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Biomedical subjects

A Kobayashi

Publications and source records attributed to A Kobayashi.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

[The efficacy of pyloroplasty affecting to oral-intake quality of life using reconstruction with gastric tube post esophagectomy].

After resection of esophageal carcinoma, pyloroplasty was undergone due to vagal denervation. Especially the ability of oral-taking is related to the return of general societies after operation. This was a randomized study on whether pyloroplasty was effective by functional and nutritional evaluations. From 1992 to 1995, 67 patients with esophageal carcinoma underwent subtotal esophagectomy and reconstruction using a gastric tube. Thirty-four patients were randomized into the pyloroplasty group (P), and 33 into the control group (N). The functional evaluation was done with (1) food-taking scoring (2) A foods with barium granules ejection time (3) a gastric emptying time of 99m Technecium (4) 75 g OGTT. The nutritional evaluation were (1) Rapid Turn-over Protein (RTP) (2) Total Lymphocyte Count (TLC) (3) ONODERA's Prognostic Nutritional Count (PNI) (4) Fluctuation rate of body weight. The elevations were performed 1 and 6 months after operation. Functional evaluation were as follows. (1) Quantity of oral-intake was not significant different between (P) and (N) both improving those quantities in 6 months. Regarding several complaints including in regurgitation, (P) had a few symptoms comparing to (N), almost half of cases complained of some symptoms and did not improving in 6 months. (2) The food ejection time of foods were 19.6 +/- 31.0 min, in (P), 32.9 +/- 37.2 min, in (N), (3) In the Tc gastric emptying time, we calculated as 50% ejecting time and residual rate of 30 min. In 50% ejecting time less than 20 min., (P) shared in 65, 80%, (N) in 39, 40% in 1 and 6 months. (4) In 75 g OGTT there were no significant difference between both groups, though several cases showed the dumping syndrome. In the nutritional evaluation, in RTP, TLC, PNI, and postope, body weight, there were no differences between the two groups. In conclusion, pyloroplasty several symptoms related to oral intake including regurgitation feelings, and in functional evaluation, there shows faster gastric emptying though there were no significant differences in the nutritional phases at 6 months follow-up. The results suggest that this procedure is not essential but it affects to the oral-intake QOL effectively.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

[The postoperative care and treatment in esophageal cancer (4). Postoperative follow up-(recurrence, nutritional management and after-care of IC)].

The points of the postoperative care in radical operation of esophageal cancer are followings. 1) Postoperative nutritional management: In the reconstruction using gastric tube, we make Witzel's gastrostomy in antrum of regardless of the reconstructive routes and transfer to enteral tube-feeding to assist the oral food-taking amount. These management is not only attributing to assist early return to working but also effective to prevent the loss of postoperative physical strength in older patients. 2) Postoperative adjuvant therapy: The esophageal cancer is the diseases that react chemo- and radio-therapy, so most of advanced cases were treated with adjuvant therapy. Nowadays, it is essential for patients to explain the real diagnosis, treatment regimen, then to agree to the informed concent. After informed, the tender mental consult during treatment and outpatient service is required for mental burden. 3) Postoperative follow-up: The recognition of postoperative QOL, early detection of recurrence are mostly emphasized during 2 years after operation. The occurrence of secondary cancer (gastric cancer, cervico-pharyngeal cancer, colorectal cancer etc.) are seen in even 5-10 years after operation. Then the long-term periodical examination and life care are needed.

Chemotherapy, Adjuvant↗
PubMed1996

[Effects of retinal intrinsic dopamine on the in in vivo electroretinogram of rabbits].

The effects of intravitreal injection of nomifensine, a potent dopamine uptake blocker, on the electroretinogram (ERG) were investigated in rabbit. Nomifensine enhanced the amplitude of the oscillatory potentials at 100 microM (intravitreal concentration) and 300 microM (p < 0.05), but it attenuated the oscillatory potentials at 1,000 microM (p < 0.01). Nomifensine attenuated the amplitude of the scotopic b-wave at 100 microM and 1,000 microM (p < 0.05), leaving the peak latency of the scotopic b-wave unaltered at all concentrations tested (30, 100, 300, 500 and 1,000 microM). Neither the amplitude nor the peak latency of the dark-adapted a- and b-waves elicited by bright stimuli was altered at any nomifensine concentration tested. 1 microM dopamine and 30 microM nomifensine together, each of which is insufficient to alter either of the scotopic b-wave or the oscillatory potentials when applied alone, reduced the scotopic b-wave and enhanced the oscillatory potentials. These results suggest that intrinsic dopamine release in the retina is large enough to alter the ERG.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[D1 receptor mediates dopamine-induced enhancement of electroretinographic oscillatory potentials].

The inhibitory action of SCH 23390 (SCH, D1-antagonist) or sulpiride (SUL, D2-antagonist) on the dopamine-induced enhancement of the electroretinographic oscillatory potentials was examined in anesthetized albino rabbits. Enhancement of the oscillatory potentials by intravitreal dopamine (50 microM intravitreal concentration) injection was blocked by a simultaneous intravitreal injection of SCH (20 microM) but not by SUL (50 microM, 100 microM). These results suggest that D1-receptor is mainly responsible for the dopamine-induced enhancement of the oscillatory potentials.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1996

Trace element and hormonal responses during flight aptitude test.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine how trace metal and hormone levels change during stressful flight tests. The relationship between the hormonal response and flying performance was also investigated. METHODS: Urinary zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), noradrenaline (NAd), adrenaline (Adr), and saliva cortisol (Cs) levels were determined in 67 pilot applicants and compared with NAd, Adr, and Cs levels in 30 instructor pilots during 4 flight tests. RESULTS: Applicants had significantly decreased Zn concentrations following flight, but Cu concentrations remained unchanged. NAd, Adr, and Cs concentrations significantly increased following flight; the average ratio (post-/pre-flight) of the hormonal levels of the applicants was 1.52 (NAd), 3.57 (Adr), and 2.80 (Cs) compared with 1.86 (Adr) in instructors (NAd and Cs concentrations were not significantly changed in instructors following flight). Multiple regression analyses of post-flight levels of Zn for the hormonal levels revealed that Zn levels correlated significantly (p < 0.05) negatively with Adr levels. Hormonal responses for the best-rated and worst-rated applicant groups were greater than in the other groups, and post-flight levels of NAd and Adr in the best-rated group tended to return more rapidly to pre-flight levels. CONCLUSION: Flight test stress causes pilot applicants to change levels of urinary Zn, NAd, Adr, and Cs. Post-flight Zn decrement was likely related to an increase in Adr, suggesting that circulating Zn is sequestered by the liver in situations that induce hormonal changes.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Analysis of body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and its relation to pulmonary function in patients with pulmonary emphysema].

The purpose of this study was to investigate body composition in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and its relation to pulmonary function. Seventeen men with pulmonary emphysema who were being treated as outpatients were divided into three groups, according to ideal body weight (IBW): group A, %IBW > or = 90%; group B, 90 > %IBM > or = 80; and group C, %IBW < 80. All underwent body composition analysis by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fat mass and bone mineral content were significantly lower in groups B and C than in control subjects. Lean mass was significantly lower in group C than in control subjects. By contrast, group A did not differ significantly from control subjects. Lean mass correlated significantly with %VC, FEV1, RV/TLC, and MVV. These data suggest that lean mass is low in moderately and severely malnourished patients, that bone mineral content and fat mass are low in mildly malnourished patients, and that abnormal body composition is associated with ventilatory impairment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1996

[A quantitative study of regional cerebral blood flow in childhood using 123I-IMP-SPECT: with emphasis on age-related changes].

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), using N-isopropyl-p-[123I] iodoamphetamine (123I-IMP) was used for quantitative analysis of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) on 26 individuals between 0 and 19 years of age. The rCBF showed age-related changes; it was low in early infancy, increased in late infancy through early childhood, and decreased and remained constant after puberty. The rCBF through cerebral cortex varied more greatly than through thalamus and cerebellum, and seemed to depend more closely on age. In the case of 4 months of age rCBF was very low at the frontal region and was very high at the occipital region. In more older cases, rCBF in the cerebral cortex was higher than in the thalamus. In childhood, rCBF was very inconsistent and showed a great inter-individual variance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Allergic granulomatous angiitis in a patient with positive reactions on serological tests for parasite antigens].

A 68-year-old woman with bronchial asthma complained of fever, right thigh pain, sensory disturbance at the tips of the upper and lower limbs, and abdominal pain. She had severe eosinophilia and radiologic examination showed a mass-like shadow in the left lower lobe of the lung. Allergic granulomatous angiitis was diagnosed on the basis of findings from a muscle biopsy (gangrenous vasculitis with eosinophilia). This patient also had positive results of serological tests (Ouchterlony method) for various parasite antigens, despite the fact that no eggs of parasites were found in her feces. After steroid administration, the serological reactivity to parasite antigens had decreased. The positive reactions to parasite antigens was probably related to the cause of the vasculitis.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

A case report of pancreatic mucinous cystadenoma in a patient receiving chronic hemodialysis.

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are rare, accounting for about 9 to 10% of cystic pancreatic lesions. A 63-year-old man, who had been receiving chronic hemodialysis due to diabetic chronic renal failure, was admitted after the discovery of cystic masses in the pancreatic tail. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed multiloculated cystic tumors. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) demonstrated findings consistent with malignant tumors. Preoperatively, he was thought to have a cystadenocarcinoma in the pancreatic tail for which he underwent a distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. Histologic analysis of the resected mass established the diagnosis mucinous cystadenoma. To our knowledge, pancreatic mucinous cystadenoma occurring in a patient receiving chronic hemodialysis has not been previously reported. Therefore, we present a novel case in this report.

Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde↗
PubMed1996

[Clinical benefit of nutritional assessment and support in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

Weight loss is common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Comprehensive nutritional assessment was conducted in two large groups of patients with COPD who were enrolled in the Respiratory Failure Research Program sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Kinki COPD Research Group. The incidences of mild malnutrition (%IBW < 90%) were 74% and 62%, respectively. The incidences of hypoalbuminemia were low: 10.0% and 6.5%, respectively. The incidence of imbalance in plasma amino acids, which was defined as an abnormally low BCAA/AAA ratio, was as high as 93% in patients with COPD and chronic respiratory failure. The %IBW was significantly related to the FEV1 and to the DLco/VA. The moderately-malnourished subpopulation was characterized by a greater degree of hyperinflation and hypercapnea: the measured resting energy expenditure (REE) was significantly higher than the values in age-matched healthy controls. REE/REEpred was significantly and inversely related to BCAA/AAA and to Pimax. REE was inversely related to FEV1%. REE in the subgroup with severe hyperinflation was significantly higher than REE in those with milder hyperinflation. Among patients with an FEV1% of less than 50%, mortality tended to be higher in those with lower body weight, and this relationship was stronger in patients with an FEV1% of more than 50%. When patients were given a BCAA-enriched enteral formula in addition to their usual diet for 3 months, there was a significant increase in body weight, transferrin level, and Pimax.

Amino Acids, Branched-Chain↗
PubMed1995

A novel method for chemo-enzymatic synthesis of elicitor-active chitosan oligomers and partially N-deacetylated chitin oligomers using N-acylated chitotrioses as substrates in a lysozyme-catalyzed transglycosylation reaction system.

N,N',N"-Tri(monochloro)acetylchitotriose prepared by N-monochloroacetylation of chitotriose trihydrochloride was successfully polymerized into higher-molecular-weight oligomers by a lysozyme-catalyzed transglycosylation reaction, and a following base-catalyzed N-demonochloroacetylation gave a chitosan oligomer mixture mainly composed of oligomers with dp > 6. Partially N-deacetylated chitin oligomers (DAC oligomers) with dp 4-12 were synthesized by the enzyme reaction using N,N',N"-tri(monochloro)acetylchitotriose and N,N',N"-triacetylchitotriose (chitin trimer) as initial substrates followed by N-demonochloroacetylation. The structures of synthetic oligomers were analyzed by 1H NMR spectroscopy, enzymatic hydrolysis and nitrous acid deamination-NaBH4 reduction treatment. The dp of synthetic oligomers was measured by MALDI TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry) using per-N-acetylated derivatives. The synthetic chitosan and DAC oligomers were strong elicitors for phytoalexin induction in Pisum sativum and Phaseolus vulgaris. This chemo-enzymatic method utilizing N-acylated chitotrioses as substrates is a novel approach to the synthesis of high-molecular-weight chitosan oligomers and DAC oligomers of biological importance.

Acetylation↗
PubMed1995

[Effect of the GH-PRL superfamily on circulating plasma insulin-like growth factor-1].

To elucidate the effects of growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), and human placental lactogen (hPL) on the regulation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), we compared plasma IGF-1 levels, the pattern of circulating IGF-1-IGF-binding protein complexes (IGF-1 complexes), and unsaturated binding protein (USBP) levels among 1) naturally growing Wistar rats at several developmental stages, 2) rats subcutaneously administered GH, and 3) hypophysectomized rats treated with each of the three hormones. We further evaluated the in vitro secretion of IGF-1 by primary cultured rat hepatocytes, following exposure to the hormones singly or in combination. Plasma IGF-1 and USBP levels were determined by radioimmunoassay and competitive radioassay, respectively. IGF-1 complexes were separated from plasma and culture medium by Sephadex G150 and HPLC gel-chromatography, respectively. The results were as follows. 1) In naturally growing rats, plasma IGF levels were low during fetal life and after birth until 28 days of age, and thereafter increased rapidly to reach an adult level by 35 days. At 35 days, the molecular distribution of IGF-1 switched from an infantile pattern (only 40Kd IGF-1 complex) to an adult form (IGF-1 complexes with both 40Kd and 150Kd proteins). In addition, 150Kd USBP became detectable after 28 days. 2) Administration of GH for 3 days to 13-day-old rats induced 150Kd USBP 9 days earlier than in controls, while plasma IGF-1 levels remained comparable throughout the period examined. 3) In the hypophysectomized rats, plasma IGF-1 levels decreased to approximately one fifth of those in untreated rats, accompanied by the disappearance of 150Kd USBP and 150Kd IGF-1 complex. However, when GH (but not PRL or hPL) was continuously administered for 72 hrs, plasma IGF-1 levels and the circulating profile of IGF-1 complexes were nearly restored to those in control rats. 4) Addition of GH (but not PRL) to the culture medium caused hepatocytes to secrete IGF-1, consisting of only the 40Kd IGF-1 complex. This effect was blocked by the simultaneous addition of hPL with GH. These findings indicate that, of the hormones analyzed, GH is the most important regulator of the plasma IGF-1 concentration and circulating complex forms during the developmental periods in rats, as is also thought to be the case in humans.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

A study on thapsigargin-induced calcium ion and cation influx pathways in vascular endothelial cells.

To investigate Ca2+/cation entry pathway in vascular endothelial cells, we examined the effects of thapsigargin on [Ca2+]i and Mn2+ entry in cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells. Thapsigargin inhibits the activity of endoplasmic reticulum (ER, intracellular Ca2+ pool) Ca(2+)-ATPase, and stimulates Ca2+ entry from extracellular space by depleting intracellular Ca2+ pool. Cultured endothelial cells were loaded with fura-2/AM, and [Ca2+]i was measured by the ratios of fluorescence at 340/380 nm excitation, and Mn2+ entry was observed by the quenching of fluorescence at 360 nm excitation. Thapsigargin elevated [Ca2+]i in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The increase in [Ca2+]i caused by thapsigargin was lowered in Ca(2+)-free solution containing 3 mM EGTA. Verapamil (10(-5) M) and equimolar replacement of extracellular NaCl by LiCl had no effects on the maximum elevation of [Ca2+]i by thapsigargin. The increase in [Ca2+]i by thapsigargin was significantly inhibited by either NiCl2 (10(-3) M) or membrane depolarization using 50 mM KCl. Thapsigargin stimulated Mn2+ entry concomitantly with the increase in [Ca2+]i. Mn2+ entry was augmented in Ca(2+)-free solution. These results suggested that (1) the increase in [Ca2+]i by thapsigargin consisted of both Ca2+ release from ER and Ca2+ entry from extracellular space, and (2) thapsigargin also stimulated Mn2+ entry, which was interfered with in the presence of extracellular Ca2+.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Possible function of Ah receptor nuclear translocator (Arnt) homodimer in transcriptional regulation.

Arnt (Ah receptor nuclear translocator) is a member of a transcription factor family having characteristic motifs designated bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix) and PAS and was originally found as a factor forming a complex with Ah receptor (AhR) to bind the specific xenobiotic responsive element (XRE) sequence for induction of drug-metabolizing P4501A1. We have examined interaction of Arnt with other PAS proteins--Drosophila Per, Sim, and AhR--by the coimmunoprecipitation method. Arnt formed a homodimer with itself as well as heterodimers with the others by means of the PAS and HLH domains in a cooperative way. The Arnt homodimer binds the sequence of adenovirus major late promoter (MLP) with the E box core sequence CACGTG, suggesting that the CAC half of the XRE, CACGCN(A/T), recognized by the AhR-Arnt heterodimer is a target for Arnt. Cotransfection experiments using CV-1 cells with an Arnt expression plasmid and a MLP chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter plasmid revealed that Arnt markedly activated CAT expression, indicative of a newly discovered regulatory role of Arnt.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Origin of the calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the rat shoulder joint.

The rat shoulder joint capsule is innervated by thin sympathetic and sensory nerve fibers, most of which contain calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). In order to establish the origin and distribution of CGRP-immunoreactive (IR) fibers, wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) was injected into the shoulder joints of rats via a dorsal surgical approach. After WGA-HRP injection, the cervico-thoracic dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were removed and processed using both HRP histochemistry and CGRP immunohistochemistry. In the C4 to C7 DRG, small to medium-sized neurons (20-40 microns) were labeled by this combined method. The number and size of the labeled neurons were measured in the cervical 4th-7th DRG. The number of double-labeled neurons was one quarter of the total number of HRP-labeled neurons and 1/20 of the CGRP-IR neurons. Most of the double-labeled cells were located in the C6 ganglion, and the mean number of double-labeled neurons was 13 at this level. This distribution and function of the CGRP-IR fibers in the rat shoulder joint capsule are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Serum-soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels before and after surgical treatment for Graves' disease.

Serum-soluble interleukin-2 receptor (ssIL-2R) is released from its specific affinity membrane receptor on activated T lymphocytes and is detected as a form of the alpha-chain of IL-2R in the peripheral blood. We measured the ssIL-2R levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 29 healthy subjects and 39 patients with Graves' disease who were given antithyroid drugs to prepare them for surgical treatment. The preoperative ssIL-2R levels in Graves' patients were significantly higher than those in the healthy controls (681 +/- 387 vs 369 +/- 149 U/ml); in particular, the preoperative levels in hyperthyroid patients were significantly higher than those in euthyroid patients. On the 5th day after thyroid resection, their ssIL-2R levels (560 +/- 296 U/ml) were significantly lower than the preoperative levels. There were no correlations between the preoperative ssIL-2R levels and the immunological parameters such as thyroglobulin antibody, microsomal antibody, and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody. Thus, we conclude that ssIL-2R levels can be decreased by surgical resection of goiter in Graves' patients whose hyperthyroid status does not respond to the administration of antithyroid drugs, and this may be a useful indicator of immunological status after surgical treatment of Graves' disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Well-defined genome architecture in the human sperm nucleus.

Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, conventional epifluorescence microscopy, and laser scanning confocal microscopy followed by three-dimensional reconstruction we describe a well-defined higher order packaging of the human genome in the sperm cell nucleus. This was determined by the spatial localization of centromere and telomere regions of all chromosomes and supported by localization of subtelomere sequences of chromosome 3 and the entire chromosome 2. The nuclear architecture in the human sperm is characterized by the clustering of the 23 centromeres into a compact chromocenter positioned well inside the nucleus. The ends of the chromosomes are exposed to the nuclear periphery where both the subtelomere and the telomere sequences of the chromosome arms are joined into dimers. Thus chromosomes in the human sperm nucleus are looped into a hairpin-like configuration. The biological implications of this nuclear architecture in spermatogenesis and male pronuclear formation following fertilization are discussed.

Cell Nucleus↗