Abstract: A method for producing an objective substance such as phytosphingosine (PHS) and phytoceramide (PHC) using yeast is provided. The objective substance is produced by cultivating yeast having an ability to produce the objective substance and modified so that the expression and/or activity of a protein(s) encoded by NEM1 and/or SPO7 gene(s) is reduced in a culture medium.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for preventing, or reducing the effects of, an infection by coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, that bind human ACE2. The compositions are fusion proteins with mutated forms of the extracellular domain of the ACE2 receptor which can bind viral particles of these coronaviruses. When sprayed or inhaled into an individual’s nasal passages or airway, the inventive fusion proteins bind particles of such coronaviruses, keeping them from reaching and infecting the individual’s cells. When administered parenterally, the fusion proteins can enter the fluid lining the inside of the lung, binding particles of such coronaviruses and keeping them from binding to and infecting cells.

Abstract: A method for producing an L-amino acid such as L-lysine is provided. An L-amino acid is produced by culturing a bacterium having an L-amino acid-producing ability, which has been modified so that the activity of a carotenoid biosynthesis enzyme is increased, in a medium, and collecting the L-amino acid from the medium.

Abstract: A method for producing an L-amino acid such as L-lysine is provided. An L-amino acid is produced by culturing a bacterium having an L-amino acid-producing ability, which has been modified so that the activity of a carotenoid biosynthesis enzyme is increased, in a medium, and collecting the L-amino acid from the medium.

Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor includes: a connector to which an endoscope is connected; a fluid supplying section that supplies fluid to the connector; an electromagnet arranged at the connector and including a magnetic material and a coil wound around the magnetic material; a current supplying section; a magnetic force switching portion configured to switch a strength of a magnetic force to at least one of a first strength and a second strength weaker than the first strength; and a control section configured to switch the strength of the magnetic force by controlling the magnetic force switching portion while driving the fluid supplying section.

Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor includes: a connector to which an endoscope is connected; a fluid supplying section that supplies fluid to the connector; an electromagnet arranged at the connector and including a magnetic material and a coil wound around the magnetic material; a current supplying section; a magnetic force switching portion configured to switch a strength of a magnetic force to at least one of a first strength and a second strength weaker than the first strength; and a control section configured to switch the strength of the magnetic force by controlling the magnetic force switching portion while driving the fluid supplying section.

Abstract: A medical instrument system includes an elongated member having an inner space in a direction of a longitudinal axis, an insertion section installed at the inner space and having a bending section capable of being bent, a manipulation section configured to manipulate the bending section, a first manipulation member transmitting a driving force of the bending section in accordance with the manipulation by the manipulation section, a second manipulation member arranged in the direction of a longitudinal axis, a connecting section having a first connecting section and a second connecting section and capable of connecting the first manipulation member and the second manipulation member, and a switching mechanism having a first acting section and a second acting section and switching between a connection state and a release state in accordance with a relative movement between the elongated member and the insertion section.

Abstract: A medical instrument system includes an elongated member having an inner space in a direction of a longitudinal axis, an insertion section installed at the inner space and having a bending section capable of being bent, a manipulation section configured to manipulate the bending section, a first manipulation member transmitting a driving force of the bending section in accordance with the manipulation by the manipulation section, a second manipulation member arranged in the direction of a longitudinal axis, a connecting section having a first connecting section and a second connecting section and capable of connecting the first manipulation member and the second manipulation member, and a switching mechanism having a first acting section and a second acting section and switching between a connection state and a release state in accordance with a relative movement between the elongated member and the insertion section.

Abstract: A medical instrument system includes an elongated member having an inner space in a direction of a longitudinal axis, an insertion section installed at the inner space and having a bending section capable of being bent, a manipulation section configured to manipulate the bending section, a first manipulation member transmitting a driving force of the bending section in accordance with the manipulation by the manipulation section, a second manipulation member arranged in the direction of a longitudinal axis, a connecting section having a first connecting section and a second connecting section and capable of connecting the first manipulation member and the second manipulation member, and a switching mechanism having a first acting section and a second acting section and switching between a connection state and a release state in accordance with a relative movement between the elongated member and the insertion section.

Abstract: Endoscopic biopsy forceps as one of endoscopic treatment tools of the present invention include a flexible insertion section. The proximal end portion of the insertion section is received in an operating section. A closely wound coil is exposed to the proximal end portion of the insertion section, and the proximal end portion of the coil is enlarged in diameter to form an enlarged-diameter portion. A protrusion is formed in an operation section body, and the enlarged-diameter portion of the coil is locked by the protrusion to restrict the movement of the coil, thereby preventing slipping off of the insertion section.