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Biomedical subjects

T Kusano

Publications and source records attributed to T Kusano.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Pulmonary endocrine cell hyperplasia and papilloma in rats induced by intratracheal injections of extract from particulate air pollutants.

We investigated the effect of intratracheal injections of an extract of suspended particulate matter (SPM) obtained from the urban ambient air of Tokyo, upon the development of proliferative lesions of pulmonary endocrine cells (PECs) in the rat. We also examined the modification effects of nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, or both of them on the PEC lesions. Male F344 rats were divided into six experimental groups of 5 animals each. Twenty animals were treated with intratracheal instillations of SPM admixed with carbon once a week for 4 weeks with or without additional gaseous exposure (6 ppm nitrogen dioxide or 4 ppm sulfur dioxide) 16 hrs a day for 11 months. Five animals were given intratracheal injections of carbon suspended in saline and the other five were untreated. The subcardiac lobes of the right lung were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde, and embedded in paraffin. PEC hyperplasias and papillomas were counted in 200 serial sections, 4 microns thick. The average incidences of PEC hyperplasia in the untreated animals and in those treated with carbon were 194 and 200/cm3, respectively. The average incidences of PEC hyperplasia in the animals exposed to SPM tar only, SPM tar plus nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, SPM tar with nitrogen dioxide and SPM tar with sulfur dioxide were 376, 378, 372 and 349/cm3, respectively. These were significantly higher than the levels of the control animals, and additional gaseous stimuli had no effect on the incidence of PEC hyperplasia. Besides PEC hyperplasia, a few PEC papillomas were found in the animals treated with SPM tar, regardless of gaseous exposure, but in the control animals no papilloma was evident. Thus, compounds in airborne particulates are considered to be responsible for the development of PEC hyperplasias and papillomas.

APUD Cells↗
PubMed1997

Expression of the Escherichia coli bo-type ubiquinol oxidase with a chimeric subunit II having the CuA-cytochrome c domain from the thermophilic Bacillus caa3-type cytochrome c oxidase.

The C-terminal periplasmic domain of subunit II of the Escherichia coli bo-type ubiquinol oxidase was replaced with the counterpart of the thermophilic Bacillus caa3-type cytochrome c oxidase containing the CuA-cytochrome c domain by means of gene engineering techniques. The chimeric terminal oxidase was expressed by a pBR322 derivative in a terminal oxidase deficient mutant of E. coli, although the amount of the chimeric enzyme was smaller than that of the Escherichia coli bo-type ubiquinol oxidase expressed by the original cytochrome bo-expressing plasmid. The chimeric enzyme showed much higher TMPD (N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine) oxidase activity than the wild-type cytochrome bo, but lower activity than the thermophilic Bacillus caa3-type cytochrome c oxidase. The chimeric subunit II was confirmed to bind to heme C. These results suggest that the CuA-cytochrome c domain grafted to this membrane anchor can facilitate electron transfer from reduced TMPD to low-spin protoheme b in subunit I.

Bacillus↗
PubMed1997

Clinicopathologic features of resected primary adenosquamous carcinomas of the liver.

Four cases of resected adenosquamous carcinoma of the liver were clinicopathologically reviewed, together with immunohistochemical findings. Although no lymph node metastases were seen and a curative resection was achieved in all cases, two patients had recurrences in the peritoneum and distant organs such as the pericardium and pleura relatively soon after the operation. Of the remaining two cases, one patient died during the postoperative period and the other died of coexistent hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Together these findings suggest that this disease tends to spread locally and distantly in the early phase of tumor growth and shows aggressive biological behavior. In an immunohistochemical study, involucrin was a specific marker for the squamous component and CA19-9 was a marker for the adenomatous component.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Antioxidative activity of barley hordein and its loss by deamidation.

Barley hordein was comparable to maize zein in antioxidation under a powder model system. Various deamidated "hordein" preparations were obtained and examined for their molecular-size distribution (by Sephacryl S-100 gel filtration), hydrophobicity (by fluorescence measurement using fluorescent probes) and antioxidative activity (by the ferric thiocyanate method). Deamidation caused fragmentation of the hordein molecule and simultaneously lowered its fatty acid-binding capacity rather than its surface hydrophobicity. Then, the antioxidative activity diminished with increasing deamidation. When the fatty acid-binding capacity was plotted against the antioxidative activity, a high correlation (r2 = 0.92) was observed between these two events.

Amides↗
PubMed1997

[Clinical efficacy of imipenem/cilastatin sodium for respiratory infections in patients with lung cancer].

Imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS) was administered to 102 patients with respiratory tract infections and lung cancer. Patients with other serious diseases were excluded and a total of 73 patients were enrolled. They were divided into 12 patients who underwent surgery (operated group) and 61 who did not (non-operated group); the latter group included 28 patients treated with anticancer agents or radiation therapy (treated group) and 33 untreated patients (untreated group). IPM/CS was effective in 75% of the patients, both with and without surgery. The drug was effective in 81% of the treated group, although many of the patients had Stage III or more advanced cancer, as well as bronchial occlusion. IPM/CS was also effective in 69% of the untreated group, although many of the patients have serious infections and a PS (Performance Status) of 3 or greater. Thus, IPM/CS treatment achieved good results. Bacteriological studies showed that 3 out of 4 strains in the operated group and 16 out of 18 in the non-operated group were eliminated. Safety was evaluated in all patients. Two patients (2%) experienced side effects and two others (2%) showed abnormal clinical findings, but the symptoms were mild and resolved after discontinuation or completion of therapy. In conclusion, IPM/CS was very effective for treating respiratory infections in patients with lung cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1997

[Responses to surgical stress in blood coagulation and fibrinolysis, platelet counts and thromboxane B2 after esophageal cancer operation].

Studies on responses to surgical stress in blood coagulation and fibrinolysis, platelet counts and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) were carried out with 18 esophageal cancer patients who had undergone radical esophagectomy through right thoracotomy and reconstruction with gastric tube. Plasma levels were measured for the following for coagulation assessment: thrombin.antithrombin III complex (TAT), soluble fibrin monomer complex(SFMC), fibrinogen, antithrombin III, protein C and thrombomodulin. Selected fibrinolytic markers are: tissue plasminogen activator.plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 complex (tPA.PAI1C), plasminogen, alpha 2 plasmin inhibitor, plasmin. alpha 2 plasmin inhibitor complex(PIC), FDP and D-dimer. Peripheral venous blood samples were taken from the patients before the operation, immediately after the operation and on each of the first, second, third, seventh and fourteenth day after the operation. It was observed that TAT, SFMC, tPA.PAI-1C and TXB2 were remarkably altered immediately after the operation. This indicates that the major surgical stress significantly activated coagulation, fibrinolysis and platelets. Higher plasma levels of TAT compared to the pre-operation level was recorded for two weeks after the operation. Furthermore, in four cases, SFMC became positive during three to seven days after operation. These facts indicate that the activation of coagulation persisted during the days after operation. PIC began to increase from the 2nd to 3rd days after operation, reaching the maximum on the 7th day. Biphasic changes which peaked twice on the 1st and 7th days after operation were shown in plasma levels of FDP and D-dimer. These results indicate that the activation of fibrinolysis also persisted during the days after operation. The activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis may persist at least for two weeks after major surgical operation. Careful observation for the states of these systems was thought to be needed during the post-operative days, and the molecular markers could be useful to assess subclinical changes of these systems.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Thoracoscopic thoracic splanchnicectomy for chronic pancreatitis with intractable abdominal pain.

The therapeutic advantages of a thoracoscopic thoracic splanchnicectomy (TTS) to relieve the pain of chronic pancreatitis patients was evaluated. The TTS procedure (four bilateral and five unilateral TTS), was performed on nine patients from April 1993 to October 1995. Based on radiographic images, the pancreatic duct of seven cases were diagnosed as being "nondilated" (<3 mm), whereas two cases were "dilated" (> or = 3 mm). A 5-mm thoracoscope was introduced through the fifth intercostal space on the anterior axillary line, and an additional two cannulas were introduced under direct thoracoscopic vision. The sympathetic chain, at a level from Th 5 to 9, was then resected and electrocoagulated. We performed a unilateral TTS corresponding to the symptomatic side; however, if pain relief was insufficient, an additional sympathectomy was done on the other side. The early postoperative course was uneventful, and immediate pain-relief was normally possible after TTS except for three patients who demonstrated minor intercostal neuralgia at the site of the trocars inserted for TTS. Six of nine patients were able to return to their preoperative work of lifestyle at a maximum follow-up of 24 months (the median and mean durations were 15.0 and 13.7 months, respectively). In addition, no postoperative deterioration of either the endocrine or exocrine function of the pancreas was observed. In conclusion, TTS proved to be a safe and reliable procedure for the pain relief of the chronic pancreatitis.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed1996

Novel NTP binding property of rice dwarf phytoreovirus minor core protein P5.

Rice dwarf phytoreovirus (RDV) mRNA synthesized from purified virion has a cap structure, m7GpppAm-, which suggests the presence of guanylyltransferase activity in the virion. We attempted to identify the enzyme involved in the cap formation by using a nucleoside triphosphate binding assay. Incubation of virion with [alpha-32P]GTP resulted in labeling of an 89-kDa protein that had not previously been identified in purified virus preparations. Interestingly this protein also covalently bound UTP and ATP, which is not a property of the known guanylytransferases. RDV particles catalyzed GTP-PPi, dGTP-PPi, ATP-PPi, and UTP-PPi exchange reactions. In SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the 89-kDa protein comigrated with the S5-coded protein, P5, which had been expressed by a baculovirus vector. Moreover, the labeled 89-kDa protein was precipitated by an antiserum against this recombinant RDV P5. Careful reinvestigation of purified virus particles by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting analyses showed that they contained a small amount of P5 (<0.5% of the total protein) within the core. These results may suggest that the minor core protein of RDV, which is coded by S5, is a candidate guanylyltransferase, although the biological significance of its ATP and UTP binding activities remains largely unknown.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1996

Nucleotide and amino acid sequences for cytochrome caa3-type oxidase of Bacillus stearothermophilus K1041 and non-Michaelis-type kinetics with cytochrome c.

A pseudo-sigmoidal cytochrome c-dependence curve of oxidase activity was observed with cytochrome oxidase from the Bacillus stearothermophilus strain K1041, while the other thermophilic Bacillus PS3 which has been extensively studied possessed normal Michaelis-Menten type kinetics. The genes coding for four subunits of cytochrome caa3-type oxidase and for heme O synthase were isolated from a genomic DNA library of K1041 by using a PS3 DNA fragment containing the highly-conserved region of the largest subunit as a probe, and sequenced. Most residues in subunits I (COI/caaB product), III (COIII/caaC product), and IV (COIV/caaD product) of K1041 were highly conserved when compared with those of PS3. However, the sequence of K1041 subunit II (COII/caaA product) was distinctly different from that of the PS3 subunit II. These Bacillus COIIs have an additional sequence for cytochrome c after the CuA binding protein portion with two transmembrane segments which is homologous to the mitochondrial counterpart, and represents the site of electron ingress. Several charged residues in the vicinity of cytochrome c moiety are replaced by oppositely charged residues. It is likely that these amino acid replacements in subunit II are the cause of the abnormal sigmoidal saturation curve for extrinsic cytochromes c of the K1041 enzyme.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer using ex vivo perfusion of the heart graft.

A replication-deficient adenovirus was used for ex vivo gene transfer into rat heart grafts under conditions simulating clinical transplantation. The adenoviral vector, AdHCMVsp1LacZ, containing an expression cassette of Escherichiae coli lacZ, was used to perfuse heart grafts during cold ischemia before transplantation. Heart grafts were perfused with University of Wisconsin (UW) solution containing either 0 pfu, 5 x 10(10) pfu, or 1 x 10(11) pfu of viral vector, and were preserved for either 2 or 4 h and then transplanted into syngeneic recipients. The animals were killed at 1, 7, and 14 days after transplantation. The infection rate was assessed by histochemical staining for beta-galactosidase. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), viral DNA presence was confirmed in every graft perfused with viral vectors. The protein production from the transfected gene was confirmed by a functional protein assay. An efficient gene transfer was achieved with an infection rate of 1%-1.5% for all cardiac myocytes, as assessed by 5-bromo-4-chloro-indolyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside (X-gal) staining. All studies were negative in the control grafts. Gene expression persisted for at least 10 days after transplantation. We thus conclude that an efficient adenovirus-mediated gene transfection and expression of gene products can be achieved in ex vivo perfusion of the heart graft during cold preservation.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1996

Plexiform leiomyoma of the esophagus: a peculiar gross variant simulating plexiform neurofibroma.

A plexiform variant of leiomyoma of the esophagus in a 51-year-old woman is reported. The patient was diagnosed with a tumor of the esophagus in an X-ray mass survey of the upper gastrointestinal tract. She was referred to the Ryukyu University Hospital for further examination. She appeared healthy with no complaints. Upper gastrointestinal series revealed an oval, well-defined filling defect in the lower esophagus just above the esophagogastric junction. Endoscopy revealed an undulating bulge covered with normal esophageal mucosa. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed a sharply demarcated hypoechoic mural tumor with internal linear pattern, with no evidence of penetration into the surrounding tissue. These findings were evaluated as consistent with a leiomyoma. Removing the tumor by enucleation was easily accomplished. Unexpectedly, on gross inspection, the tumor was a plexiform type, mimicking a plexiform neurofibroma. Light and electron microscopic examination and immunohistochemistry of the tumor tissue confirmed leiomyoma. Since the enucleation of the tumor, the patient has been free of recurrence and symptoms for 1.5 years at the time of this report.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed1996

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma with a giant gastric tumor: a case report.

A rare case of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma with a giant exophytic gastric tumor invading the anterior abdominal wall is presented. The patient was a 52-year-old woman, who had a history of strongyloidiasis. Although the patient was serologically positive for HTLV-I antibody, there were no lymphoma cells in the peripheral blood or systemic lymphadenopathy. After two cycles of combination chemotherapy, the tumor was surgically resected. The pathological diagnosis of the resected specimen was T-cell lymphoma of the diffuse mixed cell type. Flow-cytometric analysis of the lymphoma showed a CD4+ and CD8+ phenotype. One month after surgery, the patient developed hypercalcemia, resulting in acute renal and respiratory failure, and died. The prognosis of lymphoma-type ATL is known to be extremely poor, and thus we should bear in mind that ATL can take the form of a primary gastric mass without leukemic manifestations.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed1996

Mercuric ion uptake by Escherichia coli cells producing Thiobacillus ferrooxidans merC.

The merC gene of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans was overexpressed in Escherichia coli under the control of the tac promoter. MerC protein synthesized in E. coli has a N-terminal amino acid sequence of S-A-I-X-R-I-I-D-K-I-G-I-V-G-, which agrees with the amino acid sequence deduced from its nucleotide sequence except that an initiating methionine residue was removed. The MerC protein was localized in the particulate (membrane) cell fraction, and not in the soluble cytoplasmic fraction. E. coli cells carrying a plasmid containing the tac promoter-directed merC showed 203Hg2+ uptake in an isopropyl-1-thio-beta-D-galactopyranoside (IPTG)-dependent manner.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Cloning and sequence analysis of czc genes in Alcaligenes sp. strain CT14.

We have isolated 14 cadmium (Cd)-resistant, soil-borne bacteria. Among those, strain CT14, which was identified as an Alcaligenes sp., has a czc (cadmium, zinc, and cobalt divalent cation resistant determinant) system. Here we report the nucleotide sequence of 4 genes (czcCBAD) of the system. CzcCBA showed over 98% identity with those of A. eutrophus CH34, however, CzcD, the distal gene product, was 117 amino acids longer than that (199 amino acids) of A. eutrophus CH34, and had considerable similarity to the members of the CDF (cation diffusion facilitator) family proteins all over the region.

Alcaligenes↗
PubMed1996

[Correlation between intratumor DNA ploidy distribution pattern and prognosis by tumor stage in colorectal carcinomas].

Curatively resected specimens of 124 cases of colorectal carcinoma, and 6 cases of colorectal carcinoma showing hematogenous metastasis were used in this study. Each carcinoma was cut out in stepwise section through the entire tumor. DNA ploidy for each section was determined by flow cytometry, and the intratumor DNA ploidy distribution pattern was decided, and divided into 5 types (Type A-E). These 5 types were broadly divided into 2 types; predominantly diploidy type (Type A, C) and predominantly aneuploidy type (Type B, D, E). A statistically significant difference was seen in the 5-year survival between 25 cases of the predominantly diploidy type (100%) and 99 cases of the predominantly aneuploidy type (76.7%). However, there was no statistically significant difference in survival between these 2 types in any Dukes stage. The intratumor DNA ploidy distribution pattern in 6 cases of colorectal carcinoma showing hematogenous metastasis comprised 3 cases of Type E, 2 Type D and 1 Type B. And that of 8 cases of curatively resected colorectal carcinoma showing hematogenous metastasis postoperatively comprised 5 cases of Type D, 2 Type E and 1 Type B. Thus, a close correlation between the aneuploidy predominant type, especially Type D as well as Type E, and hematogenous metastasis, was suggested.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗
PubMed1996

[Correlation between intratumor DNA ploidy distribution pattern and clinicopathologic variables in large-bowel carcinoma].

Surgically resected specimens of 139 cases of large-bowel carcinoma were analysed in this study. Each carcinoma was cut out in stepwise section through the whole tumor, and flow cytometric DNA measurement was performed for each section. The intratumor DNA ploidy distribution pattern decided in this way was classified into 5 types (Type A-E). The 139 cases of carcinoma comprised 19 cases of Type A, 27 Type B, 11 Type C, 37 Type D and 45 Type E. The intratumor DNA ploidy distribution pattern showed a statistically significant correlation to tumor size, gross type, depth of invasion, growth pattern at the tumor margin, venous permeation of visceral wall, DNA Index and Dukes stage. Among these 5 types of carcinoma, carcinoma showing Type E was seen most frequently, even in the earlier stage, and found most frequently among the cases showing invasive growth pattern at the tumor margin, positive venous permeation in the visceral wall and DNA Index of more than 1.7. Therefore, the intratumor DNA ploidy distribution pattern seemed to reflect the degree of tumor malignancy as well as that of tumor advancement. Moreover, Type E pattern of carcinoma appeared to reveal the highest grade of malignancy, and early detection of this type seemed to be necessary in order to improve survival after surgery.

Colonic Neoplasms↗