Detection of fine spiral structures (spirosomes) by weak sonication in some bacterial strains

Fine spiral structures (spirosomes) were observed in cell suspensions of five species of bacteria just after weak sonication. The structure is morphologically indistinguishable from the spirosome reported for Lactobacillus species. The molecular weight of the protein of the spirosomes from nine strains was about 94,000 to 95,000 as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The difference in the molecular weight among these spirosomes was not very great, but there were slight differences among the strains from which the spirosomes were derived.

[The choice of antibiotics for prophylaxis of postoperative infections in the field of orthopaedics. Clinical experience with cefoxitin]

The clinical effects of cefoxitin (CFX) were evaluated in the prophylaxis of postoperative infections in the field of orthopaedics. The clinical response was good in 46 out of 50 patients; an efficacy rate of 92%. Four patients (8%) who did not respond to CFX were suffering from infections due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (1), suspected Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1), and infection of unknown organism (2). A review was also made of recent trends among clinically isolated bacterial strains and their susceptibility to antibiotics in the field of orthopaedics. CFX is recommended as an antibiotic of first choice for the prophylaxis of postoperative infections in the field of orthopaedics.

[A case of vesical malacoplakia]

A 44-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital, complaining of terminal hematuria. On cystoscopy four yellow and soft nodular masses were observed in the bladder, one of which had central ulceration. TUR was performed for these masses. Histological examination revealed that they were vesical malacoplakia. The masses consisted of aggregates of macrophages with abundant cytoplasma in which typical Michaelis-Gutmann bodies were demonstrated by light and electron microscopies.

Renal haemodynamics and the renin-angiotensin system in adolescents genetically predisposed to essential hypertension

Relationships between renal haemodynamics and the renin-angiotensin system were examined in 128 male adolescents with differing predispositions to hypertension. Baseline renal vascular resistance (RVR) was significantly elevated in the normotensive subjects with a positive family history, NT (FH+) group, than in the normotensives with a negative family history, NT (FH-) group, while there were no significant differences in other characteristics between the two groups. The borderline hypertensive subjects with a positive family history, BH (FH+) group, showed an even bigger increase in RVR and also had elevated plasma renin activity (PRA). In the NT (FH+) and BH (FH+) groups RVR correlated significantly with PRA levels. When captopril was given, the increased RVR in the NT (FH+) and BH (FH+) groups decreased, in correlation with baseline PRA, to levels not significantly different from those in the NT (FH-) group, in which no significant changes occurred in RVR. These results suggest that RVR may increase primarily in adolescents genetically predisposed to essential hypertension and that the renin-angiotensin system may play an important role in the mechanism of this increase in RVR.

Pedunculated hepatoma--report of two cases and review of the literature

Although pedunculated hepatoma has received little attention in the United States and Europe, in Japan more than forty cases have been reported, probably owing to the relatively high frequency of hepatoma. Formerly preoperative diagnosis was difficult in the early period. Recently it can be made by ultrasound, computed tomography and angiography, however, the choice of operative procedure is not uniform. In some cases good results were obtained by only tumor excision or partial hepatic resection, whereas other cases presented undergoing more extended resection show a poorer course. In the present case 1, intrahepatic recurrence was recognized three months after surgery in spite of relatively early diagnosis. Reviewing the literature, it appears that the degree of invasion at the pedicle is mainly related to prognosis. If invasive, segmentectomy or lobectomy is necessary and postoperative adjuvant therapy is needed.

7 alpha-Dehydroxylation of bile acids by resting cells of a Eubacterium lentum-like intestinal anaerobe, strain c-25

7 alpha-Dehydroxylation of cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid by whole cells of strain c-25, a Eubacterium lentum-like intestinal anaerobe, was studied. 7 alpha-Dehydroxylase activity was observed only in whole cells grown in the presence of the primary bile acid (cholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acid). Chenodeoxycholic acid was twice as effective as cholic acid as an inducer. Although cells grown in the presence of chenodeoxycholic acid had no significant substrate specificity for the two primary bile acids, cells grown in the presence of cholic acid showed two times greater activity against cholic acid than chenodeoxycholic acid. Exposure of cell suspensions to atmospheric oxygen resulted in little loss of the 7 alpha-dehydroxylase activity. The induced enzyme had an optimal pH range of 7.3 to 7.7. Although adding flavin mononucleotide to the growth medium significantly increased the 7 alpha-dehydroxylation of bile acids without an increase in cell growth, inhibition of the enzyme activity was observed in the resting cell system when flavin mononucleotide was included in the reaction mixture.

Soft tissue collagen in congenital dislocation of the hip. Biochemical studies of the ligamentum teres of the femur and the hip joint capsule

Collagens of the ligamentum teres of the femur and the hip joint capsule of 14 patients with congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) were studied biochemically. Collagen was a major component of these tissues. Solubility of collagen was reversely related to age except in two cases. Collagen of both ligamentum teres of the femur and hip joint capsule was composed of type I, III and V collagens except in three cases. In these three cases with nevus or general joint laxity, two additional collagenous components were also found. The ratios of type III collagen to type I collagen were increased in CDH except in one case with short stature. These abnormalities of collagen metabolism could be the underlying cause of CDH and other clinical symptoms in these patients.

[Experience with transabdominal and scrotal ultrasonographic examination in urology]

To evaluate its diagnostic availability in urology, transabdominal and scrotal ultrasonographic examination was made on 87 patients who had been admitted to our hospital for space occupying lesions. In retroperitoneal lesions, adrenal tumors and renal tumors greater than 2.5 cm could be detected by this examination. In pelvic lesions, bladder tumors greater than 0.5 cm were demonstrated and prostatic carcinoma with heterogeneous echotexture and irregular margin was discriminated from BPH. Not only could fluid-filled scrotal lesions larger than 1.0 cm be distinguished from solid mass lesions, but the intrascrotal anatomy could also be demonstrated in detail. Because of its safety, flexibility, and accuracy in detecting space occupying lesions, this examination could be a useful screening test in urology. Representative cases we experienced are presented.

Saponin production in cell suspension cultures of Panax ginseng

Two high saponin-producing cell lines were selected from the original callus induced in 1967 and maintained in good state. For saponin production and growth in two cell lines, the comparison of static and suspension cultures, static cultures in the dark or in the light and rotary or reciprocal shaking cultures were made in detail. It was shown that the growth in rotary shaking cultures were 1.8 times higher than in reciprocal cultures, while the saponin production was almost the same, and the most effective hormonal condition was the combination of indole-3-butyric acid with kinetin. The saponin content per fresh weight was almost the same as that of the crude drug, whereas that per dry weight was 4 times higher.

An aspect of metabolic bone disease with idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head

In spite of vast varieties of investigations on osteonecrosis, there is no report concerning the serum vitamin D metabolite concentrations and quantitative assessment of histological parameters of undecalcified section of bone. In this study, we examined the relations between biochemical and histological parameters in four patients with idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral heads. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations showed lower value within normal range. However, 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 24, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations were far below the normal value in all patients. Serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone concentrations were within normal range. Histomorphometric parameters of iliac crest biopsy specimens were as follows. Relative osteoid volume, osteoid surface, and resorption surface were increased in all patients. Calcification front was decreased in all patients. Mean osteoid seam width was increased in two patients. These results suggest that microfractures created in such fragile trabeculae of femoral heads in our patients with deficiency of active vitamin D metabolites, will not be repaired well.

7 alpha-Dehydroxylation of bile acids by resting cells of an unidentified, gram-positive, nonsporeforming anaerobic bacterium

Transformation of bile acids by washed whole cells of strain HD-17, an unidentified gram-positive anaerobic bacterium isolated from human feces, was studied. 7 alpha-Dehydroxylase was produced only during adaptive growth on medium containing 7 alpha-hydroxy bile acids. Both the extent of hydroxylation and the state of conjugation of the bile acids had marked effects on the induction of the enzyme, and the order of the enzyme induction was conjugated cholic acid much greater than cholic acid greater than taurochenodeoxycholic acid greater than or equal to chenodeoxycholic acid. The addition of excess glucose to the growth medium appreciably reduced the enzyme level. The induced enzyme required strict anaerobic conditions for activity and had an optimal pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. In contrast with the induction of the enzyme, the induced enzyme showed a low degree of substrate specificity between cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid, with some preference for the former. In addition, the organism contained 3 alpha-, 7 alpha-, and 12 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, and the addition of bile acids to the medium somewhat enhanced the production of the oxidoreductases. The dehydrogenations were obviously stimulated by oxygen as a terminal electron acceptor. The organism also contained bile salt hydrolase.

Purification and characterization of NADP-dependent 7 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Peptostreptococcus productus strain b-52

An NADP-dependent 7 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was purified 11.5-fold over the activity in crude cell extracts prepared from Peptostreptococcus productus strain b-52, by using Sephadex G-200 and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. 7 beta-Dehydrogenation was the sole transformation of bile acids catalyzed by the partially purified enzyme. The enzyme preparation (spec. act. 2.781 IU per mg protein) had an optimum pH of 9.8. Lineweaver-Burk plots showed a Michaelis constant (Km) value of 0.05 mM for 3 alpha, 7 beta-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoic acid whereas higher values were obtained with 3 alpha,7 beta-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoyl glycine (0.20 mM), and 3 alpha,7 beta-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoyl taurine (0.26 mM). NADP but not NAD could function as an electron acceptor, and had a Km value of 0.30 mM. A molecular weight of 64000 was determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The addition of 0.4 mM of either bile acid to the growth medium suppressed not only cell growth, but also the enzyme yield.

Enhancement of the 7 alpha-dehydroxylase activity of a gram-positive intestinal anaerobe by flavins

The addition of flavins to the growth medium specifically enhanced the 7alpha-dehydroxylation of bile acids by anaerobically growing cultures of a Eubacterium lentum-like intestinal anaerobe, strain c-25, without an increase in cell growth. The order of the enhancement of the reaction was flavin adenine dinucleotide > flavin mononucleotide >> riboflavin.

Effect of nitrogen dioxide exposure on cyclic GMP in rat lung

In vivo exposure of rats to 10 ppm nitrogen dioxide (NO2) for 6 h caused approx. 5-fold increase in the content of cyclic GMP in lung tissue. This increased cyclic GMP level lasted up to 24 h but returned to the normal level within 2 days, even when the NO2 exposure continued. This increase in the content of cyclic GMP of lung tissue by NO2 exposure was observed in both young and aged rats. There were no statistically significant changes in the content of cyclic AMP in lung tissue.

Electrocardiographic abnormalities in rats by acute exposure to nitrogen dioxide

Changes in cardiac function of rats acutely exposed to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were examined by electrocardiographic (ECG) records. Bradycardia and arrhythmia which were observed by exposure to 20 ppm NO2 or more for 3 h were abolished by injection of atropine sulfate. ECGs were recorded following experimental formation of nitrite (NO-2) and nitrate (NO-3) in blood of normal rats by administration of NaNO2 solution, but no remarkable changes were observed on ECG. These results suggest that abnormal cardiac function observed during acute exposure to NO2 is attributable to changes in parasympathetic nervous activity and not to elevated NO2- and NO3- concentration in blood.

Mechanism of antibody-mediated protection against herpes simplex virus infection in athymic nude mice: requirement of Fc portion of antibody

Experiments were performed to investigate the resistance of the host due to antibody-mediated mechanisms to herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. Transfer of hyperimmune anti-HSV mouse serum inhibited the development of skin lesions and prolonged the survival of lethally HSV-infected nude mice. Relatively high concentrations of antibody were required to achieve this protection. Antisera prepared in heterologous animals were also effective, while administration of anti-cowpox virus serum or interferon provided no protection. This type of protection is therefore due to specific antibody and cannot be attributed to interferon. In order to delineate the requirement for antibody in antibody-mediated protection, human gamma globulin preparations were transferred to lethally HSV-infected nude mice. Transfer of intact human gamma globulin (GG) was effective in controlling infection. S-sulfonation of GG did not diminish the protective ability. However, purified F(ab')2 did not have any protective action even when it was administered frequently to maintain serum neutralizing antibody titer. GG was effective in C5-deficient mice lethally infected with HSV. These results indicate that in vivo antibody-mediated protection to HSV infection requires the Fc region of the intact IgG molecule and suggest that antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity may be operative in vivo.

Studies on biochemical effects of nitrogen dioxide. II. Changes of the protective systems in rat lungs and of lipid peroxidation by acute exposure

This work was done to clarify the relation between the change of lipid peroxidation and the protective systems in lungs after NO2 exposures. JCL:Wistar 8-wk-old male rats were exposed continuously to 10 ppm NO2 for 2 wk. Lipid peroxidation, measured by ethane exhalation in the breath of the rats and by the reaction of thiobarbituric acid with lung homogenates, increased to a maximum at 3 d after a decline at 1 d, and then returned to the initial level (of d 0). Activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), disulfide reductase (DSR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the 105,000 X g supernatant of lung homogenates were depressed slightly at 1 d. Thereafter, they increased significantly to their maximum levels from 5 to 10 d, and these maximum levels were maintained until d 14. The pattern of change of these protective enzymes was symmetric to that of lipid peroxidation after 3 d. The order of the ratio of the increased value to the initial value was G6PD greater than DSR greater than 6PGD greater than GR greater than GPx greater than SOD. The time course of nonprotein sulfhydryls was similar to that of the protective enzymes. In contrast, the amounts of vitamin E increased to a maximum at 2 d and then returned to the initial level. The periodic change of vitamin E was similar to that of lipid peroxidation rather than that of the protective enzymes. These results suggest that the ability of the enzyme systems in lungs to protect against NO2 fluctuated in a complex manner and the activities of the protective enzymes varied inversely with lipid peroxidation.

Structural polypeptides of molluscum contagiosum virus: their variability in various isolates and location within the virion

The structural polypeptides of molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) obtained from the skin lesions of patients were examined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. At least 40 polypedtides from purified virions were detected on SDS-polyacrylamide gel by a highly sensitive silver stain. Two of the structural polypeptides of the nine isolates were different in their migration rate in SDS-polyacrylamide gel. Following controlled degradation virions the two variable polypeptides were shown to be located in the surface or subsurface layers.

Effects of acute nitrogen dioxide exposure on swimming performance of mice

To evaluate the acute effects of NO2 on the physical performance of experimental animals, male mice 15-16 wk old were exposed to 5, 10, 20, or 40 ppm NO2 for 24 h, and forced swimming endurance time (FSET), the changes in FSET during the postexposure days, lung wet weight, lung water content, and blood lactate level were examined. FSET of mice exposed to NO2 at 10, 20, and 40 ppm decreased immediately after exposure, FSET of mice exposed to 5 ppm NO2 did not change immediately after exposure, but a significant decrease was observed from d 1 to d 4 after exposure. FSET recovered to the initial control level after 5-6 d, 7-8 d, and over 9 d in mice exposed to NO2 at 5, 10, and 20 ppm, respectively. Lung wet weight of mice exposed to 20 and 40 ppm NO2 and lung water content of mice exposed to 10, 20, and 40 ppm NO2 increased with dose. A negative relation was demonstrated between FSET and lung wet weight and between FSET and lung water content. Without forced swimming exercise, the blood lactate level of mice exposed to 5 ppm NO2 was almost equivalent to that of control mice, but the blood lactate level of the exposed mice significantly increased immediately and 24 h after forced swimming exercise for 4 min.

Transformation of bile acids by Clostridium perfringens

Thirty-five strains of Clostridium perfringens were examined for their ability to transform bile acids, both in growing cultures and by washed whole cells. All of the strains oxidized the 3 alpha-hydroxy group to an oxo group, and all except three converted the same alpha-hydroxy group into a beta-configuration. The oxidative 3 alpha-dehydrogenation was barely detectable under anaerobic cultural conditions but was clearly demonstrated in an aerated system using washed whole cells, with a pH optimum between 7.0 and 9.0. The epimerizing reaction amounting to 10 to 20% conversion was observed in anaerobic cultures and also with resting cells, irrespective of oxygen supply. Both reactions were carried out with seven conventional 3 alpha-hydroxy bile acids, thus producing a series of 3-oxo and 3 beta-hydroxy derivatives that could be examined for gas-liquid chromatographic and mass spectrometric behavior. No evidence for the occurrence of 7 alpha- and 12 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities among the test strains was found. A highly potent deconjugating hydrolase was elaborated by all of the strains.

In vitro transformation of chenodeoxycholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid by human intestinal flora, with particular reference to the mutual conversion between the two bile acids

Nine fecal samples from four healthy subjects were examined for their ability to transform chenodeoxy-cholic acid (CDCA) and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in in vitro anaerobic broth cultures. Seven samples converted CDCA and UDCA into each other (more than 50% of CDCA was converted into UDCA while 10% or less of UDCA was converted into CDCA), and produced 7-keto-lithocholic acid and lithocholic acid equally from both acids. No alteration of the 7 beta-hydroxy group of UDCA was demonstrated by two fecal samples that failed to perform mutual 7-epimerization, suggesting the conversion of UDCA into lithocholic acid via CDCA. The 3 alpha-hydroxy groups of these substrate and metabolite bile acids were invariably partially epimerized to 3 beta-hydroxy groups by all the fecal samples. Evidence is presented for the prevalence of these 7- and 3-epimerizing organisms among the human intestinal flora.

Enlargement of the lumbar vertebral canal in lumbar canal stenosis

A new surgical technique, enlargement of the spinal canal, was carried out on eight patients with lumbar canal stenosis. The conditions of all the patients have improved, and there have been no complications so far. A laminectomy is performed in which both sides of the pars interarticularis are cut out with an osteotome to eliminate the cause of the stenosis. The ventral side of the removed lamina is then ground with a surgical air drill to enlarge the posterior area of the lumbar canal. The lamina is subsequently replaced and fixed with screws. This method makes it possible to remove the cause of the stenosis. By replacing the removed lamina, the additional advantage of avoiding weakening vertebral stability is afforded.

Transformation of bile acids by mixed microbial cultures from human feces and bile acid transforming activities of isolated bacterial strains

Microbiol transformation of cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid by anaerobic mixed cultures of human fecal microorganisms was investigated, and the results were examined in relation to the bile acid transforming activities of 75 bacterial strains isolated from the same fecal cultures. The reactions involved in the mixed cultures were dehydrogenation and dehydroxylation of the 7 alpha-hydroxy group in both primary bile acids and epimerization of the 3 alpha-hydroxy group in all metabolic bile acids. Extensive epimerization of the 7 alpha-hydroxy group of chenodeoxycholic acid yielding ursodeoxycholic acid was also demonstrated by certain fecal samples. 7 alpha-Dehydrogenase activity was widespread among the fecal isolates (88% of 16 facultative anaerobes and 51% of 59 obligate anaerobes), and 7 alpha-dehydroxylase activity was revealed in one of the isolates, and unidentified gram-positive nonsporeforming anaerobic bacterium. 3 alpha-Epimerization was effected by seven strains assigned to Eubacterium lentum, which were also active for 3 alpha- and 7 alpha-dehydrogenations. No microorganism accounting for 7 alpha-epimerization was recovered among the isolates. Splitting of conjugated bile acid was demonstrated by the majority of obligate anaerobes but the activity was rare among facultative anaerobes.

Isolation and characterization of thirteen intestinal microorganisms capable of 7 alpha-dehydroxylating bile acids

Thirteen anaerobic bacteria capable of performing the 7 alpha-dehydroxylation of both cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid were isolated from human feces and also from sewage. Ten organisms from heat-treated samples were species of Clostridium identical or closely related to the Clostridium bifermentans-C. sordellii group and consisted of four strains elaborating 7 alpha-dehydroxylase alone and six strains capable of catalyzing both 7 alpha-dehydrogenation and 7 alpha-dehydroxylation. The remaining three organisms, recovered from fresh human feces, were gram-positive, nonflagellated, nonsporeforming, anaerobic rods and comprised two distinct species. Strain HD-17, still unidentified, had both activities, but was unique in that it exclusively 7 alpha-dehydroxylated cholic acid while biotransforming chenodeoxycholic acid, preferably though 7 alpha-dehydrogenation. Two unclassified strains, b-8 and c-25, metabolized both acids though 7 alpha-dehydroxylation and 7 alpha-dehydrogenation. Except for strains b-8 and c-25, all of th 7 alpha-dehydroxylating bacteria split the conjugated bile acid series, and hydrolases were detected in cell-free filtrates of early stationary-phase broth cultures.