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The high‐temperature corrosion behavior of Ni–xFe–5Cr alloys (x = 0, 10, or 30 wt.%) was investigated in air containing alkali salt vapor at 570°C to clarify the effect of Fe on the corrosion resistance. Fe addition to Ni–5Cr was found to improve the corrosion resistance under the present conditions. In the case of Ni–5Cr, NiCl2 was formed beneath the NiO scale during the initial stage of corrosion, and it grew thicker over time and then evaporated. The formation and evaporation of NiCl2 resulted in a porous scale that underwent spallation resulting in mass loss. In the Fe‐containing alloys, (Fe, Ni, Cr)3O4 spinel and Fe3O4 decreased the partial pressures of oxygen and chlorine and thus prevented the generation of NiO and NiCl2, leading to superior corrosion resistance compared with Ni–5Cr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperuricemia is a known risk factor for end-stage renal disease. Although xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors are expected to protect the kidney function, evidence to this end is insufficient at present. Methods: This study was a multi-center, open-labeled, randomized study conducted in Mie Prefecture in Japan. Patients were included if they were between 20 and 80 years old and had a serum uric acid (sUA) level ≥ 7.0 mg/dl with or without gout, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 15–60 ml/min/1.73 m2, and urinary protein creatinine ratio (uPCR) of 0.15–3.5 g/gCr. Patients were randomly assigned to a Topiroxostat or Febuxostat group, and the treatment target for the sUA level was < 6.0 mg/dl. The primary outcome was the change in the uPCR after 24 weeks. Results: The change in the median uPCR after 24 weeks was not statistically significant after treatment in the Topiroxostat or Febuxostat group (0.05 g/gCr and − 0.04 g/gCr, respectively). However, the sUA levels decreased significantly in both groups (Topiroxostat group: 8.6 ± 1.1 at baseline to 6.0 ± 1.1 mg/dl at 24 weeks, Febuxostat group: 8.4 ± 1.1 mg/dl at baseline to 5.9 ± 1.3 mg/dl at 24 weeks). No significant change in the eGFR after 24 weeks was noted in either the Topiroxostat or Febuxostat group (− 0.04 ± 4.59 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 0.31 ± 4.70 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively). Conclusions: In this study, XO inhibitors did not significantly reduce the uPCR in chronic kidney disease stage 3 and 4 patients with hyperuricemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal failure and infectious disease are strongly associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with severe generalized recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB-sev gen). However, it is reportedly difficult to introduce hemodialysis with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). We encountered a 32-year-old man with RDEB-sev gen in whom hemodialysis with a native AVF was introduced that favorably affected his long-term survival. This patient eventually died because of cachexia related to the recurrence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma 51 months after hemodialysis introduction. We believe that in this patient, the frequency of vascular access troubles related to infection or reduction of blood flow was probably low as a result of hemodialysis with his native AVF. Thus, it seems likely that patients with RDEB-sev gen with end stage kidney disease who are on hemodialysis can be successfully managed with a native AVF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A direct renin inhibitor (DRI), aliskiren, may be effective for blood pressure (BP) control in hemodialysis patients. However, it is unclear whether aliskiren has a greater beneficial effect on BP and humoral factors than angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs) in hypertensive patients on hemodialysis. Methods: Eighteen hemodialysis patients (58 ± 14 years) on the recommended dose of an ARB were prospectively randomized into two groups: ARB and DRI groups. Patients in the ARB group continued taking their previous ARB, whereas those in the DRI group switched to aliskiren (150 mg/day) for 12 weeks. Baseline measurements of BP and humoral factors such as plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were performed. Measurements were repeated every 4 weeks. Results: At baseline, no differences were observed in age, gender or BP between the two groups. Systolic BP was unaffected by treatment in either group (group effect, p = 0.26; time effect, p = 0.38; group × time effect, p = 0.24). PRA decreased in DRI ( p ≦ 0.02, group effect, p = 0.65; time effect, p = 0.13; group × time effect, p = 0.048), but not in ARB ( p ≧ 0.94). PAC increased only in DRI ( p ≦ 0.03), whereas BNP was unaffected in either group. Conclusion: Aliskiren at a dose of 150 mg/day had a similar effect on BP compared with ARBs, but significantly lowered PRA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of the human gut microbiota is related to host health, and it is thought that dietary habits may play a role in shaping this composition. Here, we examined the population size and prevalence of six predominant bacterial genera and the species compositions of genus Bifidobacterium (g-Bifid) and Bacteroides fragilis group (g-Bfra) in 42 healthy Belgian adults by quantitative PCR (qPCR) over a period of one month. The population sizes and prevalence of these bacteria were basically stable throughout the study period. The predominant g-Bifid species were Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Bifidobacterium longum ss. longum, and the predominant g-Bfra species were Bacteroides vulgatus, Bacteroides uniformis, and Bacteroides ovatus. The Belgian gut microbiota data were then compared with gut microbiota data from 46 Japanese subjects collected according to the same protocol (Matsuki et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 70, 167–173, 2004). The population size and prevalence of Bifidobacterium catenulatum group were significantly lower in the Belgian gut microbiota than in the Japanese gut microbiota (P < 0.001); however, the population size and prevalence of g-Bifid did not differ. This species-level qPCR analysis will be helpful for investigating the diversity of gut microbiota among ethnic groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bifidobacteria are beneficial to human health, but the mechanism remains unknown. We employed oligonucleotide microarrays to identify the Bifidobacterium breve strain Yakult (BbrY) genes up-regulated specifically in mouse intestine. Based on BbrY transcriptional responses in germ-free mice and in fecal cultures, k-means clustering picked up 93 genes that were up-regulated in the mouse intestine and thereafter Venn analysis to exclude genes that were up-regulated in both the mouse intestine and the fecal culture classified 45 genes as up-regulated specifically in the mouse intestine. Most of those genes are involved in sugar transport or sugar liberation, although the functions of several genes are unknown. Most of these genes are clustered on the BbrY genome and appear to be organized into operons. Expressions of several genes were further investigated by real time PCR, revealing that their expression profiles were identical in the mouse cecum and colon. The up-regulation of genes involved in sugar liberalization and uptake suggests that BbrY could possibly maintain energy homeostasis inside the mouse intestine, which contains low quantities of readily fermentable sugars. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: We encountered a case of bromism that was found to be due to pseudohyperchloremia. Hyperchloremia is known to be able to reveal existing bromism, but the fact that bromine (Br) influences chloride (Cl) in assays that use ion electrode machines is not widely known. Methods: We assayed samples by an ion electrode method, using four types of machines. Different amounts of Cl or Br were added to each sample. Results: With the addition of Cl to the samples, the assayed Cl concentrations were proportional to the amount of added Cl. With the addition of Br to the samples, the assayed Cl concentrations, as measured by all machines, were increased, but the amounts of the increase differed significantly, and were not proportional to the amount of Br added. In particular, in the machine most markedly influenced by additional Br, the Cl concentrations increased from 94.9 to 139.6 mEq/l with the addition of 10 mEq/l of Br. Conversely, in the least influenced machine, Cl values increased from 95.0 to 103.0 mEq/l with the addition of 10 mEq/l of Br. Conclusion: The influence on the Cl assay of the addition of Br varied significantly between different ion electrode machines. Clinical nephrologists therefore need to be able to recognize the characteristics of the specific machines used in their hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No consensus exists on the amount of bed rest required after renal biopsy. Moreover, forced prolonged bed rest can be uncomfortable in patients undergoing renal biopsy. To evaluate whether the length of strict bed rest affects the incidence of pain and other complications after renal biopsy. This single-center retrospective observational study was conducted in 94 consecutive patients undergoing biopsy of a native kidney between November 2005 and December 2006 at Mie University Hospital. The control group was composed of 317 patients who underwent biopsy of a native kidney between January 2001 and October 2005. The incidence of biopsy-related complications was compared between two periods of strict bed rest: 2 h of strict bed rest with no abdominal bandage (November 2005 to December 2006) and 7 h of strict bed rest with an abdominal bandage (January 2001 to October 2005). The primary outcome was the incidence of back pain requiring analgesics. The secondary outcomes were: need for transfusion or hemostatic intervention, decrease of ≥10% in hemoglobin (Hb) after biopsy, macroscopic hematuria, infection possibly related to biopsy, need for single or indwelling bladder catheterization, and other biopsy-related complications. The incidence of back pain requiring analgesics decreased with a shorter period of strict bed rest [7.5% versus 21.1%, odds ratio (OR) 0.30, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.12–0.64, p = 0.004]. Even after adjustment for age, sex, perinephric hematoma size, and number of biopsy punctures, the incidence of back pain decreased significantly (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14–0.73, p = 0.01). With a shorter period of strict bed rest, there were no significant differences in bleeding complications (need for transfusion or other hemostatic intervention), decrease of ≥10% in Hb or macroscopic hematuria. However, the need for indwelling bladder catheterization decreased significantly (36.2% versus 50.5%, OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.34–0.88, p = 0.013). Shortening the period of strict bed rest after renal biopsy from 7 h to 2 h decreased the incidence of back pain, but there was no increase in bleeding or other biopsy-related complications. Our findings suggest that a shorter period of strict bed rest can safely reduce discomfort in renal biopsy patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal biopsy is essential for the diagnosis of kidney diseases, but complications, particularly bleeding incidents, remain problematic. To evaluate the frequency of renal biopsy complications, and to reveal clinical and laboratory factors associated with overt bleeding complications, focusing on those available at hospital ward, we conducted a retrospective observational study for the period between 2001 and 2005 at Mie University Hospital in patients who underwent percutaneous renal biopsy of a native kidney. Of a total of 323 patients, 317 met the inclusion criteria. Only one patient (0.3%) required blood transfusion or intervention to stop bleeding. The mean decrease in hemoglobin (Hb) after biopsy was 0.43 ± 0.7 g/dL. Hb decreased ≥1.0 g/dL in 66 patients (20.8%) and ≥10% in 32 patients (10.1%). On ultrasonography, perirenal hematoma was detected immediately after biopsy in 273 patients (86.1%), and 41 patients (12.9%) showed hematoma ≥2 cm in width. Analgesics were required for back pain in 67 patients (21.1%). Vasovagal response developed in 31 patients (9.8%). Macrohematuria occurred in 12 patients (3.8%). Urinary catheter was used in 161 patients (50.8%). For Hb decrease ≥10% after biopsy, multivariate analysis revealed perirenal hematoma (≥2 cm) as a significant factor. Other significant factors were prolonged international normalized ratio of prothrombin time, elevated blood pressure on hospital admission, older age, increased serum creatinine level, and steroid use. Perirenal hematoma ≥2 cm on ultrasonography immediately after biopsy might well represent a predictive factor for bleeding complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sporobolomyces singularis can be used as a biocatalyst in galacto-oligosaccharide production. We isolated 2-deoxy-D-glucose-resistant mutants of S. singularis ATCC 24193 and recovered a mutant that showed 10-fold higher β-galactosidase-like activity than the parent strain and which was insensitive to catabolite repression. Thereafter, the β-galactosidase-like enzyme was purified from the mutant and revealed to be a glycoprotein with both β-glucosidase- and β-galactosidase-like activity, the Michaelis–Menten constants of which for o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside and p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside were 5.40 and 1.96 mM, respectively, and the maximum velocities were 3.07 and 2.30μmol/min per mg of protein, respectively. Its molecular mass was estimated to be 73.9 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and 146 kDa by gel filtration, suggesting that it has a homodimeric structure. We sequenced the N-terminus and internal peptides of this protein and isolated both a cDNA and a gene with degenerate primers. The gene, named bglA, has 18 introns and 19 exons and encodes a polypeptide of 594 amino acids. The BglA protein was approximately 35% identical and 50% similar to plant β-glucosidases belonging to family 1 glycosyl hydrolases, but with a unique 110-amino-acid sequence at the N-terminus. The β-galactosidase-like enzyme (i.e., BglA protein) in S. singularis is a β-glucosidase with high transgalactosidase activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We studied the effects of nicotine onChlorella regularisY-21 grown under heterotrophic conditions. Nicotine repressed growth, doubled cell size, and changed the culture coloration from dark-green to orange. These effects are likely due to the change of the chloroplast into a red irregular vesicle. This morphological change was associated with alteration of the carotenoid composition. Lycopene accounted for more than 80% of total carotenoids in nicotine-treated cells. The red irregular vesicles had a high electron density; we supposed them to be immature chloroplasts accumulating lycopene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY 1. While the egg white lysozyme preparation ER0068 (Neuzym; Eisai, Tokyo, Japan) is widely used clinically, no studies have been performed on its pharmacokinetic properties at clinically relevant doses. In the present study, we used a highly sensitive two-site enzyme immunoassay in order to determine the pharmacokinetic properties of egg white lysozyme after oral administration of two doses within the clinical range, paying particular attention to the effects of food intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY 1. While the egg white lysozyme preparation ER0068 (Neuzym®; Eisai, Tokyo, Japan) is widely used clinically, no studies have been performed on its pharmacokinetic properties at clinically relevant doses. In the present study, we used a highly sensitive two-site enzyme immunoassay in order to determine the pharmacokinetic properties of egg white lysozyme after oral administration of two doses within the clinical range, paying particular attention to the effects of food intake. 2. A total of 22 healthy male subjects aged 20–45 years participated in the study. All subjects had been screened for egg white allergy and non-specific lysozyme inhibitors in their serum. Subjects who received 90 mg ER0068 after an overnight fast reached a maximum serum concentration of 1700 pg/mL within 1 h, compared with non-detectable levels in untreated controls. In a second experiment, subjects received 30 and 90 mg ER0068 after an overnight fast and 90 mg in the non-fasted state and exhibited maximum serum levels of 37, 360 and 49 pg/mL, respectively. Egg white lysozyme concentrations in serum returned to undetectable levels after a maximum of 48 h. 3. We conclude that clinically relevant concentrations of egg white lysozyme are absorbed in significant amounts, despite its high molecular weight. However, food intake considerably reduces the amount of enzyme absorbed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the actions of somatostatin in humans. Clinical protocol; Blood sampling; Hormone assay; Pulse detection; Statistics.

Background: Clinical practice guidelines recommend antihypertensive and tolvaptan therapies for patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in Japan. However, tolvaptan therapy may pose an economic burden. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare supports patients with intractable diseases. This study aimed to confirm the impact of the intractable disease system in Japan on the clinical treatment of ADPKD. Methods: We analyzed the data of 3768 patients with ADPKD having a medical subsidy certificate from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2015–2016. The following quality indicators were use: the adherence rate to the 2014 clinical practice guideline for polycystic kidney disease (prescription rates of antihypertensive agents and tolvaptan in this cohort) and the number of Japanese patients with ADPKD nationwide started on renal replacement therapy in 2014 and 2020. Results: Compared with new applications from 2015 to 2016, the prescription rates of antihypertensives and tolvaptan for the indicated patients at the 2017 renewal application increased by 2.0% (odds ratio = 1.41, p = 0.008) and 47.4% (odds ratio = 10.1, p > 0.001), respectively. These quality indicators improved with antihypertensive treatment, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease stages 1–2 (odds ratio = 1.79, p = 0.013) and in those aged < 50 years (odds ratio = 1.70, p = 0.003). The number of patients with ADPKD who were started on renal replacement therapy in Japan decreased from 999 in 2014 to 884 in 2020 in the nationwide database (odds ratio = 0.83, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The Japanese public intractable disease support system contributes to improvement of ADPKD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intradialytic hypertension (HTN), which is one of the poor prognostic markers in patients undergoing hemodialysis, may be associated with sympathetic overactivity. The L/N-type calcium channel blocker, cilnidipine, has been reported to suppress sympathetic nerves activity in vivo. Therefore, we hypothesized that cilnidipine could attenuate intradialytic systolic blood pressure (SBP) elevation. Methods: Fifty-one patients on chronic hemodialysis who had intradialytic-HTN (SBP elevation ≥10 mmHg during hemodialysis) and no fluid overload were prospectively randomized into two groups: control and cilnidipine groups. Cilnidipine group patients took cilnidipine (10 mg/day) for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in the intradialytic SBP elevation before and after the 12-week intervention. Results: Before the intervention, no differences were observed in age, sex or pre-dialytic SBP (148.5 ± 12.9 vs. 148.3 ± 19.3 mmHg) between the two groups. Intradialytic SBP elevation was unchanged in the control group. Cilnidipine significantly lowered the post-dialytic SBP with an attenuation of the intradialytic SBP elevation from 12.0 ± 15.4 mmHg to 4.8 ± 10.1 mmHg. However, the observed difference in the intradialytic SBP elevation by cilnidipine did not reach statistical significance (group×time interaction effect p = 0.25). Cathecolamine levels were unaffected by the intervention in both groups. Conclusion: Cilnidipine lowers both the pre- and post-dialytic SBP and might attenuate intradialytic SBP elevation. Therefore, cilnidipine may be effective in lowering SBP during HD in patients with intradialytic-HTN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by bilateral kidney cysts that ultimately lead to end-stage kidney disease. While the major causative genes of ADPKD are PKD1 and PKD2, other genes are also thought to be involved. Fifty ADPKD patients were analyzed by exome sequencing or multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), followed by long polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing. Variants in PKD1 or PKD2 or GANAB were detected in 35 patients (70%). Exome sequencing identified 24, 7, and 1 variants in PKD1, PKD2, and GANAB, respectively, in 30 patients. MLPA analyses identified large deletions in PKD1 in three patients and PKD2 in two patients. We searched 90 cyst-associated genes in 15 patients who were negative by exome sequencing and MLPA analyses, and identified 17 rare variants. Four of them were considered "likely pathogenic" or "pathogenic" variants according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. Of the 11 patients without a family history, four, two, and four variants were found in PKD1, PKD2, and other genes, respectively, while no causative gene was identified in one patient. While the pathogenicity of each variant in these genes should be carefully assessed, a comprehensive genetic analysis may be useful in cases of atypical ADPKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common hereditary cystic kidney disease, with patients often having a positive family history that is characterized by a similar phenotype. However, in atypical cases, particularly those in which family history is unclear, a differential diagnosis between ADPKD and other cystic kidney diseases is important. When diagnosing ADPKD, cystic kidney diseases that can easily be excluded using clinical information include: multiple simple renal cysts, acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD), multilocular renal cyst/multilocular cystic nephroma/polycystic nephroma, multicystic kidney/multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK), and unilateral renal cystic disease (URCD). However, there are other cystic kidney diseases that usually require genetic testing, or another means of supplementing clinical information to enable a differential diagnosis of ADPKD. These include autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD), nephronophthisis (NPH), oral-facial-digital (OFD) syndrome type 1, and neoplastic cystic kidney disease, such as tuberous sclerosis (TSC) and Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome. To help physicians evaluate cystic kidney diseases, this article provides a review of cystic kidney diseases for which a differential diagnosis is required for ADPKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prognosis of lupus nephritis (LN) has improved following the introduction of effective immunosuppressive therapy and progress in supportive care. This study examined recent renal and patient prognosis for adults with LN in Japan. Methods: We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study of LN patients who received a renal biopsy between 2007 and 2012 that were registered in the Japan Renal Biopsy Registry. Of 623 registered adults with LN from 25 institutions and their affiliated or community hospitals, 489 were eligible for this study. Results: The median age at renal biopsy was 39 years, and 82.2% of patients were female. Renal biopsies were performed in 348 patients with new-onset LN, 106 with relapse LN, and 35 with refractory LN. The distribution of ISN/RPS 2003 Classes was as follows: I 1.6%; II 5.3%; III (± V) 27.0%; IV (± V) 47.0%; V 18.4%; VI 0.6%. During the median observation period of 63.8 months, 36 patients (7.3%) reached a doubling of serum creatinine or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and 28 patients (5.7%) died. The 5 year renal and patient survival rates were 93.9% and 94.7%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed body mass index (BMI) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were independent risk factors for a doubling of serum creatinine in ESKD. Age and eGFR were independent risk factors for death. Conclusion: Recent prognosis for adults with LN are relatively good in Japan. Risk factors for impaired renal function are BMI and eGFR at renal biopsy, while age and eGFR are risk factors for death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Public support for patients with intractable diseases in Japan: impact on clinical indicators from nationwide registries in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease." The correction states that the third author, Tomonori Kimura, was inadvertently left out of the original publication. The corrected article includes the author's affiliation details. The publisher, Springer Nature, remains neutral regarding jurisdictional claims and institutional affiliations. The article is authored by multiple individuals and covers various aspects of the topic. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: Bifidobacterium species are one of the major components of the infant's intestine microbiota. Colonization with bifidobacteria in early infancy is suggested to be important for health in later life. However, information remains limited regarding the source of these microbes. Here, we investigated whether specific strains of bifidobacteria in the maternal intestinal flora are transmitted to their infant's intestine. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples were collected from healthy 17 mother and infant pairs (Vaginal delivery: 12; Cesarean section delivery: 5). Mother's feces were collected twice before delivery. Infant's feces were collected at 0 (meconium), 3, 7, 30, 90 days after birth. Bifidobacteria isolated from feces were genotyped by multilocus sequencing typing, and the transitions of bifidobacteria counts in infant's feces were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: Stains belonging to Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium catenulatum, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum, and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, were identified to be monophyletic between mother's and infant's intestine. Eleven out of 12 vaginal delivered infants carried at least one monophyletic strain. The bifidobacterial counts of the species to which the monophyletic strains belong, increased predominantly in the infant's intestine within 3 days after birth. Among infants delivered by C-section, monophyletic strains were not observed. Moreover, the bifidobacterial counts were significantly lower than the vaginal delivered infants until 7 days of age. Conclusions: Among infants born vaginally, several Bifidobacterium strains transmit from the mother and colonize the infant's intestine shortly after birth. Our data suggest that the mother's intestine is an important source for the vaginal delivered infant's intestinal microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gastrointestinal tracts of neonates are colonized by bacteria immediately after birth. It has been discussed that the intestinal microbiota of neonates includes strains transferred from the mothers. Although some studies have indicated possible bacterial transfer from the mother to the newborn, this is the first report confirming the transfer of bifidobacteria at the strain level. Here, we investigated the mother-to-infant transmission of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum by genotyping bacterial isolates from the feces of mothers before delivery and of their infants after delivery. Two hundred seven isolates from 8 pairs of mothers and infants were discriminated by multilocus sequencing typing (MLST) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis. By both methods, 11 strains of B. longum subsp. longum were found to be monophyletic for the feces of the mother and her infant. This finding confirms that these strains were transferred from the intestine of the mother to that of the infant. These strains were found in the first feces (meconium) of the infant and in the feces at days 3, 7, 30, and 90 after birth, indicating that they stably colonize the infant's intestine immediately after birth. The strains isolated from each family did not belong to clusters derived from any of the other families, suggesting that each mother-infant pair might have unique family-specific strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) in a healthy population. Healthy subjects with Bristol Stool Form Scale (BS) score <  3.0 were randomized to fermented milk treatment for 3 weeks or non-intervention control. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects that produced hard or lumpy stools (HLS) ≥≥  25% of bowel movements (H-HLS). Secondary endpoints included changes in BS score, constipation-related symptom scores and stool parameters. Efficacy was analyzed in 39 subjects. After 3 weeks of treatment the proportion of H-HLS subjects had significantly decreased from 73.7% to 36.8%, whereas in the control group the proportion had increased from 75.0% to 85.0% during the same period ( P  ==  0.002). The BS score was significantly improved after the treatment compared with the control ( P  <  0.001). In conclusion, daily consumption of fermented milk containing LcS reduced the incidence of HLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease ht Diagnostic criteria for ADPKD as an intractable disease A patient must fulfil either of the following criteria to be diagnosed with ADPKD: Red area of the CKD severity classification heat map. In 2020, the Research for Intractable Renal Diseases of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan established the Committee of Guideline for Polycystic Kidney Disease, which published (A Digest from Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for Polycystic Kidney Disease 2020) on the website (jin-shogai.jp/policy/index.html). However, the effect of valvular disease therapy on the prognosis of patients with ADPKD with valvular disease remains unknown. B Prediction of eGFR in patients with class 1 ADPKD Prevalence and prognosis The results of a 1994 epidemiological survey yielded an estimated 31,000 (diagnosed and undiagnosed) patients with ADPKD in Japan, with one in 4033 Japanese citizens estimated to have the disease. [Extracted from the article]

Glucose oxidase from Aspergillus niger was conjugated with rabbit immunoglobulin G or its monovalent fragments (Fab′). The enzyme was treated with N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of N-(4-carboxycyclohexylmethyl)-maleimide to introduce maleimide groups, which were then allowed to react with thiol groups of reduced IgG or Fab′. More than 40% of immunoglobulin G, Fab′ and enzyme used could be conjugated without self-coupling. The enzyme activity decreased about 26 and 15% upon conjugation with immunoglobulin G and Fab′, respectively, and the ability of antibody to bind to antigen was well preserved in conjugates. Conjugate preparations purified by gel filtration contained little free form of immunoglobulin G, Fab′ or enzyme. Both the cross-link and enzyme activity in Fab′ conjugate were stable at pH 6–7 at 4 °C for at least 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactobacillus crispatus YIT 12319 (LcY) was isolated from the oral cavity of a healthy subject as a new candidate probiotic with potential benefits for oral health. As a safety assessment of LcY, we performed an antibiotic susceptibility test and virulence-associated gene analysis using a draft genome sequence. Susceptibility to 15 antibiotics was analyzed according to the standard method of the International Dairy Federation/International Organization for Standardization, as recommended by the European Food Safety Authority. The results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentrations of LcY were not higher than those of other L. crispatus strains, which have not acquired resistance to any antibiotics, suggesting that LcY had no externally acquired transmissible antibiotic resistance genes. Analysis of virulence-associated genes using the draft genome of LcY found that there were fewer potential virulence-associated genes in LcY than in other probiotics. These findings suggest that LcY could be a candidate probiotic based on its safety profile. • L. crispatus YIT 12319 has not acquired strain-specific antibiotic resistance. • L. crispatus YIT 12319 was considered to be safe according to genome analysis. • L. crispatus YIT 12319 was considered to be safe based on EFSA guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Mo on the corrosion behavior of Ni20Cr–xMo alloys in an oxidizing chlorine‐containing atmosphere using air mixed with the salt‐vapor mixture of NaCl–KCl–CaCl2 at 570°C was investigated. The results revealed that the corrosion performance of the Ni20Cr alloys in the oxidizing chlorine atmosphere was improved by Mo addition of up to 3 wt%. The Mo‐free alloy formed a potassium chromate during corrosion as a result of the reaction between the Cr2O3 scale and KCl vapor. The chromate formation increased the chlorine potential at the scale surface and induced the breakdown of the protective Cr2O3 scale, resulting in internal chromium chloride precipitates and a Cr‐depleted zone. In contrast, the presence of Mo resulted in the formation of a NiO scale, which did not react with the salt vapors and, therefore, prevented the formation of chromates. The beneficial effect of Mo on the high‐temperature chlorination of Ni–Cr alloys in salt‐vapor‐containing atmospheres was ascribed to the suppression of chlorine generation due to NiO scale formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Practice patterns and bleeding complications of percutaneous native kidney biopsy (PNKB) have not recently been investigated and the Japanese Society of Nephrology performed a nationwide questionnaire survey in 2018. Methods: The survey consisted of nine sections about PNKB: (1) general indications; (2) indications for high-risk patients; (3) informed consent; (4) pre-biopsy evaluation; (5) procedures; (6) sedation; (7) post-biopsy hemostasis, bed rest, and examinations; (8) bleeding complications; and (9) specimen processing. A supplementary survey examined bleeding requiring transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). Results: Overall, 220 directors of facilities (nephrology facility [NF], 168; pediatric nephrology facility [PF], 52) completed the survey. Indications, procedures, and monitoring protocols varied across facilities. Median lengths of hospital stay were 5 days in NFs and 6 days in PFs. Gauge 14, 16, 18 needles were used in 5%, 56%, 33% in NFs and 0%, 63%, 64% in PFs. Mean limits of needle passes were 5 in NFs and 4 in PFs. The bed rest period was 16–24 h in 60% of NFs and 65% of PFs. Based on 17,342 PNKBs, incidence rates of macroscopic hematuria, erythrocyte transfusion, and TAE were 3.1% (NF, 2.8%; PF, 6.2%), 0.7% (NF, 0.8%; PF, 0%), and 0.2% (NF, 0.2%; PF, 0.06%), respectively. Forty-six percent of facilities processed specimens all for light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy, and 21% processed for light microscopy only. Timing of bleeding requiring TAE varied among PNKB cases. Conclusion: Wide variations in practice patterns of PNKB existed among facilities, while PNKBs were performed as safely as previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chest computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral pleural effusions and pericardial fluid and abdominal CT showed several simple cysts in both kidneys without atrophy. Although the details concerning the mechanism underlying the glomerular deposition of type VI collagen are unclear, the diagnosis in the present case was type VI collagen-related nephropathy. Glomerular diseases with organized deposits are classified as amyloidosis, diabetic fibrillosis, fibrillary glomerulopathy, immunotactoid glomerulopathy, fibronectin glomerulopathy, collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy, cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis and various advanced kidney diseases [[1]]. [Extracted from the article]

Background: The importance of the gut microbiota at the early stage of life and their longitudinal effect on host health have recently been well investigated. In particular, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum, a common component of infant gut microbiota, appears in the gut shortly after birth and can be detected there throughout an individual's lifespan. However, it remains unclear whether this species colonizes in the gut over the long term from early infancy. Here, we investigated the long-term colonization of B. longum subsp. longum by comparing the genotypes of isolates obtained at different time points from individual subjects. Strains were isolated over time from the feces of 12 subjects followed from early infancy (the first six months of life) up to childhood (approximately six years of age). We also considered whether the strains were transmitted from their mothers' perinatal samples (prenatal feces and postnatal breast milk). Results: Intra-species diversity of B. longum subsp. longum was observed in some subjects' fecal samples collected in early infancy and childhood, as well as in the prenatal fecal samples of their mothers. Among the highlighted strains, several were confirmed to colonize and persist in single individuals from as early as 90 days of age for more than six years; these were classified as long-term colonizers. One of the long-term colonizers was also detected from the corresponding mother's postnatal breast milk. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction data suggested that these long-term colonizers persisted in the subjects' gut despite the existence of the other predominant species of Bifidobacterium. Conclusions: Our results showed that several strains belonging to B. longum subsp. longum colonized in the human gut from early infancy through more than six years, confirming the existence of long-term colonizers from this period. Moreover, the results suggested that these strains persisted in the subjects' gut while co-existing with the other predominant bifidobacterial species. Our findings also suggested the importance of microbial-strain colonization in early infancy relative to their succession and showed the possibility that probiotics targeting infants might have longitudinal effects. Trial Registration: TRN: ISRCTN25216339. Date of registration: 11/03/2016. Prospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In vitro biocompatibility assessments that consider physiologically appropriate conditions of cell exposure to peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDFs) are still awaited. In this study, we found that fragmentation of Golgi apparatus occurred in a pH‐dependent manner within 30‐min exposure to five distinct commercially available PDFs, which showed no marked difference in their effects on cell viability in the conventional MTT assay. Fluorescence microscopy analysis of labeling antibody against cis‐Golgi protein GM130 indicated that the stacked cisternal structure was maintained in the perinuclear area of both M199 culture medium and a neutral‐pH PDF groups. However, this specific structure became partially disassembled over time even in a neutral‐pH PDF, and fragmentation was markedly enhanced in cells exposed to neutralized‐pH PDFs in correspondence with their intracellular pH; moreover, in acidic PDFs, Golgi staining was diffuse and scattered in the entire cytoplasm and showed partial aggregation. The Golgi fragmentation markedly observed with the neutralized PDFs could be reversed by replacing either the media with a neutral‐pH medium or a mixture of PDF and PD effluent (PDF) in a gradient manner mimicking clinical conditions. Furthermore, although weaker than pH effect, notable effects of other PDF‐related factors were also observed after 30‐min exposure to pH‐adjusted PDFs. Lastly, the results of studies conducted using MAPK/SAPK inhibitors indicated that the mechanism underlying the Golgi fragmentation described here differs from that associated with the fragmentation that occurs at the G2/M checkpoint in the cell cycle. We conclude that Golgi fragmentation is suitable for rapid biocompatibility assessment of PDF not only because of its strong pH dependence but also because the fragmentation is recognizably affected by PDF constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 25 patients with autoimmune diseases receiving tacrolimus were screened using a peripheral blood cluster of differentiation 4+ adenosine triphosphate (ATP) activity assay (IMK assay) between October 2013 and July 2014. The autoimmune diseases of patients were as follows: Rheumatoid arthritis (n=15), lupus nephritis (n=6), ulcerative colitis (n=2) and myasthenia gravis (n=2). Patients were divided into two groups based on CYP3A5 genotype [expression of *1 allele: Expressor (EX; n=6) and non-expressor (NEX; n=19)]. The tacrolimus concentration and concentration/dose ratio was significantly lower in the EX group compared with the NEX group (P=0.0108 and 0.0056, respectively). In addition, all enrolled patients that presented with adverse effects belonged to the NEX group. No significant associations were observed between IMK ATP levels and the concentration or dose of tacrolimus (P=0.1092 and 0.6999, respectively). However, the IMK ATP high-level group exhibited a significantly higher occurrence rate of insufficient effect when compared with the normal and low-level groups (P=0.0014). In conclusion, the clearance of tacrolimus in patients with autoimmune diseases was affected by the CYP3A5 genotype, as previously reported in organ transplant patients. The IMK ATP level may indicate the clinical response irrespective of tacrolimus concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-compartment system (NICOPELIQ; NICO, Terumo Co., Tokyo, Japan) has recently been developed to neutralize icodextrin peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF). In this study, a nonclinical evaluation of NICO was carried out to evaluate biocompatibility as well as water transport ability. Glucose degradation products (GDPs) in the icodextrin PDFs were analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The cell viability of human peritoneal mesothelial cells derived from peritoneal dialysis effluent (PDE-HPMCs) was evaluated as well as the amount of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released after exposure to different PDFs (NICO and EXTRANEAL [EX, Baxter Healthcare Corp., Chicago, IL, USA]) and neutralized pH glucose PDF MIDPELIQ 250 (M250, Terumo). The water transport ability of NICO, EX, and M250 was tested using dialysis tube membranes with various pore sizes: 1, 2, 6-8, and 12-16 kDa. Although cell viability decreased by 30% after 30 min exposure to NICO, it was maintained for 6 h while a significant decrease was observed after 6 h exposure to EX. However, following adjustment of the pH to the same pre-exposure pH value, there was no significant difference in cell viability within the same pH group despite a doubling of the difference in the total amount of GDPs (44.6 ± 8.6 µM in NICO and 91.9 ± 9.5 µM in EX, respectively). In contrast, a significant decrease in cell viability was observed when the pH decreased to less than pH 6. Levels of released LDH, a cytotoxic marker, were within 5% after a 6-h exposure of NICO to PDE-HPMCs. There was no significant difference in water transport ability represented as overall osmotic gradients between NICO and EX. In conclusion, neutralization of icodextrin PDF is beneficial for maintaining cell viability and minimizing LDH release while water transport ability is comparable to the conventional icodextrin PDF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colonization of the infant gut is believed to be critically important for a healthy growth as it influences gut maturation, metabolic, immune and brain development in early life. Understanding factors that influence this process is important, since an altered colonization has been associated with a higher risk of diseases later in life. Fecal samples were collected from 108 healthy neonates in the first half year of life. The composition and functionality of the microbiota was characterized by measuring 33 different bacterial taxa by qPCR/RT qPCR, and 8 bacterial metabolites. Information regarding gender, place and mode of birth, presence of siblings or pets; feeding pattern and antibiotic use was collected by using questionnaires. Regression analysis techniques were used to study associations between microbiota parameters and confounding factors over time. Bacterial DNA was detected in most meconium samples, suggesting bacterial exposure occurs in utero. After birth, colonization by species of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Bacteroides was influenced by mode of delivery, type of feeding and presence of siblings, with differences found at species level and over time. Interestingly, infant-type bifidobacterial species such as B. breve or B. longum subsp infantis were confirmed as early colonizers apparently independent of the factors studied here, while B. animalis subsp. lactis presence was found to be dependent solely on the type of feeding, indicating that it might not be a common infant gut inhabitant. One interesting and rather unexpected confounding factor was gender. This study contributes to our understanding of the composition of the microbiota in early life and the succession process and the evolution of the microbial community as a function of time and events occurring during the first 6 months of life. Our results provide new insights that could be taken into consideration when selecting nutritional supplementation strategies to support the developing infant gut microbiome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) has recently recommended the use of the term "protein-energy wasting" (PEW). PEW is a state of malnutrition with decreased body stores of protein and energy fuel in hemodialysis patients and is known as a risk factor for morbidity and mortality. We examined the prevalence of PEW and the characteristics of PEW patients in a hemodialysis center in Japan.Methods and Study Design: Fifty-nine outpatients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis at Iga City General Hospital were evaluated. We observed their biochemical data, body composition, dietary intake, and the number of steps prospectively. PEW was defined according to ISRNM criteria.Results: Nine patients (15% of total) were diagnosed as having PEW. Among indicators of PEW criteria, the relevance ratios of "reduced muscle mass" and "unintentional low dietary energy intake" were significantly higher in PEW than in non-PEW. The number of steps was lower, and serum levels of glucose and C-reactive protein were higher in PEW.Conclusion: About 15% of Japanese hemodialysis patients are estimated to have PEW. Our results suggested that major contributing factors to PEW were reduced muscle mass, unintentional low dietary energy intake, lower amount of exercise, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Intestinal Th17 cells are induced and accumulate in response to colonization with a subgroup of intestinal microbes such as segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) and certain extracellular pathogens. Here, we show that adhesion of microbes to intestinal epithelial cells (ECs) is a critical cue for Th17 induction. Upon monocolonization of germ-free mice or rats with SFB indigenous to mice (M-SFB) or rats (R-SFB), M-SFB and R-SFB showed host-specific adhesion to small intestinal ECs, accompanied by host-specific induction of Th17 cells. Citrobacter rodentium and Escherichia coli O157 triggered similar Th17 responses, whereas adhesion-defective mutants of these microbes failed to do so. Moreover, a mixture of 20 bacterial strains, which were selected and isolated from fecal samples of a patient with ulcerative colitis on the basis of their ability to cause a robust induction of Th17 cells in the mouse colon, also exhibited EC-adhesive characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The erosion-corrosion rate of the Mo-free alloy decreased over time because of a reduction in the erosion rate of the oxide scale associated with the transition of the scale from Ni-rich to Cr-rich. In contrast, the Mo-containing alloys displayed accelerated erosion-corrosion because of the repeated erosion of Ni-rich oxide layer and spallation of the oxide scale. The volatilization of Mo oxychloride resulted in the formation of an inner porous oxide layer which results in enhanced spallation of the oxide scale by the impact of sand particles. These volatilization and spallation processes were found to enhance the erosion-corrosion of Mo-containing alloys. • The erosion rate of Cr-rich oxide was lower than that of Ni-rich oxide. • The erosion-corrosion rate of the Mo-free alloys was decreased with exposure time due to the formation of Cr-rich oxide. • Mo addition accelerated the erosion-corrosion because of the erosion of Ni-rich oxide and spallation of oxide scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested a new fluidized-bed drying method using balls of mixed rice and soybean protein powders. The aim of the study was to determine whether the new technique increased the falling drying rate of the wet food product. The samples were injected with a small amount of ethanol, a low-boiling organic solvent, and the material was dried in a fluidized bed of inert particles under reduced pressure. The drying rate was higher for the samples injected with ethanol than for the noninjected samples. The dried ethanol-injected samples had large pores on their surfaces, while such pores were not observed for noninjected samples. We also investigated isopropanol and ethyl acetate as potential low boiling point organic solvents for sample preparation. Similar to ethanol, ethyl acetate increased the drying rate of the wet samples compared to that of their noninjected samples. In contrast, isopropanol injection had no significant effect on the drying rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clostridium difficile is the main cause of nosocomial diarrhea, but is also found in asymptomatic subjects that are potentially involved in transmission of C. difficile infection. A sensitive and accurate detection method of C. difficile, especially toxigenic strains is indispensable for the epidemiological investigation. Methods: TaqMan-based quantitative-PCR (qPCR) method for targeting 16S rRNA, tcdB, and tcdA genes of C. difficile was developed. The detection limit and accuracy of qPCR were evaluated by analyzing stool samples spiked with known amounts of C. difficile. A total of 235 stool specimens collected from 82 elderly nursing home residents were examined by qPCR, and the validity was evaluated by comparing the detection result with that by C. difficile selective culture (CDSC). Results: The analysis of C. difficile-spiked stools confirmed that qPCR quantified whole C. difficile (TcdA+TcdB+, TcdA−TcdB+, and TcdA−TcdB− types), TcdB-producing strains (TcdA+TcdB+ and TcdA−TcdB+ types), and TcdA-producing strains (TcdA+TcdB+ type), respectively, with a lower detection limit of 103 cells/g of stool. Of the 235 specimens examined, 12 specimens (5.1%) were C. difficile-positive by qPCR: TcdA+TcdB+ strain in six specimens and TcdA−TcdB− strain in the other six. CDSC detected C. difficile in 9 of the 12 specimens, and toxigenic types of the isolates from the 9 specimens were consistent with those identified by qPCR, supporting the validity of our qPCR method. Moreover, the qPCR examination revealed that the carriage rate of whole C. difficile and that of toxigenic strains in the 82 subjects over a 6-month period ranged from 2.4 to 6.8% and 1.2 to 3.8%, respectively. An average qPCR count of C. difficile detected was 104.5 cells/g of stool, suggesting that C. difficile constituted a very small fraction of intestinal microbiota. Conclusion: Our qPCR method should be an effective tool for both clinical diagnosis and epidemiological investigation of C. difficile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Abnormal myocardial loading can contribute to left ventricular (LV) mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The aims of this study were to characterize and quantify LV function and mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with ESRD, and to elucidate the impact of haemodialytic (HD) therapy on these parameters by speckle-tracking strain imaging.Methods. Twenty-three patients with ESRD (63 ± 11 years) before (pre-dialysis group) and after HD therapy (post-dialysis group) and 28 normal subjects (control group; 60 ± 10 years) were examined by echocardiography. Global and segmental LV peak systolic strain (PSS) were analysed, and LV mechanical dyssynchrony was assessed by calculating the standard deviation of the segmental time-to-PSS over longitudinal, circumferential or radial regions, respectively.Results. Global PSS and LV ejection fraction in the pre-dialysis group were similar to those in the control group, and were not altered by HD therapy. LV mechanical dyssynchronies in the longitudinal and radial directions, but not in the circumferential direction, were significantly greater in the pre-dialysis group than those in the control group [longitudinal direction: 63 ± 15 (P < 0.05 vs. the control group) vs. 49 ± 15 ms, circumferential direction: 44 ± 24 vs. 41 ± 23 ms, and radial direction: 47 ± 29 (P < 0.05 vs. the control group) vs. 16 ± 18 ms]. HD therapy dramatically improved only the radial LV dyssynchrony in the post-dialysis group (23 ± 24 ms, P < 0.05 vs. the pre-dialysis group).Conclusions. The presence of ESRD was associated with longitudinal and radial LV dyssynchronies. In addition, HD therapy dramatically improved radial LV dyssynchrony, which strongly indicates that only radial LV dyssynchrony is preload dependent among the three LV systolic directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 69-year-old woman presented with unusual electron microscopic findings. The patient was admitted to ascertain the cause of her persistent proteinuria, and kidney biopsy was performed. While light microscopic findings and immunofluorescence study suggested membranous nephropathy, electron microscopic study showed microspheric particles aggregated in the subepithelial space where electron-dense deposits should have existed. While the microspheric particles could have been unusual and rough deposits, detailed study suggested that the particles could be parts of glomerular podocytes, for example foot processes. This unusual finding was considered as being in a unique clinical course of membranous nephropathy, but a variant of glomerulopathy associated with podocytic infolding, proposed by Joh et al. (J Nephrol 49:61–67, ), could not be excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrected text is given below: According to the questionnaire survey results that were performed for the publication of this book, among 15,657 kidney biopsy cases that were performed in Japan, gross hematuria after kidney biopsy was found in 431 patients (2.8%), bladder wash was in 56 cases (0.4%), red blood cell transfusion was in 121 cases (0.8%), renal arterial embolization was in 31 cases (0.2%), and death occurred in one case (0.006%). Correction to: Clinical and Experimental Nephrology (2021) 25:325-364 https://doi.org/10.1007... In the original publication of the article, the author found errors in the values under the title "Chapter 7: Complications". [Extracted from the article]

In the original publication, some errors have been found in the alignment of Table 9. The corrected table is given below [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly sensitive sandwich immunoassay of macromolecular antigens using the rabbit antibody Fab'-β-D-galactosidase complex and the rabbit antibody immunoglobulin-G-coupled glass rod as a solid phase is described. The Fab' fragments of rabbit antibody IgG are conjugated with β-D-galactosidase from Escherichia coli using N.N'-o-phenylenedimaleimide. Rabbit antibody IgG is coupled to the aminoalkylsilyl glass rods (3 mm in diameter and 5 mm in length) using glutaraldehyde. A wide range of the concentrations of rabbit IgG fraction (20-2000 μg/ml) is effective for coupling, and the amount of rabbit immunoglobulin G coupled can be controlled. The smallest amounts of ornithine δ-aminotransferase from rat liver, human immunoglobulin G and 2,4-dinitrophenyl human immunoglobulin G that can be determined are 0.03, 0.3 and 0.04 fmol, respectively. The sensitivity of the assay for these antigens is affected mainly by the non-specific binding of the complexes to the solid phase and the ability of antigen molecules. adsorbed on the solid phase, to bind specifically the complexes The assay with the rabbit antibody immunoglobulin-G-coupled glass rods is simpler and more sensitive than that with the rabbit antibody immunoglobulin-G-coupled Sepharose 4B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG) was reduced by incubating with 10 mM 2-mercaptoethylamine and then treated with excess amounts of N,N′-o-phenylenedimaleimide. As a result, maleimide residues were introduced into rabbit IgG molecules. Rabbit IgG containing maleimide residues could be coupled to β-D-galactosidase from Escherichia coli which has sulfhydryl groups in the molecule. The resulting rabbit IgG (antibody)— enzyme complex may be useful for immunoassay of antigens. As an example, human IgG was assayed by the sandwich method using the rabbit anti- (human IgG) IgG—β-D-galactosidase complex and amounts of human IgG as small as 3 fmoles were measurable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]