Air pollution and airborne infection with mycobacterial bioaerosols: a potential attribution of soot.

Atmospheric pollutants are hypothesized to enhance the viability of airborne microbes by preventing them from degradation processes, thereby enhancing their atmospheric survival. In this study, Mycobacterium smegmatis is used as a model airborne bacteria, and different amounts of soot particles are employed as model air pollutants. The toxic effects of soot on aerosolized M. smegmatis are first evaluated and excluded by introducing them separately into a chamber, being sampled on a filter, and then cultured and counted. Secondly, the bacteria-soot mixture is exposed to UV with different durations and then cultured for bacterial viability evaluations. The results show that under UV exposure, the survival rates of the low-, medium-, and high-soot groups are 1.1 (±0.8) %, 70.9 (±4.3) %, and 61.0 (±17.6) %, respectively. This evidence significantly enhanced survival rates by soot at all UV exposures, though the combinations of UV exposure and soot amounts revealed a changing pattern of survival rates. The possible influence by direct and indirect effects of UV-damaging mechanisms is proposed. This study indicates the soot-induced survival rate enhancements of M. smegmatis under UV stress conditions, representing the possible relations between air pollution and the extended pathogenic viability and, therefore, increased airborne infection probability.

Shape relatedness between geographic populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus, the primary vector of Japanese encephalitis virus: A landmark study.

BACKGROUND: Japanese encephalitis is a severe disease of acute encephalitis, with children and the elderly primarily affected, and with mortality rates reaching over 25%. The virus is transmitted mainly by species of the Culex (Culex) vishnui subgroup, primarily the widely spread Cx. tritaeniorhynchus Giles. The latter is known as a highly migratory mosquito which moves with airflow over large distances. We explored the geometric variation of the wing venation among distant areas of its geographic distribution. Our working hypothesis was that shape variation across geography could reveal known past and present migratory routes. MATERIALS METHODS: We compared the wing venation geometry of 236 female Culex tritaeniorhynchus from different locations in the Madagascan (La Reunion), Oriental (Thailand, Vietnam) and Paleartic (Japan) regions. To ascertain the taxonomic signal of the wing venation we also used two species as relative outgroups, Cx. whitmorei and Cx. brevipalpis. RESULTS: In spite of an increasing morphometric variation as expected with larger geographic dispersion, our Cx. tritaeniorhynchus samples were clustered as a single species when considered relative to other Culex species. The relationships between geographic sites of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus globally conformed with an isolation by distance model. The shape homogeneity of our Palearctic samples (Japan) contrasted with some heterogeneity observed in the Oriental region (Thailand, Vietnam), and could be related to the different regimes of wind trajectories in these regions. CONCLUSION: The average shape variation of Culex tritaeniorhynchus disclosed a separation between Madagascan, Oriental and Palearctic regions in accordance with geography. The wing venation not only could reflect geography, it also contained a clear taxonomic signal separating three Culex species. Within Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, a contrasting pattern of shape variation between the Palearctic and the Oriental regions is tentatively explained by the influence of wind trajectories.

Revision of Coelastrella (Scenedesmaceae, Chlorophyta) and first register of this green coccoid microalga for continental Norway.

A terrestrial green microalga was isolated at Ås, in Akershus County, Norway. The strain corresponded to a coccoid chlorophyte. Morphological characteristics by light and electron microscopy, in conjunction with DNA amplification and sequencing of the 18 s rDNA gene and ITS sequences, were used to identify the microalgae. The characteristics agree with those of the genus Coelastrella defined by Chodat, and formed a sister group with the recently described C. thermophila var. globulina. Coelastrella is a relatively small numbered genus that has not been observed in continental Norway before; there are no previous cultures available in collections of Norwegian strains. Gas chromatography analyses of the FAME-derivatives showed a high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (44-45%) especially linolenic acid (C18:3n3; 30-34%). After the stationary phase, the cultures were able to accumulate several carotenoids as neoxanthin, pheophytin a, astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, lutein, and violaxanthin. Due to the scarcity of visual characters suitable for diagnostic purposes and the lack of DNA sequence information, there is a high possibility that species of this genus have been neglected in local environmental studies, even though it showed interesting properties for algal biotechnology.

Crystal structure of alkaline cellulase K: insight into the alkaline adaptation of an industrial enzyme.

The crystal structure of the catalytic domain of alkaline cellulase K was determined at 1.9 A resolution. Because of the most alkaliphilic nature and it's highest activity at pH 9.5, it is used commercially in laundry detergents. An analysis of the structural bases of the alkaliphilic character of the enzyme suggested a mechanism similar to that previously proposed for alkaline proteases, that is, an increase in the number of Arg, His, and Gln residues, and a decrease in Asp and Lys residues. Some ion pairs were formed by the gained Arg residues, which is similar to what has been found in the alkaline proteases. Lys-Asp ion pairs are disfavored and partly replaced with Arg-Asp ion pairs. The alkaline adaptation appeared to be a remodeling of ion pairs so that the charge balance is kept in the high pH range.

Pharmacological advantages of conjugation of Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase with succinylated keratin fragment: improvement of biological properties and resistance to oxidative damage.

To improve the in vivo pharmacological potential of Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD), human recombinant Cu,Zn-SOD was conjugated with succinylated keratin fragment (Suc-ker). Suc-ker-conjugated Cu,Zn-SOD (Suc-ker-SOD) was formed by attachment of about 3.7 mol of Suc-ker to 1 mol of Cu,Zn-SOD and exhibited an apparent mean molecular weight of 107 kDa. Suc-ker-SOD exhibited 74.1% SOD activity on a molar basis. When Suc-ker-SOD was administered i.v. into mice, its plasma half-life was prolonged to 20.5 min compared with 4.7 min for native SOD. After i.v. administration of 51Cr-labeled proteins into mice, native SOD was excreted rapidly into urine and no significant accumulation was observed in organs other than the kidneys. On the other had, Suc-ker-SOD was taken up rapidly by the liver. Furthermore, Suc-ker-SOD exhibited much lower immunogenicity and much better therapeutic effects than native and poly(styrene-co-maleic acid)-conjugated SOD against paraquat toxicity in mice. Moreover, the inactivation rate of Suc-ker-SOD by H2O2 was less than those of native SOD and polyethylene glycol-conjugated SOD. The effect of H2O2 on liganded Cu++ in the active site of Suc-ker-SOD was much less than those of other SOD derivatives. These results indicate that Suc-ker-SOD has advantages over the other SOD derivatives tested.

The physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of fragmented keratin as a new drug carrier.

Two types of fragmented keratin were prepared from buffalo horn and hoof using savinase and Na2S, and their physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties were examined in mice. The number-average molecular weight of enzymatically fragmented keratin (E-FK), chemically fragmented keratin (C-FK), and fragmented gelatin (FG) were 8000, 33,000, and 6600, respectively. The systematic acute toxicity of FKs was significantly low. Moreover, the immunogenicity of FKs was significantly lower than that of superoxide dismutase. FKs and FG were partially hydrolyzed by trypsin. FKs were digested easily by alpha-chymotrypsin, but FG underwent less hydrolysis under the same conditions. FKs were bound to plasma proteins, including albumin, and also to some proteins in liver and kidney homogenates. In plasma, E-FK was hydrolyzed slowly, but in liver and kidney homogenates it showed slightly faster hydrolysis. In contrast, FG was not hydrolyzed in any of the media used here. After intravenous administration of FKs and FG to mice, these molecules were rapidly eliminated from the plasma. E-FK and C-FK were taken up into the kidneys (CLuptake, kidney; 10,400, 11,600 microliters/h/g), and then gradually excreted in urine. FG was excreted rapidly into urine (CLurine; 6360 microliters/h). Interestingly, C-FK was also taken up into the liver (CLliver; 4820 microliters/h). These results indicated that fragmented keratins are biodegradable materials and might be used as new types of liver- and kidney-specific targeting carriers.

[Perioperative management of patients with Meigs syndrome].

We report our perioperative management of three cases of Meigs syndrome. The major pre-operative problems in Meigs syndrome are physical trouble caused by giant mass in peritoneal space, respiratory distress, and poor nutrition. These problems must be settled before the operation. The important points in the pre-operative management are 1) respiratory care employing the intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) and the pleural effusion drainage, and 2) the correction of intravascular volume and the concentration of albumin and hemoglobin by transfusion of massive lactated Ringer solution and albumin solution and/or whole blood when they are necessary. During the operation, the epidural anesthesia under spontaneous breathing is the best method of anesthesia. According to circumstances, we adopt the intra-tracheal intubation with continuous positive airway pressure breathing (CPAP). We can generally deal with excessive bleeding by transfusion of lactated Ringer solution and plasma expander, during the first half of operation. By the end of the operation, however, the correction of the concentration of albumin and hemoglobin must be made by the fresh frozen plasma and blood transfusion. After the operation, we use epidural analgesia to control the postoperative pain. We have succeeded in the treatment of three cases of Meigs syndrome owing to our perioperative management as described above.

[The distribution and possible competition between Melanoides tuberculata and Tarebia granifera (Prosobranchia: Thiaridae) in Lake Hanabanilla, Cuba]. / Distribución y posible competencia entre Melanoides tuberculata y Tarebia granifera (Prosobranchia: Thiaridae) en el lago Hanabanilla, Cuba.

A study was carried out along three years, on distribution and possible competence between the two thiarid species present in Lake Hanabanilla, Cuba: Melanoides tuberculata and Tarebia granifera. Both species presented significant differences as to its abundance within a determined microhabitat, but they could match their densities for the total sampled area. These variations were mainly due to the ratio of juveniles in each species. Interaction was only detected when high abundance values were reached and some limitation resource existed (mainly in the nearest area to the shore). Both thiarids presented a high nest width, but Tarebia granifera was slightly higher; besides, this species was dominant at the end of the study at most of the sampled areas.

[The effectiveness of cervical epidural block for the treatment of status asthmaticus].

Epidural anesthesia is currently used for the operation of patients who have bronchial asthma. We have ascertained the effectiveness of cervical epidural block for the treatment of status asthmaticus even in the ICU. The present patient had repeated history of severe asthma and was no longer expected to respond to the routine therapy. After we failed to wean him from the ventilator several times, we performed cervical epidural block on him. His condition improved dramatically after the block and he was easily weaned from the ventilator. The three notable improvements are (1) no use of sedatives, (2) normalized arterial blood pH with decrease in expiratory resistance and (3) stabilization of circulation. Sympathetic nervous system is excited in patients with asthmatic attack. As a result, high concentrations of catecholamines deteriorate general condition of patients. On the other hand, cervical epidural block seems to be effective to prevent hyperactive sympathetic nervous system. Our result suggests that alpha-adrenergic effect of epinephrine which is given as a routine therapeutic drug, will very likely worsen asthmatic attack.

Multiple xanthogranulomas in an adult.

Xanthogranulomas develop in adults as well as in children; however, adult cases with multiple lesions are very rare. We report an adult who developed both multiple cutaneous lesions on the face and trunk and lesions on the conjunctiva, oral mucosa and genitalia. We believe that this is the first such case described.

[Laboratory studies of the molluscacidal action of the maguey (Agave legrelliana) on Biomphalaria havanensis]. / Estudios de la acción molusquicida en el laboratorio del maguey (Agave legrelliana), sobre Biomphalaria havanensis.

A study was carried out on the molluscacidal action of agave (Agave legrelliana) on the mollusk Biomphalaria havanensis, host of Schistosoma. Different concentrations of the plant's juice extract were tested to determine lethal doses. 3 experimental series were carried out using 144 mollusks in each. LD50 = 0.14 mL/L and LD90 = 0.47 mL/L were determined using the "probilog" computerized program. The regression equation was Y = 5.29 + 2.53 in X. Density, pH, liquid content and absorbance of the juice were determined. The stability of the A. legrelliana juice extract was compared using LD90 and it was observed that its effectiveness was reduced after long storage periods. The results attained were very encouraging since large volumes of water abounding in intermediate host mollusks can be treated with small quantities of juice at the same time that the toxicity which might be introduced by products of chemical origin is reduced.

Low-loss in-line microfilter fabricated by precision trench machining.

A machining technique has been developed that enables a narrow, smooth damage-free walled trench to be cut into an optical fiber engraved in a silica substrate by using a fine silica powder effect. This technique allows a very low insertion loss (0.21 dB) in-line microfilter to be made by inserting a thin filter plate into a trench cut into an optical fiber already fixed to a substrate.

Contribution of prostacyclin to D-tubocurarine-induced hypotension in humans.

In order to evaluate the role of prostacyclin in d-tubocurarine-induced hypotension in human, the authors examined the relationship of changes of arterial blood pressure and plasma 6-keto-PGF1 alpha level following iv administration of d-tubocurarine (dTc), with or without prior administration of aspirin and H1 antagonist. The bolus injection of dTc 0.6 mg/kg caused a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) that was associated with a significant increase in plasma 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (P less than 0.05 in both). The maximum MAP decrease and plasma 6-keto-PGF1 alpha increase were noted at 2 min after dTc administration. Pretreatment with aspirin DL-lysine (25 mg/kg) or diphenhydramine (1 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the responses of MAP (P less than 0.05 in both) and plasma 6-keto-PGF1 alpha level (P less than 0.01 for aspirin group, P less than 0.05 for diphenhydramine group). There was a significant correlation between the changes in plasma 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and those in MAP (Kendall tau (tau) = -0.504, P less than 0.01). These findings suggest that a bolus injection of dTc induces a release of prostacyclin through H1 receptor, which is responsible for the dTc-induced transient decrease of blood pressure in humans.

Fiber optic Fourier transform spectrometer with a coherent interferogram averaging scheme.

A fiber optic Fourier transform spectrometer capable of coherent interferogram averaging is constructed, for the first time to our knowledge. One fiber arm of the interferometer is periodically stretched, and the amplitudes of the fundamental and second harmonics of the modulation frequency in the photocurrent output are simultaneously detected. Successful operation results from the generation of an external clock for sampling the interferogram from the detected outputs varying in phase quadrature. Even when the moving mirror in the interferometer translates nonlinearly and two fiber arms receive random perturbations independently, sampling can be uniformly performed along the interferogram. From the experiments, variation of sampling start position on each interferogram was limited within 100 nm during one hundred repetitive scans. For 100 coherent averages, therefore, the SNR increased by ~10 without deformation.

Continuous subcutaneous infusion of buprenorphine for cancer pain control.

The continuous subcutaneous infusion of buprenorphine, a new approach to the relief of severe cancer pain, has been carried out using a portable infusion pump. The efficacy of this method was examined in 30 patients by visual analogue scale. An infusion rate of 4 micrograms/kg/day following intramuscular administration of 0.004 micrograms/kg gave satisfactory pain relief without serious complications. The minimum effective blood concentration was not detectable by high-performance liquid chromatography. Advantages of this therapy are its simplicity, applicability in many types of cancer, multiple sites of administration, and easier training on the part of health personnel.

Characterization of silica-based waveguides with an interferometric optical time-domain reflectometry system using a 1.3-microm-wavelength superluminescent diode.

Backscattering of silica-based glass waveguides is characterized for the first time to our knowledge by using an interferometric optical time-domain reflectometry system. High spatial resolution, as short as 15 microm, is obtained by using a newly developed 1.3-microm-wavelength superluminescent diode. Scattering centers produced by waveguide irregularities are clearly observed in glass optical waveguides. Waveguide loss and bend loss in the curved regions are estimated from the backscattered light intensity distribution.