bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Supplementation of Curcumin Enhances Antioxidant and Phase II Metabolizing Enzymes in ddY Male Mice: Possible Role in Protection against Chemical Carcinogenesis and Toxicity
Authors: Iqbal Mohammad , Sharma Som Datta , Okazaki Yasumasa , Fujisawa Masayoshi , Okada Shigeru
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Dietary antioxidants protect laboratory animals against the induction of tumours by a variety of chemical carcinogens. Among possible mechanism of protection against chemical carcinogenesis could be mediated via‐antioxidant‐dependent induction of detoxifying enzymes. Curcumin, a yellow pigment from Curcuma longa, is a major component of turmeric and is commonly used as a spice and food colouring material and exhibits antiinflammatory, antitumour, and antioxidant properties. In this study we therefore investigated the effect of dietary supplementation of curcumin on the activities of antioxidant and phase II‐metabolizing enzymes involved in detoxification, and production of reactive oxygen species were quantified in ddY male mice. Dietary supplementation of curcumin (2%, w/v) to male ddY mice for 30 days significantly increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase and catalase to 189%, 179%, 189%, and 181% in liver and 143%, 134%, 167% and 115% in kidney respectively as compared with corresponding normal diet fed control (P<0.05–0.001). Parallel to these changes, curcumin feeding to mice also resulted in a considerable enhancement in the activity of phase II‐metabolizing enzymes viz. glutathione S‐transferase and quinone reductase to 1.7 and 1.8 times in liver and 1.1 and 1.3 times in kidney respectively as compared with corresponding normal diet fed control (P<0.05–0.01). In general, the increase in activities of antioxidant and phase II‐metabolizing enzymes was more pronounced in liver as compared to kidney. The induction of such detoxifying enzymes by curcumin suggest the potential value of this compound as protective agent against chemical carcinogenesis and other forms of electrophilic toxicity. The significance of these results can be implicated in relation to cancer chemopreventive effects of curcumin against the induction of tumours in various target organs.
Necrotic cell death induced by δ‐aminolevulinic acid in mouse astrocytes. Protective role of melatonin and other antioxidants
Authors: Juknat Adela Ana , Kotler Mónica Lidia , Quaglino Ana , Carrillo Natalia Marco , Hevor Tobias
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Accumulation of δ‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA), as it occurs in acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), is the origin of an endogenous source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can exert oxidative damage to cell structures. In the present work we examined the ability of different antioxidants to revert ALA‐promoted damage, by incubating mouse astrocytes with 1.0 mm ALA for different times (1–4 hr) in the presence of melatonin (2.5 mm), superoxide dismutase (25 units/mL), catalase (200 units/mL) or glutathione (0.5 mm). The defined relative index [(malondialdehyde levels/accumulated ALA) × 100], decreases with incubation time, reaching values of 76% for melatonin and showing that the different antioxidants tested can protect astrocytes against ALA‐promoted lipid peroxidation. Concerning porphyrin biosynthesis, no effect was observed with catalase and superoxide dismutase whereas increases of 57 and 87% were obtained with glutathione and melatonin, respectively, indicating that these antioxidants may prevent the oxidation of porphobilinogen deaminase, reactivating so that the AIP genetically reduced enzyme. Here we showed that ALA induces cell death displaying a pattern of necrosis. This pattern was revealed by loss of cell membrane integrity, marked nuclear swelling and double labeling with annexin V and propidium iodide. In addition, no caspase 3‐like activity was detected. These findings provide the first experimental evidence of the involvement of ALA‐promoted ROS in the damage of proteins related to porphyrin biosynthesis and the induction of necrotic cell death in astrocytes. Interestingly, melatonin decreases the number of enlarged nuclei and shows a protective effect on cellular morphology.
Gene expression and functional characterization of melatonin receptors in the spinal cord of the rat: implications for pain modulation
Authors: Zahn Peter K. , Lansmann Tanja , Berger Eva , Speckmann Erwin‐Josef , Musshoff Ulrich
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Recently, a species‐dependent distribution of melatonin binding sites have been found in lamina I–V and lamina X of the spinal cord. In order to learn more about the function of spinal melatonin receptors, we investigated (i) the gene expression for melatonin receptor subtypes in lumbar and thoracal spinal cord tissue by means of the reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) technique, and (ii) the electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of melatonin receptors heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes after injection of spinal cord mRNA by means of the voltage clamp technique. Because ample evidence indicates an antinociceptive effect of melatonin, (iii) the role of spinal melatonin receptors for maintaining mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia was studied in a rat model for postoperative pain. The RT‐PCR data revealed that transcripts for MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptors are present in the dorsal and ventral horn of lumbar and thoracal spinal cord tissue. Injection of mRNA from lumbar spinal cord tissue into Xenopus oocytes led to the functional reconstitution of melatonin receptors which activate calcium‐dependent chloride inward currents. Melatonin responses were abolished by simultaneous administration of the antagonists, 2‐phenylmelatonin and luzindole and were unaffected by the MT2 antagonist 4‐phenyl‐2‐propionamidotetralin. Intrathecal administration of different melatonin doses (10–100 nmol) did not inhibit mechanical or thermal hyperalgesia. However, intrathecal application of a low dose of morphine together with melatonin caused a brief antinociceptive effect suggesting an enhanced morphine analgesia by melatonin. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated for the first time the presence of transcripts of MT1 and MT2 receptors located in the dorsal and ventral horn of the spinal cord. Furthermore, spinal melatonin enhanced the antinociceptive effect of morphine indicating that melatonin acts as a neuromodulator in the spinal cord.
Protective effects of melatonin, vitamin E and N‐acetylcysteine against acetaminophen toxicity in mice: a comparative study
Authors: Şener Göksel , Şehirli Ahmet Özer , Ayanoğlu‐Dülger Gül
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Acetaminophen (AA) is a commonly used analgesic and antipyretic drug; however, when used in high doses, it causes fulminant hepatic necrosis and nephrotoxic effects in both humans and experimental animals. It has been reported that the toxic effects of AA are the result of oxidative reactions that take place during its metabolism. In this study we investigated if melatonin, vitamin E or N‐acetylcystein (NAC) are protective against AA toxicity in mice. The doses of the antioxidants used were as follows: melatonin (10 mg/kg), vitamin E (30 mg/kg) and NAC (150 mg/kg). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in blood, and glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized protein levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in liver and kidney tissues were measured. BUN and serum creatinine, ALT and AST levels which were increased significantly following AA treatment decreased significantly after pretreatment with either vitamin E, melatonin or NAC; however, they were not reduced to control levels. ALT and AST levels were significantly higher at 4 hr compared with the 24 hr levels after AA administration. However, BUN and creatinine levels were significantly elevated only at 24 hr. GSH levels were reduced while MDA, MPO and oxidized protein levels were increased significantly following AA administration. These changes were reversed by pretreatment with either melatonin, vitamin E or NAC. Liver toxicity was higher at 4 hr, whereas nephrotoxicity appeared to be more severe 24 hr after treatment with AA. Vitamin E was the least efficient agent in reversing AA toxicity while melatonin, considering it was given as at lower dose than either vitamin E or NAC, was the most effective. This may be the result of the higher efficacy of melatonin in scavenging various free radicals and also because of its ability in stimulating the antioxidant enzymes.
The melatonin receptor subtype MT2 is present in the human cardiovascular system
Authors: Ekmekcioglu Cem , Thalhammer Theresia , Humpeler Susanne , Mehrabi Mohammad R. , Glogar Helmut D. , Hölzenbein Thomas , Markovic Ognjen , Leibetseder Valentin J. , Strauss‐Blasche Gerhard , Marktl Wolfgang
Published: November 2004

Abstract: We showed that the melatonin receptor subtype, MT1, is expressed in healthy and diseased human coronary arteries. As studies in experimental animals suggest that the MT2 melatonin receptor subtype is also present in the vasculature, we investigated whether the MT2 is expressed in human aorta and coronary arteries. Additionally, MT2 expression in human ventricular specimens was analysed, as melatonin was shown to affect myocyte function. Expression of the MT2‐receptor was studied in sections of isolated coronary arteries, aorta and left ventricular specimens from healthy heart donors (control) and patients with dilated or ischemic cardiomyopathy. MT2 expression was found by reverse transcriptase (RT)‐nested‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in all of the specimens (aorta, left ventricle and coronary arteries) derived from controls. Also, visible evidence for receptor expression was found in 12 of 15 samples from cardiomyopathy patients and 10 of 15 of coronary heart disease patients. Additionally, the expression of MT2‐receptor between aorta, left ventricle and coronary arteries varied among the individuals, some of them showing highest expression in the aorta while in others principal expression sites were coronary arteries or left ventricles. In conclusion, the MT2‐receptor subtype is present in human arteries and left ventricles and it is suggested that in coronary heart disease MT2‐receptor expression is altered. Furthermore, there is evidence for heterogeneous MT2 expression patterns in individual patients.
Influence of cigarette filters on the risk of developing oral leukoplakia in a Kenyan population
Authors: Macigo FG , Mwaniki DL , Guthua SW , Njeru1 EK
Published: November 2004

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of cigarette filters and the effect of smoking Kiraiku (home processed, hand rolled tobacco) on the risk of developing oral leukoplakia among cigarette smokers.

DESIGN: Case control using population‐based study groups in a Kenyan rural community.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 85 cases and 141 controls identified in a cross‐section house‐to‐house screening of subjects aged 15 years and over and matched for sex, age (±3 years) and cluster origin were compared for their use of filter and non‐filter cigarettes as well as their history of smoking Kiraiku.

RESULTS: The relative risk (RR) of oral leukoplakia was 9.1 (95% confidence intervals (CI) = 4.1–20.2) in smokers of filter cigarettes and 9.8 (95% CI = 2.3–47.0) in smokers of non‐filter cigarettes. The RR in the latter compared to the former was 1.1 and was not statistically significant. Regarding the influence of smoking Kiraiku, the RR of this lesion was 29.3 in smokers of both Kiraiku and filter cigarettes and 17.3 in smokers of both Kiraiku and non‐filter cigarettes.

CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant difference between the influence of filter and non‐filter cigarettes on the risk of developing oral leukoplakia. The effect of Kiraiku on the risk of this lesion was stronger in filter than in non‐filter cigarettes. However, the confounding effect of tobacco dose response parameters could not be ruled out.
Practical recommendations for the use of acupuncture in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders based on the outcome of published controlled studies
Authors: Rosted P
Published: November 2004

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to analyse the treatment procedures used in the individual studies to identify any similarities of therapeutic approaches and subsequently present recommendations for a standard acupuncture procedure for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

MATERIALS: Literature searches performed by the Royal Society of Medicine and the University Library, Copenhagen were able to identify 74 publications regarding the use of acupuncture in dentistry. Among them 14 papers concerned the use of acupuncture in the treatment of TMD. To ensure reasonable methodological soundness of the involved studies, only randomised and blinded studies were included, which reduced the number of papers to six. Among these six papers three concerns the same study and were counted as one. One paper was a follow‐up of a previous study and for this purpose counted as one.

METHODS: All publications were analysed for the following information: acupuncture points used, type of stimulation, number of treatments, duration of the individual treatment and the interval between the individual treatments.

MAIN OUTCOME: Acupuncture has in three out of three randomised controlled trials (RCT) proved effective for the treatment of TMD. The following local acupuncture points are recommended for the treatment of TMD: ST‐6, ST‐7, SI‐18, GV‐20, GB‐20, BL‐10. As a distant point LI‐4 is recommended. After inserting the needles they should be manipulated manually to achieve the De‐qui sensation and left in situ for 30 min. Treatment should be given weekly and a total number of six treatments is recommended.
Cherubism—clinical picture and treatment
Authors: Kozakiewicz M , Perczynska‐Partyka W , Kobos J
Published: November 2004

Cherubism is a rare, painless, disfigurating disease primarily affecting bones of the jaws.

OBJECTIVE: To report on five patients with cherubism. The symptoms of the disease, methods of management and possible mode of inheritance are discussed and literature is reviewed.

PATIENTS: The study involves five cherubs, members of one family. The diagnoses were based on history, physical examination, laboratory tests, X‐ray parameters, and clinical follow‐up. One member of the family had surgical intervention. The remaining cases were left for observation.

RESULTS: Good aesthetic and long lasting effect was reached in the operated patient.

CONCLUSIONS: Treatment is unnecessary unless functional or emotional disturbances develop. An autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance is suggested for these cases, although autosomal dominant transmission has been previously established.
Inhalational and topical steroids, and oral candidosis: a mini review
Authors: Ellepola ANB , Samaranayake LP
Published: November 2004

Candidosis is by far the commonest oral fungal infection in man and could manifest as an adverse effect of drug therapy such as inhaled or topically applied corticosteroids. Due to the anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive effect steroids are used in the management of bronchial asthma and oral mucosal diseases. In this mini review we discuss the clinical and laboratory findings on the relationship between steroid inhalers, other topical steroids and oral candidosis, possible mechanisms of pathogenicity following such therapy as well as the precautions that could be taken to minimize this adverse side effect.
The roles of the N‐terminal portions of various tachykinins in promoting salivation
Authors: Higa K , Gao C , Motokawa W , Abe K
Published: November 2004

OBJECTIVES: In order to determine the active sites for salivation of various tachykinins, the regulatory roles of the N‐terminal portion of various newly‐synthesized tachykinins were studied after i.p. injection of rats using the submandibular glands as model organs.

METHODS: N‐shortened oligopeptides from kassinin, eledoisin, neurokinins A (NKA) and NKB were synthesized by the multipin peptide synthesis method. Amino acids were eliminated one by one to form octa‐ to undeca‐peptides adjoining the inactive or less active heptapeptides and various heptapeptides, in which an amino acid in position 8 (Xaa8 ), numbering as in an undecapeptide, was replaced with Tyr, Phe, Ile or Val.

RESULTS: The N‐terminal amino acids in positions 1 to 4 could be activators or inhibitors, depending on whether the C‐terminal heptapeptide was inactive or less active. The Xaa8 residue, in combination with amino acids in positions 5 and 6, seemed to be very important in determining the sialogogic activity of a heptapeptide. The discrimination between NKA and NKB appeared due to the N‐terminal amino acid sequence in positions 1 to 4 including Phe or Ser in position 6.

CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the N‐terminal amino acids in positions 1 to 4 serve as either activators or inhibitors depending upon the sialogogic activity of the C‐terminal heptapeptide, in which particular amino acids in positions 5, 6 and 8 regulate its activity.
Permeability barrier properties of oral keratinocyte cultures: a model of intact human oral mucosa
Authors: Selvaratnam L , Cruchley AT , Navsaria H , Wertz PW , Hagi‐Pavli EP , Leigh IM , Squier CA , Williams DM
Published: November 2004

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to establish whether an in vitro model of human oral mucosa had similar permeability characteristics to normal oral mucosa. Such a model would have considerable value as an alternative to the use of mucosal biopsies in studies of transmucosal drug delivery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Keratinocytes obtained from buccal mucosa, hard palate and abdominal skin were seeded onto inert collagen membranes (Cellagen Discs) or dead deepidermised dermis (DDED) and grown either as submerged or air‐liquid interface cultures. Subsequently the ultrastructural characteristics, permeability to water and barrier lipid content of the epithelial cultures were assessed and compared with samples of intact mucosa and skin.

RESULTS: All the cultures stratified into multilayered epithelia and displayed features of differentiation including tonofilaments, desmosomes and membrane coating granules. The permeability characteristics and barrier lipid content of the oral mucosal cultures resembled those of intact mucosa. By contrast, pidermal keratinocytes failed to produce a permeability barrier comparable with that of skin and had low levels of barrier associated lipids.

CONCLUSIONS: Cultures of human oral mucosal keratinocytes obtained from healthy adults develop similar permeability properties and barrier lipid composition to their site of origin. This model system may be useful for the evaluation of local and systemic oral mucosal drug delivery.
On water availability in saline soils
Authors: Groenevelt P. H. , Grant C. D. , Murray R. S.
Published: November 2004

We present a formulation for the effect of the osmotic pressure of the soil solution on the availability of soil water for plant uptake in the extreme case that the reflection coefficient of root-cell walls is always unity. We also present a new equation to fit the water retention curve, which allows for an inflection point and is solidly anchored at both the wet end (saturated water content) and the dry end (water content at 150 m head, the permanent wilting point). By differentiating the fitting-equation one finds the differential water capacity, which is subsequently multiplied by a weighting function to account for the impediment caused by soluble salts. The weighted differential water capacity is then integrated over the entire range of the matric head from zero to infinity. This produces the integral water capacity and constitutes the total amount of water the soil can hold and release to a hypothetical plant that behaves like a perfect osmometer. We illustrate the approach using data found in the literature for a wide range of soil textures. In this paper the lower boundary of water availability in the presence of soluble salts is defined and calculated as would be registered by a perfect osmometer (reflection coefficient of unity). The upper boundary of water availability is found by setting the weighting coefficient at unity at all times, which implies a reflection coefficient of zero, and in turn that the salts in the soil solution have no influence on the availability of water (as would be registered by a tensiometer). The upper and the lower boundaries constitute the envelope within which the actual availability of water to real plants occurs, and implies a variable reflection coefficient plus the occurrence of active plant osmo-regulation. This establishes a framework within which water availability to real plants experiencing real osmo-matric conditions can be evaluated.
Potassium adsorption characteristics and potassium forms in some New South Wales soils in relation to early senescence in cotton
Authors: Bedrossian Sevag , Singh Balwant
Published: November 2004

The occurrence of premature senescence (PS) in cotton in Australia has been related to decreased potassium (K) concentration in the affected plants. Soil samples (0–120 cm) were taken from paired cotton fields, i.e. PS fields and similar soils not affected by PS (Non-PS fields), in northern New South Wales. The samples were analysed for different forms of K in soil, mineralogy of various size fractions, and K adsorption characteristics to evaluate differences in their K availability. Smectite was the dominant clay mineral in the studied soils. The K-bearing mineral illite was present in the clay fraction of all samples and its content was generally higher in soils from the Non-PS sites than the PS sites from Moree, Pilliga, and Warren. Water-soluble K (H2O-K) ranged from 0.03 to 2.64 mg/kg (median 0.35 mg/kg), exchangeable K (Exch-K) from 43 to 687 mg/kg (median 107 mg/kg), non-exchangeable K (Nonexch-K) from 164 to 1981 mg/kg (median 819 mg/kg), and total K (Total-K) from 16 811 to 23 207 mg/kg (median 14 740 mg/kg). The values of various K forms were generally higher in samples from the Non-PS fields than the PS fields from Pilliga and Warren sites and the reverse trend occurred for the samples from Trangie. Similar H2O-K and Exch-K values were found for the PS and Non-PS samples from Moree, whereas Nonexch-K and Total-K contents were higher in the top 60 cm soil depth from the Non-PS field than the PS field. The equilibrium activity ratio (ARKe) values were significantly higher for surface samples from the Non-PS sites than the PS sites from Pilliga and Warren and the reverse was true for the Trangie site. There was a sharp decrease in ARKe with depth for the studied samples. The potential buffering capacity (PBCK) for both surface and subsurface samples from the Non-PS site (mean 31.5 (mmol/kg)/(mol/L)1/2) from Trangie was substantially higher than the corresponding samples from the PS sites (mean 14.7 (mmol/kg)/(mol/L)1/2). There was a significant increase in K adsorption for the subsurface samples than the surface samples for all sites, as indicated by the higher values of Freundlich adsorption coefficient, k. At the Pilliga and Warren sites, the occurrence of premature senescence in cotton plants can be explained on the basis of differences in the levels of different forms of K, mineralogy, and K adsorption characteristics of soils from the PS and Non-PS fields. At the Moree site, higher illite content in the Non-PS than the PS soil may explain the difference in their K availability. For the paired Trangie samples, greater PBCK of the Non-PS soil than the PS soil may be responsible for increased K availability in the Non-PS soil. The occurrence of PS symptoms in cotton at Narrabri site cannot be directly contributed to K supplying parameters analysed in the study. The results also show that Exch-K alone may not be adequate to measure K availability to cotton in these soils.
Modelling the effects of soil properties on the concentration of Cd extracted by 10 mM CaCl2 from soils of the Sydney Basin
Authors: Milham P. J. , Jinadasa K. B. P. N. , Collins D. , Nicholls P. J. , Hawkins C. A. , Wenzel R. G. , Kaldor C. J. , Senn A. A. , Humphris C. S. , Fabien J. , Conyers M. K. , Chan K. Y. , Holford P. , Conroy J. P.
Published: November 2004

Undisturbed surface soils on the peri-urban fringe of the Sydney Basin are mostly acidic, with low concentrations of total cadmium (Cdt) and a wide range of other properties. In taxonomically similar soils on vegetable farms, Cdt is typically about 20-fold greater and undesirably large concentrations of Cd occur in some of the vegetables. We used a sequence of multiple regression models to evaluate how soil properties, taxonomy, and farming affected the behaviour of Cd in surface composites (0–15 cm) from 29 farmed and 12 unfarmed sites in the Basin. The dependent variable was the log10 transformation of the concentration of Cd extracted in 1 h by 10 mm CaCl2 solution (log10 CdCa). The range of values of CdCa was 0.2–60 μg/L. The independent variables in the base model were pHCa and log10 Cdt (R2 = 0.885, r.s.d. = 0.245). The final model contained 2 additional log10-transformed soil properties: effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) and oxalate-extractable Fe (Feox) (R2 = 0.974, r.s.d. = 0.121). The effect of log10 Feox was significant (P < 0.05), but only when pHCa was > 5.6, the approximate sorption edge for Cd on goethite. The effects of other soil properties could not be adequately tested because the residual variation was too small. The measured values of CdCa had a median error of ±17% and a maximum error of ±58% relative to the back-transformed fitted values from the final model. The coefficient of log10 Cdt in the final model was 1.33 ± 0.05 for the farmed soils and 1.01 ± 0.04 for the unfarmed soils, i.e. log10 CdCa was more sensitive to changes in log10 Cdt in the farmed than the unfarmed soils (P < 0.01). This difference is consistent with the effects of the greater load and briefer duration of contact for Cd in the farmed soils. The coefficients of pHCa and of log10 ECEC in our final model had values of 0.49 (± 0.03) and 0.69 (± 0.08). These values are remarkably similar to those obtained when we fitted our data, using a model that had been used to describe the effects of soil properties on a compilation of Cd-sorption data, and to those in a partitioning model based on the desorption of Cd from contaminated soils. That is, the behaviour of Cd may be influenced by the duration of contact between Cd and the soil, and perhaps the load; however, neither factor appears to change the effects of pHCa and log10 ECEC.
The systematic effect of soil P buffer capacity on Colwell soil P test v. plant response calibration exists only when field experiments are adjacent
Authors: Bolland M. D. A. , Gilkes R. J.
Published: November 2004

Thirteen field experiments distributed throughout south-western Australia examined the relationship between percentage of maximum grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Aroona) and Colwell soil phosphorus (P) values. These calibration data were fitted to a linear equation, and the slope values for the 13 sites were compared with the P buffer capacity (PBC) of the soils. There was no systematic relationship between these variables except for 3 adjacent sites at Badgingarra and for 3 adjacent sites at Newdegate. We conclude that differences in climate and site conditions have a greater effect than PBC on Colwell soil P test calibration when widely separated sites are compared.
Environmental and chemical factors regulating methane oxidation in a New Zealand forest soil
Authors: Price Sally J. , Kelliher Francis M. , Sherlock Robert R. , Tate Kevin R. , Condron Leo M.
Published: November 2004

Tropospheric methane (CH4) is oxidised by soil microbes called methanotrophs. We examined them in soil samples from a pristine Nothofagus forest located in New Zealand. Laboratory incubations indicated the presence of high-affinity methanotrophs that displayed Michaelis–Menton kinetics (Km = 8.4 µL/L where Km is the substrate concentration at half the maximal rate). When the soil was dried from its field capacity water content of 0.34 to 0.16 m3/m3, CH4 oxidation rate increased nearly 7-fold. The methanotrophs were thus metabolically poised for very high activity, but substrate availability was commonly limiting. When water content was held constant, CH4 oxidation rate nearly doubled as temperature increased from 5 to 12°C, a range found in the forest. By contrast, CH4 oxidation rate did not change much from 12 to 30°C, and it was zero at 35°C. When water content and temperature were held constant, the optimal soil pH for CH4 oxidation was 4.4, as found in the forest. Soil disturbance by nitrogen (N) and non-N salt amendment decreased CH4 oxidation rate, but this depended on the amendment species and concentration. The methanotrophs were adapted to native conditions and exhibited a great sensitivity to disturbance.
CT-based evaluation of axillary sentinel lymph node status in breast cancer: value of added contrast-enhanced study
Authors: Yuen S. , Yamada K. , Goto M. , Sawai K. , Nishimura T.
Published: November 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic reliability of CT-based sentinel lymph node (SLN) size criteria for selecting the candidates for direct axillary dissection without SLN biopsy and to determine the value of added contrast-enhanced study.

Material and Methods: Breast cancer patients ( n=107) underwent triple phasic (1-min, 3-min, 8-min) contrast-enhanced 5 mm-computed tomography (CT) of the breasts and axillae. In the CT image, the most inferior lymph node in the axilla was designated the SLN. Axillary status was judged based on SLN size criteria. CT density, enhancement rate, and peak enhancement time of each SLN were correlated with histopathological results.

Results: SLN size criteria demonstrated a sensitivity of 76% and a positive predictive value of 95% in predicting SLN metastasis. The density values at each scanning time-point were significantly different for metastatic and non-metastatic SLN. However, their enhancement rates differed significantly only at 1 min. Their peak enhancement occurred primarily at 1 min. The use of contrast-enhancement criteria improved the predictive sensitivity, but failed to decrease the false-positive rate of the SLN size criteria.

Conclusion: The enhancement rate at 1 min proved to be the most useful parameter in contrast-enhanced CT studies; however, it failed in improving the accuracy of the SLN size criteria.
Rare cause of abdominal pain in childhood: computed tomography findings in a 14-year-old boy with a colonic carcinoma
Authors: Lohrmann C. , Burger D. , Uhl M.
Published: November 2004

Carcinoma of the colon during infancy and childhood is a rare disease, and the diagnosis is usually not taken into consideration in a child complaining of abdominal pain. Owing to the lack of awareness of its occurrence and the histological cell type, it generally presents as advanced disease. We report on the case of a 14-year-old patient admitted to hospital with an acute abdomen and a 2-month history of night sweats and weight loss of 10 kg. Ultrasound and computed tomography revealed an unclear mass of the lower abdomen, and colonoscopic histopathologic examination disclosed an obstructing tubular-papillary adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon. Colonic carcinoma should be included as a differential diagnosis in young patients with abdominal pain of unknown etiology.
Magnetic resonance microscopic images with 50-mm field-of-view of the medial aspect of the knee
Authors: Niitsu M. , Ikeda K.
Published: November 2004

Purpose: To demonstrate the utility of microscopic images with field-of-view of 50 mm in delineation of the medial aspect of the knee, including fascial plane, superficial and deep layers of the medial collateral ligament (MCL), and the medial meniscus.

Material and Methods: Using a phantom, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a magnetic resonance (MR) microscopy coil with a diameter of 47 mm was calculated and compared with that of a regular coil. Four cadaveric knees were imaged by microscopy and resected to confirm the morphologies. Sixty-nine patients with internal derangement were examined by routine and microscopic imaging. Comparing the paired images for delineation of the above-mentioned structures, a qualitative image analysis was performed.

Results: SNRs of the MR microscopy coil were higher than those of the regular coil. MR microscopy readily demonstrated the multilayered appearance of the fascial plane and both layers of the MCL in cadavers and patients. In cases with MCL tears, ruptured stumps were identified by microscopy. MR microscopy delineated tiny cleavages in cases with meniscal tears. The mean values of qualitative evaluation of the MR microscopy were significantly higher than those of the routine imaging.

Conclusion: High-resolution imaging delineated fine structures of the medial aspect of the knee.
Computed tomography perfusion of the liver: assessment of pure portal blood flow studied with CT perfusion during superior mesenteric arterial portography
Authors: Kojima H. , Tanigawa N. , Komemushi A. , Kariya S. , Sawada S.
Published: November 2004

Purpose: To quantitatively assess the portal component of hepatic blood flow using computed tomography (CT) perfusion studies during superior mesenteric arterial portography.

Material and Methods: Thirty-four patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis (LC) and 13 patients with liver metastasis without chronic liver disease were enrolled in this study. Ten milliliters of a non-ionic contrast medium (150 mgI) was injected at a rate of 5 ml/s via a catheter placed in the superior mesenteric artery. Single-slice cine CT images at the level of the main trunk or the right/left main trunk of the portal vein were acquired over 40 s. The deconvolution method was then used on these CT images to measure blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), and mean transit time (MTT) in (a) liver parenchyma in patients with HCC and liver cirrhosis; (b) liver parenchyma in patients with liver metastasis without cirrhosis; (c) directly in the HCC; and (d) directly in one of the metastases.

Results: In 34 LC patients (a), BF, BV, and MTT in the liver parenchyma were 44.7±24.5 ml/min/100 g, 3.9±2.4 ml/100 g, and 10.9±5.5 s, respectively. In 13 patients without cirrhosis (b), BF, BV, and MTT in the liver parenchyma were 89.6±52.0 ml/min/100 g, 6.3 ±3.2 ml/100 g, and 8.7±3.6 sec, respectively. A significant difference in BF and BV was seen in patients with liver cirrhosis compared to those without cirrhosis. BF, BV, and MTT measured directly in HCC (c) were 6.5±4.5 ml/min/100 g, 0.4±0.4 ml/100 g, and 3.0±3.1 sec respectively, and BF, BV, and MTT in liver metastases (d) were 19.3 ± 21.7 ml/min/100 g, 0.6±0.8 ml/100 g, and 1.8±1.6 s, respectively.

Conclusion: CT perfusion studies during superior mesenteric arterial portography allow quantitative assessment of pure portal blood flow in the liver.
Ultrasonography in follow-up of soft tissue augmentation of the face with synthetic materials: a pilot study
Authors: Giovagnorio F. , Drudi F. M. , Valentini C. , Paonessa A.
Published: November 2004

Purpose: To assess ultrasonography in the evaluation of reactions after soft tissue augmentation of the face with synthetic materials.

Material and Methods: Six female patients (mean age 39±8 years) treated for facial tissue augmentation noticed unpleasant or painful effects in the intervention site after a mean of 24 months were evaluated with ultrasonography. Two patients had been treated with injections of microparticles, two with Gore-Tex implants, and two had been injected with liquid silicone. Fifteen female patients (age 27-55 years, mean 41±14 years) who had received the same treatment 14-48 months before without any complications were also evaluated and used as controls. Biopsy was performed in all patients, while four underwent re-intervention.

Results: In all patients with Gore-Tex implants, a thick, homogeneous hypoechoic halo was seen surrounding the implants. Small hypoechoic nodules were noticed in the patients who had been treated with microparticles and with liquid silicone. In two cases treated with liquid silicone the subcutaneous tissue was invaded by an irregular area of marked inhomogeneity.

Conclusion: Sonography must be considered the method of choice for producing instrumental evidence of foreign body reactions after soft tissue augmentation of the face with synthetic materials.
Breast arterial calcifications as an indicator of systemic vascular disease
Authors: Markopoulos C. , Mantas D. , Revenas K. , Kouskos E. , Tzonou A. , Liapis C. , Kostakis A.
Published: November 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the association between mammographically detected arterial calcifications and systemic vascular disease.

Material and Methods: The medical records of 77 women who had either breast arterial calcifications or underwent surgery for carotid stenosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, or femoropopliteal bypass (study groups A and B) were evaluated and compared with 33 women without breast arterial calcifications (group C). Patients in both arms of the study underwent additional vascular tests or mammography.

Results: Currently available data indicate that there is a statistically significant correlation between the presence of arterial calcifications on the mammogram and atheromatosis of the carotid or femoral arteries.

Conclusion: Screening mammograms might be useful in the detection of women at risk for systemic vascular disease.
Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor Binds to Annexin II, a Cofactor for Macrophage HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Ma Ge , Greenwell-Wild Teresa , Lei Kejian , Jin Wenwen , Swisher Jennifer , Hardegen Neil , Wild Carl T. , Wahl Sharon M.
Published: November 2004

The distribution of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) at entry portals indicates its involvement in defending the host from pathogens, consistent with the ability of SLPI to inhibit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection by an unknown mechanism. We now demonstrate that SLPI binds to the membrane of human macrophages through the phospholipid-binding protein, annexin II. Based on the recent identification of human cell membrane phosphatidylserine (PS) in the outer coat of HIV-1, we define a novel role for annexin II, a PS-binding moiety, as a cellular cofactor supporting macrophage HIV-1 infection. Moreover, this HIV-1 PS interaction with annexin II can be disrupted by SLPI or other annexin II–specific inhibitors. The PS–annexin II connection may represent a new target to prevent HIV-1 infection.
Pseudoxanthomonas mexicana sp. nov. and Pseudoxanthomonas japonensis sp. nov., isolated from diverse environments, and emended descriptions of the genus Pseudoxanthomonas Finkmann et al. 2000 and of its type species
Authors: Thierry Sébastien , Macarie Hervé , Iizuka Takashi , Geißdörfer Walter , Assih Essokazi A. , Spanevello Mark , Verhe Frédéric , Thomas Pierre , Fudou Ryosuke , Monroy Oscar , Labat Marc , Ouattara Aboubakar S.
Published: November 2004

Three mesophilic bacteria (strains AMX 26BT, UR374_02 and 12-3T) isolated respectively from an anaerobic digester, human urine and urban riverside soil were characterized. Cells were Gram-negative, motile, non-sporulating, straight to curved rods with one polar flagellum and had a strictly respiratory metabolism with O2as the preferential terminal electron acceptor. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that all strains clustered within theXanthomonadaceaebranch of theProteobacteria. Isolates AMX 26BTand UR374_02 exhibited 100 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and both were related to strain 12-3T(99·6 % similarity). The closest relative of all the isolates wasPseudoxanthomonas broegbernensisDSM 12573T(similarity 97·1–97·5 %), and they were equidistantly related toXanthomonasspecies (95·4–96·6 %),Stenotrophomonasspecies (95·3–96·1 %) andPseudoxanthomonas taiwanensisATCC BAA-4040T(95·3–95·4 %). Chemotaxonomic and biochemical data (branched-chain cellular fatty acid pattern without C13 : 0iso 3-OH, ubiquinone with eight isoprenoid units, limited range of substrates used, ability to reduce nitrite but not nitrate with the production of N2O) supported their affiliation to the genusPseudoxanthomonas. The results of DNA–DNA hybridization and/or phenotypic analysis allowed them to be differentiated from the twoPseudoxanthomonasspecies with validly published names and showed that strain 12-3Twas genomically and phenotypically distinct from the other two isolates. On the basis of these results, two novel species of the genusPseudoxanthomonasare proposed:Pseudoxanthomonas mexicanasp. nov., consisting of strains AMX 26BT(=ATCC 700993T=CIP 106674T=JCM 11524T) (type strain) and UR374_02 (=DSM 15133), andPseudoxanthomonas japonensissp. nov., consisting of strain 12-3T(=CCUG 48231T=CIP 107388T=JCM 11525T). The report of these two novel species leads to the emendation of the description of the genusPseudoxanthomonasand the re-evaluation of the phenotype ofP. broegbernensisDSM 12573Tnecessitates the emendation of its description.
Bacillus vietnamensis sp. nov., a moderately halotolerant, aerobic, endospore-forming bacterium isolated from Vietnamese fish sauce
Authors: Noguchi Haruko , Uchino Masataka , Shida Osamu , Takano Katsumi , Nakamura Lawrence K. , Komagata Kazuo
Published: November 2004

Five strains of Gram-positive, endospore-forming, moderately halotolerant bacteria were studied taxonomically. Four were isolated from Vietnamese fish sauce and one from the Gulf of Mexico. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that these strains clustered within the radiation of the genusBacillusbut separately from recognizedBacillusspecies. DNA G+C composition of the isolates ranged from 43 to 44 mol%. Strains 15-1Tand NRRL B-14850 showed high levels of DNA–DNA relatedness (82–100 %) to each other and to the other strains isolated here; they displayed low levels of DNA–DNA relatedness (<29 %) to the type strains of selected recognizedBacillusspecies. They grew in 15 % NaCl and optimally in 1 % NaCl, which is characteristic of moderately halotolerant bacteria. The isolates grew at pH 6·5 to 10·0 but not at pH 6·0. Their cell walls containedmeso-diaminopimelic acid. The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7 and the principal cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0and anteiso-C17 : 0. Based on these results, the strains tested were regarded as members of a novelBacillusspecies for which the nameBacillus vietnamensissp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 15-1T(=JCM 11124T=NRIC 0531T=NRRL 23890T).
Methylobacterium nodulans sp. nov., for a group of aerobic, facultatively methylotrophic, legume root-nodule-forming and nitrogen-fixing bacteria
Authors: Jourand Philippe , Giraud Eric , Béna Gilles , Sy Abdoulaye , Willems Anne , Gillis Monique , Dreyfus Bernard , de Lajudie Philippe
Published: November 2004

Data on 72 non-pigmented bacterial strains that specifically induce nitrogen-fixing root nodules on the legume speciesCrotalaria glaucoides,Crotalaria perrottetiiandCrotalaria podocarpaare reviewed. By SDS-PAGE analysis of total protein patterns and by 16S rRNA PCR-RFLP, these strains form a homogeneous group that is separate from other legume root-nodule-forming bacteria. The 16S rRNA gene-based phylogeny indicates that these bacteria belong to the genusMethylobacterium. They can grow on C1compounds such as methanol, formate and formaldehyde but not methylamine as sole carbon source, and carry anmxaFgene, encoding methanol dehydrogenase, which supports their methylotrophic metabolism. Presence of anodAnodulation gene, and ability to nodulate plants ofCrotalariaspecies and to fix nitrogen are features that separate the strains currently included in this group from other members of the genusMethylobacterium. The present study includes additional genotypic and phenotypic characterization of this novelMethylobacteriumspecies, i.e.nifHgene sequence, morphology, physiology, enzymic and carbon source assimilation tests and antibiotic resistance. The nameMethylobacterium nodulanssp. nov. (type strain, ORS 2060T=CNCM I 2342T=LMG 21967T) is proposed for this group of root-nodule-forming bacteria.
Erwinia toletana sp. nov., associated with Pseudomonas savastanoi-induced tree knots
Authors: Rojas Ana María , Rios Jose Esteban García de los , Saux Marion Fischer-Le , Jimenez Pedro , Reche Paloma , Bonneau Sophie , Sutra Laurent , Mathieu-Daudé Françoise , McClelland Michael
Published: November 2004

Gram-negative bacteria were isolated from knots induced by Pseudomonas savastanoi in olive trees (Olea europaea L.). A total of nine endophytic bacterial strains were isolated, each from inside a different tree knot. Biochemical characterization indicated that all the strains belong to the family Enterobacteriaceae. Phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA genes of these novel isolates revealed that they formed a homogeneous cluster within Erwinia species. DNA signatures of these isolates were identical to those described for the genus Erwinia. The strains formed a homogeneous group as shown by DNA–DNA hybridization analysis and numerical analysis of phenotypic data, clearly differentiated from all species of Erwinia with validly published names. The data provide strong evidence of the differentiation of these strains from the most closely related species. Therefore, these isolates represent a novel species, for which the name Erwinia toletana sp. nov. is proposed. The isolates are available at CFBP, CECT and ATCC. The G+C content is 52±0·5 mol%. The type strain is CFBP 6631T (=A37T=ATCC 700880T=CECT 5263T).
Sphingomonas oligophenolica sp. nov., a halo- and organo-sensitive oligotrophic bacterium from paddy soil that degrades phenolic acids at low concentrations
Authors: Ohta Hiroyuki , Hattori Reiko , Ushiba Yuuji , Mitsui Hisayuki , Ito Masao , Watanabe Hiroshi , Tonosaki Akira , Hattori Tsutomu
Published: November 2004

The taxonomic position of a halo- and organo-sensitive, oligotrophic soil bacterium, strain S213T, was investigated. Cells were Gram-negative, non-motile, strictly aerobic, yellow-pigmented rods of short to medium length on diluted nutrient broth. When 0·1–0·4 % (w/v) NaCl was added to diluted media composed of peptone and meat extract, growth was inhibited with increasing NaCl concentration and the cells became long aberrant forms. When 6 mM CaCl2was added, the cells grew quite normally and aberrant cells were no longer found at 0·1–0·5 % (w/v) NaCl. Chemotaxonomically, strain S213Tcontains chemical markers that indicate its assignment to theSphingomonadaceae: the presence of ubiquinone Q-10 as the predominant respiratory quinone, C18 : 1and C16 : 0as major fatty acids, C14 : 02-OH as the major 2-hydroxy fatty acid and sphingoglycolipids. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain S213Tbelongs to the genusSphingomonas, exhibiting high sequence similarity to the 16S rRNA gene sequences ofSphingomonas maliIFO 15500T(98·3 %),Sphingomonas pruniIFO 15498T(98·0 %),Sphingomonas asaccharolyticaIFO 15499T(97·9 %) andSphingomonas echinoidesDSM 1805T(97·8 %). The results of DNA–DNA hybridization experiments and its phenotypic characteristics clearly distinguished the strain from its nearest neighbours and demonstrate that strain S213Trepresents a novelSphingomonasspecies, for which the nameSphingomonas oligophenolicasp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S213T(=JCM 12082T=CIP 107926T).