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Biomedical subjects

K Isono

Publications and source records attributed to K Isono.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Molecular characterization of a tandem repeat, Afa family, and its distribution among Triticeae.

We have characterized a so-called D genome specific repetitive DNA sequence (pAs1) of Aegilops squarrosa L. (2n = 14, genome DD) with respect to its DNA sequence and its distribution among Triticeae species. The clone consisted of three units of a repetitive DNA sequence of 336 or 337 base pairs, and was AT rich (65.2%). DNA analyses revealed the presence of the pAs1-like sequences in other genomes of Triticeae species, although the repetition was greatly (as much as 100-fold) variable among the genomes. The repetitive sequences from 10 diploid species were amplified using PCR with specific primers, and the sequential variability was analyzed by the digestion pattern obtained with five restriction enzymes. Since the AfaI site was the most conservatively present in the unit of the repetitive sequences, we named them "Afa family." The analysis clearly displayed the variation of the repetitive sequences regardless of the uniformity of the size of the amplified product. These results indicated that plural amplification events of these repetitive sequences happened independently in the genome evolution of Triticeae.

Base Sequence↗

Role of recruited neutrophils in interleukin-8 production in dog trachea after stimulation with Pseudomonas in vivo.

Cell-free supernatant of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) recruits neutrophils into the airways indirectly by inducing the production of chemotactic factors, including interleukin-8 (IL-8). PA products stimulate IL-8 expression selectively in surface airway epithelium, gland ducts, serous cells, and recruited neutrophils. To examine the relative contribution of neutrophils in IL-8 release in the airway lumen, we studied the effect of inhibition of neutrophil recruitment on IL-8 concentration in tracheal fluid after introduction of PA supernatant into the dog trachea in vivo. Tracheal superfusion with PA supernatant caused neutrophil recruitment and increased the IL-8 concentration in the tracheal lumen; NPC 15669 inhibited both effects. To study whether migration of neutrophils into the airway lumen per se induces their expression of IL-8, we compared effects of local introduction of IL-8 and of PA supernatant into the trachea on IL-8 expression in neutrophils recruited into the trachea. PA supernatant, but not exogenous IL-8 alone, induced IL-8 mRNA expression in neutrophils recruited into the trachea. To determine what product(s) of PA stimulate IL-8 expression in neutrophils, we examined neutrophils isolated from peripheral blood. PA supernatant induced IL-8 production in neutrophils, an effect reproduced by PA lipopolysaccharide and inhibited by polymyxin B. These results suggest that neutrophils recruited into the airway lumen play a major role in local IL-8 production in airways in response to bacteria such as PA, depending on the presence of stimuli such as lipopolysaccharide.

Animals↗

Possible predictive markers of immunotherapy in esophageal cancer: retrospective analysis of a randomized study. The Cooperative Study Group for Esophageal Cancer in Japan.

The aim of this report is to evaluate retrospectively the data from a prospective randomized study of 158 esophageal cancer patients who actually completed therapy with protein-bound polysaccharide P (PSK) and the 5-year survivals with and without raised alpha 1-antichymotrypsin and sialic acid levels to determine the value of these parameters in predicting effectiveness of immunotherapy. There was a significant difference in survival between the patients with and without PSK therapy. The survival of the radiochemotherapy plus PSK group treated for > 3 months was significantly better than that of the radiochemotherapy group. Among the patients with abnormal levels of alpha 1-antichymotrypsin and sialic acid, those who received PSK may have a significantly better survival than those without PSK. These results indicate that the preoperative serum levels of alpha 1-antichymotrypsin and sialic acid may possibly predict the effectiveness of immunotherapy using PSK.

Adult↗

RS-22A, B and C: new macrolide antibiotics from Streptomyces violaceusniger. I. Taxonomy, fermentation, isolation and biological activities.

Three novel 36-membered macrolide antibiotics, RS-22A, B and C produced by Streptomyces violaceusniger have been isolated. These antibiotics were purified from an acetone extract of the mycelia followed by butanol extraction, centrifugal partition chromatography and HPLC. RS-22A, B, C showed antimicrobial activity against fungi and Gram-positive bacteria.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Immunotherapy for esophageal cancer. A randomized trial in combination with radiotherapy and radiochemotherapy. Cooperative Study Group for Esophageal Cancer in Japan.

We investigated the effect of multimodal therapy in 187 patients with esophageal cancer. All patients were followed up over a period of 5 years. Among the 187 patients, 174 (93.1%) eligible patients with biopsy-proved esophageal squamous cell carcinoma underwent esophagectomy and were randomly assigned to receive radiotherapy (RT) with or without protein-bound polysaccharide (PSK), or RT plus chemotherapy (CT) with or without PSK. The 5-year survival rates of patients with RT, RT+PSK, RT+CT and RT+CT+PSK were 40.0%, 42.3%, 29.1% and 37.2%, respectively. There was a tendency for longer survival on PSK, but statistical significance was not reached (RT+CT group versus RT+CT+PSK group: log-rank and generalized Wilcoxon tests, P = .1930, P = .1034). However, Cox multivariate regression analysis indicated that postoperative therapy with or without PSK was the most significant prognostic factor for patients receiving RT+CT and for the eligible patients. These results indicate that PSK may have a beneficial effect on esophageal carcinoma when given in combination with CT+RT.

Adult↗

[Anatomical analysis of small bronchial arteries in front of the trachea by 3D-CT and digital subtraction angiography: implications for esophageal cancer surgery].

To preserve blood supply to the trachea and bronchus in the surgical procedure for esophageal cancer, anatomical characteristics of small bronchial arteries which course in front of the trachea were analysed by three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). In the 3D-CT study using five mediastina, three dimensional images of the bronchial arteries were reconstructed after the injection of contrast medium into the intercostobronchial arteries. Thus the detailed vascular network of the course of the small bronchial arteries in front of the trachea could be delineated. In the DSA study using seven mediastina, through this network of bronchial arteries, the branches originating from the aorta and the arteries supplying the cranial portion of the trachea could be viewed. These results indicate that the bronchial arteries are connected by a vascular network in front of the trachea. Based on these detailed findings, it is considered critical to avoid damage to the intercostobronchial artery and also the network of bronchial arteries in order to preserve blood supply to the trachea and bronchus.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗