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Biomedical subjects

T Kaneko

Publications and source records attributed to T Kaneko.

At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources

Structural analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana chromosome 5. IX. Sequence features of the regions of 1,011,550 bp covered by seventeen P1 and TAC clones.

In this series of projects sequencing the entire genome of Arabidopsis thaliana chromosome 5, non-redundant P1 and TAC clones have been sequenced according to the fine physical map, and as of May 7, 1999, the sequences of 16.2 Mb representing approximately 60% of chromosome 5 have been accumulated and released at our web site. In parallel, structural features of the sequenced regions have been analyzed by applying a variety of computer programs, and to date we have predicted a total of 2380 potential protein-coding genes in the 10,154,580 bp regions, which are covered by 142 P1 and TAC clones. In this paper, we newly analyzed the structural features of the 1,011,550 bp regions covered by additional 17 P1 and TAC clones, and predicted 298 protein-coding genes. The average density of the genes identified was 1 gene per 3394 bp. Introns were observed in 67% of the genes, and the average number per gene and the average length of the introns were 3.2 and 159 bp, respectively. The gene density became higher than the value estimated in the previously analyzed regions (1 gene per 4,267 bp), as the data in this paper were compiled based on a new standard of gene assignment including the computer-predicted hypothetical genes. The regions also contained 8 tRNA genes when searched by similarity to reported tRNA genes and the tRNA scan-SE program. The sequence data and information on the potential genes are available on the database KAOS (Kazusa Arabidopsis data Opening Site) at http://www.kazusa.or.jp/arabi/.

Arabidopsis↗

The distribution of substance P receptor (NK1)-like immunoreactive neurons in the newborn and adult human spinal cord.

Substance P receptor (i.e. NK1)-like immunoreactive (SPR-LI) neurons were observed in the newborn and adult human spinal cord. Substance P receptor-like immunoreactive neuronal cell bodies were seen most frequently in lamina I, and were scattered throughout the remaining laminae of the dorsal horn and the area around the central canal. Some neurons in the intermediolateral nucleus also showed weak immunoreactivity. The pattern of distribution of SPR-LI neurons in the adult spinal cord was essentially the same as that in the newborn spinal cord. However, SPR-LI neurons cell bodies were seen much more frequently in the newborn than in the adult dorsal horn, especially in lamina II.

Adult↗

A sequence-ready contig map of the top arm of Arabidopsis thaliana chromosome 3.

A fine physical map of the top arm of Arabidopsis thaliana chromosome 3 has been constructed by ordering P1, TAC and BAC clones using the sequences of a variety of DNA markers and end-sequences of clones. The marker sequences used in this study were derived from 58 DNA markers, 93 YAC end-sequences, and 807 end-sequences of P1, TAC and BAC clones. The entire top arm of chromosome 3, except for the centromeric and telomeric regions, was covered by a single contig 13.3 Mb long. This fine physical map will facilitate gene isolation by map-based cloning experiments as well as genome sequencing of the top arm of chromosome 3. The map and end-sequence information are available on the web site KAOS (Kazusa Arabidopsis data Opening Site) at [http://www.kazusa.or.jp/arabi/].

Arabidopsis↗

Preprodynorphin-like immunoreactivity in medullary dorsal horn neurons projecting to the thalamic regions in the rat.

Preprodynorphin (PPD)-like immunoreactive (-LI) neuronal cell bodies in the trigeminal sensory nuclear complex of the rat were found in laminae I and II of the medullary dorsal horn (MDH; caudal spinal trigeminal nucleus) and the paratrigeminal nucleus. A PPD immunofluorescence histochemistry combined with a fluorescence retrograde tract-tracing method revealed that some of the PPD-LI neurons in the MDH and paratrigeminal nucleus projected to the thalamic regions. Nociceptive nature of the PPD-LI MDH neurons projecting to the thalamic regions was also demonstrated by a triple labeling method, using the technique of the noxious stimulus-evoked expression of the immediate-early gene, c-fos. In the rats which were subcutaneously injected with formalin into the upper and lower lips, c-fos protein (Fos) was found in PPD-LI neurons which were labeled with a retrograde tracer injected into the thalamic regions.

Animals↗

Immunocytochemical localization of prostaglandin EP3 receptor in the rat hypothalamus.

A rabbit antibody against an N-terminal portion of rat prostaglandin EP3 receptor (EP3R) was produced to examine the distribution of EP3R in the rat hypothalamus. The antibody specifically recognized EP3R proteins in rat brain extract, in membrane fractions of rat kidney, and in membrane fractions of EP3R-expressing culture cells. Intense EP3R-like immunoreactivity was observed in the median preoptic nucleus, medial preoptic area, parastrial nucleus, compact part of the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus, and dorsal part of the premammillary nucleus. These results suggest that prostaglandin E2 mediates various actions in the hypothalamus, such as fever induction in the preoptic area, through EP3R.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

P-glycoprotein expression on normal and abnormally expanded natural killer cells and inhibition of P-glycoprotein function by cyclosporin A and its analogue, PSC833.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a transmembrane efflux pump encoded by the MDR1 gene, has been found to be expressed in many normal bone marrow and peripheral blood cells. Among normal leukocytes, CD3(-)CD16(+) or CD3(-)CD56(+) lymphocytes, ie, natural killer (NK) cells, express relatively high levels of P-gp, but little is known about P-gp in abnormally expanded NK cells. In this study, we examined the expression and activity of P-gp on NK cells derived from three normal donors, six patients with indolent NK cell-lineage granular lymphocyte-proliferative disorder (NK-GLPD), three patients with aggressive NK cell tumors (one NK cell leukemia and two nasal NK cell lymphoma), and two NK cell lines. By flow cytometric analysis using the monoclonal antibody (MoAb) MRK16 and rhodamine 123 dye (Rh123), P-gp expression and the efflux of Rh123 were found in all NK samples except one NK cell line. The Rh123 efflux of NK cells was inhibited by cyclosporin A (CsA) and its analogue PSC 833, but the aggressive NK tumor cells were less inhibited than were the other NK cells. The percent inhibition of efflux in the normal NK cells, indolent NK-GLPD cells and aggressive NK cell tumors was 81.8% +/- 0. 9%, 93.4% +/- 3.1% and 36.9% +/- 11.7%, respectively, by 1 micromol/L CsA, and 80.2% +/- 3.6%, 91.7% +/- 2.6% and 32.7% +/- 10. 1%, respectively, by 1 micromol/L PSC833. In reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, the low inhibitory effect of P-gp modulators in aggressive NK cell tumors did not correlate to the expression level of MDR1 gene, multidrug resistance-associated protein gene, or human canalicular multispecific organic anion transporter gene. This phenomenon could be related to the presence of other transporters or to unknown cellular or membrane changes. Some patients with NK cell tumors have been reported to show a highly aggressive clinical course and to be refractory to chemotherapy, and this could be related to the expression of P-gp on NK cells. Our results suggest that, although the inhibitors for P-gp have been used in combination with chemotherapy in some hematologic tumors, these inhibitors may be less effective against aggressive NK cell tumors.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Extension of CyanoBase. CyanoMutants: repository of mutant information on Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803.

CyanoBase provides internet access to the complete genomic information of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803. CyanoBase contains annotations to each protein-coding gene, deduced from the entire nucleotide sequence of the genome, gene classification lists, keywords and similarity search engines. The present paper describes a recent extension of CyanoBase, named CyanoMutants. CyanoMutants is a repository database of mutant information on PCC6803. Each entry contains a dataset which describes a gene identifier, mutant information, and an address for correspondence. Two closely-linked databases, CyanoBase and CyanoMutants, connect information obtained from computational analysis to experimental analysis resulting in the clarification of the functions of hypothetical genes of the cyanobacterial genome. CyanoMutants can be accessed at http://www.kazusa.or. jp/cyano/mutants/

Computational Biology↗

Doubling time of serum CA 19-9 in the clinical course of patients with pancreatic cancer and its significant association with prognosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pancreatic cancer is generally a disease with a poor prognosis, and relationship between change of serum CA 19-9 level and progression of this disease was investigated with regard to clinical pace of disease and tumor growth. METHODS: CA 19-9 doubling time was examined in 75 patients with pancreatic cancer, including 41 inoperable cases. Then, its relation with their prognosis and change in tumor was evaluated. RESULTS: The doubling time of CA 19-9 and CEA could be calculated in 90.2% and 58.5% of patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer. CA 19-9 doubling time was clearly associated with survival time in inoperable and palliatively operated cases, but not with sex, age, site of the lesion, or liver metastasis, and was significantly correlated with the tumor volume doubling time. CONCLUSIONS: Examination of CA 19-9 doubling time may be useful in clinical evaluation of the prognosis for patients with pancreatic cancer and could possibly prove valuable in terms of the analysis of the growth process in this disease.

Adult↗

Acarbose alone or in combination with ethanol potentiates the hepatotoxicity of carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen in rats.

Acarbose reduces the absorption of monosaccharides derived from dietary carbohydrates, which play an important role in the metabolism and toxicity of some chemical compounds. We studied the effects of acarbose on the hepatotoxicity of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and acetaminophen (AP) in rats, both of which exert their toxic effects through bioactivation associated with cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were kept on a daily ration (20 g) of powdered chow diet containing 0, 20, 40, or 80 mg/100 g of acarbose, with drinking water containing 0% or 10% of ethanol (vol/vol). Three weeks later, the rats were either killed for an in vitro metabolism study or challenged with 0.50 g/kg CCl4 orally or 0. 75 g/kg AP intraperitoneally. The ethanol increased the hepatic microsomal CYP2E1 level and the rate of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) demethylation. The 40- or 80-mg/100 g acarbose diet, which alone increased the CYP2E1 level and the rate of DMN demethylation, augmented the enzyme induction by ethanol. The 40- or 80-mg/100 g acarbose diet alone potentiated CCl4 and AP hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by significantly increased levels of both alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in the plasma of rats pretreated with acarbose. Ethanol alone also potentiated the toxicity of both chemicals. When the 40- or 80-mg/100 g acarbose diet was combined with ethanol, the ethanol-induced potentiation of CCl4 and AP hepatotoxicity was augmented. Our study demonstrated that high doses of acarbose, alone or in combination with ethanol, can potentiate CCl4 and AP hepatotoxicity in rats by inducing hepatic CYP2E1.

Acarbose↗

Intravascular ultrasonography for assessment of portal vein invasion by pancreatic carcinoma.

Intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) was performed to diagnose portal vein invasion by pancreatic carcinoma. In 55 patients with pancreatic carcinoma, the intravascular ultrasonographic catheter was introduced during operation through a branch of the superior mesenteric vein into the intrahepatic portal vein. The catheter was gradually withdrawn, and the cross-sectional images of the area under investigation were recorded. Altogether 45 patients underwent resection, and 34 underwent combined resection of the portal vein. The IVUS findings were compared with the histologic findings of the resected specimen, preoperative computed tomography (CT), and arterial portogram. The wall of the portal vein was visualized as an echogenic band with a thickness of 0.5 to 1.0 mm. A subtle portal vein invasion can be detected by observing this portal vein wall. For the diagnosis of portal vein invasion, the sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of IVUS were 99.6%, 92.3%, and 94. 5%, respectively. The equivalent values for portography were 79.3%, 61.5%, and 70.9%; and those for CT were 82.1%, 74.1%, and 78.1%. IVUS provides more valuable and accurate information on portal vein invasion by pancreatic carcinoma than either CT or portography.

Humans↗

Immunocytochemical detection of mitochondria-rich cells in the brood pouch epithelium of the pipefish, Syngnathus schlegeli: structural comparison with mitochondria-rich cells in the gills and larval epidermis.

The brood pouch of the male pipefish (Syngnathus schlegeli) is a ventral organ located on the tail, with the anterior region closely associated with the genital pore. The embryos in the pouch are attached to highly vascularized placenta-like tissue which seals the pouch folds from inside during incubation. The epithelium of the placenta-like tissue consists of mitochondria-rich cells (MRCs) and pavement cells. Differences in MRC morphology in the brood pouch epithelium, the gills and the larval epidermis of the pipefish were examined by light and electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the MRCs in the brood pouch and the gills shared common characteristics: the presence of numerous mitochondria packed among a well-developed tubular system and the close association of the basal parts with the capillaries running underneath the epithelia. The size of the apical opening of the elongate, flask-shaped brood pouch MRC was about one-tenth that of the apical pit of the gill MRC. The gill and larval epidermal MRCs formed a multicellular complex, in contrast to solitary brood pouch MRCs. The brood pouch MRCs were intensively stained by immunocytochemistry with an antiserum specific for Na+,K+-ATPase. The Na+ concentrations in the brood pouch were maintained near those in the serum rather than seawater during incubation. We conclude that the brood pouch MRCs function as an ion-transporting cell, absorbing ions from the brood pouch lumen, perhaps to protect the embryos from the hyperosmotic environment.

Animals↗

Epidural block during general anesthesia attenuates urinary trypsin inhibitor excretion in lower abdominal surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to elucidate whether urinary trypsin inhibitor excretion differs between general anesthesia (GA) and epidural block during general anesthesia (EPI) in lower abdominal surgery. METHODS: Sixteen women undergoing abdominal total hysterectomy were assigned to the GA and EPI groups. The GA group received propofol induction and maintenance with isoflurane, nitrous oxide, and vecuronium. The EPI group received epidural block, followed by propofol induction and maintenance with isoflurane and nitrous oxide. The levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol during anesthesia and on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3, and the levels of urinary trypsin inhibitor in 12-h urine from the day of surgery to postoperative day 3, were measured. RESULTS: As compared with the EPI group, the GA group had a higher level of adrenocorticotropic hormone at the completion of anesthesia, higher levels of cortisol at the completion of anesthesia and postoperative day 2, and higher excretion of urinary trypsin inhibitor on the day of surgery and postoperative days 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that excretion of urinary trypsin inhibitor into the urine under epidural block during general anesthesia is lower than that under general anesthesia alone in lower abdominal surgery. This is probably due to the difference in endocrine response to surgery between the two types of anesthesia.

Journal Article↗

Gastric tube-to-tracheal fistula closed with a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap.

A gastric tube-to-airway fistula is a very rare complication after esophageal reconstruction. A patient with a gastric tube-to-tracheal fistula that developed more than 9 years after surgery for cancer of the cervical esophagus was treated with transposition of a pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. Careful perioperative respiratory management helped save the patient's life.

Bronchoscopy↗

Bactericidal activity and cytotoxicity of antibacterial monomer MDPB.

The aim of this study was to investigate bactericidal characteristics and cytotoxicity of the newly developed antibacterial monomer 12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB). To evaluate the bactericidal activity of MDPB against oral streptococci, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for seven species and time-kill kinetics against Streptococcus mutans were determined. The cytotoxic effects of MDPB on human pulpal cells were assessed by [3H]-thymidine uptake after contact with MDPB solutions at various concentrations. MDPB showed strong bactericidal activity against seven streptococci, the MBC value ranging from 31.1 to 62.5 micrograms ml-1. Time-kill determination indicated a rapid killing effect of MDPB at 250 micrograms ml-1 or over, and all cells were killed within 1 min by MDPB at 500 micrograms ml-1 or over. No cytotoxic effect was observed on contact with MDPB at concentrations of 10 micrograms ml-1 or less, and the toxicity of MDPB was considered to be similar to those of other monomers used for dental materials. These results suggest that MDPB can be effectively incorporated in dental resin-based materials to provide bactericidal activity against oral bacteria.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

Characterization of complex organic compounds formed in simulated planetary atmospheres by the action of high energy particles.

A wide variety of organic compounds, which are not simple organics but also complex organics, have been found in planets and comets. We reported that complex organics was formed in simulated planetary atmospheres by the action of high energy particles. Here we characterized the experimental products by using chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques. A gaseous mixture of CO, N2 and H2O was irradiated with high energy protons (major components of cosmic rays). Water-soluble non-volatile substances, which gave amino acids after acid-hydrolysis, were characterized by HPLC and mass spectrometry. Major part of the products were complex compounds with molecular weight of several hundreds. Amino acid precursors were produced even when no water was incorporated with the starting materials. It was suggested that complex molecules including amino acid precursors were formed not in solution from simple molecules like HCN, but directly in gaseous phase.

Amino Acids↗

The effect of exercise training on oxidative damage of lipids, proteins, and DNA in rat skeletal muscle: evidence for beneficial outcomes.

Moderate daily exercise is known to be beneficial to health, reducing risks of a number of age-related disorders. Molecular mechanisms that bring about these effects are not clear. In contrast, it has been claimed that some types of prolonged physical exertion are detrimental to health because active oxygen species are generated excessively by enhanced oxygen consumption. Using two age groups of rats, young (4 week) and middle aged (14 months), we investigated the effects of long-term swimming training on the oxidative status of phospholipids, proteins, and DNA. The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts did not differ in the gastrocnemius muscle between exercised and nonexercised animals in the two age groups. The extent of carbonylation in a protein of molecular weight around 29 KDa and the amount of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in nuclear DNA were smaller (p<.05) in the exercised rats than in the sedentary animals. Activities of DT-diaphorase (C1: 29.3+/-1.9; C2: 36.1+/-2.6; E1: 27.2+/-1.3; C2: 33.4+/-2.9 nmol/mg protein) and proteasome, a major proteolytic enzyme for oxidatively modified proteins were significantly higher in the exercised animals of both age groups (p<.05). The adaptive response against oxidative stress induced by moderate endurance exercise constitutes a beneficial effect of exercise.

8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine↗

Benign lymphoepithelial lesion of the parotid gland with sebaceous differentiation.

The salivary duct system in the setting of chronic sialadenitis is predisposed to undergo a variety of cellular modifications. This report documents a rare type of metaplasia of a parotid benign lymphoepithelial lesion. Epimyoepithelial islands showing focal sebaceous differentiation and pure sebaceous cell nests in addition to their usual histologic appearance were noted throughout the lesion. The possible pathogenesis is discussed through a review of the literature.

Adult↗