Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Kono

Publications and source records attributed to M Kono.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Cardiac arrest associated with use of an argon beam coagulator during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

We describe a cardiac arrest during use of an argon beam coagulation (ABC) system in an 82-yr-old woman having laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general and epidural anaesthesia. Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) was controlled to less than 12 mm Hg during a carbon dioxide gas pneumoperitoneum and at first the operation was uneventful. When the ABC system (gas flow 6 litre min(-1)) was used to control local bleeding in the liver bed abdominal pressure increased rapidly to over 20 mm Hg and, 1 min later, the end-tidal carbon dioxide decreased to zero, followed by bradycardia and cardiac arrest. At once, an emergency laparotomy was performed and resuscitation begun. A mill-wheel murmur was heard on auscultation, leading to suspicion of argon gas embolism. Fortunately, recovery was completed with no neurological deficit. Anaesthesiologists should consider showed that argon gas embolism can occur with the ABC system during laparoscopic surgery.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Carcinoma of the uterine cervix: twice- versus once-weekly high-dose-rate brachytherapy.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness and safety of once- versus twice-weekly high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy for cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1980 to 1997, 124 consecutive previously untreated patients with cervical cancer were treated with external-beam irradiation (50 Gy) and HDR brachytherapy. Clinical stages were I, 4 (3%) patients; II, 51 (41%); III, 64 (52%); and IV, 5 (4%). From 1980 to 1992, 74 patients (group A) were treated with HDR brachytherapy once weekly (about three fractions of 7 Gy each to point A [2 cm superior and 2 cm lateral to the inferior end of the intrauterine radioactive source]), while from 1992 to 1997, 50 patients (group B) were treated twice weekly (about six fractions of 4.5 Gy each to point A). RESULTS: Overall survival rate at 5 years was 65.2% in group A and 65.3% in group B (P=.96). Local recurrence-free survival rate at 5 years was 69% (51 of 74 patients) in group A and 90% (45 of 50 patients) in group B (P<.001). The rate of grade 2 (moderate) and grade 3 (severe) complications was significantly lower in group B (6% vs. 32% in group A, P<.001). At multivariate analysis, the variables significantly associated with increased local-regional recurrence rates were having stage III-IV lesions (P=.04) and with fewer than six sessions of HDR brachytherapy (P=.02). CONCLUSION: The twice-weekly HDR regimen may improve the local control rate with fewer complications.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2000

Mice expressing only monosialoganglioside GM3 exhibit lethal audiogenic seizures.

Gangliosides are a family of glycosphingolipids that contain sialic acid. Although they are abundant on neuronal cell membranes, their precise functions and importance in the central nervous system (CNS) remain largely undefined. We have disrupted the gene encoding GD3 synthase (GD3S), a sialyltransferase expressed in the CNS that is responsible for the synthesis of b-series gangliosides. GD3S-/- mice, even with an absence of b-series gangliosides, appear to undergo normal development and have a normal life span. To further restrict the expression of gangliosides, the GD3S mutant mice were crossbred with mice carrying a disrupted GalNAcT gene encoding beta1,4-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase. These double mutant mice expressed GM3 as their major ganglioside. In contrast to the single mutant mice, the double mutants displayed a sudden death phenotype and were extremely susceptible to induction of lethal seizures by sound stimulus. These results demonstrate unequivocally that gangliosides play an essential role in the proper functioning of the CNS.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2000

Clinical outcomes of orbital irradiation combined with or without systemic high-dose or pulsed corticosteroids for Graves' ophthalmopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of orbital irradiation with or without high-dose or pulsed corticosteroids in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). METHODS AND MATERIALS: One hundred and twenty-one patients with moderate to severe GO who received orbital irradiation from 1987 to 1997 were retrospectively analyzed. A total dose of 20 Gy in 10 fractions was delivered to the bilateral retrobulbar volume. Eighty-six patients were treated in combination with high-dose or pulsed corticosteroids and irradiation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the prognostic variables. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 26 months. The overall clinical response was evaluated as excellent in 17 patients (14%), good in 65 (54%), fair in 31 (25%), no response in 7 (6%), and worse in 1 (1%). The best responses were noted for soft-tissue signs, extraocular muscle involvement, and sight loss, while a limited response was noted for proptosis. Multivariate analysis revealed that the use of high-dose corticosteroid or pulsed corticosteroids, female gender, and a shorter duration of ophthalmopathy before radiotherapy were significantly correlated with favorable outcomes. No long-term complications related to radiotherapy were observed. CONCLUSION: Orbital irradiation combined with high-dose or pulsed corticosteroids is an effective treatment for moderate to severe GO, especially in cases with major manifestations of soft-tissue signs, extraocular muscle impairment, or sight loss.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Intrafractional tumor position stability during computed tomography (CT)-guided frameless stereotactic radiation therapy for lung or liver cancers with a fusion of CT and linear accelerator (FOCAL) unit.

PURPOSE: To evaluate intrafractional tumor position stability during computed tomography (CT)-guided frameless stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) for lung or liver cancers, we checked repeated CT scanning, with a fusion of CT and linear accelerator (FOCAL) unit. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The FOCAL unit is a combination of a linear accelerator (Linac), CT scanner, X-ray simulator (X-S), and carbon table, and is designed to achieve CT-guided SRT with daily CT positioning followed by immediate irradiation while patients keep reduced shallow respirations. To evaluate intrafractional tumor position stability, 50 lung or liver lesions in 20 patients were checked by repeated CT scanning just before and after irradiation, and the obtained images were compared. RESULTS: There was no case with the intrafractional error judged to be greater than 10 mm. In 68% of cases, the intrafractional positioning errors were negligible (0-5 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Using the FOCAL unit, SRT for lung or liver cancers could be performed with intrafractional positioning errors not greater than 10 mm.

Equipment Design↗
PubMed2000

Redefined substrate specificity of ST6GalNAc II: a second candidate sialyl-Tn synthase.

The acceptor substrate specificities of ST6GalNAc I and II, which act on the synthesis of O-linked oligosaccharides, were reexamined using ovine submaxillary mucin, [Ala-Thr(GalNAc)-Ala]n polymer (n = 7-11). It has been suggested that only ST6GalNAc I can synthesize carbohydrate structures of sialyl-Tn-antigen; i.e., NeuAc alpha2-6GalNAc-O-Thr/Ser [Kurosawa et al., J. Biol. Chem. 269, 19048-19053 (1994)] based on the result that ST6GalNAc I, not ST6GalNAc II, exhibited activity toward asialoagalacto-fetuin. In this study, we present evidence that both ST6GalNAc I and II exhibit activity toward asialo-OSM (ovine submaxillary mucin) and [Ala-Thr(GalNAc)-Ala]n polymer (n = 7-11) which have only the GalNAc-O-Thr/Ser-structures. These results strongly indicate that not only ST6GalNAc I but also II are candidates for sialyl-Tn synthases.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Spiral structures in magnetized rotating plasmas

A theory of spiral structure formation has been formulated to show that spiral structures are rather basic entities in magnetized rotating plasmas subjected to various types of instabilities such as collisional drift wave instability, flute mode instability due to centrifugal force, and Kelvin-Helmhotz instability. The characteristic features of spiral structures observed experimentally in electron cyclotron resonance plasmas are reproduced by our theory.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Molecular mechanism of the nacreous layer formation in Pinctada maxima.

We have cloned the cDNAs that encode two kinds of molluscan shell matrix proteins, namely N66 and N14, in the nacreous layer of Pinctada maxima. N66 is composed of carbonic anhydrase-like and repeat domains, as described for nacrein (1) in the pearls of P. fucata. N14 is homologous to N16, recently found in the nacreous layer of P. fucata (2) and is characterized by high proportions of Gly, Tyr, and Asn together with NG repeat sequences. The molecular weights of these proteins were estimated as 59,814 and 13,734 Da, respectively. Structural differences were clearly indicated in the alignment and length of the repeat sequences of the sets of the homogeneous proteins (N66/nacrein and N14/N16). The longer repeat sequences of N66 and N14 may be responsible for P. maxima's excellent property of calcification. The in vitro crystallization experiments revealed that the mixture of N66 and N14 could induce platy aragonite layers highly similar to the nacreous layer, once adsorbed onto the membrane of the water-insoluble matrix.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Predicting the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer patient treated with conservative therapy using contrast-enhanced MR imaging.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect more accurately and predict the prognosis of treated non-small cell lung cancer by using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) and CE-MRI were examined 90 non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with conservative therapies. Enhancement patterns of CE-MRI were classified into three types: peripheral; mottled; and homogeneous. Reduction ratio of tumor size (RRT) based on the World Health Organization response criteria and a new response rate; reduction ratio of viable tumor size (RRVT) which evaluates not only the reduction of tumor size but also changes in necrosis and/or cavity size, were evaluated. Changes of enhancement pattern were compared and correlated with pathological diagnosis. The RRTs, RRVTs, and interobserver agreements evaluated by all modalities were compared. The RRTs and RRVTs in each subgroup were correlated and compared with prognoses. Change of enhancement pattern depended on therapy had no tendency (p = 0.06). Enhancement pattern had significant correlation with pathological diagnosis (p < 0.0001). Partial response (PR) case of RRVT had significant difference between imaging techniques (p = 0.04). The RRVT of other cases and RRT had no significant difference. Interobserver agreements of RRT and RRVT were almost perfect (n > or = 0.93). Prognosis had better correlation with RRVT than with RRT. Differences of relapse-free survival and survival between patients considered as having no change (NC) by RRT and PR by RRVT (NC-PR) and patients considered as having NC by RRT and RRVT were significant (p = 0.03, p = 0.01). There were no significant differences of relapse-free survival and survival between NC-PR patients and patients considered as having PR by RRT and RRVT. The CE-MRI technique could accurately evaluate the therapeutic effect and predict the prognosis of treated non-small cell lung cancer.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Trophoblastic cells expressing human chorionic gonadotropin genes in peripheral blood of patients with trophoblastic disease.

We attempted to identify the cells expressing alpha and beta subunits of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the peripheral blood of patients with trophoblastic disease and normal pregnant women by using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern blot. By this method, the mRNAs of hCG alpha and hCG beta were detected in the peripheral blood mononulear cells (PBMNC) from 3 of 7 hydatidiform mole (mole) and 1 of 4 choriocarcinoma patients as well as from normal pregnant women during the first trimester. None of the mRNAs of hCG subunits was detected in the PBMNC from healthy male and nonpregnant healthy women examined. The expression of hCG alpha and hCG beta in patients with trophoblastic disease and normal pregnant women almost correlated with their plasma levels of intact hCG. The present study indicates that the cells expressing hCG alpha and hCG beta, which virtually represent trophoblasts, are circulating in the peripheral blood of patients with trophoblastic disease as well as of normal pregnant women.

Blotting, Southern↗
PubMed2000

Purification and some properties of a tetrodotoxin binding protein from the blood plasma of kusafugu, Takifugu niphobles.

A tetrodotoxin binding protein has been purified from the plasma of the puffer fish kusafugu, Takifugu niphobles, through DEAE-cellulose treatment, ammonium sulfate fractionation, Sephadex gelfiltrations and Sephacryl S-200 and Cellulofine A-500 column chromatography. Final purification by HPLC on a TSK G-3000 SL column yielded a protein which showed only a single protein peak. The molecular weight of the protein was estimated to be 116,000 and 91,000 by SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry, respectively. A blast search on the amino-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified protein revealed that the protein had no homology to any other protein on data base.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Molecular analysis of two genes, DD9A and B, which are expressed during the postmolt stage in the decapod crustacean Penaeus japonicus.

In decapod crustaceans, deposition of calcium carbonate crystals (calcification) in the exoskeleton takes place during the postmolt phase of the molt cycle. In an attempt to identify proteins which regulate the calcification process, the differential display technique was used to identify genes which were specifically expressed in the integument during the postmolt stage in the penaeid prawn Penaeus japonicus. One of the genes thus identified, named DD9A, was expressed in the epithelial cells of the tail fan. DD9A encoded a putative precursor of a secreted protein of 113 amino acids which exhibited sequence similarities to a group of crustacean and insect cuticular proteins, suggesting that DD9A was a protein component of the exoskeleton. Another gene, DD9B, which was also transcribed specifically during the postmolt period was identified based on its sequence similarity to DD9A. Potential roles of the DD9A protein in the calcification of the exoskeleton will be discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Exclusion of linkage between dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria and chromosome 9.

Dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH) is an autosomal dominant pigmentary disorder, first reported by Toyama in 1910. It is characterized by a mixture of hypopigmented and hyperpigmented macules of various sizes on the backs of the hands and feet. The disease gene of DSH and its chromosomal localization have not yet been identified. A family with DSH and idiopathic torsion dystonia (ITD), a rare neurological disease, was recently reported. Therefore, we speculated that there was a linkage between the DSH gene and the ITD gene, named DYT1 and localized on chromosome 9, and performed linkage analysis between DSH and microsatellite markers on chromosome 9 in three Japanese DSH families (36 patients in total). We obtained a LOD score of < -2 over the whole region of chromosome 9 encompassing DYT1. Thus, we conclude that there is no linkage between DSH and DYT1 as well as any region of chromosome 9.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9↗
PubMed2000

Molecular bases of congenital hypopigmentary disorders in humans and oculocutaneous albinism 1 in Japan.

The molecular bases of various types of congenital hypopigmentary disorders have been clarified in the past 10 years. Homozygous gene mutations of enzymes functional in melanogenesis such as tyrosinase, P protein and DHICA oxidase, result in oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) 1, OCA 2, and OCA 3, respectively. The genes responsible for Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) and Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) have also recently been isolated and cloned. The transcription factor paired box 3 (PAX3) works at the promoter region of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) gene, and the MITF transcription factor orders the expression of c-kit, which encodes the receptor for stem-cell factor, which in turn stimulates melanoblast migration from the neural tube to the skin in the embryo. Heterozygous mutations of PAX3, MITF, or c-kit genes induce Waardenburg syndrome (WS) 1/3, WS 2 or Piebaldism, respectively. A defect of endothelin-3 or the endothelin-B receptor produces WS 4. In our examination of 26 OCA 1 patients in Japan, all were found to have homozygous or heterozygous tyrosinase gene mutations at codons 77 or 310. Therefore, mutations at codons 77 and 310 are the major ones in Japanese patients with OCA 1. An autosomal dominant pigmentary disease of dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH) is well known in Japan, and is characterized by a mixture of hypo- and hyper-pigmented macules of various sizes on the backs of the hands and feet. The disease gene and its chromosomal localization have not been identified yet. Our trial of linkage analysis and positional cloning to determine the disease gene is presented.

Albinism, Oculocutaneous↗
PubMed2000

Effect of electrolyzed water on wound healing.

Electrolyzed water accelerated the healing of full-thickness cutaneous wounds in rats, but only anode chamber water (acid pH or neutralized) was effective. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), also produced by electrolysis, was ineffective, suggesting that these types of electrolyzed water enhance wound healing by a mechanism unrelated to the well-known antibacterial action of HOCl. One possibility is that reactive oxygen species, shown to be electron spin resonance spectra present in anode chamber water, might trigger early wound healing through fibroblast migration and proliferation.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Presence of bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene segments in human intestinal lymph follicles.

BACKGROUND: There is currently no information regarding microbial agents inside the intestinal lymph follicles. METHODS: Biopsy or resected specimens, mostly from macroscopically normal areas, were sectioned with a cryostat. DNA was extracted from microdissected samples, exclusively from the lymph follicle. Amplification of DNA was performed using universal primers designed from conserved regions of bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Several clones with inserts of around 400 base pairs were subjected to DNA sequence analysis followed by a database homology search. RESULTS: Bacterial 16S rRNA gene segments were detected in the lymph follicle in 2 of 14 (14%) non-inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cases, 4 of 14 (28%) Crohn disease cases, and in 2 of 5 (40%) ulcerative colitis cases. Nineteen 16S rRNA gene segments were recognized in the eight positive cases. Five segments showed 100% identity to known bacterial 16S rRNAs, namely staphylococcus species, Streptococcus sanguis, and Paracoccus marcusii. However, the other 14 segments showed below 100% identity, indicating either the presence of unknown bacteria or of bacteria without known DNA data. No single identified or unidentified bacterium, characteristic of IBD, including Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and Listeria monocytogenes, was detected. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms the presence of bacterial 16S rRNA gene segments in human intestinal lymph follicles and paves the way for new investigations into the microbiology of the lymph follicle. Whether or not bacteria inside the lymph follicle is a primary stimulus in IBD has yet to be clarified.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Walnuts lower serum cholesterol in Japanese men and women.

Recent studies have shown that incorporating moderate quantities of walnuts into the recommended cholesterol-lowering diet in the U.S. decreased serum concentrations of total cholesterol in normal American men. To explore whether walnut consumption would also prove effective as part of the Japanese diet, we studied the effects of walnut consumption on serum lipids and blood pressure in Japanese subjects. We randomly assigned 20 men and 20 women to two mixed natural diets, each to be consumed for 4 wk in a crossover design. Both diets conformed to the average Japanese diet (reference diet) and contained identical foods and macronutrients, except that 12.5% of the energy of the walnut diet was derived from walnuts (43-57 g/d) (offset by lesser amounts of fatty foods, meat and visible fat). Total cholesterol concentration was 0.16 mmol/L lower for men (P = 0.05) and 0.21 mmol/L lower for women (P<0.01) when they consumed the walnut diet than when they consumed the reference diet. The LDL cholesterol concentrations were 0.18 mmol/L lower for men (P = 0.13) and 0.22 mmol/L lower for women (P<0.01) when they consumed the walnut diet. The ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol and the apolipoprotein B concentration were also lowered by the walnut diet (P<0.05). Blood pressures did not differ between the walnut and reference diet periods. Incorporating moderate quantities of walnuts into the average Japanese diet while maintaining the intake of total dietary fat and energy decreases serum total cholesterol concentrations and favorably modifies the lipoprotein profile in Japanese, particularly in women.

Adult↗