Delta15N of soil N and plants in a N-saturated, subtropical forest of southern China.

We investigated the delta(15)N profile of N (extractable NH(4)(+), NO(3)(-), and organic N (EON)) in the soil of a N-saturated subtropical forest. The order of delta(15)N in the soil was EON > NH(4)(+) > NO(3)(-). Although the delta(15)N of EON had been expected to be similar to that of bulk soil N, it was higher than that of bulk soil N by 5 per thousand. The difference in delta(15)N between bulk soil N and EON (Delta(15)N(bulk-EON)) was correlated significantly with the soil C/N ratio. This correlation implies that carbon availability, which determines the balance between N assimilation and dissimilation of soil microbes, is responsible for the high delta(15)N of EON, as in the case of soil microbial biomass delta(15)N. A thorough delta(15)N survey of available N (NH(4)(+), NO(3)(-), and EON) in the soil profiles from the organic layer to 100 cm depth revealed that the delta(15)N of the available N forms did not fully overlap with the delta(15)N of plants. This mismatch in delta(15)N between that of available N and that of plants reflects apparent isotopic fractionation during N uptake by plants, emphasizing the high N availability in this N-saturated forest.

Hypertrophy of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the thoracic spine.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a case report of a patient with hypertrophy of the posterior longitudinal ligament (HPLL) in the thoracic spine. This patient was followed for 10 years after surgery. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to report the long-term outcome of HPLL in the thoracic spine. SETTING: Department of orthopedic surgery, Hiroshima Red Cross and Atomic-bomb Survivors Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan. METHODS: A 58-year-old-woman with thoracic HPLL was reported. Magnetic resonance image (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) showed the expanded spinal cord compression from Th4 to Th12 due to HPLL. Anterior decompression and fusion (Th10-12) was performed. Histological findings of the surgical specimens showed thickening of the posterior longitudinal ligament with proliferation of chondroid tissue. The clinical outcome and the radiological findings (CT and MRI) were evaluated 10 years after surgery. RESULTS: The patient was asymptomatic postoperatively. However, the subsequent CT examination revealed ossification of the previously hypertrophied posterior longitudinal ligament. CONCLUSIONS: HPLL in the thoracic spine is a rare pathological condition causing myelopathy. The results of this study support the hypothesis that HPLL is one of the prodromal conditions of HPLL.

Temporal diet changes recorded by stable isotopes in Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) hair.

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios were measured in hair samples of the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) inhabiting the Northern Japanese Alps (NJA) (n = 20) and the periphery of Nagano City (NC) (n = 6), in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The hair of NJA bears, which did not have access to anthropogenic foods, showed lower values of d13C and d15N than that of NC bears which had access to garbage and corn fields, especially during the summer. These results reflect somewhat differing diets between the NJA and NC bears. We attempted to assess the feeding history during the hair growth cycle using the growth section analysis method. Each hair sample had been cut into 3?mm lengths from root to tip, labeled, and analyzed along the hair growth. We measured the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of each 3?mm length of hair sample from one NC bear which had been killed while raiding a corn field. The sections showed wide ranges of isotope ratios, from -23.2% to -14.6% for delta13C, and from 0.3% to 4.6% for delta15N. It was shown that the diet of this bear shifted dramatically from principally C3 plants to more C4 plants and to foods of animal origin. An analysis of the whole hair reflects just the average feeding habit during hair growth, but the present method can trace its diet history. This method can contribute to obtain precise ecological information of wildlife.

[Primary adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis with a pyeloduodenal fistula: a case report].

A 62-year-old woman visited our hospital complaining of fever and right flank pain. On excretory pyelography the right kidney containing three renal stones was not visualized. Retrograde pyelography revealed an irregular filling defect in the right renal pelvis. Computed tomography revealed renal stones and a tumor mass in the right renal pelvis. From these findings, the pelvic tumor of the right kidney complicated by renal stones was diagnosed. Right nephrectomy was performed. Because a fistula between the renal pelvis and the second portion of the duodenum was found in the operation, partial resection of the duodenum was also performed. Pathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis and pyeloduodenal fistula due to chronic pyelonephritis. Postoperative chemotherapy was not given. This is the first case report of adinocarcinoma of the renal pelvis coexisting with a pyeloduodenal fistula.

Effect of diabetic retinopathy on redox state of aqueous humor and serum albumin in patients with senile cataract.

PURPOSE: To investigate the oxidative status of albumin in the aqueous humor and serum of senile cataract patients with diabetes in order to clarify the pathogenesis of this condition. METHODS: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to measure the reduced form of albumin (mercaptalbumin) and the oxidized form of albumin (nonmercaptalbumin) in serum and aqueous humor. The mercaptalbumin, nonmercaptalbumin-1, and nonmercaptalbumin-2 fractions in aqueous humor obtained at the start of cataract surgery and in serum obtained intraoperatively were analyzed by HPLC in 7 senile cataract patients with diabetic retinopathy (2 men and 5 women aged 70+/-9.8 years). RESULTS: The mean content (%) of mercaptalbumin, nonmercaptalbumin-1, and nonmercaptalbumin-2 in serum albumin from the diabetic patients was 60.3+/-7.8, 36.9+/-6.6, and 2.7+/-1.7%, respectively, while the corresponding values for aqueous humor albumin were 40.0+/-14.1, 52.4+/-12.6, and 7.5+/-3.6%. When the mercaptalbumin content (%) of aqueous humor albumin was compared between patients with active and inactive diabetic retinopathy, the respective values were 47.0+/-9.1% and 22.8+/-5.7%. A significant correlation mercaptalbumin content (%) of aqueous humor albumin did not show with the HbA1c level, but there was still a relationship (Y = 5.0 x - 2.7, r = 0.80, and p < 0.052). CONCLUSION: The increase of mercaptalbumin (the reduced form of albumin) in the aqueous humor of patients with diabetic retinopathy probably resulted from an increase of retinal vascular permeability.

Complete nucleotide sequence of the prophage VT1-Sakai carrying the Shiga toxin 1 genes of the enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain derived from the Sakai outbreak.

Shiga toxins 1 and 2 (Stx1 and Stx2) are encoded by prophages lysogenized in enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 strains. Lytic growth of the phage particles carrying the stx1 genes (stx1A and stx1B) of the EHEC O157:H7 strain RIMD 0509952, which was derived from the Sakai outbreak in 1996 in Japan, was induced after treatment with mitomycin C, but the plaque formation of the phage was not detected. We have determined the complete nucleotide sequence of the prophage VT1-Sakai. The integration site of the prophage was identified within the yehV gene at 47.7 min on the chromosome. The stx1 genes were downstream of the Q gene in the prophage genome, suggesting that their expression was regulated by the Q protein, the regulator of the late gene expression of the phage, which is similar to that of the stx1 or stx2 genes carried by the lambdoid phages reported previously. The sequences of the N gene and its recognition sites, nutL and nutR, were not homologous to those of the phages carrying the stx genes thus far reported, but they were very similar to those of bacteriophage phi21. The sequences of the repressor proteins, CI and Cro, that regulate expression of the early genes had low similarities with those of the known repressors of other phages, and their operator sequences were different from any sequence reported. These data suggest that multiple genetic recombination among bacteriophages with different immunities took place to generate the prophage VT1-Sakai. Comparison between the sequences of VT1-Sakai and lambda suggests that the ancestor of VT1-Sakai was produced by illegitimate excision, like lambda gal and bio phages.

[A case of Churg-Strauss syndrome which cheaf complain was gross hematuria].

We report a case of Churg-Strauss syndrome complaining of gross hematuria. A 74-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for further examination of gross hematuria. Abdominal CT and retrograde pyelography revealed left renal pelvic tumor, and left nephrectomy was performed. There was no tumor, but submucous hemorrhage was seen in the renal pelvis. The histopathologic diagnosis was allergic granulomatous angitis. The administration of prednisolone was done, but he suddenly died of acute heart failure after 1 month postoperatively.

Effect of mitomycin C dissolved in reversible thermo-setting gel on the outcome of filtering surgery in the rabbit.

PURPOSE: Based on our previous report that showed enhanced transfer of mitomycin C to the sclera and the conjunctiva by dissolving the agent into a reversible thermo-setting gel, we conducted a study to investigate the efficacy of mitomycin C gel in the rabbit. METHODS: We subconjunctivally injected 0.1 mL of the mitomycin C gel solution containing several different amounts of the agent. Trephination was performed in the injected region 24 hours later. Intraocular pressure measurement, photography, and ultrasound biomicroscopic examination of the filtering bleb were conducted 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: The gel containing 3.0 microg or more mitomycin C significantly enhanced bleb formation and reduction in the intraocular pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The reversible thermo-setting gel seems to help the filtering bleb to survive in the rabbit and deserves further investigation as a new method of mitomycin C application.

Effect of subinhibitory concentrations of antimicrobial agents (quinolones and macrolide) on the production of verotoxin by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7.

In Japan, antimicrobial agent therapy for patients with diarrhea due to enterovirulent organisms including enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is common, and norfloxacin (NFLX), fosfomycin, and kanamycin are recommended for EHEC treatment by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of antimicrobial agents which have been used or recommended for the treatment of EHEC on the production of verotoxin (VT) in vitro. Subinhibitory concentrations of quinolones, NFLX, sparofloxacin (SPFX), and grepafloxacin (GPFX) markedly stimulated the productions of VT1 and VT2. The macrolide azithromycin (AZM), erythromycin (EM), and clarithromycin (CAM) did not stimulate the production of VT at a wide range of concentrations. These in vitro results indicate that when quinolones are prescribed for a patient infected with EHEC, the concentration of antimicrobial agents used in vivo and the susceptibility of the EHEC strains against quinolones should be taken into consideration.

[Effect of mitomycin C dissolved in a reversible thermosetting gel on outcome of filtering surgery in the rabbit].

PURPOSE: Based on our previous report that showed enhanced transfer of mitomycin C to the sclera and the conjunctiva by dissolving the antiproliferative in a reversible thermo-setting gel, we conducted a study to investigate the efficacy of the mitomycin C-gel in the rabbit. METHODS: We subconjunctivally injected 0.1 ml of the mitomycin C-gel solution containing several amounts of the drug. Trephination was performed in the injected region 24 hours later. Intraocular pressure measurement, and photography and ultrasound biomicroscopic examination of the filtering bleb were done 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: The gel containing 3.0 micrograms or more mitomycin C significantly enhanced bleb formation in addition to reducing the intraocular pressure. CONCLUSION: The reversible thermo-setting gel seems to facilitate filtration following glaucoma filtering surgery in the rabbit and deserves further investigation as a new method of mitomycin C application.

[Intra-arterial chemotherapy via reservoir system for advanced bladder cancer and prostate cancer].

A clinical study was performed on the efficacy of intra-arterial chemotherapy using a reservoir system for advanced urological malignancies. The reservoir system was indwelted in the femoral subcutaneous layer by Seldinger's method. Fifteen cases of inoperable complicated advanced bladder cancer and 10 cases of postoperative local recurrent bladder cancer were administered intra-arterial chemotherapy using a reservoir system. Then, 23 cases of local relapsed prostate cancer and two cases of endpocrine-resistant prostate cancer were administered the chemotherapy. The administered anti-cancerous agents were methotraxate, cis-platinum and adriamycin, then 5-FU or carboplatin was administered as maintenance therapy. The mean number of courses of chemotherapy was six for bladder cancer and four for prostate cancer. During stabilization of the local lesion, no distant deterioration was recognized. The overall clinical efficacy was a positive response (PR) and no change (NC): for 18 and 7 cases of bladder cancer, and 11 and 14 cases of prostate cancer, respectively. The median duration of stabilization was 23 months for bladder cancer and 12 months for prostate cancer. The adverse effects were fever than those with systemic chemotherapy.

[Giant testicular tumor: a case report].

We report a case of giant testicular tumor. A 30-year-old man visited our department complaining of a painless swelling of the right scrotal contents. In chest X-ray and abdominal computerized tomography (CT) there were no abnormal findings. Serum alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin and lactate dehydrogenase levels were normal. Right high orchiectomy was performed. The size of the removed specimen was 13.5 x 8.5 x 7.5 cm, and weight 530 g. The pathological diagnosis was immature teratoma. The patient has received no further therapy. There has been no recurrence for 7 months postoperatively.

[Intraarterial chemotherapy via reservoir system for far-advanced bladder and prostate cancer].

A clinical study was performed on the efficacy of intraarterial chemotherapy using reservoir system for far-advanced urological malignancy. The reservoir system was indwelled in the femoral subcutaneous layer using Seldinger's method. Fifteen cases with inoperable complicated advanced bladder cancer and ten cases with postoperative local recurrent bladder cancer received intraarterial chemotherapy using the reservoir system. Then, 23 cases with local relapsed prostate cancer and two cases with endocrine-resistant prostate cancer received chemotherapy. The administered anti-cancerous agents were methotrexate, cis-platinum and adriamycin, and 5-FU or carboplatin were administered as maintenance therapy. The mean courses of chemotherapy were six for bladder cancer and four for prostate cancer. During stabilization of the local lesion, no distant deterioration was recognized. Overall clinical efficacy was as follows: PR:18 cases and NC:7 cases for bladder cancer; then, PR:11 cases and 14 cases for prostate cancer. The median duration of stabilization was as follows: 23 months for bladder cancer and 12 months for prostate cancer. Complications were fewer than with systemic chemotherapy.

Effect of antimicrobial agents, especially fosfomycin, on the production and release of Vero toxin by enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7.

In 1996, Japan had several large outbreaks of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 infection. We surveyed physicians who examined and treated these patients, and found that most of the patients (95.9%) received antimicrobial agents as treatments, in particular, fosfomycin comprised 84.0% of the prescribed treatment. Since the administration of antimicrobial agents for EHEC infection is under discussion, we also analyzed the effects of 7 antimicrobial agents including fosfomycin on the production and release of Vero toxins (VTs) by EHEC. The addition of fosfomycin into EHEC culture in CAYE broth at 5 h after the start of incubation caused a marked increase of VT1 release and production, as revealed by an immunological toxin assay (RPLA). However, a cytotoxicity assay of Vero cells showed a small increase of biological activity in the specimens treated with fosfomycin because the Vero cell assay reflects total cytotoxicity of VT1 and VT2. These results indicate that further study is necessary before concluding whether antimicrobial agents actually worsen an EHEC infection.

The stimulating effect of fosfomycin, an antibiotic in common use in Japan, on the production/release of verotoxin-1 from enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 in vitro.

In 1996 Japan had a big outbreak of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7, especially in Osaka prefecture where about 6000 patients (mainly schoolchildren) suffered from diarrhoea, haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) due to EHEC infection via school lunch. Our survey of doctors who took care of those patients showed that most patients had received antibiotics, especially fosfomycin which comprised 84% of the prescribed treatment. Since the administration of antibiotics for EHEC infection is under discussion, we analysed the effect of fosfomycin on production/release of verotoxins (VTs). Addition of fosfomycin into EHEC culture in CAYE broth at 2 and 5 h after start of incubation caused marked increase of VT1 release. This observation warns of the possibility of fosfomycin treatment making the disease worse.

Multidrug-resistant enteroaggregative Escherichia coli associated with persistent diarrhea in Kenyan children.

To study the association of multidrug-resistant enteroaggregative Escherichia coli with persistent diarrhea in Kenyan children, stool specimens were obtained from 862 outpatients under 5 years of age from July 1991 to June 1993. E. coli O44 was identified as the sole bacterial pathogen in four patients experiencing at least 14 days of fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Disk diffusion testing showed E. coli O44 resistance to tetracycline, ampicillin, erythromycin, trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole, and amoxicillin/clavulanate and sensitivity to chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, azithromycin, and cefuroxime. Further studies are needed to clarify the epidemiology, clinical spectrum, and pathogenesis of enteroaggregative E. coli infection.

Evaluation of enzyme-labeled oligonucleotide probes to identify enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli.

Alkaline phosphatase-conjugated oligonucleotide probes were developed to detect the gene coding for Vero toxin 1 (VT1) and Vero toxin 2 (VT2). Using these probes, 3 hr was enough to detect VT genes when suspicious colonies of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) were obtained on an agar plate. The results of a hybridization test with 144 isolates of EHEC O157 and one isolate of Shigella dysenteriae Type 1 agreed exactly with the immunological detection, reversed passive latex agglutination (RPLA) test, of VTs in their culture supernatants. The sensitivity levels of these probes for the detection of VT genes were 100%. The specificity of these probes were also tested with a total of 1,002 strains of Escherichia coli other than EHEC and 8 strains of Shigella sp. other than Shigella dysenteriae Type 1; the results showed 100% specificity.

[Evaluation of Novapath assay for direct detection in patient stool of Vero toxin and Vero toxin-producing Escherichia coli].

We evaluated two kits which detect either Verotoxin (Novapath EHEC) or EHEC O157 (Novapath O157) directly from stool specimens and compared with the result of PCR. The tests can be completed in 3 hrs. All fecal specimens from 18 healthy volunteers showed negative results with both kits and PCR. Specimens from patients of EHEC O157 outbreak in Okayama Prefecture and asymptomatic families of patients of outbreak in Sakai City of Japan were also analyzed. Fecal specimens from which EHEC O157 was isolated showed positive results with both kits and PCR. Some specimens which were culture negative showed positive results with either Novapath EHEC or Novapath O157 or both. The sensitivity of Novapath O157 was lower than PCR to detect O157 organisms but took shorter time to get result. Novapath EHEC showed very high sensitivity in detecting Vero toxin. These results suggest that Novapath EHEC especially can be used clinically for rapid diagnosis.

[Report of questionnaire about enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli cases caused in the area including Sakai City in 1996].

Many outbreaks of EHEC O157 were occurred in Japan in 1996. There was the biggest outbreak involving approximately 6000 victims in area of Sakai City. We conducted a questionnaire survey on the EHEC infection to the physicians who treated these patients and the microbiologists. For physicians we asked mainly clinical manifestation of patients they observed and treatment they did and their outcome (Answer A). Microbiologists were also required to answer the opinion about treatment (Answer B). Eighty-five of physicians replied about their 222 patients and 209 of microbiologists answered their opinions. In this report we summarized the data and obtained following results: 1) We observed higher frequency of HUS/TTA complication in female than male. 2) Higher HUS/TTP complication was accompanied with patients complained symptoms of fever, bloody diarrhea, and general fatigue. 3) The most patients (96%) were received antimicrobial agents, especially fosfomycin (84%), followed by new quinolon (17.8%) and Cefems (12.2%). Later starting of treatment with antimicrobial agents than 7 days from onset of symptoms increased HUS/TTP complication. 4) Anti-diarrhoeal agents seems to be one of risk factors for HUS/TTP complications.