Análisis de marcadores moleculares en carcinoma broncogénico no microcítico resecado: Estudio de sesgos de selección y expresión según la histología / No disponible

Objetivos: Evaluar un potencial sesgo de selección poblacional en un estudio de expresión proteica en carcinoma broncogénico no microcítico resecado (CBNM) y realizar un análisis de la expresión molecular global y la específica según la estirpe histológica. Población y métodos: estudio observacional, de cohorte, concurrente, de todos los pacientes con CBNM tratados quirúrgicamente en nuestro Hospital entre octubre de 1993 y septiembre de 1997. Elaboramos matrices de tejido en tumor resecado y la expresión proteica se estudió mediante inmunohistoquímica. La población se dividió entre los que se pudo efectuar estudio molecular (población A) y el resto (población B). El análisis de sesgos se realizó con el test Chi cuadrado para variables cualitativas, la T de Student para cuantitativas y el Kaplan-Meier para curvas de supervivencia. Las diferencias de expresión proteica según la histología se analizaron con el test Chi cuadrado. Resultados: 180 casos totales. En 146 existía material suficiente para el estudio (población A) y en 34 no (población B). No hay diferencias significativas entre las poblaciones excepto que los casos de la población B eran más pequeños (3,3 cm vs 4,5 cm) (p= 0,04) con menos neumonectomías (t 1,8% vs 3t,6%) (p= 0,02). La estirpe más frecuente es taepidennoide (68%), De las 32 proteínas estudiadas, 8 se expresan más en epidennoides (ciclina A, CDK6, RB, p63, survivina N, EGFR, mTORp, p53) y 3 en adenocarcinomas (survivina C, ligando FAS y Cdc6). Conclusiones: Nuestra muestra representa a la población seleccionada sin que exista un sesgo de selección inicial de la suficiente magnitud como para comprometer sus resultados. En este estudio, 11 marcadores se expresan de forma diferente en función de la estirpe histológica del CBNM (AU)

To evaluate a population’s potential selection bias in a study of protein expression in resected NSCLC and to perform an analysis of global and specific molecular expression according to histological type. Population and methods: An observational, cohort, concurrent study in all patients with NSCLC surgically treated in our hospital between October 1993 and September 1997. Tissue arrays were designed from samples of resected tissue. The study method used for the evaluation of protein expression was immunohistochemistry. Population was divided into groups: patients with a molecular study (population A) and the rest (population B). Bias analyses was performed using the Chi square test for qualitative variables and the student T test for quantitative variables; the Kaplan-Meier test was used to compare survival curves. The Chi square test was used to analyse expression dijferences in proteins depending on the histological type. Results: Of total 180 cases, 146 had enough material for molecular study (population A) and 34 did not (population B). There were no differences between both populations, with the exception that tumours in population B were smaller (3.3 cm vs 4.5 cm) (p= 0.04) and with a lower frequency of pneumonectomies (11.8% vs 31.6%) (p= 0.02). The epidermoid histological type is the most frequent (68%). Of the 32 proteins studied, 8 are more frequently expressed in epidermoid types (cyclin A. CDK6, RB, p63, survivin N, EGFR, mTORp, p53) and 3 in adenoearcinomas (survivin C, FAS ligand and Cdc6). Conclusions: Our sample is representative of the selected population with no initial selection bias large enough to compromise the results. In this study, 11I markers were expressed differently according to the histological type of the NSCLC (AU)

Amiloidosis localizada multifocal de la vía aérea superior en una paciente pediátrica / Multifocal localized amyloidosis in a pediatric patient

La amiloidosis localizada multifocal de la vía aérea superior en la edad pediátrica es excepcional. Se presenta un caso clínico de amiloidosis localizada en la nasofaringe y fosa nasal en una adolescente. Clínicamente debutó con obstrucción nasal y mucosidad. El diagnóstico se obtuvo del análisis histológico tras la resección local de las lesiones

Amyloidosis of the upper airway is rare in the pediatric age group. We present a primary amyloidosis in the nasopharynx and nasal cavity in a 14-year-old girl. The symptoms were nasal obstruction and mucoid discharge. The diagnostic was revealed by histologycal analysis obtained from local surgical excision

Tratamiento multimodal en el carcinoma broncogénico no microcítico (N2) clínico: ¿cuál es la respuesta? / Multimodal treatment of clinical non-small cell N2 bronchogenic carcinoma. What is the answer?

No disponible

Eficacia y morbilidad del tratamiento con cirugía videoasistida del neumotórax espontáneo primario / Effectiveness and complications of video-assisted surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax

Objetivo: Evaluar y describir la eficacia y la morbilidad de la VATS (video assisted toracic surgery [cirugía torácica videoasistida]) en el tratamiento del neumotórax espontáneo primario (NEP). Pacientes y métodos: Entre mayo de 1997 y septiembre de 2003 se programaron en nuestro servicio 147 intervenciones por NEP para VATS en 127 pacientes. Las lesiones bullosas se resecaron mediante endograpadoras. Posteriormente se realizó pleuroabrasión vigorosa. La estadificación según Vanderschueren resultó: estadio I, 10 (6,8%); II, 22 (15%); III, 71 (48,3%), y IV, 44 (29,9%). Se intervino a 102 (80,5%) hombres y 25 (19,5%) mujeres. La media de edad fue de 28,3 ± 11,6 años. Las indicaciones fueron: tercer episodio, 56 (38,1%); fuga aérea persistente, 47 (32%); cirugía electiva, 16 (10,9%); neumotórax bilateral sincrónico, 28 (19%). Se realizó VATS en el lado derecho en 85 pacientes (57,8%) y en el izquierdo en 62 (42,2%). Se realizó intervención bilateral en 16 (11,6%). Resultados: Se realizaron 137 VATS (93,2%). No hubo mortalidad y la tasa de reconversión fue del 6,8%. La incidencia de complicaciones fue del 13,7%. La morbilidad post-operatoria fue: sangrado en 5 pacientes (3,6%); fuga aérea (> 5 días) en 10 (7,2%); infección de herida en 2 (1,4%); neumotórax residual en 4 (2,9%); nuevo drenaje torácico en 3 (2,1%), y empiema pleural en 1 (0,7%). Dos pacientes tomaron analgésicos orales durante más de 30 días después del procedimiento. La recurrencia en seguimiento fue de 7 (5,1%). Se analizó el índice de recurrencia post VATS en relación al estadio Vandeschueren, la edad, el carácter bilateral del neumotórax, la indicación o los días de drenaje post-operatorio y no se encontraron diferencias significativas (p > 0,05). Conclusiones: La VATS con resección de lesiones y pleuroabrasión es un método eficaz y sencillo independiente de los hallazgos intraoperatorios para el tratamiento del NPE

Objective: To assess the effectiveness and describe the complications of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Patients and methods: Between May 1997 and September 2003, our department scheduled 147 VATS procedures for spontaneous pneumothorax in 127 patients (102 men [80.5%]). The mean (SD) age for the series was 28.3 (11.6) years. Bullae and blebs were resected by endostapler and vigorous pleural abrasion was carried out. Vanderschueren staging was as follows: stage I, 10 (6.8%); stage II, 22 (15%); stage III, 71 (48.3%); and stage IV, 44 (29.9%). The procedure was indicated for the following reasons: third episode, 56 (38.1%); persistent air leak, 47 (32%); elective, 16 (10.9%); simultaneous bilateral pneumothorax, 28 (19%). VATS was performed on the right side only in 85 patients (57.8%), on the left in 62 (42.2%), and on both sides in 16 (11.6%). Results: A total of 137 of the 147 VATS procedures scheduled (93.2%) were performed, and there were no deaths. The rate of conversion to thoracotomy was 6.8%, and the overall rate of complications was 13.7%. Postoperative complications were due to bleeding in 5 cases (3.6%), air leak (>5 days) in 10 (7.2%), wound infection in 2 (1.4%), residual pneumothorax in 4 (2.9%), need to insert a new pleural drain in 3 (2.1%), and pleural empyema in 1 (0.7%). Two patients took oral analgesics for more than 30 days after the procedure. Pneumothorax recurred during follow-up in 7 patients (5.1%). No significant correlation was found between recurrence of pneumothorax after VATS and Vandeschueren stage, age, bilaterality of the procedure, indication, or days of postoperative drainage (P>.05). Conclusions: VATS for resection of pleural lesions plus pleural abrasion is an efficacious and simple treatment for primary spontaneous pneumothorax regardless of intraoperative findings

Factores de riesgo en el desarrollo de fibrilación auricular tras cirugía torácica / Risk factors for atrial fibrillation alter thoracic surgery

Objetivo: Determinar los factores de riesgo en la fibrilación auricular (FA) tras la resección pulmonar. Pacientes y método: Entre enero de 2002 y diciembre de 2003 se realizaron en nuestro servicio 149 resecciones anatómicas pulmonares. Se recogieron prospectivamente las características clínicas, quirúrgicas, analíticas y oncológicas de todos los pacientes intervenidos. Se realizó un análisis univariante de todas las variables registradas. Resultados: La edad media (± desviación estándar) de los pacientes operados ­127 varones (85,2%) y 22 mujeres (14,8%)­ fue de 61,8 ± 12,3 años (rango: 17-79). Se detectaron 17 casos de FA (11,4%). La mortalidad a los 30 días fue del 8,1%. Se detectaron los siguientes factores de riesgo de presentar FA: edad >= 70 años (p < 0,0004), enfermedad cardíaca previa (p < 0,005), pacientes operados por carcinoma broncogénico (p < 0,04) y tipo de resección --­bilobectomía derecha (p < 0,05) y neumonectomía izquierda (p < 0,03)--­. No fueron factores de riesgo la hipertensión arterial, la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, el estadio del carcinoma broncogénico, la disección mediastínica sistemática ni otro tipo distinto de resección pulmonar. Conclusiones: La aparición de FA después de la resección pulmonar anatómica es una complicación frecuente que parece asociarse en nuestra serie a edad avanzada, antecedentes de cardiopatía, intervención por carcinoma broncogénico, neumonectomía izquierda y bilobectomía derecha. La identificación de estos factores de riesgo puede ser de utilidad para iniciar estudios prospectivos encaminados a valorar el uso de fármacos antiarrítmicos para prevenir esta complicación

Objective: To determine the risk factors for atrial fibrillation after lung resection. Patients and methods: Between January 2002 and December 2003, 149 patients underwent lung resection in our hospital. For all these patients, clinical, surgical, analytical, and oncological data were prospectively collected. The data were subjected to univariate analysis. Results: The mean (SD) age of the 127 men (85.2%) and 22 women (14.8%) who underwent lung resection was 61.8 (12.3) years (range, 17-79 years). Atrial fibrillation was documented in 17 patients (11.4%). Mortality at 30 days was 8.1%. The following risk factors for atrial fibrillation were identified: age 70 years or older (P<.0004), prior heart disease (P<.005), patients undergoing operations for lung cancer (P<.04), and type of resection--right bilobectomy (P<.05) and left pneumonectomy (P<.03). Hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer stage were not risk factors. Likewise, systematic lymph node dissection and other forms of lung resection were not risk factors. Conclusions: After lung resection, atrial fibrillation is a common complication that seems to be associated with old age, history of heart disease, operations for lung cancer, left pneumectomy, and right bilobectomy. The identification of these risk factors may encourage prospective studies that assess the use of antiarrhythmic drugs to prevent atrial fibrillation during chest surgery

Manejo médico-quirúrgico de las lesiones traqueobronquiales traumáticas no iatrogénicas / Medical and surgical management of noniatrogenic traumatic tracheobronchial injuries

Objetivo: Describir el manejo médico-quirúrgico de las lesiones traqueobronquiales traumáticas no iatrogénicas. Pacientes y método: De enero de 1993 a julio de 2004 se registraron en nuestro servicio 15 casos de lesiones traqueobronquiales traumáticas. En todos los pacientes el diagnóstico se estableció por broncoscopia y a todos se le realizó una tomografía computarizada de tórax. Se eligió tratamiento quirúrgico cuando había inestabilidad vital del paciente, herida traqueal abierta, lesiones esofágicas asociadas, progresión de enfisema subcutáneo o mediastínico, mediastinitis o colecciones mediastínicas sospechosas en pruebas de imagen o dificultades en la ventilación mecánica por la lesión traqueobronquial traumática. Resultados: La edad media (± desviación estándar) de los pacientes fue de 35,5 ± 18,9 años y 12 (80%) eran varones. Se registraron 13 traumatismos cerrados (86,7%) y 2 abiertos (13,3%). La localización más frecuente de la lesión fue bronquial (9 casos; 60%), seguida de tráquea cervical (4 casos; 26,6%) y tráquea toracicobronquial (2 casos; 13,4%). El síntoma inicial más frecuente fue el enfisema subcutáneo, que presentaron 11 pacientes (73,3%). Las lesiones asociadas más frecuentes fueron torácicas, con 12 casos (86,7%), seguidas de ortopédicas, con 9 (60%). El tratamiento de elección fue quirúrgico en 11 casos (73,3%) y médico conservador en 4 (26,7%). Falleció una paciente tratada de forma conservadora por lesión cerebral irreversible. Conclusiones: Las lesiones traqueobronquiales pueden tratarse de forma conservadora si cumplen criterios estrictos de selección. El tamaño o la localización no debe ser un criterio para la elección del tratamiento quirúrgico

Objective: To describe the medical and surgical management of noniatrogenic traumatic tracheobronchial injuries. Patients and method: From January 1993 to July 2004, 15 cases of traumatic tracheobronchial injury were treated in our department. The diagnosis was established by bronchoscopy and a computed tomography chest scan was performed on all patients. Surgical treatment was selected for patients with unstable vital signs, an open tracheal wound, associated esophageal lesions, progression of subcutaneous or mediastinal emphysema, mediastinitis or suspicious mediastinal secretions on imaging tests, or difficulties with mechanical ventilation due to the traumatic tracheobronchial injury. Results: The mean (SD) age of the patients was 35.5 (18.9) years and 12 (80%) were male. Of the 15 cases, 13 (86.7%) had penetrating trauma and 2 (13.3%) blunt trauma. The most common location of the injury was in the bronchi (9 cases; 60%), followed by the cervical trachea (4 cases; 26.6%), followed by both the thoracic trachea and bronchi (2 cases; 13.4%). The most common initial symptom was subcutaneous emphysema, which presented in 11 (73.3%) patients. Chest (12 cases; 86.7%) and orthopedic injuries (9 cases; 60%) were the most common associated injuries. Surgery was the treatment of choice in 11 (73.3%) cases and conservative medical treatment in 4 (26.7%). An irreversible brain injury caused the death of 1 patient receiving conservative treatment. Conclusions: Tracheobronchial injuries may be treated conservatively if they meet strict selection criteria. Size and location should not be used as selection criteria for surgical treatment

[Importance of routine mediastinal staging in women with non-small cell lung cancer]. / Importancia de la estadificación mediastínica, sistemática en mujeres con carcinoma broncogénico, no microcítico.

OBJECTIVE: To study the specific importance of mediastinal staging in women with nonsmall cell lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 1981 and September 2003 we surgically staged 2172 patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer who met the inclusion criteria for resectability and operability. A subgroup of 108 women was studied. Cervical mediastinoscopy was performed in all cases, with the addition of anterior mediastinotomy in cases with left upper lobe involvement. All patients underwent a preoperative computed tomography chest scan. RESULTS: Cervical mediastinoscopy was performed on all 108 patients, 26 of whom also underwent anterior mediastinotomy. Positive findings were recorded in 44 (40.7%) of the 108 cases: 39 of the 108 mediastinoscopies (36.1%), 9 of the 26 mediastinotomies (34.6%), and in 5 cases (19.2%) both mediastinoscopy and mediastinotomy. Nodal involvement was found in 13% of cases in clinical stage IA and 30.8% of cases in clinical stage IB. The percentage of positive findings was significantly higher for cases with adenocarcinoma or large cell carcinoma (P<.05). We performed 67 thoracotomies: 46 patients underwent lobectomy (42.6% of the 108), 7 bilobectomy (6.5%), 9 pneumonectomy (8.3%), and 5 exploratory thoracotomy (4.6%). The agreement between clinical staging after mediastinoscopy and pathological staging after thoracotomy was 47% (stage IA) and 57% (stage IB). CONCLUSIONS: Routine mediastinoscopy is indicated for all women with nonsmall cell lung cancer, regardless of clinical stage.

Importancia de la estadificación mediastínica, sistemática en mujeres con carcinoma broncogénico, no microcítico / Importance of routine mediastinal staging in women with nonsmall cell lung cancer

OBJETIVO: Investigar la importancia específica de la estadificación mediastínica de mujeres con carcinoma broncogénico, no microcítico. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Entre julio de 1981 y septiembre de 2003 estadificamos quirúrgicamente a 2.172 pacientes con carcinoma broncogénico no microcítico que cumplían criterios de resecabilidad y operabilidad. Se realizó mediastinoscopia cervical de forma habitual, y mediastinotomía anterior en caso de afectación del lóbulo superior izquierdo. Todos los pacientes tenían una tomografía axial computarizada de tórax preoperatoria. Se estudió al subgrupo de 108 mujeres. RESULTADOS: Realizamos mediastinoscopia cervical en 108 casos y mediastinotomía anterior en 26. Fueron positivas 44 (40,7%) —39 (36,1%) mediastinoscopias, 9 (34,6%) mediastinotomías y en 5 (19,2%) casos ambas—. Se objetivó afectación ganglionar en un 13% de los casos en estadio IA y en un 30,8% en estadio IB. El porcentaje de positividad fue significativamente mayor en caso de adenocarcinoma o carcinoma de células grandes (p < 0,05). Realizamos 67 toracotomías: 46 (42,6%) lobectomías, 7 (6,5%) bilobectomías, 9 (8,3%) neumonectomías y 5 (4,6%) toracotomías exploradoras. La concordancia entre estadificación clínica posmediastinoscopia y patológica postoracotomía fue del 47% (IA) y del 57% (IB). CONCLUSIONES: La mediastinoscopia sistemática está indicada en todas las mujeres con carcinoma broncogénico no microcítico independientemente del estadio clínico

OBJECTIVE: To study the specific importance of mediastinal staging in women with nonsmall cell lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 1981 and September 2003 we surgically staged 2172 patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer who met the inclusion criteria for resectability and operability. A subgroup of 108 women was studied. Cervical mediastinoscopy was performed in all cases, with the addition of anterior mediastinotomy in cases with left upper lobe involvement. All patients underwent a preoperative computed tomography chest scan. RESULTS: Cervical mediastinoscopy was performed on all 108 patients, 26 of whom also underwent anterior mediastinotomy. Positive findings were recorded in 44 (40.7%) of the 108 cases: 39 of the 108 mediastinoscopies (36.1%), 9 of the 26 mediastinotomies (34.6%), and in 5 cases (19.2%) both mediastinoscopy and mediastinotomy. Nodal involvement was found in 13% of cases in clinical stage IA and 30.8% of cases in clinical stage IB. The percentage of positive findings was significantly higher for cases with adenocarcinoma or large cell carcinoma (P<.05). We performed 67 thoracotomies: 46 patients underwent lobectomy (42.6% of the 108), 7 bilobectomy (6.5%), 9 pneumonectomy (8.3%), and 5 exploratory thoracotomy (4.6%). The agreement between clinical staging after mediastinoscopy and pathological staging after thoracotomy was 47% (stage IA) and 57% (stage IB). CONCLUSIONS: Routine mediastinoscopy is indicated for all women with nonsmall cell lung cancer, regardless of clinical stage

Papiloma oncocítico malignizado. Una variante infrecuente de papiloma nasosinusal / Malignant oncocytic papilloma. An infrequent type of sinonasal papillomas

El papiloma oncocítico schneideriano (POS), o papiloma de células cilíndricas, constituye la forma menos frecuente de los 3 tipos histológicos que aparecen en la cavidad nasal y senos paranasales. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con un POS con las implicaciones diagnósticas y pronósticas de este tipo de tumor (AU)

Bacterial population association with phytoplankton cultured in a bivalve hatchery.

Bacterial populations association with phytoplankton cultures used as food for bivalve larvae were enumerated and identified from their partial 16S rDNA gene sequences. Microalgae were provided from different European hatcheries during the larval production season. Average concentration (direct counts) of bacteria ranged from 1.3 x 10(5) to 5.3 x 10(8) mL(-1) while culturable bacteria represented from 10% to >60% of total bacteria. In most cases, three to six representatives of each type of colony were collected on solid medium. The identity of isolates from the same colony type was checked by two different randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) typing methods, after which the 16S rDNA gene of one to three isolates by colony type were partially sequenced. Algae harbored a large spectrum of bacteria belonging to the alpha-Proteobacteria, beta-Proteobacteria, gamma-Proteobacteria, Cytophaga- Flavobacterium- Bacteroides (CFB) group, Actinobacteria, and Bacillus. Members of the Roseobacter clade and CFB group were the most abundant. In the majority of cases one strain constituted 50% or more of the culturable bacterial flora. About half of the isolates were common to two hatcheries or at least two microalgal cultures. Several isolates were closely related to bacteria associated with harmful dinoflagellates in culture. Thus, the algal cultures seemed to favor certain bacterial species which belonged to distantly separated groups. As some of them could disturb the development of bivalve larvae, the control of bacterial populations would undoubtedly make it possible to reduce larval losses in bivalve rearing.

Posible beneficio de la calcitonina en el tratamiento de la otosclerosis / Posible benefits of calcitonin in the treatment of otosclerosis

Se muestran los resultados obtenidos tras tratar con calcitonina intranasal a 23 pacientes (36 oídos) afectados de otosclerosis. Un 19,4 por ciento tuvieron un incremento en la audición superior a 10 dB. La máxima ganancia registrada fue de 32 dB en la vía aérea y 23 en la ósea. Desaparecieron los acúfenos en un 25 por ciento de los casos que los padecían. La tolerancia a la calcitonina fue buena, mostrando una cefalea pasajera el 8,7 por ciento de los pacientes. Los autores recomiendan realizar estudios adicionales para evaluar la posible eficacia de este fármaco en el tratamiento de la otosclerosis. (AU)

This study shows the results obtained after treatment with intranasal calcitonin in 23 patients (36 ears) suffering from otosclerosis. 19.4% showed a hearing improvement upper of 10 dB. The gain was 32 dB in air conduction thresholds and 23 dB. In bone conduction. Tinnitus disappeared in 25% of cases suffering from tinnitus. Calcitonin tolerance was good, 8.7% of patients reported migraine. Authors recommended additional studies in order to evaluate the efficacy of this drug in the treatment of otosclerosis (AU)

Laringectomía frontolateral. Nuestra experiencia en La Rioja / Frontolateral laryngectomy. Our experience in La Rioja

Se presenta un estudio retrospectivo sobre 16 pacientes afectados de tumores glóticos en estadío T1b e intervenidos de laringectomía frontolateral entre 1989 y 1998. Se analizaron las variables edad, sexo, hábitos tóxicos, diagnóstico anatomopatológico, cirugía, recidivas y supervivencia. La enfermedad incide más en los varones en la 5 a y 6 a década de vida, con un consumo medio-alto de alcohol y tabaco. El diagnóstico anatomopatológico fue de carcinoma epidermoide en el 93,75 por ciento de los casos. Los análisis de supervivencia concluyeron que el 87,5 por ciento de los pacientes sobrevivieron libres de recidiva a los 5 años y que sólo el 6,25 por ciento presentaron recidiva local (AU)

It has been carried out a retrospective study on 16 patients who have suffered from glotic tumorus in T1b stage and have been treated by frontolateral laryngectomy from 1989 to 1998. Data related to age, sex, toxic habits, anatomopathological diagnosis, surgery, recurrence and survival were analysed. The disease affects more in males, in the 5th and 6th decade of life, with a medium to a high consumption of alcohol. The anatomopathological diagnosis in 96.75% of the cases was epidermoid carcinoma. The survival analysis showed that 87.5% of the patients survived free of recurrence for the first five years and only 6.25% had a local recurrence (AU)

Pathogenicity of vibrio splendidus strains associated with turbot larvae, scophthalmus maximus

Turbot larvae were challenged with eight strains of Vibrio splendidus isolated from diseased larvae, plus a ninth strain pathogenic to scallop larvae (A515; Nicolas et al. 1996). Six strains caused heavy mortality but the scallop pathogen and the other two strains did not. All the strains shared a large number of phenotypic traits, and an attempt was made to relate virulence to genotype and phenotype. Five of the six pathogenic strains were very similar, as shown by RAPD fingerprinting and phenotypic characteristics. The relatedness of the other strains was intermediate between the main pathogenic group and V. splendidus ATCC 33125, but the DNA-DNA homology between the pathogenic group and the reference strain was still high (78% of reassociation rate). The non-pathogenic isolates may be a useful tool for determining the possible virulence factors, as all the isolates differed by few characteristics.

Metabolites from the Sponge-Associated Bacterium Pseudomonas Species.

: Quinolones and a phosphatidyl glyceride were isolated from the sponge-associated bacterial strain Pseudomonas sp. Structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and chemical transformations.

The Benefit of a Roseobacter Species on the Survival of Scallop Larvae.

: A marine strain (BS107), identified as a Roseobacter species, was antagonistic to Vibrio species on agar plates. Results suggested that the inhibitory effect was displayed only in the presence of another bacterium. Quantification of the antibacterial activity showed that 48-hour-coculture supernatants from BS107 and another bacterial strain (V. anguillarum 408) reached the highest titers of bacterial inhibition. The antibacterial substance was also liberated when supernatants from V. anguillarum 408 were added to pure cultures of the inhibition-productive bacterium. The presence of a proteinaceous molecule may induce BS107 to display the inhibitory effect. The antibacterial substance was sensitive to trypsin (8000 U/ml) and stable at 100 degrees C. Cell extracts of the isolate BS107 (10(6) cells/ml) significantly enhanced scallop larval survival, thus being beneficial to the rearing process.

Quinolones from a bacterium and tyrosine metabolites from its host sponge, Suberea creba from the Coral Sea.

A marine bacterium, identified as a pseudomonad, isolated from Suberea creba Bergquist, 1995 (Porifera, Dictyoceratida, Verongida, Aplysinellidae) collected along the eastern coast of New Caledonia, gave in culture phenazine-alpha-carboxamide, 2-n-heptylquinol-4-one, 2-n-nonylquinol-4-one, 2-n-(1'E-nonenyl)quinol-4-one, 3-n-heptyl-3-hydroxyquinolin-2,4-dione, a N-oxide-2-n-heptylquinoline derivative, and a benzyldiketopiperazine. None of these products could be detected, at the HPLC-UV sensitivity level, in the sponge extracts, which contained instead (+)-aerothionin, homoaerothionin, (+)-aeroplysinin-1, dibromo-, bromochloro-, and dichloroverongiaquinol. 2-n-Heptylquinol-4-one, (+)-aeroplysinin-1, and dibromoverongiaquinol showed strong antibacterial activity in vitro. The latter also proved promising for mariculture, rivaling chloramphenicol as an antibacterial agent in cultures of Pecten maximus larvae, while being nontoxic according to the Artemia salina test.