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Biomedical subjects

A Kono

Publications and source records attributed to A Kono.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Plasmid profiles of virulent Rhodococcus equi isolates from soil environment on horse-breeding farms in Hungary.

The plasmid profiles of virulent Rhodococcus equi strains isolated on three horse-breeding farms located in different parts of Hungary were investigated. From 49 soil samples collected on the three farms, 490 R. equi isolates (10 from each sample) were obtained and tested for the presence of 15- to 17-kDa antigens (VapA) by immunoblotting and PCR. Ninety-eight VapA-positive isolates were detected from 30 of the 49 culture-positive samples with a prevalence ranging from 13.1% to 23.2%. Of the 98 virulent isolates, 70 contained an 85-kb type I plasmid, 13 contained an 87-kb type I plasmid, and 15 contained an 85-kb type III plasmid which had been uniquely isolated from soil isolates in the United States. This study demonstrates that the virulent form of R. equi is very widespread in the soil environment of these stud farms in Hungary and the plasmid pattern is different from farm to farm.

Actinomycetales Infections↗
PubMed2004

Role of 5-HT1B receptors in entrainment disorder of Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats.

The role of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors in entrainment function was studied in Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats and control Long Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats. Light-induced (100 lux, 30 min) Fos expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus was studied. Light-induced Fos expression was significantly decreased in OLETF rats compared to that in LETO rats. The decrease of light-induced Fos expression in OLETF rats was significantly reversed by pretreatment with the 5-HT1B receptor antagonist, isamoltan (3 mg/kg, i.p.). Simultaneous administration of CGS12066B (5 mg/kg, i.p.), a 5-HT1B agonist, blocked the reversal effect of isamoltan on Fos expression. Fos expression was not changed in LETO rats by pretreatment with isamoltan (3 mg/kg, i.p.). The Fos expression in LETO and OLETF rats was significantly decreased by pretreatment with the 5-HT1A antagonist, WAY-100,635. Phase shifts in locomotor activity paralleled the Fos expression. Light-induced phase shifts of locomotor activity in OLETF rats were significantly smaller than those in LETO rats. The phase shifts were significantly increased by isamoltan (3 mg/kg, i.p.) in OLETF rats. These results suggest that 5-HT1B receptors are involved in the reduced entrainment function of OLETF rats.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Stomach cancer-related mortality rate is higher in young Japanese women than in men.

This study compares stomach cancer-related mortality rates in Japan with those in European and Asian countries and analyzes trends in stomach cancer-related mortality rates according to gender in young Japanese over the period of 1957-1997. From official death certification numbers and population estimates, we obtained stomach cancer-related mortality rate for all ages and various ages according to gender. Japan's ranking compared to other countries in death percentage of all cancers which are attributable to stomach cancer was fourth for both men and women. In Japan and Ireland, total elimination of deaths from stomach cancer in men resulted in increased life expectancy of 0.68 and 0.22 y respectively, whereas the corresponding figures for women were 0.42 and 0.14 y respectively. The sex ratios of stomach cancer-related mortality rates were 0.75, 0.63, 0.80 and 0.94 for 25-29, 30-34, 35-39 and 40-44 y age groups, respectively, in 1997. The sex ratio of relative risk ranged from 0.62 to 0.92 in 25-40 y age groups during the observation period. The life expectancy in 30-34 y age group increased by 0.66 y for men and 0.41 y for women in 1995 after elimination of stomach cancer-related deaths. Our results suggest that stomach cancer-related mortality rates are still high in Japan and young women are at higher risk of stomach cancer-related death relative to young men and that sex ratio is stable or slightly decreased over the 40-y period. It is important to monitor this trend continuously in the next few years.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Characteristics of housebound elderly by mobility level in Japan.

The purpose of the present study was to describe characteristics of the housebound elderly by their mobility levels. Disabled elderly people in Japan were interviewed at home by nurses. Housebound status was defined as people who left the house less than once a week. Characteristics of housebound elderly were compared with non-housebound elderly by three mobility levels: (i) Non-walking group (n=72); 5 m-walking group (n=153); going-by-bus group (n=96). Housebound elderly were not found in the going-by-bus group. Among the elderly in the non-walking group, the cognitive function of the housebound elderly was significantly lower and the housebound elderly were less well cared for; however, their caregivers rated their caregiving burden significantly lower than did caregivers of the non-housebound elderly. Among those in the 5 m-walking group, the autonomy and social networks of the housebound elderly were significantly less than for the non-housebound. The characteristics of housebound elderly showed differences by mobility levels.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2001

Characterization of mouse metastasis-associated gene 2: genomic structure, nuclear localization signal, and alternative potentials as transcriptional activator and repressor.

We characterized the mouse metastasis-associated gene 2 product (mmta2), which is a homolog of the metastasis-associated gene 1 product (MTA1). We revealed that the mmta2 gene spanned approximately 10 kb and was separated into 18 exons. The transcription start site of mmta2 was located 377 bp upstream from the putative initiation codon. The subcellular location of the mmta2 protein was the nucleus, and nuclear localization signals were identified in the region between amino acids 456 and 497. To obtain data on the transcription-regulating potential of mmta2, various constructs containing different portions were fused to the GAL4 DNA-binding domain. The entire mmta2 protein repressed the transcription of the reporter genes, whereas treatment with a histone deacetylase inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA), led to recovery from the repression and to transcriptional activation. However, the N terminus of mmta2 activated transcriptional activity in the absence of TSA. These results suggest that mmta2 has the potential to both repress and activate gene transcription and that its transcription repression activity might be related to histone deacetylation.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed2000

Gene structure of human cholecystokinin (CCK) type-A receptor: body fat content is related to CCK type-A receptor gene promoter polymorphism.

The transcriptional start site of the human cholecystokinin (CCK)-A receptor gene was determined by the Capsite Hunting method. Two sequence changes were detected, a G to T change in nucleotide -128, and an A to G change in nucleotide -81. The homozygote (T/T, G/G) was detected in 25 of 1296 individuals (1.9%) in the cohort study. This polymorphism showed a significantly higher percent body fat and higher levels of serum insulin and leptin, compared with wild type and heterozygotes. Our study provided the possibility that polymorphism in the promoter region of the CCK-A receptor gene may be one of genetic factors affecting fat deposition.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2000

Entrainment function in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The term for re-entrainment to a new light-dark cycle in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats was significantly longer than that in control rats. In STZ-induced diabetic rats, the same level of phase delay in the suprachiasmatic nucleus neuronal firing rhythm was observed in control rats after glutamate application. Therefore, 5-HT function in the hypothalamus is thought to be decreased in STZ-induced diabetic rats. These results suggest that postsynaptic neuronal function is still maintained in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Therefore, 5-HT mechanisms may play an important role in the maintenance of this function.

5-Hydroxytryptophan↗
PubMed2000

[Characteristics of "Tojikomori" and "Tojikomerare" among home disabled elderly: daily life of housebound elderly].

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A Japanese word Tojikomori means shutting oneself in a room or house, or generally withdrawing. It has been pointed out that Tojikomori results in a decline in mobility among disabled elderly living at home. As a result of the qualitative study, we have attempted to define two types of Tojikomori. The first type, or the narrowly defined Tojikomori, is the elderly who are housebound-inactive but have a high mobility level. The second type, Tojikomerare (the passive of Tojikomori), is the elderly who are housebound-inactive because of their low mobility. The purpose of this study is to describe characteristics of Tojikomori and Tojikomerare. METHODS: 321 disabled elderly (male: 122, female: 199, mean age 78.8) were interviewed at home by nurses in Wajima City, Japan, in 1998. The subjects were selected from the list of used in a screening survey, the Whole Wajima Elderly Survey. Mobility, life space, activity, physical function, psychosocial factors, caregiver's burden and caregiver's care to elderly were measured. The Tojikomerare subjects were operationally defined as the housebound-inactive elderly who were unable to walk. The Tojikomori were identified as the housebound-inactive elderly who were able to walk 5 yards but were unable to take a bus. RESULTS: Results obtained were as follows: 1. Housebound were not found among elders able to go out bus. There were 16 Tojikomori (10.1%) in subjects who were able to walk 5 yards (n = 153). Among the subjects who were unable to walk (n = 72), 49 people (68.1%) were classified as Tojikomerare. 2. The physical function, autonomy and social network of the Tojikomerare subjects were lowest among subjects unable to walk. They used day care least and received least care from their caregivers. In addition, their caregivers' burdens were modest. 3. Among the elderly who were able to walk 5 yards, autonomy and social network of the Tojikomori ranked lowest, although physical function was not low. CONCLUSION: Tojikomerare had lowest physical and psychosocial function, but they were cared for the least by caregivers. Tojikomori had the lowest psychosocial function among elderly who can walk 5 yards. The results suggest that it is important to evaluate the mobility, life space, and activity of the housebound elderly when providing community-based services.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2000

[Functional changes in one-year and related factors among community-dwelling frail elderly].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate physical and psychosocial characteristics together with life activities related to functional changes among frail elderly, including J-rank individuals able to walk outdoors and take a bus as well as people of A-rank capable of moving around inside the house but incapable of going outside. METHODS: The study design was of longitudinal type. Participants were community-dwelling frail elderly, 61 J-rank and 90 A-rank individuals aged over 65-years and caregivers. Nurses conducted home interviews as Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan, in 1998 at the baseline and 1999 at follow-up, and evaluated the degree of independence of the frail elderly. With the baseline survey, physical function, psychosocial characteristics, and life activities were assessed. RESULTS: At the follow-up survey, 3.3% people of J-rank elderly had died and 83.6% were at home. Among the A-rank elderly, 11.1% had died and 80.6% were at home. Functional change in one-year was as follows: 31.4% people of J-rank had declined and 68.6% remained the same. 19.4% people of A-rank improved, 65.3% unchanged, and 15.3% declined. Among J-rank elderly, functional decline was significantly related to low ADL level and less verbal contact with their caregivers. Life activities such as getting out to the garden or around the house, worshipping at a temple, doing house chores, shopping, and gardening, related to maintained function. Among A-rank elderly with the low ADL, function similarity declined. Life activities such as visiting friends, gardening, and performing self-care chores were significantly linked to improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the degree of independence of frail elderly may easily change. ADL is related to functional change among frail elderly of both A and J rank. It is recommended that facilitating activities like house chores or getting out the house for J-rank individuals and self-care for A-rank elderly is important to prevent functional decline. Preventive community-based care for frail elderly should therefore be directed of supporting their active life.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1999

Expression of cholecystokinin type A receptor gene correlates with DNA demethylation during postnatal development of rat pancreas.

Cholecystokinin stimulates pancreatic amylase secretion, gallbladder contraction, and pancreatic growth, etc. by binding with high affinity to a cholecystokinin type A receptor (CCKAR). To better understand the expression of CCKAR mRNA in terms of tissue specificity and postnatal development, we determined the methylation status of BssHII sites (5'-B sites) in the rat CCKAR gene promoter. The 5'-B sites in adult pancreas expressing CCKAR mRNA were much less extensively methylated than those in fetal pancreas not expressing the mRNA. In brain, liver, and kidney of adult rats not expressing CCKAR mRNA, the 5'-B sites were methylated. In pancreas, the demethylation level of the sites increased at 21 days after birth. Concomitant with the DNA demethylation level in the 5'-B sites, the mRNA level rose rapidly in 21 days. These results demonstrate that methylation and expression of the CCKAR gene reveal a good inverse correlation.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Highly sensitive determination of N-terminal prolyl dipeptides, proline and hydroxyproline in urine by high-performance liquid chromatography using a new fluorescent labelling reagent, 4-(5,6-dimethoxy-2-phthalimidinyl)-2-methoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride.

A highly sensitive pre-column HPLC method for simultaneous determination of prolyl dipeptides, Pro and Hyp in urine was developed. The analytes were labelled with 4-(5,6-dimethoxy-2-phthalimidinyl)-2-methoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride at 70 degrees C for 20 min. The derivatives separated on tandem reversed-phase columns by a gradient elution and were monitored with fluorescence detection at 318 nm (excitation) and 392 nm (emission). The detection limits for prolyl dipeptides, Pro and Hyp were 1-5 fmol/injection (S/N = 3). Urine samples were treated with o-phthalaldehyde, followed by purification on a Bond Elut C18 column before conducting the labelling reaction. Pro-Hyp, Pro-Gly and Pro-Pro were identified as prolyl dipeptides in urine. The within-day and between-day relative standard deviations were 1.5-4.8 and 1.7-5.8%, respectively. The concentrations of Pro-Hyp, Pro-Gly, Pro-Pro, Pro and Hyp in normal human urine were 97.6 +/- 28.2, 2.74 +/- 1.48, 2.08 +/- 1.13, 6.71 +/- 3.34 and 2.30 +/- 1.59 nmol/mg creatinine, respectively.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMed1999

Lowered entrainment function in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats.

The entrainment function in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of young non-diabetic Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats was studied. OLETF rats significantly needed more days for re-entrainment to a new light-dark cycle than control Long Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats. We also assessed Fos expression in the SCN induced by dim light exposure. The number of Fos-immunoreactive cells was significantly decreased in 5- to 13-week-old OLETF rats compared with LETO rats. Moreover, the effect of glutamate on neuronal activity in the SCN of OLETF rats were investigated. In young non-diabetic OLETF rats, the phase delay in the SCN neuronal firing rhythm induced by 1 microM glutamate was significantly less than that in LETO rats. These results suggested that the entrainment function is reduced in OLETF rats before the onset of diabetes.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Disruption of cholecystokinin (CCK)-B receptor gene did not modify bile or pancreatic secretion or pancreatic growth: a study in CCK-B receptor gene knockout mice.

Pancreatic exocrine function and bile secretion were examined in cholecystokinin (CCK)-B receptor gene-targeted mice and compared among different genotypes [i.e., CCK-B receptor gene: (+/+), wild-type; (+/-), heterozygous; and (-/-), homozygous deficient]. The histology and protein concentrations in the pancreas also were examined. Amylase release from the dispersed acini was examined in vitro by using the various doses of CCK-8, carbachol, and secretin. In vivo, the bile and pancreatic juice were collected, and the concentrations of amylase and bile acid were measured in anesthetized mice. The responses to CCK (100 pmol/kg) or acetyl-beta-methylcholine (500 nmol/kg) were examined. In vitro studies showed that the maximal effective concentrations of CCK-8 (10(-l0) M), carbachol (10(-5) M), and secretin (5 x 10(-7) M) were comparable for all genotypes. Fluid, amylase, and bile acid outputs in vivo also were comparable for all genotypes. Pancreatic wet weight and protein concentrations were not significantly different, and no abnormal findings were observed on histologic examination in any genotype. These results indicated that the CCK-B receptor has no role in pancreatic growth, exocrine secretion, or bile secretion in adult mice.

Aging↗
PubMed1999

[A review of methodology on community health nursing diagnosis].

PURPOSE: To develop a systematic method and model for community health nursing diagnosis to be used in teaching and in community practices. METHOD: From searching the databases of Medline (from Jan. 1966 to May 1997) and the Japana Centra Revuo Medicina (from Jan. 1987 to Jan. 1997), literature on community diagnosis, community health nursing, diagnosis, assessment and analysis were classified into keywords, purposes, subjects, health problems and methods. RESULTS: 1. As an explanation of the process of nursing diagnosis the community-as-partner model (Anderson and McFarlane; 1995) is useful for understanding the target community and the use of the community health nursing diagnosis process. 2. The methodology of the community health nursing diagnosis is based on three strategies of public health diagnosis. The method of interview surveys was strengthened by incorporating the ethnographic method. 3. Several case studies in the partnership between communities and universities in USA were introduced. CONCLUSION: Changes in community health policy require that public health nurses develop specialized and comprehensive practices in their communities. The authors presented the model of the community health nursing diagnosis process and proposed a partnership between communities and universities. The construction of community health nursing diagnosis process in this paper is based on the public health diagnosis framework consisting of three strategies, to which analysis of existing data, a social survey utilized in epidemiological community diagnosis, and free interviewing from ethnographic methods are incorporated. Developing this systematic diagnosis process of facilitates the search for potential or actual community health problems or concerns, the practice of applying data from surveys and the discussion of concrete strategies toward problem solving. It is useful for educational and research processes and in practice in the community.

Community Health Nursing↗