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Biomedical subjects

H Hara

Publications and source records attributed to H Hara.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Effects of DFA IV in rats: calcium absorption and metabolism of DFA IV by intestinal microorganisms.

Di-D-fructose-2,6':6,2'-dianhydride (DFA IV) is a disaccharide consisting of two fructose residues that can be prepared from levan by levan fructotransferase from Arthrobacter nicotinovorans GS-9, and it can be expected to have novel physiological functions from its unique structure. In this study, the effects of DFA IV on calcium absorption and the metabolism of DFA IV by intestinal microorganisms were studied in rats to examine the physiological functions of DFA IV. The apparent calcium absorption in rats fed with DFA IV was significantly higher than that in the control rats, and it seems that calcium absorption had almost been completed at the end of the small intestine. DFA IV also increased the calcium absorption in in vitro experiments, using everted jejunal and ileal sacs, and this result supports the finding obtained in the in vivo experiments. These results indicate that DFA IV may have a function for increasing the calcium absorption in the small intestine of rats. However, the effect in the large intestine could not be clearly observed because of the lack of calcium that reached there. The results of analyses of organic acids in the cecal and colonic contents and of DFA IV in the fecal, cecal, and colonic contents showed that the metabolism of DFA IV by microorganisms in the large intestine progressed gradually, and that DFA IV was converted mainly to acetate, butyrate, and lactate.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

An epidemic of parapoxvirus infection among cattle: isolation and antibody survey.

A disease characterized by papules, nodules, vesicles and, rarely, pustules and ulcers on teats was seen among cattle on a farm in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. A virus was isolated by inoculation of fetal bovine lung cell cultures from a vesicle on a teat of an infected cow. The virus was subsequently passaged in fetal bovine lung and muscle cells in which it produced complete cytopathic changes. The virus was identified by physicochemical examinations and electromicroscopic observation as a parapoxvirus. A seroepidemiological survey was performed on antibody to the isolated virus by the agar gel immunodiffusion test. The isolated virus formed a precipitation line which cross reacted with other parapoxviruses isolated previously in Japan. The positive rate was more than 50% among cattle in the Kanto district. The positive rate increased with age. It was suggested that parapoxvirus infection might have already been prevalent among cattle in Japan.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1999

Isolation of two novel alternative splicing variants of allograft inflammatory factor-1.

Allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1) was initially cloned from rat cardiac allografts undergoing chronic rejection. AIF-1, possessing an EF-hand-like motif, is thought to be a Ca2+ binding protein. In this study, we identified two novel alternatively spliced variants of AIF-1 by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. One variant encodes an AIF-1 protein that lacks 14 amino acids corresponding to one exon. The other variant encodes a truncated AIF-1 protein due to a frameshift introduced by an 85-bp insertion, and its C-terminal region differs from that of AIF-1. Interestingly, these variants have incomplete and no EF-handlike motifs, respectively. The expression level of the latter variant is high in peripheral blood leukocytes, and it is selectively expressed in macrophage-like cell lines.

Alternative Splicing↗
PubMed1999

Effect of placement of a speech appliance on levator veli palatini muscle activity during blowing.

OBJECTIVE: We have observed clinically that some speakers wearing a speech appliance for correction of velopharyngeal incompetence can blow with variable intensity without nasal air escape. This clinical finding suggests that tightness of velopharyngeal closure may be regulated in accordance with oral air pressure during blowing. The purposes of this electromyographic study were (1) to examine whether levator vell palatini muscle activity can be changed in relation to oral air pressure during blowing when the speech appliance is removed, (2) to clarify whether or not the change is related to the severity of velopharyngeal incompetence, and (3) to examine whether placement of a speech appliance can alter levator muscle activity into the equivalent of that of normal speakers during blowing. DESIGN: Eight patients with repaired cleft palate, who routinely wear a palatal lift prosthesis (PLP) or a hybrid speech appliance of a pharyngeal bulb and palatal lift (bulb-PLP), served as subjects. Subjects were classified into one of two groups according to their speech appliance (PLP group and bulb-PLP group). Electromyography of the levator veli palatini muscle was recorded with a speech appliance in place and then with the speech appliance removed as the subject blew through a tube at three different effort levels. RESULTS: In the removed condition, the change in levator activity in relation to oral air pressure was variable across subjects in the bulb-PLP group, whereas levator activity changed in relation to oral air pressure change for all subjects in the PLP group. However, levator activity changed in relation to oral air pressure with either speech appliance in place for all subjects irrespective of their speech appliance types. CONCLUSION: The severity of velopharyngeal incompetence might be related in part to change in levator activity in association with oral air pressure. The effect of a speech appliance to correct velopharyngeal incompetence might consist not only of mechanical obturation of the velopharynx but also of alteration of velopharyngeal function to become similar to normal speakers. Moreover, it is likely that the velopharyngeal system could be well regulated so as to exhibit a consistent outcome of velopharyngeal function.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Hypokalemia with syncope caused by habitual drinking of oolong tea.

A 61-year-old woman developed hypokalemia, atrioventricular block and ventricular tachycardia with syncope after habitual drinking 2 to 3 liters of oolong tea per day. She had been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome and her serum albumin was decreased (2.9 g/dl). Oolong tea contains caffeine at approximately 20 mg/dl. Great quantities of caffeine can induce hypokalemia. The serum protein binding caffeine is albumin. Accordingly, in patients with hypoalbuminemia, caffeine is apt to induce hypokalemia. This case suggested that great quantities of oolong tea, one of the so-called "healthy" drinks, result in serious symptoms for patients with hypoalbuminemia.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed1999

[Lung cancer detected in a patient under age 40 treated for pneumothorax].

We report a case of lung cancer in a relatively young patient who presented pneumothorax. A 31-year-old man complaining of pressure in his left chest was admitted with left pneumothorax disclosed on X-ray film. Although pleural drainage was performed for a week, the left lung did not expand well, and surgical treatment was required. During surgery, a tumor (1.5 x 1.0 cm in size) was discovered in the upper lobe of the left lung (S3). Histopathological examination revealed that it was a large cell carcinoma. People under the age of 40 account for only a small fraction of the entire lung cancer patient population. Pneumothorax occurs together with lung cancer, especially in people under age 40. We reasoned that lung cancer should be considered a possible complication in patients under 40 who experience recurrent or prolonged bouts of pneumothorax.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Mid-term follow-up of coronary artery aneurysm after directional coronary atherectomy.

Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) occurs in 6-12% of lesions after directional coronary atherectomy (DCA). The prognosis and the optimal treatment for DCA-related CAAs have not been well known. Therefore, we reviewed the clinical course of 214 consecutive patients with DCA-related CAAs who underwent DCA in our hospital. Follow-up coronary angiography 6 months after DCA was completed in 193 patients (212 lesions) and 14 lesions with CAAs (14 patients) were detected. We evaluated these 14 lesions by repeat coronary angiography at an average of 32 months after DCA in comparison with the adjacent reference vessel. Twelve of the 14 patients have been uneventful but 2 suffered from de novo angina due to new stenotic lesion unrelated to the DCA procedures. We compared the preprocedural angiographic characteristics and periprocedural parameters between the 14 lesions with CAAs[CAA(+)group] and the 198 without CAAs [CAA(-)group], but found no significant differences. Histological examination of specimens retrieved during atherectomy demonstrated that subintimal resection was more frequent in the CAA(+)group(57%) than the CAA(-)group(31%). The diameter of the aneurysm divided by the reference diameter was significantly larger at 6 months immediately after DCA(1.71 +/- 0.21 vs 1.31 +/- 0.18, p < 0.05) but did not change subsequently (1.68 +/- 0.23). Our retrospective analysis revealed a good mid-term (an average of 32 months) prognosis for CAAs found by routine follow-up coronary angiography and also demonstrated that the depth of resection was significantly associated with aneurysm formation.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[A case of Hopkins syndrome with onset at puberty].

The patient was a 15-year-old man who developed weakness of left leg 6 days after an acute asthmatic attack. Neurological examination revealed severe muscle weakness and atrophy at L5-S1 level and mild muscle weakness and atrophy at L2-4 level in the left leg. Deep tendon reflexes were normal in the upper limbs and slightly brisk in the lower limbs except for absence of Achilles tendon reflex on the left. His sensation was normal. Needle EMG revealed neurogenic changes in both the left (L2-S1) and right (L2-4) leg muscles. Motor nerve conduction study of the left tibial and peroneal nerves revealed a marked reduction of amplitude and mild reduction of MCV. F-wave was not evoked in either nerves. Sensory nerve conduction study of the left sural nerve was normal. The titers of anti-viral antibodies in the paired sera showed no significant changes in any viruses examined including echovirus, enterovirus, coxsackievirus and poliovirus type 1, 2 and 3. The serum IgE was elevated (1,300 IU/ml) and mite antigen-specific IgE was strongly positive. Spinal cord MRI revealed no abnormality in either thoracic or lumbar spinal cord. This patient was diagnosed as a rare case of Hopkins syndrome with onset at puberty.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[A case of Lyme disease with the triad of neurologic manifestations (meningitis, radiculoneuritis, facial nerve palsy) and dermatitis of the nail roots].

A 23-year-old man experienced dysesthesia of the distal parts of four limbs and spilling of drinking water from the right corner of his mouth. He also experienced low grade fever, headache, and nausea. Neurological examination showed weakness of the right frontal, orbicularis oculi and orbicularis oris muscles, atrophy and weakness of the interosseous muscles in both upper limbs and dysesthesia in the distal parts of four limbs. Laségue's sign was also positive on the left side. Examination of CSF showed lymphocytic pleocytosis and an increase of total protein. Serum antibody against Borrelia garinii was positive as determined by ELISA. The patient was diagnosed as a case of Lyme disease. His symptoms were not alleviated by administration of ceftriaxone (2 g/day) for 15 days, and dermatitis of nail roots appeared. Following administration of penicillin G at a high dose (12 million units/day) for 20 days, both neurologic symptoms and dermatitis were alleviated. Since B. garinii was reported to move preferentially toward the sites of low temperature, dermatitis of nail roots may be one of the characteristic features of Lyme disease caused by B. garinii.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Tests for donors of cord blood and bone marrow].

To date blood transfusion is considered to be one of tissue or organ transplantation. In the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, donors of bone marrow, peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) or cord blood should be tested to keep safety of donors and patients. Donors of PBSC, cord blood and bone marrow should be selected on the results of HLA class I and class II. Furthermore, donors of bone marrow should be tested for general anesthesia in order to keep safety of donors. In the present paper, we described the lists of tests for patients and donors of blood, PBSC, cord blood and bone marrow before and after stem cell transplantation.

Blood Donors↗
PubMed1999

[Future development of cord blood transplantation].

In the present paper, we described disadvantages and advantages and future state of cord blood transplantation. One of most important disadvantages is a limited number of nucleated cells obtained from cord blood for transplantation. In order to overcome with the limited number of the cells, ex vivo expansion is considered to be essential for cord blood cell transplantation to adult patients. We also should develop the techniques of antigen presenting cells expanded ex vivo such as dendric cells pulsed with tumor specific antigen. Furthermore, we should create and supply unique cells from cord blood using genetic manipulation for the treatment of hematological disorders such as red cells without any red-cell antigen those can be transfused the patient with any blood type.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Cases of sternal metastasis except from breast cancer].

Surgical resection is the option for sternal metastasis from breast cancer. But surgical treatment is the subject of controversy for sternal metastasis except from breast cancer. Four cases of secondary malignant tumors of the sternum except from breast cancer were reported. Primary lesions included thyroid cancer, gastric cancer, malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the chest wall and multiple myeloma. In 3 cases, operation were done and they survived 11 months, 13 months and 3 years respectively. In case of secondary malignant tumor of the sternum except from breast cancer, surgical treatment should be considered.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Renal cell carcinoma in children: experience at a single institution in Japan.

PURPOSE: We analyzed the presentation, treatment and survival of 4 children with renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the pathological and hospital records of 4 Japanese children diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma at our hospital from 1970 to 1998. RESULTS: In the 1 boy and 3 girls with an average age of 8 years 7 months at diagnosis the most common presenting complaints were gross hematuria in 75% and a palpable abdominal mass in 50%. Computerized tomography revealed characteristic calcification within the tumor in 3 of the 4 patients (75%). In the remaining case the lesion had high density areas with microcalcification, as confirmed by histopathological study. In 2 patients with regional lymph node metastasis calcification was also observed in the metastatic lesions. Disease was stages I to III in 1, 1 and 2 patients, respectively. All patients underwent transabdominal nephrectomy with regional lymphadenectomy. One patient with stage I disease had multiple metastases 15 months later and died of disease 55 months postoperatively. However, the remaining 3 patients received adjuvant interferon therapy and they are without evidence of recurrence a mean of 51.3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Calcification within the tumor and/or metastatic lesions or high density areas in the tumor on screening computerized tomography are characteristic findings suggestive of pediatric renal cell carcinoma. Adjuvant therapy with interferon may provide some benefit in select pediatric patients. Further studies of a larger number of pediatric renal cell carcinoma cases may be necessary to establish the optimal diagnostic and therapeutic regimen.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗
PubMed1999

[Hepatic involvement in a case of lysosomal glycogen storage disease with normal acid maltase].

A 19-year-old man, who could run only slowly since childhood and who walked on his toes since 12 years of age, noted difficulty in climbing upstairs at 17 years of age. He was admitted to Kyushu University Hospital because of elevated AST, ALT and CK levels. On admission, the liver was palpable two fingerbreadths beneath the right costal margin. A neurological examination revealed a low IQ on WAIS-R, a decreased muscle tonus in his four limbs, moderate weakness of the neck flexor and bilateral tibialis anterior muscles, contracture of the ankle joints, and bilateral pes cavus. The serum CK was elevated to 1,124U/l. Hepatic enzymes, such as AST, ALT, LDH and gamma-GTP were also moderately increased in the sera. A needle EMG disclosed myogenic patterns in the limb muscles. Biopsied biceps brachii muscle showed a mild variation in the fiber size and multiple tiny vacuoles in 5-10% of the muscle fibers. PAS and acid phosphatase were strongly positive in some vacuoles. On electron microscopy, numerous autophagic vacuoles containing glycogen granules were observed. The acid maltase activities were, however, normal in the peripheral blood lymphocytes, the biopsied muscle, and the cultured skin fibroblasts. He was thus diagnosed to have lysosomal glycogen storage disease with normal acid maltase. A histological examination of the biopsied liver revealed the portal and central veins to be slightly sclerotic. In addition, mild fatty changes and frequent nuclear vacuolization were present in the hepatocytes. On electron microscopy, enlarged mitochondria with irregular cristae were also observed. Due to the fact that the cardiac function was well preserved, these hepatic lesions were thought to result from the metabolic abnormalities underlying in this disorder.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Fundamental and clinical study of three-dimensional compensating filters and direct dose monitoring system for total body irradiation].

We devised 3D-compensating filters to improve dose distribution during total body irradiation (TBI). This study investigated the effect of these 3D-compensating filters and related complications in patients who had undergone bone marrow transplantation (BMT) followed by TBI. The 3D-compensating filters were fabricated by CT measurement of body thickness. The effectiveness of the 3D-compensating filters in producing a homogeneous dose distribution was checked by a thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) and semiconductor detectors in all patients. At the pelvis, the dose was measured simultaneously with an ionization chamber. The average dose distribution to each site when the 3D-compensating filter was used was 93% to the head, 97% to the neck, 99% to the thorax, and 98% to the pelvis in TLD when the scheduled dose was taken as 100%. There was no significant difference between the TBI and non-TBI groups with regard to the frequency of lung toxicity. Clinical interstitial pneumonitis occurred in 22.7% of the patients, interstitial pneumonitis with CMV in 13.6%, and idiopathic pneumonitis in 6.1% without any virus infection. Only one patient was regarded as having radiation-induced pneumonitis. 3D-compensating filters can be conveniently produced within a short time following CT measurement, and they seem to be safe and useful for dose flattening during TBI.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[A Japanese case of Poland-Möbius syndrome].

We herein report a Japanese case of Poland-Möbius syndrome. The patient was a 19-year-old female. She was the product of a full-term forceps delivery. Birth weight was 2500 g. She had a defect of the right pectoral muscle, and syndactyly of the right hand. When she was 10 days old, facial diplegia, bilateral abducens nerve palsy, and bilateral ptosis were also noted. She was admitted to our hospital at 19 years of age. On physical examination, she had microsyndactyly of the right hand, and her right pectoralis major muscle was absent. Neurological examination revealed bilateral abducens nerve paresis, mild impairement of the upward and adducting movement of both eyes and bilateral facial weakness and atrophy of the left side of her tongue. Her karyotype was normal. Neither R 1 nor R 2 response was evoked in the blink reflex on either side. Brain MRI disclosed thin facial nerves and atrophy of the pons and medulla. Therefore, she was diagnosed as a case of Poland-Möbius syndrome. In this case, the facial nerves were considered to be hypoplastic.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Two point mutations in the U3 region of the long terminal repeat convert a subgroup A transformation-defective rous sarcoma virus to a cytopathic virus.

To elucidate the mechanism of cytopathicity of the transformation-defective avian retrovirus tdPH2010, we examined the function of two point mutations we had previously found in the long terminal repeat U3 region of this virus. Our previous studies showed that the U3 region was responsible for the cytopathic effects. These mutations were a G-to-T mutation at position -126 from the transcription start site and a G-to-A mutation at -23. Site-directed mutagenesis was performed on a noncytopathic, wild-type virus BSU to alter the nucleotides at these two positions, one at a time, to those of tdPH2010. Cell growth assay using the altered viruses revealed that host cell growth was retarded only when both of these mutations were present. The two additional mutations previously found in the direct repeat 1-polypurine tract (DR1-PPT) region of tdPH2010 were present also in the noncytopathic strain tdPH2013. Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed that these two mutations had indeed no role in the cytopathic effect of tdPH2010. None of these mutations influenced virus production from the infected cells. We conclude that the cytopathic effects by tdPH2010 are ascribed to the two point mutations in the U3 region.

Animals↗