bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity and distribution of a deeply branched novel proteobacterial group found in anaerobic–aerobic activated sludge processes
Authors: Kong Yunhong , Ong Say Leong , Ng Wun Jun , Liu Wen‐Tso 
Published: March 2003

SummaryA novel coccobacilli group found previously in enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) systems was further revealed to have a high degree of diversity and distribution in various activated sludge systems. Phylogenetic analysis based on 14 existing and 18 newly retrieved 16S rRNA sequences revealed that these sequences formed a novel cohesive cluster with seven subgroups in the γ‐Proteobacteria. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with a set of probes designed specifically targeting the novel group at different hierarchical levels showed that the novel group with a coccoid (2–4 µm) to occasionally long‐rod (up to 20 µm) shape widely distributed and in some cases predominated in sludge samples taken from nine lab‐ and full‐scale EBPR systems (10–50% of total cells) and four conventional activated sludge systems (1–10%). Variation of predominance was also observed among those subgroups in systems showing deteriorated or effective EBPR activity.
A novel assay to monitor predator–prey interactions for Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus 109 J reveals a role for methyl‐accepting chemotaxis proteins in predation
Authors: Lambert Carey , Smith Margaret C. M. , Sockett R. Elizabeth 
Published: March 2003

Summary Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus are Gram‐negative bacteria that prey upon other Gram‐negative bacteria, including some pathogens, in a wide variety of habitats including soil, sewage, marine and estuarine environments. In order to facilitate studies on predation by this organism, we have developed a method that assays killing of luminescent Escherichia coli by B. bacteriovorus. Moreover, we have used this assay to compare predation of cells by derivatives of B. bacteriovorus containing targeted mutations in genes we have identified. Two genes are described; one, mcp2, encoding a methyl‐accepting chemotaxis protein (MCP) and the other, an mviN homologue. Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus mcp2::aphII were less efficient predators on luminescent E. coli than B. bacteriovorus containing a randomly inserted aphII gene via TnphoA transposition. These and other chemotaxis experiments implicated at least a minor role for chemotaxis in predation by B. bacteriovorus. They also open the way for further studies on Bdellovibrio ecology, genomics and predator–prey interactions. The results further confirm that Bdellovibrio uses a chemotaxis system in order to sense, and respond to, changes in its environment, including prey.
Intracellular symbionts of sharpshooters (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellinae) form a distinct clade with a small genome
Authors: Moran Nancy A. , Dale Colin , Dunbar Helen , Smith Wendy A. , Ochman Howard 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe leafhoppers (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) are the most species‐rich group of invertebrates in which intracellular symbionts are usual. Here we present the first molecular characterization of bacteriome‐associates in the leafhoppers, with focus on the subfamily Cicadellinae (sharpshooters). Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rDNA sequences from intracellular symbionts residing in the bacteriomes of five host species indicate that these symbionts form a well‐defined clade within the γ‐3 Proteobacteria, consistent with an ancient colonization and strict vertical transmission. More extensive gene sequence information is reported for the symbiont of Homalodisca coagulata (Say). The genome size, as determined by pulsed field gel electrophoresis, is approximately 680 kb. This finding, when combined with published results for symbionts of aphids, ants, psyllids and tsetse flies, adds to an emerging pattern which suggests that bacteriome associates often descend from ancient infections by γ Proteobacteria, and that these lineages have undergone pronounced genome reduction. A new genus and species name, ‘Candidatus Baumannia cicadellinicola’ (sp. nov.) is proposed for this newly characterized clade of symbiotic bacteria.
Diversity of microbial communities correlated to physiochemical parameters in a digestion basin of a zero‐discharge mariculture system
Authors: Cytryn Eddie , Gelfand Ilya , Barak Yoram , Van Rijn Jaap , Minz Dror 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBacterial community structure and physiochemical parameters were examined in a sedimentation basin of a zero‐discharge mariculture system. The system consisted of an intensively stocked fish basin from which water was recirculated through two separate treatment loops. Surface water from the basin was pumped over a trickling filter in one loop while bottom‐water was recirculated through a sedimentation basin followed by a fluidized bed reactor in the other. Ammonia oxidation to nitrate in the trickling filter and organic matter digestion together with nitrate reduction in the sedimentation basin and fluidized bed reactor, allowed zero‐discharge operation of the system. Relatively high concentrations of oxygen, nitrate, sulphate and organic matter detected simultaneously in the digestion basin suggested the potential for a wide range of microbially‐mediated transformation processes. In this study, physiochemical parameters were correlated to bacterial diversity and distribution in horizontal and vertical profiles within this basin in an effort to obtain a basic understanding of the chemical and microbial processes in this system. Chemical activity and microbial diversity, the latter measured by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified 16S rDNA fragments, were higher in the sludge layer than in the overlying aqueous layer of the basin. Chemical parameters in sludge samples close to the basin inlet suggested enhanced microbial activity relative to other sampling areas with evidence of both nitrate and sulphate reduction. Four of the nine DGGE bands identified in this zone were affiliated with the Bacteroidetes phylum. Detected sequences closely related to sequences of organisms involved in the sulphur cycle included Desulfovibrio, Dethiosulfovibrio and apparent sulphur oxidizers from the gamma‐proteobacteria. In addition, a number of sequences from the beta and alpha‐proteobacteria were identified.
Long‐term results of colorectal resection for slow transit constipation
Authors: Hasegawa  , Radley  , Fatah  , Keighley  
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo determine the long‐term outcome for surgery for slow transit constipation.Patients and methodsA long‐term retrospective review of 61 patients who had undergone surgery for slow transit constipation between 1977 and 1996. Patients with megabowel, Hirschsprung's disease or primary anorectal pathology were excluded from the study.ResultsSubtotal colectomy was performed in 48 patients and segmental colectomy in 13. Twenty‐four patients (39%) required further surgery. Fourteen patients (23%) eventually had a permanent stoma. Twenty‐nine patients (48%) had normal bowel habit and improved symptoms (grade 1) following treatment. The permanent stoma rate was significantly higher in patients with proven psychological disturbance (70% vs 14%, P = 0.0005). Unsatisfactory outcomes (grades 3 and 4) were more common in patients with a psychological disorder (n = 10), 70% vs 18% (P = 0.002), and those with slow transit and impaired rectal evacuation, 39% vs 11% (P = 0.025). Satisfactory outcomes (grades 1 and 2) were achieved in 95% of the psychologically stable patients with slow transit constipation after subtotal colectomy.ConclusionThe long‐term results of surgery for slow transit constipation may be poor. However, a good outcome can be predicted in patients with slow transit constipation without impaired evacuation and overt psychological or psychiatric disease.
Disappointing results of glyceryl trinitrate ointment in the treatment of chronic fissure‐in‐ano in a district general hospital
Authors: Pitt  , Dawas  , Dawson  
Published: March 2003

Objective The recent introduction of glyceryl trinitrate ointment (GTN) has greatly changed the management of chronic fissure‐in‐ano. We have investigated the results obtained from this new treatment and the consequent alterations to surgical practice.Patients and methods All patients who presented with chronic fissure‐in‐ano from March 1997 to March 1998 were treated with GTN ointment and prospectively evaluated until healing or lateral internal sphincterotomy. Long‐term follow up was obtained using a telephone questionnaire.Results Forty‐five patients were treated with GTN ointment. Twenty‐two (49%) were healed initially, but 10/22 (45%) recurred within 36 weeks. Twelve (27%) patients were healed for the duration of this study. Twenty‐six (58%) patients complained of headache, of whom five (11%) were forced to abandon treatment. In comparison with the previous year, rates of lateral internal sphincterotomy reduced by 24%.Conclusion GTN is a useful adjunct to the treatment of chronic anal fissure, but sphincterotomy remains the mainstay of treatment.
How accurate is the endoscopist’s assessment of visualization of the left colon seen at flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Authors: Adam  , Ali  , Shorthouse  
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveThere are concerns that the left colon may be incompletely examined by the standard 60‐cm flexible sigmoidoscope. Our objective was to compare the endoscopist’s assessment of the length of colon seen with the actual length visualized.Patients and methodsDuring flexible sigmoidoscopy, endoscopists were asked to state how far they had reached. This was compared with the length of colon actually seen, assessed by a novel electromagnetic imaging (EMI) device that records the three‐dimensional position of the scope within a magnetic field pervading the patient’s abdomen. If EMI showed that the splenic flexure had not been reached, the endoscopist was asked to use the imager to see if it helped advance the scope further.ResultsIn 94 patients, the endoscopist’s assessment of position reached was correct in only 47 cases (50%), with an overestimate of length of colon visualized in 24 (25.5%) and an underestimate in 23 (24.5%). EMI showed the splenic flexure had not been reached in 56 patients (59.6%). Using information from the EMI system, further progress was subsequently made in 45/56 (80.4%).ConclusionCaution is required in the diagnosis of rectal bleeding using flexible sigmoidoscopy alone. This has implications for the use of the 60‐cm flexible sigmoidoscope as a screening tool.
Endosonographic diagnosis of early colorectal tumour invasion using ultrasound miniature probe
Authors: Hizawa  , Kawasaki  , Hirakawa  , Aoyagi  , Yao  , Fujishima  
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveWe sought to determine the accuracy of differentiating between mucosal and submucosal colorectal tumour invasion using a high‐frequency ultrasound miniature probe.Patients and methodsWe analysed 43 lesions sonographically interpreted as T1 colorectal tumours, and evaluated the accuracy of detecting mucosal neoplasia (true‐positive and true‐negative mucosal neoplasias divided by all lesions).ResultsThe overall accuracy of detecting mucosal neoplasia was 74%. Sonographic images were easily obtained under direct visualization, even for small and non‐polypoid lesions anywhere in the colon and rectum. However, diagnostic accuracy tended to be low in polypoid lesions >20 mm in width, and pure carcinoma with submucosal invasion. The submucosal layer in 16 lesions was visualized as a more detailed laminar structure, whereas the remaining 27 lesions showed a single hyperechoic submucosal layer. However, there were no significant differences in accuracy between the two.ConclusionThe high‐frequency ultrasound miniature probe system may be useful for evaluating small non‐polypoid colorectal tumours because of easy manipulation rather than high resolution visualization.
Cigarette smoking and risk of death from colorectal cancer in women
Authors: Rohan  , Jain  , Rehm  , Ashley  , Bondy  , Ferrence  , Cohen  , Miller  
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveMuch of the epidemiological evidence concerning the relationship between cigarette smoking and colorectal cancer has come from studies in men, and less is known about the role of smoking in the aetiology and pathogenesis of colorectal cancer in women. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between cigarette smoking and risk of death from colorectal cancer in a large cohort of women.Subjects and methodsThe study was conducted within the cohort of 56 837 women who were enrolled in the Canadian National Breast Screening Study (NBSS) and who completed self‐administered dietary questionnaires. (The NBSS is a randomized controlled trial of screening for breast cancer in women aged 40–59.) During follow up to December 31, 1993, 90 women died from colorectal cancer (79 from colon cancer, 11 from rectal cancer). Deaths were ascertained by means of record linkage to the Canadian Mortality Database. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazards ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between cigarette smoking and risk of death from colorectal cancer, after adjustment for age alone, or age, energy intake, alcohol consumption, and other potentially relevant confounders.ResultsCigarette smoking was not associated with altered risk of death from colorectal cancer. The multivariate HR (95% CI) for the risk in ever smokers compared with that in never smokers was 1.37 (0.86–2.18). There was no evidence for trends in risk with cigarette‐years of consumption, and by amount and duration of consumption.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that cigarette smoking is not associated with altered risk of death from colorectal cancer in women. However, given the possibility that the association between cigarette smoking and colorectal cancer might not become evident until at least 30–40 years after the commencement of smoking, it might still be too early to detect an association, since uptake of smoking by women occurred later than uptake by men.
Screening of patients at high risk of colorectal cancer
Authors: Hill J. , Walsh S. , Evans D. G. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo determine the present state of colonoscopic screening practice for patients at a high risk of developing colorectal cancer.MethodsWe assessed colonoscopic screening practice in nine colorectal surgery or gastroenterology units referring patients to the regional genetics centre in the North‐west of England. The validity of the pedigree was confirmed by inspection of Hospital records, use of cancer registries and records of general practitioners across the United Kingdom. The screening activity at the participating centres was investigated by means of a questionnaire, site visit and study of case notes.ResultsOne hundred and eight high risk families were identified. Outside the genetics unit, family history was not taken in a structured manner and family pedigree was not confirmed. In four units screening was offered directly by the consultant surgeon. Differing protocols for screening were in place in six units, but were frequently not adhered to. Colonoscopy completion rates were known in only four units (range 83–97%). Frequency of screening varied from 2 to 5 years. Recording of information was minimal outside the patients’ records and there were no dedicated databases. Facilities for families to be screened together existed in three units and the psychological effect of screening was not determined outside the genetics centre.ConclusionsScreening practice should be standardized and specific criteria met before regular screening is initiated. A dedicated database should be established to record information from units screening patients at high risk of colorectal cancer.
Effect of age on the functional outcome of total abdominal colectomy for colonic inertia
Authors: Pikarsky A. J. , Efron J. , Hamel C. T. , Weiss E. G. , Nogueras J. J. , Wexner S. D. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveColonic inertia (CI) usually presents in women in the third decade of life; however, elderly patients are at times diagnosed with the disease. Total abdominal colectomy (TAC) is considered the preferred surgical treatment for patients with well established CI refractory to conservative and medical management. Surgeons are reluctant to proceed with colectomy in aged patients because of anticipated high morbidity and poor functional outcome.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the outcome in 14 patients over the age of 65 years (range 65–80) (Group I) who underwent TAC for CI between 1988 and 1996. The functional and clinical outcome was compared with that of 41 patients under the age of 65 (range 21–61) (Group II) operated upon during the same time period. Functional outcome was assessed by postal and telephone questionnaires at least 12 months following surgery.ResultsThere was no major postoperative morbidity in either group. Three (21%) patients in Group I developed small bowel obstruction postoperatively and, of them, 2 required surgical treatment. In Group II the rate of obstruction was 7% (3 patients), with one patient requiring surgery. One patient in Group I subsequently underwent completion proctectomy and creation of an end ileostomy due to continued panenteric hypomotility. Three patients in Group I died during follow‐up from causes unrelated to surgery. The mean frequency of spontaneous bowel movements following surgery was 3.8 (range 1–10)/day in Group I and 2.9 (range 1–8)/day in Group II (P=NS). ‘Excellent’ outcome was reported by 7 patients (64%) in Group I and 39 patients (95%) in Group II (P=0.01).ConclusionTAC can be performed in elderly patients with established CI with acceptable functional results and no increase in morbidity, resulting in lifestyle improvement. Complete physiological evaluation with increased emphasis on small bowel and gastric motility studies is required in this patient population.
Curative resection for rectal carcinoma: definition influences outcome in terms of local recurrence
Authors: Anwar R. M. , Britton A. , Stevens W. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveThere are wide variations in local recurrence rate following curative surgery for rectal cancer and there are substantial inconsistencies among surgeons regarding the method of defining curative resection. This paper seeks to explore whether defining criteria is one of the important factors driving the variations in outcome.MethodA literature review was undertaken to find all UK‐based studies that had data on curative resection and local recurrence rates. The studies were divided into groups with distinct definitions of curative resection for rectal cancer. Meta‐analyses were performed to pool the risks of local recurrence by group definition. Statistical tests were used to explore the variation in local recurrence by group. Confounding relationships of age, sex, Dukes stage, length of follow‐up and year of study were explored as far as possible given the limitations of the available data.ResultsFor rectal cancers significant differences were found between the pooled local recurrence risks by group definition (P < 0.01). Meta‐regression tests including all the studies indicate that the definition of curative resection is an important predictor of local recurrence.ConclusionIt is suggested that a standardized approach towards defining curative resection and local recurrence may have a significant effect on outcomes in colorectal cancer surgery and would enable comparisons to be made between different series.
A simplified defaecographic procedure for the assessment of faecal incontinence or obstructed defaecation
Authors: Mibu R. , Hotokezaka M. , Kai T. , Tanabe Y. , Tanaka M. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveVarious types of defaecography have been reported for research purposes. A simplified method for clinical use has not been devised for the assessment of disordered defaecation. The aim of this study was to describe a simplified procedure of defaecography and evaluate its usefulness in the diagnosis of faecal incontinence or obstructed defaecation.Patients and methodsAnorectal manometry and simplified defaecography were performed in 82 consecutive patients. The procedure of defaecography consisted of instillation into the rectum with a 100% weight per volume of barium in the sitting position through a Foley catheter with an inflated balloon, and several series of static radiograph at rest, during squeezing and straining according to deflation of the balloon.ResultsPositive rate of barium leakage after barium insertion was significantly higher in incontinent patients than constipated or asymptomatic patients (P < 0.001, respectively). The degree of barium leakage was classified into mild in 18 patients with faecal incontinence, moderate in 4 and severe in 2. Constipated patients had more difficulty trying to expel a catheter than incontinent or asymptomatic patients (P=0.001, P=0.03). Twenty‐four percent of patients with obstructed defaecation could not expel the balloon and 48% could not evacuate barium sulphate completely. The positive rate of morphological changes such as rectocele, internal intussusception and band formation was higher in constipated patients than incontinent or asymptomatic patients (P=0.01, P=0.04).ConclusionThe grade of barium leakage or balloon prolapse reflected the severity of faecal incontinence. The ability in rectal emptying of the balloon or barium sulphate also correlated with the degree of outlet obstruction. The authors concluded that the present defaecographic technique was useful for the assessment of faecal incontinence or functional outlet obstruction, and recommend it due to its simplicity.
Treatment of chronic pilonidal sinus with local anaesthesia: a randomized trial of closed compared with open technique
Authors: Testini M. , Piccinni G. , Miniello S. , Di Venere B. , Lissidini G. , Nicolardi V. , Bonomo G. M. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo compare open with closed treatment of chronic pilonidal sinus.Patients and methodsFrom 1993 to 1996, 100 patients were submitted to excision of chronic pilonidal sinus, with local anaesthesia and were randomized in two groups: group A in which open treatment and group B in which direct suture were performed. The follow‐up, ranging from 37 to 89 months, was performed by outpatient visits or by phone.ResultsShort‐term results showed 6 (12.0%) post‐operative complications in group A vs 10 (20.0%) in group B. Long‐term results showed 9 (18.0%) complications in group A vs 7 (14.0%) in group B. Mean wound healing was 58 days (range: 29–93) in group A vs 12 (range: 9–61) in group B. The return to normal activity was 25.7 (range: 11–77) vs 10.4 (range: 5–32). Wound healing and the return to normal activity were the only statistically significant differences.ConclusionsRegarding morbidity neither technique has particular advantages over the other. The closed technique produced quicker wound healing and a quicker return to normal activity.