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We previously identified novel biomarker candidates in biliary tract cancer (BTC) using serum proteome analysis. Among several candidates, we focused on thrombin light chain which is a 4204Da peptide as the most promising biomarker for BTC. To move thrombin light chain toward potential diagnostic use, we developed an enzyme immunoassay that enables to measure serum thrombin light chain levels.

Strain K‐20, a Gram‐negative, non‐motile, non‐spore‐forming and strictly aerobic rod, which produces a pale pink pigment, was isolated from biofilm in a cooling tower in Tokyo, Japan. The taxonomic feature of the strain was studied using phenotypic tests and phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain was related to Roseomonas gilardiisubsp. rosea, Roseomonas gilardiisubsp. gilardii, Roseomonas cervicalisand Roseomonas mucosaat 94.3–94.6 sequence similarities. Growth occurred at 25–40 C and pH 5.0–10.0, optimal at 35 C and pH 7.0. Growth did not occur in the presence of ≧2% NaCl. The API 20NE identification system gave a positive result for urease, L‐arabinose, potassium gluconate, adipic acid, malic acid and trisodium citrate (API code number 0201465). The predominant fatty acids of strain K‐20 were C18:1Δ11(50.8%) and C16:1(17.2%). Cells contained ubiquinone 10 (Q‐10) as the major quinone and the G+C content was 72.0 mol%. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, it was assumed that strain K‐20 (=JCM 14634) is a novel species of the genus Roseomonas.

Abstract: The neutralization efficacy of bovine colostral antibody against verotoxin (VT) 1 and 2 was investigated. Cows were immunized with VT1 or VT2 fourteen times at 7-day intervals. A colostral antibody exhibiting high titers was obtained from immunized cows. Survival rates were evaluated in mice administered VT1 or VT2, and those infected with Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 producing VT1 or VT2. Survival rates after VT1 administration were 100% in the single-administration group, 90% in the repeat-administration group, and 78.6% in the control group. Survival rates after VT2 were 75.0% in the single-administration group, and 100% in the repeat-administration group. All mice in the control group died. Colostral antibody and fosfomycin (FOM) in the colostral antibody group and FOM and skim milk in the control group were administered three times per day for 5 days to mice infected with E. coli O157:H7 producing VT1 or VT2. Survival rates after inoculation with E. coli O157:H7 producing VT1 were 80.0% in the colostral antibody group, and 63.6% in the control group. Survival rates after inoculation with E. coli O157:H7 producing VT2 were 83.3% in the colostral antibody group, and 20.0% in the control group. The survival rate in mice without treatment following inoculation with E. coli O157:H7 producing VT2 was 88.2%.The survival rates in mice infected with E. coli O157:H7 strains producing VT1 or VT2 improved after administration of this colostral antibody, which exhibited neutralization efficacy against VT.

The neutralization efficacy of bovine colostral antibody against verotoxin (VT) 1 and 2 was investigated. Cows were immunized with VT1 or VT2 fourteen times at 7-day intervals. A colostral antibody exhibiting high titers was obtained from immunized cows. Survival rates were evaluated in mice administered VT1 or VT2, and those infected with Escherichia coli(E. coli) O157:H7 producing VT1 or VT2. Survival rates after VT1 administration were 100% in the single-administration group, 90% in the repeat-administration group, and 78.6% in the control group. Survival rates after VT2 were 75.0% in the single-administration group, and 100% in the repeat-administration group. All mice in the control group died. Colostral antibody and fosfomycin (FOM) in the colostral antibody group and FOM and skim milk in the control group were administered three times per day for 5 days to mice infected with E. coliO157:H7 producing VT1 or VT2. Survival rates after inoculation with E. coliO157:H7 producing VT1 were 80.0% in the colostral antibody group, and 63.6% in the control group. Survival rates after inoculation with E. coliO157:H7 producing VT2 were 83.3% in the colostral antibody group, and 20.0% in the control group. The survival rate in mice without treatment following inoculation with E. coliO157:H7 producing VT2 was 88.2%.The survival rates in mice infected with E. coliO157:H7 strains producing VT1 or VT2 improved after administration of this colostral antibody, which exhibited neutralization efficacy against VT.

Contamination of tap water by Methylobacteriumspecies has become a serious concern in hospitals. This study was planned to examine the distribution of Methylobacteriumspecies inhabiting tap water used in Japanese hospitals and antibiotic sensitivity of the isolates in 2004. Species identification of 58 isolates was performed based on the homology of a partial sequence of 16S rDNA. The dominant Methylobacteriumspecies in hospital water were M. aquaticumand M. fujisawaense. To examine the biochemical properties of these isolates, a carbon source utilization was tested using an API50CH kit. The phenotypic character varied widely, and was not necessarily consistent with the results of phylogenic analysis based on the partial 16S rDNA sequence, suggesting that the biochemical properties are not suitable for identification of Methylobacteriumspecies. The isolates were also subjected to antibiotic sensitivity tests. They were resistant to 8 antibiotics, but highly sensitive to imipenem (MIC90=1 μg/ml) and tetracycline (MIC90=8 μg/ml). These findings concerning the isolates revealed the presence of Methylobacteriumspecies with resistance to multiple antibiotics in hospital tap water.