[Paradoxical reactions during nutritional improvement in pulmonary tuberculosis patient with severe malnutrition].
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Humans↗
Biomedical subjects
Akira Hirata
Publications and source records attributed to Akira Hirata.
Effects of acetate and nitrite addition on fraction of denitrifying phosphate-accumulating organisms and nutrient removal efficiency in anaerobic/aerobic/anoxic process.
The effects of acetate and nitrite on the performance of sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) employing an anaerobic/aerobic/anoxic (AOA) process were investigated. Three types of SBR operations were used: sodium acetate addition at the start of anoxic condition for heterotrophic denitrification (Type 1); sodium acetate addition at the start of aerobic condition for anoxic phosphate removal by denitrifying phosphate-accumulating organisms (DNPAOs) (Type 2: conventional AOA process); and nitrite addition at the start of aerobic condition for inhibition of phosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) (Type 3). A track experiment shows that Type 2 led to the best performance of SBRs among the three types. An analysis by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed that nitrite addition decreased the ratio of PAOs with a decrease in phosphorus removal efficiency. The fraction of DNPAOs in Type 2 was the highest at 13%, indicating that Type 2 is suitable for the simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal in the AOA process.
Acetates↗
Identification of acetate- or methanol-assimilating bacteria under nitrate-reducing conditions by stable-isotope probing.
Stable-isotope probing (SIP) was used to identify acetate- or methanol-assimilating bacteria under nitrate-reducing conditions in activated sludge. A sludge sample obtained from wastewater treatment systems was incubated in a denitrifying batch reactor fed with synthetic wastewater containing [(13)C]acetate or [(13)C]methanol as the main carbon source and nitrate as the electron acceptor. We analyzed how growth of bacterial populations was stimulated by acetate or methanol as the external carbon source in nitrogen-removal systems. Most of the acetate- or methanol-assimilating bacteria identified by SIP have been known as denitrifiers in wastewater treatment systems. When acetate was used as the carbon source, 16S rRNA gene sequences retrieved from (13)C-labeled DNA were closely related to the 16S rRNA genes of Comamonadaceae (e.g., Comamonas and Acidovorax) and Rhodocyclaceae (e.g., Thauera and Dechloromonas) of the Betaproteobacteria, and Rhodobacteraceae (e.g., Paracoccus and Rhodobacter) of the Alphaproteobacteria. When methanol was used as the carbon source, 16S rRNA gene sequences retrieved from (13)C-DNA were affiliated with Methylophilaceae (e.g., Methylophilus, Methylobacillus, and Aminomonas) and Hyphomicrobiaceae. Rarefaction curves for clones retrieved from (13)C-DNA showed that the diversity levels for methanol-assimilating bacteria were considerably lower than those for acetate-assimilating bacteria. Furthermore, we characterized nitrite reductase genes (nirS and nirK) as functional marker genes for denitrifier communities in acetate- or methanol-assimilating populations and detected the nirS or nirK sequence related to that of some known pure cultures, such as Alcaligenes, Hyphomicrobium, and Thauera. However, most of the nirS or nirK sequences retrieved from (13)C-DNA were clustered in some unidentified groups. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene clone libraries retrieved from (13)C-DNA, these unidentified nir sequences might be identified by examining the nir gene in candidates for true denitrifiers (e.g., the families Comamonadaceae, Hyphomicrobiaceae, Methylophilaceae, and Rhodobacteraceae).
Acetates↗
Sequencing batch membrane biofilm reactor for simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal: novel application of membrane-aerated biofilm.
A sequencing batch membrane biofilm reactor (SBMBfR) was developed for simultaneous carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus removal from wastewater. This reactor was composed of two functional parts: (1) a gas-permeable membrane on which a nitrifying biofilm formed and (2) a bulk solution in which bacteria, mainly denitrifying polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (DNPAOs), were suspended. The reactor was operated sequentially under anaerobic condition and then under membrane aeration condition in one cycle. During the anaerobic period, organic carbon was consumed by DNPAOs; this was accompanied by phosphate release. During the subsequent membrane aeration period, nitrifying bacteria utilized oxygen supplied directly to them from the inside of the membrane. Consequently, the nitrite and nitrate products diffused into the bulk solution, where they were used by DNPAOs as electron acceptors for phosphate uptake. In a long-term sequencing batch operation, the mean removal efficiencies of total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (T-N), and total phosphorus (T-P) under steady-state condition were 99%, 96%, and 90%, respectively. In addition, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) clearly demonstrated the difference in bacterial community structure between the membrane biofilm and the suspended sludge: ammonia-oxidizing bacteria belonging to the Nitrosomonas group were dominant in the region adjacent to the membrane throughout the operation, and the occupation ratio of the well-known polyphosphate-accumulating organism (PAO) Candidatus "Accumulibacter phosphates" in the suspended sludge gradually increased to a maximum of 37%.
Bacteria↗
Choroidal dye filling velocity in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease.
PURPOSE: To evaluate quantitative choroidal dye filling velocity in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH) before and after corticosteroid treatment using indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. METHODS: ICG angiography was performed in seven VKH patients before and after systemic corticosteroid treatment. Choroidal dye curves were obtained by image analysis software and analyzed using an exponential model. The model's time constant (tau) was used to evaluate choroidal dye filling velocity. RESULTS: Compared with controls, acute phase choroidal tau values in VKH patients were significantly longer, suggesting choroidal circulation disturbance. During the recovery phase, choroidal tau values were significantly shortened, suggesting choroidal circulatory disturbance improvement. CONCLUSION: Choroidal dye filling velocity may be useful for VKH diagnosis and verification of corticosteroid treatment effectiveness.
Adult↗
Long-term monitoring of the succession of a microbial community in activated sludge from a circulation flush toilet as a closed system.
The microbial diversity and community succession of a circulation flush toilet were investigated by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and cloning analyses. Clonal libraries of 16S rRNA gene on day 3 and day 127 were constructed. On day 3, 102 clones were sequenced; Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes accounted for 27% and 45%, respectively. On day 127, Proteobacteria had increased to 43% and Bacteroidetes had decreased to 26% of a total of 100 clones. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism peaks were identified by in silico analysis of clone libraries. The relative abundances of Nitrosomonas increased from 1% to 6% with commencement of nitrification and denitrification. Similarly, the relative abundance of terminal restriction fragments generated from Xanthomonas increased from 3% to 10%. Therefore, these bacteria could play a prominent role in this process. To reveal the relationship between stability of the microbial community and performance of the system, microbial community succession was visualized by multidimensional scaling analysis. The microbial community structure changed markedly, particularly during the start-up period of the system. The plots then became stable after the start of nitrification and denitrification. This result suggests that the succession of microbial community structure had a correlation with the performance of the system.
Bacteroidetes↗
Posterior vitreous detachment induced by nattokinase (subtilisin NAT): a novel enzyme for pharmacologic vitreolysis.
PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of intravitreal injection of nattokinase (subtilisin NAT), a serine protease that is produced by Bacillus subtilis (natto), for induction of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). METHODS: Different doses of nattokinase (1, 0.1, or 0.01 fibrin-degradation units [FU]) or physiologic saline as a control were injected into the vitreous cavity of rabbit eyes. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the retinal surfaces of four rabbit eyes per concentration. Histologic alterations were assessed by light microscopy, using four eyes from each group. Electroretinography (ERG) was performed to observe retinal function, ranging from 1 hour to 1 week after the nattokinase (1 or 0.1 FU) or saline solution administration, using four eyes from each group at each time point. Also, findings in all rabbits were monitored by slit lamp examination and by indirect ophthalmoscopy with a 20-D lens. RESULTS: Scanning electron microscopy showed smooth retinal surfaces, indicating the occurrence of PVD at 30 minutes after intervention in all the experimental eyes injected with 0.1 or 1.0 FU nattokinase, but none of the control eyes. Light microscopy and ERG analysis showed no critical change even after the use of 0.1 FU nattokinase, an amount sufficient to induce PVD. However, toxicity in the forms of preretinal hemorrhage and ERG changes was noted with the higher dose (1 FU) of nattokinase. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that nattokinase is a useful enzyme for pharmacologic vitreolysis because of its efficacy in inducing PVD.
Animals↗
Molecular analysis of halophilic bacterial community for high-rate denitrification of saline industrial wastewater.
A denitrification system for saline wastewater utilizing halophilic denitrifying bacteria has not been developed so far. In this study, denitrification performance and microbial community under various saline conditions were investigated using denitrifying sludge acclimated under low-salinity condition for a few years as seed sludge. A continuous denitrification experiment showed that denitrification performance and microbial community at 10% salinity was higher than that at 1% salinity. The microbial community in the denitrification sludge that was acclimated under low salinity was monitored by terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis during acclimation to high-salinity condition. T-RFLP profiles and clone analysis based on 16S rRNA-encoding genes in the sludge of the denitrification system with 10% salinity indicated that the gamma-Proteobacteria, particularly Halomonas spp., were predominant species, suggesting that these bacterial members were possibly responsible for a high denitrification activity under high-salinity conditions. Furthermore, the investigation of denitrification performance under various saline conditions revealed that 4-10% salinity results in the highest denitrification rate, indicating that this salinity was optimal for predominant bacterial species to exhibit denitrification activity. These results indicate the possibility that an appropriate denitrification system for saline wastewater can be designed using acclimated sludge with a halophilic community.
Bacteria↗
Ocular amyloid angiopathy associated with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy caused by amyloidogenic transthyretin Y114C.
PURPOSE: To report the clinicopathological findings for a unique ocular amyloid angiopathy in patients with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) caused by amyloidogenic transthyretin Y114C. DESIGN: Three case reports. METHODS: Retrospective review of clinicopathological findings, course, and treatment of the 3 patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography, and histopathological analysis. RESULTS: In the 32-year-old patient, in the early stage of FAP, indocyanine green angiography demonstrated multiple sites of hyperfluorescence, with staining along major choroidal veins. Retinal vessels appeared normal clinically and on FA. In the 48-year-old patient, who had late-stage FAP, examination of the fundus revealed pinpoint white amyloid opacities over the retinal surface, sheathing of retinal vessels, and scattered retinal hemorrhages. Fluorescein angiography showed vascular closure, focal staining, and microaneurysms. Indocyanine green angiography revealed multiple sites of hyperfluorescence, with staining along retinal and choroidal vessels. Examination during follow-up revealed that these vascular changes continued to progress. Histopathological study of an eye obtained at autopsy from the 49-year-old patient revealed marked intravascular and extravascular amyloid deposition. CONCLUSIONS: Severe and progressive amyloid angiopathy causing visual disturbance was seen in patients with FAP caused by amyloidogenic transthyretin Y114C.
Adult↗
Intravitreal plasmin injection activates endogenous matrix metalloproteinase-2 in rabbit and human vitreous.
PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of exogenous plasmin administration on the activity of endogenous matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in rabbit and human vitreous. DESIGN: Experimental animal study and interventional case series. METHODS: Human plasmin was injected into rabbit eyes. The active/pro-MMP-2 ratio in vitreous samples was calculated using the gelatin zymography. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to observe the retinal surface. To evaluate the time course of MMP-2 activity, vitreous samples were collected after the injection of 0.5 IU of plasmin, and the active/pro-MMP-2 ratio was calculated in the same manner. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to confirm the presence of MT1-MMP in the rabbit eye. Human vitreous samples obtained from vitreous surgeries were also used for similar studies. RESULTS: The active/pro-MMP-2 ratios in the vitreous after the injection of 0.25 IU or 0.5 IU of plasmin were significantly higher than that of the control (P < .05). SEM demonstrated that plasmin-treated eyes showed a smooth retinal surface that was dose-dependent. Time course evaluation of the active/pro-MMP-2 ratio in the vitreous after the administration of 0.5 IU of plasmin found a significant difference between the 5 and 15 minutes data points compared with that seen for the control. Immunohistochemical study revealed the presence of MT1-MMP in the inner retina. In human samples, the active/pro-MMP-2 ratio after the plasmin injection was significantly higher than the ratio observed before injection. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that activation of endogenous MMP-2 by exogenous plasmin is associated with the induction of posterior vitreous detachment.
Aged↗
Elucidation of dominant effect on initial bacterial adhesion onto polymer surfaces prepared by radiation-induced graft polymerization.
Surface-modified polyethylene (PE) membrane sheets were prepared by the radiation-induced graft polymerization (RIGP) of an epoxy-group-containing monomer, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). The epoxy ring of GMA was opened by introducing diethylamine (DEA) or sodium sulfite (SS). We examined the properties of these sheets by measuring the amount of grafting polymer, surface roughness and membrane potential, and also investigated the adhesion of five Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Paracoccus denitrificans, onto the prepared sheet surfaces. A linear relationship between the degree of grafting (dg) and surface roughness was observed. Moreover, membrane potential was dependent on the amount of DEA or SS as the ionizable group. These results indicate that RIGP enables the control of the physicochemical properties of such a sheet surface by adjusting dg and the subsequent conversion of functional groups. A batch test on bacterial adhesion onto the sheets clarified that the DEA-containing sheet (DEA sheet) exhibited an adhesion rate constant, k, significantly greater than those of other types of sheet. Clearly, the adhesion rate constant of the DEA sheet increased with dg, indicating that electrostatic interaction is the most decisive factor for bacterial adhesion when it works as an attractive force. Furthermore, the densities of bacteria adhering onto the GMA-containing sheet (GMA sheet) and the SS-containing sheet (SS sheet) were almost the same as that onto a PE sheet, whereas that onto a DEA sheet significantly increased. Thus, the introduction of the GMA- and SS-containing graft chain did not have much influence on bacterial adhesion onto the surfaces, supporting the conclusion that the promotion of bacterial adhesion onto the GMA and SS sheets was due to an increase in surface area resulting from RIGP. Moreover, the scanning electron microscopy images of the sheet surfaces indicate that the conditions and morphologies of initial bacterial adhesion are dependent on surface properties, particularly membrane potential.
Bacterial Adhesion↗
HER2 overexpression increases sensitivity to gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, through inhibition of HER2/HER3 heterodimer formation in lung cancer cells.
Gefitinib (Iressa), an epidermal growth factor receptor targeting drug, has been clinically useful for the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Gefitinib is currently being applied in clinical studies as either a monotherapy, or as part of a combination therapy against prostate, head and neck, gastric, breast, and colorectal tumors. However, success rates vary between different tumor types, and thus it is important to understand which molecular target(s) are responsible for limiting the therapeutic efficacy of the drug. In this study, we ask whether expression of HER2 affects sensitivity to gefitinib in human lung cancer cells. We established two clones, LK2/HER2-32 and LK2/HER2-57, by transfecting HER2 cDNA into LK2, a NSCLC line with a low expression level of HER2. We observed no mutations in exons 18, 19, and 21 of EGFR gene in LK2, LK2/mock- and two HER2-trasfectants when we observed in-frame deletion mutations (E746-A750) adjacent to K745 in a gefitinib-sensitive NSCLC cell line, PC9. These LK2/HER2-32 and LK2/HER2-57 were much more sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of gefitinib than the parental LK2 lines. Treatment with 0.5 to 1 micromol/L gefitinib specifically blocked Akt activation in both HER2-transfectant lines, but not in the parental LK2 cells. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 activation, however, was not blocked by gefitinib up to 10 micromol/L in either the parent or transfectant lines. Gefitinib was also shown to induce cell cycle arrest in the G1-S phase, and an accompanying increase of p27Kip1 was observed. LK2/HER2 transfectants showed constitutive formation of HER2/HER3 heterodimer, which were seen to associate with a regulatory subunit of phosphoinositide-3-kinase, p85alpha, when active. Treatment of LK2/HER2 cells with gefitinib markedly decreased the formation of HER2/HER3 heterodimers, HER3 basal phosphorylation, and the association of p85alpha with HER3. This study is the first to show that under basal growth conditions, HER2 sensitizes low-EGFR NSCLC cell lines to growth inhibition by gefitinib.
Antineoplastic Agents↗
Quantification of genetically modified soybean by quenching probe polymerase chain reaction.
Quenching probe (QProbe) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a simple and cost-effective real-time PCR assay in comparison with other real-time PCR assays such as the TaqMan assay. We used QProbe-PCR to quantify genetically modified (GM) soybean (Roundup Ready soybean). We designed event-specific QProbes for Le1 (soy endogenous gene) and RRS (recombinant gene), and we quantified certified reference materials containing 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5% GM soybean. The TaqMan assay was also applied to the same samples, and the results were compared. The accuracy of QProbe-PCR was similar to that of TaqMan assay. When GM soybean content was 0.5% or more, the relative standard deviations of QProbe-PCR were less than 20%. QProbe-PCR is sensitive enough to monitor labeling systems and has acceptable levels of accuracy and precision.
DNA Probes↗
Effect of salinity on nitrous oxide emission in the biological nitrogen removal process for industrial wastewater.
The effects of wastewater salinity on both nitrogen removal efficiency and N2O emission rate were investigated in a single nitrification process, a single denitrification process and an anoxic-oxic activated sludge process. In the single nitrification process, by increasing the salt concentration from 1.0 to 2.0 wt%, the N2O conversion ratio in the steady state increased by 2.2 times, from 0.22 to 0.48%. In the single denitrification process, a minimal change in the N2O conversion ratio was observed in the steady state even when the salt concentration was increased from 3.0 to 5.0 wt%. From the results of the anoxic-oxic activated sludge process, it was found that a salt concentration increase from 1.6 to 3.0 wt% significantly increases the N2O conversion ratio from 0.7 to 13%. It is suggested that an increase in salt concentration markedly influences N2O emission both directly and indirectly via the inhibition of N2O reductase activity. The indirect inhibition is due to the high concentration of dissolved oxygen which is transported from the oxic tank to the anoxic tank through the circulated liquid. Thus, the salt concentration should be maintained below 3.0% to suppress N2O emission in an anoxic-oxic activated sludge process.
Anesthetics, Inhalation↗
Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor type1 (IP3R1) modulates the acquisition of cisplatin resistance in bladder cancer cell lines.
To investigate the molecules that regulate the acquisition of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (cisplatin) resistance, we performed cDNA microarrays using two pairs of parental and cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer cell lines. We found a markedly reduced expression of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor type1 (IP3R1), endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein, in cisplatin-resistant cells. The suppression of IP3R1 expression using small interfering RNA in parental cells prevented apoptosis and resulted in decreased sensitivity to cisplatin. Contrarily, overexpression of IP3R1 in resistant cells induced apoptosis and increased sensitivity to cisplatin. These results suggest that cisplatin-induced downregulation of IP3R1 expression was closely associated with the acquisition of cisplatin resistance in bladder cancer cells.
Antineoplastic Agents↗
Trans-tenon retrobulbar triamcinolone injection for macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion remaining after vitrectomy.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of trans-Tenon retrobulbar triamcinolone injection for macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) after vitrectomy. DESIGN: Prospective interventional case series. METHODS: The study included 20 eyes of 20 patients with BRVO, characterized by macular edema lasting more than 3 months after vitrectomy. Trans-Tenon retrobulbar injection of 40 mg triamcinolone was performed, and visual and anatomic responses were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean foveal thickness was 499.4 +/- 209.1 microm preoperatively, 281.8 +/- 110.1 microm at 2-week follow-up, and 196.9 +/- 92.1 microm at 6-month follow-up (P < .0001, at 2 weeks and 6 months, paired t test). Improvement of visual acuity by at least 0.2 logMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) was seen in 14 (70%) of the 20 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Trans-Tenon retrobulbar injection of triamcinolone may be an alternative for additional treatment of eyes with BRVO that remains after vitrectomy.
Aged↗
The effect of subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection for diabetic macular edema on retinal and choroidal circulation.
PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in retinal and choroidal circulation after subtenon triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection for diabetic macular edema. DESIGN: Prospective interventional case series. METHODS: Thirteen eyes of 13 patients with diabetic macular edema were studied. Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiograms were performed at three periods: before the injection and 1 week and 6 months after subtenon injection of TA (40 mg). Retinal arteriovenous passage time (as an indicator of retinal circulation) and choroidal tau (as an indicator of early filling velocity of choroid) were obtained with image analysis software. RESULTS: Choroidal tau values before and 1 week after subtenon TA injection were, respectively, 3.2 +/- 0.4 and 4.0 +/- 0.7 seconds, which showed a significant delay (P = .01, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). The delayed choroidal tau values returned to pretreatment level at 6 months after TA injection. In contrast, the arteriovenous passage time remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Subtenon TA injection transiently influences choroidal blood flow.
Blood Circulation↗
Transthyretin synthesis in rabbit ciliary pigment epithelium.
Ocular symptoms of transthyretin (TTR)-related familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) suggest that ciliary pigment epithelium (CPE) may synthesize TTR and its TTR may lead to amyloid formation in addition to TTR from vessels and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). To clarify sites of TTR synthesis in ocular tissues, we performed in situ hybridization and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for qualitative detection of TTR mRNA. In addition, we quantified levels of TTR mRNA expression by means of real-time quantitative RT-PCR. Furthermore, although TTR is an anti-acute phase protein in serum level, no reports on changes in TTR expression in ocular tissues during acute inflammation exist. To investigate changes in TTR expression in ocular tissues during inflammation, we induced uveitis by endotoxin challenge in rabbits and used real-time quantitative RT-PCR to examine changes in TTR mRNA expression in ocular tissues. In situ hybridization and RT-PCR qualitatively demonstrated TTR mRNA not only in RPE but also in CPE. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR showed that the level of TTR mRNA expression in the CPE was about one-third of that in the RPE. TTR mRNA expression in ocular tissues decreased as the degree of inflammation increased. These results suggest that TTR synthesized in the CPE may lead to ocular manifestations, especially glaucoma, in FAP. TTR mRNA also acts as an anti-acute phase reactant in ocular tissues.
Animals↗