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Biomedical subjects

A Taguchi

Publications and source records attributed to A Taguchi.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Relationship between bone mineral density and tooth loss in elderly Japanese women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between vertebral bone mass and tooth loss and jaw bone mass in elderly Japanese women. METHODS: Mandibular cortical bone mass, alveolar bone height and number of teeth present (total, anterior, and posterior) were compared with the 3rd lumbar vertebral bone mineral density (L3BMD), measured by dual energy computed tomography (DEQCT), in 90 Japanese women by means of multiple regression analysis, controlling for body mass index, menopausal status, years since menopause and self-reported periodontal condition. RESULTS: Mandibular cortical bone mass and number of posterior teeth were associated with both alveolar bone height and L3BMD, but there was no association between alveolar bone height, number of anterior teeth present and L3BMD. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the loss of posterior teeth may be associated with a decrease not only in alveolar bone height, but also alveolar bone mineral density (BMD). The latter may be related to a decrease of lumbar vertebral BMD.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Molecular cloning of a novel member of the HSP110 family of genes, ischemia-responsive protein 94 kDa (irp94), expressed in rat brain after transient forebrain ischemia.

To identify genes induced by transient forebrain ischemia, we used the mRNA differential display technique in the four-vessel occlusion model in rats. Some genes were identified as candidates that encode ischemia-responsive protein, and one of them was cloned as ischemia-responsive protein 94 kDa (irp94) from the rat hippocampal cDNA library. Sequence analysis suggested that rat irp94 was a transcriptional variant or a homologue of mouse apg-2 and human heat shock protein (hsp) 70RY and a member of the HSP110 family, because IRP94 was >90% identical to APG-2 and HSP70RY and approximately 60% identical to the other members of the HSP110 family. Although irp94 mRNA was constitutively expressed in the normal hippocampus, it was clearly enhanced 4-24 h after ischemia for 10 (1.9-fold increase) and 15 min (3.4-fold increase). These changes mainly occurred in neuronal cells, as judged by the localization of irp94 mRNA using in situ hybridization histochemistry. On the other hand, hyperthermic stress did not enhance irp94 mRNA expression, suggesting that irp94 expression was enhanced under ischemic stress and not related to the heat shock signaling mechanism. Our study suggested that irp94, a novel member of the HSP110 family, might play an important role in the environment altering neuronal functions, especially after transient forebrain ischemia.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

The circadian pattern of the development of ventricular fibrillation in patients with Brugada syndrome.

AIMS: Brugada syndrome is considered to be a distinctive subgroup of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation. Identification of the circadian pattern of ventricular fibrillation would contribute to the elucidation of its underlying pathophysiology, but this pattern remains unknown in patients with Brugada syndrome. METHODS: and Results A total of 12 consecutive Brugada syndrome patients (46+/-14 years, all male) who underwent implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator were studied. The distribution of the time of ventricular fibrillation detection was examined and classified into four 6-hour time periods of the day. The mean follow-up period following implantation was 777+/-535 days. In six out of the 12 patients, ventricular fibrillation occurred during follow-up. The data logs revealed that ventricular fibrillation was detected 30 times (range, 3-9). Ventricular fibrillation was observed more frequently at night ( 1800 h to 0600 h) than in the day (0600 h to 1800 h) (93.3% [28/30] vs 6.7%[2/30], P<0.001), and during sleep than while awake (86.7% [26/30] vs 13.3%[4/30], P<0.001). Ventricular fibrillation occurred most frequently between midnight and 0600 h in patients with ventricular fibrillation episodes during sleep (76.9% [20/26] vs 23.1%[6/26], P<0.01). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that increased nocturnal vagal activity and withdrawal sympathetic activity may play an important role in the arrhythmogenesis of the Brugada syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Reduced urination rate while drinking beer with an unpleasant taste and off-flavor.

A lowered subjective evaluation of the taste and flavor of beer due to staleness or to the addition of an unpleasant taste and flavor was found to be closely correlated with the urination rate. Beer in the same lot was compared immediately after shipment from the brewery and after leaving at room temperature for 1 month or 5 months. Each beer sample was given to volunteers at the rate of 3 ml/kg/15 min for 2 hours, and the urine volume was measured every 30 minutes. The urination rate was highest from the volunteers who drank fresh beer and lowest from those who drank 5-month-old beer. The subjective evaluation of both the taste and drinkability of 5-month-old beer was significantly lower than that of fresh beer. Beer samples with various unpleasant taste and flavor substances added lowered the urination rate. The results suggest that the perception of an unpleasant taste and off-flavor would lower the urination rate.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Non-invasive continuous hemodynamic measurement during operation for a child with coarctation of aorta].

For non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring, DYNEMO 3000 (SOMETEC Inc) has a 10 mHz ultrasonic echo scan and a 5 mHz Doppler velocimeter connected to an echo-oesophageal probe allowing continuous measurement of the aortic diameter and of the blood flow velocity in the descending aorta. This device thus can only measure the aortic blood flow, but also calculate the stroke volume and the systemic vascular resistance. Moreover, the systolic time intervals and the length of the pre-ejection period can be measured with the oscillometric tensiometer and the electrocardiography. This paper describes a case in which this device was used for a child with coarctation of the aorta. The hemodynamic changes were measured continuously during coarctectomy. During the temporary bypass, the aortic blood flow and the stroke volume decreased, but on the other hand, the total vascular resistance increased at the same time. After the bypass, these parameters returned to the values before the bypass. We think that this device is useful as a non-invasive monitor to observe the hemodynamic changes continuously during operation for a child with congenital heart disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Relationship between ALDH2 genotypes and choice of alcoholic beverages].

There are obviously individual differences in the choice for many kinds of alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, whisky, sake, cocktail and so on. It is generally believed that these differences are related to acquired preferences in taste and smell, in addition to life style. However, the basis of these acquired preferences is not yet understood. It has been shown that around half of Japanese show a marked sensitivity to alcoholic beverages because of aversive reactions due to a catalytic deficiency in ALDH2 isozyme. Therefore, differences in ALDH2 genotypes may possibly influence the choice of alcoholic beverages because the individuals possessing the ALDH2*2 gene may prefer the alcoholic beverages containing lower concentrations of alcohol. A large population survey (320 males, 132 females) was conducted using questionnaires to investigate the relationship between ALDH2 genotypes and the choice of alcoholic beverages. Individuals with the homozygote of ALDH2*1 generally showed more preference for alcoholic beverages containing a higher concentration of alcohol than those with the heterozygote or the homozygote of ALDH2*2. It was noted that the latter groups preferred whisky and water, and sweet cocktails. Also, the choices for beer, whisky, and sake were significantly different between both genders. Our data suggested that individuals with ALDH2*2 prefer beverages with lower concentrations of alcohol due to an aversive reaction after drinking, and that there are obvious gender differences in the consumption as well as the choice for many alcoholic beverages.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Diagnostic value of plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is characterized by local or diffuse wall motion abnormalities in the right ventricle (RV), associated with recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) of RV origin. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was first isolated from a porcine brain extract. In humans, BNP is expressed predominantly in the ventricles of failing hearts, and its expression has been observed primarily in myocytes in the interstitial fibrous area in dilated cardiomyopathy. We hypothesized that BNP is increasingly secreted from the residual myocytes within the atrophic tissue in patients with ARVD. METHODS AND RESULTS: Plasma BNP levels were measured in 17 patients with ARVD, 12 patients with idiopathic RV outflow tract tachycardia (RVOT), and 120 control subjects. We performed cardiac catheterization, RV endomyocardial biopsy, electron- beam CT, and biventricular endomyocardial mapping in the ARVD patients. There was a significant increase in plasma BNP levels in the ARVD patients compared with the RVOT patients and control subjects (61.4+/-59.6 pg/mL versus 8.3+/-5. 5 pg/mL and 9.3+/-5.8 pg/mL; P<0.0001, respectively). The plasma BNP levels had no correlation with any of the hemodynamic data, but they had a significant correlation with the RV ejection fraction (r=-0. 588, P=0.025) and with the fractionated-area scores (r=0.705, P=0. 005). Light microscopic immunohistochemistry showed strong BNP immunoreactivity in residual myocytes with fibrofatty replacement. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that plasma BNP levels were not increased in RVOT patients but were increased in ARVD patients, and that the increased BNP levels indicate the severity of both the RV dysfunction and the arrhythmogenic substrate.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Localization of optimal ablation site of idiopathic ventricular tachycardia from right and left ventricular outflow tract by body surface ECG.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic ventricular tachycardia (VT) is known to arise from the right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular outflow tracts (LVOT). However, reliable noninvasive methods to localize the optimum ablation site for VT have not been reported. METHODS AND RESULTS: Body surface maps (BSM) and 12-lead ECGs were investigated in 35 VTs from the RVOT and 5 VTs from the LVOT in which the origin was confirmed during the ablation procedure. The RVOT was classified into 8 subdivisions with the use of a 3-dimensional anatomic relation: anterior (A) posterior (P), right (R) left (L), and superior (S) inferior (I). On the BSM, the following 3 indexes differentiated each location of the origin, with a diagnostic accuracy of 88% (A-P), 92% (R-L), and 77% (S-I): (1) the location of the minimum at the early-to-mid QRS (right, A; left, P), (2) the isopotential distribution in the left shoulder area after 30 ms of QRS (positive, R; negative, L), and (3) the downward moving time of the minimum at the early-to-mid QRS (>/=50 ms, S; <50 ms, I). On the 12-lead ECG, (1) the QRS duration (>140 ms, A; </=140 ms, P) and the R-wave pattern in leads II and III (RR' or Rr', A, R, P), (2) the QS wave amplitude in aVR and aVL (aVR>/=aVL, R; aVR /=1 in lead V3 was an index suggesting the LVOT origin. CONCLUSIONS: The origin or the optimum ablation site of idiopathic VT from RVOT and LVOT can be localized with the use of indexes obtained with a BSM or 12-lead ECG.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Analysis of HLA-DQ alpha sequences for prenatal diagnosis in single fetal cells from maternal blood.

We have extended a previously developed method that allows prenatal DNA diagnosis of female fetuses through the isolation of single nucleated erythrocytes from maternal blood by developing a method that can distinguish between maternal and fetal nucleated erythrocytes. Nucleated erythrocytes were separated by a density-gradient method and then collected by micromanipulation. Sex was determined after primer extension preamplification (PEP) of the entire genome of a single cell, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ alpha type was determined after further amplification of this gene. The HLA-DQ alpha genotype of fetal erythrocytes in maternal blood samples and their corresponding paternal and maternal lymphocytes were successfully determined in all cases. The accuracy of the method was determined by using single nucleated erythrocytes from umbilical cord blood from five normal deliveries. This is the first demonstration that the fetal HLA-DQ alpha gene sequences can be identified in a small aliquot of a single nucleated erythrocyte in maternal blood. We believe that this method ushers in a new era in which the reliability and accuracy of noninvasive prenatal DNA diagnosis from maternal blood is markedly improved.

Alleles↗
PubMed1998

Prenatal diagnosis of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency by using a single nucleated erythrocyte from maternal blood.

We have developed a method that allows the prenatal DNA diagnosis of ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency by using a single fetal nucleated erythrocyte (NRBC) isolated from maternal blood. OTC gene analysis of a male patient (TF) with early onset OTC deficiency was performed by single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and DNA sequencing. To investigate the possible prenatal diagnosis of OTC deficiency, maternal blood was obtained at 13 weeks of gestation of a subsequent pregnancy, from the mother of patient TF. NRBCs in the maternal blood were separated by using the density gradient method and then collected with a micromanipulator. The entire genome of a single NRBC was amplified by primer extension preamplification (PEP). The human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ alpha genotype and sex were determined from small aliquots of the PEP product. The HLA-DQ alpha genotype of each of the parents of the male patient was also determined. Once a single NRBC had been identified as being of fetal origin, the OTC gene was analyzed by using the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. DNA analysis revealed a point mutation in exon 9 of the OTC gene in the OTC-deficient patient (TF). All NRBCs retrieved from maternal blood were successfully identified as being of fetal origin by HLA-DQ alpha genotyping and sex determination. RFLP analysis demonstrated that the fetal OTC gene was normal. This is the first study to successfully diagnose OTC deficiency prenatally, by using a single fetal NRBC from the maternal circulation. Such prenatal DNA diagnosis is non-invasive and can be applied to other genetic diseases, including autosomal and X-linked diseases.

Erythrocytes↗
PubMed1998

Simple bone cyst: investigation on the presence of gas in the cavity using computed tomography--review of 52 cases.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether gas is present in the cavities of simple bone cysts. STUDY DESIGN: Computed tomographic images of 52 simple bone cyst cases were reviewed and compared with the findings at surgery. RESULTS: Whereas gas was confirmed at the time of surgery in 28 cases, no computed tomographic images indicated the presence of gas in the cavity. Bone expansion was noted in 13 of these 28 cases. CONCLUSIONS: From these findings, we concluded that the presence of gas in the simple bone cyst cavity at surgery has been erroneously interpreted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Argos induces programmed cell death in the developing Drosophila eye by inhibition of the Ras pathway.

We studied the role of Ras signaling in the regulation of cell death during Drosophila eye development. Overexpression of Argos, a diffusible inhibitor of the EGF receptor and Ras signaling, caused excessive cell death in developing eyes at pupal stages. The Argos-induced cell death was suppressed by coexpression of the anti-apoptotic genes p35, diap1, or diap2 in the eye as well as by the Df(3L)H99 chromosomal deletion that lacks three apoptosis-inducing genes, reaper, head involution defective (hid) and grim. Transient misexpression of the activated Ras1 protein (Ras1V12) later in pupal development suppressed the Argos-induced cell death. Thus, Argos-induced cell death seemed to have resulted from the suppression of the anti-apoptotic function of Ras. Conversely, cell death induced by overexpression of Hid was suppressed by gain-of-function mutations of the genes coding for MEK and ERK. These results support the idea that Ras signaling functions in two distinct processes during eye development, first triggering the recruitment of cells and later negatively regulating cell death.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of concealed atrioventricular accessory pathways using a "simultaneous pacing method".

The retrograde atrial potential at a successful ablation site is usually obscured by the wide and large ventricular potential during atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia or ventricular pacing, which makes it difficult to determine the appropriate ablation site for a concealed accessory pathway. A pacing maneuver named the "simultaneous pacing method" is proposed herein to differentiate the retrograde atrial potential from the ventricular potential for a successful ablation of the concealed accessory pathway. Catheter ablation was performed in 12 patients with a single left free-wall concealed accessory pathway. The atrial insertion site was determined by the simultaneous pacing method in six patients (group I) and by ventricular pacing in six patients (group II). In the simultaneous pacing method, electrograms recorded during ventricular pacing in the earliest retrograde atrial activation site are a fusion of the ventricular potential and the following retrograde atrial potential. When atrial and ventricular pacings are performed simultaneously (simultaneous pacing), the end portion of the electrograms recorded at the same site is solely the ventricular component, because atrial is activated earlier. The atrial potential can be confirmed during ventricular pacing in comparison with the electrograms during the "simultaneous pacing." Radiofrequency catheter ablation was successful in eliminating conduction through the accessory pathway in all 12 patients. The radiofrequency applications in group I were significantly fewer than those in group II (1.7 +/- 1.0 in group I, 5.3 +/- 3.2 in group II, P < 0.05). The total procedure time in group I was significantly shorter than in group II (57.8 +/- 15.7 vs 106.7 +/- 41.6 mins in group II, respectively, P < 0.05). The fluoroscopy time in group I was significantly shorter than in group II (54.0 +/- 7.9 vs 81.3 +/- 26.3 mins, respectively, P < 0.05). We were able to determine the atrial insertion site of accessory pathways by the simultaneous pacing method. The simultaneous pacing method was useful in eliminating concealed left free-wall accessory pathways.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Mid-diastolic potential is related to the reentrant circuit in a patient with verapamil-sensitive idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia.

We report a case of verapamil-sensitive idiopathic ventricular tachycardia in which a mid-diastolic potential (MDP) 45 msec preceding the Purkinje potential (P potential) was recorded. Pacing during the tachycardia caused concealed entrainment, and the stimulus-QRS interval was equal to the P potential-QRS interval. The interval between the last pacing stimulus and the next P potential (postpacing interval) was longer than the ventricular tachycardia cycle length, but the MDP was orthodromically activated. These findings suggest that the MDP was on the reentrant circuit and the P potential was not on the reentrant circuit, but a bystander.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Correlation between the drinkability of beer and gastric emptying.

A subjective evaluation of beer drinkability and the degree of stomach fullness were found to correlate with the relaxed cross-sectional area of the pylorus antrum measured by real-time ultrasonography. Five kinds of beer with a different malt/adjuncts ratio and degree of attenuation were used. Each beer was given to 9 healthy volunteers at the rate of 3 ml/kg/15 min, and they each recorded the degree of stomach fullness, desire to drink and tastiness every 30 min. With increasing volume drunk, the degree of tastiness and desire to drink were lowered, and the degree of stomach fullness raised. The relaxed cross-sectional area of the pylorus antrum measured by an ultrasonic image analyzer every 30 min was highly correlated with the degree of stomach fullness, tastiness of the beer, and desire to drink (p = 0.0021, < 0.0001, 0.001). The beer giving the lowest degree of stomach fullness was appraised to be tasty and highly drinkable. These findings suggest that the rate of gastric emptying is one of the factors determining the drinkability of beer, and that measurement of the relaxed cross-sectional area of the pylorus antrum is useful to evaluate stomach fullness during beer drinking.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Intravascular ultrasound findings after successful primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction: predictors of abrupt occlusion.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the intravascular structure as depicted by intravascular ultrasound after successful primary angioplasty (i.e., without thrombolytic therapy) for acute myocardial infarction and to investigate the related predictors of acute coronary occlusion. BACKGROUND: The usefulness of primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction is still limited by early reocclusion. There are few data regarding the intravascular ultrasound findings after primary angioplasty. METHODS: Intravascular ultrasound was performed in 27 patients after successful primary angioplasty. Repeat coronary angiography was performed 15 min later, on the following day and 1 month after angioplasty. RESULTS: Abrupt occlusion occurred in 8 of 27 patients. Angiographic variables in patients with versus those without abrupt occlusion were not significantly different. Intravascular ultrasound disclosed a significantly smaller lumen area ([mean +/- SD] 2.49 +/- 0.72 vs. 5.06 +/- 1.52 mm2, p < 0.001) and a significantly greater percent plaque area (80.5 +/- 9.1% vs. 63.7 +/- 7.8%, p < 0.001) in patients with abrupt occlusion. There was no significant difference in external elastic membrane cross-sectional area. We classified the ultrasound appearance of the intravascular structure as smooth, irregular or filled. Abrupt occlusion occurred in none of 6 patients with a smooth intravascular structure, 24% of 17 patients with an irregular structure and in all 4 with a filled structure (p < 0.05). In the latter group, the lumen was filled with bright speckled or low echogenic material, although angiography revealed excellent coronary dilation in all these arteries. CONCLUSIONS: Intravascular ultrasound revealed a narrow lumen in coronary arteries showing abrupt occlusion after successful primary angioplasty, even though angiography disclosed successful dilation. Arteries with a lumen filled with bright speckled or low echogenic material frequently develop abrupt occlusion.

Aged↗