Indicative factors for surgical or angiographic intervention in hemodynamically stable patients with blunt abdominal trauma: A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The standard of care for intraperitoneal injury in hemodynamically stable patients after blunt abdominal trauma has been replaced by non-operative management (NOM). However, selective NOM, depending on the situation, seems necessary in determining the treatment plan. In this study, we attempted to identify risk factors for surgical or angiographic intervention (SAI) in hemodynamically stable blunt abdominal trauma patients. METHODS: This retrospective study which included adult patients who were brought to a regional trauma center was conducted from March 2015 to October 2019. We evaluated the characteristics of blunt abdominal trauma patients and analyzed factors that were related to the requirement of SAI in these patients. Patients were divided into SAI and conservative management (CM) groups. RESULTS: We reviewed 1,176 patients, and after exclusions, of whom 248 blunt abdominal trauma and free fluid observed on CT were identified. The mean pulse rate was higher in the SAI than in the CM (P=0.025). Laboratory findings showed that lactate and delta neutrophil index (DNI) levels were higher in the SAI than in the CM (P=0.002 and 0.026 respectively). Additionally, the mean free fluid size in the SAI (85.69mm) was significantly larger than that in the CM (68.12mm; P=0.001), and blush was more frequently observed in the SAI (P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, only blush was an independent prognostic factor for SAI (OR 11.7, 95% CI, 5.1-30.8, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In hemodynamically stable patients with blunt abdominal trauma, blush but also high lactate and DNI are associated with the requirement of interventional radiology and/or surgery.

Trace metal contents of three tricalcium silicate materials: MTA Angelus, Micro Mega MTA and Bioaggregate.

AIM: To investigate the levels of nine metals [aluminium (Al), antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), lead (Pb) and molybdenum (Mo)] in MTA Angelus, Micro Mega MTA and Bioaggregate using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). METHODOLOGY: Each material (0.2 g) was digested using a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acids and then filtered. The levels of nine metals in the resulting filtrates were measured by ICP-OES. The results were statistically analysed using one-way anova and the Bonferroni test. RESULTS: MTA Angelus contained more aluminium, beryllium and chromium than Micro Mega MTA (P < 0.05), whilst their levels of arsenic, cadmium and iron were similar. Antimony, lead and molybdenum were not detected in any of the three tested cements. Bioaggregate contained trace amounts of aluminium. CONCLUSIONS: MTA Angelus and Micro Mega MTA contained small amounts of seven tested metal oxides. Bioaggregate only contained trace amounts of aluminium.

Phase II study of S-1 combined with oxaliplatin as therapy for patients with metastatic biliary tract cancer: influence of the CYP2A6 polymorphism on pharmacokinetics and clinical activity.

BACKGROUND: Advanced biliary cancer is often treated with fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a combination of S-1, an oral fluoropyrimidine prodrug, and oxaliplatin in patients with metastatic biliary cancer. METHODS: Patients with histologically confirmed metastatic biliary cancer and no history of radiotherapy or chemotherapy were enrolled. Oxaliplatin was administered intravenously (130 mg m(-2)), followed by 14-day administration of oral S-1 (40 mg m(-2) twice daily) with a subsequent 7-day rest period every 21 days. Pharmacokinetic analysis of S-1 was performed at cycle 1. Patients were genotyped for CYP2A6 polymorphisms ((*)1, (*)4, (*)7, (*)9 or (*)10), and pharmacokinetic and clinical parameters compared according to the CYP2A6 genotype. RESULTS: In total, 49 patients were evaluated, who received a median of four cycles. The overall response rate was 24.5%. Median progression-free and overall survival was 3.7 and 8.7 months, respectively. The most common haematological grade 3 out of 4 toxicity was neutropenia (14%), while non-hematological grade 3 out of 4 toxicities included anorexia (14%), nausea (12%), asthenia (10%), vomiting (10%), and diarrhoea (4%). Biotransformation of S-1 (AUC(0-24 h) of 5-fluorouracil/AUC(0-24 h) of tegafur) was 1.85-fold higher for the *1/*1 group than for the other groups (90% confidence interval 1.37-2.49). Diarrhoea (P=0.0740), neutropenia (P=0.396), and clinical efficacy (response rate, P=0.583; PFS, P=0.916) were not significantly associated with CYP2A6 genotype, despite differences in 5-FU exposure. CONCLUSION: The combination of S-1 and oxaliplatin appears to be active and well tolerated in patients with metastatic biliary cancer, and thus is feasible as a therapeutic modality. CYP2A6 genotypes are associated with differences in the biotransformation of S-1. However, the impact of the CYP2A6 polymorphism on variations in clinical efficacy or toxicity requires further evaluation.

Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models of remifentanil in healthy volunteers using artificial neural network analysis.

AIMS: An ordinary sigmoid E(max) model could not predict overshoot of electroencephalographic approximate entropy (ApEn) during recovery from remifentanil effect in our previous study. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of an artificial neural network (ANN) to predict ApEn overshoot and to evaluate the predictive performance of the pharmacokinetic model, and pharmacodynamic models of ANN with respect to data used. METHODS: Using a reduced number of ApEn instances (n = 1581) to make NONMEM modelling feasible and complete ApEn data (n = 24 509), the presence of overshoot was assessed. A total of 1077 measured remifentanil concentrations and ApEn data, and a total of 24 509 predicted concentrations and ApEn data were used in the pharmacodynamic model A and B of ANN, respectively. The testing subset of model B (n = 7352) was used to evaluate the ability of ANN to predict overshoot of ApEn. Mean squared error (MSE) was calculated to evaluate the predictive performance of the ANN models. RESULTS: With complete ApEn data, ApEn overshoot was observed in 66.7% of subjects, but only in 37% with a reduced number of ApEn instances. The ANN model B predicted 77.8% of ApEn overshoot. MSE (95% confidence interval) was 57.1 (3.22, 71.03) for the pharmacokinetic model, 0.148 (0.004, 0.007) for model A and 0.0018 (0.0017, 0.0019) for model B. CONCLUSIONS: The reduced ApEn instances interfered with the approximation of true electroencephalographic response. ANN predicted 77.8% of ApEn overshoot. The predictive performance of model B was significantly better than that of model A.

Negative regulation of filamentous growth and flocculation by Lkh1, a fission yeast LAMMER kinase homolog.

We have isolated a full-length cDNA clone that encodes for a Schizosaccharomyces pombe homolog of the dual-specificity protein kinase of the LAMMER family, lkh1 (lammer kinase homolog). The proposed Lkh1 protein contains 575 amino acids. The lkh1(+) null mutant is viable, but exhibits flocculation upon reaching stationary phase in liquid media and filamentous adhesion growth on solid media. Analysis of the flocculation activity of the lkh1(+) null mutant indicates that asexual aggregation of S. pombe cells into floccules is divalent cation-dependent and galactose-specific. We also demonstrate that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae LAMMER kinase homolog, Kns1, can substitute for the Lkh1 function in S. pombe.

Metschnikowia koreensis sp. nov., a novel yeast species isolated from flowers in Korea.

A novel ascomycetous yeast was isolated from flowers of Lilium sp. and Ipomoea sp. in Korea. The name Metschnikowia koreensis sp. nov. (type strain SG99-34T = CBS 8854T = KCTC 7998T) is proposed for this novel species based on comparative sequence analyses of the D1/D2 domain of 26S rDNA and phenotypic characteristics.

Ethnic differences and relationships in the oral pharmacokinetics of nifedipine and erythromycin.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate ethnic differences in the oral pharmacokinetics of nifedipine and erythromycin, both typical cytochrome P4503A (CYP3A) substrates, in Koreans and Caucasians and to identify the nature of any correlations between the pharmacokinetic parameters of the two drugs. METHODS: Twenty healthy male volunteers (10 Koreans and 10 Caucasians) received single oral doses of nifedipine (10 mg) or erythromycin (500 mg) in a randomized 2-way crossover study. Pharmacokinetic evaluations were performed, and parameters were compared for the two ethnic groups. During the nifedipine study period, hemodynamic measurements were conducted to determine the pharmacodynamic relevance of the pharmacokinetic differences. RESULTS: Koreans showed area under the concentration-time curves (AUCs) for both drugs that were 1.6 to 1.7 times higher than those of Caucasians. This difference decreased to 1.3 when normalized for body weight. Significant correlation between the AUCs of the two drugs was not evident. Hemodynamic changes after nifedipine administration paralleled those of the pharmacokinetic differences, with significantly greater decreases in blood pressure and total peripheral resistance noted in Koreans. CONCLUSIONS: Koreans showed significantly lower oral clearances of nifedipine and erythromycin, probably because of genetic differences attributed to the CYP3A enzymes.

Does albumin preinfusion potentiate diuretic action of furosemide in patients with nephrotic syndrome?

The aim of this cross-over study was to investigate whether albumin infusion before furosemide administration could potentiate the diuretic action of furosemide. Seven patients with nephrotic syndrome were given the following infusions in random order on two separate days: 1) a sham solution followed by 160 mg of furosemide, 2) 100 ml of 20% human albumin followed by 160 mg of furosemide. Urine and serum furosemide concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The increment of urine volume was greater in albumin preinfusion than in furosemide alone. However, the increments of sodium and chloride excretions between furosemide alone and albumin preinfusion were not different. No significant differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters between the two treatments were observed: area under the concentration-time curve (AUC: 12.7+/-2.2 vs 15.1+/-4.4 g/ml hr), total plasma clearance (253+/-41 vs 256+/-54 ml/min), volume of distribution (341+/-34 vs 494+/-153 ml/kg), elimination half life (4.0+/-1.1 vs 4.6+/-0.8 hr), and urine furosemide excretion of the administered amount (16.5+/-7.3 vs 7.5+/-1.6%). In conclusion, these data show that albumin preinfusion potentiated diuresis, but not natriuresis, of furosemide without any change in the pharmacokinetics of the agent in patients with nephrotic syndrome.

Hahella chejuensis gen. nov., sp. nov., an extracellular-polysaccharide-producing marine bacterium.

A bacterial strain, designated 96CJ10356T, which produced abundant extracellular polysaccharides and red pigment was isolated from marine sediment collected from Marado, Cheju Island, Republic of Korea. The organism is Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and motile. Growth was not observed in the absence of NaCl, and was optimal at an NaCl concentration of 2%. The strain contained oxidase and catalase, and was able to hydrolyse aesculin and gelatin. The major cellular fatty acids were saturated or monounsaturated straight-chain fatty acids. An almost complete 16S rDNA sequence of the test strain was determined. Phylogenetic analysis based on the neighbour-joining and Fitch-Margoliash methods indicated that the organism formed a distinct phyletic line within the gamma Proteobacteria. This relationship was also supported by sequence comparison, as no valid bacterial species showed more than 90% sequence homology with the isolate. It is clear from polyphasic evidence that the isolate merits the status of genus in the gamma subclass of the Proteobacteria, and the name Hahella chejuensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed for the marine isolate 96CJ10356T (= KCTC 2396T = IMSNU 11157T).

Effect of omeprazole on the pharmacokinetics of moclobemide according to the genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19.

BACKGROUND: Moclobemide, an antidepressant with selective monoamine oxidase-A inhibitory action, is known to be metabolized by CYP2C19 and is also reported to be an inhibitor of CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP1A2. To confirm the involvement of CYP2C19, we performed a pharmacokinetic interaction study. METHODS: The effect of omeprazole on the pharmacokinetics of moclobemide was studied in 16 healthy volunteers. The volunteer group comprised 8 extensive metabolizers and 8 poor metabolizers of CYP2C19, which was confirmed by genotyping. Subjects were randomly allocated into two sequence groups, and a single-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover study was performed. In study I, a placebo was orally administered for 7 days. On the eighth morning, 300 mg of moclobemide and 40 mg of placebo were coadministered with 200 mL of water, and a pharmacokinetic study was performed. During study II, 40 mg of omeprazole was given each morning instead of placebo, and pharmacokinetic studies were performed on the first and eighth day with 300 mg of moclobemide coadministration. RESULTS: The inhibition of moclobemide metabolism was significant in extensive metabolizers even after a single dose of omeprazole. After daily administration of omeprazole for 1 week, the pharmacokinetic parameters of moclobemide and its metabolites in extensive metabolizers changed to values similar to those in poor metabolizers. In poor metabolizers, no remarkable changes in the pharmacokinetic parameters were observed. CONCLUSION: Our results show that CYP2C19 is an important enzyme in the elimination of moclobemide and that it is extensively inhibited by omeprazole in extensive metabolizers, but not in poor metabolizers.

Arthrobacter siderocapsulatus Dubinina and Zhdanov 1975AL is a later subjective synonym of Pseudomonas putida (Trevisan 1889) Migula 1895AL.

The taxonomic position of Arthrobacter siderocapsulatus Dubinina and Zhdanov 1975AL was investigated using 16S rDNA, fatty acid and phenotypic analyses. The type strain (NCIMB 11286T) showed 99.85% 16S rDNA similarity to the type strain of Pseudomonas putida. Phenotypic properties of the two strains were compared using API 20NE and BIOLOG kits. Identical reactions were recorded for all tests, except for assimilation of malonic acid. The two strains also showed almost identical cellular fatty acid profiles. On the basis of evidence presented in this and earlier studies, it is proposed that Arthrobacter siderocapsulatus is a later subjective synonym of Pseudomonas putida (Trevisan 1889) Migula 1895AL.

Identification of a cryptic N-terminal signal in Saccharomyces cerevisiae peroxisomal citrate synthase that functions in both peroxisomal and mitochondrial targeting.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae has three distinct citrate synthases, two located in mitochondria (mature Cit1p and Cit3p) and one in peroxisomes (mature Cit2p). While the precursor of the major mitochondrial enzyme, Cit1p, has a signal for mitochondrial targeting at its N-terminus (MTS), Cit2p has one for peroxisomal targeting (PTS1) at its C-terminus. We have previously shown that the N-terminal segment of Cit2p is removed during import into peroxisomes [Lee, H.S. et al. (1994) Kor. J. Microbiol. 32, 558-564], which implied the presence of an additional N-terminal sorting signal. To analyze the function of the N-terminal region of Cit2p in protein trafficking, we constructed the N-terminal domain-swapped versions of Cit1p and Cit2p. Both fusions, Cit1::Cit2 and Cit2::Cit1, complemented the glutamate auxotrophy caused by the double-disruption of the CIT1 and CIT2 genes. In addition, part of the Cit2::Cit1 fusion protein, as well as Cit1::Cit2, was shown to be transported into both mitochondria and peroxisomes. The subcellular localization of the recombinant fusion proteins containing various N-terminal segments of Cit2p fused to a mutant version of green fluorescent protein (GFP2) was also examined. As a result, we found that the 20-amino acid N-terminal segment of Cit2p contains a cryptic cleavable targeting signal for both peroxisomes and mitochondria. In addition, we show that the peroxisomal import process mediated by the N-terminal segment of Cit2p was not affected by the disruption of either PEX5 (encoding PTS1 receptor) or PEX7 (encoding PTS2 receptor).

cis-fumagillin, a new methionine aminopeptidase (type 2) inhibitor produced by Penicillium sp. F2757.

Selective inhibition against the yeast MetAP2 (methionine aminopeptidase type 2) was detected in the fermentation broth of a fungus F2757 that was later identified as Penicillium janczewskii. A new compound cis-fumagillin methyl ester (1) was isolated from the diazomethane treated fermentation extracts together with the known compound fumagillin methyl ester (2). The cis-fumagillin methyl ester, a stereoisomer of fumagillin methyl ester at the C2'-C3' position of the aliphatic side chain, selectively inhibited growth of the map1 mutant yeast strain (MetAP1 deletion strain) at a concentration as low as 1 ng. However, the wild type yeast w303 and the mutant map2 (MetAP2 deleted) strains were resistant up to 10 microg of the compound. In enzyme experiments, compound 1 inhibited the MetAP2 with an IC50 value of 6.3 nM, but it did not inhibit the MetAP1 (IC50 >200 microM). Compound 2 also inhibited the MetAP2 with an IC50 value of 9.2 nM and 105 microM against MetAP1.

Nocardiopsis kunsanensis sp. nov., a moderately halophilic actinomycete isolated from a saltern.

A moderately halophilic actinomycete, designated HA-9T, was isolated from a saltern in Kunsan, Republic of Korea, and was the subject of polyphasic identification. Analysis of 16S rDNA indicated that the isolate belonged to the genus Nocardiopsis, but differed genetically from other Nocardiopsis species. Strain HA-9T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, no diagnostic sugars, hexa- or octa-hydrogenated menaquinones with 10 isoprene units, straight-chain saturated or monounsaturated, iso-, anteiso-, 10-methyl branched fatty acids with 13-18 carbons and type III phospholipids. All of these characters consistently assign the isolate to the genus Nocardiopsis. All of the validly described Nocardiopsis species, including moderately halophilic Nocardiopsis halophila, can be differentiated from the saltern isolate using morphological and physiological traits. On the basis of polyphasic evidence, the name Nocardiopsis kunsanensis sp. nov. is proposed for strain HA-9T (= KCTC 9831T), which is designated the type strain.

Ultrastructural and molecular identification of a Wolbachia endosymbiont in a spider, Nephila clavata.

Wolbachia-like bacteria were observed in the egg cells of golden orb-weaving spider, Nephila clavata, by means of transmission electron microscopy. The bacteria exhibited the typical morphology of Wolbachia, including three enveloping membranes. Based on the amplification and sequencing of partial 16S rDNA and ftsZ gene, the bacteria were identified as Wolbachia, intracellular, transovarially inherited alpha-proteobacteria in invertebrates. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA and ftsZ gene sequences invariably indicated that the intracellular bacteria from N. clavata belonged to group A Wolbachia, which were found only from insects. Clustering of Wolbachia from N. clavata with group A Wolbachia indicates that the bacteria were probably transferred horizontally between insects and the spider.

Polyphasic assignment of an aromatic-degrading Pseudomonas sp., strain DJ77, in the genus Sphingomonas as Sphingomonas chungbukensis sp. nov.

Pseudomonas sp. strain DJ77, which was described as an aromatic-degrading bacterium, was investigated to clarify its taxonomic position. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequences indicated that the strain belonged to the genus Sphingomonas and formed a monophyletic clade with the type strains of Sphingomonas chlorophenolica, Sphingomonas herbicidovorans and Sphingomonas yanoikuyae with sequence similarity values of 98.1, 96.1 and 95.6%, respectively. Genomic relatedness based on DNA-DNA hybridization of strain DJ77 to these strains is 7-14%. Strain DJ77 contained ubiquinone 10 as the main respiratory quinone, and the G+C content of DNA was 63 mol%. The organism contained octadecenoic acid (67%) as major cellular fatty acid. Strain DJ77 can be readily differentiated from representative members of the genus Sphingomonas using a battery of biochemical tests. On the basis of polyphasic evidence, it is proposed that strain DJ77, previously known as Pseudomonas sp., be reclassified in the genus Sphingomonas as Sphingomonas chungbukensis sp. nov. The type strain is strain DJ77T (= KCTC 2955T = IMSNU 11152T).

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic evaluation of a novel potassium channel opener, SKP-450, in healthy volunteers.

To evaluate the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic characteristics of SKP-450, a novel K+ channel opener, a single blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-rising, parallel-group study was conducted in 28 healthy volunteers. The volunteers were randomly allocated to dosage groups of 50 micrograms, 100 micrograms, 200 micrograms, and 300 micrograms. Single doses of SKP-450 were administered orally, after overnight fasting, and serial blood sampling and pharmacodynamic measurements were performed up to 48 hours after the drug was administered. The 200 micrograms group was further studied for food interactions in a crossover fashion. Drug concentrations in plasma were determined by HPLC. Hemodynamic changes after drug administration were evaluated by serial measurements of blood pressure (BP), pulse rate (PR), cardiac index (CI), and total peripheral resistance (TPR), using computerized impedance cardiography. Changes in plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone concentrations (PAC) were determined 4 and 24 hours after drug administration. Both SKP-450 and SKP-818, an active metabolite, showed linear pharmacokinetic characteristics, and food intake did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetic characteristics of either compound. Dose-related pharmacological effects were obvious for both the 200 micrograms and 300 micrograms groups. Hemodynamic parameters related to vasodilation and reflex tachycardia, such as maximum changes in diastolic BP, PR, CI, and TPR, showed significant dose-dependent changes. The area under the time-effect curve (AUEC) of the parameters also showed a similar dose-dependent pattern. The PRA and PAC exhibited significant changes 4 hours after drug administration in the 300 micrograms group. Adverse effects, such as headaches, were more frequently observed at the higher dose levels. SKP-450 was generally well tolerated by these normotensive subjects. The antihypertensive efficacy of SKP-450 needs to be evaluated in hypertensive patients after multiple dosing.

Chaetoatrosin A, a novel chitin synthase II inhibitor produced by Chaetomium atrobrunneum F449.

Chaetoatrosin A, a novel chitin synthase II inhibitor, was isolated from the culture broth of fungus F449, which was identified as Chaetomium atrobrunneum F449. Chaetoatrosin A was purified by solvent partition, silica gel, ODS, preparative TLC, and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatographies, consecutively. The structure of chaetoatrosin A was assigned as 1,8-dihydroxy-3(2-hydroxypropionyl)-6-methoxynaphthalene on the basis of various spectroscopic analyses including UV, IR, mass spectral, and NMR. Its molecular weight and formula were found to be 262 and C14H14O5, respectively. ,Chaetoatrosin A inhibited chitin synthase II by 50% at the concentration of 104 microg/ml in an enzyme assay system. This compound showed antifungal activities against Rhizoctonia solani, Pyricularia oryzae, Botrytis cinerea, Cryptococcus neoformans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

Flow cytometric analysis and chromosome sorting of barley (hordeum vulgare L).

Flow cytometric analysis was systematically performed to optimize the concentration and duration of hydroxyurea (DNA synthesis inhibitor) and trifluralin (metaphase blocking reagent) treatments for synchronizing the cell cycle and accumulating metaphase chromosomes in barley root tips. A high metaphase index (76.5% in the root tip meristematic area) was routinely achieved. Seedlings of about 1.0-cm length were treated with 1.25 mM hydroxyurea for 14 h to synchronize the root tip meristem cells at the S/G2 phase. After rinsing with hydroxyurea, the seedlings were incubated in a hydroxyurea-free solution for 2 h and were treated with 1 microM trifluralin for 4 h to accumulate mitotic cells in the metaphase. The consistent high metaphase index depended on the uniform germination of seeds prior to treatment. High-quality and high-quantity isolated metaphase chromosomes were suitable for flow cytometric analysis and sorting. Flow karyotypes of barley chromosomes were established via univariate and bivariate analysis. A variation of flow karyotypes was detected among barley lines. Two single chromosome types were identified and sorted. Bivariate analysis showed no variation among barley individual chromosomes in AT and GC content.

Phylogenetic analysis of Bacillus subtilis and related taxa based on partial gyrA gene sequences.

Partial gyrA sequences were determined for twelve strains belonging to Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, B. atrophaeus, B. licheniformis, B. mojavensis, B. subtilis subsp. subtilis, B. subtilis subsp. spizizenii and B. vallismortis. The average nucleotide and translated amino acid similarities for the seven type strains were 83.7 and 95.1%, respectively, whereas the corresponding value for the 16S rRNA sequences was 99.1%. All of the type strains were sharply separated; the closest relationship was found between B. atrophaeus and B. mojavensis which shared a nucleotide similarity of 95.8%. Phylogenetic trees were inferred from gyrA nucleotide sequences using the neighbor-joining, Fitch-Margoliash and maximum parsimony algorithms. The test strains were divided into four groups, which generally reflected results previously reported in restriction digest and DNA-DNA hybridization studies. It is concluded from the comparative sequence analysis that the gyrA sequences provide a firm framework for the rapid and accurate classification and identification of Bacillus subtilis and related taxa.