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Y Araki

Publications and source records attributed to Y Araki.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Molecular cloning, expression, and characterization of a novel mouse liver SULT1B1 sulfotransferase.

A mouse liver homogenate was shown to contain enzymatic activities catalyzing the sulfation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (Dopa) and tyrosine isomers with a pH optimum of 8.25. Western blot analysis revealed a 34 kDa protein exhibiting immunologic cross-reactivity to antiserum against rat liver SULT1B1 sulfotransferase. By employing the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique, a 910-base pair product encoding the putative mouse liver SULT1B1 sulfotransferase was obtained. Using this PCR product as a probe, a cDNA containing the entire open reading frame of the mouse liver SULT1B1 sulfotransferase was cloned from a mouse liver Lambda ZAP cDNA library. The nucleotide sequence indicated it is a new enzyme. The deduced amino acid sequence exhibited 87.6, 72.3, 55.9, 54.2, 52.8, 51.1, and 49.4% identity to the amino acid sequences of the rat liver SULT1B1 sulfotransferase, human thyroid hormone sulfotransferase, mouse phenol sulfotransferase, rat liver phenol sulfotransferase, rat liver hydroxyarylamine sulfotransferase, mouse estrogen sulfotransferase, and rat estrogen sulfotransferase. Upon transfection of COS-7 cells with an expression vector (pcDNA3) harboring the cDNA encoding this new enzyme, a 34 kDa protein exhibiting immunologic cross-reactivity to antiserum against the rat liver SULT1B1 sulfotransferase was expressed. The recombinant sulfotransferase exhibited enzymatic activities toward Dopa and tyrosine isomers, as well as dopamine and 3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine. Northern blot analyses indicated the SULT1B1 sulfotransferase was predominantly expressed in liver, but not in the other ten mouse organs examined. Furthermore, the enzyme was found to be expressed in a developmental stage-dependent manner, being at a very low level in liver samples from 1-day-old mice and then gradually increasing to the maximum level in liver samples from 4-week-old mice.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Partial characterization of the gametes and development of a successful in vitro fertilization procedure in the mastomys (Praomys coucha): a new species for reproductive biology research.

The mastomys, a small African rodent, has been extensively used as a laboratory animal for cancer research. Previous preliminary studies have demonstrated that the animal has a relatively short estrous cycle and that superovulation can be induced. However, biological characterization of the gametes in this species has not been done. The purpose of this study is to determine requirements for fertilization and to devise a suitable method for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Data from these studies show that 1) cauda epididymal plasma (CEP) is required for maintaining sperm motility in vitro; 2) in a heterologous sperm penetration assay in vitro, optimal conditions for sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction depend on time and CEP concentration; and 3) loss of the cortical granules is observed to occur spontaneously within 3-4 h after ovulation in superovulated eggs. On the basis of the data obtained from these studies, we have developed a method for preincubation of mastomys sperm and a successful mastomys IVF procedure. This species can now be used as a new laboratory animal for research in reproductive biology.

Acrosome↗

Permeability of gadolinium-DTPA through two types of hemodialysis membrane.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Gadolinium diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA) was injected intravenously for magnetic resonance imaging in patients with impaired renal function, and the permeabilities of two types of general hemodialysis (HD) membrane to this agent were compared. METHODS: One of the HD membranes, Nipro FB-210-U membrane (U membrane), has a larger pore size than the other, Nipro FB-210-M membrane (M membrane). On the same day as magnetic resonance imaging was performed, the patient underwent a 4-hour HD session. Blood was sampled before and at five points after the start of HD. RESULTS: Mean dialysance of Gd-DTPA was 175.8 to 185.8 mL/min with the U membrane and 120.5 to 130.1 mL/min with the M membrane. The elimination rate was 91.1% with the U membrane and 81.1% with the M membrane 4 hours after the start of HD. The permeability was significantly higher with the U membrane than with the M membrane. CONCLUSION: Although it is more expensive, the U membrane should be chosen rather than the M membrane for HD to remove Gd-DTPA from the body as efficiently as possible.

Adult↗

Clinical aspects of total colectomy--laparoscopic versus open technique for familial adenomatous polyposis and ulcerative colitis.

Clinical aspects of laparoscopy combined total colectomy (LTC) (n = 10) and open total colectomy (OTC) (n = 29) with ileorectal anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis and ulcerative colitis are compared in a retrospective study. The mean operative time was 282 (range, 169 to 420) minutes in the LTC group and 274 (range, 139 to 570) minutes in the OTC group. The mean volume of operative blood loss was 321 (range, 52 to 728) ml and 471 (range, 48 to 1040) ml for the LTC and OTC groups, respectively. Nasogastoric tube could be removed after POD 1.2 vs. 5.8 (p < 0.05), the mean time to passage of stool was 1.9 (range, 1 to 3) vs. 5.2 (range, 3 to 7) days (p < 0.01), and in the LTC group watery stool was soon made solidification after POD 23.4 vs. 84.1 (p < 0.01). Laparoscopy combined total colectomy may prove to have one-stage restorative total colectomy without a temporary ileostomy due to early solidification of watery stool and more benefits than conventional open surgery.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

Functional outcome of double-stapled and transanal ileal pouch-anal anastomosis after proctocolectomy.

Improvement of functional outcome after proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis was compared between transanal ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (T-IAA group, n = 29) and double-stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (DS-IAA group, n = 8). Clinical functions were evaluated using a functional scoring system, and physiologic functions by anorectal manometry after one year postoperatively. Although in the T-IAA group 4 of the 29 patients (13.8%) displayed partial incontinence (< 9 points), all of 8 patients in the DS-IAA group showed good results referring to continence (> 10 points). The maximum resting pressure was 44.3 +/- 5.2 cmH2O in the T-IAA group vs. 56.6 +/- 5.8 cmH2O in the DS-IAA group, and postoperatively the maximum squeezing pressure was 96.8 +/- 9.2 cmH2O in the T-IAA group vs. 106.3 +/- 8.1 cmH2O in the DS-IAA group. There was a significant difference of maximum resting pressure and no significant difference of maximum squeezing pressure between the two groups. The length of the high pressure zone in the anal canal was significantly shorter in patients of the T-IAA group (2.1 +/- 0.8 cm) than in those of the DS-IAA group (3.5 +/- 1.1 cm) (p < 0.05). The DS-IAA is associated with excellent objective physiologic and subjective functional results. This reflects the sacrifice of the internal anal sphincter 1.5 cm cephalad necessary to effect this anastomosis at a mean of 1.4 cm from the dentate line.

Adolescent↗

Transsacral rectopexy for complete rectal prolapse.

A prospective study was carried out to analyze the clinical and functional results of transsacral rectopexy with a DEXON mesh in the elderly or poor risk patients with complete rectal prolapse. Six patients with complete rectal prolapse were operated from 1994 to 1996. All patients could be traced for examination with anorectal manometry and defecography. None of the patients had recurrence for the longest three years. In postoperative clinical symptoms, fecal incontinence score recovered from the preoperative mean score of 3.8 to the postoperative 1.2 and constipation was improved in 4 out of 5 cases (80.0%). Straining anorectal angle (S-ARA) by defecography improved from the preoperative value of 120.6 +/- 6.9 degrees to the postoperative value of 98.5 +/- 3.5 degrees (p < 0.05) and the perineal descent (PD) improved from the preoperative value of 16.2 +/- 2.5 cm to the postoperative value 8.1 +/- 1.3 cm (p < 0.05). Maximal resting pressure (MRP) increased from the preoperative value of 20.5 +/- 3.7 cmH2O to the postoperative value of 40.5 +/- 4.8 cmH2O (p < 0.05). Transsacral rectopexy with DEXON mesh for complete rectal prolapse is useful as this technique is simple to conduct, can be applied to the elderly or poor risk patients, replaces rectal prolapse, improves defecation troubles and recovers fecal incontinence.

Aged↗

Intraductal ultrasonography for treatment of Tis and T1 colorectal cancer.

The aim of the study was to determine the treatment for Tis and T1 colorectal cancer and the depth of cancer invasion which was examined preoperatively by intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) using a 20 MHz high frequency thin sonoprobe. IDUS was performed on 62 patients with Tis and T1 colorectal cancer using 20 MHz radial images. The tumors imaged by IDUS were classified into 3 groups according to the degree of lesions in the 5 layers of the large intestinal wall: Tis showing no changes in the third layer, T1 with slight invasion in which the ruptured region in the third layer occupied less than 50% of the tumor diameter, and T1 with massive invasion in which the ruptured region in the third layer occupied more than 50% of the tumor diameter. The correct preoperative diagnosis of the depth of the lesions was obtained in 21 of the 23 patients with Tis (91.3%), in 18 of the 21 patients with T1 with slight invasion (85.7%), and in 8 of the 11 patients with T1 with massive invasion (72.7%). In conclusion, IDUS can be used for endoscopic examination of the large intestinal cancer to judge whether local treatment or not.

Colonoscopy↗

Endoscopic removal with clipping for colonic lipomas.

Endoscopic removal of colonic lipoma of 2 cm in size or more is not widely used because of the risk of complications which are a hemorrhage and a perforation associated with endoscopic resection. We report here safety endoscopic removal using a bipolar snare and clipping the mucosa of the defective region in three cases with large colonic lipoma. We consider that this technique enhanced the safety of the endoscopic procedure.

Aged↗

Germinated barley foodstuff increases fecal volume and butyrate production at relatively low doses and relieves constipation in humans.

Germinated barley foodstuff (GBF), derived from the aleurone layer, scutellum and germ of germinated barley, contains a large quantity of fermentable dietary fibers, especially hemicellulose. GBF was given to 9 healthy volunteers in a dose of 9 g of GBF per day for 10 consecutive days, and subsequently 18 g of GBF for another 10 days. As a control, no GBF was given for 3 days before administration of GBF (control period). Fecal weight, water content and short chain fatty acid content were measured before and during the last 3 days of each experimental period. Feeding of GBF significantly increased the fecal butyrate content as well as fecal weight at both dose-levels (9 and 18 g/day), compared with those during the control period. Daily administration of 9 g GBF induced the maximum level of defecation in humans. Relatively mild but chronic constipated volunteers (n = 16) were administered 9 g of GBF daily for 14 days. In this experiment, the condition of defecation (frequency, volume) was estimated by a questionnaire survey. GBF significantly improved defecation within a short period without severe adverse effects. No major abnormalities in laboratory findings were found in hematologic and urinary analyses. In conclusion, daily administration of 9 g GBF was effective for improving defecation in healthy but constipated humans. GBF is a highly safe and effective foodstuff for improving defecation.

Adult↗

Adhesion of adhesive resin to dental precious metal alloys. Part I. New precious metal alloys with base metals for resin bonding.

New dental precious metal alloys for resin bonding without alloy surface modification were developed by adding base metals (In, Zn, or Sn). Before this, binary alloys of Au, Ag, Cu, or Pd containing In, Zn, or Sn were studied for water durability and bonding strength with 4-META resin. The adhesion ability of the binary alloys was improved by adding In equivalent to 15% of Au content, Zn equivalent to 20% of Ag content, and In, Zn, or Sn equivalent to 5% of Cu content. There was no addition effect of the base metals on Pd, however 15% of In addition improved adhesion with Pd-based alloys containing equi-atomic % of Cu and Pd. The alloy surfaces were analyzed by XPS and showed that oxides such as In2O3, ZnO, or SnO play an important role in improving the adhesive ability of the alloys.

Acrylic Resins↗

Factors affecting dimensional instability of alginate impressions during immersion in the fixing and disinfectant solutions.

To clarify the factors determining the dimensional stability of alginate impressions during immersion in disinfectant and fixing solution, the weight change of impressions in solutions of glutaraldehyde (GA), NaClO, Na2SO4, K2SO4, CaCl2, and ZnSO4 was measured. In the nonelectrolytic solution, GA, the weight decreased in proportion to concentration, possibly due to the gradient of osmotic pressure between the impression and solution. In monovalent metallic salt solutions the weight change decreased with increased concentration. Especially at lower concentrations the rate of weight loss was high. A chemical action of the solution might also be involved, in addition to the osmotic pressure difference. The weight loss in divalent metallic salt solutions was greater than in monovalent solutions, implicating crosslinking reactions between the impression and solution.

Alginates↗

[Three-dimensional MR angiography of HCC and portal and hepatic veins using superparamagnetic iron oxide].

We examined a new MR technique for obtaining 3D-MRA images of the liver that simultaneously depicts HCC and the portal and hepatic veins. Five patients with clinically suspected HCC were studied with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SHU-555A) used as a negative contrast medium for the liver. In our study, a 3D-rotational display was provided on the CTR monitor from 2D-TOF images by computed reconstruction, clearly showing HCC and portal and hepatic veins on the same image. Our method was found to be of great value in planning surgery of the liver.

Aged↗

[Analysis of the factors involving in the success or failure of home infusion therapy (HIT)].

A survey was conducted from April through September, 1997, of 24 hospitalized terminal lung cancer patients connected to IVH and CSC, for whom the possibility of release from hospital was considered, and of their families. A comparative survey was made between patients who accepted HIT and those who did not. No difference was found between the groups by age, sex, or disease stage, nor was there a difference in physical symptoms such as pain and respiratory difficulty. However, the percentage of patients who were told the name of their disease was significantly higher in the group switched to HIT, 3 of whom were even given prognoses. There was no difference in the percentage of patients who lived with their families, although there was a higher percentage in the HIT group whose spouses also lived with the family. Nineteen of the 24 patients wished to return home, but 8 of those patients were not released from hospital for such reasons as the patient not wanting to be a burden on his or her family or the family's lack of ability to provide care. It was found that important factors in urging home care for the terminal cancer patient were whether or not the patient was told the name of his or her disease, and whether or not the patient lived with a healthy spouse.

Aged↗

Mapping of eight testis-specific genes to mouse chromosomes.

We previously identified eight testis-specific genes using antibodies raised against testicular germ cells. They are expressed during spermatogenesis and are presumed to be involved in testicular germ cell differentiation and sperm formation. We have mapped the genomic loci for these testis-specific genes using restriction fragment length variants in interspecific backcross mice. The calmegin gene (Clgn) was mapped to Chr 8. The synaptonemal complex protein gene 1 (Sycp1) probe hybridized with two sequences on different chromosomes; Sycp1-rs2 was mapped to Chr 3, whereas Sycp1-rs3 was mapped to Chr 7. The relaxin-like factor gene (Rlnl) was mapped to Chr 8, and collapsin response mediator protein 1 (Crmp1) was mapped to Chr 5. Three novel genes encoding testis-specific proteins A2 (Tsga2), A8 (Tsga8), and A12 (Tsga12) were mapped to chromosomes 3, X, and 10, respectively.

Animals↗

Determination of methylation specificity of sequence-specific DNA methyltransferases using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

We describe here a sensitive and straightforward method for characterizing the methylation specificity of type II DNA methyltransferase (MTase) using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. DNA substrate, prepared by ligation of a commercially available oligonucleotide, was modified by the subject MTase, and was derivatized to a mixture of single-stranded oligonucleotides through endonuclease treatment, heat-denaturation and limited digestion by 3'-terminus-specific phosphodiesterase I. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was used to determine the mass differences between the digestion products, and the methylated nucleotide was explicitly identified by the mass increase of 14 Da due to the base modification. The method was applicable to the three representative MTases M. Eco RI, M. Bam HI and M. Hae III.

Base Sequence↗

MRI of head injury using FLAIR.

We studied the utility of fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) MRI in the investigation of head injury. We examined 56 patients with head injuries with T2-weighted spin-echo (SE) and FLAIR sequences. In all cases, the sensitivity of FLAIR images to equal or superior to that of conventional SE images to the traumatic lesions. In 9 cases, central diffuse axonal injury of the fornix and corpus callosum could be seen only on sagittal FLAIR images.

Adult↗