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Biomedical subjects

H Endo

Publications and source records attributed to H Endo.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

The predictive value of benzodiazepine tolerance in persistently aggressive schizophrenia.

The aim of this study was to determine whether benzodiazepine tolerance might provide a predictive marker for persistent aggression in schizophrenia. Seventy-seven male schizophrenic patients newly admitted to our psychiatric intensive care unit due to violent behavior during a 4-month period were examined. As a result, a high dose of benzodiazepine required for sedation or a short duration until regaining consciousness after the initial sedation, was related to severer aggression on waking up after sedation. Despite the small number of subjects examined, a conservative claim can be made that the level of the effect of benzodiazepine required for sedation seems to predict persistent severe aggression in schizophrenia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

CT examination of the guttural pouch (auditory tube diverticulum) in Przewalski's Horse (Equus przewalskii).

The domestic horse (Equus caballus) have the large symmetrical guttural pouches (the auditory tube diverticulum) formed by saccate bulge of the auditory tube. In this study, CT examination was carried out in the head of Przewalski's horse (Equus przewalskii), the only true wild horse living at present. As results of the examination, Przewalski's horse possessed the large symmetrical guttural pouches divided into medial and lateral compartments by the stylohyoid bone. Moreover, the right and left guttural pouches meet each other at the median part to form a thin septum. As CT sections get close to the part of the occipital condyle, the lateral compartment disappeared, and the medial compartment gradually became small toward the base of the skull. These results indicate that the nuchal-basal part of the medial compartment is not well-developed as compared with the domestic horse.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Geographical variation of the skull morphology of the common tree shrew (Tupaia glis).

Geographical variation was examined morphologically in the common tree shrew (Tupaia glis) in some Indochinese and Malayan regions. Osteometrical examination and principal component analysis elucidated the morphological differences among various populations. The populations from southern and western Thailand were distinguished morphologically from the other populations. Variation in males from south Thailand and Kuala Lumpur suggests that the Isthmus of Kra may have an influence on the variation of skull morphology. However, the Isthmus of Kra was not completely considered as a factor of geographical separation in this species, because we could not confirm the separation in skull size and shape between the localities at least in females. While, the Kanchanaburi population in western Thailand was significantly smaller than the other population in skull size, and constituted the morphologically separable group in our study.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Skull morphology and mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis in the lesser Japanese mole (Mogera imaizumii) from the Imperial Palace (Tokyo, Japan).

Since about 1630, the Imperial Palace has been biologically isolated from other habitats by the development and urbanization of Tokyo. We morphologically examined the skulls of the lesser Japanese mole (Mogera imaizumii) from the Imperial Palace and compared them with those from Kanto District, while the sequences of the cytochrome b and 12S rRNA genes were also analyzed to clarify the genetic status of this isolated population. The skulls from the Imperial Palace were much larger than those from Kanto District in the length items. We suggest that the Imperial Palace skulls morphologically may compose a cluster as a large body-sized type in Kanto District within the dots of Mogera imaizumii in charts of principal component analysis. The mitochondrial DNA sequences of the Imperial Palace population were highly homologous to those of other Tokyo population at the level of 98.5% in cytochrome b and 98.7% in 12S rRNA genes.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

MRI examination of trachea and bronchi in the Ganges River dolphin (Platanista gangetica).

The MRI examination was carried out in a formalin-fixed specimen of the Ganges River dolphin (Platanista gangetica), one of the evolutionary primitive species of cetaceans. We could morphologically elucidate the tracheobronchial ramification in the intact whole body. We demonstrated from the MRI sections that the characteristic tracheal bronchus branches from the trachea at the cranial portion. These findings suggest the phylogenetic relationships between cetaceans and artiodactyls. The left bronchus is obviously larger in diameter than the right one. We suggest that the right bronchus has smaller capacity of gas exchange than the left one, because the dolphin possesses the tracheal bronchus in the right lung. The MRI method will be important in the non-invasive study of the anatomy in endangered animal carcass as Ganges River dolphin.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

MRI examination of the masticatory muscles in the gray wolf (Canis lupus), with special reference to the M. temporalis.

We examined the head of the gray wolf (Canis lupus) using MRI methods. Although the arising surface of the M. temporalis was not so enlarged in the frontal bone, the small frontal bone did not disturb the M. temporalis from occupying the lateral space of the frontal area in the gray wolf as in the domesticated dog. In the gray wolf, it is suggested that the M. temporalis may not be well-developed in terms of size of arising area, but in the thickness of running bundles. We suggest that the dog has changed the three-dimensional plan of the M. temporalis during the domestication and that the M. temporalis has developed a large arising surface in the frontal bone and lost the thickness of belly in the frontal area in accordance with the enlargement of the frontal bone and the increase in brain size.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Immunohistochemical survey of the gut endocrine cells in the common tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri).

Regional distribution and relative frequency of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the common tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri) were studied immunohistochemically. Ten types of immunoreactive endocrine cells were localized in the gastric mucosa, i.e., chromogranin-, serotonin-, gastrin-, somatostatin-, bovine pancreatic polypeptide (BPP)-, enteroglucagon-, pancreatic glucagon-, peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY)-, motilin-, and substance P (SP)-immunoreactive (IR) cells. In the intestine, 13 types of immunoreactive cells were observed, i.e., chromogranin-, serotonin-, somatostatin-, gastrin-, BPP-, enteroglucagon-, PYY-, secretin-, cholecystokinin (CCK)-, gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP)-, motilin-, neurotensin-, and SP-IR cells. The regional distribution and relative frequency of the cell types varied along the gastrointestinal tract. Basically, the types, distribution, and relative frequency of the gut endocrine cells were similar to those reported in other mammalian species. However, some characteristic findings were noted in the present study: (1) the considerably large number of gastrin-IR cells in the pyloric region; (2) numerous serotonin-IR cells in the stomach; (3) appreciable number of BPP-IR cells in the transitional region of the stomach; and (4) wide distribution of PYY- and motilin-IR cells in the gut.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Comparative anatomy of the radial sesamoid bone in the polar bear (Ursus maritimus), the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca).

Since we have clarified the manipulation mechanism using the radial sesamoid (RS) in the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), our aim in this study is to examine the position, shape and function of the RS morphologically, and to observe the attachment to the RS of the M. abductor pollicis longus and the M. opponens pollicis in the other Ursidae species. So, we focused on the carpus and manus of the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and the brown bear (Ursus arctos) in this study. The RS was tightly articulated to the radial carpal, and could not adduct-abduct independently of the radial carpal. The M. abductor pollicis longus tendon and the M. opponens pollicis belly were attached to the RS, independently. In the polar bear, the deep concave and the flat surface were confirmed in attachment area for these two muscles. The morphological relationship between the RS and the M. abductor pollicis longus and the M. opponens pollicis in the two species of bears were essentially consistent with that in the giant panda. It also demonstrated that the manipulation mechanism of the giant panda has been completely based on the functional relationship between the small RS, and the M. abductor pollicis longus and the M. opponens pollicis in Ursidae species.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Biclonal lymphoplasmacytic immunocytoma associated with Crohn's disease.

A 33-year-old man with a 4-year history of Crohn's disease presented with marked ascites and an abdominal tumor. Two M-protein peaks, immunoglobulin (Ig) G-kappa and IgA-kappa, were detected in the serum. Neoplastic lymphoplasmacytic cells were infiltrated in the bone marrow and ascites. Histological examination of the abdominal tumor showed marked proliferation of lymphoplasmacytic cells that were positive for either IgG or IgA. Moreover, DNA sequences of the expressed IgG and IgA genes were different in the complementarity-determining region 3. These results suggest that chronic inflammation in Crohn's disease contributes to the simultaneous development of biclonal lymphoplasmacytic immunocytoma of the small intestine.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗
PubMed1999

Levels of telomerase catalytic subunit mRNA as a predictor of potential malignancy.

This study investigated the relationship between the levels of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA and that of telomerase activity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A significant correlation between hTERT mRNA expression and telomerase activity by transfecting the gene encoding hTERT into telomerase-negative human fibroblast cells has clearly been demonstrated. However, the relationship between levels of telomerase activity and that of hTERT mRNA has yet to be elucidated. In this study, the levels of hTERT mRNA were analyzed in 24 HCC patients by real-time PCR. And the intensity of telomerase activity was analyzed by fluorescence-based TRAP method. The difference of hTERT mRNA level was highly significant between tumor tissues and non-cancerous liver tissues. And there were significant correlations between the levels of hTERT mRNA and that of telomerase activity (r=0.751) in tumor tissues. We observed a strong correlation between levels of hTERT mRNA and that of telomerase activity in HCC. Our results suggest that the levels of hTERT mRNA would be useful in genetic diagnostic tests, instead of telomerase activity, to screen at-risk patients of HCC in human liver tissues.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Purification and characterization of alkaline phosphatase from Bacillus stearothermophilus.

Soluble alkaline phosphatase from the thermophilic bacterium Bacillus stearothermophilus was purified by a combination of chromatographic methods, and its properties were examined. The purified enzyme had specific activity of 4.43 micromol p-nitrophenol/min per mg of protein and seemed to be a single band on SDS/PAGE with a molecular mass of 32 kDa. Its apparent Km for p-nitrophenyl phosphate was 1.114 mM. The enzyme exhibited an optimal pH of approx. 9.0 and exhibited its highest activity at 60-70 degrees C. It also showed a bivalent cation requirement for activity, with maximal enhancement in the presence of Mg2+. In addition, significant thermal stability was observed in comparison with counterparts from mesophiles. Its partial N-terminal sequence was T1FSIVAFDPATGELGIAVQ19 as estimated by automated Edman degradation method. A search on the SwissProt database did not reveal any similar protein sequences from other sources.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed1999

[Antimicrobial activities of cefetamet against clinically isolated strains from community acquired respiratory tract infections. Part III].

Antimicrobial activities of cefetamet (CEMT) against clinically isolated strains from patients with community acquired respiratory tract infections were investigated in comparison with those of other oral beta-lactam antibiotics during the period from January to March, 1998. The results are summarized as follows; 1. CEMT showed strong antimicrobial activities against three major pathogens causing community acquired respiratory tract infections, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. However, antimicrobial activities of CEMT against penicillins (PCs)-intermediate S. pneumoniae (PISP) and PCs-resistant S. pneumoniae (PRSP) were slightly weaker than those of some of the reference antibiotics. 2. No chronological changes of CEMT-MIC level were observed in the antimicrobial activities against S. pyogenes, H. influenzae, Moraxella subgenus Branhamella catarrhalis or Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae. In contrast to this, due to the increase of PISP and PRSP strains, resistance to CEMT appears increasing with time.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1999

Serum soluble Fas antigen in gastric MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma patients.

We measured the serum level of soluble Fas (sFas) antigen in gastric MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma patients to investigate immune response of B lymphoma cells in gastric MALT lymphoma. The serum sFas antigen levels in 21 patients with Helicobacter pylori (HP)-positive MALT lymphoma were 4.51+/-0.25 (mean+/-SD) in the high grade malignant group (n=9) that demonstrated diffuse large cell (DL) components and 2.53+/-0.46 (mean+/-SD) in the low grade malignant group (n=12) that did not demonstrate DL components. Among 12 patients who underwent HP eradication therapy, the blood sFas antigen level lowered after eradication in 7 out of 10 patients who showed complete response or partial response, while sFas antigen level did not decrease in the 2 patients who showed no change or progression of the disease. In the high grade malignant group, 2 of 3 patients who underwent HP eradication treatment showed a mild decrease in the sFas antigen level as well as an improvement on endoscopic and histological examinations, but these sFas level were not normalized. The blood sFas antigen level tended to coincide with pathological activity and malignancy, suggesting that the sFas antigen level may be a prognostic indicator and useful index for the response of HP eradication treatment in gastric MALT lymphoma.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed1999

[MR imaging of the posterolateral aspect of the knee].

The structures of the posterolateral aspect of the knee were evaluated with axial MR images. One hundred twelve knees of clinical cases without posterolateral injury were retrospectively reviewed, and 30 knees of 15 volunteers with no history of knee injury or pain were evaluated. The amount of joint effusion and visualization of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and popliteal tendon were classified according to three grades. The LCL and popliteal tendon were identified in 111 clinical cases (99%) and 28 volunteer knees (93%). Visualization of the LCL and popliteal tendon was facilitated in the presence of both joint effusion and fluid collection between the LCL and popliteal tendon. Fluid collection posterior to the femoral attachment of the popliteal tendon was seen in 79 clinical cases (71%) and 20 volunteer knees (67%). Based on cadaveric study, this was considered to be a potential fluid space for communication to the joint space.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Antimicrobial activities of meropenem against clinically isolated strains in 1997].

In order to evaluate antimicrobial activity of meropenem (MEPM), minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of MEPM and control drugs were determined against clinical isolates in 1997. The results were as follows; 1. Antimicrobial activities of MEPM against Gram-positive bacteria were stronger than those of cephems (CEPs) and were approximately equal to those of imipenem (IPM) and panipenem (PAPM). 2. Carbapenems showed strong antimicrobial activities against Enterobacteriaceae, Glucose non-fermentative Gram-negative rods and Bacteroides fragilis group that were multiple drug resistant including the third generation CEPs. Antimicrobial activities of MEPM against these organisms were stronger than those of IPM and PAPM. By comparing antimicrobial activities of MEPM against Gram-negative bacteria in 1997 with those obtained in 1993, increase of resistance was not observed. 3. MIC-ranges of MEPM were low against the resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to IPM and PAPM. It was considered that these resistant strains were not expressing oprD products (D2 porin protein), forming main outer membrane porin channels of carbapenems and basic amino acids.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1998

Cytokine profiles of aqueous humor and graft in orthotopic mouse corneal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Cytokine profile is a key in understanding the mechanisms of allograft rejection. Cytokine expression in the aqueous humor and the correlation between the aqueous humor cells and corneal infiltrating cells are not fully understood in corneal transplantation. METHODS: Orthotopic mouse corneal transplantation was performed using BALB/c (H2d) mice as recipients, and C3H/He (H2k) and BALB/c mice as donors for allografts and isografts, respectively. Immunocytochemistry was performed on aqueous humor cells. Corneal graft was studied immunohistochemically. Cytokine gene expressions of the cells infiltrating the aqueous humor and corneal grafts were determined by the semiquantitative reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: Interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, and IL-10 were detected in the cells infiltrating the aqueous humor and corneal grafts at both the protein and gene expression levels. T helper 1 (Th1) cytokine expressions at the protein level, however, were consistently predominant in the rejected allografts compared to those of Th2 cytokines. The cytokine and surface marker profiles of the cells in the aqueous humor corresponded well to those of the cells infiltrating the corneal grafts. Cytokine protein and mRNA expression levels in the aqueous humor decreased rapidly. CONCLUSIONS: Allorejection in corneal transplantation is Th1 cytokine-predominant. Infiltrating cells do not express Th2 cytokine so much in allograft rejection, as compared with Th1 cytokine. The cell infiltration patterns of the aqueous humor were well correlated with those of the cornea.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Temporal process from receptors to higher brain in taste detection studied by gustatory-evoked magnetic fields and reaction times.

Using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and a taste stimulator with rapid-rise time, we previously located the primary gustatory area in the human cerebral cortex and also investigated the relation between the onset latency of the gustatory-evoked magnetic fields (GEM) and reaction times (RT) in different taste qualities. In the present study, we investigated the temporal process from receptors to the higher brain in taste detection based on the results of the GEM and RT of different tastes. We used 100 mM, 300 mM and 1 M NaCl and 3 mM saccharine. The duration of each stimulus was 400 ms. The interstimulus interval was approximately 30 s. The temperature of both taste solution and deionized water was maintained the same as that of the tongue. Four subjects participated in this experiment. The 64-channel whole-head SQUID system (CTF Systems Inc., Canada) was used to measure GEM. The sampling rate was 250 Hz, and the low-pass filter was 40 Hz. In each subject, GEM and RT to a given taste were measured separately by applying 40 trials of stimulation. After each trial of both measurements, subjects showed a perceived intensity by using their fingers. In the GEM study, the trials contaminated with eye movements were rejected and the remaining trials were averaged. Averaged GEM were super-imposed on the same sheet with all 64 channels to measure the onset latency of GEM from the stimulus onset. RT and onset latencies of GEM were longer for saccharine than NaCl, and the value of RT minus the onset latency of GEM from RT, presumably indicating the time for higher brain process plus motor process, did not differ between 3 mM saccharine and 1 M NaCl. With increased concentrations of NaCl, RT became shorter, but onset latencies of GEM remained constant. Sweet taste took a longer time than salty taste at receptor process including the time for diffusion to receptors.

Cerebral Cortex↗