Magnetic field therapy in patients with cytostatics‐induced polyneuropathy: A prospective randomized placebo‐controlled phase‐III study

No causal treatment for chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is known. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a therapy for CIPN. Only scarce clinical data are available concerning magnetic field therapy (MFT) in this context. We conducted a unicentric, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase‐III trial of an MFT device versus placebo. In this study, we randomized 44 patients with CIPN to two treatment groups, where 21 patients were treated with MFT (Group 1) and 23 patients received placebo (Group 2). We evaluated the efficacy of MFT at baseline (T₁), after 3 weeks of study treatment (T₂), and after 3 months of study treatment (T₃). The primary endpoint was nerve conduction velocity (NCV), while secondary endpoints were the Common Toxicity Criteria (CTCAE) score and the Pain Detect End Score at T₃. Seventeen of the patients in Group 1 and 14 patients in Group 2 completed the respective study treatment. The primary endpoint, significant improvement of NCV at T₃, was achieved by MFT (P = 0.015), particularly for sensory neurotoxicity of the peroneal nerve. Also, in respect to the secondary endpoints, significant improvement (P = 0.04) was achieved in terms of the patients’ subjectively perceived neurotoxicity (CTCAE score), but not of neuropathic pain (P = 0.11). From data in the randomized study presented here, a positive effect on the reduction of neurotoxicity can be assumed for the MFT device. Patients with sensory neurotoxicity in the lower limbs, especially, should therefore be offered this therapy. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:85–94, 2017. © 2016 The Authors. Bioelectromagnetics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Freezing tolerance/intolerance and cryoprotectant synthesis in terrestrially overwintering anurans in the Great Plains,USA

Mechanistic bases for freezing tolerance in anurans have been well-studied only in wood frogs, Rana sylvatica, so comprehensive explanations for the mechanisms and evolution of freezing tolerance in anurans are lacking. We measured crystallization temperatures, freezing tolerance/intolerance, and tissue glucose and glycogen phosphorylase activities in frozen and unfrozen winter-acclimated Pseudacris triseriata, Bufo cognatus and B. woodhousei. Freezing occurred at higher subzero temperatures on wet substrate than on dry substrate in all species, indicating susceptibility to inoculative freezing. P. triseriata was freeze-tolerant, but survival was dependent on the level of supercooling prior to freezing. All Bufo were freezing intolerant, regardless of crystallization temperature. Glucose was significantly elevated by freezing in both liver (35-fold) and leg muscle (22-fold) in winter P. triseriata, but only liver glucose was significantly elevated in B. cognatus. However, freezing did not alter glycogen phosphorylase activity in either species. Liver phosphorylase activity was significantly higher in P. triseriata than in B. cognatus, suggesting that capacity for mobilizing glucose from liver glycogen is associated with freezing tolerance. Summer measurements of liver phosphorylase activity, however, did not differ between species. Thus, P. triseriata, but not B. cognatus, exhibited winter increment of liver phosphorylase activity that is correlated with the development of freezing tolerance.Abbreviation T _b body temperature - T _c crystallization temperature - T _r rebound temperature - T _eq equilibrium temperature     

The role of the photosynthetic apparatus in cold acclimation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lolium multiflorum</Emphasis>. Characteristics of novel genotypes low-sensitive to PSII over-reduction

During cold acclimation by higher plants, temperature perception via changes in redox state of Photosystem II (PSII) and subsequent acclimation of the photosynthetic apparatus to cold is very important for achieving freezing tolerance. These properties were studied in two groups (A and B) of the same backcross 3 (BC₃) progeny derived from a triploid hybrid of Festuca pratensis (2×) × Lolium multiflorum (4×) backcrossed three times onto diploid L. multiflorum cultivars. Leaves of Group A plants formed at 20°C at medium-low light were unable to acclimate their photosynthetic apparatus to cold. Compared to Group B, the Group A plants were also more frost sensitive. This acclimation ability correlated with the freezing tolerance of the plants. However, leaves of the same Group A plants developed at 20°C, but under higher-light conditions had increased ability to acclimate their photosynthetic apparatus to cold. It was concluded that Group A plants may have impaired PSII temperature perception, and this then resulted in their poor capability to cold acclimate.     

胸神经阻滞和肋间神经阻滞对乳腺癌根治术患者血流动力学、术后镇痛及呼吸功能的对比研究

目的:比较胸神经阻滞和肋间神经阻滞对乳腺癌根治术患者血流动力学、术后镇痛以及呼吸功能的影响,为乳腺癌根治术患者的临床麻醉选择提供参考。方法:选择2017年3月至2018年3月医院收治的120例行乳腺癌根治术的患者作为研究对象,按照麻醉方式不同分为观察组和对照组各60例,其中观察组患者给予胸神经阻滞复合全身麻醉,对照组患者给予肋间神经阻滞复合全身麻醉。比较两组患者术后2h、6h、12h、24h、48h的静态和动态的视觉模拟评分(VAS)评分,并比较两组患者切皮前5 min(T_0)、切皮即刻(T_1)、切皮后15 min(T_2)、30 min(T_3)、钉皮即刻(T_4)及拔管后15 min(T_5)的血流动力学以及呼吸功能指标,并分析两组患者术中用药、术后镇痛泵使用情况以及术后不良反应。结果:两组患者术后静息状态下不同时点的VAS评分差异无统计学意义(P0.05);动态状态下,观察组患者的VAS评分明显低于对照组(P0.05)。T_1-T_5期间,观察组患者的平均动脉压(MAP)、心率(HR)均明显低于对照组,每分钟通气量(MV)明显高于对照组(P0.05)。观察组患者的术中瑞芬太尼消耗量、丙泊酚用量、镇痛泵有效按压次数以及补救镇痛例数均明显低于对照组;恶心呕吐(PONV)、尿潴留、嗜睡等不良反应明显低于对照组(P0.05)。结论:与肋间神经阻滞相比,胸神经阻滞治疗乳腺癌根治术患者可以有效增强术后镇痛效果,术中血流动力学平稳,减少阿片类药物用量,降低术后不良反应发生率,改善术后呼吸功能,效果显著,值得临床推广使用。     

全麻复合硬膜外麻醉对腹腔镜结肠癌根治术患者麻醉效果及相关指标的影响

目的:探究腹腔镜结肠癌根治术患者采用全麻复合硬膜外麻醉的效果及对相关指标的影响。方法:选取120例于2016年9月到2018年10月期间在我院进行腹腔镜结肠癌根治术的患者,按随机数字表法分为对照组(n=60)和复合组(n=60),对照组采用全麻,复合组采用全麻复合硬膜外麻醉。观察两组患者的麻醉效果;记录两组患者麻醉诱导前(T_0)、气腹前(T_1)、气腹后15 min(T_2)、气腹结束后(T_3)和出室即刻(T_4)的舒张压(DBP)、收缩压(SBP)和心率(HR)的变化;手术前、麻醉复苏前和术后1天的胰岛素抵抗指数(IR)、血糖水平(BS)、肾上腺素(AD)以及血清皮质醇(Cor)水平的变化;麻醉前、麻醉后2 h、术后1天和术后3天的CD3~+、CD4~+、CD4~+/CD8~+的水平变化。结果:复合组患者的麻醉诱导时间、自主呼吸恢复时间和苏醒时间明显短于对照组,麻醉维持时间明显长于对照组(P0.05)。复合组患者在T_2、T_3、T4时间点的DBP、SBP和HR明显低于对照组(P0.05)。麻醉复苏前和手术后1天,复合组患者的IR、BS、AD、Cor的水平明显低于对照组(P0.05)。麻醉后2 h、术后1天和术后3天的CD3~+、CD4~+、CD4~+/CD8~+明显高于对照组(P0.05)。结论:对腹腔镜结肠癌根治手术患者进行全麻符合硬膜外麻醉可以提高麻醉效果,减少对血流动力学的影响,减轻应激反应,减少对患者细胞免疫功能的影响。     

Experimental cryogenic injury of the palate: Observations pertinent to cryosurgical destruction of tumors

In experiments using cryosurgical apparatus to freeze the canine palate in situ, observations were made on techniques of producing tissue destruction. Several time-temperature schedules of freezing were studied. The results showed the great tolerance of palatal tissues to extremely low temperatures for short time periods. Melanocytes were extraordinarily sensitive to cold injury. Tissue necrosis increased with duration of freezing, but repeated freezing was lethal and obviously critical for successful cryosurgical destruction. Thermocouples must be used in clinical cryosurgery to insure that lethal tissue temperatures (colder than ?50 °C) are attained. The incidence of sequestration in the canine palate showed the need for use of proper technique and suitable precautions in the cryosurgical treatment of human palatal tumors.     

Short-term growth of meadow fescue with atmospheric CO2 enrichment decreases freezing tolerance, modifies photosynthetic apparatus performance and changes the expression of some genes during cold acclimation

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of an elevated atmospheric CO₂ molar ratio on freezing tolerance, photosynthetic apparatus performance and expression of CBF6, Cor14b and LOS2 in meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.). It was shown that cold acclimation under a CO₂ molar ratio of 800 μmol mol(air)^?1 decreased the freezing tolerance of meadow fescue when compared to the ambient CO₂ level. This effect was not related either to changes observed in PSII redox state or to photosynthetic acclimation to cold, which was in fact more effective at an elevated CO₂ level. The decrease in freezing tolerance was linked to changes in the expression of CBF6 and LOS2 genes, whereas the protective effect on photosynthetic apparatus was connected with the activation of a non-photochemical mechanism of photoprotection as well as upregulation of FpCOR14b expression.     

Physiological correlates of endurance time variability during constant-workrate cycling exercise in patients with COPD

Rationale

The endurance time (T_end) during constant-workrate cycling exercise (CET) is highly variable in COPD. We investigated pulmonary and physiological variables that may contribute to these variations in T_end.

Methods

Ninety-two patients with COPD completed a CET performed at 80% of peak workrate capacity (W_peak). Patients were divided into tertiles of T_end [Group 1: <4 min; Group 2: 4–6 min; Group 3: >6 min]. Disease severity (FEV₁), aerobic fitness (W_peak, peak oxygen consumption [ _peak], ventilatory threshold [ _VT]), quadriceps strength (MVC), symptom scores at the end of CET and exercise intensity during CET (heart rate at the end of CET to heart rate at peak incremental exercise ratio [HR_CET/HR_peak]) were analyzed as potential variables influencing T_end.

Results

W_peak, _peak, _VT, MVC, leg fatigue at end of CET, and HR_CET/HR_peak were lower in group 1 than in group 2 or 3 (p≤0.05). _VT and leg fatigue at end of CET independently predicted T_end in multiple regression analysis (r = 0.50, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

T_end was independently related to the aerobic fitness and to tolerance to leg fatigue at the end of exercise. A large fraction of the variability in T_end was not explained by the physiological parameters assessed in the present study. Individualization of exercise intensity during CET should help in reducing variations in T_end among patients with COPD.     

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of water during cold acclimation and freezing in winter wheat

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to analyse changes in the physical state of water in wheat crowns during cold acclimation and during the freezing/thawing cycle. Spectroscopically measured average spin-spin relaxation times (T₂) decreased during cold acclimation and increased when plants were grown at normal temperature. Spin-spin relaxation images whose contrast is proportional to T₂, times were calculated allowing association of water relaxation with regions of tissue in spin-echo images during acclimation and freezing. Images taken during freezing revealed nonuniform freezing of tissue in crowns and roots. Acclimated and non-acclimated wheat crowns were imaged during freezing and after thawing. Spin-echo image signal intensity and T₂ times decreased dramatically between -4°C and -8°C as a result of a decrease in water mobility during freezing. Images collected during thawing were diffuse with less structure and relaxation times were longer, consistent with water redistribution in tissue after membrane damage.     

Seasonal changes in the physical state of crown water associated with freezing tolerance in winter wheat

The relationship between freezing tolerance (expressed as LT₅₀, the lethal freezing temperature for 50% of plants) and the amount and physical state (as determined by spin-lattice [T₁] and spin-spin [T₂] relaxation times of protons) of water in crown tissue was examined in contrasting winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties grown under field conditions from 1992 to 1994. During acclimation, the LT₅₀ values decreased from around -7 to -17, -20 and -27°C in PI 173438, Chihokukomugi and Valuevskaya, respectively. Tissue water content decreased continuously through autumn to reach a plateau around 3 g H₂O (g dry weight)^-1 in early winter when LT₅₀ was still decteasing, and then gradually increased under snow cover. A significant negative correlation was found between mean minimum air temperatures and freezing tolerance prior to the establishment of continuous snow cover. In contrast, a positive association between mean minimum temperatures and crown tissue water content was significant only when air temperatures were above 0°C, as water content did not decrease further at sub-zero temperatures. Seasonal changes in T₁ were closely related to changes in freezing tolerance. T₁ decreased until January even though water content stopped decreasing. Further tests on 15 field-grown varieties confirmed a strong negative association between freezing tolerance and T₁. The results suggest that cold hardening is comprised of two stages, with the transition occurring at ca 0°C. Development of hardiness was related to (1) a reduction in water content in the first stage (at minimum temperatures > 0°C), and (2) a change in physical state of water without much reduction in water content in the second stage. Varietal differences in hardiness thus arise due to changes in both water content and physical state of water.     

Effects of freezing on length and mass measurements of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua in the Baltic Sea

An aggregated sample of 925 Atlantic cod Gadus morhua collected by four countries in different regions of the Baltic Sea during different seasons were measured (total length, L_T = 161–890 mm and weighed (mass, M = 45–6900 g) both before freezing and after defrosting. The cod were found to decrease significantly in both L_T and M following death and frozen storage. There was an average (±SD) change in L_T of −2.91% (±0.05%) following freezing, independent of starting L_T. Total M changed by −2.65% (±0.14%), independent of starting mass. Shrinkage of L_T and M did not differ significantly between 1 and 4 months frozen storage, though L_T shrinkage was significantly greater after 1 or 4 months in the freezer compared with after 5 days. There was significant variation in L_T and M shrinkage between regions of capture. A significant negative relationship between condition of cod and L_T or M change was also observed. Equations to back-calculate fresh L_T and M from thawed L_T, M and standard length (L_S), gutted L_T, gutted L_S and gutted M are provided.     

丙泊酚联合瑞芬太尼麻醉对直肠癌根治术患者血流动力学和T淋巴细胞亚群的影响

目的:探讨直肠癌根治术患者采用丙泊酚联合瑞芬太尼麻醉维持的临床效果。方法:选取2016年3月～2019年3月期间在我院行直肠癌根治术的患者82例,根据乱数表法将患者分为对照组(n=41)和研究组(n=41),其中对照组给予七氟醚麻醉维持,研究组给予丙泊酚联合瑞芬太尼麻醉维持,比较两组患者围术期指标、血流动力学和T淋巴细胞亚群变化,记录两组围术期不良反应情况。结果:研究组患者的清醒时间、拔管时间均短于对照组(P0.05)。两组患者麻醉成功后(T2)～术后72 h(T5)时间点心率(HR)、平均动脉压(MAP)均呈先降低后升高趋势(P0.05);研究组T2～术后24 h(T4)时间点HR、MAP高于对照组(P0.05)。两组不良反应发生率对比无差异(P0.05)。两组患者T2～T5时间点CD4~+、CD4~+/CD8~+均呈先降低后升高趋势(P0.05),CD8~+呈先升高后降低趋势(P0.05);研究组T_2～T_4时间点CD4~+、CD4~+/CD8~+高于对照组(P0.05),CD8~+低于对照组(P0.05)。结论:直肠癌根治术患者麻醉维持选用丙泊酚联合瑞芬太尼可减少对机体血流动力学的影响,减轻免疫抑制,改善围术期相关指标,且不增加不良反应发生率。     

Phage reproduction in relation to bacterial growth rate

Summary The reproduction of bacteriophages T₁–T₇ inE. coli B growing in a continuous culture apparatus at constant generation times of 50′ and 150′ was studied in a defined medium with a high concentration of glucose and in a medium with glucose as a limiting factor. It was shown that the propagation rate (as measured by the latent period) of phages T₂, T₄, T₆ and T₇ decreased with longer bacterial generation times and with reduced energy- and carbon-supply. In contrast the reproduction of phages T₁, T₃ and T₅ (which are mainly synthesized from the contents of the host cell) was unaffected by the slowing down of bacterial metabolism.     

Determination of unfrozen water in winter cereals at subfreezing temperatures

The freezing of water in acclimated and nonacclimated cereals was studied using pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The quantity of unfreezable water per unit dry matter was not strongly dependent on the degree of cold acclimation. In contrast, the fraction of water frozen which was tolerated by nonacclimated winter cereals and by an acclimated spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was less than in acclimated hardy cereals. The freezing curves had the following form:L_T = L₀ΔTm/T + KL_T and L₀ are liquid water per unit dry matter at T and 0 C, respectively. ΔTm is the melting point depression and K is the liquid water which does not freeze.     

Satiation-dependent, intra-cohort variations in prey size selection of young roach (Rutilus rutilus)

The tolerance to freezing and thawing of Leucodon sciuroides, a moss growing in mountainous areas of the Mediterranean (south-east Spain), was investigated by means of CO₂ gas exchange, modulated chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence and pigment analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography. Evidence is presented for freezing-induced decreases in CO₂ fixation that enhance non-radiative dissipation of absorbed light energy, a process which protects the photosynthetic apparatus. The photosynthetic apparatus of L. sciuroides remained fully recuperable after freezing, as indicated by the recovery of photosynthetic CO₂ fixation and Chl fluorescence parameters to pre-freezing values during thawing. The rapid recovery of photosynthesis activity during thawing in L. sciuroides suggests that this moss is capable of tolerating freeze-thaw cycles in a manner similar to that found at higher latitudes or in the Antarctic. The resistance of the photosynthetic apparatus of this moss to freezing might be achieved, at least partially, through the employment of dissipative pathways, such as non-radiative dissipation of absorbed light energy. Received: 4 June 1998 / Accepted: 15 February 1999     

艾司氯胺酮联合舒芬太尼对剖宫产围手术期镇痛、应激指标及抑郁评分的影响

摘要 目的：探究艾司氯胺酮联合舒芬太尼对剖宫产围手术期镇痛、应激指标及抑郁评分的影响。方法：选取2021年1月~2021年10月期间我院收治的行剖宫产手术的180例产妇,采用随机数字表法分为A组、B组、C组各60例。A组胎儿娩出后即刻静脉输注艾司氯胺酮,术后艾司氯胺酮联合舒芬太尼静脉自控镇痛;B组和C组胎儿娩出后不给予艾司氯胺酮,用生理盐水代替;B组术后静脉自控镇痛与A组相同,C组术后给予舒芬太尼静脉自控镇痛。比较三组产妇术后4 h（T₁）、8 h（T₂）、12 h（T₃）、24 h（T₄）、48 h（T₅）疼痛程度[简化McGill疼痛问卷（SF-MPQ）评分]、镇静程度（Ramsay镇静评分）,记录三组术前1 d和术后1 d的应激指标[去甲肾上腺素（NE）、皮质醇（Cor）、促肾上腺皮质激素（ACTH）]水平,比较三组术前1 d和术后3、7 d抑郁程度[爱丁堡产后抑郁量表（EPDS）],比较三组不良反应发生情况。结果：T₁、T₂、T₃时A组视觉模拟评分（VAS）明显低于B、C组（P均<0.05）,T₁、T₂时A组痛分级指数（PRI）感觉分明显低于B、C组（P均<0.05）,T₁、T₂、T₃、T₄、T₅时A组PRI情感分明显低于B、C组（P均<0.05）,T₁时A组现时疼痛强度（PPI）评分明显低于B、C组（P均<0.05）。T₁、T₂、T₃、T₄、T₅时,三组Ramsay镇静评分比较差异均无统计学意义（P均>0.05）。术后1 d,三组NE、Cor、ACTH水平均较术前1 d显著升高（P均<0.05）,术前1 d和术后1 d,三组NE、Cor、ACTH水平比较差异均无统计学意义（P均>0.05）;术后3、7 d时A组EPDS评分明显低于术前1 d和同时间B、C组（P均<0.05）;三组不良反应发生情况对比无显著性差异（P均>0.05）。结论：艾司氯胺酮联合舒芬太尼在剖宫产围术期镇痛中应用效果良好,能够减轻产妇术后早期抑郁程度。     

Ontogeny of the Response to Thyroxine (T4) in the Porcine Fetus: Interrelationships Between Serum T4, Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) and Differentiation of Skin and Several Adipose Tissues

The temporal aspect of thyroxine (T₄) enhanced development of several fetal adipose tissue depots (locations) and skin was examined in the present study. On day 70 of gestation pig fetuses were either hypophysectomized (hypox), hypoxed and implanted with T₄ pellets or left intact (control). Subsequently, fetuses were removed for study at either 73, 75, 80, 85 and 90 days of gestation. Serum levels of T₄ and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) were significantly elevated by T₄ after 3 days of treatment and throughout the study. T₄ treatment enhanced development of skin, inner and outer subcutaneous (SQ) adipose tissue and adipocyte lobules around hair follicles (HFL's) but degree of response and response time were tissue or depot dependent. The T₄ response time was shortest for skin and HFL's, longest for inner SQ and intermediate for the outer SQ. Considering the entire treatment period, magnitude of the T₄ response was much greater for skin and HFL's than for outer and inner SQ tissues. Possibly, these developmental characteristics indicate that T₄ directly influences skin and HFL's and indirectly influences inner SQ adipose tissue by increasing production of a locally produced adipogenic growth factor. Furthermore, developmental characteristics (morphological) indicated that putative local growth factor mediation of T₄ action may depend on stage of development or maturity of the tissue. IGF-I is clearly the most logical candidate as a putative local mediator of T₄, but evidence at the molecular level is needed to prove this suggestion. Regardless, the particular adipose tissue location or depot is an important aspect of hormone responsiveness during the critical or sensitive period of fetal adipose tissue development.     

Ice nucleation and supercooling behavior of polymer aqueous solutions

We determined the homogeneous nucleation temperature depression, ΔT_f,hom, the equilibrium melting point depression, ΔT_m, and the value λ, which can be obtained from the linear relationship ΔT_f,hom = λΔT_m, for aqueous solutions of PEG (200-20,000 g mol⁻¹), PVP (10,000, 35,000, 40,000 g mol⁻¹), and dextran (10,000 g mol⁻¹) in the concentration range 0-40 wt% using the emulsion method. The molecular weight dependence of T_f,hom, T_m, and λ in PEG aqueous solutions was found to change in the vicinity of Mw 600-1540 at all concentrations. In addition, it was confirmed that for all of the polymers studied, there was a good linear relationship between λ and the logarithmic value of the self-diffusion coefficient D₀ of the solute molecule. These results indicate that the parameters that describe non-equilibrium freezing, such as T_f,hom and λ, are dependent on solution properties such as viscosity and self-diffusion of solute molecules.     

Effect of thyroid hormone on concentrations of plasma calcitonin in broiler chicks

The purpose of these studies was to determine the effect of thyroidectomy (Tx), and thyroid hormone (T₃/T₄) treatment on concentrations of plasma CT in chicks. In addition, the turnover of CT in Tx- and T₃/T₄-treated chicks was estimated using a novel nonradioactive salmon CT preparation. One-week-old broiler chicks (Gallus domesticus) (n=75) were divided into three groups. Group I was sham-injected daily (i.m. saline), Group II was injected with 50 μg/day of T₃/T₄ while Group III was injected with the goitrogen, methimazole, (150 mg/kg BW per day) for 8 weeks. Chicks (8–9 weeks old) were implanted with catheters in the brachial wing vein and administered ruthenium-labeled salmon CT. Blood samples were collected at 30 s, 1, 2, 4, 8, 20 min, and 3 h after injection. Results showed that concentrations of plasma CT were decreased in T₃/T₄-injected birds. There was no significant effect of methimazole on circulating concentrations of plasma CT. The half-life of CT was significantly increased (P<0.05) in both T₃/T₄-injected (n=6; 1.34±0.16 min) and goitrogen-treated birds (n=2; 5.81±2.83 min) compared to controls (n=7; 54±3 s) The results demonstrate that changes in concentrations of plasma thyroid hormones can significantly affect concentrations of plasma CT.     

Branchiibius cervicis sp. nov., a novel species isolated from patients with atopic dermatitis

Novel actinobacterial strains, PAGU 1247^T, PAGU 1251 and PAGU 1252, were isolated from the skin of atopic dermatitis patients and were characterized using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that these isolates were located within the family Dermacoccaceae. The most closely related species of PAGU 1247^T in phylogenetic terms was Branchiibius hedensis Mer 29717^T, with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 99.6%, although the DNA–DNA relatedness value was less than 43.9%. Some biochemical traits, such as lipase (C14) and α-galactosidase activity, could distinguish these isolates from B. hedensis. Strain PAGU 1247^T contained iso-C_16:0 and brC_18:0 as the major fatty acids. The quinone system consisted of menaquinone MK-8(H₆ and H₄). The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 67.6 mol%. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and genetic distinctiveness, strains PAGU 1247^T, PAGU 1251 and PAGU 1252 represents a novel species of the genus Branchiibius, for which the name Branchiibius cervicis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PAGU 1247^T (=NBRC 106593^T = DSM 24166^T).