bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of sMMO‐containing Type I methanotrophs in Lake Washington sediment
Authors: Auman Ann J. , Lidstrom Mary E. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryMethane‐oxidizing bacteria (methanotrophs) containing soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO) are of interest in natural environments due to the high co‐metabolic activity of this enzyme with contaminants such as trichloroethylene. We have analysed sMMO‐containing methanotrophs in sediment from a freshwater lake. Environmental clone banks for a gene encoding a diagnostic sMMO subunit (mmoX) were generated using DNA extracted from Lake Washington sediment and subjected to RFLP analysis. Representatives from the six RFLP groups were cloned and sequenced, and all were found to group with Type I Methylomonas mmoX, although a majority were divergent from known Methylomonas mmoX sequences. Direct hybridization of Lake Washington sediment DNA was carried out using a series of sMMO‐ and Methylomonas‐specific probes to assess the significance of these sMMO‐containing Methylomonas‐like strains in the sediment. The total sMMO‐containing population and the sMMO‐containing Methylomonas‐like population were estimated to be similar to previous estimates for total methanotrophs and Type I methanotrophs. These results suggest that the major methanotrophic population in Lake Washington sediment consists of sMMO‐containing Methylomonas‐like (Type I) methanotrophs. The whole‐cell TCE degradation kinetics of such a strain, LW15, isolated from this environment, were determined and found to be similar to values reported for other sMMO‐containing methanotrophs. The numerical significance of sMMO‐containing Methylomonas‐like methanotrophs in a mesotrophic lake environment suggests that these methanotrophs may play an important role in methanotroph‐mediated transformations, including co‐metabolism of halogenated solvents, in natural environments.
Metabolic biomarkers for monitoring anaerobic naphthalene biodegradation in situ
Authors: Phelps Craig D. , Battistelli Joseph , Young L. Y. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryDuring the anaerobic biodegradation of naphthalene and methylnaphthalene, unique metabolites are formed by specific microbial carboxylation and ring‐reduction reactions. Groundwater samples from an anoxic, shallow aquifer contaminated with gasoline were examined for the presence of these metabolites by extraction, derivatization and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy. Several metabolites [2‐naphthoic acid (2‐NA), tetrahydro‐2‐naphthoic acid (TH‐2‐NA), hexahydro‐2‐naphthoic acid (HH‐2‐NA) and methylnaphthoic acid (MNA)] were found to be present in the groundwater samples. The concentration of 2‐NA at each monitoring well was quantified and correlated to the zones of contamination. The presence of the other metabolites in the same wells as 2‐NA was used as confirmation that the anaerobic pathway was indeed active. The distribution of metabolites at this site shows that they can be used as biomarkers for demonstrating in situ biodegradation.
Extremely productive microbial communities in shallow saline pools respond immediately to changing meteorological conditions
Authors: Kirschner A. K. T. , Eiler A. , Zechmeister T. C. , Velimirov B. , Herzig A. , Mach R. , Farnleitner A. H. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryDiel changes in bacterial and cyanobacterial numbers, as well as heterotrophic bacterial production, were examined in two shallow alkaline pools, harbouring dense populations of cyanobacteria (up to 1100 × 109 cells l−1) and bacteria (up to 500 × 109 cells l−1). Together with the recorded bacterial production rates (925 µgC l−1 h−1), these values are the highest reported for natural aquatic ecosystems. The investigations were performed during a fair‐weather situation, and during a rapid change after a long‐term fair‐weather situation to thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. During fair weather, bacterial growth was significantly correlated to the diurnal light and temperature cycle. Prokaryotic abundances were fairly constant, and loss by grazing and viral lysis must have been of significant importance. During the invasion of rainy weather, the prokaryotic community showed a strong and immediate response. A significant enhancement of bacterial growth followed after rainfall, suggesting that the high salt concentrations had inhibited bacterial activity. Changes in bacterial and cyanobacterial numbers were consistent with this pattern. From comparison with the available literature, we conclude that diel changes of bacterioplankton are regulated by a complex combination of environmental factors specific for each investigated ecosystem. In the soda pools investigated, external abiotic factors were dominant on a diel scale. In larger ecosystems, such factors are much more buffered and internal biotic interactions may prevail.
Bacteria and Archaea Group II introns: additional mobile genetic elements in the environment
Authors: Toro Nicolás 
Published: March 2003

SummarySelf‐splicing group II introns are present in the organelles of lower eukaryotes, plants and Bacteria and have been found recently in Archaea. It is generally accepted that group II introns originated in bacteria before spreading to mitochondria and chloroplasts. These introns are thought to be related to the progenitors of spliceosomal introns. Group II introns are also mobile genetic elements. In bacteria, they appear to spread using either other mobile genetic elements or low‐expression regions as target sites. Bacteria and Archaea genome sequence annotations have revealed the diversity of group II intron classes and that they are involved in vertical and horizontal inheritance.
Prolonged delay in healing after surgical treatment of pilonidal sinus is avoidable
Authors: Patel  , Lee  , Bloom  , Allen‐Mersh  
Published: March 2003

A chronically infected sacral wound requiring repeated shaving, cleansing and dressing after treatment of pilonidal sinus disrupts both work and social activity.ObjectiveTo compare delay in pilonidal sinus wound healing after laying open with that after primary closure.Patients and methodHealing time and recurrence were recorded in a consecutive series of 102 patients in one hospital undergoing either asymmetric primary closure (Karydakis procedure) by a single surgeon or laying open by other surgeons.ResultsThe interval from operation to cessation of wound dressing was significantly shorter (log rank test, P < 0.0003) after primary closure (median 3 weeks, iqr 3–6) compared with laying open (median 6 weeks, iqr 4–8). No primary closure (0%) and 10 laid open (19%) wounds remained unhealed at 10 weeks from operation (2 × 2 contingency table, P = 0.003). No significant difference was demonstrated (Mann–Whitney U‐test) between healing time in elective (median 3 weeks, iqr 3–6) compared with emergency (median 3 weeks, iqr 3–3) admissions treated by primary closure.ConclusionsProlonged delay in healing after surgical treatment of pilonidal sinus is avoidable.
Follow up of more than 10 years after strictureplasty for jejunoileal Crohn’s disease: long‐term results and predictive factors for outcome
Authors: Yamamoto  , Keighley  
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveThe long‐term outcome of strictureplasty for Crohn’s disease is unknown. There have been few reports that have examined the predictive factors for outcome after strictureplasty. This study was undertaken to assess the long‐term results and predictive factors for outcome following strictureplasty for jejunoileal Crohn’s disease.Patients and methodsThirty‐eight patients who underwent primary strictureplasty for jejunoileal Crohn’s disease between 1980 and 1987 were reviewed.ResultsFour patients developed an enterocutaneous fistula, of whom two had an intra‐abdominal abscess. Two patients died during this study (one from leukaemia and another from small bowel carcinoma) and one patient was lost to follow up. All other patients have been followed for> 10 years. The 5‐ and 10‐year cumulative reoperation rates for recurrence at the previous jejunoileal strictureplasty sites (site‐specific recurrence) were 26% and 29%, respectively, after a median follow up of 13.5 years. After 5 years only one patient required surgery for site‐specific recurrence. The only factor associated with a high rate of reoperation for site‐specific recurrence was youth (<35 years). Gender, duration of symptoms, smoking habits, preoperative steroids therapy, preoperative albumin level, intra‐abdominal abscess at laparotomy, number or length of strictureplasties, or previous or synchronous small bowel resection did not affect the reoperation rate.ConclusionsStrictureplasty is a safe and efficacious procedure for jejunoileal Crohn’s disease in the long term. Recurrence tends to develop early after strictureplasty, and late recurrence is uncommon. Only youth was a significant risk factor for site‐specific recurrence requiring reoperation.
Influence of peri‐operative immunotherapy on serum cytokines and soluble cytokine receptors in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: Nichols  , Ward  , Gallati  , Primrose  
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveThe cellular immune response is suppressed following surgery for colorectal cancer. As cytokines influence the patient’s immunological responsiveness, we have measured serum cytokines and their soluble receptors in patients receiving peri‐operative immunotherapy for colorectal cancer.Patients and methodsFifty‐two patients were randomized to receive low dose recombinant IL‐2 (rIL‐2) alone; rIL‐2 with interferon‐alpha (IFN‐α) or no immunotherapy. Serum cytokines and cytokine receptor levels were measured preoperatively and on post‐operative days 1, 4, 7 and 10 using ELISA kits.ResultsCirculating levels of IFN‐γ were undetectable in the majority of patients, although IFN‐γR levels were increased in all three groups on the first post‐operative day (P < 0.05). Similarly, IL‐2 was undetectable in most subjects and not enhanced by treatment. However, IL‐2R was significantly induced in all patients (P < 0.001), and these levels were higher in both treatment groups when compared with control (P < 0.005). Tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) was universally undetectable, but the TNF‐R p55 and p75 subunits were induced in all patients (P < 0.005); and as with IL‐2R, this was greater in the treatment groups (P < 0.01). Finally, IL‐6 production was induced in all groups (P < 0.005), but this was only noted on day 1.ConclusionSoluble cytokine receptors are induced by surgery, and levels of IL‐2R and TNF‐R are enhanced by exogenous rIL‐2 and rIL‐2 with IFN‐α. This augmentation suggests increased immunocompetence associated with low dose peri‐operative immunotherapy.
A double‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled trial of oral indoramin to treat chronic anal fissure
Authors: Pitt J. , Dawson P. M. , Hallan R. I. , Boulos P. B. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundIndoramin is an α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist and has been shown to reduce anal resting pressure. Its therapeutic potential has not been explored. The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of treatment with oral indoramin on patients with chronic anal fissure in the setting of a double‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled trial.MethodsTwenty‐three patients with chronic anal fissure were computer randomized to receive a 6‐week course of oral indoramin (20 mg) or placebo in identical capsules, twice daily and with bulk‐forming laxatives. Pain was assessed by a visual analogue scale from 0 to 10. Anal resting pressure, heart rate and blood pressure were recorded. Patients were reviewed 1 h after taking the capsule and at 2, 6 and 12 weeks thereafter.ResultsFourteen patients were randomized to indoramin and 9 to placebo. Maximum anal resting pressure was reduced from a mean of 96.4 cm H2O (± 32) to 67.6 cm H2O (± 26), 1 h after indoramin (P=0.02) and there was no significant change after placebo. There were no significant changes in heart rate or blood pressure. Pain was reduced in the placebo group from a score of 4.9 to 2.0 after 6 weeks (P < 0.01) but not in the indoramin group. After 6 weeks, healing had occurred in one (7%) patient in the indoramin group and in 2 (22%) in the placebo group (P > 0.1). After 3 months, the chronic anal fissure in the indoramin group had recurred. The trial was terminated early because of poor healing rates.ConclusionAn oral dose of indoramin (20 mg) administered twice daily reduced anal resting pressure by 30% compared with pretreatment levels but was ineffective in healing chronic anal fissures.
Administration of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v reduces side‐effects of external radiation on colon anastomotic healing in an experimental model
Authors: Liu Q. , Nobaek S. , Adawi D. , Mao Y. , Wang M. , Molin G. , Ekelund M. , Jeppsson B. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectivePreoperative radiotherapy of patients with rectal carcinoma is frequently used to reduce the incidence of local recurrence. However, the radiation therapy is associated with several complications, including diarrhea, retarded anastomotic healing and mucosal atrophy. Exogenous administration of lactobacilli has been demonstrated to be effective in stimulating intestinal mucosal growth and reduce mucosal inflammation. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v administration on external radiation injury in colon anastomotic healing at different time points.Material and methodsSprague‐Dawley rats were treated with Lb. plantarum 299v or saline as control and received external radiation of the lower abdomen (10 Gy/day) on day 3 and 7 of the experiment. After 4 days, a colonic resection with anastomosis was performed. Animals were sacrificed on 4th, 7th and 11th day postoperatively. Body weight, white blood cell (WBC) count, mucosal myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, hydroxyproline, nucleotide, DNA and RNA content, colonic bacterial microflora, bacterial translocation and histology were evaluated.ResultsOn the 4th postoperative day body weight, WBC and MPO decreased significantly after radiation. On the 7th postoperative day MPO decreased after radiation. In the two irradiated groups it decreased significantly in the Lb. plantarum group compared to the radiated group without treatment. Collagen concentration on the 7th postoperative day was significantly higher in Lb. plantarum group without radiation compared to the group with radiation without Lb. plantarum. On the 11th postoperative day MPO was significantly higher in irradiated rats without treatment compared to Lb. plantarum treatment. The collagen concentration increased significantly in the irradiated Lb. plantarum group compared to the other two groups.ConclusionThe collagen content decreased and MPO activity increased significantly of the colonic anastomosis in irradiated rats without treatment compared to those treated with Lb. plantarum. It therefore seems that administration of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v reduces the intestinal injury and inflammation following external radiation and improves the colonic anastomotic healing.
Successful treatment of chronic anal fissure with diltiazem gel
Authors: DasGupta R. , Franklin I. , Pitt J. , Dawson P. M. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveDiltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that has shown potential to heal chronic anal fissures. We have prospectively evaluated the treatment of patients with anal fissure with diltiazem gel (SLA Pharma, UK).Patients and methodsAll patients with chronic anal fissure from September 1999 to May 2000 were treated topically with 8 mg 2% diltiazem hydrochloride gel (equivalent to 2 cm of gel supplied by SLA Pharma) three times daily. The 23 patients (12 female), median age 45 (range 22–80) years had a 2–36 month (median 6 months) history of fissure. These were associated with a sentinel tag in 9 (39%) patients.ResultsThe fissure healed in 11 (48%) of 23 patients, including 6 (75%) of 8 patients who previously failed to heal with GTN ointment. There were no recurrences at 3 months and no adverse effects. Of the 12 patients who did not respond to diltiazem, 4 have undergone sphincterotomy.ConclusionDiltiazem gel has a healing rate similar to that observed with GTN ointment but there were no adverse effects, the recurrence rate was lower, and diltiazem was effective in 75% of patients previously treated unsuccessfully with GTN ointment.
Factors affecting survival after palliative resection of colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Harris G. J. C. , Senagore A. J. , Lavery I. C. , Church J. M. , Fazio V. W. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo determine the factors affecting survival following palliative large bowel resection for colorectal adenocarcinoma.Patients and methodFrom the Colorectal Cancer Database of a single institution patients who had a palliative resection of a colorectal cancer from 1980 to 1993 inclusive were identified. Survival curves were constructed using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Criteria studied were sex, age at operation, site of tumour, T, N and M status, tumour differentiation, involvement of tumour margins, tumour fixity and the presence or absence of peritoneal, liver or distant metastases. Multivariate analysis of factors was conducted using Cox proportional hazards analysis.ResultsThree hundred and seventy‐seven patients (232 men, 145 women, median age 64 years) fitted the above criteria. Operative mortality was 5.6%. Crude 6 month survival rate was 71.1% and median survival 10.5 months. Significant factors affecting survival on univariate analysis were – Age (<75 vs. >75 years) (P=0.019); T status (T1/T2 vs. T3/T4) (P=0.039); nodal status (N0 vs. N1/N2) (P=0.0059); distant metastases (P=0.039) or liver metastases (P=0.0058); tumour differentiation (poor vs. moderate/well differentiated) (P < 0.001); involved tumour margins (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis found the following factors significant: age (P=0.02), liver metastases (P=0.05), distant metastases (P=0.044), T status (P=0.042), nodal status (P=0.0063), tumour differentiation (P < 0.001) and involvement of tumour margins (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe data suggest that palliative resection of advanced colorectal carcinoma should be considered carefully in patients with advanced age, where distant metastases are present and in cases when primary tumours can not be completely resected. For the remaining patients, palliative resection may be accomplished with acceptable operative mortality and postoperative survival.
Treatment of constipation in adults associated with idiopathic megarectum by behavioural retraining including biofeedback
Authors: Mimura T. , Nicholls T. , Storrie J. B. , Kamm M. A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground  Constipation in adults associated with a grossly dilated rectum and recurrent faecal impaction, idiopathic megarectum, is rare. The aetiology of idiopathic megarectum is unknown, but may involve neuromuscular or behavioural factors. It is unknown whether the condition is reversible. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of behavioural therapy, including biofeedback, in such patients.Methods  Six patients (4 female; median age 27) with a history of rectal faecal impaction and a grossly dilated rectum on radiological examination were evaluated by structured questionnaire before, immediately after biofeedback therapy, and on follow‐up. Physiological testing was performed before treatment, and 2 patients were evaluated by repeat physiological testing and contrast radiology on follow‐up.Results  On median follow‐up of 18 months (range 11–27), five patients felt major and one patient minor improvement in symptoms, including two with complete symptom relief. Four patients came off laxatives without recurrent faecal impaction. In the 2 studied patients rectal size did not appear to decrease.Conclusion  Behavioural retraining, including biofeedback, improved symptoms in most patients with idiopathic megarectum. In some patients symptoms completely resolved, without the need for laxatives. Although further studies are necessary in terms of both larger number of patients and longer follow‐up period, behavioural treatment may be useful for such patients.
Smoking habits and circulating leptin in postmenopausal non‐obese women
Authors: Larsson H. , Ahrén B. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThis study examined whether smoking habits affect the correlation between serum leptin levels and body mass index (BMI) in 101 postmenopausal Caucasian non‐obese women, all aged 57–59 years. Mean serum leptin level in the entire group was 19.8 ± 12.3 ng/ml (mean ± s.d.) and mean BMI was 25.3 ± 3.5 kg/m2. These parameters correlated significantly to each other (r = 0.70, p < 0.001). Between those who have smoked regularly for more than 2 years (n = 26) and those who are ex‐smokers or have never smoked (n = 75), serum leptin levels or BMI did not differ and the correlation between serum leptin and BMI was identical. This suggests that smoking habits do not influence circulating leptin in Caucasian postmenopausal non‐obese women.
Vascular disease prevention in patients with diabetes
Authors: Gavin James , Kagan Steven 
Published: March 2003

SummaryPrevention is the key to reducing the vascular sequelae of diabetes. Prevention starts with good glycaemic control and continues with a comprehensive programme of risk modification, such as lipid‐lowering therapy, antihypertensive treatment, and improved lifestyle. With regard to lipid modification, agents such as statins may provide additional, non‐lipid effects in both the diabetic and non‐diabetic patient. This review discusses recent studies supporting risk reduction, available treatments, and recommendations applicable to the diabetic patient.
Treatment of high‐risk diabetic patients with angiotensin II receptor blockers
Authors: Estacio R. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryIn the United States, ≈ 16 million people have diabetes; 90–95% have type 2 diabetes. They are at increased risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The benefits of treating hypertension in diabetic patients and the potential to delay complications and reduce mortality have been demonstrated in clinical trials. Increasing evidence shows that angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor blockers (ARBs) may be equally effective in delaying progressive renal disease in diabetic patients. Large, multicentre trials are ongoing to confirm the efficacy and superior safety profile of ARBs in this population.
Evolution of cerebral vesicles and their sensory organs in an ascidian larva
Authors: Sorrentino M. , Manni L. , Lane N. J. , Burighel P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSorrentino M., Manni L., Lane N. J. and Burighel P. 2000. Evolution of cerebral vesicles and their sensory organs in an ascidian larva. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 81: 243–258The ascidian larval nervous system consists of the brain (comprising the visceral ganglion and the sensory vesicle), and, continuous with it, a caudal nerve cord. In most species two organs, a statocyst and an ocellus with ciliary photoreceptors, are contained in the sensory vesicle. A third presumptive sensory organ was sometimes found in an ‘auxiliary’ ganglionic vesicle. The development and morphology of the sensory and auxiliary ganglionic vesicles in Botryllus schlosseri and their associated organs was studied. The sensory vesicle contains a unique organ, the photolith, responding to both gravity and light. It consists of a unicellular statocyst, in the form of an expanded pigment cup receiving six photoreceptor cell extensions. Presumptive mechano‐receptor cells (S1 cells), send ciliary and microvillar protrusions to contact the pigment cup. A second group of distinctive cells (S2), slightly dorsal to the S1 cells, have characteristic microvillar extensions, resembling photoreceptor. We concur with the idea that the photolith is new and derived from a primitive statocyst and the S2 cells are the remnant of a primitive ocellus. In the ganglionic vesicle some cells contain modified cilia and microvillar extensions, which resemble the photoreceptor endings of the photolith. Our results are discussed in the light of two possible scenarios regarding the evolution of the nervous system of protochordates.