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Biomedical subjects

H Kurosaki

Publications and source records attributed to H Kurosaki.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Flow-through sequential extraction approach developed from a batch extraction method.

Sequential extractions of contaminants from a soil or sediment have been shown to be cost-effective contaminated site assessment tools that provide information on contaminant partitioning within an environmental matrix. Such information is necessary for defining remediation alternatives and mitigation strategies. The typical sequential extraction approach involves a batch method, and known limitations include the possibility of contaminant readsorption to the remaining soil or sediment In this work, a flow-through reactor was constructed and tested for application in a sequential extraction scheme. The sequential extraction scheme used was one developed for actinide-contaminated materials. The flow-through approach gave partitioning results that were similar to the batch method for uranium. We also monitored the extraction of stable Ca, K, Fe, Al, Zr, and Sc and obtained partitioning results generally similar to those observed with the batch extraction, except for Ca. Our results indicate readsorption of Ca when using a batch approach is small but significant and is eliminated with our new flow-through method. A limitation of the flow-through method is the possibility of underextraction of certain phases and higher analytical uncertainties. These uncertainties are more difficult to minimize, as compared to the uncertainty obtained with a batch approach.

Chemistry Techniques, Analytical↗

Deficiency of a cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase associated with chilling tolerance in soybean.

We investigated the isozyme profiles of antioxidant enzymes in cultivars and lines with different seed productivity in cool climate conditions as a step towards understanding the physiological and genetical mechanisms underlying chilling tolerance in soybean. While no difference in superoxide dismutase, or catalase isozyme profiles was observed among the cultivars and lines tested, we found polymorphism in the ascorbate peroxidase isozyme profile; there were two types, with or without a cytosolic isoform (APX1). The cultivars and lines lacking APX1 proved more tolerant to chilling temperatures, as evaluated by yielding ability. The genotype-dependent deficiency of APX1 was consistent in plants and tissues under various oxidative stress conditions including the exposure to low-temperatures. In addition, the genetic analysis of progeny derived from crossing between cultivars differing in the isozyme profile indicated that the APX1 deficiency is controlled by a single recessive gene (apx1), and is inherited independently of the genes that have previously been identified for their association with chilling tolerance. Molecular and linkage analyses suggested that the variant gene of the APX1-absent genotype coding for a cytosolic APX, which contained a single nucleotide substitution and a single nucleotide deletion in the coding region, is responsible for the genotype-dependent deficiency of APX1. The association of APX1 deficiency with chilling tolerance is discussed in detail.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Synthesis and characterization of bis(mu-hydroxo)diiron(III) complex of N-(4-nitro-2-hydroxy)phenylmethyl-N-(2-pyridylethyl)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine and hydroxylation reaction of alkane.

Bis(mu-hydroxo)diiron(III) complex, [Fe2III(mu-OH)2(NE)2](NO3)2 x 3H2O (3) (N-(4-nitro-2-hydroxy)phenylmethyl-N-(2-pyridylethyl)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine = HNE, where H denotes a dissociable proton of the p-nitrophenol group), has been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography, electronic and magnetic spectroscopies.

Alkanes↗

Accumulation of 67Ga citrate in early pregnancy.

A 26-year-old pregnant woman complained of chest pain and dyspnea and was diagnosed with malignant lymphoma of the mediastinum. To determine the stage of malignant lymphoma, tumor scintigraphy with 67Ga citrate was performed. 67Ga scintigraphy revealed an abnormal accumulation in the center of the pelvic cavity. An artificial abortion was performed, and the early pregnancy obtained from the abortion showed a prominent uptake of 67Ga citrate ex vivo. 67Ga citrate re-examination, which was performed immediately after the abortion, showed no abnormal accumulation in the pelvic cavity. To our knowledge, this is the first medical report on an aborted tissue investigated ex vivo to determine whether it demonstrated increased uptake of 67Ga citrate.

Abortion, Induced↗

Biological cell survival mapping for radiofrequency intracavitary hyperthermia combined with simultaneous high dose-rate intracavitary irradiation.

We examined the best way to combine recently developed radiofrequency intracavitary hyperthermia with simultaneous high dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy in an original experimental model. Temperature distribution was measured with an experimental phantom which was immersed in a water bath with the temperature controlled at 37 degrees C. Radiation dose distribution was calculated with a treatment-planning computer. Cell survival was measured by colony assay with HeLa-TG cells in vitro. Radiation dose response at 1 - 7 Gy and time response with hyperthermia in the range of 40 - 46 degrees C were estimated. Radiation dose-response curves in simultaneous treatment with hyperthermia for 30 min at 37 to 46 degrees C were estimated and the surviving fractions in combined treatment were plotted against temperature. For intracavitary radiation alone, cell survival rates increased with increasing distance from the source. For intracavitary hyperthermia alone, the maximum temperature was observed at a depth of 13 mm from the surface of the applicator under suitable treatment conditions. Homogeneous cell killing from the surface of the applicator to a tumor depth of 13 mm was observed under a specific treatment condition. Our experimental model is useful for evaluating the best simultaneous combined treatment.

Brachytherapy↗

Aurine tricarboxylic acid, a potent metal-chelating inhibitor of NFkappaB-DNA binding.

The metal-interaction of aurine tricarboxylic acid (ATA) and its inhibitory effect on the DNA binding of NFkappaB were studied. Chemical speciation and spectroscopic studies have shown the strong interaction of ATA with metal ions present in the biological systems. EPR, FTIR and electronic spectral studies indicated the square planar structure of the metal-binding carboxylic and hydroxyl groups of ATA indicating the ground state 2B1g. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay using NFkappaB and 32P labeled DNA has shown that ATA was inhibitory against the DNA-NFkappaB binding at 30 microM. This activity was the strongest among the metal-chelating inhibitors of NFkappaB-DNA binding reported so far.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

Intraoperative radiotherapy for resectable extrahepatic bile duct cancer.

PURPOSE: Through a retrospective study of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) in bile duct cancer, we hope to help clarify its clinical usefulness. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between 1976 and 1996, IORT was carried out in 35 patients with bile duct cancer at the Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital. Of the 35 patients, resection proved to be curative in 15. Intraoperative irradiation of 15-30 Gy (average 20.1 Gy) was delivered by electron beam in the 5- to 19-MeV energy ranges. Postoperative external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) was also delivered in 16 patients. The EBRT was fractionated to 2 Gy/day, in principle, and was delivered at 8.8-54 Gy (average 40.4 Gy) by 10-MV X-rays. RESULTS: The median survival in our patients was 19 months. The 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year survival rates were 57%, 43%, and 19%, respectively. Statistical analysis identified the following prognostic factors: performance status, curative surgical resection, lymph node metastasis, IORT dosage, and treatment period. Only 1 patient (3%) died within 30 days after surgery, and the incidence of late-onset complications was 21%. CONCLUSION: The combination of IORT and EBRT is useful for patients with bile duct cancer who undergo noncurative resection or who have lymph node metastasis.

Adult↗

Stereotactic radiotherapy for locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in the treatment of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of the outcome of SRT for patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinomas following definitive conventional radiation therapy. METHODS: Five patients were treated with daily static multiportal irradiation. Two Gy was administered with eight isocentric portals in a single plane 5 days a week, and the plane was changed for every 20 to 30 Gy. Of these patients, three had poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Tumor sizes ranged from 1 to 15 cm3, with a median size 3.2 cm3. Median follow-up time from SRT was 34 months (range, 4-61 mo). RESULTS: Four of five recurrent tumors responded well and achieved complete regression. Three patients have survived without evidence of local recurrence with a median follow-up time of 34 months. Marginal recurrence was observed at the posterosuperior wall in a patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma at 30 months after SRT. One patient who received SRT after the two complete courses of radiation therapy died 6 months after SRT as a result of rupture of a branch of the left carotid artery, but autopsy revealed no local residual tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Stereotactic radiotherapy with isocentric multiportals in one plane, which is changed at every 20 to 30 Gy, can provide local control with acceptable toxicity in patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but increased clinical experience and longer follow-up will be necessary to evaluate the overall role of this technique in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Adult↗

Antibacterial activities of new synthetic divalent cation chelators.

A series of new synthetic ligand compounds which chelate divalent cations was examined for the antibacterial activities of the compounds. Only 2 of 14 synthetic chelators, 9-trans-anthryl-1, 4, 8, 11-tetraaza-tetradecane (No. 6) and bis(2-pyridyl)methylamine (No. 13) showed antibacterial activities, whereas none of the diamines, hydrophilic triamines nor tetramines showed antibacterial activities. Chelators No. 6 and No. 13 inhibited the growth of both Gram-negative and -positive bacteria at doses of 25-200 microg/ml, comparable to those of common antibiotics such as polymixin B, fosfomycin and macrolides. Ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) potentiated these antibacterial activities, whereas an inhibitory effect of Mg2+ on the MICs of these chelators was observed. Moreover, these chelators enhanced the leakage of periplasmic beta-lactamase. It is therefore suggested that chelators No. 6 and No. 13 disrupt both the membranes and cytoplasmic functions of bacteria, resulting in cell death.

Anthracenes↗

Radiotherapeutic Management of Brain Metastases from Breast Cancer.

We have reviewed the medical records of 28 breast cancer patients with brainmetastases who were treated with radiotherapy at our clinic from 1980 through 1994(4 patients, postoperatively; 24 patients, radiotherapy alone). Radiotherapy was delivered as whole brain irradiation using lateral opposed 10 MV X-rays. Tenpatients received an additional boost to a reduced field. One patient was treated with localized stereotactic irradiation alone. The radiation dose for tumorsranged from 32 Gy to 60 Gy(mean, 49 Gy)in 2 or 3 Gy daily fractionated doses. The brain was the first site of metastatic involvement in only two patients. In the 26 evaluable patients, neurologic functional improvement was achieved in 24 patients(92%)with complete response(CR)in 12 patients(46%)and partial response(PR)in 12 patients(46%). The survival rates from the initial treatment were 39% at 5 years and 16% at 10 years(median survival time, 50 months), and those after treatment of brain metastases were 29% at one year and 18% at 2 years(median survival time, 6 months). Performance status tended to be associated with survival(p=0.10), and the presence of liver metastasis was the most important risk factor concerning survival(p=0.056). Two patients suffered severe chronic complications.One patient developed severe dementia after whole brain irradiation with a total dose of 45 Gy in 3 Gy daily fractionated dose, and another patient developed widespread brain necrosis after combined radiotherapy with intrathecal local infusion of methotrexate. Radiotherapeutic management is useful for breast cancer patients with brain metastasis, and long-term survival may also be possible even if patients have preexisting extracranial metastases, except for hepatic involvement. Radiation-related complications should therefore be avoided in these patients.

Journal Article↗

Radiotherapy for osseous metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study of 57 patients.

OBJECTIVE: We undertook to evaluate the therapeutic effects of radiotherapy in patients with bone metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), identify prognostic factors, and find an optimum radiation schedule. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical records of 57 patients (99 sites) with painful bone metastases from HCC from December 1978 to March 1997. Their ages ranged from 51 to 82 yr (mean, 62 yr), and the male:female ratio was 49:8. Among them, there were nine patients (16%) with metastases to other organs. Twenty patients (35%) had a solitary bone metastasis and 37 (65%) had multiple bone metastases. The total radiation dose ranged from 20 to 65 Gy (mean, 43 Gy) and that of the Time, Dose, and Fractionation Factor (TDF) values (per explanation given in text) ranged from 35.2 to 118.2 (mean, 73.2). RESULTS: Pain relief was obtained for 83.8% (83/99) of bone metastases from HCC. Those with a TDF value of > or = 77 (a TDF value of 77 is nearly equal to 48 Gy administered in fractions of 2 Gy each daily or 39 Gy administered in fractions of 3 Gy each daily), responded better than those with a TDF value of < 77 (p < 0.05). Overall, the median survival time from the start of radiotherapy was 179 days (6 months). Patients with a solitary bone metastasis and those without metastases to other organs had a better prognosis (p < 0.05 for both subgroups). CONCLUSIONS: Radiation therapy was effective for bone metastases from HCC, especially for those treated with a TDF value of > or = 77.

Aged↗

Beta ray-induced scission of DNA in tritiated water and protection by a green tea percolate and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate.

The beta-ray induced scission of puC18 plasmid DNA from E. coli in tritiated water was examined in the presence or absence of a green tea percolate (TP) and the main constituent, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg). An analysis of the ratio of the original closed-circular to the open-circular form of DNA, which was formed by the strand scission of DNA, revealed that TP and EGCg showed a protective effect on DNA scission depending on their concentrations. A new technique, named solid state spin trapping, was applied to examine this scavenging ability toward the hydroxyl (OH) radical generated in tritiated water. The result was kinetically analyzed to reveal that TP and EGCg showed the scavenging effect, suggesting that the protective effect on DNA scission was attributable to the scavenging effect on the OH radical.

Beta Particles↗

Protection by trehalose of DNA from radiation damage.

The most serious damage to cells exposed to radiation is attributed mostly to effects on the structure of cellular DNA. We found that trehalose protects DNA from irradiation. In the presence of 10 mM trehalose, DNA can be protected from about 4 times higher doses of beta- and gamma-ray irradiation. The protective effect increases with the amount of the sugar. Other disaccharides, sucrose, and maltose had similar effects.

Beta Particles↗

Ectopic lacrimal gland of the orbit.

A case of intraorbital ectopic lacrimal gland was evaluated with various radionuclides. CT and MRI with contrast enhancement showed a soft-tissue mass in the orbit. The lesion was gallium-avid, but 18F-FDG PET demonstrated very faint uptake. On early and delayed 201Tl-Cl images, mildly increased uptake and mild retention were observed. Technetium-99m-(V)-DMSA SPECT showed intense accumulation on both the early and delayed images. Technetium-99m-pertechnetate SPECT, demonstrating marked uptake in the lesion, was useful for the differential diagnosis between intraorbital malignancy and this benign lesion. These scintigraphic variations played an important role in the tissue characterization of this uncommon lesion.

Child↗

Tumour affinity of 203Pb-chloride: comparison with 67Ga-citrate and 201Tl-chloride.

The radionuclide 203Pb decays completely by electron capture to stable 203Tl with a half-life of 52 h. The primary radiation from the decay is gamma-ray radiation 280 keV (80%). 203Pb is produced easily from the natural metal thallium by the method described below. 203Pb-chloride is a promising imaging agent for tumour scanning because of the large retention value for tumour tissue and the small value for normal organs, but the large value for the kidney and bone is a shortcoming when considering it as an imaging agent. The retention value of 203Pb in tumour tissue is larger than that of 201Tl and smaller than that of 67Ga. The tumour/inflammatory lesion retention ratio for 203Pb is very large in comparison with those for 67Ga and 201Tl. 203Pb accumulates to a large extent in viable tumour tissue, and less in necrotic tumour tissue and in inflammatory lesion. Therefore, 203Pb-chloride is far better for visualization of viable tumour tissue than 67Ga and 201Tl if the large retention values for the kidney and bone were reduced.

Animals↗