Cloning of full-length cDNA of teleost corticotropin-releasing hormone precursor by improved inverse PCR

We designed a new inverse PCR protocol combined with switching mechanism at 5′ end of RNA transcript (SMART) technology, and applied it to the cloning of teleost corticotropin-releasing hormone precursor cDNA. Due to the advantages of both techniques, this method can efficiently amplify the complete 5′- and 3′-ends of cDNA in a single reaction, and might prove to be an alternative to the conventional rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) approaches

Transapical aortic perfusion using a deep hypothermic procedure to prevent dissecting lung injury during re-do thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm surgery

Abstract Background Avoiding various complications is a challenge during re-do thoracoabdominal aneurysm surgery. Case presentation A 56-year-old man had undergone surgery for type I aortic dissection four times. The residual thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm that had severe adhesions to lung parenchyma was resected. Since the proximal anastomotic site was buried in lung parenchyma, deep hypothermia was essential to avoid lung dissection and to protect the spinal cord during the proximal anastomosis. The deep hypothermia was induced with bilateral infusion of cardiopulmonary bypass by femoral artery cannulation for the lower body and by transapical cannulation for the upper body because of easy access. There was no hemorrhagic tendency after deep hypothermic bypass. The patient was discharged uneventfully. Conclusions For upper body perfusion, transapical aortic cannulation was a simple and effective procedure during left thoracotomy

Long-term Treatment of Teicoplanin for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Sternal Osteomyelitis with Renal Impairment : A Case of High Teicoplanin Trough Levels Maintained by Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Teicoplanin, a glycopeptide antibiotic for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is recommended for therapeutic drug monitoring during treatment. Maintaining a high trough range of teicoplanin is also recommended for severe infectious disease. However, the optimal dose and interval of treatment for severe renal impairment is unknown. We report a 79-year-old man who received long-term teicoplanin treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia due to postoperative sternal osteomyelitis with renal impairment. Plasma teicoplanin trough levels were maintained at a high range (20-30 μg/mL). Although the patient required long-term teicoplanin treatment, a further decline in renal function was not observed, and blood culture remained negative after the start of treatment. Teicoplanin treatment that is maintained at a high trough level by therapeutic drug monitoring might be beneficial for severe methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection accompanied by renal impairment