Draft genome of Metabacillus niabensis strain 4T19T isolated from cotton-waste composts for mushroom cultivation

In this article, we present the draft genome sequence of Metabacillus niabensis strain 4T19^T (= CSUR Q2603 ^T = DSM 17723 = JCM 16399 = KACC 11279), that is a new Metabacillus species isolated from cotton-waste composts. The genome sequence from Metabacillus niabensis strain 4T19^T was assembled into 462 contigs for a total size of 4,987,608 bp with a G + C content of 35.5%.

Description of Clostridium cagae sp. nov., Clostridium rectalis sp. nov. and Hathewaya massiliensis sp. nov., new anaerobic bacteria isolated from human stool samples

Using culturomics methods, three strains were isolated, identified and characterized following the taxonogenomics concept. Clostridium cagae strain Marseille-P4344T (=CSURP4344), Clostridium rectalis strain Marseille-P4200T (=CSURP4200) and Hathewaya massiliensis strain Marseille-P3545T (=CSURP3545) were isolated from human stool samples. The phylogenetic reconstruction, phenotypic criteria and genomic analyses were carried out and demonstrated that these three bacteria are different from previously known bacterial species with standing in nomenclature and were classified as new members of the Clostridiaceae family.

Halobacillus ihumii sp. nov., a new bacterium isolated from stool of healthy children living in Mali

Strain Marseille-Q1234^T is a new species from the genus Halobacillus that was isolated in 2019 from a stool sample in a healthy Malian child <5 years old. Cells are Gram-positive and strictly halophilic bacilli. Strain Marseille-Q1234^T exhibits 98.46% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Halobacillus naozhouensis strain JSM 071068^T (NR_116505.1), the phylogenetically closely related species with standing in nomenclature. Based on the phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, OrthoANI values and results of the biochemical tests, the new species is named Halobacillus ihumii sp. nov., for which strain Marseille-Q1234^T (= CSURQ1234) is proposed as the type strain.

Massilistercora timonensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a new bacterium isolated from the human microbiota

Massilistercora timonensis gen. nov., sp. nov. strain Marseille-P3756T is a new species of the phylum Firmicutes; it was isolated from the human gut microbiota and has a genome of 2 769 591 bp (51.2% G + C). The closest species based on 16S rRNA sequence was Merdimonas faecis strain BR31 with 95.2 % sequence similarity. Considering phenotypic features and comparative genome studies, we proposed the strain Marseille-P3756T as the type strain of Massilistercora timonensis sp. nov., a new species within the genus Massilistercora.

Anaerococcus marasmi sp. nov., a new bacterium isolated from human gut microbiota

Anaerococcus marasmi sp. nov. strain Marseille-P3557^T is a new species isolated from a stool of a Nigerian child with marasmus. The genome of Marseille-P3557^T was 2 130 060 bp long (35.4% G + C content). The closest species based on 16S ribosomal RNA sequence was Anaerococcus prevotii strain 20548, with 97.6% sequence similarity. Considering phenotypic features and comparative genome studies, we propose the strain Marseille-P3557^T as the type strain of Anaerococcus marasmi sp. nov., a new species within the genus Anaerococcus.

Epidemic of venereal treponematosis in wild monkeys: a paradigm for syphilis origin

Treponema pallidum infections have been primarily known as slightly contagious mucocutaneous infections called yaws (tropical Africa and America) and bejel (subtropical North Africa). T. pallidum emerged as a highly infectious venereal syphilis agent in South America, probably about 500 years ago, and because of its venereal transmission, it quickly caused a worldwide pandemic. The disease manifests as lesions, including a chancre; then antibodies become detectable when or slightly after the chancre appears, and before the development of a rash and other systemic manifestations. Venereal diseases are poorly known in monkeys. During fieldwork in Senegal, we discovered an epizootic outbreak of venereal disease that we explored. We detected a venereal form of T. pallidum subsp. pertenue infection in green monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus), then observed an epizootic outbreak in Senegal and its spread among baboons a year later. Comparative analysis of T. pallidum genomes from the monkeys' chancres and other Treponema genomes showed an acceleration of the number of single nucleotide polymorphisms, comparable to that observed in syphilis. Identified T. pallidum clones seem to be epizootic through the acceleration of their mutation rate, which is linked to their larger diffusion.

Molecular epidemiology of Clostridium neonatale and its relationship with the occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates

Clostridia—especially Clostridium butyricum—are among the taxa most frequently identified from stool samples of preterm neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Recently, Clostridium neonatale has also been detected from epidemic cases, but using a culture-based approach we were unable to confirm this discovery in a local cohort. In order to investigate this link by a molecular approach, a specific rpoB-based quantitative real-time PCR was developed to detect C. neonatale directly from patients' stool specimens. Design of this rpoB-based quantitative real-time PCR was based on the genomic analysis of seven clinical isolates of C. neonatale. It was tested on stool samples from 88 preterm neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis and 71 matched controls. C. neonatale was significantly more prevalent in stools from preterm neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis than in controls (respectively 30/88 (34%) versus 9/71 (13%); p 0.003). Whole-genome analysis also allowed the identification of three genomic clusters of C. neonatale. This clustering was associated with a geographical location regardless of isolation from the NEC or control, suggesting asymptomatic carriage. Although less prevalent than C. butyricum in our cohort, C. neonatale is significantly associated with the occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis.

Massilicoli timonensis sp. nov., a new bacterium isolated from the human microbiota

Massilicoli timonensis sp. nov., strain Marseille-P3755^T (= CSUR P3755 = DSM 103513) is a new bacterial species from the phylum Firmicutes and the family Clostridiales which was isolated from the human gut microbiota.

Genome sequence and description of Bacteroides bouchesdurhonensis sp. nov., a new anaerobic bacterium isolated from the human gut

Bacteroides bouchesdurhonensis sp. nov., strain Marseille-P2653^T (= CSUR; P2653=DSM103120) is a new bacterial species belonging to the Firmicutes phylum in the family Bacteroidaceae that was isolated from the human gut microbiota.

Massilimicrobiota timonensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a new bacterium isolated from the human gut microbiota

Massilimicrobiota timonensis gen. nov., sp. nov. strain Marseille-P2264 is a new species from Firmicutes phylum isolated from the human gut. Its genome was 2,849,574 bp-long with a 31.8% G+C content. The closest species based on 16S rRNA sequence was Longibaculum muris with 95.6% sequence similarity. Considering phenotypic features, 16S rRNA sequence and comparative genome studies, we proposed Marseille-P2264 as the type strain of Massilimicrobiota timonensis gen. nov., sp. nov.

Noncontiguous finished genome sequences and description of Bacteroides mediterraneensis sp. nov., Bacteroides ihuae sp. nov., Bacteroides togonis sp. nov., Bacteroides ndongoniae sp. nov., Bacteroides ilei sp. nov. and Bacteroides congonensis sp. nov. identified by culturomics

Culturomics is a concept developing different culture conditions in order to enlarge our knowledge of the human microbiota through the discovery of previously uncultured bacteria. This enabled us to isolate six new species of the Bacteroides genus: Bacteroides mediterraneensis strain Marseille-P2644, Bacteroides ihuae strain Marseille-P2824, Bacteroides togonis strain Marseille-P3166, Bacteroides ndongoniae strain Marseille-P3108, Bacteroides ilei strain Marseille-P3208 and Bacteroides congonensis strain Marseille-P3132. Those bacteria are Gram-negative anaerobic bacilli. We describe here their phenotypic features, together with phylogenetic analysis, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry spectrum, fatty acid composition, and genome sequencing and annotation.

Noncontiguous finished genome sequences and descriptions of Actinomyces ihuae, Actinomyces bouchesdurhonensis, Actinomyces urinae, Actinomyces marseillensis, Actinomyces mediterranea and Actinomyces oralis sp. nov. identified by culturomics

The taxonogenomic approach, including the culturomics techniques, is now currently used to isolate and characterize new bacteria. These approaches notably allowed us to discover six new species of the Actinomyces genus: Actinomyces ihuae strain SD1, Actinomyces bouchesdurhonensis strain Marseille-P2825, Actinomyces urinae strain Marseille-P2225, Actinomyces marseillensis strain Marseille-P2818, Actinomyces mediterranea strain Marseille-P3257 and Actinomyces oralis strain Marseille-P3109. Each is the type strain of the corresponding bacterial species. 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence comparison was used to classify these strains among the Actinomyces genus. These strains are all Gram positive, rod shaped and facultative aerobic. We describe the main characteristics of each bacterium and present their complete genome sequence and annotation.

Studies of nonhuman primates: key sources of data on zoonoses and microbiota

The genetic and morphologic similarities between primates and humans means that much information obtained from primates may be applied to humans, and vice versa. However, habitat loss, hunting and the continued presence of humans have a negative effect on the biology and behaviour of almost all nonhuman primates. Noninvasive methods such as stool collection are among the safest alternative ways to study the multiple aspects of the biology of primates. Many epidemiologic issues (e.g. pathogen detection, microbiota studies) may be easily studied using stool samples from primates. Primates are undoubtedly among the first candidates suspected of becoming the source of one of the next emerging epidemic of zoonotic origin, as has already been observed with HIV, malaria and monkeypox. The Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection in Marseille actively participates in the study, mostly epidemiologic, of nonhuman primates, using mostly stool samples.

Mycobacterium terramassiliense, Mycobacterium rhizamassiliense and Mycobacterium numidiamassiliense sp. nov., three new Mycobacterium simiae complex species cultured from plant roots

Three slowly growing mycobacteria named strain AB308, strain AB215 and strain AB57 were isolated from the tomato plant roots. The 16S rRNA and rpoB gene sequence analyses suggested that each strain was representative of one hitherto unidentified slowly-growing Mycobacterium species of the Mycobacterium simiae complex. Genome sequencing indicated that each strain contained one chromosome of 6.015-6.029 Mbp. A total of 1,197, 1,239 and 1,175 proteins were found to be associated with virulence and 107, 76 and 82 proteins were associated with toxin/antitoxin systems for strains AB308, AB215 and AB57, respectively. The three genomes encode for secondary metabolites, with 38, 33 and 46 genes found to be associated with polyketide synthases/non-ribosomal peptide synthases and nine, seven and ten genes encoding for bacteriocins, respectively. The genome of strain AB308 encodes for one questionable prophage and three incomplete prophages, while only incomplete prophages were predicted in AB215 and AB57 genomes. Genetic and genomic data indicate that strains AB308, AB215 and AB57 are each representative of a new Mycobacterium species that we respectively named Mycobacterium terramassiliense, Mycobacterium numidiamassiliense and Mycobacterium rhizamassiliense.

Noncontiguous finished genome sequence and description of Mediterranea massiliensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the Bacteroidaceae family isolated from human colon

Strain Marseille-P2645^T was isolated in a colon sample from a Frenchwoman who underwent a colonoscopy. Bacterial cells were Gram negative, non–spore forming, mobile and strictly anaerobic. The genome of strain Marseille-P2645^T is 3 950 441 bp long and contains 3374 protein-coding genes. The DNA G+C content is of 51.66 mol%. Strain Marseille-P2645^T exhibited a 92.9% sequence similarity with Bacteroides helcogenes strain P36-108^T (GenBank accession no. CP002352), the phylogenetically closest species with standing in nomenclature. Strain Marseille-P2645^T (= CSUR P2645 = DSM 103034) is therefore a candidate as a type species of a new genus belonging to the Bacteroidaceae family, for which the name of Mediterranea massiliensis gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed.

Noncontiguous finished genome sequences and descriptions of 'Paenibacillus bouchesdurhonensis,' 'Paenibacillus rubinfantis,' 'Paenibacillus senegalimassiliensis' and 'Paenibacillus tuaregi' identified by culturomics

Microbial culturomics represents a completely new approach to investigate microbial diversity by using different optimized culture conditions, mass spectrometry, genome sequencing and annotation and phenotypic description that allow for an extensive characterization of new species and the study of the human microbiome. Here we present four new species within the genus Paenibacillus: ‘Paenibacillus bouchesdurhonensis’ strain Marseille-P3071^T, ‘Paenibacillus rubinfantis’ strain MT18^T, ‘Paenibacillus senegalimassiliensis’ strain SIT18^T and ‘Paenibacillus tuaregi’ strain Marseille-P2472^T, which are all facultatively aerobic and Gram-positive bacilli.

Noncontiguous finished genome sequences and description of Bacillus massiliglaciei, Bacillus mediterraneensis, Bacillus massilinigeriensis, Bacillus phocaeensis and Bacillus tuaregi, five new species identified by culturomics

Microbial culturomics, which investigates microbial diversity by combining diversified culture conditions, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and 16S rDNA identification, allowed to identify five new species within the Bacillus genus. Bacillus massiliglaciei strain Marseille-P2600^T, Bacillus mediterraneensis strain Marseille-P2384^T, Bacillus massilinigeriensis strain Marseille-P2366^T, Bacillus tuaregi strain Marseille-P2489^T and Bacillus phocaeensis strain SIT16^T are each the type strain of the corresponding bacterial species. These strains, the genomes of which are described here, are facultative anaerobic Gram-positive bacilli. Here, we describe the main characteristics of each bacterium and present their complete genome sequence and annotation.

Strength evaluation of a variable diameter acetabular trial implant under realistic loading conditions

A variable diameter acetabular trial implant (VDATI) was designed to reduce the costs related to cleaning, sterilisation and storage of surgical instruments used for total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical strength of a functional prototype of the VDATI. Experimental testing was performed to identify if the VDATI can resist loading conditions similar to the ones occurring during the surgical procedure and to validate a finite element model (FEM) of the VDATI. The results highlighted the potential of the current concept of the VDATI and demonstrated the relevance to continue its development.

Finite element analysis of an acetabular trial implant

A variable diameter trial liner (VDTL) was designed to reduce the costs related to cleaning, sterilisation and storage of surgical instruments used for total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to develop a finite element model to evaluate the mechanical behavior of the VDTL before manufacturing of a functional prototype. The finite element analysis consists to identify the maximum stresses applied on the VDTL and compare these values to the yield strength of stainless steel 17-4 (540 MPa) to asses if the VDTL will resist to loading conditions similar to the ones occurring during the surgical procedure. The results demonstrated the need to improve the mechanical strength of the current concept of the VDTL. These results will serve as indications for upcoming design refinements.

Effect of Substrate Temperature on Morphology and Electrochemical Performance of Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtered Lithium Nickel Vanadate Films Used as Negative Electrodes for Lithium Microbatteries

Lithium nickel vanadate thin films were prepared by radio frequency magnetron sputtering at various substrate temperatures (Ts). These thin films have been investigated as anode electrode material in the use of microbatteries. Films were characterized by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, nuclear reaction analysis, Auger electron spectroscopy, glancing-incidence X-ray diffraction analysis, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy techniques. The anodic electrochemical performances of the films have been evaluated by cyclic voltammetry at a scan rate of 1 mV/s and by galvanostatic cycling, with lithium metal as the counter and the reference electrode, and cycled in the range of 0.02-3.0 V at a current density of 75 microA/cm2. Thin films prepared at a Ts of 650 degrees C show a discharge capacity at the 20th cycle of 1100 (+/-10) mAh/g, which exhibited excellent capacity retention with a small capacity fade.

Natural and recombinant fungal laccases for paper pulp bleaching

Three laccases, a natural form and two recombinant forms obtained from two different expression hosts, were characterized and compared for paper pulp bleaching. Laccase from Pycnoporus cinnabarinus, a well known lignolytic fungus, was selected as a reference for this study. The corresponding recombinant laccases were produced in Aspergillus oryzae and A. niger hosts using the lacI gene from P. cinnabarinus to develop a production process without using the expensive laccase inducers required by the native source. In flasks, production of recombinant enzymes by Aspergilli strains gave yields close to 80 mg l(-1). Each protein was purified to homogeneity and characterized, demonstrating that the three hosts produced proteins with similar physico-chemical properties, including electron paramagnetic resonance spectra and N-terminal sequences. However, the recombinant laccases have higher Michaelian (Km) constants, suggesting a decrease in substrate/enzyme affinity in comparison with the natural enzyme. Moreover, the natural laccase exhibited a higher redox potential (around 810 mV), compared with A. niger (760 mV) and A. oryzae (735 mV). Treatment of wheat straw Kraft pulp using laccases expressed in P. cinnabarinus or A. niger with 1-hydroxybenzotriazole as redox mediator achieved a delignification close to 75%, whereas the recombinant laccase from A. oryzae was not able to delignify pulp. These results were confirmed by thioacidolysis. Kinetic and redox potential data and pulp bleaching results were consistent, suggesting that the three enzymes are different and each fungal strain introduces differences during protein processing (folding and/or glycosylation).

Three related TrIV genes: comparative sequence analysis and expression in host larvae and Cf-124T cells

We report on the cloning and sequencing of two Tranosema rostrale ichnovirus (TrIV) genes, and assess their relatedness to TrV1, the gene encoding the most abundant TrIV transcript in last-instar Choristoneura fumiferana larvae parasitized by T. rostrale. One of the two newly isolated genes, TrV2, features an organization similar to that of TrV1, with one intron flanked by two exons; it encodes a 102 amino acid protein showing 79% similarity to TrV1. The third gene, TrV4, encodes a larger protein (143 aa) displaying similarity to the other two only over the first approximately 50 amino acid residues of its sequence; the remaining portion contains an imperfect octad repeat. Although the TrV4 gene contains only one exon, it has an intron similar in size and sequence to that of TrV1 and TrV2; in fact, the non-coding regions of all three genes show higher sequence identity than the coding regions, pointing to their common origin. Southern analysis suggests that each gene maps to a different TrIV genome segment, with homologous sequences apparently present on other segments. TrV1 and TrV4 transcription in penultimate (5th) instar hosts, parasitized shortly after the molt, was strong for both genes 1 and 2 days p.p., with transcript abundance decreasing after the final molt; thus, neither of these genes is upregulated during induction of developmental arrest in last-instar hosts. Cf-124T cells inoculated with T. rostrale calyx fluid showed significant levels of apoptosis 24-72 h p.i.; TrV1 was detected in the culture medium, suggesting that this and/or other TrIV-encoded proteins may be responsible for the observed cytopathic effect. Southern and Northern analyses, using DNA and RNA extracted from infected Cf-124T cells, revealed the presence of both TrV1- and TrV4-carrying genome segments and transcripts, but neither DNA, at least in episomal form, nor mRNA persisted for more than a few days p.i. This in vitro system may provide a suitable starting point for the study of TrIV gene functions.

Evidence for a conserved polydnavirus gene family: ichnovirus homologs of the CsIV repeat element genes

In Campoletis sonorensis Ichnovirus (CsIV), the repeat element genes constitute a gene family of 28 members. In the present work, we document the presence of members of this gene family in two additional ichnoviruses, Hyposoter didymator Ichnovirus (HdIV) and Tranosema rostrale Ichnovirus (TrIV). Two repeat element genes, representing at least one functional gene, were identified in TrIV, whereas HdIV was found to contain at least three such genes. In both HdIV and TrIV, the known repeat element genes are encoded on single genome segments, with hybridization studies suggesting the presence of other, related but as yet uncharacterized genes. The HdIV and TrIV repeat element genes are all transcribed in infected caterpillars, although differences exist among genes in levels and in tissue specificity of expression. A heuristic tree was generated indicating that the repeat element genes are more similar within a species of wasp than between species, with TrIV genes being more closely related to the CsIV than to the HdIV genes. These results suggest that the most significant duplication, divergence, and expansion of the repeat element genes occurred after speciation. The finding that repeat element genes form an interspecific family within the genus Ichnovirus supports the view that the proteins they encode play an important role in ichnovirus biology.

Long-term risk stratification with dipyridamole imaging

This study was undertaken to assess the reliability of clinical parameters and dipyridamole-thallium 201 images for predicting the occurrence of future cardiac events (nonfatal myocardial infarction or cardiac death). Dipyridamole myocardial perfusion imaging is routinely performed in patients who have possible or known coronary disease and a low exercise tolerance. A total of 753 patients underwent clinical assessment and semiquantitative dipyridamole-201TI imaging and were followed up as outpatients. Patients who underwent coronary revascularization during the follow-up period were excluded from the study because the decision to intervene would have been based at least in part on the test itself. There were 82 cardiac events and 54 noncardiac deaths, and 11 patients were lost to follow-up after a mean follow-up of 15 months. With use of a quantitative index reflecting the amount of jeopardized myocardium, patients could be stratified by dipyridamole imaging into subsets with coronary morbidity and mortality rates ranging from 1% to 89%, (p = 0.0001). When clinical and scintigraphic variables were subjected to backward stepwise logistic regression analysis, the significant predictors of cardiac events were the jeopardized myocardium index by scintigraphy (p < 0.0001), left ventricular hypertrophy on the electrocardiogram (p = 0.0009), and transient dipyridamole-induced left ventricular cavitary dilatation (p = 0.0073). Quantitative dipyridamole-201TI imaging appears to be a powerful predictor of future cardiac events in patients with coronary disease and a low exercise tolerance and is a potentially useful contributor to risk-profile assessment and to the treatment of these patients.

Artificial intelligence versus logistic regression statistical modelling to predict cardiac complications after noncardiac surgery

The traditional approach to developing models predictive of cardiac events has been to perform logistic regression (LR) analysis on a variety of potential predictors. An alternative to use an artificial intelligence system called a neural network (NN) which simulates biological intelligence. To evaluate the potential applicability of the latter method, we compared the ability of LR and NN techniques to predict cardiac events after noncardiac surgery. A total of 200 patients (training group) underwent cardiac risk assessment before major noncardiac surgery using 17 clinical parameters and 7 quantitative indices based on dipyridamole-thallium imaging. There were 21 post-operative myocardial infarctions and/or cardiac deaths. Data from the training group were used to develop two predictive models: one based on backward stepwise LR multivariate statistical analysis and the other one using a neural network. Both models were then validated on a second group of 160 consecutive patients also referred for preoperative risk stratification (validation group). The NN consisted of 14 input, 29 hidden, and 1 output neurons and used a back-propagation algorithm (learning rate 0.2, training tolerance 0.5, sigmoid transfer function). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive accuracies for the prediction of postoperative events in the validation group of 160 patients were, respectively, 67% (6/9), 82% (124/151), 18% (6/33), and 98% (124/127) for LR, and 67% (6/9), 96% (145/151), 50% (6/12), and 98% (145/148) for the NN, with a difference in specificity which attained statistical significance (p < 0.01). Artificial intelligence may provide a useful alternative to conventional LR statistical analysis for the purpose of preoperative cardiac risk assessment.

Prognostic implications of transient left ventricular cavitary dilation during exercise and dipyridamole-thallium imaging

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prognostic implication of exercise and dipyridamole-induced transient left ventricular cavitary dilation (TLVD).

DESIGN

TLVD was observed and a follow-up obtained in 61 patients after exercise and in 62 patients following dipyridamole infusion.

PATIENTS

There was no statistical difference between groups in terms of sex, history of hypertension, diabetes, renal failure, previous myocardial infarction, severity of angina syndrome, congestive heart failure, resting electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities, clinical or ECG signs of ischemia during stress, number of reversible perfusion defects on thallium images or duration of follow-up (21 months).

RESULTS

Dipyridamole patients were slightly older (64 versus 57 years) and displayed more thallium redistribution (P = 0.002). After a mean follow-up of 21 months, both fatal and nonfatal (myocardial infarction or cardiac death) cardiac events were more frequent in the dipyridamole group (50% versus 9%, P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with dipyridamole-induced TLVD are at greater risk than those with exercise-induced TLVD at the authors' institution.

In vivo glomerular filtration rate measurement based solely on image processing

A simple and reliable technique was developed to measure split renal glomerular filtration (GFR) based solely on image processing of the standard 20-minute Tc-99m DTPA renogram. It requires neither syringe counting nor blood or urine sampling. Using three sequential blood samples in 36 patients, GFR values correlated well (r = 0.92) with in vitro GFR measurements.

Standing views to differentiate gallbladder or bile leak from duodenal activity on cholescintigrams

Confusing a gallbladder or bile leak with duodenal activity is a common source of error in the interpretation of cholescintigrams. Techniques such as supplementary oblique views, delayed views, the "water test," dynamic display and combined cholescintigraphy and ultrasound have been used with varying degrees of success. As illustrated in two cases, supplementary standing views provide a simple alternative method to differentiate gallbladder from small bowel activity.

Bone imaging after cementless press fit total hip arthroplasty

In view of the high rate of loosening of conventional cemented hip prostheses, cementless implants are gaining popularity in Europe and North America. Smooth-surfaced "press fit" prostheses are designed for autolocking in the femoral canal at the time of installation. Fifteen patients were prospectively followed by bone imaging with Tc-99m MDP at three-month intervals after cementless "press fit" hip arthroplasty to define the "normal" distribution of mechanical stress to the surrounding bone, as well as the incorporation of bone allografts used for reconstruction of resorption sites in cases of revision surgery.

Lymphoscintigraphic demonstration of intestinal lymphangiectasia

The authors report a case of intestinal lymphangiectasia that was clearly demonstrated during abdominal lymphoscintigraphy using Tc-99m Sb colloid. Although lymphoscintigraphy has been used in many different clinical situations, this is, to our knowledge, the first scintigraphic description of this disease. Clinical and pathologic presentations of intestinal lymphangiectasia are briefly reviewed. Some possible approaches to the confirmation of the presence of a protein-losing gastroenteropathy are mentioned.

131I-iodocholesterol (NP-59) scintigraphy in adrenocortical diseases

The diagnostic usefulness of adrenal imaging with 131I-iodocholesterol (NP-59) is now well established. In order to correlate histopathology with the adrenal scan the authors examine and report their experience in 37 patients with surgically proven adrenal lesions or pituitary adenomas. This series included 24 patients with Cushing's syndrome: 14 caused by benign adrenal adenoma and 10 due to bilateral pituitary-ACTH-dependent adrenocortical hyperplasia. Ten patients with primary aldosteronism were submitted to surgery which confirmed the presence of aldosterone-producing adrenal adenomas. Two women with hyperandrogenism (due to virilizing ovarian tumors) had normal adrenals but the ovarian stromal luteoma markedly concentrated the iodocholesterol while the arrhenoblastoma did not. A patient with adrenal hematoma is also included in this report. The overall histopathological correlation with the radiocholesterol scintiscan yields an accuracy in our series of 97% (36/37). The false-negative adrenal scan (also missed by other non-invasive techniques) occurred in a patient with an aldosterone-producing adrenal adenoma measuring 1.0 X 1.5 cm.