ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 5 2008
Mark Clayer
Background: Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are a rare condition in adolescents and teenagers but may result in pain, fracture and growth abnormalities. The gold standard of open curettage carries the risk of surgical complications and still a local recurrence rate of 20,30%. Percutaneous treatment of ABC have rarely been reported and a poor response the usual outcome. This study investigated a new technique of percutaneous aspiration and injection of ABC using an aqueous solution of calcium sulphate. Methods: A radiological diagnosis of a bone cyst was made in 15 consecutive patients and pathologically confirmed as ABC. Most had already sustained a fracture and/or had been previously unsuccessfully treated by minimally invasive techniques including embolization or methylprednisolone injection. The procedure of aspiration and injection with calcium sulphate was undertaken, and the patients were reviewed regularly both clinically and radiologically for a minimum of 2 years. Results: The calcium sulphate cement was reabsorbed completely within 8 weeks. The first osseous response was periosteal new bone formation circumferentially followed by gradual opacification of the cystic cavity. All except one patient that described pain before the procedure reported complete relief of symptoms by 4 weeks. Two patients developed a local recurrence of the cyst, and one subsequently developed a pathological fracture. Two patients sustained pathological fractures through healed cysts, 12 and 22 months after the procedure, respectively. Conclusions: This new technique has shown good early clinical and radiological responses and a low complication rate in a consecutive group of patients with ABC. [source]

Utility of Intralesional Sclerotherapy with 3% Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate in Cutaneous Vascular Malformations

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 3 2010
MNAMS, SUJAY KHANDPUR MBBS
BACKGROUND Vascular malformations have devastating cosmetic effects in addition to being associated with pain and bleeding. Sclerotherapy has been successfully used in treating complicated hemangiomas and vascular malformations. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of sclerotherapy with 3% sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS) in venous and lymphatic malformations. MATERIALS AND METHOD We performed sclerotherapy with 3% STS in 13 patients with venous malformations and microcystic lymphatic malformation, all low-flow malformations and with extent predominantly to the subcutis, confirmed using Doppler ultrasound. Lesions were located on the face, lower lip, flanks, buttocks, and extremities. Patients presented for cosmetic reasons, pain, or bleeding. Sclerotherapy was undertaken as an office procedure without any radiological guidance and therapy repeated every 3 weeks. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed subjectively clinically and photographically. RESULTS The lesions regressed by 90% to 100% in 11 cases after a mean of four injections, with no improvement in two cases (one each of venous malformation and lymphatic malformation). Complications included cutaneous blister formation, erosions, and crusting at injection site in seven cases and atrophic scarring in four patients. CONCLUSIONS Sclerotherapy with 3% STS is a simple, safe, and effective modality for venous malformations and can be undertaken as an office procedure in lesions limited to the subcutis. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. [source]

The impact of storm events on solute exports from a glaciated forested watershed in western New York, USA

HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 16 2006
S. P. Inamdar
Abstract This study analysed the importance of precipitation events from May 2003 to April 2004 on surface water chemistry and solute export from a 696 ha glaciated forested watershed in western New York State, USA. The specific objectives of the study were to determine: (a) the temporal patterns of solutes within individual storm events; (b) the impact of precipitation events on seasonal and annual export budgets; and (c) how solute concentrations and loads varied for precipitation events among seasons as functions of storm intensity and antecedent moisture conditions. Analysis of solute trajectories showed that NH4+, total Al and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) peaked on the hydrograph rising limb, whereas dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations peaked following the discharge peak. Sulphate and base-cations displayed a dilution pattern with a minimum around peak discharge. End-member mixing analysis showed that throughfall contributions were highest on the rising limb, whereas valley-bottom riparian waters peaked following the discharge peak. The trajectories of NO3, concentrations varied with season, indicating the influence of biotic processes on the generation, and hence flux, of this solute. Storm events had the greatest impact on the annual budgets for NH4+, K+, total dissolved Al, DON and DOC. Storm events during summer had the greatest impact on seasonal solute budgets. Summer events had the highest hourly discharges and high concentrations of solutes. However, NO3, and DOC exports during a spring snowmelt event were considerably more than those observed for large events during other periods of the year. Comparisons among storms showed that season, precipitation amount, and antecedent moisture conditions affected solute concentrations and loads. Concentrations of solutes were elevated for storms that occurred after dry antecedent conditions. Seven of the largest storms accounted for only 15% of the annual discharge, but were responsible for 34%, 19%, 64%, 13%, 39% and 24% of the annual exports of NH4+, K+, Al, NO3,, DON and DOC respectively. These results suggest that the intense and infrequent storms predicted for future climate-change scenarios will likely increase the exports of solutes like DOC, DON, NH4+, Al and K+ from watersheds. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Episodic stream water pH decline during autumn storms following a summer drought in northern Sweden

HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 9 2002
Hjalmar Laudon
Abstract The sources of episodic pH decline in four streams from northern Sweden during the autumn of 1996 were quantified. The events, in which pH dropped by between 1·0 and 2·4 units, were preceded by an extensive summer drought. Total organic carbon, which increased 100% to 160% during peak flow, was the most important driving mechanism of the episodic pH decline. Sulphate, however, was relatively more important during these autumn events than during spring flood. In the sites where past and present anthropogenic deposition were believed to be the main source of sulphate in stream water, sulphate contributed less than 0·3 pH units to the pH decline. In catchments where natural sources of sulphate are known to be important, sulphate contributed up to 0·6 units of pH decline. The export of sulphate during the episodes was two to nine times higher than what was expected from deposition only. The drought preceding the study episodes resulted in some of the lowest ground water levels during the 1990s in that region. The large export of sulphate was probably due to oxidation of natural sulphate bearing minerals in the soil and/or previously deposited sulphate driven by the low ground water level preceding the episodes. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

FC02.4 Meteorological factors and standard series patch test reactions

CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2004
Janice Hegewald
The existence of seasonal patterns to patch test reactions has been described, but with conflicting causal interpretations. The potential seasonality of patch tests may be due to irritation, changes to skin barrier or changes to immunological functions caused by meteorological fluctuations. For example, increased skin irritability due to cold winter weather and low humidity may cause an increase in irritative/doubtful and weak positive (false positive) reactions. To investigate the extent of the association between weather and patch test results, consecutive patients (N = 73691) patch tested with the standard series of the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG) at German or Austrian IVDK (http://www.ivdk.de) centres were matched with weather data collected at a nearby (30 km radius) weather station. Temperature and absolute humidity (AH) on the day of patch test application and the two preceding days were averaged to represent the environment most likely to have influenced the skin condition at the time of testing. The results of 24 standard series substances were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression. Half of the standard series substances examined, including fragrance mix, nickel sulphate, and formaldehyde, exhibited evidence of a relationship with meteorological conditions. Fragrance mix and p-Phenylene diamine exhibited the strongest evidence of an association to weather, with the odds of the reactions in all three reaction categories (ir/?, +, ++/+++) increasing during winter conditions. Due to the association between weather and patch test reactivity, the potential effect of meteorological conditions should be considered in the interpretation of patch test reactions. [source]

Synthesis, crystal structure and characterization of new transition metal compounds of bromophenols: Bis(2,4,6-tribromophenolato) di(N-methylimidazole)M(II) (M=Co, Cu)

CRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2005
P. Camurlu
Abstract Bis(2,4,6-tribromophenolato)di(N-methyl imidazole)M(II), where M stands for cobalt and copper metals, was synthesized via reaction of the corresponding metal sulphate and 2,4,6-tribromophenolate in aqueous media in the presence of N-methyl imidazole and sodium hydroxide. Although various crystallization procedures were applied only cobalt complex was obtained as single crystals. The Co(II) ion has a distorted octahedral enviroment involving two O atoms and two N atoms of the Bis(2,4,6-tribromophenolato)di(N-methyl imidazole) ligand. Powder x-ray diffraction pattern of copper compound was used for cooper complex. For characterizations of complexes carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen elemental analysis, FTIR and UV spectroscopy, DSC thermal analysis and magnetic susceptibility measurements at room temperature were performed. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]

Utility of Intralesional Sclerotherapy with 3% Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate in Cutaneous Vascular Malformations

Association between alcohol consumption and serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate concentration in men with Type 2 diabetes: a link to decreased cardiovascular risk

DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 10 2005
M. Fukui
Abstract Aims Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Both light-to-moderate alcohol consumption and higher serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are associated with reduced CVD mortality, raising the possibility of DHEA as a causal intermediate in CVD and alcohol consumption. Methods Relationships between alcohol consumption and serum DHEA sulphate (DHEA-S) concentration, carotid atherosclerosis as evaluated by carotid ultrasonography and major cardiovascular risk factors were investigated in 404 consecutive men with Type 2 diabetes. Patients were divided into three groups according to mean ethanol consumption per week: non-drinkers, light-to-moderate drinkers (< 210 g per week) or heavy drinkers (, 210 g per week). Results Plasma HDL-cholesterol was positively associated with the degree of alcohol consumption. Intima-media thickness (0.92 ± 0.21 vs. 1.09 ± 0.35 mm, P < 0.0001) and plaque score (3.0 ± 3.3 vs. 5.2 ± 4.9, P = 0.008) were lower in light-to-moderate drinkers than in non-drinkers. Serum DHEA-S concentrations were higher in light-to-moderate drinkers (1264.2 ± 592.2 ng/ml, P < 0.0001) and heavy drinkers (1176.2 ± 607.6 ng/ml, P = 0.0100) than in non-drinkers (956.8 ± 538.6 ng/ml). In a subgroup aged 60,75-year-old patients (n = 277), serum DHEA-S concentrations were higher in light-to-moderate drinkers (1126.8 ± 502.5 ng/ml, P = 0.0121) than in non-drinkers (937.9 ± 505.1 ng/ml). Also, in a subgroup without CVD (n = 339), serum DHEA-S concentrations were higher in light-to-moderate drinkers (1328.5 ± 593.7 ng/ml, P < 0.0001) than in non-drinkers (970.1 ± 540.7 ng/ml). Conclusions Higher serum DHEA-S concentrations in light-to-moderate drinkers may represent part of the link between light-to-moderate alcohol consumption and lower CVD mortality. [source]

Sources of sulphur in gypsiferous sediments and crusts and pathways of gypsum redistribution in southern Tunisia

EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 12 2004
Nick A. Drake
Abstract Southern Tunisia contains one of the most extensive gypsum accumulations in Africa comprising Triassic, Cretaceous, Eocene and Mio-Pliocene marine evaporites, spring deposits, playa sediments, aeolian sands and gypsum crusts. Sulphur isotope analysis (,34S) of bedrock samples, groundwater, playa brines, playa sediments, and gypsiferous crusts provides insight into the sources of gypsum in the region and sheds light on the processes that lead to gypsum crust formation. Results suggest that recycling of marine gypsum is the most likely source of the sulphate in the groundwater, playa sediments and crusts. The low ,34S values found in Eocene and Mio-Pliocene samples suggest that this recycling has been going on for millions of years. Though bedrock appears to be the ultimate source of the gypsum in the crusts, transport of this sulphate to playas, concentration therein, and subsequent dispersal across the landscape by aeolian processes provides the most likely pathway for sur,cial gypsum crust formation. Comparison of these results with those from Australia, Chile and Namibia suggests that, although the source of the sulphur varies from region to region, the processes of sur,cial crust formation appear to be similar. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Estimating driver risk using alcohol biomarkers, interlock blood alcohol concentration tests and psychometric assessments: initial descriptives

ADDICTION, Issue 2 2010
Paul Marques
ABSTRACT Aim To identify alcohol biomarker and psychometric measures that relate to drivers' blood alcohol concentration (BAC) patterns from ignition interlock devices (IIDs). Design, setting, participants, measurements In Alberta, Canada, 534 drivers, convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), installed IIDs and agreed to participate in a research study. IID BAC tests are an established proxy for predicting future DUI convictions. Three risk groups were defined by rates of failed BAC tests. Program entry and follow-up blood samples (n = 302, 171) were used to measure phosphatidyl ethanol (PETH), carbohydrate deficient transferrin (%CDT), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) and other biomarkers. Program entry urine (n = 130) was analyzed for ethyl glucuronide (ETG) and ethyl sulphate (ETS). Entry hair samples were tested for fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) (n = 92) and ETG (n = 146). Psychometric measures included the DSM-4 Diagnostic Interview Schedule Alcohol Module, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the time-line follow-back (TLFB), the Drinker Inventory of Consequences (DRINC) and the Temptation and Restraint Inventory (TRI). Findings Except for FAEE, all alcohol biomarkers were related significantly to the interlock BAC test profiles; higher marker levels predicted higher rates of interlock BAC test failures. PETH, the strongest with an overall analysis of variance F ratio of 35.5, had significant correlations with all nine of the other alcohol biomarkers and with 16 of 19 psychometric variables. Urine ETG and ETS were correlated strongly with the IID BAC tests. Conclusions The findings suggest that several alcohol biomarkers and assessments could play an important role in the prediction and control of driver alcohol risk when re-licensing. [source]

Urine tested positive for ethyl glucuronide after trace amounts of ethanol

ADDICTION, Issue 12 2009
Annette Thierauf
ABSTRACT Aim Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is used commonly as a marker for the detection of non-compliance of patients in alcohol withdrawal therapy in psychiatric hospitals in Europe and in work-place monitoring programmes in the United States. With the increased use of this new marker, questions related to an unintentional uptake of ethanol resulting in detectable EtG concentrations have been discussed. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration ranges of EtG and ethyl sulphate (EtS) after the consumption of very small amounts of ethanol (1 and 3 g), which are more likely to be incidental than intended. Methods Drinking experiments with ethanol amounts of 1 and 3 g, respectively, were performed on a total of 31 volunteers. EtG and EtS analysis in urine was performed by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS), and creatinine concentration was determined using the Jaffé reaction. Furthermore, data obtained from this experimentation were then compared to data from literature. Results and conclusions The maximum concentration of EtG normalized to creatinine after the uptake of 1 g and 3 g of ethanol was found to be 0.32 mg/l and 1.53 mg/l, respectively, and 0.15 mg/l and 1.17 mg/l for EtS; these peak concentrations are considered to be positive by many laboratories testing urine for ethanol conjugates in work-place testing progammes. [source]

Light-emitting diode-compatible probes for indirect detection of anions in CE

ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 19 2007
Peter Balding
Abstract A range of compounds were evaluated as probes for the indirect detection of inorganic ions using CE and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as the light source. Emphasis was placed on examining probes likely to absorb strongly in the UV,Vis region near 350,430,nm as compounds, which absorb at longer wavelengths tend to be bulkier and adsorb onto the capillary wall. These probes should act as a replacement for the very effective but carcinogenic probe chromate. Two probes were identified and evaluated: p -nitrophenol and 4-hydroxy-3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid. The former showed the most potential with low-mobility anions, while the later had a moderate electrophoretic mobility and was more suitable for a wider mobility range of analytes. However, neither could match the efficiencies and LOD of chromate for the separation of the fast inorganic ions such as chloride, nitrate and sulphate. Nevertheless, application of the 4-hydroxy-3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid system to the determination of oxalate in Bayer liquors showed excellent sensitivity and selectivity. [source]

Application of CE with novel dynamic coatings and field-amplified sample injection to the sensitive determination of isomeric benzoic acids in atmospheric aerosols and vehicular emission

ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 19 2007
Ewa Dabek-Zlotorzynska Dr.
Abstract A simple and reliable CE method with direct UV detection has been developed to separate eight isomeric benzoic acids in atmospheric aerosols and vehicular emission without complex sample pretreatment. Optimal electrophoretic conditions, with migration times under 5,min, were obtained by using a 50,mM acetate buffer (pH,4.7) containing a dynamic surface coating EOTrolÔ LN (0.005% w/v). The separations were carried out in a cathode to anode direction (,30,kV) allowing the low cathodal EOF (,1×10,9,m2V,1s,1) to extend the effective separation by slowing the movement of the studied aromatic acids. Moreover, the sensitivity of the method at 200,nm was enhanced by using a field-amplified sample injection (FASI) with electrokinetic (EK) sample injection (,2,kV, 60,s). Prior to sample injection, a short water plug (3,s at 0.5,psi) was introduced. Under these conditions, the method was capable of detecting the analytes in deionized water with LODs (S/N,=,3) as low as 0.1,,g/L for most of the studied acids. In the presence of 10,mg/L of sulphate (added to simulate a sample matrix), LODs ranged from 0.26 to 0.62,,g/L. The validation of the method has proven an excellent separation performance and accuracy for the determination of isomeric benzoic acids in the studied matrices. [source]

Urinary ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulphate (EtS) assessment: valuable tools to improve verification of abstention in alcohol-dependent patients during in-patient treatment and at follow-ups

ADDICTION, Issue 6 2009
Klaus Junghanns
ABSTRACT Aims The aims of this study were (i) to assess the effect of additional urinary ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulphate (EtS) assessment on diagnosed relapse rates in detoxified alcohol-dependent patients; and (ii) to compare dropout rates between EtG- and EtS-negative and -positive patients. Design Two studies on detoxified alcohol-dependent patients. If patients had no indication of relapse they were asked for a urinary sample at discharge from in-patient treatment 3, 6 and 12 weeks after discharge (study 1) and 1, 3 and 6 weeks after discharge (study 2), respectively. Setting Department of Psychiatry, University of Luebeck, Germany. Participants A total of 107 and 32 detoxified alcohol-dependent patients having participated in a 3-week in-patient motivation enhancement programme. Measurement Personal interviews, breathalyzer tests, assessment of urinary EtG and EtS with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS analysis). Finding Urinary EtG and EtS were always positive at the same time. In the first study 13.5% of the patients were already positive before being discharged from hospital. At the follow-ups 3, 6 and 12 weeks after discharge 12.2, 19.4 and 28.0%, respectively, of the patients coming to the follow-up and denying relapse were positive on urinary EtG and EtS. In the second study, of those patients showing up for follow-up after 1 week and denying relapse, EtG and EtS were positive in four cases (17.4%). Only one EtG- and EtS-positive relapser (3.1%) came to the next follow-ups. In both studies the rates of detected relapses were significantly higher for early follow-ups if urinary EtG and EtS results were considered additionally. Dropout rates until the next follow-up were significantly higher among positive than EtG- and EtS-negative patients. Conclusion Urinary EtG and EtS improve verification of abstinence in studies of alcohol-dependent patients. [source]

Captures of the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae on spheres of different colours

ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 2 2001
Byron I. Katsoyannos
Abstract Alighting and capture of wild olive fruit flies, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera, Tephritidae), on spheres of seven different colours was studied on Chios island, Greece. The 70-mm-diam plastic spheres, coated with adhesive, were suspended on olive trees. Yellow and orange spheres trapped the greatest number of males while red and black spheres trapped the greatest number of females. White and blue spheres were the least effective for both sexes. Peak captures occurred in the late afternoon and especially around sunset. Since mating takes place in the last hours of the photophase, the increased captures during that period may be related to the sexual behaviour of the fly. When red spheres were assessed against glass McPhail traps baited with 2% ammonium sulphate, which consist a standard tool for monitoring the olive fruit fly in Greece, there were no significant differences in male captures. However, spheres trapped almost three times as many females as McPhail traps. The possible mechanisms underlying colour discrimination, the motivation of alighting flies and the possible use of red spheres for monitoring and controlling B. oleae are discussed. [source]

Physiological and molecular characterization of anaerobic benzene-degrading mixed cultures

ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2003
Ania C. Ulrich
Summary Nine distinct anaerobic benzene-degrading cultures were enriched from sediment samples from four different sites. These cultures used nitrate, sulphate or CO2 as electron acceptors. The shortest doubling times were observed in nitrate-reducing cultures, although cell yield was lowest in these cultures. The highest substrate concentration utilized and maximum absolute rates of benzene degraded (in µM day,1) were observed in methanogenic cultures. The microbial compositions of a methanogenic and nitrate-reducing culture were determined from a clone library of 16S rRNA genes. Five Bacterial 16S rRNA sequences, one of which resembled a clone previously found in a sulphate-reducing, benzene-degrading culture and four Archaeal 16S rRNA sequences were identified in a methanogenic culture. Four Bacterial and no Archaeal 16S rRNA sequences were identified in a nitrate-reducing culture. The relative abundance of the four nitrate-reducing putative species was determined by slot blot hybridization. Two green sulphur bacteria together formed 52% of the clone library, but were found to be less than 4% of the culture by slot blot analysis. One of the cloned 16S rRNA gene sequences comprised 70% of the culture and was phylogenetically 93% similar to both Azoarcus and Dechloromonas species, which have been shown to degrade aromatic compounds, including benzene, under nitrate-reducing conditions. [source]

Perchlorate reduction by a novel chemolithoautotrophic, hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium

ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 10 2002
Husen Zhang
Summary Water treatment technologies are needed that can remove perchlorate from drinking water without introducing organic chemicals that stimulate bacterial growth in water distribution systems. Hydrogen is an ideal energy source for bacterial degradation of perchlorate as it leaves no organic residue and is sparingly soluble. We describe here the isolation of a perchlorate-respiring, hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium (Dechloromonas sp. strain HZ) that grows with carbon dioxide as sole carbon source. Strain HZ is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped facultative anaerobe that was isolated from a gas-phase anaerobic packed-bed biofilm reactor treating perchlorate-contaminated groundwater. The ability of strain HZ to grow autotrophically with carbon dioxide as the sole carbon source was confirmed by demonstrating that biomass carbon (100.9%) was derived from CO2. Chemolithotrophic growth with hydrogen was coupled with complete reduction of perchlorate (10 mM) to chloride with a maximum doubling time of 8.9 h. Strain HZ also grew using acetate as the electron donor and chlorate, nitrate, or oxygen (but not sulphate) as an electron acceptor. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA sequence placed strain HZ in the genus Dechloromonas within the , subgroup of the Proteobacteria. The study of this and other novel perchlorate-reducing bacteria may lead to new, safe technologies for removing perchlorate and other chemical pollutants from drinking water. [source]

Coexistence of a sulphate-reducing Desulfovibrio species and the dehalorespiring Desulfitobacterium frappieri TCE1 in defined chemostat cultures grown with various combinations of sulphate and tetrachloroethene

ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2001
Oliver Drzyzga
A two-member co-culture consisting of the dehalorespiring Desulfitobacterium frappieri TCE1 and the sulphate-reducing Desulfovibrio sp. strain SULF1 was obtained via anaerobic enrichment from soil contaminated with tetrachloroethene (PCE). In this co-culture, PCE dechlorination to cis -dichloroethene was due to the activity of the dehalorespiring bacterium only. Chemostat experiments with lactate as the primary electron donor for both strains along with varying sulphate and PCE concentrations showed that the sulphate-reducing strain outnumbered the dehalogenating strain at relatively high ratios of sulphate/PCE. Stable co-cultures with both organisms present at similar cell densities were observed when both electron acceptors were supplied in the reservoir medium in nearly equimolar amounts. In the presence of low sulphate/PCE ratios, the Desulfitobacterium sp. became the numerically dominant strain within the chemostat co-culture. Surprisingly, in the absence of sulphate, strain SULF1 did not disappear completely from the co-culture despite the fact that there was no electron acceptor provided with the medium to be used by this sulphate reducer. Therefore, we propose a syntrophic association between the sulphate-reducing and the dehalorespiring bacteria via interspecies hydrogen transfer. The sulphate reducer was able to sustain growth in the chemostat co-culture by fermenting lactate and using the dehalogenating bacterium as a ,biological electron acceptor'. This is the first report describing growth of a sulphate-reducing bacterium in a defined two-member continuous culture by syntrophically coupling the electron and hydrogen transfer to a dehalorespiring bacterium. [source]

Adsorbing colloid flotation for removal of metal ions in waters from base metal mines

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, Issue 1 2002
H. Sabti
Adsorbing Colloid Flotation (ACF) has been shown in laboratory experiments to be effective for the removal of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb) from dilute solutions. Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and sodium oleate (NaOl) were used as surfactants in single or mixed form, with Fe(OH)3 as a flocculant for colloid formation. These reagents worked best for zinc and copper ions for a feed concentration of 50 parts per million (ppm). The removal of lead improved significantly by the use of Fe(OH)3 and NaLS (Sodium lauryl sulphate), while the best removal of cadmium was achieved by the use of Al(OH)3 and HTMABr (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide). Flotation experiments were conducted with feed concentrations of 50 and 500 parts per billion (ppb) and 50 ppm (parts per million). The experimental results showed that the residual concentration of metal ions decreased significantly with the decrease in the feed concentration. This could be the effect of excessive (much more than stoichiometric ratio) amounts of surfactant and flocculant, compared to the feed concentrations, required in the effective flotation of dilute feed solutions. The surfactant concentration and feed pH had the largest effects on the process, as observed in the case of cadmium removal. This can be attributed to the flocformation and flotation tendencies of the colloid-metal complexes at various solution pH and surfactant concentrations. The ACF method was applied to a number of natural drainage solutions from the metal mines at Te Aroha, New Zealand, and the experimental results demonstrate that significant removal is achieved for most of the heavy metals. [source]

Investigation of histopathological and cytogenetic effects on Lepomis gibbosus (Pisces: Perciformes) in the Çine stream (Ayd,n/Turkey) with determination of water pollution

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 6 2005
Yücel Ba, lu Koca
Abstract Water quality and the distribution of some heavy metals in three different organs of Lepomis gibbosus from the Çine Stream were studied. Also, histopathological changes in gill, liver, and muscle tissue were examined at light microscopical level. Micronucleus (MN) formation in fish erytrocytes, as an indicator of chromosomal damage, has been increasingly used to detect the genotoxic potential of environmental contaminants. The frequency of MN was examined from samples of fish from the Çine Stream and a control group. MN frequency was higher in fish samples caught from the Çine Stream than that in the control group. The chemicals ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, orthophosphate, and sulphate were determined as parameters that possibly affect the gill, liver, and muscle morphology. Zn was the most accumulated metal in tissues as well as in water. Maximum metal accumulation occured in both liver and gills. For histopathological examinations, samples of gills, liver, and muscle tissues of L. gibbosus were studied by using light microscopy. In this study, a significant decrease in mean length of primary and secondary lamellae were observed. Moreover, cellular proliferation developed with secondary lamellae fusion, ballooning degenerations or club deformation of secondary lamellae, as well as distribution of necrotic, hyperplastic and clavate secondary lamellae. In the liver, altered staining, swollen and ruptured parenchymal cells, loss of cord structure, reduce of glycogen in hepatocytes, and vacuolar structure filled with cellular debris and many dark particles were seen. In muscle tissue, focal necrosis, cellular dissolution, and a decline or loss of striatation in muscle fibres were found. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 20: 560,571, 2005. [source]

Phenotypical variation in a toxic strain of the phytoplankter, Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (nostocales, cyanophyceae) during batch culture

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 6 2001
Peter R. Hawkins
Abstract A nonaxenic strain of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii Woloszynska (AWT 205) was grown in batch culture, with and without nitrate as the primary N source. Rapid log-phase growth with nitrate was 1.0 doubling/day versus 0.3 doubling/day without nitrate. Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) production was measured by HPLC. The rate of intracellular CYN production matched cell division rate for both the diazotrophies at cell densities less than 107 cell/ml. At cell density >107 cell/ml, additional resource limitation in batch culture slowed log-phase growth to 0.04 division/day and cell division and CYN production decoupled. Intracellular CYN concentration increased at a rate of 0.08 doubling/day, twice the cell division rate. Extracellular CYN as a proportion of the total CYN increased from 20% during the rapid growth phase, to 50% during the slow growth phase. The total CYN yield from cultures grown out to stationary phase (55 days) exceeded 2 mg CYN/l. C. raciborskii cells in log-phase growth, exposed to 1 ppm copper (as copper sulphate), lysed within 24 hours. After copper treatment, all CYN was in the filterable fraction. These findings imply that in naturally occurring blooms of C. raciborskii, the movement of intracellular CYN into solution will be the greatest during stationary phase, when intracellular concentrations are highest and cell lysis is more frequent. The application of algicides that promote cell lysis will exacerbate this effect. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 16: 460,467, 2001 [source]

Constrained multivariate trend analysis applied to water quality variables

ENVIRONMETRICS, Issue 1 2002
D. M. Cooper
Abstract Constrained multivariate regression analysis is used to model trends and seasonal effects in time series measurements of water quality variables. The constraint used ensures that when identifying trends the scientifically important charge balance of model-fitted concentrations is maintained, while accounting for between variable dependencies. The analysis is a special case of linear reduction of dimensionality which preserves the integrity of a subset of the original variables, while allowing the remainder to be identified as linear combinations of this subset. The technique is applied to water quality measurements made at the outflow from Loch Grannoch, an acid-sensitive loch in Scotland. A reduction in marine ion concentrations is observed in water samples collected four times a year over the period 1988,2000. This is identified with long term variability in the marine component in rainfall. Separation of the non-marine component of the solute load shows a reduction in non-marine sulphate and calcium concentrations, and an increase in the non-marine sodium concentration. There is no significant change in either alkalinity or acid neutralizing capacity over the period. The reduction in non-marine sulphate is consistent with reductions in atmospheric inputs of sulphate. However, the reduction in sulphate has not been accompanied by a reduction in the acidity of water samples from Loch Grannoch, but with a reduction in calcium concentration and an apparent increase in organic acids, as evidenced by increased dissolved organic carbon concentrations, with possible increases in nitrate and non-marine sodium concentrations. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Direct examination of soil for sporangia of Synchytrium endobioticum using chloroform, calcium chloride and zinc sulphate as extraction reagents

EPPO BULLETIN, Issue 1 2005
G. C. M. Van Leeuwen
Fields infested with Synchytrium endobioticum can be descheduled when the soil is found free from sporangia of S. endobioticum. For direct examination, EPPO Standard PM 3/59 describes a soil extraction technique based on the use of a sieve shaker with six sieves. We compared recovery of sporangia between this (modified) method and an extraction method employed by the Dutch Plant Protection Service (PPS method). Recovery was determined using an inoculum dilution series: 125, 25, 5, 1, 0.2 or 0.04 sporangia per g soil. Extraction reagents used were chloroform and calcium chloride in the method described by EPPO, calcium chloride and zinc sulphate in the PPS method. At 125 sporangia per g soil, the mean density determined for the modified EPPO method was 228 sporangia per g soil when chloroform was used. Using calcium chloride, recovery percentage was higher for the modified EPPO method than for the PPS method (286, 136%, n.s. P < 0.05). The advantage of the modified EPPO method was the larger soil volume to be processed; its disadvantages were use of complex equipment and noxious reagents (chloroform). Both extraction methods showed high variation in recovery between samples, making accurate estimation of sporangial densities in soil awkward. [source]

The use of calcium sulphate (plaster of Paris) in a two step surgery for the treatment of a facial fracture in a foal

EQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION, Issue 7 2007
J. A. Muñoz Morán
First page of article [source]

Further studies on the ability of glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate to regulate catabolic mediators in vitro

EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 7 2004
A. E. SCHLUETER
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Effects of inhalation of albuterol sulphate, ipratroprium bromide and frusemide on breathing mechanics and gas exchange in healthy exercising horses

EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 3 2001
W. M. BAYLY
Summary The possibility that pre-exercise inhalation of a bronchodilator by healthy horses could improve their mechanics of breathing and enhance performance was investigated. Ipratropium bromide (0.35 ,g/kg bwt; n = 7) was administered by nebulisation 30 min before exercise and frusemide (1 mg/kg bwt; n = 6) was given in the same manner 2 h before exercise. Albuterol sulphate (360 and 720 ,g; n = 7) were administered with a metered dose inhaler 2 h before exercise. Each drug was investigated independently of the others using cross-over protocols. Horses completed incremental exercise tests and oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, arterial blood gases, heart rate and measures of breathing mechanics including total pulmonary resistance (RL) and nasopharyngeal resistance (RU) were determined for each exercise intensity. The resistance of the lower airways was calculated subsequently from the difference between RL and RU. None of the drugs tested had an effect on any of the variables measured, possibly because maximal bronchodilation is stimulated in healthy horses by the normal sympathoadrenergic response to exercise. Therefore, the pre-exercise inhalation of a bronchodilator by a healthy horse is unlikely to improve performance capacity. [source]

Adaptative response of antioxidant enzymes in different areas of rat brain after repeated d -amphetamine administration

ADDICTION BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2001
Félix Carvalho
d-Amphetamine has been shown to be a potential brain neurotoxic agent, particularly to dopaminergic neurones. Reactive oxygen species indirectly generated by this drug have been indicated as an important factor in the appearance of neuronal damage but little is known about the adaptations of brain antioxidant systems to its chronic administration. In this study, the activities of several antioxidant enzymes in different areas of rat brain were measured after repeated administration of d-amphetamine sulphate (sc, 20 mg/kg/day, for 14 days), namely glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRed), catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). When compared to a pair-fed control group, d-amphetamine treatment enhanced the activity of GST in hypothalamus to 167%, GPx in striatum to 127%, in nucleus accumbens to 192%, and in medial prefrontal cortex to 139%, GRed in hypothalamus to 139%, as well as catalase in medial prefrontal cortex to 153%. However, the same comparison revealed a decrease in the activity of GRed in medial pre-frontal cortex by 35%. Food restriction itself reduced GRed activity by 49% and enhanced catalase activity to 271% in nucleus accumbens. The modifications observed for the measured antioxidant enzymes reveal that oxidative stress probably plays a role in the deleterious effects of this drug in CNS and that, in general, the brain areas studied underwent adaptations which provided protection against the continuous administration of the drug. [source]

Examination of intravenous and intra-CSF protein delivery for treatment of neurological disease

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 6 2009
Kim M. Hemsley
Abstract Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA is a neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder characterized by progressive loss of learned skills, sleep disturbance and behavioural problems. Absent or greatly reduced activity of sulphamidase, a lysosomal protein, results in intracellular accumulation of heparan sulphate. Subsequent neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration typify this and many other lysosomal storage disorders. We propose that intra-cerebrospinal fluid protein delivery represents a potential therapeutic avenue for treatment of this and other neurodegenerative conditions; however, technical restraints restrict examination of its use prior to adulthood in mice. We have used a naturally-occurring Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA mouse model to determine the effectiveness of combining intravenous protein replacement (1 mg/kg) from birth to 6 weeks of age with intra-cerebrospinal fluid sulphamidase delivery (100 ,g, fortnightly from 6 weeks) on behaviour, the level of heparan sulphate-oligosaccharide storage and other neuropathology. Mice receiving combination treatment exhibited similar clinical improvement and reduction in heparan sulphate storage to those only receiving intra-cerebrospinal fluid enzyme. Reductions in micro- and astrogliosis and delayed development of ubiquitin-positive lesions were seen in both groups. A third group of intravenous-only treated mice did not exhibit clinical or neuropathological improvements. Intra-cerebrospinal fluid injection of sulphamidase effectively, but dose-dependently, treats neurological pathology in Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA, even when treatment begins in mice with established disease. [source]

Diversity of GABAA receptor synaptic currents on individual pyramidal cortical neurons

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 3 2007
Timothy Ing
Abstract Miniature GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in cortical pyramidal neurons have previously been categorized into two types: small amplitude mIPSCs with a mono-exponential deactivation (mono-mIPSCs) and relatively larger mIPSCs with bi-exponential deactivation (bi-mIPSCs). The aim of this study was to determine if the GABAA channels that underlie these mIPSCSs are molecularly distinct. We found, using non-stationary noise analysis, that the difference in their amplitude could be not accounted for by their single channel conductance (both were 40 pS). Next, using , subunit selective GABAA receptor modulators, we examined the identity of the , subunits that may be expressed in the synapses that give rise to these mIPSCs. Zolpidem (100 and 500 nm, ,1 selective) affected the deactivation of a subset of the mono-mIPSCs, indicating that ,1 subunits are not highly expressed in these synapses. However, zolpidem (100 nm) prolonged the deactivation of all bi-mIPSCs, indicating a high abundance of ,1 subunits in these synapses. SB-205384 (,3 selective) had no effect on the mono-mIPSCs but the bi-mIPSCs were prolonged. Furosemide (,4 selective) reduced the amplitude of only the mono-mIPSCs. L655,708 (,5 selective) reduced the amplitude of both populations and shortened the duration of the mono-mIPSCs. Finally, we found that the neuroactive steroid pregesterone sulphate reduced the amplitude of both mIPSC types. These results provide pharmacological evidence that synapses on cortical pyramidal neurons are molecularly distinct. The purpose of these different types of synapses may be to provide different inhibitory timing patterns on these cells. [source]

Developmental changes in cellular and extracellular structural macromolecules in the secondary palate and in the nasal cavity of the mouse

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 3 2010
Forugh Vaziri Sani
Vaziri Sani F, Kaartinen V, El Shahawy M, Linde A, Gritli-Linde A. Developmental changes in cellular and extracellular structural macromolecules in the secondary palate and nasal cavity of the mouse. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 221,236. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation© 2010 Eur J Oral Sci The aim of this study was to analyse the hitherto largely unknown expression patterns of some specific cellular and extracellular molecules during palate and nasal cavity development. We showed that epithelia of the developing palate and the vomerine epithelium express similar sets of structural proteins. With the exception of keratin 15, which becomes barely detectable in the elevated palatal shelves, nearly all of these proteins become upregulated at the presumptive areas of fusion and in the adhering epithelia of the palate and nasal septum. In vivo and in vitro analyses indicated that reduction in the amount of keratin 15 protein is independent of Tgf,,Alk5 signalling. Foxa1 expression also highlighted the regionalization of the palatal and nasal epithelia. Owing to the lack of reliable markers of the palatal periderm, the fate of peridermal cells has been controversial. We identified LewisX/stage-specific embryonic antigen-1 as a specific peridermal marker, and showed that numerous peridermal cells remain trapped in the medial epithelial seam (MES). The fate of these cells is probably apoptosis together with the rest of the MES cells, as we provided strong evidence for this event. Heparan sulphate, chondroitin-6-sulphate, and versican displayed dynamically changing distribution patterns. The hitherto-unknown innervation pattern of the developing palate was revealed. These findings may be of value for unravelling the pathogenesis of palatal clefting. [source]