Fluorescent detection of cyanobacterial DNA using bacterial magnetic particles on a MAG-microarray

Bacterial magnetic particles (BMPs) were used for the identification of cyanobacterial DNA. Genus-specific oligonucleotide probes for the detection of Anabaena spp., Microcystis spp., Nostoc spp., Oscillatoria spp., and Synechococcus spp. were designed from the variable region of the cyanobacterial 16S rDNA of 148 strains. These oligonucleotide probes were immobilized on BMPs via streptavidin-biotin conjugation and employed for magnetic-capture hybridization against digoxigenin-labeled cyanobacterial 16S rDNA. Bacterial magnetic particles were magnetically concentrated, spotted in 100-microm-size microwell on MAG-microarray, and the fluorescent detection was performed. This work details the development of an automated technique for the magnetic isolation, the concentration of hybridized DNA, and the detection of specific target DNA on MAG-microarray. The entire process of hybridization and detection was automatically performed using a magnetic-separation robot and all five cyanobacterial genera were successfully discriminated.

Measures to prevent emissions of PCDDS/DFs and co-planar PCBs from crematories in Japan

In this study, PCDDs/DFs and co-planar PCBs concentrations in flue gases from 17 crematories and in fly ashes and bottom ashes (mainly bone) from several crematories were measured to grasp the present state of PCDDs/DFs emissions from crematories. The effects of several factors were discussed to prevent PCDDs/DFs emissions from crematories. Total concentration (normalized by 12% O2) of PCDDs/DFs was ranged from 4.9 to 1200 ng/m3 N, and toxic equivalent concentration was ranged from 0.064 to 24 ng TEQ/m3 N. As the results obtained in this research, the following measures to reduce PCDDs/DFs emission are recommended for existing crematories: (1) keeping the temperature at 800 degrees C in main/secondary chambers during a whole cremation, and (2) lowering the temperature in the dust collector. For newly installed crematories, following measures to prevent PCDDs/DFs emission including the measures for existing ones are recommended: (1) connecting one secondary chamber to one main chamber, (2) installing the high efficiency dust collector and reducing dust concentration to less than 0.01 g/m3 N, and (3) installing the sampling point for monitoring of PCDDs/DFs.

[A questionnaire survey on the theory of postoperative infection prophylaxis in gynecology]

A questionnaire survey on the theory of postoperative infection prophylaxis was conducted to obtain the consensus on perioperative antimicrobial use among gynecologists in Japan in the period from April to July 2000. Fifty-six of the 83 gynecologists replied, and the following consensus was obtained. An antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP) agent should be chosen based on their efficacy against the pathogens expected to be contaminants, such as Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis group. Use an AMP agent that archives a bactericidal concentrations in both the serum and operating site. Use an AMP agent that has little unfavourable side effects. The newer agents should be considered as a therapeutics for postoperative infections. The therapeutic antimicrobial agents having no cross-resistance to the AMP agents should be used, if postoperative infection is suspected or developed. The most commonly used agent for clean operations are cefazolin (CEZ), followed by cefotiam (CTM) and cefmetazole (CMZ). The most commonly used agent for clean-contaminated operations where low grade level of bacterial invasion expected is CTM, followed by CEZ and CMZ, where as operations where mild grade level of bacterial invasion expected is flomxef (FMOX), followed by CTM and other cephalosporins.

[A questionnaire survey on the theory of postoperative infection prophylaxis in orthopedics]

A questionnaire survey on the theory of postoperative infection prophylaxis was conducted to obtain the consensus on perioperative antimicrobial use among orthopedists in Japan in the period from April to September 2000. Fifty of the 91 orthopedists replied, and the following consensus was obtained. An antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP) agent should be chosen based on their efficacy against the pathogens expected to be contaminants, such as Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp., Use an AMP agent that achieves a bactericidal concentration in both the serum and operating site. Use an AMP agent that has little unfavourable side effects. Use an AMP agent that affects minimally the normal bacterial flora. The most commonly used agents are the penicillins and first and second generation cephalosporins. The optimal strategy for most commonly used agents entails infusion of the first dose between approximately 30 minutes pre and post-skin incision and the therapeutic levels should be maintained throughout the operation. The AMP agents having no cross-resistance to the prophylactic agents should be used, if postoperative infection is suspected or developed. The most commonly used agent for both clean operations with or without foreign implants and dirty operations is cefazolin (CEZ), followed by cefotiam (CTM) and flomoxef (FMOX).

Compound heterozygosity for alpha-1-antitrypsin (S(iiyama) and QO(clayton)) in an Oriental patient

Alpha-1-antitrypsin (alpha1AT) deficiency is extremely rare among Orientals. We treated a 37-year-old man with severe pulmonary emphysema associated with a low serum concentration of alpha1AT. Mutation analysis of the alpha1AT gene was performed using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction followed by sequencing. The patient proved to be a compound heterozygote carrying a S(iiyama) deficient allele and a QO(clayton) null allele. This is the first Japanese case of alpha1AT deficiency to arise from such compound heterozygosity in a family with no apparent consanguineous marriage, suggesting that the gene frequency for deficient alleles might be somewhat higher than previously estimated.

Antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitory oligopeptides from chicken egg yolks

Oligopeptides of 1 KDa or less were obtained by hydrolysis of chicken egg yolks with a crude enzyme, and by dialysis with a semipermeable membrane filter. Since the extracted peptides had an inhibitory action on the activity of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) in vitro, they were orally administered at 20, 100 and 500 mg/kg body weight to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) for 12 weeks to analyze the physiological role on cardiovascular functions. The administered oligopeptides suppressed the development of hypertension at all dosages. After 12 weeks at 500 mg/kg body weight, the values for systolic, mean, and diastolic blood pressure were approximately 10% less in SHRs administered than controls. Furthermore, serum ACE activity of the peptide-administered groups was significantly lower than that of the control group in a dose-related manner. Our results imply that oligopeptides extracted from hen's egg yolks could potentially suppress the development of hypertension in SHR, and this effect might be induced by the inhibition of ACE activity.

[Desensitization therapy for allergic reactions of antituberculous drugs--evaluation of desensitization therapy according to the guideline of the Japanese Society for Tuberculosis]

We prospectively evaluated the effectiveness of desensitization therapy for cases showing side-effects to antituberculous drugs (Isoniazid and Rifampicin) according to the guideline proposed by the Treatment Committee of the Japanese Society for Tuberculosis. Nineteen patients (23-88 years old, male 9, female 10) who had experienced adverse effects after receiving antituberculous drugs and underwent desensitization therapy between August 1998 and March 2000 were studied. Underlying diseases were 14 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, 2 cases of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis, 1 case of pulmonary atypical mycobacteriosis, 1 case of pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculous pleuritis, 1 case of pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculous lymphadenitis. The regimens of treatment for tuberculosis were INH + RFP + EB in 8 cases, INH + RFP + EB + PZA in 7 cases, INH + RFP + SM in 2 cases, INH + RFP + SM + PZA in 1 case, and INH + RFP in 1 case. Adverse reactions were 8 cases of eruption, 7 cases of drug fever, 3 cases of drug fever and eruption, and 1 case of drug fever and cervical lymphadenopathy. The causative drugs suggested from DLST or the clinical course were RFP in 17 cases and INH in 8 cases. The clinical effect of desensitization therapy for these antituberculous drugs was good in 14 out of the 17 cases (82%) for RFP, and in 6 out of 8 cases (75%) for INH. The effectiveness rate of the present desensitization therapy according to the guideline of the Japanese Society for Tuberculosis was almost equal to that of previous desensitization therapy, and the clinical results were almost same in present and previous studies despite the different methods of administration of the antituberculous drugs.

[An effective case of intraperitoneal and intra-arterial combined chemotherapy for unresectably advanced Borrmann type IV gastric carcinoma]

We report an effective case of intraperitoneal and intra-arterial combined chemotherapy for unresectably advanced Borrmann type IV gastric carcinoma. A 59-year-old man was admitted with advanced Borrmann type IV gastric carcinoma in June 1999. With informed consent, the patient underwent laparotomy, which revealed far advanced Stage IV gastric carcinoma of T4, N3, P1, H0, M1, CY1 for resection. Three ports to both subphrenic pouches and Douglas' pouch were placed for intraperitoneal infusion chemotherapy. Pathological findings of omental lesions were metastatic gastric carcinomas of por 2-histological type. Intraperitoneal and intravenous infusion combined chemotherapy with a modified low-dose CDDP and 5-FU regimen were started. The artery-side port was placed in the aorta at the Th. 9/10 levels for arterial infusion chemotherapy in September 1999. The patient was followed-up as an outpatient and continued to receive the intraperitoneal and intra-arterial combined chemotherapy. We report an effective case of intraperitoneal and intra-arterial combined chemotherapy for unresectably advanced Borrmann type IV gastric carcinoma, who could be followed-up as an outpatient while maintaining his quality of life.

Acetylcholine-induced smooth muscle contraction of intrapulmonary small bronchi is augmented in antigen-induced airway hyperresponsive rats

Smooth muscle responsiveness of intrapulmonary small bronchi obtained from repeatedly antigen-challenged rats was compared with that from control animals to determine whether smooth muscle contractility of peripheral airways is augmented by such repeated challenge. In intact (non-permeabilized) smooth muscles of intrapulmonary bronchi, the acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contractile response was significantly augmented in the repeated challenge group, although 60-mM K+-induced contraction was within the normal level. In beta-escin-permeabilized muscles, no significant difference between groups was observed in the Ca2+-induced contractile responses. Thus, augmented ACh-induced contraction of intact intrapulmonary small bronchial smooth muscle might be, at least in part, due to an enhanced ACh-mediated Ca2+-sensitizing signal.

Production of eicosapentaenoic acid by a recombinant marine cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp

The eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) synthesis gene cluster from an EPA-producing bacterium, Shewanella sp. SCRC-2738, was cloned into a broad-host range vector, pJRD215, and then introduced into a marine cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp. NKBG15041c, by conjugation. The transconjugant cyanobacteria produced 3.7 +/- 0.2% (2.24 +/- 0.13 mg/L) EPA (n-3) and 2.5 +/- 0.2% (1.49 +/- 0.06 mg/L) eicosatetraenoic acid (n-3) of the total fatty acids when the cells were cultured at 23 degrees C at a light intensity of 1,000-1,500 Lux. The EPA and eico-satetraenoic acid contents of the cells were increased to 4.6 +/- 0.6% (3.86 +/- 1.11 mg/L) and 4.7 +/- 0.3% (3.86 +/- 0.82 mg/L), and 7.5 +/- 0.3% (1.76 +/- 0.10 mg/L) and 5.1 +/- 0.2% (1.19 +/- 0.06 mg/L) when they were cultured at low temperature (18 degrees C) and at lower light intensity (40 Lux), respectively.

Two-dimensional analysis of proteins specific to the bacterial magnetic particle membrane from Magnetospirillum sp. AMB-1

We report the identification of five proteins expressed specifically on the bacterial magnetic particle (BMP) membrane of Magnetospirillum sp. AMB-1. These proteins are major components of the BMP membrane. The molecular weights were determined to be 12.0, 16.0, 24.8, 35.6, and 66.2 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Of these five, the 16.0-kDa protein was the most abundant in the BMP membrane. Furthermore, the 16.0-kDa protein consisted of two components each of differing pI. The 35.6-kDa protein was the second most abundant protein of the five detected.

Floating cultivation of marine cyanobacteria using coal fly ash

The aim of this study was to develop improved methodologies for bulk culturing of biotechnologically useful marine cyanobacteria in the open ocean. We have investigated the viability of using coal fly ash (CFA) blocks as the support medium in a novel floating culture system for marine micro-algae. The marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. NKBG 040607 was found to adhere to floating CFA blocks in liquid culture medium. Maximum density of attached cells of 2.0 x 10(8) cells/cm2 was achieved using seawater. The marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. NKBG 042902 weakly adhered to floating CFA blocks in BG-11 medium. Increasing the concentration of calcium ion in the culture medium enhanced adherence to CFA blocks.

Salinity-regulated replication of the endogenous plasmid pSY10 from the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp

The endogenous plasmid pSY10 in the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. NKBG042902 is maintained at a high copy number when cells are grown in seawater and at a low copy number when cultured in freshwater. The mechanism of salinity-regulated replication of this plasmid was investigated. Transcription of repA was depressed under freshwater, which was accompanied by a low copy number of pSY10 and the appearance of a new protein that was expressed only in cells cultured in freshwater. This protein was observed to bind to putative repA promoters (Prep1 and Prep2) on pSY10. Moreover, this protein was observed only in Synechococcus sp. NKBG042902. The data suggest that this protein(s) regulates repA transcription in pSY10, stress responsive and encoded by the host chromosome.

[Desensitization therapy for antituberculous drugs]

We retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness of desensitization therapy for antituberculous drugs (Rifampicin and Isoniazid) in 28 cases (29 episodes) with adverse reactions to these drugs. Desensitization therapy for RFP was performed in 23 cases (24 episodes) with administration of a first dose of 1-150 mg and a final dose of 300-450 mg for 1-29 days. The success rate of this therapy was 79% (19 of 24 episodes). Desensitization therapy for INH was performed in 12 cases with administration of a first dose of 2.5-100 mg and a final dose of 200-400 mg for 3-25 days. The success rate of this therapy was 83% (10 of 12 cases). Based on a comparative study of cases between successful and unsuccessful desensitization to RFP and INH it was concluded that there were no significant differences with regard to allergic history, adverse effects and their periods of appearance, the first dose and final dose of administration and the interval of administration, starting periods of the desensitization therapy and the periods of appearance of adverse effects due to this therapy. We evaluated desensitization therapy for two antituberculous drugs (RFP and INH) for tuberculous patients for whom the use of such drugs was restricted because of adverse effects, and we found it is a useful treatment, showing a high rate of success (80%).

Effects of short-term pulmonary rehabilitation on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Although the rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) improves both exercise capacity and quality of life, a standard protocol for COPD patients has not been established. To clarify whether physiologic and quality-of-life improvements can be achieved by an inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program 5 days per week for 3 weeks, 18 patients with COPD were enrolled in a rehabilitation program. The physical exercise training regimen consisted of respiratory muscle stretch gymnastics and cycle ergometer exercise training. Pulmonary function tests, an incremental ergometer exercise test, a 6-min walking test, and a quality of life assessment by the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire were administered before and after the program. The peak VO2, an indicator of maximal exercise capacity, did not increase, although the 6-min walking distance, an indicator of functional exercise capacity, increased significantly after rehabilitation. There was a significant improvement in the quality of life in terms of dyspnea, fatigue, and emotional state. These findings suggest that even a 3-week program may be beneficial for COPD patients. Increases in functional exercise capacity, even without an increase in maximal exercise capacity, are helpful for reducing dyspnea and improving quality of life parameters in patients with COPD.

[Bacteria isolated from surgical infections and their susceptibilities to antimicrobial agents. Special references to bacteria isolated between April 1997 and March 1998]

The annual multicenter studies on isolated bacteria from infections in general surgery and their antimicrobial susceptibility have been conducted in 19 facilities in Japan since July 1982. This paper describes the results obtained during the period from April 1997 to March 1998. The number of cases investigated as objectives was 215 for one year. A total of 420 strains (170 strains from primary infections and 250 strains from postoperative infections) were isolated from 174 cases (80.9% of total cases). In primary infections, the isolation rate of anaerobic bacteria was higher than in postoperative infections, while in postoperative infections, those of aerobic Gram-positive bacteria and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were higher than in primary infections. Among aerobic Gram-positive bacteria, the isolation rate of Enterococcus faecalis was the highest, followed by Staphylococcus aureus, which was frequently isolated from postoperative infections. Among anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria, Peptostreptococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. were commonly isolated from both types of infections. Among aerobic Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli was most predominantly isolated from primary infections, followed by P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae in this order, and from postoperative infections, P. aeruginosa was most predominantly isolated, followed by E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Among anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria, Bacteroides fragilis group was the majority of isolates from both types of infections. We found neither vancomycin nor arbekacin resistant strains of S. aureus, and found no vancomycin resistant strains of Enterococcus spp. The susceptibility of P. aeruginosa against carbapenems did not decline in the year 1997, while resistance of B. fragilis group against cephems advanced increasingly.

Two Tandemly Arrayed Transfer-RNA-Derived SINEs of the Medaka (Oryzias latipes)

Two tandemly arrayed short interspersed repetitive element (SINE) sequences were found in medaka (Oryzias latipes). These two SINE sequences, designated SINE1 and SINE2, were flanked by a 180-bp AT-rich region. Both appeared to be derived from transfer RNA. The former exhibited 80% sequence homology to human tRNA(Ala) and the latter exhibited 94% sequence homology to rat tRNA(Ser). SINE1 contained the retroviral U5 region, whereas SINE2 did not. This is the first sequence-level demonstration of the existence of neighboring SINEs in medaka.

Discrimination between Atlantic and Pacific Subspecies of Northern Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) by Magnetic-Capture Hybridization Using Bacterial Magnetic Particles

The previously developed magnetic-capture hybridization technique employing bacterial magnetic particles was applied to discriminate between Atlantic and Pacific subspecies of the northern bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) using specific DNA sequences. Nucleotide sequences of a 925-bp fragment (ATCO) flanking the mitochondrial ATPase and cytochrome oxidase subunit III genes in these two subspecies were compared. Two regions having single-nucleotide and three-nucleotide differences between the subspecies were adopted to design DNA probes (NR1, 21-mer; NR2, 29-mer), and two internal primer sets were designed to amplify DNA fragments containing these regions. The DNA probes were immobilized on bacterial magnetic particles via streptavidin-biotin conjugation and subjected to magnetic-capture hybridization with the digoxigenin-labeled fragments amplified using the internal primers. The luminescence intensities of DNA on bacterial magnetic particles obtained by hybridization between the probes and the complementary fragments were higher than those obtained by hybridization with noncomplementary fragments. These data suggest that this system employing DNA on bacterial magnetic particles may be useful for discrimination of these two subspecies by recognizing a single-nucleotide difference.

[In vitro growth and clinical response of leukemia cells to macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in acute leukemia]

The in vitro growth and clinical response of leukemia cells to macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) were studied in 24 patients with acute leukemia. Among cases of acute myelogenous leukemia, a positive response to M-CSF (stimulation index > or = 2.5) was seen in 27.3% of the cases, and a significantly higher response rate (81.8%) was seen following G-CSF treatment of leukemia cells in vitro. In cases of acute monocytic leukemia, M-CSF showed a higher stimulating index than that observed for non-monocytic leukemia. G-CSF was administered in 19 cases and M-CSF in 5 cases after chemotherapy, and none of the patients showed leukemia cell proliferation in vivo. There was no correlation between in vitro test results and clinical response of leukemia cells to the CSFs administered.