Carotenoids found in Bacillus.

AIMS: To identify the diversity of pigmented aerobic spore formers found in the environment and to characterize the chemical nature of this pigmentation. MATERIALS AND RESULTS: Sampling of heat-resistant bacterial counts from soil, sea water and the human gastrointestinal tract. Phylogenetic profiling using analysis of 16S rRNA sequences to define species. Pigment profiling using high-performance liquid chromatography-photo diode array analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The most commonly found pigments were yellow, orange and pink. Isolates were nearly always members of the Bacillus genus and in most cases were related with known species such as Bacillus marisflavi, Bacillus indicus, Bacillus firmus, Bacillus altitudinis and Bacillus safensis. Three types of carotenoids were found with absorption maxima at 455, 467 and 492 nm, corresponding to the visible colours yellow, orange and pink, respectively. Although the presence of other carotenoids cannot be ruled out, these three predominant carotenoids appear to account for the pigments obtained in most pigmented bacilli, and our analysis reveals the existence of a C30 biosynthetic pathway. Interestingly, we report the presence of a water-soluble pigment that may also be a carotenoid. The function of carotenoids is photoprotection, and carotenoid-containing spores exhibited significantly higher levels of resistance to UV radiation than non-carotenoid-containing Bacillus species. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study demonstrates that pigmented bacilli are ubiquitous and contain new carotenoid biosynthetic pathways that may have industrial importance.

Biochemical changes associated with the potentiation of acetaminophen hepatotoxicity by brief anesthesia with diethyl ether.

Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in male CD-1 mice was enhanced markedly by brief anesthesia with diethyl ether (ether), and particularly so if acetaminophen was given several hours after ether. The present study was conducted to examine the possible biochemical mechanisms behind this delayed toxicologic synergism. In vitro biochemical studies indicated that ether anesthesia produced a delayed reduction in the activities of glucuronyl transferase and glutathione (GSH) S-transferase, and in the hepatic content of GSH. The hepatic content but not activity of the cytochromes P-450 was initially reduced by ether but recovered by the time of maximal toxicologic enhancement. In vivo studies showed that ether produced a small decrease in the plasma concentrations of glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of acetaminophen, with a concomitant, minor increase in the half-life of acetaminophen, and a major increase in the bioactivation of acetaminophen, as determined by an early, 2-fold increase in the plasma GSH and cysteine conjugates of acetaminophen, and a 3-fold increase in the covalent binding of acetaminophen to hepatocellular protein. Decreases produced by ether in the in vivo production of acetaminophen glucuronide correlated with increasing plasma concentrations of unmetabolised acetaminophen, decreasing hepatic GSH content and increasing covalent binding of acetaminophen to hepatocellular protein when these measurements were performed in the same animals. The biochemical mechanisms underlying the potentiation of acetaminophen hepatoxicity as measured by plasma glutamic pyruvic transaminase concentrations appeared to be due to delayed, complex effects of ether upon multiple enzymatic pathways of acetaminophen elimination and detoxification.

Immunohistochemical investigations of neurofilament M' and alphabeta-crystallin in the magnocellular layers of the primate lateral geniculate nucleus.

The magnocellular and parvocellular pathways are two major processing streams in the primate visual system. Using high-density grid arrayed cDNA clones to hybridize to cDNA probes from cortical regions of each pathway, a list of candidate differentially expressed genes was produced [Mol. Brain Res. 82 (2000) 11-24]. Magnocellular pathway candidates include neurofilament M' and alphabeta-crystallin. Using antibodies generated against these proteins, immunohistochemical analysis revealed preferential staining of the magnocellular layers in the primate lateral geniculate nucleus, providing verification of two candidate magnocellular-enriched genes.

Intrathyroidal lymphoepithelial (branchial) cyst: sonographic features of a rare lesion.

Intrathyroidal lymphoepithelial cysts are rare, and only 15 such cases have been reported. Although sonography has been performed in some cases, the findings have not been discussed previously. Despite its rarity, the sonographic appearances of this lesion are similar to those of other commonly encountered congenital cystic lesions in the head and neck, such as thyroglossal duct cysts and second branchial cleft cysts, and this may provide a clue to its diagnosis. We describe the sonographic appearances of intrathyroidal lymphoepithelial cysts.

Arteriovenous fistula induced by a peribulbar nerve block.

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) of the head and neck region is an uncommon clinical condition that can be of congenital or acquired etiology. We report a case of AVF of the left supraorbital vessels that developed after a peribulbar nerve block was given for cataract surgery.

Location of motoneurons innervating the middle ear muscle of the chicken, (Gallus domesticus).

The motoneuron pool for the musculus columellae, the avian equivalent to the m. stapedius, was identified by retrograde labeling with WGA-HRP. It consists of a discrete group of approximately 65 neurons located along the dorsolateral border in the ventral subnucleus of the facial nuclear complex. Other facial motoneurons were only labeled when diffusion of the tracer into neighbor structures was not excluded. The dorsal subnucleus of the facial nerve innervates the m. depressor mandibulae.

Minimal invasive approach of gastric and esophageal mobilization in total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy: total laparoscopic and hand-assisted laparoscopic technique.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate early results in total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy (PLE) by minimally invasive approaches for patients suffered from pharyngoesophageal tumor. METHODS: Between April 1998 and September 2001, 12 consecutive patients underwent either total laparoscopic (n = 9) or hand-assisted laparoscopic (n = 3) gastric mobilization plus transhiatal esophageal resection in total PLE. The operative data and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Total PLE by minimally invasive approach was successfully performed in 11 patients, and 1 patient required conversion due to uncontrolled bleeding. The median total operative time was 8.5 h (range, 5-11 h) and the abdominal laparoscopic stage usually took less than 4 h. The median time for extubation was 2 days (range, 1-4 days) and the median ICU stay was 2 days (range, 1-20 days). There was no 30-day mortality, and major complications occurred in 5 patients (42%). CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive PLE is a feasible and safe alternative to conventional open surgery for patients with pharyngoesophageal carcinoma.

Kuttner tumour (chronic sclerosing sialadenitis) of the submandibular gland: sonographic appearances.

Patients with Kuttner tumours present with clinical features simulating a submandibular tumour. This article aims to familiarise sonologists with the sonographic appearances of these tumours, to help in their differentiation from other salivary lesions. In 13 patients with histologically or cytologically proven Kuttner tumours, the features evaluated on sonography included: shape and border of the gland, internal architecture, duct dilatation, presence/absence of calculi and presence and distribution of vascularity. There was diffuse involvement of the submandibular glands in 11 patients and focal involvement in 2. The majority (9 of 11) of the patients with diffuse involvement showed sonographic appearances simulating a "cirrhotic" liver; 2 showed diffuse heterogeneous involvement with duct dilatation and calculus. Doppler showed prominent intraglandular vessels, with no evidence of displacement. Focal lesions (2 of 11) were seen as hypoechoic, heterogeneous "masses," with a radial branching vascular pattern within, on Doppler. In conclusion, sonographic features may help in identifying Kuttner tumours of the submandibular glands.

The use of stereotactic navigation guidance in minimally invasive transnasal nasopharyngectomy: a comparison with the conventional open transfacial approach.

The purpose of this paper is to study the efficacy of applying stereotactic navigation guidance to nasopharyngectomy via a minimally invasive transnasal approach as compared with the conventional open transfacial approaches. The nasopharynx is the centre of the anterior skull base, which is remote from the surface of the facial skeleton. It is well known that there are several surgical approaches for access to resect tumours from the nasopharynx. However, the open techniques have been associated with much morbidity and only provide access to, and identification of, the ipsilateral internal carotid artery that forms the lateral boundary and resection limit of the nasopharynx. The coupling of stereotactic navigation guidance and a minimally invasive transnasal approach for nasopharyngectomy allows the surgeon to identify and protect the internal carotid artery bilaterally at the nasopharynx. This technique reduces operating time and morbidity to a minimum and yet is oncologically sound for resecting nasopharyngeal lesions. We compare 15 patients who underwent the stereotactic navigation guidance approach with 20 patients who received a conventional open transfacial approach.

Intraluminal endothelium-covered bridges in chronic fat-fed balloon-injured Yucatan miniswine.

The Yucatan miniswine has been recommended as an animal model of advanced atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic plaques developed in this model demonstrate foam cells, widespread fibrosis, and calcification, features suggestive of human atherosclerosis. We have observed the occurrence of intraluminal projections that appear peculiar to this animal model. Forty-three miniswine, weighing between 20 and 30 kg, were rendered atherosclerotic with a combination of balloon endothelial injury of the aortoiliac segments and dietary supplementation with 2% cholesterol and 15% lard. Endothelial injury was created by retrograde balloon catheter injury of the aorta and both external iliac arteries via cutdowns on the femoral arteries. Serum cholesterol prior to starting the diet and at 1, 2, and 6 weeks following initiation of the diet was 2.0 +/- 0.4, 11.6 +/- 4.0, 15.9 +/- 5.0, and 16.4 +/- 4.2 mM, respectively (p < .0001, ANOVA). Angiographically significant lesions were apparent in 33 of 37 (89%) animals (occlusion 20/37, stenosis 17/37) at 6 weeks postinjury. In three of six (50%) animals followed up to 16 weeks postinjury, trabecular areas were seen in the external iliac arteries on angiography. Light and electron microscopy demonstrated that these areas were covered with normal endothelium and projected into the lumen or bridged with the adjacent arterial wall. Foam cells and calcification were not seen in these lesions. This finding is not typical of human atherosclerosis and appears peculiar to this type of animal model.

Fibromatosis of the head and neck region.

OBJECTIVE: Five cases of head and neck fibromatosis were analyzed. The imaging and pathologic findings, surgical management, and clinical outcome were discussed. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective study of 5 adult head and neck fibromatosis cases, evaluating long-term follow-up results of conservative treatment. RESULTS: The 5 patients (2 male and 3 female) ranged in age from 16 to 51 years. The lesion size ranged from 1 to 8 cm. Four cases had limited surgical resection; 1 case was followed only. One of the surgically treated cases had a recurrence that was irradiated. All patients were well for a follow-up period of 2 to 8 years. CONCLUSION: Aggressive excision of head and neck fibromatosis cannot be achieved easily. Vigilant follow-up with or without conservative surgical excision achieves good disease control. Low dose radiotherapy can be used for inoperable cases. SIGNIFICANCE: Judicious conservative treatment should be attempted for head and neck fibromatosis to achieve optimal functional preservation.

Burn injuries during paint thinner sniffing.

Thinner sniffing is popular among school children in Asian countries because it is readily available at low cost. Besides its toxicity to major organs, thinner inhalation is associated with various burn accidents. Four teenagers were admitted to the Burns Unit of the Prince of Wales Hospital over the period of 1996-1997. They sustained 3-25% TBSA flame burn and two of them had inhalation injuries as a result of the ignition of a cigarette during thinner sniffing. None of them had evidence of thinner intoxication as shown by blood tests. In the management of their acute burn injuries, their hidden social and family problems were explored. With the cooperation of different disciplines, early psychosocial intervention was given and their behavioral and psychological disturbances were successfully managed.

Mandibular ankylosis associated with a bifid condyle.

A case of bilateral temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis with a bifid mandibular condyle is reported. The patient had a history of trauma 39 years previously. The right condyle was mushroom-shaped and the left condyle was bifid. The treatment of ankylosis is briefly discussed and the literature on bifid condyles is reviewed.

Effect of diethyl ether on the bioactivation, detoxification, and hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen in vitro and in vivo.

Our working hypothesis for designing this study involved early inhibition by ether of P-450-dependent bioactivation and glucuronyl transferase-dependent "detoxification", with an earlier recovery of bioactivation. The combined in vivo and in vitro results from the same animals indicate that the increased susceptibility to acetaminophen hepatotoxicity may have been due to a combination of delayed decreases induced by ether in the activities of glucuronyl transferase, sulfotransferase and GSH S-transferase, along with a depletion of hepatic GSH. The small decrease in hepatic content of cytochromes P-450 at 2 hr when toxicologic enhancement was minimal, together with repletion at 8 hr when enhancement was maximal, while the above detoxification pathways were inhibited, is compatible with our hypothesis. However, the lack of an accompanying change in the activity of P-450 suggests either that a different P-450 isoenzyme is involved, or that P-450 activity was not toxicologically limiting. The toxicological imbalance in the bioactivation and detoxification of acetaminophen observed after ether pretreatment was evidenced by significant increases both in the plasma concentrations of GSH and cysteine conjugates, and in the covalent binding of acetaminophen to hepatocellular protein.

Intra-mandibular salivary monomorphic adenoma.

Monomorphic adenoma can affect the major or minor salivary glands. However, intra-mandibular monomorphic adenoma has only been reported once in the literature. A second case with recurrent behaviour is reported.

Radial forearm free flap: hybrid version.

The hybrid version of the radial forearm free flap provides an alternative method for reconstruction in the head and neck. It is versatile and has certain theoretical and practical advantages, including high-flow venous drainage, long venous pedicle, lymphatic drainage, and the avoidance of venous anastomosis or venous transpositional graft. In those situations when the availability of veins is reduced after a radical neck dissection or the quality of vein is poor because of previous irradiation, the hybrid free flap is the method of choice for microvascular reconstruction in the head and neck region.

Repetitive microvolumetric sampling and analysis of acetaminophen and its toxicologically relevant metabolites in murine plasma and urine using high performance liquid chromatography.

Acetaminophen is a widely used, nonprescription analgesic and antipyretic drug which can cause severe hepatic and renal cellular necrosis. Analysis of plasma and urinary concentrations of acetaminophen metabolites can facilitate an understanding of the relation of enzymatic pathways involved in the bioactivation and detoxification of acetaminophen to its cellular toxicity. There is a marked interindividual variability in the activity of these enzymatic pathways which play a critical role in the modulation of acetaminophen toxicity. A similar interindividual variability occurs in the in vivo temporal disposition of acetaminophen and its metabolites. Accordingly, optimal in vivo methods would permit repetitive sampling from the same animals, as opposed to sacrificing groups of different animals for each time point. This is particularly difficult in smaller rodents such as the mouse, where generally a single blood sample is obtained by cardiac puncture, often under conditions of general anesthesia which can affect drug metabolism and toxicity. A microvolumetric technique for repetitive blood sampling in individual mice, combined with a simple, high performance liquid chromatographic assay for acetaminophen and its toxicologically relevant metabolites is reported here. Data are presented for the disposition of acetaminophen and its metabolites in murine plasma, feces, and urine.

Human dirofilariasis of the buccal mucosa: a case report.

Human dirofilariasis is a helminthic zoonosis that is common in some parts of the world. A sporadic case of dirofilariasis affecting the buccal mucosa has been reported in a non-endemic area of southern China. Clinical findings, diagnosis, pathogenesis and management are discussed. This is the fourth case of human dirofilariasis involving the oral mucosa reported in world literature.

Basal cell adenocarcinoma of the salivary gland: report of a case with morphology on fine needle aspiration cytology.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell adenocarcinoma of the parotid is rare and prone to recur. CASE: A 54-year-old woman had a history of afacial mass 12 years earlier that had been excised and was diagnosed as low grade adenocarcinoma of the parotid. Over the years, the patient had multiple local and lymph node recurrences. Histology of the excised local recurrent tumor showed basal cell adenocarcinoma, and FNAC of a separate recurrent nodule was performed. The aspirate showed moderate cellularity of basaloid cells with mildly pleomorphic nuclei, small nucleoli and occasional mitotic figures. The cells were mostly single, but some formed clusters with a rosettelike pattern of tumor cells surrounding central eosinophilic globules. A second, less prominent population of smaller cells with dark-staining nuclei was also noted. The differential diagnosis included adenoid cystic carcinoma, polymorphous low grade adenocarcinoma, and basal cell and pleomorphic adenoma. CONCLUSION: The cytologic features of basal cell adenocarcinoma are not distinctive, but the presence of two cell populations with moderate pleomorphism and a rosettelike pattern with central, eosinophilic globules may assist with its differentiation from other salivary gland neoplasms.

In vitro inhibition of head and neck cancer-cell growth by human recombinant interferon-alpha and 13-cis retinoic acid.

Three nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines (CNE-1, CNE-2 and NPC/HK-1), two squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines (T2/CUHK and PWH-S1) and six head and neck cancer specimens (NPC [n = 4], SCC tongue [n = 1] and a thyroid cancer [n = 1]) were incubated with interferon (IFN)-alpha (5 x 10(4) iu/mL) and/or 13-cis retinoic acid (13RA; 10(-5) mol/L) for two days at 37 degrees C. In vitro chemosensitivity was measured using MTT assay. Mild growth inhibition of the five cell lines by IFN-alpha ranged from 7.1% to 51.8% (mean: 18.5%), whereas with 13RA it was zero to 19.7% (mean: 7%). Greater inhibition (14.8-51.0%, mean: 31.8%) was achieved when the two drugs were used in combination. Growth inhibition of the six surgical specimens ranged from 6.9% to 21% (mean: 13.6%) with IFN-alpha; zero to 10.3% (mean: 6.0%) with 13RA; and 6.6-26.5% (mean: 17.7%) when the two agents were combined. Four of the 11 samples showed synergistic antitumour effect when IFN-alpha and 13RA were combined, and six showed subadditive effect. The results show that IFN-alpha and 13RA have a mild in vitro antitumour effect on head and neck cancer cells, and the drug synergistic effect demonstrated in this study suggests that the two agents should be used in combination in clinical application.