Eleven bacterial and two yeast strains, four of which were previously identified as having activity on a lightly cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose (CLD-2) found in one type of superabsorbent tampon, were grown on a variety of substrates, most containing cellulosics. None produced detectable amounts of cellulases, but all elaborated beta-glucosidase. None of these 13 strains nor 3 commercially obtained beta-glucosidase preparations could hydrolyze CLD-2, although a commercial cellulase and two other bacterial preparations known to produce cellulases could. Based on these results, it appears that previous work suggesting that the degradation of CLD-2 by vaginal microbes and beta-glucosidase is implicated in the production by Staphylococcus aureus of toxin causing toxic shock syndrome must be reevaluated.

Dried and ensiled corn were each steeped with aqueous SO2 or water at initial pHs of 4-5; both were also steeped with aqueous SO2 at pH7. Initial steepwater composition or pH had less effect on yields of individual fractions and recoveries of various components than did differences between dried or ensiled corn. Recovery of starch after milling was appreciably higher with ensiled corn. Protein recovery in gluten decreased, but this was partially counterbalanced by increased protein content of the steepwater from ensiled corn. Results using batchwise steeping or a simulated countercurrent procedure were similar, though the latter gave higher starch recoveries.