Major pharmaceutical residues in wastewater treatment plants and receiving waters in Bangkok, Thailand, and associated ecological risks.

Pharmaceuticals have been frequently detected in aquatic environment worldwide and suspected for potential ecological consequences. However, occurrences, sources and potential risks of pharmaceutical residues have rarely been investigated in Bangkok, Thailand, one of most densely populated cities in the world. We collected water samples from five wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), six canals, and in mainstream Chao Phraya River of Bangkok, in three sampling events representing different seasonal flow conditions, i.e., June and September 2011 and January 2012. Fourteen major pharmaceuticals including acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid, atenolol, caffeine, ciprofloxacin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid, naproxen, roxithromycin, sulfamethazine, sulfamethoxazole, sulfathiazole and trimethoprim were analyzed. Levels of pharmaceutical residues in WWTP influents on average were the highest for acetylsalicylic acid (4700 ng L(-1)), followed by caffeine (2250 ng L(-1)) and ibuprofen (702 ng L(-1)). In effluents, the concentration of caffeine was the highest (307 ng L(-1)), followed by acetylsalicylic acid (261 ng L(-1)) and mefenamic acid (251 ng L(-1)). In surface water, acetylsalicylic acid showed the highest levels (on average 1360 ng L(-1) in canals and 313 ng L(-1) in the river). Removal efficiencies of WWTPs for roxithromycin, sulfamethoxazole and sulfamethazine were determined negligible. For several compounds, the concentrations in ambient water were higher than those detected in the effluents, implying contribution of the WWTPs to be negligible. Hazard quotients estimated for acetylsalicylic acid, ciprofloxacin, diclofenac and mefenamic acid in most of the canals and that of ciprofloxacin in the river, were greater than or close to 1, suggesting potential ecological risks. Ecological implications of the pharmaceutical residues in Bangkok waterway warrant further investigation.

A contrast stretching bilateral closing top-hat Otsu threshold technique for crack detection in images.

Detection of cracks from stainless steel pipe images is done using contrast stretching technique. The technique is based on an image filter technique through mathematical morphology that can expose the cracks. The cracks are highlighted and noise removal is done efficiently while still retaining the edges. An automated crack detection system with a camera platform has been successfully implemented. We compare crack extraction in terms of quality measures with those of Otsu's threshold technique and the another technique (Iyer and Sinha, 2005). The algorithm shown is able to achieve good results and perform better than these other techniques.

Antioxidant capacity of fresh and processed fruit bodies and mycelium of Auricularia auricula-judae (Fr.) Quél.

Auricularia auricula-judae is currently grown in Malaysia. In the present study, the methanolic extracts from fruit bodies (fresh, oven-dried, and freeze-dried) and mycelium of A. auricula-judae were evaluated for their antioxidant capacities based on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The total phenolic content in the extracts were also measured. The extract of freeze-dried fruit bodies of A. auricula-judae had potent DPPH free radical scavenging activity with a 50% effective concentration of 2.87 mg/mL, whereas the FRAP value of A. auricula-judae mycelium was 5.22 micromol of FeSO(4).7H(2)O equivalents/g of mycelium sample. Further, a positive correlation (R(2) = 0.7668) between FRAP level of A. auricula-judae extracts and the total phenolic contents was observed. Thus the method of processing of fresh fruit bodies had an effect on the antioxidant potential of A. auricula-judae.

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of the turkey vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a prolactin (PRL)-releasing factor whose activity in avian species is believed to be mediated by a specific VIP receptor (VIP-R). Circulating PRL levels are closely related to hypothalamic VIP immunoreactivity, hypothalamic VIP mRNA content, and hypophysial-portal blood VIP concentrations in turkeys. In the present study, a turkey VIP-R (tVIP-R) cDNA was cloned and its mRNA abundance was quantified in various tissues during different reproductive stages. The 2347-bp tVIP-R cDNA encoded a 457 amino acid protein, with a predicted Mr of 52 kDa. The full-length cDNA shares approximately 55% similarity with the mammalian VIP receptor-1. Northern blot analysis revealed that a major 2.7-kb transcript was expressed in laying hen pituitaries. Furthermore, two minor tVIP-R transcripts of 3.7 and 3.4 kb were observed. Semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed using RNA from various turkey brain and peripheral tissues throughout the reproductive cycle. The steady-state levels of pituitary tVIP-R mRNA changed during the reproductive cycle, whereas mRNA expression in other tissues was not affected. The steady-state levels of tVIP-R mRNA were only affected in the pituitary, whereas mRNA expression in any of the other tissues examined following the immunization of turkeys against VIP were not affected.

A new guaianolide as apoptosis inhibitor from Chrysanthemum boreale.

The 8-O-acetyl-3,10-dihydroxy-4(15),11(13)-guaiadien-12,6-olide, named borenolide, was isolated from Chrysanthemum boreale M. Borenolide inhibits the etoposide-induced apoptosis in U937 cell with an IC(50) value of 6.2 microg/ml. Structural assignment was based on NMR-spectroscopic methods and X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Planomicrobium koreense gen. nov., sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from the Korean traditional fermented seafood jeotgal, and transfer of Planococcus okeanokoites (Nakagawa et al. 1996) and Planococcus mcmeekinii (Junge et al. 1998) to the genus Planomicrobium.

A bacterial strain, JG07T, isolated from the Korean traditional fermented seafood jeotgal, was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Cells of strain JG07T are cocci or short rods in the early growth phase but change to rods as the cultures age. The peptidoglycan type is A4alpha, based on L-Lys-D-Glu. The menaquinone profile is characterized by the predominance of MK-8 followed by MK-7 and MK-6. The cellular fatty acid profile contains major amounts of saturated, unsaturated and branched fatty acids. The cellular phospholipids are phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and bisphosphatidylglycerol. The G+C content of the DNA is 47 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain JG07T forms a cluster with Planococcus okeanokoites and Planococcus mcmeekinii, and the relationship between this cluster and two other Planococcus species described previously is supported by bootstrap analysis at a confidence level of 100%. The 16S-23S internally transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence similarity and DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain JG07T and the type strains of other Planococcus species are in the range 74.6-83.2% and 10.4-20.5%, respectively. On the basis of the phenotypic and phylogenetic data and the genomic distinctiveness, strain JG07T is considered to represent a new genus and a new species, for which the name Planomicrobium koreense gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. It is also proposed that Planococcus okeanokoites and Planococcus mcmeekinii be transferred to the new genus Planomicrobium as Planomicrobium okeanokoites and Planomicrobium mcmeekinii, respectively.

Sporosarcina aquimarina sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from seawater in Korea, and transfer of Bacillus globisporus (Larkin and Stokes 1967), Bacillus psychrophilus (Nakamura 1984) and Bacillus pasteurii (Chester 1898) to the genus Sporosarcina as Sporosarcina globispora comb. nov., Sporosarcina psychrophila comb. nov. and Sporosarcina pasteurii comb. nov., and emended description of th.

A light-orange-coloured, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium (strain SW28T), which was isolated from seawater in Korea, was taxonomically studied by a polyphasic approach. This organism formed round terminal endospores in swollen sporangia. The peptidoglycan type is A4alpha, based on L-Lys-L-Ala-D-Asp. The predominant menaquinone is MK-7 and the major fatty acid is ante-C15:0. The G+C content of the DNA is 40 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequences showed that strain SW28T falls within the radiation of a cluster comprising the rRNA group 2 bacilli and non-Bacillus-type organisms. Strain SW28T showed the highest degree of relatedness to the type strain of Sporosarcina ureae, sharing 96.8% 16S rDNA similarity. Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain SW28T and S. ureae DSM 2281T and the type strains of some Bacillus species forming a coherent phylogenetic cluster are less than 12.5%. On the basis of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, 16S rDNA sequence analysis and DNA-DNA relatedness data, it is proposed that strain SW28T should be placed in the genus Sporosarcina as a new species, Sporosarcina aquimarina sp. nov. The type strain is SW28T (= KCCM 41039T = JCM 10887T). From the results of the taxonomic re-evaluation, it is also proposed that Bacillus globisporus, Bacillus psychrophilus and Bacillus pasteurii be transferred to the genus Sporosarcina as Sporosarcina globispora, Sporosarcina psychrophila and Sporosarcina pasteurii, respectively.

Bacillus jeotgali sp. nov., isolated from jeotgal, Korean traditional fermented seafood.

Two Gram-variable, rod-shaped, endospore-forming bacterial strains, which are motile with peritrichous flagella, were isolated from a Korean traditional fermented seafood, jeotgal. The two isolates (strains YKJ-1OT and YKJ-11) were proven to be members of the same species on the basis of the results of phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses and DNA relatedness. Strains YKJ-10T and YKJ-11 were characterized by having cell wall peptidoglycan based on meso-diaminopimelic acid, MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone, and iso-C15:0 as the major fatty acid. The G+C content of the DNA was 41 mol%. Strains YKJ-10T and YKJ-11 showed only a 1 bp sequence difference in the 16S rDNA sequences. The two strains formed distinct phylogenetic lineages within the radiation of the cluster comprising Bacillus species. Levels of 16S rDNA similarity between strains YKJ-10T and YKJ-11 and Bacillus species were less than 96.6%. Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness were found to be low enough to distinguish strains YKJ-10T and YKJ-11 from some phylogenetically related Bacillus species. On the basis of phenotypic properties, phylogeny and genomic distinctiveness, strains YKJ-10T and YKJ-11 represent a new species of the genus Bacillus, for which a new name, Bacillusjeotgali sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain of the new species is strain YKJ-10T (= KCCM 41040T = JCM 10885T).

Halomonas marisflavae sp. nov., a halophilic bacterium isolated from the Yellow Sea in Korea.

A halophilic Gram-negative bacterial strain, SW32T, which was isolated from a sample from the Yellow Sea of Korea, was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. This organism grew optimally in the presence of 0.5-12% NaCl. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic data, strain SW32T appeared to be a member of the genus Halomonas. Strain SW32T formed a distinct evolutionary lineage within the phylogenetic clade comprising Halomonas species and the genera Zymobacter and Carnimonas. The 16S rDNA sequence of strain SW32T contains 19 signature characteristics of the genus Halomonas and the family Halomonadaceae. Strain SW32T possessed a single polar flagellum, ubiquinone-9 as the predominant respiratory lipoquinone and C18:1, C16:0 and C16:1 omega7c and/or iso-C15:0 20H as the major fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 59 mol%. Levels of 16S rDNA similarity between strain SW32T and the type strains of all validly described Halomonas species were 92.0-93.8%. Strain SW32T exhibited 16S rDNA similarity values of 92.7% to Zymobacter palmae IAM 14233T and 91.6% to Carnimonas nigrificans CECT 4437T. These data indicate that strain SW32T was related enough to members of the genus Halomonas to be placed as a new species within that genus. Therefore the name Halomonas marisflavae sp. nov. is proposed for strain SW32T. The type strain of the new species is strain SW32T (= KCCM 80003T = JCM 10873T).

Pharmacotherapeutic options in inflammatory bowel disease: an update.

Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to two diseases: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The etiology of IBD remains unknown. The understanding of the pathogenesis has expanded greatly over the last decade. The combination of genetic risk factors, abnormalities in the immune system, vascular and neural factors, and random environmental factors may all play an important role. Most treatments currently in use have multiple action. The choice of appropriate medical treatment is determined by the status (inductive or maintenance therapy) and severity of the disease and the potential for toxicity. Despite the variety of medical therapies available for the treatment of IBD, none is ideal. Ongoing research into the well-established drugs, as well as novel agents with more precise targets, may contribute to an optimal therapy of IBD in the near future. In this paper the current (5-aminosalicylates, glucocorticosteroids, thioguanine derivatives, methotrexate, cyclosporin and infliximab) as well as some of the new (mycophenolate mofetil and thalidomide) therapeutic options are reviewed.

Two new constituents of Isodon excisus and their evaluation in an apoptosis inhibition assay.

Investigation of the whole plant of Isodon excisus resulted in the isolation of two new apoptosis inhibitors (1 and 2). Compounds 1 and 2 inhibited etoposide-induced apoptosis in U937 cells with IC50 values of 10.2 and 52.4 microg/mL, respectively. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by spectral data interpretation.

Cytotoxic triterpenoides from Alismatis Rhizoma.

Four prostane-type triterpenes were isolated from a methanol extract of Alismatis Rhizoma by bioassay-guided isolation using in vitro cytotoxic assay. The compounds were identified as alisol B 23-acetate (1), alisol C 23-acetate (2), alisol B (3), alisol A 24-acetate (4) by spectroscopic methods. Amongst the compounds, alisol B (3) showed significant cytotoxicity against SK-OV3, B16-F10, and HT1080 cancer cell lines with ED50 values of 7.5, 7.5, 4.9 microg/ml, respectively.

Lactobacillus kimchii sp. nov., a new species from kimchi.

A bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacterium, which was isolated from the Korean fermented-vegetable food kimchi, was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study using phenotypic characterization and phylogenetic and genetic methods. This organism (MT-1077T) has phenotypic properties that are consistent with the description characterizing the genus Lactobacillus. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequences showed clearly that strain MT-1077T is a member of the genus Lactobacillus. The closest phylogenetic relatives are Lactobacillus alimentarius KCTC 3593T and Lactobacillus farciminis LMG 9200T, with levels of 16S rDNA similarity of 98.4 and 98.2%, respectively. Levels of 16S rDNA similarity between strain MT-1077T and other Lactobacillus species were less than 93.0%. Differences in some phenotypic characteristics and DNA-DNA relatedness data indicated that strain MT-1077T should be distinguished from L. alimentarius KCTC 3593T and L. farciminis LMG 9200T. On the basis of the data presented, it is proposed that strain MT-1077T should be placed in the genus Lactobacillus as a new species, Lactobacillus kimchii sp. nov. The type strain of the new species is strain MT-1077T (= KCTC 8903PT = JCM 10707T).

Janibacter terrae sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from soil around a wastewater treatment plant.

A bacterial strain, CS12T, which was isolated from soil around a wastewater treatment plant, was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study using phenotypic characterizations and genetic methods. The cell wall of strain CS12T contains meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diamino acid but no arabinose and galactose. The predominant menaquinone is MK-8(H4). Mycolic acids are absent. Strain CS12T has a cellular fatty acid profile containing saturated, unsaturated, branched and 10-methyl fatty acids. The major fatty acids are iso-C16:0, C18:1 omega9c and anteiso-C17:0, The G+C content is 69 mol%. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rDNA sequences showed that strain CS12T forms an evolutionary lineage within the radiation enclosing the members of the family Intrasporangiaceae and, in particular, a coherent cluster with Janibacter limosus DSM 11140T. The level of 16S rDNA similarity between strain CS12T and J. limosus DSM 11140T is 98.7%. The phenotypic characteristics and DNA-DNA relatedness data indicate that strain CS12T should be distinguished from J. limosus DSM 11140T. Therefore, on the basis of the data presented, a new species of the genus Janibacter, Janibacter terrae, is proposed. The type strain of the new species is strain CS12T (= KCCM 80001T = JCM 10705T).

Rhodococcus pyridinivorans sp. nov., a pyridine-degrading bacterium.

The taxonomic position of a bacterial strain (PDB9T) that is capable of degrading pyridine was clarified by a polyphasic taxonomic approach using phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genetic methods. The cells, which are rods and branched filaments during the early growth phase, fragment into short rods or cocci, thereby completing the growth cycle. Strain PDB9T was found to have a cell wall of chemotype IV, MK-8(H2) as the predominant menaquinone, mycolic acids with 36-46 carbon atoms and C16:0' C18:1 cis9, 10-methyl-C18:0 (TBSA) as the major fatty acids. The G+C content of the DNA was 66 mol%. The phylogenetic tree showed that strain PDB9T falls within an evolutionary radiation comprising Rhodococcus species and is most closely related to the type strain of Rhodococcus rhodochrous, sharing 99% 16S rDNA similarity. The differences in some phenotypic characteristics and the genetic distinctiveness distinguish strain PDB9T from the Rhodococcus species described previously. Therefore, strain PDB9T should be placed in the genus Rhodococcus as a new species, for which the new name Rhodococcus pyridinivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the new species is strain PDB9T (= KCTC 0647BPT = KCCM 80005T).

Induction of mouse Ca(2+)-sensitive chloride channel 2 gene during involution of mammary gland.

To understand molecular mechanisms that regulate mammary gland involution, we identified involution-induced cDNA clones by suppression subtractive hybridization methods. Nucleotide sequencing of a clone revealed that it was 97% identical to Ca(2+)-sensitive chloride channel 1 (mCLCA1) gene that has been identified in lung tissue. We concluded that our clone was derived from different gene with mCLCA1 and named it mCLCA2. We confirmed that expression of mCLCA2 gene was predominant in mammary gland while mCLCA1 mRNA was mainly detected in lung tissues by RT-PCR. Northern analysis showed that the mCLCA2 gene was induced at involution phase compared to pregnant and lactating phases of mammary gland. Under serum starvation, HC11 mammary epithelial cells showed DNA fragmentation and induction of mCLCA2 expression.