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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the new BBL mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT) in comparison with other media. METHODS: MGIT was evaluated in 10 Italian centers on 433 clinical samples, mainly of respiratory origin and mainly smear positive, in comparison with Löwenstein---Jensen and with one or more other methods represented, according to participating centers, by the BACTEC radiometric method or by the biphasic BBL Septi-Chek AFB system. While MGIT and Löwenstein---Jensen were used for all the samples, 285 of them were also inoculated in BACTEC vials and 274 in biphasic bottles. Of these samples, 132 were investigated with all the four methods. RESULTS: Although less rapid and sensitive than the radiometric method, the results of MGIT were equal when compared with the other two media with respect to overall isolation yield; furthermore, it allowed the detection of growth in significantly shorter times. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate the value of MGIT for the detection of mycobacteria and, thanks to its extreme simplicity of use, its suitability for small and large laboratories. Its combined use with a solid medium can substantially improve the diagnosis of mycobacterial infection.

After preliminary in vitro screening of 15 newly synthesized compounds belonging to the chemical class of N1-(aryliden)-4-pyridinecarboxyamidrazones against Mycobacterium tuberculosis reference strain H37 Rv, we determined the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the six most promising chemicals against different species of Mycobacterium and different strains of M. tuberculosis. The agar dilution method was employed against M. gordonae, M. bovis, M. kansasi, M. avium, M. fortuitum and on eighteen different strains of M. tuberculosis, isolated from human bronchial aspirates. The results obtained confirmed that the newly synthesized chemicals possessed a very interesting antitubercular activity, their MICs ranging from 4 micrograms/ml to 16 micrograms/ml.

A series of N1-aryliden-4-pyridinecarboxyamidrazone derivatives was prepared. Some of the synthesized compounds showed interesting in vitro antimycobacterial activity against some strains of Mycobacterium and clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

A series of N1-aryliden-2-pyridincarboxyamidrazone derivatives was prepared. Some of the synthesized compounds showed interesting in vitro antimycobacterial activity against some strains of Mycobacterium and clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

A report is given about the synthesis of IgG immunoglobulins in the pleural infiltrations. The quantity of immunoglobulins locally yielded is estimated through the ratio IgG/Albumin in the blood and in the infiltration. Evidence is given that the mechanic and neoplastic transudates are easily detectable on account of the failed local synthesis of immunoglobulins of IgG type. A short account is given of the local synthesis of IgA.

Study of the relationships between the variations of the connections between the components of the bronchial secretion and the viscosity of the sputum, with particular regard to the role of the IgA IIS and to the secretory piece.

The Authors take into examine the local secretory immunitary system (L.S.I.S.) starting from the presence of antibody-molecules in secretions: they study origin, characteristics, action and excitement procedures of this class of molecules, also compared with the immunitary central system.

By submitting a sarcolemma preparation from gastric fundus to thermal (47 degrees C) and chemical (2 M urea) alterations, a significant decrease of the binding of labelled serotonin and dexamphetamine, 40% and 30% respectively, is observed. This finding suggests that the receptors for these two drugs contain a protein moiety, which undergoes a structural and functional modification upon the thermal or chemical procedure employed. The strictly similar behaviour of the binding properties of serotonin and dexamphetamine, in our experimental conditions, gives a strong indirect support to the hypothesis of a common receptor for these two drugs.

Synthesis of a study of the proteins outline of the bronchial secretion with the qualitative and quantitative determination of six protein fractions (albumin, Alfa-antitrypsin, acid Alfa-glycoprotein, haptoglobin, transferrin); comparation of the concentration of these fractions of the expectoration with those of the serum of the patient himself.