[A case of diffuse fasciitis and its MRI findings].
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗
Biomedical subjects
A Iwata
Publications and source records attributed to A Iwata.
[A case of spinal hemorrhage associated with abdominal aortic coarctation].
We report a 59-year-old male with abdominal aortic coarctation presented as paraplegia due to spinal hemorrhage caused by the rupture of abnormally dilated spinal artery. In coarctation of aorta, coarctation is usually located in the aortic isthmus which could be the cause of cervical and upper thoracic myelopathy. However, there has been no report of abdominal aortic coarctation with hemorrhagic transverse myelopathy. In this case hemorrhage occurred after surgical treatment and prescribed warfarin may have exaggerated the outcome.
Aorta, Abdominal↗
[Quantitative measurements of regional cerebral blood flow using technetium-99m-L,L-ECD SPECT activated with acetazolamide: fundamental study of measurement's accuracy, comparison with 123I-IMP ARG method].
We measured regional cerebral blood flow before and after acetazolamide administration using a serial noninvasive method with 99mTc-ECD developed by Matsuda and Takeuchi et al., and compared the accuracy of measured values with those obtained by the conventional 123I-IMP ARG method. When the regional cerebral blood flow was measured for 80 brain regions in 5 subjects without scatter correction, a differential of 0.5 +/- 8.4% was obtained between values measured before and after physiological saline administration as a placebo. A differential of -0.2 +/- 12.6% was obtained when the same regions were measured with scatter correction. These findings indicated that placebo administration did not affect measured values, regardless of whether scatter correction was performed. When 64 regions in 4 subjects at rest were measured on two successive days, a differential of -1.1 +/- 9.0% was obtained between the values measured on the two days. A differential of -4.0 +/- 11.7% was obtained for the same regions following acetazolamide administration. These findings showed that measurements were reproducible both when subjects were at rest and when they were administered acetazolamide. The above two methods were used for measurement of 80 brain regions in the same 5 subjects for comparison. Measurements of subjects at rest and with acetazolamide administration were performed on separate days. The regression line y = 0.99x + 1.47, r = 0.80, was obtained for the subjects at rest, and y = 0.86x + 7.76, with r = 0.76, for the subjects following acetazolamide administration. These findings demonstrated a good correlation between the values obtained using the two methods. The values obtained using the method of Matsuda and Takeuchi et al., before and after acetazolamide administration were thus consistent with those reported previously using the conventional method, and the former method proved to be both simple and reliable.
Acetazolamide↗
Changes in parathyroid hormone receptor binding affinity during egg laying: implications for calcium homeostasis in chicken.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor bindings were examined in the membrane fraction of the calvaria and the kidney of the hen by the use of [125I]PTH-related protein (PTHrP) binding assays. The binding specificity, reversibility, and saturation of the receptor were demonstrated. The equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) and the maximum binding capacity (Bmax) were obtained by Scatchard analyses. In both calvaria and kidney, Kd and Bmax values decreased at 3 h before oviposition in egg-laying hens, but not in nonlaying hens. Administration of 17 beta-estradiol or progesterone in vivo caused a decrease in the Kd and Bmax values. Ionized calcium concentrations in the blood plasma showed a decrease at 13 h before oviposition. The results suggest that the PTH receptor binding in the calvaria and the kidney is affected by ovarian steroid hormones and may play a role in maintaining the calcium homeostasis in the egg-laying hen.
Analysis of Variance↗
Cloning and expression of the canine interferon-beta gene.
We isolated the canine interferon-beta (IFN-beta) gene from dog liver chromosomal DNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The coding region encodes a predicted protein of 197 amino acids, consisting of a signal sequence of 32 amino acids and a mature IFN-beta of 165 amino acids. In the IFN-beta sequence, there are five potential N-glycosylation sites and four cysteine residues. Canine IFN-beta has 44% and 60% amino acid sequence homology with murine and human IFN-beta, respectively, whereas it has only 28% homology with canine IFN-alpha. The canine IFN-beta gene was expressed in insect cells under the control of the polyhedrin promoter in a recombinant baculovirus. After infecting Sf21 cells with the recombinant baculovirus, IFN activity was detected in the culture medium, indicating that it is secreted from the cells. This activity was stable from pH 2 to 12 for 18 h at 4 degrees C. Southern blot analysis indicated that the gene for canine IFN-beta is a single gene in the dog haploid chromosome.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Molecular assembly of the influenza virus RNA polymerase: determination of the subunit-subunit contact sites.
Influenza virus RNA polymerase with the subunit structure PB1-PB2-PA is involved in both transcription and replication of the RNA genome. By transfection of various combinations of cDNA encoding wild-type and serial deletion mutants of each P protein subunit and co-immunoprecipitation with subunit-specific antibodies, the subunit-subunit contact sites on all three of the P proteins were determined. Results indicate that binary complexes are formed between PB1-PB2 and PB1-PA but not between PB2-PA. Therefore, we concluded that PB1 is the core subunit for assembly of the virus RNA polymerase. The C-terminal 158 amino acids of PB1 bound to the N-terminal 249 amino acids of PB2, while the N-terminal 140 amino acids of PB1 bound to the C-terminal two-thirds of PA. PB2-PA binding was not detected when they were expressed in the absence of the PB1 subunit.
Animals↗
Regulation of RNA polymerase sigma subunit synthesis in Escherichia coli: intracellular levels of four species of sigma subunit under various growth conditions.
By a quantitative Western immunoblot analysis, the intracellular levels of two principal sigma subunits, sigma 70 (sigma D, the rpoD gene product) and sigma 38 (sigma S, the rpoS gene product), and of two minor sigma subunits, sigma 54 (sigma N, the rpoN gene product) and sigma 28 (sigma F, the rpoF gene product), were determined in two Escherichia coli strains, W3110 and MC4100. The results indicated that the levels of sigma 54 and sigma 28 are maintained at 10 and 50%, respectively, of the level of sigma 70 in both strains growing at both exponential and stationary phases, but in agreement with the previous measurement for strain MC4100 (M. Jishage and A. Ishihama, J. Bacteriol. 177:6832-6835, 1995), the level of sigma 38 was undetectable at the exponential growth phase but increased at 30% of the level of sigma 70 at the stationary phase. Stress-coupled change in the intracellular level was observed for two sigma subunits: (i) the increase in sigma 38 level and the decrease in sigma 28 level upon exposure to heat shock at the exponential phase and (ii) the increase in sigma 38 level under high-osmolality conditions at both the exponential and stationary phases.
Bacterial Proteins↗
Cytopathic effect inhibition assay for canine interferon activity.
Conditions for cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition assay of canine interferon (IFN) activity in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and in canine tumor cell line A72 was investigated using the New Jersey strain of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). The culture supernatant from canine splenocytes stimulated with ultraviolet-irradiated Newcastle disease viruses was used as reference IFN. MDCK cells were resistant for growth of VSV when the cells were confluent. Full CPE was observed only in a sparsely growing culture. Canine IFN activity could be assayed on less than 10(4) MDCK cells/well of a 96-well microplate, and more than 10(5) TCID50/ml of VSV was required. In A72 cells, VSV growth was not as dependent on cell density as in MDCK cells, requiring 10(3) TCID50/ml of VSV. MDCK-VSV system showed a higher IFN sensitivity than A72-VSV, whereas reproducibility was higher for the latter than the former. Based on these findings, A72-VSV system for canine IFN assay is recommended for practical use due to its easy handling characteristics.
Animals↗
The influence of work loads on regional differences in sweating rates.
The influence of work loads (20, 40 and 60% VO2max) on regional differences in sweating rates was investigated in six healthy male students. The ratios of local sweating rate (msw) on the chest and back to estimated total sweating rate (mean msw of four sites examined x body surface area) at 20% work load were significantly greater than those on the forearm and forehead, whereas the ratio on the forehead at 60% work load was greater than at the other sites. The ratios on the forearm at 40 and 60% work loads were significantly greater than at 20% work load. The regional differences in sweating rates change with the increase in work load as seen by the greater variation in the ratios of msw on each site at 20% work load compared with 40 and 60% work loads. The results indicate that redistribution of this sweat activity to whole body or head with the rise in work load induces favorable conditions for evaporation and controlling brain temperature.
Adult↗
The effect of diurnal variation on the regional differences in sweating and skin blood flow during exercise.
The aim of the present study was to examine changes in the control of heat-dissipation responses to exercise associated with the diurnal variation in core temperature from the viewpoint of the regional response patterns. We studied seven men during exercise on a cycle ergometer at 100 W for 40 min at 25 degrees C at 0630 (morning) 1630 (evening) hours on 2 separate days. Oesophageal temperature (T(oes)), local skin temperature, local sweating rate (msw) on the forehead, back, forearm and thigh, and skin blood flow by laser Doppler flowmeter (LDF) on the back and forearm were measured continuously. The T(oes) at rest was significantly higher in the evening than in the morning, the difference averaging approximately 0.4 degrees C (P < 0.05). The T(oes) thresholds for each site in msw and that for back in LDF were significantly different between the two times of day (P < 0.05). The change in T(oes) thresholds for sweating and vasodilatation for morning and evening were similar to T(oes) at rest. Although msw on the forehead was significantly higher in the morning than in the evening, msw on the back was significantly higher in the evening than in the morning (P < 0.05). Total local sweating rate (msw,tot) for each site during exercise was significantly higher on the forehead than on the forearm in the morning, and on the back than on the forearm in the evening, respectively (P < 0.05). The results would suggest that the diurnal variation of heat-dissipation responses to exercise is influenced not only by a central controlling mechanism but also by changes in the regional differences.
Adult↗
An adult case of neurohypophyseal ectopy presenting ACTH deficiency and partial GH deficiency.
A case of ACTH deficiency and partial GH deficiency associated with neurohypophyseal ectopy is described. A 42-year-old woman of short stature was admitted for hypoglycemic coma. The patient had hypocortisolemia, an increase in urinary 17-OHCS after consecutive injections of ACTH-Z, and a low plasma ACTH level which showed no response to corticotropin-releasing factor. This indicated the presence of ACTH deficiency. The plasma GH level showed a blunted response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia, but its response to GRF was preserved. Other hypothalamo-pituitary axes were intact. T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated ectopic neurohypophyseal tissue and a tiny anterior pituitary remnant. ACTH deficiency and partial GH deficiency might have developed as a consequence of pituitary stalk injury and inadequate regeneration of the anterior lobe.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
Marek's disease virus type 1-specific phosphorylated proteins pp38 and pp24 with common amino acid termini are encoded from the opposite junction regions between the long unique and inverted repeat sequences of viral genome.
The nucleotide sequence of the junction region between the long unique (UL) and terminal inverted repeat (TRL) sequences of Marek's disease (MD) virus type 1 (MDV1) DNA revealed the presence of a rightward open reading frame of 155 amino acids. The ORF inserted into an eukaryotic expression vector transiently expressed an antigen in the cytoplasm of COS7 cells which reacted with the monoclonal antibody M21 against an MDV1-specific phosphorylated protein complex consisting of at least the proteins pp38 and pp24. In addition, RNA synthesized in vitro from the ORF under the control of the T7 promoter was translated in vitro using rabbit reticulocyte lysates. A polypeptide of about 24 kDa was immunoprecipitated with M21 antibody. Thus, the MDV1-specific phosphorylated proteins pp38 and pp24 with common amino termini are encoded in the opposite junction regions between the UL and IRL and between the UL and TRL, respectively, of the MDV1 genome. The pp38 gene is transcribed leftward from the viral genome, while the pp24 gene was shown here to be transcribed rightward in a MD tumor cell line as well as in cells productively infected with MDV1.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
The complete sequences of African horsesickness virus serotype 4 (vaccine strain) RNA segment 2 and 6 which encode outer capsid protein.
The complete sequences of RNA segment 2 and segment 6 of African horsesickness virus serotype 4 (AHSV-4) vaccine strain were determined from cDNA clones inserted into pBR 322. The RNAs of segment 2 and 6 are 3229, 1566 bp long respectively and both contain an open reading frame encoding proteins VP2 and VP5 of 1060, 505 amino acid residues. The estimated molecular weight of VP2 was 124,178 dalton and that of VP5 was 56,793 dalton. Their noncoding end sequences were 5'GTTTAA . . . and . . . ACATAC3' (segment 2), 5'GTTTAT . . . and . . . ACTTAC3' (segment 6). They were different from orbivirus characteristic terminal sequences, which were 5'GTTAAA . . . and . . . ACTTAC3'. The comparison of both sequences of AHSV-4 segment 2 and 6 with those of segment 2 and 5 of bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 10 revealed 53% nucleotide similarity and 23% amino acid similarity (segment 2), and 58% nucleotide similarity and 46% amino acid similarity (segment 6). In the same way, the comparison of both sequences of the vaccine strain with those of the virulent strain segment 2 and segment 6 of AHSV-4 revealed 91% nucleotide and 96% amino acid similarity (segment 2), and 98% nucleotide and 98% amino acid similarity (segment 6).
African Horse Sickness Virus↗
Detection of African horsesickness virus by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using primers for segment 5 (NS1 gene).
The reverse transcription followed by the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique was applied to the detection of African horsesickness virus (AHSV) using primers specific for attenuated AHSV serotype 4 segment 5 (NS1 gene). Total RNA which contains both messenger RNA and genomic dsRNA was extracted by the acid guanidinium-phenol-chloroform method from the AHSV infected Vero cells and was used as templates to optimize the RT-PCR. A pair of primer (NP2-NP32) amplified the product of the expected size from all serotypes of attenuated AHSV when four pairs of primers were tested. Using this primer pair, no RT-PCR product was detected from the RNA samples extracted from ten other orbiviruses infected cells and their virions. In addition, RT-PCR using a serial dilution of RNA samples suggested that AHSV was efficiently detected from 1 to 2 cells of the cell monolayer infected with 10(6) TCID50 of AHSV. The RT-PCR concerning with total RNAs of AHSV NS1 gene was found to be a specific and sensitive method for the detection of AHSV.
African Horse Sickness↗
[Continuous noninvasive measurements of cardiac output during exercise by impedance cardiography--application to evaluation of cardiac output kinetics].
The purpose of the present study was to compare the impedance derivate waveforms using spot and band electrode array and to assess applicability of automated signal processing system for cardiac output kinetics. Five healthy male subjects were tested. Cardiac output (Q) were measured using spot electrode array. Each subject performed rest-exercise transitions in leg and arm exercise on an electrically braked ergometer. The intensities of leg exercise were 25, 50, and 100 W for 5 min and those of arm exercise were 25 and 50 W. Comparisons between spot and band electrodes were made for the absolute magnitude of Q and stroke volume (SV), as well as for impedance derivative waveforms. The waveforms for spot electrodes showed less fluctuation by breathing and movement artifacts than for band electrodes. Q for spot electrodes were larger than those for band electrodes. There was a significant correlationship between oxygen uptake (Vo2) and Q. There was a significant correlationship between Q using spot electrode and Q measured by CO2 rebreathing method. Nonlinear correlation coefficient to exponential curve of Q kinetics for leg exercise was more than 0.7 and for arm exercise more than 0.4 in spite of large movement of upper body. It is suggested that the present system using spot electrodes is superior in signal processing to those for band electrodes and able to evaluate Q kinetics without multiple repetition of exercise tests.
Adult↗
Vascular permeability enhancing activity of Porphyromonas gingivalis protease in guinea pigs.
Porphyromonas gingivalis protease, which had been isolated from a culture supernatant, caused vascular permeability enhancement in a dose-dependent manner when injected into guinea pig skin. The permeability-enhancing reaction caused by the protease was not affected by treatment with antihistamine, but was greatly augmented by simultaneous injection of a kinin potentiator, carboxypeptidase N inhibitor. However, the reaction was inhibited by soybean trypsin inhibitor or alpha 2-antiplasmin, although both of these inhibitors could not inhibit P. gingivalis protease at all by themselves. A bradykinin-degrading enzyme, carboxypeptidase B, weakened this vascular reaction. Results described indicate that the permeability-enhancing reaction induced by the protease is caused by activation, of the kallikrein-kinin cascade in the tissue.
Animals↗
The complete nucleotide sequence of African horsesickness virus serotype 4 (vaccine strain) segment 4, which encodes the minor core protein VP4.
The complete sequence of RNA segment 4 of African horsesickness virus serotype 4 (AHSV-4) vaccine strain was determined from the full-length cDNA clone inserted into pBR322. The RNA is 1978 bp long (M(r) 1.27 x 10(6)) and contains an open reading frame encoding a protein of 642 amino acids (M(r) 75826) with a net charge of +10 at neutral pH. The 5' and 3' termini of AHSV-4 segment 4,5'GTTTAT... and ...CCTTAC3', were different from orbivirus characteristic terminal sequences, being 5'GTTAAA... and ...ACTTAC3'. A comparison of the sequence of AHSV-4 segment 4 with that of bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 10 revealed 55.4% nucleotide similarity and 48.5% amino acid similarity. In addition, Northern blot hybridization showed that the full-length AHSV-4 segment 4 cDNA cross-hybridized well with the corresponding genes of serotype 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 but slightly with serotype 5, 6 and 8 of attenuated AHSV.
African Horse Sickness Virus↗
Membrane flux through the pore formed by a fusogenic viral envelope protein during cell fusion.
We have investigated the mechanism of cell fusion mediated by HA, the fusogenic hemagglutinin of the Influenza viral envelope. Single erythrocytes (RBCs) were attached to fibroblasts expressing the HA on their cell surface, and fusion of the paired cells was triggered by rapid acidification. The RBC membrane was stained with fluorescent lipid, and the fusion-induced escape of lipid into the fibroblast was observed by quantitative image analysis. At the same time, the formation of an aqueous connection (i.e., the fusion pore) between the two cells was monitored electrically. Within minutes after acidification, an electrical conductance between the two cells appeared abruptly as the fusion pore opened, and then increased gradually as the pore dilated. Later, fluorescent lipid diffused into the fibroblast, approaching equilibrium over the next 5-20 min. No lipid flux was seen while the pore conductance remained 0.5 nS or less. Evidently lipid flux requires a threshold pore size. Our finding suggests that the smallest and earliest fusion pores are surrounded by a ring of protein. A fusion pore expands by breaking this ring and recruiting lipid into its circumference.
3T3 Cells↗