[High-level production of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) by feb-batch culture of Alcaligenes eutrophus]

Fermentation strategies for production P (3HB-co-3HV) from glucose and propionic (or valeric) acid by Alcaligenes eutrophus were studied. During the culture, we controlled pH of the broth by feeding precusors of 3HV- propionic or valeric acid after Ammonia feeding stopped. When propionic acid were used as the precusor, for 50 hours, we obtained a cell dry weight, a P(3HB-co-3HV) concentration, a P(3HB-co-3HV) content and a 3HV fraction of 149.9 g/L, 124.9 g/L, 83.3% and 12.4 mol%, respectively, with a PHA productivity of 2.50 g h-1 L-1. When valeric acid were used as the precusor, for 45 hours, we obtained a cell dry weight, a P(3HB-co-3HV) concentration, a P(3HB-co-3HV) content and a 3HV fraction of 160.2 g/L, 119.0 g/L, 74.2% and 17.7 mol%, respectively, with a PHA productivity of 2.64 g h-1 L-1. Prior to this study, it hasn't been reported to obtain such high level productivity and 3HV fraction at the same time by Alcaligenes eutrophus.

Primary sacral tumors and their surgical treatment. A report of 87 cases

From 1958 through 1988, 87 patients with primary sacral tumor were treated surgically. The lesions consisted of benign tumors (17 patients) such as neurofibroma, chordomas (41), giant cell tumors (21), and malignant growths (8). Fifty-nine patients sustained destruction of S1-3 vertebrae, and 28 had the neogrowth below S3. A total of 99 operations including 13 total and 17 subtotal excision of the sacrum, as well as 12 for recurrent tumors in 99 cases were performed. Ten operations for primary tumors resulted in 3 intraoperative and 7 postoperative deaths. Thus, 89 surgical attempts were stood by the patients. Sixty-seven patients were followed up with an average interval of 5.5 years. Sixty patients showed good functional results and resumed normal life and work, whereas urinary incontinence, constipation and weakness of ankles and feet occurred in 7. The factors conducive to surgical success were stressed. We conclude that with the exception of frank malignancy, surgery should be advised and actively adopted for primary sacral tumors.