in culture. Cells treated with IL-1 receptor antagonist fail to make IL-1 mRNAs or collagenase but produce collagenase and IL-1 mRNAs following antagonist removal. These results indicate that serotonin-dependent IL-1 production by the myometrial cell is required for collagenase production and that IL-1 participates in its own production via an autocrine mechanism.

Airborne microorganisms and endotoxin in animal houses

Abstract Concentrations of microorganisms, dust and bacterial endotoxin were determined in the air of 18 animal houses (four cowsheds, nine horse stables and five piggeries) in eastern Poland. Total mesophilic bacteria numbered 568.7–1480.7 colony forming units (CFU)x103 m-3 in piggeries, 43.9–280.5 CFU×103 m-3 in cowsheds, and 26.2–150.1 CFU×103 m-3 in horse stables. Corynebacteria (Corynebacterium spp., Arthrobacter spp.) predominated. Concentrations of Gram-negative bacteria, thermophilic actinomycetes and fungi were smaller (mostly in the range of 102-104 CFU m-3) except for one cowshed and two stables where concentrations of thermophilic actinomycetes exceeded 100 CFU×103 m-3. Thermoactinomyces vulgaris and Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula, both known to be strongly allergenic, were the predominant actinomycetes. Concentrations of airborne dust were 0.15–14.05 mg m-3. There were large concentrations of bacterial endotoxin in the air of piggeries, in the range 1.88–75.0 μg m-3, but concentrations were much smaller in other houses and mostly did not exceed a safe level of 0.1 μg m-3. The results show that the farm workers and housed animals can be exposed to large quantities of airborne microbes and their products that pose a potential risk of respiratory disease resulting from the immunomodulatory action of these organisms.