This study aimed to identify the species and assess the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of β-hemolytic streptococci isolated from companion animals in Japan. Strains were isolated from clinical specimens of 131 companion animals that exhibited symptoms in April-May 2017. We identified strains by 16S rRNA sequencing and assessed their antimicrobial susceptibility using the broth microdilution method. AMR genes erm(A)-erm(B)-mef(A) and tet(M)-tet(O)-tet(K)-tet(L)-tet(S) in all isolates were amplified by PCR. 16S rRNA sequencing identified β-hemolytic streptococcal species as Streptococcus canis (n = 117, 89.3%), S. agalactiae (n = 7), S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (n = 5), S. dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae (n = 1), and S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus (n = 1). Overall AMR rates were 39.7% for minocycline, 19.8% for erythromycin, and 17.6% for clindamycin, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC 90) of > 4, > 2, and > 1 μg/mL, respectively. AMR genotyping showed the presence of single or mixed types: erm(B)-mef(A) and tet(M)-tet(O)-tet(L)-tet(S). There was a significant relationship between tetracycline-resistance genotypes and open pus/skin-derived specimens. These observations identify some unique features of β-hemolytic streptococcal isolates from companion animals in Japan, such as the dominant isolation of S. canis and resistance to tetracycline, macrolide, and lincosamide antibiotics, in terms of species identification and AMR properties.

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Lithium-ion secondary cells are widely used for the space applications, today. Among these applications, REIMEI, which was launched in 2005, was one of the first satellites using lithium-ion battery. The off-the-shelf type cells designed using spinel manganese oxide for the positive and the graphitized carbon for the negative electrode were used. The cell case was made of aluminum laminated film and the structure was reinforced by the aluminum case filled with epoxy resin. Today, ten years has passed, and the battery experienced 55,000 cycles for charge and discharge. The current distribution between two batteries almost coincided together even after the long term operation, which revealed the stable performance of the lithium-ion secondary cells under the microgravity in space.

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