Cotinine levels and self-reported smoking status in patients attending a bronchoscopy clinic

The reliability of self-reported smoking behaviour can vary and may result in bias if errors in misclassification vary with outcome. We examined whether self-report was an accurate measure of current smoking status in patients with malignant or non-malignant respiratory disease. Smoking behaviour was assessed by self-report and by analysis of whole blood for cotinine, a biomarker of exposure to cigarette smoke, in 166 patients attending a bronchoscopy clinic. Cotinine levels ranged from 2.5 to >400 ng ml^?1 blood and were higher in self-reported current smokers (173±123 ng ml^?1) than in never smokers (3.7±8.7 ng ml^?1) or ex-smokers (20.5±49.0 ng ml^?1). Cotinine levels in self-reported current smokers increased with the numbers of cigarettes smoked (p=0.06), and levels in smokers and ex-smokers decreased with the reported length of time since the last cigarette (p=0.001). Using a cotinine level of 20 ng ml^?1 and self-report as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity for defining current smoking status were 90.2% and 82.4%, respectively. Out of a total of 125 self-reported current non-smokers, 23 (18.4%) had cotinine levels greater than 20 ng ml^?1. Smoking prevalence was significantly underestimated by self-report (24.7%) when compared with that defined using blood cotinine levels (36.1%: p<0.001). Misclassification of current smoking status was particularly high in ex-smokers, in patients without malignant respiratory disease, in men, and in those below the median age. Such differential misclassification may result in bias in studies examining associations between current smoking habits and disease risk.     

Increases in serum concentration of human heart-type fatty acid-binding protein following elective coronary intervention

Background: Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) is considered a marker of myocardial necrosis but whether or not it is modified by myocardial ischemia is not clear. We sought to investigate if H-FABP serum levels increase following non-urgent coronary angioplasty.

Methods: We studied 31 patients undergoing coronary angioplasty. Peripheral venous samples were drawn immediately before angioplasty, 1?h after the first balloon inflation and 24?h after the procedure and assayed for H-FABP.

Results: Serum levels of H-FABP increased significantly at 1?h vs baseline from 2554?±?1268 to 3322?±?245?pg?ml^?1 (p?=?0.024). However, no differences were observed between 1?h and 24?h after angioplasty (3268?±?1861 vs 3322?±?2459?pg ml^?1, p?=?0.87). Moreover, no significant difference was observed when we compared 24?h after angioplasty with the baseline (3268?±?1861vs 2554?±?1268?pg ml^?1, p?=?0.112).

Conclusions: We conclude that H-FABP significantly increases after elective coronary angioplasty at 1?h compared with baseline values; whether or not this has any prognostic significance for future events, as it occurs with troponins, needs to be studied further.     

Clinical considerations in study designs that use cotinine as a biomarker

Subjects enrolled in studies are not always screened for routine habits such as smoking. Personal history is not always reliable and therefore an objective biomarker is necessary to screen for smokers. The objectives of this article were to review the metabolism of nicotine and other metabolic considerations associated with smoking; to review some of the routine methods used to assess exposure to nicotine-containing products; to revisit cotinine breakpoints utilized to distinguish smokers from non-smokers during screening for clinical trials; to assess the utility of screening questions regarding smoking practices; and to recommend standards for clinical pharmacology studies. The results indicated that cotinine levels serve as a useful biomarker of tobacco exposure; racial issues may be clinically relevant in determining smoking status; cessation of smoking should occur at least 14 days prior to the start of the study; adverse effects from nicotine withdrawal such as craving, hunger and weight gain may persist for more than 6 months; potential metabolic interactions via cytochrome P2A6 and P1A2 need to be considered when designing a study; and the use of a single calibrator as a breakpoint is acceptable if a categorical outcome such as 'smoker' versus 'non-smoker' is desired. Nicotine from food products is not expected to impact assay sensitivity or to be clinically relevant; a serum cotinine concentration of 10 ng ml^?1 be employed as a breakpoint for non-smokers versus smokers; other non-invasive alternatives are collection of urine, saliva, or hair (with suggested breakpoints of 200 ng ml^?1, 5 ng ml^?1 and 0.3 ng mg^?1, respectively; screening questions be accompanied by testing for cotinine; and the inclusion of smokers in studies should be considered once the impact of smoking on the targeted population is understood.     

Soluble tumour necrosis factor-α receptor type 1 as a biomarker of response to phototherapy in patients with psoriasis

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to analyze the relationship between the serum concentration of soluble tumour necrosis factor-α type 1 (sTNF-R1), the severity of plaque-type psoriasis and therapeutic response. We compared sTNF-R1 in 25 patients treated with narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) radiation and 25 patients treated with systemic photochemotherapy (psoralen plus UVA – PUVA). The pretreatment Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and sTNF-R1 concentration were 16.32±5.26 and 1.99±0.40 ng ml^?1, respectively, in the group treated with NB-UVB, and 17.22±3.48 and 2.07±0.31 ng ml^?1, respectively, in the group treated with PUVA. The concentration of sTNF-R1 in healthy controls was 1.49±0.34 ng ml^?1 (p<0.05 compared with patients with psoriasis). The pretreatment PASI score correlated with sTNF-R1 in both treatment groups (r=0.46 and r=0.44, p<0.05). NB-UVB and PUVA gave similar therapeutic effects (the PASI score after 20 treatments was 4.42±1.67 in the NB-UVB-treated group and 5.55±2.10 in PUVA-treated patients); however, the sTNF-R1 concentration at the same time differed significantly: 1.52±0.37 ng ml^?1 and 1.98±0.39 ng ml^?1 (p<0.001), respectively. Moreover, the decline in sTNF-R1 in both treatment groups was significant only in patients in whom the duration of skin lesions was less than 3 months. The results suggest that the value of serum sTNF-R1 concentration as a marker of response to phototherapy may depend on duration of skin lesions and the treatment method.     

Ventilation and oxygen consumption in the hagfish, Myxine glutinosa L.

Ventilation was measured directly in the hagfish, Myxine glutinosa L., by means of an electro-magnetic blood flowmeter. Ventilatory flow and frequency increased from 0.86 ± 0.27 ml·min^?, and 18.2 ± 5.1·min^?, respectively, at 7°C to 1.70 ± 0.20 ml·min^?, and 70.1 ± 9.5·min^? at 15 ·C.Standard oxygen consumption,V?O₂, was measured in non-buried hagfish. V?O₂ was 0.57 ± 0.17μl O₂·g^?1·min^?1 at 7°C, and 0.85 ± 0.12μl O₂·g^?1·min^?1 at 15°C.     

Effects of administration of somatostatin-14 and immunoneutralization of somatostatin on endocrine and growth responses in rainbow trout

Injection of somatostatin‐14 (SS‐14) at 5 ng g^?1 body mass (BM) into rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss decreased (P < 0·05, cubic, r² = 0·54) levels of growth hormone (GH) (1·5 ± 0·9 ng ml^?1v. 6·6 ± 0·6 ng ml^?1) over time when compared to controls. Somatostatin‐14 at 50 ng g^?1 BM also decreased (P = 0·064, quadratic; r² = 0·30) levels of GH (3·6 ± 2·1 ng ml^?1v. 6·6 ± 0·6 ng ml^?1) over time compared to controls. In a second study, passive immunization against SS‐14 (1 : 25 dose) increased (P = 0·10, cubic, r² = 0·12) levels of GH (11·0 ± 4·8 ng ml^?1v. 5·2 ± 1·4 ng ml^?1) over time. Passively immunizing against SS‐14 (1 : 50 dose) increased (P < 0·05, cubic, r² = 0·10) levels of GH (8·2 ± 2·3 ng ml^?1v. 5·2 ± 1·4 ng ml^?1) over time compared to controls. Overall, in the active immunization study there was no difference (P > 0·10) in specific growth rate (G) or feed conversion ratio (FCR) between the three treatment groups during the 9 weeks of the study. Only four of the fish immunized against SS‐14, however, developed antibody titres against SS. Compared to controls, these fish exhibited a G of 0·89 ± 0·09 v. 0·56 ± 0·09% per 3 weeks and FCR of 0·80 ± 0·04 v. 1·20 ± 0·05 g g^?1. In SS‐14 immunized fish, levels of GH decreased (P < 0·05) by day 63 while levels of insulin like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) increased (P < 0·05) by day 42 and 63. These results indicate the hypothalamic hormone SS‐14 regulates GH secretion similarly in rainbow trout as it does in mammals. Active immunization against SS‐14 could improve growth performance in rainbow trout but enhanced G and FCR is dependent upon generation of antibody titres.     

Effect of Breed,Cage Type,and Reproductive Phase on Fecal Corticosterone Levels in Doe Rabbits

Fecal corticosterone concentration (FCC) is increasingly being used as a noninvasive indicator of stress in assessment of nonhuman animal welfare. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of breed, cage type, reproductive phase, and their interactions on FCC levels in doe rabbits. A total of 252 doe rabbits were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Does were individually housed in either standard dimension cages (SC) or in cages with a volume more than double that of the SC. Bigger cages (BC) were equipped with a plastic foot mat. Breed, cage type, and reproductive phase significantly affected FCC. New Zealand hybrids showed higher FCCs (p < .001) when compared witho the autochthonous breed (27.77 ± 0.47 vs. 24.61 ± 0.36 pg g^?1, respectively). Increased cage size coupled with a plastic foot mat resulted in a significant decrease in doe FCC. The highest FCCs were detected at partum (BC: 30.40 ± 0.81 pg g^?1; SC: 33.36 ± 0.86 pg g^?1; p ≤ .05), followed by postweaning (BC: 25.09 ± 0.95 pg g^?1; SC: 27.63 ± 0.95 pg g^?1; p ≤ .05). These results support the hypothesis that measurement of FCC provides a useful indicator of chronic stress in doe rabbits.     

Content of cysteine, reduced and oxidized glutathione in spermatozoa of representatives of Acipenseriformes (Acipenser baerii and A. ruthenus) as well as teleosts (Perca fluviatilis and Sander lucioperca)

Glutathione belongs to a vital intra‐ and extra‐cellular protective antioxidant and is found almost exclusively in its reduced form. The ratio between its reduced and oxidized within cells is often used as a marker of cellular toxicity. The objectives of the study were to (i) determine both the reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and cysteine (Cys) in the sperm of the Acipenser baerii and Acipenser ruthenus, as well as in Perca fluviatilis and Sander lucioperca, and (ii) to demonstrate the differences in concentration levels between representatives of acipenseriform and teleost species. High performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection was employed. The average content of the thiols determined in the sperm samples were as follows: Acipenser baerii (cysteine 55 ± 8 μg ml^?1; GSH 126 ± 19 μg ml^?1; GSSG 49 ± 7 μg ml^?1), Acipenser ruthenus (cysteine 62 ± 9 μg ml^?1; GSH 768 ± 115 μg ml^?1; GSSG 180 ± 16 μg ml^?1), Sander lucioperca (cysteine 251 ± 38 μg ml^?1; GSH 185 ± 28 μg ml^?1; GSSG 93 ± 14 μg ml^?1), Perca fluviatilis (cysteine 281 ± 42 μg ml^?1; GSH 496 ± 74 μg ml^?1; GSSG 138 ± 21 μg ml^?1). Based on the results obtained it can be concluded that this method is sensitive and selective for the determination of these compounds in real samples. Results revealed differences in cysteine content between species of the two systematic categories but also showed that ratios between GSH and GSSG can vary between species while potentially predict oxidative stress in fish sperm.     

Human nails as a biomarker of arsenic exposure from well water in Inner Mongolia: comparing atomic fluorescence spectrometry and neutron activation analysis

Abstract

Arsenic (As) is found naturally in the geological strata within the Ba Men Region of Inner Mongolia, China. A study was conducted to compare the total As measurements from two analytical techniques: instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS), and to verify nails as an exposure biomarker in this population. In 1999, nail and water samples were collected in a pilot study. Fingernails and toenails were pooled from 32 participants and analysed for total As by both INAA and AFS. Mean nail As values were 14.8±2.4 and 19.4±2.8 µg?g^?1 (±SEM) for INAA and AFS, respectively. Results from these two methods were significantly correlated (r=0.93, p<0.0001). In 2000, a second study was conducted and INAA was used to measure total As in toenails from 314 Ba Men residents. Well water samples were collected from 121 households and analysed by AFS. A significant correlation was observed between toenail and well water As (r=0.84, p<0.0001). Based on the results, INAA was significantly correlated with AFS and proved to be a reliable measure of nail As levels. In this population, toenail samples are a useful internal As exposure biomarker from drinking water sources.     

Laboratory assessment of the antifouling potential of a soluble-matrix paint laced with the natural compound polygodial

Polygodial is a potent and selective inhibitor of ascidian metamorphosis that shows promise for controlling fouling by ascidians in bivalve aquaculture. The current study examined the potency of, and associated effects of seawater exposure on, a rosin-based soluble-matrix paint laced with 0.08–160?ng?polygodial?g^?1 wet paint matrix. Paint-coated surfaces were soaked in seawater for 0, 2, 4 or 12?weeks prior to screening for antifouling activity using a bioassay based on the nuisance ascidian Ciona savignyi Herdman. Mortality was greater (mean 50% lethal concentration: 5?±?2?ng?g^?1; mean 75% lethal concentration: 17?±?4?ng?g^?1) and metamorphosis was inhibited (mean 50% anti-metamorphic concentration: 2?±?0.4?ng?g^?1; mean 75% anti-metamorphic concentration: 15?±?10?ng?g^?1) in C. savignyi larvae exposed to polygodial-laced soluble-matrix paints, relative to control paints without polygodial. Soaking in seawater prior to testing reduced the efficacy of the formulation up to nearly 12-fold, but even after soaking for 12?weeks paints laced with polygodial at 160?ng?g^?1 wet paint matrix prevented ?90% of the larvae of C. savignyi from completing metamorphosis. The outcome of this experiment provides a positive first step in evaluating the suitability of polygodial-laced soluble-matrix paints for use in aquaculture.     

Seasonal changes in the concentration of estrogens and testosterone in the plasma of the stallion

A blood sample was taken from each of 15 stallions at monthly intervals for 14 consecutive months. Plasma concentrations of estrogens and testosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay methods. Estrogens in peripheral blood were present in much higher amounts than testosterone and were principally in a water-soluble, solvolyzable form (> 98%). The major component in the solvolyzed extracts behaved chromatographically as estrone. The mean plasma level (± S.E.) of estrogens averaged across months was 52.9 ± 4.5 ng ml^?1. Individual stallions showed considerable month-to-month variation; for example, single monthly samples ranged from 29.5 to 160.6 ng ml^?1 for the stallion with the highest single value.The highest mean monthly concentration was 69 ± ng ml^?1 in May, and plasma levels were < 40 ng ml^?1 during November and December. For the 11 Thoroughbred stallions in the study, the mean concentrations of estrogens were 73 ± 5.8 ng ml^?1 for May to July and 45 ± 4.1 ng ml^?1 for November to January (P > 0.001).The mean monthly concentrations (± S.E.) of testosterone ranged from 0.22 ± 0.05 to 0.90 ± 0.14 ng ml^?1, and individual samples ranged from < 0.02 to 2.8 ng ml^?1 of plasma. While the highest mean level of testosterone was seen in September, there was a significant difference (P < 0.01) between the values in the breeding season (May–July, 0.73 ± 0.07 ng ml^?1) and the non-breeding season (November–January, 0.38 ± 0.08 ng ml^?1). No marked seasonal changes were observed, however, in testosterone levels in several stallions. It was concluded that plasma estrogen levels may provide a more sensitive index of endocrine function of the testes in the stallion.     

Seasonal variation in steroid hormones and blood parameters in cage-farmed European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)

For a period of 1 year, some blood parameters were evaluated on a monthly basis in a population of adult European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) intensively reared in floating marine cages (Ionian Sea, Mediterranean). From April (13 months old) to July (16 months old) males (35–50%) and sexually indeterminate individuals were collected. From August to March (24 months old) only males were sampled. During this period the percentage of spermiated males was highest (100%) from November (20 months old) to January (22 months old). Plasma testosterone in males was inversely related to sunlight (h month^?1) and was elevated between October and January, when males first achieved sexual maturity. Testosterone showed the highest value (0.49 ± 0.02 ng ml^?1) in January and the lowest (0.09 ± 0.02 ng ml^?1) in March. Haematocrit, red blood cell counts and haemoglobin concentration were elevated from November to March, being inversely related to sunlight. The two latter parameters were also inversely related to daily food intake. Haematocrit, red blood cell counts and haemoglobin concentration were highest in December [53 ± 1%, (5.36 ± 0.06) × 10⁶ mm^?3, 10.08 ± 0.14 g 100 ml^?1, respectively] and lowest in June [35 ± 1%, (3.33 ± 0.05) × 10⁶ mm^?3, 6.47 ± 0.13 g 100 ml^?1, respectively]. White blood cell counts were not correlated with sea water temperature, sunlight or daily food intake. They were highest in February [(8.45 ± 0.20) × 10⁴ mm^?3] and lowest in April [(6.07 ± 0.14) × 10⁴ mm^?3]. Total plasma protein concentration (4.88 ± 0.11–5.93 ± 0.10 g 100 ml^?1) and mean cell volume (93.3 ± 0.9–105.5 ± 1.8 μm³) showed small fluctuations throughout the year. Sexual maturity appears to be a major factor that significantly affects haemopoiesis of D. labrax. This study contributes to the evaluation of normal levels of some blood parameters in European sea bass, which are helpful for the assessment of physiological status and health of this species.     

Activity and function in lung injuries due to sulphur mustard

Aim. Pulmonary complications are known to occur in over half the patients exposed to sulphur mustard. Many studies have focused on the clinical complications, often ignoring the pathogenesis of sulphur mustard. Also, the reasons for the variable severity of lung injuries caused by sulphur mustard are unclear. Hence, the current study was performed to evaluate the correlation between superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity and pulmonary function in patients exposed to sulphur mustard. Methods. Our study was a comparative cross-sectional survey. Two hundred and fifty incident survivors were selected from the Sardasht population who were exposed to sulphur mustard in 1987. A control group from non-exposed civilians was also selected. We used a pulmonary function test, and SOD and CAT activity was measured in these groups. Results. The mean SOD activity in the healthy control group (70.5±10.8 U ml^?1) was higher than in the moderate-to-severe group (67.0±6.1 U ml^?1) (p <0.001, one-tail ANOVA, least significant difference (LSD) post hoc). The mean activity in the mild group (72.5±6.9 U ml^?1) was no higher than in the healthy control group (70.5±10.8 U ml^?1) (p=0.095 one-tail ANOVA, LSD post hoc). The mean CAT activity in the healthy control group (4.9±1.5 U ml^?1) was lower than in the moderate-to-severe group (8.0±1.8 U ml^?1) (p <0.001, one-tail ANOVA, LSD post hoc) and in the mild group (7.5±1.5 U ml^?1) (p=0.012 one-tail ANOVA, LSD post hoc). Conclusion. According to our findings, it is reasonable to hypothesize that re-establishment of the activation–inactivation or oxidant–antioxidant balance in favour of the activation and antioxidant balances would be useful as a therapeutic strategy to suppress pathological mechanisms underlying lung injuries.     

S100B and brain natriuretic peptide predict functional neurological outcome after intracerebral haemorrhage

Colorimetric test strip assays are a convenient and inexpensive means for the determination of cotinine in human urine because they can be performed in a nonlaboratory environment using a trained technician. Four hundred human urine samples were separated into four categories: (1) heavy smokers (>20 cigarettes smoked per day), (2) light smokers (<20 cigarettes smoked per day), (3) non-smokers, and (4) vegetarian non-smokers. Samples were evaluated by a gas chromatography/mass selective detector (GC/MSD) method as a reference and using NicCheck I? (DynaGen, Inc.). Colour intensity can range from 0 (no colour) to 14 (deep pink). Qualitative values were assigned as negative (0), low (1-6) and high (7-14). Comparison of the test strip and GC/MSD results showed: (1) 43 (10.75%) false negatives using the criterion of a GC/MSD cotinine level above 200 ng ml^-1 and test strip reading of 0, (2) 31 (7.75%) false positives using the criterion of a GC/MSD cotinine level below 1 ng ml^-1 and a test strip reading of 1 or greater, and (3) no correlation between the test strip and GC/MSD results (r = 0.597, p < 0.05). The fact that the colorimetric reaction is sensitive to many nicotine metabolites and/or heterocyclic amine structures whereas the GC/MSD method measures nicotine and cotinine selectively might explain the false positive results. False negative results were likely to be due to a lack of sensitivity of the test strip.     

Salivary cortisol concentration after high-intensity interval exercise: Time of day and chronotype effect

Due to personal and working necessities, the time for exercise is often short, and scheduled early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Cortisol plays a central role in the physiological and behavioral response to a physical challenge and can be considered as an index of exercise stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the circadian phenotype classification on salivary cortisol concentration in relation to an acute session of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) performed at different times of the day. Based on the morningness–eveningness questionnaire, 12 M-types (N = 12; age 21 ± 2 years; height 179 ± 5 cm; body mass 74 ± 12 kg, weekly training volume 8 ± 1 hours) and 11 E-types (N = 11; age 21 ± 2 years; height 181 ± 11 cm; body mass 76 ± 11 kg, weekly training volume 7 ± 2 hours) were enrolled in a randomized crossover study. All subjects underwent measurements of salivary cortisol secretion before (PRE), immediately after (POST), and 15 min (+15 min), 30 min (+30 min), 45 min (+45 min) and 60 min (+60 min) after the completion of both morning (08.00 am) and evening (08.00 p.m.) high-intensity interval exercise. Two-way analysis of variance with Tuckey’s multiple comparisons test showed significant increments over PRE-cortisol concentrations in POSTcondition both in the morning (4.88 ± 1.19 ng · mL^?1 vs 6.60 ± 1.86 ng · mL^?1, +26.1%, P < 0.0001, d > 0.8) and in the evening (1.56 ± 0.48 ng · mL^?1 vs 2.34 ± 0.37, +33.4%, P = 0.034, d > 0.6) exercise in all the 23 subject that performed the morning and the evening HIIE. In addition, during morning exercise, significant differences in cortisol concentration between M-types and E-types at POST (5.49 ± 0.98 ng · mL^?1 versus 8.44 ± 1.08 ng · mL^?1, +35%, P < 0.0001, d > 0.8), +15 min (4.52 ± 0.42 ng · mL^?1 versus 6.61 ± 0.62 ng · mL^?1, +31.6%, P < 0.0001, d > 0.8), +30 min (4.10 ± 1.44 ng · mL^?1 versus 6.21 ± 1.60 ng · mL^?1, +34.0%, P < 0.0001, d = 0.7), + 45 min (3.78 ± 0.55 ng · mL^?1 versus 5.80 ± 0.72 ng · mL^?1, +34.9%, P < 0.0001, d = 0.7), and + 60 min condition(3.53 ± 0.45 ng · mL^?1 versus 5.78 ± 1.13 ng · mL^?1, 38.9%, P = 0.0008, d = 0.7) were noted. No statistical significant differences between M-types and E-types during evening HIIE on post-exercise cortisol concentration were detected. E-types showed a higher morning peak of salivary cortisol respect to M-types when performing a HIIE early in the morning and produced higher salivary cortisol concentrations after the cessation of the exercise. Practical applications suggest that it is increasingly important for the exercise professionals to identify the compatibility between time of day for exercising and chronotype to find the individual’s favorable circadian time to perform a HIIE.     

Degradation and Detoxification of Nicosulfuron by a Pseudomonas Strain Isolated from a Contaminated Cornfield Soil

ABSTRACT

The dissipation and detoxification of nicosulfuron (NS) by Pseudomonas aeruginosa B9 isolated from a cornfield soil was investigated. The fastest decline of NS occurred at 40 µg ml^?1 in liquid media with 0.25% glucose plus 0.05% yeast extract (DT₅₀ = 4 days) with a notable pH reduction (pH ? 5). Bioassay tests showed considerable phytotoxicity of NS for Cress (Lepidium sativum L.) with 50% shoot growth inhibition (SGI) at 40 µg ml^?1. The dissipation of NS (40 µg ml^?1) by the B9 isolate reduced the SGI significantly (SGI: up to 45 ± 3%) compared to the non-inoculated media (SGI: up to 58 ± 4%). In soils with the B9 isolate, NS dissipation, especially at 0.3 µg g^?1, was faster with a more significant SGI reduction (k = 0.08 ± 0.00 day^?1; SGI = 2 ± 1%) compared to non-inoculated samples (k = 0.03 ± 0.00 day^?1; SGI = 8 ± 1%). NS initially inhibited soil respiration, microbial biomass carbon, and dehydrogenase activity. The effect was however transient, and these parameters recovered within 10 days, especially in the presence of the isolate. Overall, this study proves Pseudomonas aeruginosa B9 as a suitable candidate for bioremediation of NS in contaminated sites.     

Kocuria SM1 controls vibriosis in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss,Walbaum)

Aims: To develop probiotics for the control of vibriosis caused by Vibrio anguillarum and Vibrio ordalii in finfish. Methods and Results: Kocuria SM1, isolated from the digestive tract of rainbow trout, was administered orally to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) for 2 weeks at a dose equivalent to c. 10⁸ cells per g of feed and then challenged intraperitoneally with V. anguillarum and V. ordalii. Use of SM1 led to a reduction in mortalities to 15–20% compared to 74–80% mortalities in the controls. SM1 stimulated both cellular and humoral immune responses in rainbow trout, by elevation of leucocytes (5·5 ± 0·8 × 10⁶ ml^?1 from 3·7 ± 0·8 × 10⁶ ml^?1), erythrocytes (1·2 ± 0·1 × 10⁸ ml^?1 from 0·8 ± 0·1 × 10⁸ ml^?1), protein (23 ± 4·4 mg ml^?1 from 16 ± 1·3 mg ml^?1), globulin (15·7 ± 0·2 mg ml^?1 from 9·9 ± 0·1 mg ml^?1) and albumin (7·3 ± 0·2 mg ml^?1 from 6·1 ± 0·1 mg ml^?1) levels, upregulation of respiratory burst (0·05 ± 0·01 from 0·02 ± 0·01), complement (56 ± 7·2 units ml^?1 from 40 ± 8·0 units ml^?1), lysozyme (920 ± 128·8 units ml^?1 from 760 ± 115·3 units ml^?1) and bacterial killing activities. Conclusions: Kocuria SM1 successfully controlled vibriosis in rainbow trout, and the mode of action reflected stimulation of the host innate immune system. Significance and Impact of the Study: Probiotics can contribute a significant role in fish disease control strategies, and their use may replace some of the inhibitory chemicals currently used in fish farms.     

Hemodialysis Decreases Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Concentration in Humans

In the present study we have evaluated the effect of a single hemodialysis session on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in plasma [BDNF]_pl and in serum [BDNF]_s as well as on the plasma isoprostanes concentration [F₂ isoprostanes]_pl, plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and plasma cortisol levels in chronic kidney disease patients. Twenty male patients (age 69.8?±?2.9?years (mean?±?SE)) with end-stage renal disease undergoing maintenance hemodialysis on regular dialysis treatment for 15?C71?months participated in this study. A single hemodialysis session, lasting 4.2?±?0.1?h, resulted in a decrease (P?=?0.014) in [BDNF]_s by ~42?% (2,574?±?322 vs. 1,492?±?327?pg?ml^?1). This was accompanied by an increase (P?<?10^?4) of [F₂-Isoprostanes]_pl (38?±?3 vs. 116?±?16?pg?ml^?1), decrease (P?<?10^?4) in TAC (1,483?±?41 vs. 983?±?35 trolox equivalents, ??mol?l^?1) and a decrease (P?=?0.004) in plasma cortisol level (449.5?±?101.2 vs. 315.3?±?196.3?nmol?l^?1). No changes (P?>?0.05) in [BDNF]_pl and the platelets count were observed after a single dialysis session. Furthermore, basal [BDNF]_s in the chronic kidney disease patients was significantly lower (P?=?0.03) when compared to the age-matched control group (n?=?23). We have concluded that the observed decrease in serum BDNF level after hemodialysis accompanied by elevated [F₂-Isoprostanes]_pl and decreased plasma TAC might be caused by enhanced oxidative stress induced by hemodialysis.     

Aquatic effect duration study of Cry4 toxin with immunoassay and Aedes aegypti larval biotest

Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) preparations are widely used for culicid larvae. There is no suitable commercially available analytical method for Cry4 toxin as active ingredient in Bti preparations. To overcome this limitation, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for quantitative determination of Cry4 toxin allowing a limit of detection (LOD) of ～2 ng ml^?1 in water. Preconcentration of aqueous samples by lyophilisation resulted in low but reproducible recoveries (25.7±6.8%), and the practical LODs for Bti preparations VECTOBAC WDG granulate and VECTOBAC 12 AS suspension were found to be ～170 ng ml^?1 and ～900 ng ml^?1, respectively. ELISA determinations indicated a rapid decay in detectable concentrations of VECTOBAC WDG applied at 400 ng ml^?1 concentration in surface water: detected concentrations decreased by 18% and 44% in 4 days in water collected from two locations, and dropped below LOD afterwards. Larval mortality of Aedes aegypti indicated a continuous decrease even thereafter. Thus, quantitative Cry4 toxin detection facilitates proper timing and frequency of treatments to achieve optimal efficacy.     

Ischaemia-modified albumin in pulmonary hypertension

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) may be associated with subendocardial ischaemia. We investigated whether ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA), an established marker of ischaemia, is elevated in stable patients with PH.

Methods: We studied 32 patients with PH and an equal number of age-matched normal volunteers. We assessed serum IMA levels with the albumin cobalt-binding test.

Results: Patients’ mean ± SD (range) pulmonary arterial pressure was 56?±?12 (33–73) mmHg and their exercise capacity was 394?±?145 (121–688) m in the 6-min walk test. IMA was 92?±?14 (69–115) U ml^?1 in the patient group and 93?±?9.4 (76–122) U ml^?1 in the control group with no significant difference between the two (p?=?0.85), although almost one-third of the patients had detectable troponin-I.

Conclusions: We conclude that IMA, a marker of ischaemia, does not differ in patients with advanced clinically stable PH compared with normal subjects.