Two hundred and thirty-four thermophilic Bacillus strains isolated from geographically widespread locations were examined by phenotypic characterisation followed by numerical analysis. The strains were distributed between eighteen cluster-groups which were subsequently evaluated in DNA base composition and DNA sequence homology studies. The inclusion of type and reference strains unambiguously identified strains related to B. licheniformis, B. pallidus, B. smithii, B. stearothermophilus, B. thermocloacae and B. thermoglucosidasius. Other reference strains included in distinctive groups were 'B. caldotenax', together with 'B. caldovelox' and 'B. caldolyticus', B. kaustophilus and 'B. thermodenitrificans'. An emended description of B. kaustophilus is provided. It is proposed that 'B. caldotenax' and 'B. thermodenitrificans' should be accepted as validly described species. Members of other clusters that appeared to have distinctive characteristics, including beta-glucanase production and the ability to degrade tyrosine, may provide the nuclei of further novel species.

Bacillus↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Graft distortion after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm: association with sac morphology and mid-term complications.

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence, significance, and mechanism of stent-graft distortion after endovascular repair (EVR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm. METHODS: EVR of abdominal aortic aneurysm was performed in 51 cases (49 modular, bifurcated; 2 tube). Thirty-two patients were followed for 6 or more months and had equivalent baseline and follow-up images which could be used to determine changes in graft configuration. Sac dimensions were measured using computed tomographic (CT) images and graft-related complications were recorded. RESULTS: Amongst 32 patients evaluated on follow-up, there was graft distortion in 24. Distorted grafts were significantly (p = 0.002) associated with sac diameter reduction (mean 5 mm) and sac length reduction (mean 8.1 mm). All graft-related complications occurred in the limbs of eight distorted grafts, with a mean reduction of sac length in this group of 7.8 mm on reformatted CT images. CONCLUSION: There was a highly significant association between graft distortion and limb complications, and reduced sac dimensions.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied