[Supravalvular aortic stenosis].
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Aortic Valve Stenosis↗
Biomedical subjects
K Kino
Publications and source records attributed to K Kino.
Ling Zhi-8: studies of a new immunomodulating agent.
Ling Zhi-8 (LZ-8) is a protein derived from the fungus Ganoderma lucidum and has immunomodulatory capacities. It was shown to be mitogenic toward mouse splenocytes in vitro and immunosuppressive in vivo by reducing antigen-induced antibody formation and by preventing completely the incidence of autoimmune diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice. In this study, the mitogenic effects of LZ-8 on human mononuclear cells are reported. In accordance to its mitogenic effect on mouse splenocytes, LZ-8 proved to be mitogenic for human PBMC. This mitogenic effect of LZ-8 apparently required the presence of monocytes. We also demonstrated it to be immunosuppressive in vitro in a human MLC performed in the absence of monocytes, using purified T cells and EBV-transformed allogeneic B cells. Furthermore, we tested LZ-8 for its possible suppressive effects in 2 different models of allogeneic tissue transplantation. LZ-8 proved to have a significant effect on cellular immunity, since its administration in an allografted mouse skin model resulted in an increased survival time. In a model of transplanted allogeneic pancreatic rat islets, LZ-8 was effective in delaying the rejection process of allografted islets. More frequent or continuous administration resulted in a further prolongation of survival time. No serious side effects of LZ-8 could be discerned in these experiments.
Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
Effects of membrane characteristics on cytokine production by mononuclear cells in regular haemodialysis patients.
To determine the relationship between haemodialysis and cytokine production, the effects of solute permeability and biocompatibility of dialysis membranes on cytokine production by mononuclear cells were evaluated. Eighteen stable haemodialysis patients were divided into three groups and underwent haemodialysis under the same conditions except for the dialysis membrane used. Endotoxin in dialysate remained at concentrations of 10 pg/ml or less throughout the study. Haemodialysis was performed for a total of 6 weeks. Group A used a regenerated cellulose low-flux membrane during the first 2 weeks, a regenerated cellulose high-flux membrane during the next 2 weeks and a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) high-flux membrane during the last 2-week period, while Group B used the regenerated low-flux cellulose membrane first, followed by the PMMA low-flux membrane and PMMA high-flux membrane. Group C used the same membrane throughout the 6-week study period. Peripheral mononuclear cells were sampled before, 30 min after the start and upon completion of the final dialysis session and incubated for 18 h in the presence and absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and IL-6 concentrations in the supernatant and cell lysate were determined. In all groups, cytokine production just before the final dialysis using each membrane was comparable regardless of the presence or absence of LPS stimulation. LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha production decreased significantly 30 min after the start of dialysis compared to the predialysis baseline. This change was not affected by the type of membrane used.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adult↗
[Gastric cancer in the elderly].
Gastric cancer in the elderly was evaluated with regard to age-related pathomorphological changes. Resected gastric cancer was studied with regard to location, stage, morphology and histology in male young old (65-74 years old) which were 25 cases and 31 lesions, respectively male middle old (75-84 years old); 104 cases and 120 lesions, male very old (85 years-); 96 cases and 110 lesions, female young old; 22 cases and 31 lesions, female middle old; 91 cases and 106 lesions, female very old; 51 cases and 55 lesions. Multiple gastric cancers were more frequent in female older group. In early cancer the frequency of elevated type increased significantly and that of depressed type decreased in very old group. In advanced cancer Borrmann I type was not so common in very old group. Histologically the frequency of signet ring cell cancer decreased and of tubular adenocarcinoma and of papillary adenocarcinoma increased significantly in female very old group. Hepatic metastasis increased significantly in male very old group. Lymph node metastasis and peritoneal metastasis did not show any change in age-related frequency.
Age Factors↗
[Fontan-type procedure for an adult case of double-outlet right ventricle (S, D, L)].
The double-outlet right ventricle with L-malposition (DORV (S, D, L)) is one of the rare congenital heart diseases. Intracardiac rerouting with a internal conduit has been indicated in principle to it as the radical operation. DORV (S, D, L) is often combined with the pulmonic stenosis (PS), and Rastelli's operation is indicated to the case in which release of PS is difficult. We report a case of DORV (S, D, L) combined with PS and the hypoplastic right ventricle which is treated by the Fontan-type procedure. The patient was a 35-year-old female who had undergone Glenn's operation at 10 years of age under the diagnosis of transposition of the great arteries. Recently she complained of aggravation of the cyanosis and dyspnea on exertion. After thorough examinations, the disease was diagnosed as DORV (S, D, L) with doubly committed VSD which was combined with severe PS, hypoplastic right ventricle (29% of normal) and left-sided juxtaposition of atrial appendages. The development of her distal pulmonary arteries was estimated well enough (PA-index 448 mm2/m2). We judged that intracardiac rerouting with an internal conduit could not be applied due to her severe pulmonic stenosis, and that Rastelli's operation as the biventricular repair was also impossible because of her hypoplastic right ventricle. Thus we adopted the Fontan-type procedure with a new septation in the right atrium, namely oblique partition, and attained a good result. To our knowledge, this case is the fourth case report in Japan of DORV (S, D, L) treated with the Fontan-type procedure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adult↗
[A surgical repair of partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage to the high superior vena cava].
A 7-year-old boy with partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage to the high superior vena cava (SVC) underwent surgical repair by Williams procedure. Right upper pulmonary vein was drained to the left atrium via the SVC and the surgically enlarged sinus venosus type ASD. SVC was ligated and divided. SVC was then anastomosed to RA appendage pedicle directly. Autologous pericardium was patched anteriorly to create a new SVC pathway. The postoperative course was uneventful without arrhythmia and cardiac catheterization 1 month postoperation revealed no stenosis of the SVC and right upper pulmonary venous return.
Anastomosis, Surgical↗
cDNA cloning and expression of Cry j II the second major allergen of Japanese cedar pollen.
We have isolated and sequenced a cDNA clone coding for Cry j II, the second major allergen of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen. A 1.7-kilobase cDNA clone contained an open reading frame coding for a 514-amino acid protein, including a putative signal peptide of 54 amino acid and three potential glycosylation sites. The deduced amino acid sequence of the Cry j II shows significant identities to those of the polygalacturonases associated with fruit-ripening in tomato (40%) and avocado (43%) and found in pollen of maize (34%). Cry j II cDNA product expressed in E. coli was recognized by human IgE from patients suffering from cedar pollinosis, suggesting that recombinant Cry j II might be used as an allergen for the clinical diagnosis of cedar pollinosis.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Cloning and sequencing of cDNA coding for Cry j I, a major allergen of Japanese cedar pollen.
cDNA clones coding for Cry j I, a major allergen of the Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen, have been isolated. Two of the clones were sequenced and found to code for a putative 21-residue signal peptide and a 353-residue mature protein with a derived molecular weight of 38.5 KDa. Five possible N-linked glycosylation sites were found in the sequence. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of the two clones revealed sixteen nucleotide differences and these led to five amino acid exchanges in the mature allergen, indicating that an isoform of the Cry j I molecule exists. The deduced amino acid sequence of the Cry j I shows 46-48% identities with those of the Amb a I family and Amb a II, the major allergens of short ragweed. These findings should facilitate study of the structure-function relationship between the allergen and the immunocompetent cells.
Allergens↗
Functional difference between the two oppositely oriented priming signals essential for the initiation of the broad host-range plasmid RSF1010 DNA replication.
The broad host-range plasmid RSF1010 contains two oppositely oriented priming signals, ssiA and ssiB, for DNA synthesis dependent on the origin of vegetative DNA replication (oriV). If either ssiA or ssiB was deleted or inverted, the RSF1010 miniplasmids containing engineered oriVs were maintained at low copy numbers, replicated abnormally as dimers, and accumulated specific single strands in the Escherichia coli strain supplying the three RSF1010-encoded RepA, RepB', and RepC proteins. Interestingly, an additional intracellular supply of the Sog primase (the sog gene product of plasmid CoIIb-P9) reversed the replication deficiency of these miniplasmids with respect to all three aspects described above. These were also true for the RSF1010 miniplasmids in which either ssiA or ssiB was replaced by the primosome assembly site (PAS) or by the G4-type ssi signal (G site). Furthermore, comparative analysis of the functional contribution of the two oppositely oriented ssi signals to the DNA replication of RSF1010 showed that, irrespective of their types, ssi signals conducting the initiation of DNA chain elongation away from the iterons were functionally more important than ones in the inverted orientation. We consider that this functional difference reflects the inherent properties of the initiation mechanism of RSF1010 DNA replication.
Bacterial Proteins↗
A complete culture system for avian transgenesis, supporting quail embryos from the single-cell stage to hatching.
We report here a method to produce quail hatchlings by culture in vitro from the single-cell stage. The culture is composed of three steps. In the first step, the fertilized ovum surrounded by thick albumen obtained from the magnum is cultured for 24 hr at 41.5 degrees C in a tightly sealed 20-ml plastic cup with chicken thin albumen added to the equator level of the ovum (System Q1). In the second step, a quail egg shell, cut horizontally and emptied, is used as a bed shell. After the thick albumen is removed, the embryo with egg yolk is transferred to the bed shell and thin albumen from chicken eggs is added to fill the shell. Then, the embryo is cultured for an additional 52 hr at 37.5 degrees C while being rocked at an angle of 90 degrees at 30-min intervals (System Q2). The embryo is transferred again to a chicken bed shell and cultured at 37.5 degrees C with rocking at a 30-degree angle (System Q3). Just before hatching, the rocking of embryos is stopped. The procedure yielded a hatchability of 25%. For transgenesis, a plasmid construct containing a beta-actin-lacZ hybrid gene (pMiwZ) is microinjected into the ovum at the single-cell stage, which is cultured in vitro for 85-90 hr using Systems Q1 and Q2 consecutively. Seven out of 17 surviving embryos exhibited lacZ gene expression in embryonic tissues as detected by histochemistry. The procedure described here should be highly applicable for the production of transgenic birds.
Actins↗
Development of an experimental model of an acute respiratory failure by intratracheal sea water infusion: a comparison with a conventional oleic acid induction.
An experimental model of acute respiratory failure (ARF) was successfully developed in dogs by endotracheal sea water infusion. Serial changes in blood gases and hemodynamics, and histological changes in the lungs after use of this method were compared with those of the conventional model induced by oleic acid, and the following results were observed. Blood gases deteriorated more rapidly after sea water than after oleic acid, while the changes caused by oleic acid progressed with time, and those caused by sea water did not. Not only systemic but also pulmonary hemodynamics were adversely influenced by oleic acid, but not by sea water. Extravascular lung water was observed to increase significantly in both groups. The increase was linear after oleic acid treatment, however, while with the sea water method it leveled off to a plateau. There was no significant difference between the histological changes in lungs of the two models. Our model will provide many advantages over the conventional one using oleic acid, and will be useful for studying the pathophysiology of ARF and its therapeutic strategies, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and/or carbon dioxide removal.
Acute Disease↗
Population analysis of cellular responses to synthetic peptides of Der p II, a major allergen molecule of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, in allergic and nonallergic subjects.
Responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to synthetic oligopeptides of Der p II, one of the major allergen molecules of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, were compared between allergic and nonallergic subjects. Healthy subjects showed positive responses to crude extracts of D. pteronyssinus, but only allergic subjects showed elevated cellular responses to Der p II. We synthesized three oligopeptides of Der p II in which motifs of a possible T-cell epitope were included. Of 14 subjects with positive response to Der p II, three responded to all three peptides, while five did not respond to any peptide tested. In 11 allergic patients who showed positive response to Der p II, responsiveness to the peptide K33-T47 was significantly higher than that to other peptides (P < 0.05). All the responding patients were also positive for scratch test to Der p II, suggesting that those epitopes induced IgE-promoting helper T-cell response in allergic persons. On the other hand, the in vitro cellular responses were not necessarily correlated to IgE production against Der p II in healthy subjects.
Adolescent↗
Results of circulatory support for postoperative cardiogenic shock.
Over the last 5 years, 15 patients received ventricular assist devices (VADs) (Group 1) and 5 received percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (CPS) (Group 2) while in postoperative cardiogenic shock. Group 1 consisted of 8 men and 7 women ranging in age from 22 to 73 years (average age, 55 years). Nine of these patients underwent surgery for valve replacement, 5 for coronary artery bypass grafting, and 1 for closure of a ventricular septal rupture. The duration of VAD support ranged from 6 h to 9 days (mean, 3.9 days). Group 2 consisted of 4 men and 1 woman ranging in age from 49 to 68 years (average age, 57 years). One of these patients underwent surgery for valve replacement, 1 for coronary artery bypass grafting, 2 for replacement of a thoracic aneurysm, and 1 for left ventricular aneurysmectomy. The duration of CPS ranged from 4 h to 8 days (mean, 2.8 days). In Group 1, 13 patients were weaned from the VADs and 8 survived. Bleeding occurred in 5 patients, renal failure in 4, infection in 3, cardiac failure in 4, cerebral infarction in 1, perioperative myocardial infarction in 1, arrhythmia in 1, and ileus in 1. In Group 2, 4 patients were weaned from the CPS and 3 survived. Bleeding occurred in 3 patients, renal failure in 2, CNS injury in 2, and cardiopulmonary failure in 1. The 8 survivors in Group 1 have been followed for 2 to 56 months (mean, 28.7 months). Five patients were in NYHA class I, 2 were in class II and 1 was in class III.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adult↗
Fermentative production of tryptophan by a stable recombinant strain of Corynebacterium glutamicum with a modified serine-biosynthetic pathway.
Introduction of plasmid pKW99, which coexpresses the deregulated 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate synthase and tryptophan-biosynthetic enzymes, into tryptophan-producing Corynebacterium glutamicum KY10894 resulted in a marked increase (54%) in yield of tryptophan production (43 g/liter), but incurred two problems. One was a decline in sugar consumption at the late stage of fermentation, and the other the loss of the plasmid in the absence of selective pressure. The retarded sugar assimilation was found to be attributed to the death of cells that arose from the detrimental action of indole, the last intermediate in the tryptophan pathway, accumulated as a by-product. A chain of these events simultaneously disappeared when serine, the other substrate of the final reaction by tryptophan synthase, was added. These results indicated that a limiting supply of serine was the cause of the decline in the sugar consumption. Thus, to increase carbon flux into serine, the gene for 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PGD), the first enzyme in the serine pathway, was cloned from wild-type C. glutamicum ATCC 31833 and joined onto pKW99 to generate pKW9901. Strain KY10894 transformed with pKW9901 favorably consumed sugar through fermentation with accumulating little indole. Furthermore, on the basis of the observation that serine in the medium was consumed rapidly by the recombinant cells, we developed a unique plasmid stabilization system composed of KY9218 (a PGD-deficient serine-requiring strain of KY10894) and pKW9901: In its combination, cells lacking the plasmid should not proliferate in the fermentation medium which does not contain serine. Even if selective pressure was not applied, the modified strain KY9218 with pKW9901 stably maintained the plasmid during fermentation and produced 50 g/liter of tryptophan in a 61% increased yield relative to strain KY10894.
Carbohydrate Dehydrogenases↗
Assessment of myocardial function during mechanical left ventricular support using serial echocardiography: a case report.
A 40-year-old man with valvular heart disease was successfully treated using a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) after open heart surgery. Echocardiography revealed left ventricular ejection fraction (LV-EF) at LVAD on/off: 23.4%/14.6% on the 4th, 23.8%/23.8% on the 5th, and 23.8%/26.8% on the 6th postoperative day (POD), respectively. The patient was weaned from LVAD on the 8th POD and discharged from the hospital on the 58th POD. The LV-EF improved to 54% 6 months after surgery and increased from 57% to 64% in response to exercise stress testing 1 year after surgery.
Adult↗
[Radiation therapy of carcinoma of the esophagus in the aged--its results and problems].
Clinical records of 128 non-selected patients with esophageal cancer treated by radiation were reviewed to investigate reasons why treatment had to be discontinued, relationship between age and survival, and factors influencing prognosis. Radiation therapy was completed in 77 patients but was discontinued in 27 patients. Preoperative radiation was attempted in 24 patients. An overall median survival of 128 patients was 6.4 months, with 8.5 and 3.3 percent surviving 3 and 5 years. Median survivals of incomplete RT, completed Rt and RT + Surgery were 1.3, 7.7 and 11.3 months. By Kaplan-Meier analysis significant difference was observed in survival rate between incomplete RT and the other two groups, but not between RT and RT + surgery. T1 tumor cases with incomplete RT were characterized by a higher C-Score (higher incidence of comorbidity and complications), lower albumin concentration and poor performance status. Median survivals of 60 years, 70 and 80 were 12, 5.4 and 6.2 months, respectively. Performance status and C-score were significantly different between the 60 yr and 80 yr groups. Survival rates were also apparently affected by the size of the primary tumor and metastasis. Thus important factors influencing prognosis were performance status, albumin concentration, and comorbidity and complications, in addition to stage of tumor itself. Although performance status and albumin concentration were considered directly related to tumor stage, old age may have an adverse effect on these factors through increase of comorbidity and complication. The data may be useful for decision making for treatment of esophageal cancer of the aged.
Age Factors↗
[Changes in surgical treatment of peptic ulcer in the elderly by H2-blockers].
It has common knowledge that the advent of H2-blockers has radically changed the treatment of peptic ulcer. We reviewed 26,667 endoscopic examinations, 5,800 consecutive autopsies and 134 consecutive patients operated for peptic ulcer over an 18-year period to evaluate the effects of H2-blockers on the treatment of peptic ulcer in the elderly (> or = 60 years of age). The number of operations for peptic ulcer in the elderly markedly declined after H2-blocker therapy was introduced. This is mainly due to decreased operative indications for gastric bleeding as a result of conservative treatment. However, the incidence of perforating ulcers has hardly changed even after the introduction of H2-blockers. More than 90% of these cases were non-diagnosed or non-treated ulcers and 50% of them were NSAID- or steroid-treated, which is characteristic in the elderly. We conclude that patients to be treated by anti-inflammatory drugs should be screened by endoscopy, and should be given anti-ulcer drugs prophylactically if necessary.
Aged↗
[Late progression of pulmonary hypertension in a patient operated for patent ductus arteriosus: pulmonary angiopathy or thromboembolism?].
A 16-year-old girl developed dyspnea 9 years after surgery for patent ductus arteriosus with pulmonary hypertension (pulmonary to systemic peak systolic pressure ratio; Pp/Ps 1.0). The postoperative course had been uneventful with a decreased Pp/Ps. It was revealed this time, however, that the pulmonary arterial pressure again elevated to be 186/133 mmHg (Pp/Ps 1.90). Postoperative progression of pulmonary angiopathy was first suspected. Whereas, the findings with pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy and arteriography were remarkably different between the right and left lungs, suggesting that the progression of pulmonary hypertension was not caused by that of pulmonary angiopathy but by the association of thromboembolism in small pulmonary arteries. The patient succumbed to intractable cardiopulmonary failure, strongly appealing for the necessity of organ-transplantation therapy in Japan. This case also indicated the particular importance of a close follow-up of the cases with pulmonary hypertension remaining after corrective surgery.
Adolescent↗