Since 2001, there have been reports of effective legume nodulation by non-rhizobial bacteria (Ngom et al., 2004, Verma et al., 2004) of which that by Ochrobactrum has been reported recently (Lebuhn et al., 2000; Trujillo et al., 2005). One Gram-negative fast-growing strain, Ca-34, was isolated from nodules of Cicer arietinum. Its colonies are white, circular, isolated, smooth, and mucoid with a 2–3 mm diameter. The strain is nitrogen-fixing, it is high salt, acid, and temperature tolerant, it has the ability to utilize a wide range of carbon sources, and is identified as Ochrobactrum sp. on the BIOLOG system. It is resistant to many antibiotics, including aztreonam (β-lactams), which is a characteristic of the genus Ochrobactrum. Fatty acid similarity index with the Ochrobactrum type strain is 0.6. It shows a unique RAPD pattern and ARDRA profiles that are not similar to those of reported chickpea-specific rhizobia. It has one mega plasmid of 590 Kb that might be involved in symbiosis. Partial (AY499125) and fulllength (DQ647056) 16S rDNA sequencing show 99% homology with O. intermedium and uncultured Ochrobactrum sp. One hundred thirty-five nucleotides are different from Rhizobium and 247 different from Bradyrhizobium along the entire length of 16S rDNA molecule. A segment of 42 nucleotides is highly variable and has no similarity to the 16S rDNA molecules of Brady (rhizobium), Agrobacterium, and nodulating Ochrobactrum spp. Phylogenetically, it is distinct from rhizobia and other diazotrophs, and is more closely related to Ochrobactrum sp. reported from Acacia. These distinctive characteristics suggest that Ca-34 does not belong to the reported Ochrobactrum spp. and should be assigned the status of new specie within genus Ochrobactrum. This is first report of effective symbiotic association of Ochrobactrum sp. with root nodules of chickpea.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with their beneficial properties act as Nature's fertility partners and are used as biofertilizer (Hafeez et al., 2002). Fungicides are crop protectants but unfortunately, these chemicals affect the beneficial bacteria especially when used with the biofertilizer. This study is the first report concerning the interaction of PGPR and fungicides.

Over the last several years, many diazotrophs have been isolated in our laboratories from nodules of legumes, plant roots, and rhizospheric soil (Hafeez et al., 2005; 2006). In addition to fixing N2 (0.02–153 μmol mg−1 protein h−1), many can solubilize phosphate (189–204 (μ/mL). Some strains can produce indole acetic acid at concentrations as high as 977 μg/mL. Such strains, when used as bio-inoculants for cereals, enhance root growth and significantly increase the N and P contents in grain and straw. Some diazotrophs degrade ACC deaminase and result in lower ethylene synthesis. Other selected diazotrophs, such as K1, ER20, JCM 1270 and Ca18, successfully mobilize Zn, e.g., Enterobacter sp. 3.1.1.C solubilized both Zn3(PO4)2 and ZnO in plate assays. Some diazotrophs produce antifungal metabolites, like antibiotics, siderophores, and HCN and have biocontrol activity against fungal pathogens. Greenhouse evaluations suggest that Pseudomonas putida StS3, Pseudomonas sp. SPR7, P. fluorescens Mst 8.2, and Enterobacter sp. 3.1.1.C have potential as biocontrol agents with decreased disease incidence of potato black scurf, rice sheath blight, and wheat root rot. Other diazotrophs produce the broad spectrum antifungal 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (to 100 ppm). Some (4.1.1.B, 6.1.1.B, S4, S10, 17A1, 18 Al, etc.) produce chitinase, indicating mycolytic activity. Others inhibit growth of less competitive bacteria by producing bacteriocins, the genes for which have been identified. One consortium of diazotrophs has great potential for promoting rice plant growth and vigor with consequent suppression of weed competition. The most effective of these diazotrophs are used as the biofertilizer ‘Biopower’ in Pakistan. The use of ‘Biopower’, plus half the recommended N-fertilizer, resulted in considerable yield increase. These results increase our understanding of the diversity and role of diazotrophs in the rhizosphere and will help improve the quality of beneficial microorganism as inoculants for sustainable agriculture.

s: Abstracts for the 20th Annual Scientific Meeting of the International Society for Biological Therapy of Cancer (Primary Authors are Italicized): ANGIOGENESIS

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a major public health problem. Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections are an increasing clinical problem in immuno-compromised patients. The annual total of opportunistic infections including Mycobacterium malmoense has increased steadily over the period 1982 to 1994 in England and Wales. Disseminated disease is not uncommon with M. tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium intracellulare, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Dog bite injuries account for majority of about 200,000 yearly mammalian bites in the United Kingdom [1]. In adults, the injuries are mainly con®ned to the limbs with upper extremity bites being more frequent [2,3]. These usually involve only the soft tissues or injuries to the joints with increased risk of tenosynovitis and septic arthritis [4]. However, the possibility of fractures, especially in thinly covered areas such as dorsum of the hand, must not be overlooked. We report three cases of compound fractures as a result of dog bite in adult hands.

Background/Purpose: Mucin glycoproteins (mucins) recently have been shown to be deficient in the colonic mucosa of patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HD). The authors performed a detailed histo- and immunohistochemical analysis of mucins in the colonic mucosa and studied the expression of mucin genes to characterize histologically mucin quality and gene expression in HD compared with controls.Methods: Paraffin-embedded 4-mu m thick sections from patients with HD (n = 11 ganglionic, 10 aganglionic) and controls (n = 19) were taken. Slides were stained with mild periodic acid Schiff with and without saponification with KOH (reacts with O-actylated mucins), high iron diamine/alcian blue (differentiates sulphated v nonsulphated mucins), the monoclonal antimucin antibodies, PR3A5 (against di- and tri-O-acetylated sialic acids) and 91.9H (against sulphated mucins). O-acetylation and sulphation both confer an increased resistance of mucins to bacterial degradation and are thought to be important in the defensive function of the colonic mucus gel layer. In situ hybridization was used to study expression of the mucin genes MUC 1,2, 3, 4, 5AC, 5B, 6, 7, and 8. [35S]-sulphate-labelled antisense oligonucleotide 48mer probes designed to the known tandem repeat domains of MUC genes were used. After hybridization and washing the slides were opposed to Hyperfilm MP for 7 days. The autoradiographs were scored by three independent observers for differences in expression and by image analysis. Those with positive findings were dipped in photographic emulsion, developed, and counterstained for photomicrographs.Results: There were different patterns of staining dependent on the region of the colon and especially the age of the patient with three reagents. No significant differences in the histological staining pattern was detected between HD patients and controls. The colonic mucins in HD were found to be primarily O-acetylated and sulphated. The MUC gene expression was similar in patients and controls. MUC2 and 4 were strongly expressed, MUC 1, 3, and 58 had moderate to weak expression, and MUC 5AB, 6, 7, and 8 had baseline expression.Conclusions: The mucin glycoproteins in children with HD, although quantitatively deficient, show no qualitative differences on histo- and immunohistochemical staining from normal controls. The expression of all the known mucin genes, the genetic control of mucin secretion, and the quality of mucins, is similar to normal controls. J Pediatr Surg 34:330-333. Copyright (C) 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company.

Background/Purpose: Mucin glycoproteins (mucins) in the colonic mucus gel layer interact with pathogens performing protective functions by a variety of mechanisms. It is recognised that patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HD) are prone to episodes of enterocolitis even after corrective surgery, the aetiology of which is poorly understood. The authors correlated the turnover of radioactive mucin precursors in organ culture of the proximal ganglionated colon at the time of pull-through with the development of postoperative enterocolitis.Methods: The colonic mucins in the retained proximal ganglionated colon of nine HD patients at the time of pull-through were studied. Organ culture of intact mucosa was performed with radioactive mucin precursors 35S-sulphate and 3H-glucosamine. Mucins in the secretions and epithelial cells were then purified by gel filtration. Turnover of the isotopes was determined by relating radioactivity to tissue DNA content. These patients were followed up prospectively for a mean duration of 30.8 months. The patients were assigned to one of two groups according to the criteria of requiring hospital admission for enterocolitis during this period. There were five patients in the group that remained well after corrective surgery and four in the group that developed entercolitis. The turnover values of both radioisotopes were analysed for differences in the two groups of patients.Results: Patients in the enterocolitis group had a median value for turnover of 331 dpm/mu g DNA, and the group that was well had a median value of 2044 dpm/mu g DNA. These differences were statistically significant (Mann-Whitney, p = .037).Conclusions: A reduced turnover of mucins as shown by incorporation of radioactive precursors will give rise to a defective colonic mucus-defensive barrier. It can be inferred that the lower the turnover, the more prone a patient is to postoperative enterocolitis. It is therefore possible that organ culture with radioactive mucin precursors of the proximal ganglionated mucosa performed at the time of pull-through has a predictive value in the development of postoperative enterocolitis. Copyright (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company.

The role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to other investigations in providing information relevant to and affecting surgical management in patients with anorectal anomalies (ARA) was studied in two groups of patients. In group 1 a pilot study was done in 9 patients with colostomy for high ARA awaiting posterior sagittal anorectoplasty. These patients had MRI, plain radiographs, a distal loopogram through the mucous fistula, ultrasound scans of the spinal cord and urinary tract, and a micturating cystourethrogram. The level of bowel and spinal-cord termination was correctly determined in all patients by MRI and conventional investigations. The presence or absence of a fistula, urological abnormalities, and bony abnormalities of the pelvis and spine were better visualized by conventional investigations than with MRI. The striated-muscle complex (SMC) was well-visualized by MRI, the thickness accurately graded, and the findings confirmed at operation. The information on muscle thickness and the presence or absence of a fistula was interesting, but played no part in decisions made about surgical management, and the operative technique was not altered. In group 2 the patients were much older and had MRI for persistent problems, mainly soiling; 6 had low lesions and 6 had high lesions. Three patients with low lesions were found to have intraspinal abnormalities on MRI; 4 were found to have malpositioned bowel in the SMC, which was again accurately visualized and graded. Therefore, in 7/12 patients of this group a surgically correctable abnormality was found. We conclude that MRI has no role as a primary investigation in patients with high ARA, but it is useful if there are suspected spinal-cord problems or persistent problems after definitive surgery.

Conference Abstract| February 01 1997 Biochemical analysis of mucin glycoproteins in paediatric colonic mucus A. ASLAM; A. ASLAM 1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Bristol Children's Hospital, Bristol Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar R. D. SPICER; R. D. SPICER 1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Bristol Children's Hospital, Bristol Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar A. P. CORFIELD A. P. CORFIELD *Department of Medicine Labs, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, U.K. Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Biochem Soc Trans (1997) 25 (1): 7S. https://doi.org/10.1042/bst025007s Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Cite Icon Cite Get Permissions Citation A. ASLAM, R. D. SPICER, A. P. CORFIELD; Biochemical analysis of mucin glycoproteins in paediatric colonic mucus. Biochem Soc Trans 1 February 1997; 25 (1): 7S. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/bst025007s Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All ContentAll JournalsBiochemical Society Transactions Search Advanced Search This content is only available as a PDF. © 1997 Biochemical Society1997 Article PDF first page preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this content.

The mucus gel layer in the colon plays an important role in the defensive mechanisms against pathogenic organisms. Mucin glycoproteins or mucins are the major component of this gel. We studied the mucins in patients who had Hirschsprung's disease (HD) by colonic mucosal organ culture with radioactive mucin precursors [35S]-sulphate and [3H]-glucosamine. The secreted and cellular mucus fractions were collected after 24-hour incubation, and mucins were purified by gel filtration. The ratio of incorporation of the precursors and their turnover were quantified. Purified mucins were tested against wheat germ agglutinin for total mucin turnover. We used nine aganglionic bowel samples, 10 ganglionic bowel samples from HD patients, and 13 age-matched normal controls. There were no significant differences in the three groups in ratio of incorporation. The turnover with both radioactive precursors was reduced in both aganglionic and ganglionic bowel of HD, these differences were significant in [35S]-sulphate incorporation in the cellular fraction, ganglionic bowel being most affected. Total mucin turnover, as assessed by reactivity with wheat germ aggultinin, was reduced in both HD groups, being significant in the cellular fraction, aganglionic bowel being the most affected. These results signify an abnormal mucus defensive barrier in the colon of HD patients, even in the ganglionic bowel, which is thought to be normal and is retained at the definitive pull-through operation. This abnormality may be an etiological factor in the pathogenesis of enterocolitis of HD.

Conference Abstract| February 01 1997 Biochemical analysis of colonic mucin glycoproteins in children with Hirschsprung disease show disease specific alterations A. ASLAM; A. ASLAM 1Bristol Children's Hospital, Bristol, U.K. Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar R. D. SPICER; R. D. SPICER 1Bristol Children's Hospital, Bristol, U.K. Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar A. P. CORFIELD A. P. CORFIELD *Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, U.K. Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Biochem Soc Trans (1997) 25 (1): 8S. https://doi.org/10.1042/bst025008s Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Cite Icon Cite Get Permissions Citation A. ASLAM, R. D. SPICER, A. P. CORFIELD; Biochemical analysis of colonic mucin glycoproteins in children with Hirschsprung disease show disease specific alterations. Biochem Soc Trans 1 February 1997; 25 (1): 8S. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/bst025008s Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll JournalsBiochemical Society Transactions Search Advanced Search This content is only available as a PDF. © 1997 Biochemical Society1997 Article PDF first page preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this content.

Hot air burns resulting from hairdriers held against the skin are rare. The largest published clinical series relates to burns in children injured by the use of hairdriers at home. Adults are assumed not to be at risk because the pain associated with thermal injury would normally stimulate acute action to prevent further skin damage. We present two adult patients in whom the normal protective mechanisms were inactive. There was loss of consciousness resulting from an epileptic fit in one case, and the local absence of sensation in a flap used to reconstruct a breast after mastectomy, in the other. The temperatures generated by hairdriers were experimentally assessed and the results are reviewed. We emphasize that hairdriers are a potentially dangerous source of hot air and can cause burns.

Two infants with rectal atresia were successfully treated by end-to-end anastomosis via a posterior sagittal approach with a covering colostomy. The first child had previously undergone numerous local procedures in an attempt to correct the anomaly.

Two children with neuroblastoma were treated at Bristol Children's Hospital. One had primary resection of a right adrenal tumor; the other had resection of a secondary lymph node located in the left supraclavicular fossa. In both cases, the patients received 123(I)-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) preoperatively, and a sterilizable, hand-held Cadmium-Telluride (CdTe) solid-state detector was used for localization of the tumor. The surgical procedure was facilitated significantly by this peroperative radioisotope-guided technique.