Kinki Region Of Japan Research Articles

Between anti-gambling and masculinity: mahjong playing among Japanese gay men

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to explore the construction of gender norms in gambling through qualitative research and, specifically in relation to the behavior, spatial arrangements, and relationships with objects among gay men. Based on data collected in the Kinki region of Japan from 2021 to 2023, this paper examines gambling from the perspective of gay individuals who hold an anti-gambling stance. The paper considers gambling as a performative act that constructs masculinity and uses actor-network theory to investigate how actors in the context of mahjong parlors construct masculinity. Through this approach, the paper examines this as a dynamic and constructive process in gambling. It meticulously describes the diverse ways in which research participants perceive the relationship between gambling and masculinity, shedding light on the private spaces that are often marginalized from the public norms of gambling. Unlike existing psychological and psychopathological studies on gambling, this paper focuses on the actual practice of gambling through long-term participant observation from an anthropological perspective, fostering a more dynamic and constructive discussion.

Causal Relationships between Stream NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> Concentrations at Baseflow Conditions and Key Regulating Factors in the Kinki Region of Japan, Including the Japan-sea Side Area and Encompassing a Climatic Gradient

Causal Relationships between Stream NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> Concentrations at Baseflow Conditions and Key Regulating Factors in the Kinki Region of Japan, Including the Japan-sea Side Area and Encompassing a Climatic Gradient

Evaluation of the VITEK2 AST-XN17 card for the detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in isolates primarily producing metallo \u03b2-lactamase

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are not always resistant to carbapenem antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and can be difficult to detect. With the newly created VITEK2 AST-XN17 card, the types of antibiotics measured in AST can be increased. In this study, we evaluated the detectability of CPE using the results of AST with multiple antimicrobial agents with additional measurements of the AST-XN17 card. In addition, we evaluated the CPE detectability of comments on CPE using the VITEK2 Advance Expert System (AES). In total, 169 Enterobacterales samples, including 76 non-CPE and 93 CPE, collected from multiple medical institutions in the Kinki region of Japan, were used in this investigation. AST with VITEK2 was performed by adding the AST-XN17 card in addition to the AST-N268 or AST-N404 card. Measurement results were identified using cutoff values, primarily Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute breakpoints, and the CPE detection capability of each antibiotic was evaluated in several terms, including sensitivity and specificity. The drugs highly sensitive to CPE detection were faropenem (FRPM) > 2 µg/mL at 100% and meropenem > 0.25 µg/mL at 98.9%; the highest specificity to CPE detection was for avibactam/ceftazidime (AVI/CAZ) > 8 µg/mL at 100%. The sensitivity and specificity of each card in the AES output were 86.2% and 94.7% for AST-N404 and AST-XN17 and 91.5% and 90.8% for AST-N268 and AST-XN17, respectively. AST using the VITEK2 AST-XN17 card is a useful test method of screening for CPE.

일본 근대화산업유산의 가치와 활용에 대한 사례 연구 - 긴키지방의 산업유산박물관을 중심으로 -

This article examines the cases of industrial heritage museums in the Kinki region of Japan and examines how to establish the nature and role of museums utilizing industrial heritage in Korea. Just as the value of the artifacts held in a museum is considered the most important, the most important value in an industrial heritage museum lies in the industrial technology itself. To this end, an industrial archaeological approach must be accompanied by a systematic study of material evidences related to past industrial technologies. Although a building itself is an architecturally important industrial heritage, an exhibition technique that explains the most important historical values of industrial technologies, places and historical context should be used. It should move in a direction that can be exhibited along with policies, people, and social effects. Also, an exhibition that can reproduce the production and production process should be prepared so that the production process can be understood. Industrial heritage is a heritage of industrial culture with historical, technological, social, architectural or scientific value, and since it is a space used for industrial􋹲related social activities that has created memories and identities of new communities, it is closely related to modern public history. Therefore, industrial heritage museums can create a regional identity based on collective memories by constantly collecting data on local people's memories of places who share their experiences with others and categorized them into exhibitions. The core value that industrial heritage museums should aim for is to evaluate and interpret the industrial and technological historical value of industrial heritage. Furthermore, this value should be replaced with public history in the common memory of each local citizen. However, it is no exaggeration to say that the actual completion of these core tasks depends on the participation and cooperation of the local community. In particular, governance through the participation of local residents, support from local governments and cooperation with various groups of experts is the most important aspect of the management, conservation, and research strategy of industrial heritage.

A Food Consumption-Based Diet Quality Score and Its Correlation With Nutrient Intake Adequacy Among Japanese Children.

Objective: Diet quality indices reflect overall dietary patterns better than single nutrients or food groups. Focusing on the needs of children, this study developed a measure of adherence to the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top (JFGST), which was developed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan, and determined the correlation between index scores and nutrient intake.Research Methods and Procedures: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 48 children between six and nine years of age from a coastal town in the Kinki region of Japan. Data were collected between August 2012 and March 2013, including the 12-day diet records (three days over four seasons) of each participant. For children, adherence to the JFGST entails the consumption of five core food groups, including grain, fish and meat, vegetables, milk, and fruits (total possible score of 50). Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated to identify any correlations between JFGST scores and nutrient intake.Results: The mean participant JFGST score was 25 ± 10. Higher JFGST scores were correlated with higher intake of monounsaturated fatty acids, n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, vitamin A, vitamin D, riboflavin, pantothenate, and vitamin C. JFGST scores were also positively correlated with nutrient adequacy for calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin C.Conclusion: The index employed in this study may adequately express diet quality among Japanese children.

Comparison of the performance of three carbapenem inactivation methods for the detection of carbapenemase-producing gram-negative bacilli

IntroductionThe carbapenem inactivation method test (CIM) was developed as a method for detecting carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacilli, and the modified CIM (mCIM) was recommended by the CLSI for as an improved method in M100-S27. However, few studies have evaluated the influence of bacterial species and genotype on its sensitivity and specificity. In this study, we evaluate the performance of these improved modified CIM methods with mCIM. MethodsAs strains, clinical isolates from Naga Municipal Hospital and stored strains from the Study of Bacterial Resistance in the Kinki Region of Japan were used. The mCIM, CIM-Tris, and simple CIM (sCIM) test methods were applied to 120 Enterobacterales, 40 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 37 Acinetobacter spp. The procedure and criteria for each method were based on the original papers and the CLSI M − 100 S27 documents. ResultsThe sensitivity of the test methods in the detection of carbapenemase in Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas spp., and Acinetobacter spp. was as follows: mCIM, 98.9%, 90.0%, and 76.5%, respectively; CIM-Tris, 94.4%, 100%, 100%; and sCIM 98.9%, 85.0%, 76.5%. All methods showed 100% specificity in Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas spp., and Acinetobacter spp. Each method performed well in the detection of metallo β-lactamase-producing strains, however, the sensitivity tended to be low in the detection of the organisms producing serine-type carbapenemase, such as GES, OXA-23, and OXA-51. ConclusionsCare must be taken when selecting test methods because the sensitivity of the detection differs depending on the bacterial species and genotype.

Factors related to complex care needs of older adults in community-based integrated care centers in Japan: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to identify the factors related to complex care needs of older adults in community-based integrated care centers. We sent 936 self-reported questionnaires to community-based integrated care center directors in the Kinki region of Japan. These questionnaires included questions not only about the directors' demographic data, but also regarding the sociodemographic, psychosocial, and family-related dimensions of the older adults in the community centers. The directors divided their cases into two categories: "Complex cases" and "Straightforward cases." We compared the intergroup differences and examined the factors related to complex care needs in older adults. A total of 232 directors responded. Complex cases were significantly associated with younger age, poor health conditions, and having a family member who needs care, as compared to straightforward cases where these associations were not present. Logistic regression showed that in older adults, factors of refusing support or social services, social isolation, and trouble with neighbors were associated with their complexities. Additionally, family members with a high likelihood of refusing social services, older adults without a key family member, and difficulties in forming their consensus regarding care were associated with older adults' complexities. Older adults with complex care needs could have the risk of self-neglect, and their families faced difficulties in supporting them as family members. Healthcare professions should carefully assess these factors and develop needs-oriented services for them without their family support as an upstream intervention.

Evaluation of five Legionella urinary antigen detection kits including new Ribotest Legionella for simultaneous detection of ribosomal protein L7/L12

Urinary antigen tests are a widely used rapid diagnostic method for Legionella pneumonia. However, conventional urinary antigen tests are unable to detect anything other than Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. The Ribotest Legionella (Ribotest) can detect all serogroups by using antibodies recognizing L. pneumophila ribosomal protein L7/L12 in addition to the conventional L. pneumophila serogroup 1 lipopolysaccharide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of Ribotest against conventional urinary antigen tests, including the detection of Legionellaceae other than L. pneumophila. We investigated the detection sensitivity of various kits using in-vitro culture-soluble antigen extracts of ATCC strains and 22 clinical isolates collected from multiple medical facilities in the Kinki region of Japan. For L. pneumophila serogroup 1, four kits, including Ribotest, had a detection sensitivity of 105 CFU/mL, with only Check Legionella having a sensitivity of 106 CFU/mL. L. pneumophila non-serogroup 1 and Legionellaceae of other species were undetectable by the four conventional kits, whereas Ribotest could detect them with a sensitivity of 105–108 CFU/mL. The Ribotest was also able to detect other species such as Legionella hackeliae, Legionella feeleii, Legionella anisa, Fluoribacter bozemanae, and Fluoribacter dumoffii, but the detection sensitivity of L. hackeliae and L. feeleii was 108 CFU/mL, which was much lower than that of the other strains. The Ribotest has high potential to be applied as a rapid diagnostic method for pneumonia caused by other species of Legionella and Fluoribacter.

Reliability and validation of the Positive Aspects of Caregiving scale among Japanese caregivers of people with dementia

ObjectivesThis study aimed to validate the Positive Aspects of Caregiving(PAC) scale’s psychometric properties among Japanese informal caregivers of people with dementia. MethodsA cross-sectional research design was used. Data were collected from the Kinki region of Japan during January 2019 and July 2019. Translation and back-translation were performed to acquire the optimal translation of the PAC scale. In total, 194 participants responded to questionnaires that included the Japanese version of the PAC scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Reliability was evaluated by examining the internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Exploratory factor analysis with maximum likelihood estimation and oblique rotation was performed to assess the PAC scale structure. Concurrent validity was determined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. ResultsThe final version of the Japanese version of the PAC scale contained nine items. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors (Living an enriched life and Self-usefulness). The Cronbach’s ⍺ coefficient of the total scale was 0.895, the subscales Cronbach’s ⍺ coefficient were 0.896 and 0 .823. The intraclass correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability was 0.721, indicating acceptable reliability. PAC was significantly correlated to GDS (r = −0.548, P < 0.01). ConclusionsThis study found that the Japanese version of the PAC scale was a suitable scale to measure PAC among Japanese caregivers of people with dementia. However, the construct differed from the original model. This scale could help health-care professionals understand the degree of caregivers’ recognition about dementia care and support those with a low degree of positive aspects of caregiving.

Translation and Psychometric Analysis of the Japanese Version of the Perceived Maternal Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale

ObjectiveTo translate the Perceived Maternal Parenting Self-Efficacy (PMP S-E) scale to Japanese and test its psychometric properties among Japanese mothers of low-birth-weight (LBW) infants. DesignDescriptive psychometric study. SettingNICUs in two regional perinatal care centers in the Kinki region of Japan. ParticipantsSeventy-nine Japanese mothers of LBW infants hospitalized in NICUs. MethodsFirst, we translated the PMP S-E scale into Japanese and assessed its face and content validity. Second, we assessed the internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and criterion-related and construct validity of the Japanese version of the PMP S-E (JPMP S-E) with data from Japanese mothers of LBW infants. ResultsThe JPMP S-E mean score was 53.0 (SD = 7.1); the total scores ranged from 38 to 68. The intraclass correlation coefficient of test–retest reliability was .75, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was .90. With regard to criterion-related validity, we found a significant positive correlation between the JPMP S-E and the Maternal Attachment Inventory Japanese version (r = .45, p < .001), but no correlation existed between the JPMP S-E and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (r = .21, p = .06). We evaluated construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis to assess whether the model fit the previously determined structure of the PMP S-E. The model fit was moderate in the confirmatory factor analysis (comparative fit index = .63, goodness-of-fit index = .63, root mean square error of approximation = .15). ConclusionWe found adequate estimates of reliability and moderate indicators of validity for the JPMP S-E, which support the use of the tool for clinical and research purposes.

Comparison of the Xpert Carba-R and NG-Test CARBA5 for the detection of carbapenemases in an IMP-type carbapenemase endemic region in Japan

IntroductionThe real-time PCR assay Xpert Carba-R and the lateral flow immunoassay NG-Test CARBA5 were developed to detect 5 types of carbapenemase genes (blaIMP, blaKPC, blaVIM, blaOXA-48, and blaNDM). MethodsWe compared the diagnostic performance, turn-around time, and cost of these assays. Carbapenemase genes were defined using the Carba NP test, modified Carbapenem Inactivation Methods (mCIM), multiplex PCR, and whole-genome sequencing. We included clinical Enterobacterales isolates (n = 36) and nonfermenting gram-negative bacilli isolates (n = 17) collected from 16 acute-care hospitals in the Kinki region of Japan. ResultsTwenty-six of these 53 isolates were positive according to both of the Carba NP test and mCIM and, contained the following carbapenemase genes: blaIMP-1 (n = 3), blaIMP-6 (n = 1), blaIMP-19 (n = 12), blaIMP-26 (n = 1), blaIMP-41 (n = 2), blaIMP-66 (n = 2), blaNDM-1 (n = 3), and blaVIM-2 (n = 2). All of the remaining 27 isolates were negative according to the Carba NP test, mCIM, and multiplex PCR. The specificities of both assays were 100%. The sensitivity of the Xpert Carba-R assay was as low as 53.8% and that of the NG-Test CARBA5 was 92.3% because the former failed to detect all isolates with blaIMP-19 (n = 12) and the latter failed to detect isolates with blaIMP-66 (n = 2). Both assays can easily be performed in less than 5 min. ConclusionsThe NG-Test CARBA5 assay was superior with regard to assay time and cost per sample. We propose the use of the NG-Test CARBA5 assay in clinical laboratories where IMP-type carbapenemases are endemic.

Epidemiological and molecular characterization of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated following introduction of 7-valent conjugate vaccine in Kinki region, Japan, 2008–2013

Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the most common bacteria causing community-acquired pneumonia and meningitis. The use of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) has reduced the incidence of pneumococcal disease while changing pneumococcal population through herd immunity and non-vaccine pneumococci replacement. This study investigated molecular epidemiologic characteristics of pneumococcal strains in the Kinki region of Japan from 2008 to 2013. A total of 159 invasive pneumococcal isolates were characterized by serotyping, antibiotic susceptibility testing, PCR analysis of penicillin-binding protein genes, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). In adult populations, pediatric PCV7 introduction decreased isolates expressing PCV7 serotypes via herd immunity and increased isolates expressing non-PCV7 serotypes. The rate of penicillin resistance and isolates with alterations in all three pbp genes was higher in PCV7 type isolates than in non-PCV7 type isolates. In MLST analysis, all of serotype 19F isolates were of the same sequence type, ST236, which is the antimicrobial-resistant clone Taiwan19F-14, and the majority of serotypes 23F and 19A isolates were of ST1437 and ST3111 respectively, which are the predominant clones of antimicrobial-resistant pneumococci in Japan. In PFGE profiles, serotype 6B-ST2224, serotype 19F-ST236, serotype 19A-ST3111, and serotype 23F-ST1437 formed six separate clusters composed of genetically identical strains, and genetically identical serotype 22F-ST433 formed two different clusters between the pre- and post-PCV7 period. The results of molecular analysis suggest the spread and persistence of these identical antimicrobial resistant clones in the Kinki region and genetic changes of epidemic clone serotype 22F-ST433 before and after pediatric PCV7 introduction.

Impact of soil chemical properties on rice yield in 116 paddy fields sampled from a large-scale farm in Kinki Region, Japan

Japan is in urgent need to reduce the production costs through increasing rice yield, which depends highly on soil fertility. This study aimed to investigate determinants of rice yield, from the perspectives of fertilizer nitrogen and soil chemical properties. The data were sampled in 2014 and 2015, from 116 paddy fields, on a large-scale farm located in the Kinki Region of Japan. The rice included Koshihikari and other seven varieties, cultivated in conventional, special and organic regimes. The nine soil chemical properties included pH, cation exchange capacity, ammonium nitrogen, effective phosphoric and silicic acid, saturation of base elements, exchangeable potassium, lime and magnesia. Multiple regression analysis indicated that positive effects were identified for silicic acid, exchangeable potassium, and ammonium nitrogen; while phosphoric acid affects the yield negatively, controlling the rice variety, cultivation regime, and field area. Finally, countermeasures were put forward to improve soil fertility and rice yield.

Laboratory surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and multidrug resistance among Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated in the Kinki region of Japan, 2001-2015.

The 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) was introduced among children in Japan in 2010. There are no long-term multicenter surveillance studies of antimicrobial resistance in S.pneumoniae before and after the introduction of PCV7. Therefore, we examined chronological trends in antimicrobial resistance among 4534 strains of S.pneumoniae isolated from both children and adults in the Kinki region of Japan during 2001-2015. High-level penicillin and third-generation cephalosporin resistance in S.pneumoniae increased among both children and adults during the period before the introduction of PCV7 (2001-2010). Besides penicillin and cephalosporin, pneumococcal carbapenem and macrolide resistance increased among children. The rate of resistance to these antibiotics was higher among children than among adults. The introduction of PCV7 decreased the rate of non-susceptibility to β-lactam antibiotics and the rate of multidrug resistant S.pneumoniae among children, but not among adults.

Importance of farmland in urbanized areas as a landscape component for barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) nesting on concrete buildings.

Urbanization is one of the key factors in the population declines of many species. Conversely, some species may favor urbanized areas. The barn swallow Hirundo rustica is well known to breed in urban areas of Japan, and uses both urban and farmland areas as habitat during the breeding season. Specifically, this species often nests on concrete buildings and feeds in surrounding farmland. Therefore, it was hypothesized that H. rustica is not strongly influenced by heavy urbanization and benefits from farmland areas, even if they are not near its nests. In this study, I evaluated the landscape components around H. rustica nests situated on concrete buildings, focusing on both urbanized and farmland areas. In particular, I explored the occurrence of H. rustica nests at train stations in the Kinki region of Japan. Assisted by 124 citizen scientists, I analyzed the landscape components around the train stations at multiple spatial scales. Results showed that the occurrence of H. rustica nests was negatively influenced by both urbanized land area and road density, whereas nest occurrence was positively influenced by farmland area and river density. These results suggest that H. rustica does not prefer urbanized areas overall, but can rather utilize urbanized areas primarily as nesting spots. Therefore, H. rustica cannot breed in heavily urbanized areas without feeding sites such as farmland or riparian areas.

Evaluation of light dependence of monoterpene emission and its effect on surface ozone concentration

This study evaluated the effect of light intensity on monoterpene emission from the three dominant coniferous tree species in Japan (Cryptomeria japonica, Chamaecyparis obtusa and Pinus densiflora). Monoterpene emission experiments were conducted by using a growth chamber where temperature and light intensity can be controlled. In the experiments, air temperature was set at 30 °C and light intensity was set at 0, 500, 700, 850, 1200, and 1400 μmol m−2s−1. Because monoterpene emissions from the three tree species similarly increased with increasing light intensity, a new empirical equation considering light dependence was proposed to estimate monoterpene emission. In addition, monoterpene emission in the Kinki region of Japan was estimated with and without light dependence using meteorological field produced by the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) in summer 2010. The monoterpene emissions estimated with light dependence were larger than those without light dependence in the daytime under clear sky conditions and consistently smaller in the nighttime. In order to evaluate the effect of light dependence of monoterpene emission on ozone concentration in the Kinki region, two cases of air quality simulations by the Community Multiscale Air Quality model (CMAQ) were conducted using the monoterpene emission data estimated with and without light dependence. Comparisons of the two cases showed that the monoterpene emission changes due to light dependence slightly but systematically affected ozone concentrations. Monoterpene generally played a role of reducing ozone concentration in the CMAQ simulations. Consequently, because of the light dependence, the mean daily maximum ozone concentrations decreased by 0.3 ppb on average with a maximum of 2.2 ppb, and the mean daily minimum values increased by 0.4 ppb on average with a maximum of 1.8 ppb in the Kinki region in summer 2010.

Performance comparison of CMAQ and CAMx for one-year PM&lt;SUB align="right"&gt;2.5 simulation in Japan

This study evaluated one-year performance of the community multiscale air quality (CMAQ) model v5.0.1 and the comprehensive air quality model with extensions (CAMx) v6.00. One-year air quality simulations were conducted with common input meteorology, emission and boundary concentration data in the Kinki region of Japan. CAMx-simulated ground-level concentrations were generally higher by 10%-20% than CMAQ-simulated values. Despite the systematical difference, the overall one-year performances of the two models for simulating ground-level concentrations were similar to each other according to comparisons with observed data. The two models approximately reproduced mass concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), but shared common difficulties in simulating PM2.5 components. The models substantially underestimated organic aerosol, which was compensated by overestimate of dust transported from the Asian continent. In addition, the systematical difference between the CMAQ- and CAMx-simulated ground-level PM2.5 concentrations was mainly attributed to the treatment of the vertical diffusivity and the below-cloud scavenging.

A Microsimulation Tool for Airport Selection using Public Data on the Web

In this paper, we develop a microsimulation tool for airport selection using public data on the Web. We assess a train fare strategy by developing a microsimulation tool for air travelers’ airport selections in the Kinki region of Japan. We discuss four prefectures in the Kinki region including Osaka, Hyogo, Nara and Kyoto. The Kinki region has three airports for domestic travelers: Osaka Airport, Kansai Airport and Kobe Airport. Since Osaka Airport and Kobe Airport are located near the urban areas of Osaka and Hyogo, respectively. It is important for Kansai Airport to service more air travelers. In order to share the traffic of air travelers in this region, cooperation among these three airports is highly important. We assess a train fare strategy to attract more travelers by reducing the access fares to Kansai airport using a microsimulation tool. In developing this simulation tool, we use public data accessible on the Web as well as statistics open to the public. By examining the simulation results obtained by our simulation tool, we can recommend a discounted train fare for travelers so that Kansai Airport will be able to service more air travelers.

Detection of chromosomal blaCTX-M-15 in Escherichia coli O25b-B2-ST131 isolates from the Kinki region of Japan

Escherichia coli O25b-B2-ST131 isolates harbouring blaCTX-M-15 are distributed worldwide. The blaCTX-M-15 transposition unit has often been found on plasmids and the genetic contexts have been examined; however, less is known about the frequency and contexts of the blaCTX-M-15 transposition unit on the chromosome. This study was performed to determine the chromosomal location of the blaCTX-M-15 transposition unit and to analyse the molecular structure of the region surrounding the blaCTX-M-15 transposition unit in E. coli O25b-B2-ST131 isolates. Twenty-two E. coli O25b-B2-ST131 strains harbouring blaCTX-M-15 that had been isolated from university hospital patients and nursing home residents in the Kinki region of Japan were examined. Inverse PCR (iPCR) targeting blaCTX-M-15 was performed to classify the molecular structure of the region surrounding the blaCTX-M-15 transposition unit. The isolates were classified into nine types (types A–I) considering the iPCR results; type A was the most prevalent type (13/22 isolates). Sequences of the iPCR-amplified DNA fragments showed that the blaCTX-M-15 transposition unit consisted of ISEcp1, blaCTX-M-15 and orf477Δ. A homology search of the obtained sequences showed that the blaCTX-M-15 transposition unit was inserted into different chromosomal regions in eight of the nine classified types. Although 21 of the 22 E. coli isolates possessed chromosomally located blaCTX-M-15 transposition units, clonal spread was not evident on pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis. Taken together, these data indicate that certain E. coli O25b-B2-ST131 strains harbouring chromosomal blaCTX-M-15 have emerged and spread in the Kinki region of Japan.

Annual sulfur deposition through fog, wet and dry deposition in the Kinki Region of Japan

This study estimated annual sulfur (SO2 þ SO4� ) deposition through fog, wet and dry deposition in the Kinki Region of Japan from April 2004 to March 2005. The numerical models used in this study include the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF), the Community Multiscale Air Quality model (CMAQ), and a fog deposition model. WRF well predicted mountain fog at Mt. Rokko, the meteorology near the ground surface in the Kinki Region and the upper air meteorology in Japan during the simulation period. CMAQ well predicted the long-range atmospheric transport of aerosol SO4 2� from the Asian Continent to Japan. The mean SO4� concentration in fog water was approximately 6 times higher than that in precipitation in the Kinki Region. Ratios of fog water deposition to precipitation reached up to more than 10% in some mountainous areas in the Kinki Region. Consequently, the amount of sulfur deposition through fog water deposition was larger than that through dry deposition and comparable to that through wet deposition in some mountainous areas in the Kinki Region.