Degradation of three β-O-4 lignin model compounds organic electrolysis and elucidation of the degradation mechanisms.

Woody biomass comprising cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin has been the focus of considerable attention as an alternative energy source to fossil fuel for various applications. However, lignin has a complex structure, which is difficult to degrade. Typically, lignin degradation is studied using β-O-4 lignin model compounds as lignin contains a large number of β-O-4 bonds.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of glucose conjugated phthalocyanine as a second-generation photosensitizer.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment method using light and photosensitizers (PSs), which is categorized as a non-invasive surgery treatment for cancers. When the tumor is exposed to a specific light, the PSs become active and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), mainly singlet oxygen which kills nearby cancer cells. PDT is becoming more widely recognized as a valuable treatment option for localized cancers and pre-cancers of skin as it has no long-term effects on the patient.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a highly water-soluble psoralen-based photosensitizer.

In recent years, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been approved for treating various medical conditions, including cancer. PDT is a treatment that employs a particular drugs, called photosensitizers which work along with specific light source. The growth of this medical industry is expanding as it is another promising alternative to treat cancer which lessen the burden of treatments in patients.

Synthesis of fluorescent molecular probes specific for the receptor of blepharismone, a mating-inducing pheromone of the ciliate Blepharisma japonicum.

Blepharismone (gamone 2) is a mating-inducing pheromone of the ciliate Blepharisma japonicum. N-Pyrenylbutyryl-blepharismone and N-biphenylacetyl-blepharismone, which are fluorescent derivatives of blepharismone, were synthesized as molecular probes for the gamone 2 receptor. Further, we proved that they have inhibitory activities against the blepharismone-induced monotypic pairing of B.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children is often caused by obstruction of the upper airway due to hypertrophy of the adenoids and palatine tonsils. Between October 1988 and December 1991, 50 children (34 males, 16 females) visited our department due to attacks of sleep apnea and underwent adenotomy or adeno-tonsillectomy. Respiratory monitoring during sleep was performed before and after operation, and the usefulness of the surgery was evaluated.