Predictive Factors for the Necessity of Hospitalization of Patients With Acute Alcohol Intoxication.

Background: The aim of the study was to identify factors related to the need for hospitalization due to acute alcohol intoxication.

Methods: The data of 42 patients with acute alcohol intoxication who visited our hospital from April 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015 were available for analysis. Factors related to outcome included hospitalization or release to home, Glasgow coma scale (GCS), temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation of the peripheral artery (SpO), and respiratory rate.

A case of transient global amnesia with hippocampal infarction due to infective endocarditis.

Transient global amnesia (TGA) is an uncommon disease characterized by sudden onset anterograde amnesia that typically improves within 24 hours. A 35-year-old woman presented with complete disruption of memory that had started on the previous day. She had fever and heart murmur and was diagnosed as having infective endocarditis with Staphylococcus lugdunensis, a coagulase-negative staphylococcus.

Synthesis of 5a,5a'-dicarba-d-glucobioses from conformationally restricted carbaglucosyl triflates using S2-type inversion with carbaglucosyl nucleophiles.

Novel carbohydrate mimics were designed which contain two 5a-carba-d-glucose residues, one each at reducing and nonreducing end, and thus these mimics are 5a,5a'-dicarba-d-glucobioses. Dicarbadisaccharides have attractive features such as stability against endogenous degradative enzymes and being resistant to glycation reactions such as the Maillard reaction. For the synthesis of dicarba-β-d-isomaltose derivatives, the carbaglucosyl triflate locked in C conformation was synthesized by protecting with butane-2,3-diacetal group or benzylidene group.

Maoto, a Traditional Japanese Herbal Medicine, Inhibits Uncoating of Influenza Virus.

We previously reported in randomized controlled trials that maoto, a traditional herbal medicine, showed clinical and virological efficacy for seasonal influenza. In this study, a culturing system for influenza was used to test the effect of maoto. A549 cells in the culture were infected with influenza virus A (PR8) and followed after treatment with maoto; the virus titers in the culture supernatant, intracellular viral proteins, and viral RNA were determined.

Structural Characteristics and Antioxidant Activities of Fucoidans from Five Brown Seaweeds.

Five kinds of fucoidans from the brown seaweeds , , (), , and , were isolated according to a previously reported procedure with slight modification. The scavenging activities of DPPH radical, superoxide radical, and hydroxyl radical, as well as the ORAC value were measured for the isolated fucoidans. Fucoidans from , , and showed higher antioxidant activity than that from and , except for the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity.

Effect of the chelation of metal cation on the antioxidant activity of chondroitin sulfates.

The antioxidant potencies of chondroitin sulfates (CSs) from shark cartilage, salmon cartilage, bovine trachea, and porcine intestinal mucosa were compared by three representative methods for the measurement of the antioxidant activity; DPPH radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. CSs from salmon cartilage and bovine trachea showed higher potency in comparison with CSs from shark cartilage and porcine intestinal mucosa. Next, CS from salmon cartilage chelating with Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Mn(2+), or Zn(2+) were prepared, and their antioxidant potencies were compared.

Preferential binding of E. coli with type 1 fimbria to D-mannobiose with the Manα1 → 2Man structure.

Manα1 → 2Man, Manα1 → 3Man, Manα1 → 4Man, and Manα1 → 6Man were converted to the glycosylamine derivatives. Then, they were mixed with monobenzyl succinic acid to obtain their amide derivatives. After removing the benzyl group by hydrogenation, the succinylamide derivatives were coupled with the hydrazino groups on BlotGlyco™ beads in the presence of water-soluble carbodiimide.

A randomized, controlled trial comparing traditional herbal medicine and neuraminidase inhibitors in the treatment of seasonal influenza.

The herbal medicine, maoto, has been traditionally prescribed to patients with influenza in Japan. To better understand the efficacy of maoto for the treatment of influenza, a randomized trial was conducted for comparison with oseltamivir or zanamivir. Adult patients with influenza symptoms, including fever, positive for quick diagnostic kit for influenza within 48 h of fever onset were assessed for enrollment.

A novel two-step synthesis of α-linked mannobioses based on an acid-assisted reverse hydrolysis reaction.

Instead of an enzyme-assisted reverse hydrolysis reaction for the synthesis of manno-oligosaccharides, we propose here a versatile new approach. By Fischer type glycosylation, a D-mannose solution of extremely high concentration (approximately 83% (w/w)) was incubated at 60°C for 65 h in 0.5 M HCl.

A recombinant α-(2→3)-sialyltransferase with an extremely broad acceptor substrate specificity from Photobacterium sp. JT-ISH-224 can transfer N-acetylneuraminic acid to inositols.

We confirmed that a recombinant α-(2→3)-sialyltransferase cloned from Photobacterium sp. JT-ISH-224 recognizes inositols having a structure corresponding to the C-3 and C-4 of a galactopyranoside moiety, such as epi-, 1d-chiro, myo-, and muco-inositol, as acceptor substrates, and that the enzyme can transfer N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) from cytidine 5'-monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid (CMP-Neu5Ac) to them. After purifying the reaction products, the structures were confirmed by use of NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

Enzymatic synthesis of lacto-N-difucohexaose I which binds to Helicobacter pylori.

Helicobacter pylori is known to bind with sugar chains possessing Lewis b structure. We are trying to combine oligosaccharides containing Lewis b sugar chain to water insoluble polysaccharide through some linker. Lacto-N-difucohexaose I (LNDFH I; Fucalpha1-->2Galbeta1-->3[Fucalpha1-->4]GlcNAcbeta1-->3Galbeta1-->4Glc) fits for that purpose, since it consists of Lewis b tetrasaccharide and lactose whose d-glucose residue can be utilized as a linker.

Enzymatic synthesis of unique sialyloligosaccharides using marine bacterial alpha-(2-->3)- and alpha-(2-->6)-sialyltransferases.

We investigated the acceptor substrate specificities of marine bacterial alpha-(2-->3)-sialyltransferase cloned from Photobacterium sp. JT-ISH-224 and alpha-(2-->6)-sialyltransferase cloned from Photobacterium damselae JT0160 using several saccharides as acceptor substrates. After purifying the enzymatic reaction products, we confirmed their structure by NMR spectroscopy.

Evaluation and comparison of the antioxidative potency of various carbohydrates using different methods.

A detailed analysis of the antioxidative activity of 12 carbohydrates including chondroitin sulfate, fucoidan, agaro-oligosaccharide, 2-deoxy-scyllo-inosose (DOI), Galbeta1-4DOI, D-glucuronic acid, chitobiose, D-mannosamine, D-galactosamine, D-glucosamine, heparin, and colominic acid was performed using four established methods: 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity assay, and the deoxyribose method. Ascorbic acid and/or catechin were used as positive standards. In the DPPH radical scavenging activity measurements, fucoidan, DOI, and Galbeta1-4DOI showed remarkable levels of activity, although at lower levels than ascorbic acid.

Regioselectivity in beta-galactosidase-catalyzed transglycosylation for the enzymatic assembly of D-galactosyl-D-mannose.

The regioselectivity of beta-galactosidase derived from Bacillus circulans ATCC 31382 (beta-1,3-galactosidase) in transgalactosylation reactions using D-mannose as an acceptor was investigated. This D-mannose associated regioselectivity was found to be different from reactions using either GlcNAc or GalNAc as acceptors, not only for beta-1,3-galactosidase but also for beta-galactosidases of different origins. The relative hydrolysis rate of Gal beta-pNP and D-galactosyl-D-mannoses, of various linkages, was also measured in the presence of beta-1,3-galactosidase and was found to correlate well with the ratio of disaccharides formed by transglycosylation.

Cloning and overexpression of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase encoding gene nagA from Aspergillus oryzae and enzyme-catalyzed synthesis of human milk oligosaccharide.

We isolated a beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase encoding gene from the filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae, and designated it nagA. The nagA gene encoded a polypeptide of 600 amino acids with significant similarity to glucosaminidases and hexosaminidases of various eukaryotes. A.

Cloning and characterization of the nagA gene that encodes beta-n-acetylglucosaminidase from Aspergillus nidulans and its expression in Aspergillus oryzae.

We isolated a beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase encoding gene and its cDNA from the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans, and designated it nagA. The nagA gene contained no intron and encoded a polypeptide of 603 amino acids with a putative 19-amino acid signal sequence. The deduced amino acid sequence was very similar to the sequence of Candida albicans Hex1 and Trichoderma harzianum Nag1.

Linkage of sugar chains to a fragment peptide of FGF-5S by a chemoenzymatic strategy and changes in the rate of proteolytic hydrolysis.

Various O-linked and N-linked sugar chains were linked enzymatically to a fragment peptide (Leu-Ser-Gln(or Asn)-Val-His-Arg) of FGF-5S. First, galactose was linked with beta-(1-->3)-linkage to GalNAc-linked peptide by a transglycosylation using beta-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans (recombinant). Then sialic acid was linked with the aid of sialyltransferase from rat liver (recombinant) to give NeuAcalpha-(2-->3)-Galbeta-(1-->3)-GalNAc-linked hexapeptide.

Efficient synthesis of O-linked glycopeptide by a transglycosylation using endo alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase from Streptomyces sp.

Gal beta-(1-->3)-GalNAc-linked hexapeptide was synthesized by a transglycosylation using Gal beta-(1-->3)-GalNAc beta-pNP as a donor and a serine-containing hexapeptide as an acceptor using endo GalNAc-ase from Streptomyces sp.. The Gal beta-(1-->3)-GalNAc residue was transferred to the hydroxyl group of the serine residue of the peptide.

Enzymatic synthesis of fucose-containing disaccharides employing the partially purified alpha-L-fucosidase from Penicillium multicolor.

The alpha-L-Fucp-(1 --> 3)-D-GlcpNAc disaccharide structure is a vital core unit of the oligosaccharide components of glycoconjugates isolated from human milk and blood group substances. Alpha-L-Fucosidase from Penicillium multicolor catalyses the transfer of L-fucose from donor structures such as alpha-L-FucpOpNP and alpha-L-FucpF to various GlcpNAc derivatives and Glcp, forming alpha-(1 --> 3) linkages. The synthesis of several biologically relevant disaccharides including alpha-L-Fucp-(1 --> 3)-alpha-D-GlcpNAcOMe, alpha-L-Fucp-(1 --> 3)-alpha-D-GlcpNAcOAll, alpha-L-Fucp-(1 --> 3)-beta-D-GlcpNAcOAll, alpha-L-Fucp-(1 --> 3)-D-GlcpNAc and alpha-L-Fucp-(1 --> 3)-D-Glcp has been achieved in up to 34% yields by application of this enzyme.

Efficient synthesis of a sialyl T-antigen-linked glycopeptide by the chemoenzymatic method.

A sialyl T-antigen-linked tetrapeptide was prepared by the combined method of chemical synthesis and enzymatic synthesis. The GalNAc-linked peptide was first obtained by using a commercial peptide synthesizer, and then a galactose residue was attached with beta-(1-->3)-linkage by transglycosylating with a recombinant beta-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans. The sialic acid residue was then combined by alpha-(2-->3)-linkage with sialytransferase from rat liver.

Regioselective synthesis of p-nitrophenyl glycosides of beta-D-galactopyranosyl-disaccharides by transglycosylation with beta-D-galactosidases.

The beta-D-galactosidase from porcine liver induced regiospecific transglycosylation of beta-D-galactose from beta-D-Gal-OC6H4NO2-o to OH-6 of, respectively, p-nitrophenyl glycoside acceptors of Gal, GlcNAc and GalNAc to afford beta-Gal-(1-->6)-alpha-Gal-OC6H4NO2-p, beta-Gal-(1--> 6)-beta-Gal-OC6H4NO2-p, beta-Gal-(1-->6)-alpha-GalNAc-OC6H4NO2-p, beta-Gal-(1-->6)-beta-GalNAc-OC6H4NO2-p, beta-Gal-(1-->6)-alpha-GlcNAc-OC6H4NO2-p, and beta-Gal-(1-->6)-beta-GlcNAc-OC6H4NO2-p. The enzyme showed much higher transglycosylation activity for the alpha-glycoside acceptors than the corresponding beta-glycoside acceptors. The regioselectivity of the beta-D-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans ATCC 31382 greatly depended on the nature of the acceptor.

An alpha-L-fucosidase from Penicillium multicolor as a candidate enzyme for the synthesis of alpha (1-->3)-linked fucosyl oligosaccharides by transglycosylation.

A new alpha-L-fucosidase was partially purified from the culture broth of Penicillium multicolor, which was available commercially as a freeze dried powder by the name of Lactase-P. This enzyme catalysed the transglycosylation of fucose residue of p-nitrophenyl-alpha-L-fucopyranoside to give alpha-L-Fuc-(1-->3)-D-Glc or alpha-L-Fuc-(1-->3)-D-GlcNAc regioselectively. This enzyme was more stable in the organic co-solvents than the alpha-fucosidase from Aspergillus niger, which was also proposed previously by us as an enzyme to produce fucosyl oligosaccharides.

Chemoenzymatic synthesis of the branched oligosaccharides which correspond to the core structures of N-linked sugar chains.

Synthetic routes are described to a partial structure common to all high mannose-type sugar chains and complex-type sugar chains based on a chemoenzymatic strategy which incorporates, (a) enzymatic synthesis of oligosaccharide blocks using glycosidases, and (b) chemical synthesis of the branching oligosaccharides via regioselective coupling. All reaction products correspond to key intermediates necessary for the construction of N-linked oligosaccharides and we have synthesized the branched tetra-manno-oligosaccharide high mannose-type sugar chain and the branched hexa-oligosaccharide complex-type sugar chain using this simple and direct method.

Purification and properties of recombinant beta-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans.

A gene encoding beta-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans which had hydrolysis specificity for the beta1-3 linkage was expressed in Escherichia coli. The beta-galactosidase was purified from crude cell lysates of E. coli by column chromatographies on Resource Q and Sephacryl S-200 HR.

Roseocardin, a novel cardiotonic cyclodepsipeptide from Trichothecium roseum TT103.

A new cyclodepsipeptide, designated roseocardin, was isolated from the culture broth of Trichothecium roseum TT103. Roseotoxin B and destruxins A and B were also isolated during the same procedure. The structure of roseocardin was determined by EI-MS, NMR and X-ray crystallographic analysis.