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Biomedical subjects

H Kawata

Publications and source records attributed to H Kawata.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Repair of aortopulmonary window in an infant with extremely low birth weight.

Although transaortic patch repair under cardiopulmonary bypass is a suitable procedure for aortopulmonary window, another method without cardiopulmonary bypass may be the only one for an infant with extremely low birth weight. We describe a successful repair of an infant with extremely low birth weight (758 g) by closing the window with a clip through a left thoracotomy. Cardiac catheterization 7 months after the operation showed no residual shunt and no stenosis of ascending aorta, pulmonary artery, or coronary arteries in the patient, whom we believe to be one of the smallest with successful repair.

Aortopulmonary Septal Defect↗
PubMed1996

Analysis on allelic variation of the HLA-DMB gene in Japanese by PCR-RFLP as well as direct DNA sequencing and identification of a new DMB allele, DMB*0105.

In the HLA-D region, one of the class II genes, DMA and DMB have been identified between the DQ and DP genes, and four allelic polymorphisms in each of the DMA (DMA*0101 approximately 0104) and DMB (DMB*0101 approximately 0104) genes have been so far recognized. Several recent studies suggested that the DM molecule is required for class II antigen presentation pathway especially by promoting the binding of antigenic peptides to the classical HLA class II molecule. In this study, we have analyzed genetic polymorphism and allelic variation of the DMB gene in a Japanese population by the direct DNA sequencing technique and also by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method, and could recognize DMB*0101 (49.3%), DMB*0102 (23.2%), DMB*0103 (23.2%), and DMB*0104 (0.4%). Further, a new DMB allele, DMB*0105 characterized by the presence of Val and Ile at two polymorphic sites, codons 144 and 179, respectively was identified. Strong linkage disequilibria were found between DMB*0101 and DRB1*0101, DPB1*0402 and DRB1*1502, and also between DMB*0103 and DRB1*1501 and DQB1*0602. HLA-DMB genotyping using the PCR-RFLP method established here will provide accurate evaluation of the effects of sequence allelism in the DMB gene on the HLA class II disease associations.

Alleles↗
PubMed1996

Genetic polymorphisms in the keratin-like S gene within the human major histocompatibility complex and association analysis on the susceptibility to psoriasis vulgaris.

Psoriasis vulgaris is associated with the HLA-Cw6 and Cw7 antigens. However, it has not yet been clarified if the HLA-Cw6 and Cw7 genes themselves are the susceptible gene related to this disease or if it is some other non-HLA gene in a linkage disequilibrium with these HLA-C alleles. The S gene, recently identified in the HLA class I region 160 kb telomeric of HLA-C, encodes a keratin-like protein and is expressed specifically in the granular layer of the epidermis. Therefore, it is tempting to speculate that the S gene is one of the strong candidate genes responsible for the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris. Direct sequencing of the first and second exon of the S gene after polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification has allowed the identification of two diallelic polymorphic sites in exon I and seven diallelic polymorphic sites in exon 2, three among which result in amino acid exchanges, a Ser-Phe substitution at amino acid position 186, a Gly-Val substitution at position 393 and a Ser-Leu substitution at position 394. No significant difference in the dimorphic distributions of the S gene was observed between the patients with psoriasis vulgaris and healthy controls, suggesting that the susceptible gene for psoriasis is not the S gene itself.

Disease Susceptibility↗
PubMed1996

Spectroscopic properties of fluorescence dye fura-2 with various divalent cations.

We examined the effects of divalent cations on the fluorescence excitation spectra of fura-2 from a 2 ml solution containing 1 microM fura-2 with an excitation wavelength of 300-425 nm and an emission wavelength of 500 nm. The fluorescence spectra in solutions of fura-2-Ca2+, fura-2-Ba2+, and fura-2-Sr2+ complexes show almost the same pattern. The dissociation constants (Kd) of Ba2+ and Sr2+ with fura-2 were 1.63 and 9.02 microM, respectively, and these values were higher than that of the Ca2+ complex (222 nM). The effect of Mg2+ binding on the fluorescence of fura-2 was quite small, and Mn2+ quenched the fluorescence of fura-2. The spectra of the fura-2-Ca2+ complex were changed by the co-existence of another divalent cation. Divalent cations competitively bind to the binding site of fura-2 and show the respective fluorescence spectra; consequently, the composed fluorescence spectra according to the respective Kd.

Cations↗
PubMed1996

Distribution of inflammation and atrophy in the stomach of Helicobacter pylori-positive and -negative patients with chronic gastritis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the extent of inflammation and atrophy in the stomach of Helicobacter pylori-positive and -negative patients with chronic gastritis. METHODS: Endoscopy with biopsies from the lesser curvatures of the antrum, angulus, middle body, and the greater curvature of the middle body of the stomach was performed in 59 patients with histologically confirmed chronic gastritis. The extent of atrophic gastritis was assessed endoscopically as well histologically. H. pylori status was assessed by histology as well as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The histological severity of chronic and acute inflammation, glandular atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia was assessed according to the Sydney system. RESULTS: In H. pylori-positive patients, H. pylori was evenly distributed throughout the stomach when the extent of atrophic gastritis was limited to the antrum and the lesser curvature of the body, but disappeared from the antrum of patients with more extensive atrophic gastritis. The severity of acute and chronic inflammation at the greater curvature of the body increased with the extension of atrophic gastritis. In H. pylori-negative patients, the severity of chronic inflammation at the greater curvature of the body was significantly higher in patients with extensive atrophic gastritis than in those with a lesser extent of atrophic gastritis. CONCLUSION: At the greater curvature of the body, the development of atrophy is closely associated with the increase in the severity of inflammation, which is more marked in H. pylori-positive patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Optimal degree of pulmonary artery banding--adequate circumference ratio to calculated size from normal pulmonary valve dimensions.

These findings suggest that PA banding may be suitable in children with congenital heart disease and excessive pulmonary flow, and that best results are obtained when the band circumference is < 90% of the standard pulmonary valve-ring circumference, as calculated from an equation derived from normal pulmonary valve dimensions. This guideline applies equally well to small infants weighing < 3 kg and to larger patients.

Body Weight↗
PubMed1995

A program for calculating the total concentrations of ligands and metals at any temperature, ionic strength and pH for solutions with a controlled metal concentration.

A program for calculating the total concentrations of ligands and metals at any temperature, ionic strength and pH for solutions with a controlled metal concentration was written in Quick-Basic. For the calculation, the absolute stability constants of ligands and the proton activity coefficient were corrected for temperature and ionic strength.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1995

Anti-CD18 attenuates deleterious effects of cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest in piglets.

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and hypothermic circulatory arrest induce leukocyte and platelet activation and cytokine production as part of the inflammatory response to bypass. These events are thought to be responsible for producing at least some of the morbidity of bypass. We studied the effects of a monoclonal antibody to a specific leukocyte adhesion integrin, CD18, on the deleterious effects of CPB and circulatory arrest in piglets using techniques from infant heart surgery. Seventeen immature piglets were subjected to CPB, cooling, 1 hour of circulatory arrest at 15 degrees C, and subsequent reperfusion and rewarming. Nine piglets received anti-CD18 monoclonal antibody (group MAb), and eight randomly selected control piglets received none (group C). Monoclonal antibody to leukocyte integrin CD18 significantly decreased deleterious effects of CPB and hypothermic circulatory arrest in our immature animal model. This study suggests that antiadhesion therapy that alters fundamental leukocyte/endothelial interactions during open heart surgery may be protective against some deleterious effects of bypass and circulatory arrest in infants.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Bone marrow neutrophilia and suppressed bone turnover in human interleukin-6 transgenic mice. A cellular relationship among hematopoietic cells, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts mediated by stromal cells in bone marrow.

To elucidate the effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) on bone and bone marrow (BM), human IL-6 transgenic mice (hIL-6 tgm) were produced. Their bone and BM were examined histologically, radiologically, histomorphometrically, and hematologically on a temporal basis. hIL-6 tgm showed histologically evident neutrophilia in BM. Increase in precursors of granulocytes and monocytes in hIL-6 tgm was demonstrated by an assay for colony forming unit in culture (CFU-C) of BM cells. Decrease in osteoblasts and osteoid and suppression of primary spongiosa formation were predominantly observed in hIL-6 tgm at 14 weeks old, the terminal stage of life for hIL-6 tgm. An assay for colony forming unit in fibroblastic (CFU-F) of BM cells revealed a decrease in osteoblast precursor (with regard to alkaline phosphatase-positive colonies) in hIL-6 tgm at 15 weeks old. Histomorphometry demonstrated a decrease of both osteoclast number and bone resorption in hIL-6 tgm. These results suggested that enhanced granulocytic hematopoiesis, suppressed bone turnover, and alteration of cellular population in stromal cells in BM occurred in hIL-6 tgm. Thus we provide new findings that facilitate understanding of cellular interrelationships among hematopoietic cells, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts mediated by stromal cells in BM.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Cloning of a new kinesin-related gene located at the centromeric end of the human MHC region.

We previously reported the presence of a new gene (HSET) with an unknown function, in the centromeric side of the class II gene region of the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC). cDNA clones corresponding to the HSET gene were isolated from a human testis cDNA library. A 2.4 kilobase transcript from the HSET gene was abundantly expressed in testis, B-cell, T-cell, and ovary cell lines but was not detected in lung or stomach. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the HSET cDNA clones revealed significant similarity to kinesin-related proteins in yeast, Drosophila, and human. Its predicted amino acid sequence contains a domain with strong sequence similarity to the ATP-binding and motor domains of a plus end-directed microtubule motor protein, kinesin, which might be involved in mitotic chromosome segregation, suggesting that the HSET gene encodes a novel kinesin-related protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Determination of the appropriate valence of 1,4-piperazinediethanesulfonic acid (PIPES) in physiological pH.

1,4-Piperazinediethanesulfonic acid (PIPES), a zwitterion buffer, was titrated with KOH to measure its pH and osmolality. Both pH and osmolality changes showed three phases, and two transition points coincided with pH 5.1 and 10.2. The second phase is important in biological reactions, and from the present results, the pK1 is 3.3 while pK2 is 6.85 at 20 degrees C. The slope of the osmolality curve was 2 mOsm per 1 mM KOH addition in the first and third phases, while it was 1 mOsm per 1 mM KOH in the second phase. The first phase indicates that +/- PIPES +/- changes to -PIPES +/- by the addition of KOH. In the second phase, additional KOH produces -PIPES-. PIPES acts as a divalent ion, at least, in the physiological pH range of around 7.0. Concentrations of -PIPES +/- and -PIPES- around the physiological pH range are calculated as follows. [formula: see text] The ionic strength of PIPES is calculated as follows. [formula: see text]

Alkanesulfonic Acids↗
PubMed1994

Contractility of alpha-toxin permeabilized ventricular muscle of guinea pig.

This study explored whether Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin can permeabilize the ventricular muscle and whether the treatment can leave cardiac membrane receptors, intracellular Ca2+ stores and the Ca2+ sensitivity of myofilament without damage. After alpha-toxin treatment, the trabeculae from guinea-pig ventricles developed tension at very low Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]) (approximately 0.6 microM) in high K+ solution. The trabeculae could contract transiently with 20 mM caffeine after incubating the muscle in a solution containing 0.5 microM [Ca2+]. Phenylephrine (20 microM) with or without GTP gamma S, a non-hydrolyzable analogue of GTP, in the incubating solution did not change the caffeine-induced tension transient. After loading intracellular Ca2+ stores with Ca2+, Ca2+ could be released from the stores by the [Ca2+] of 1.6 microM since the caffeine-induced tension transient was smaller than without Ca2+ releasing protocol. Phenylephrine with or without 100 microM GTP in the releasing solution did not modify the caffeine-induced tension transient. When the muscle was bathed in 1.6 microM Ca2+ solution containing 5 mM EGTA, the developed tension was maintained stably for more than 2 h. Phenylephrine with or without GTP, GTP alone, or 20 microM inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) did not change the maintained tension. The amplitude and the rate of spontaneous contractions, induced at the free [Ca2+] around 0.5 microM, were not modified by phenylephrine, with or without GTP, and InsP3. These results show that alpha-toxin is useful at least to permeabilize the cardiac muscle to ions and small molecules without damaging the internal membrane and contractile machinery.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Monitoring of hepatic venous oxygen saturation for predicting acute liver dysfunction after Fontan operations.

Acute liver dysfunction after Fontan operations may result from inadequate hepatic perfusion along with low cardiac output and high central venous pressure. We monitored hepatic venous oxygen saturation in 15 patients after Fontan operations to determine whether oxygen saturation predicts the occurrence and severity of acute liver dysfunction. We measured oxygen saturation from hepatic venous blood samples every 4 to 5 hours for at least 24 hours after the operation and used the mean hepatic venous oxygen saturation value for the first 24 hours after the operation to analyze the relationship between oxygen saturation and hepatic function. As indices of hepatic function, we measured serum alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, blood lactate (arterial, hepatic venous, and the difference between them), and the arterial ketone body ratio (the ratio of aceto-acetate to beta-hydroxybutyrate). For alanine aminotransferase and bilirubin, we used the maximal values during the first week in the analysis, and for blood lactate and ketone body ratio, we used the mean values for the first 24 hours after the operation. Significant broken-line regression relationship existed between mean hepatic venous oxygen saturation and hepatic function indices (alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and blood lactate). The interpretation of these relationships is that hepatic indices are constant above the critical mean hepatic venous oxygen saturation values but are correlated with mean hepatic venous oxygen saturation below critical points in the range of 21% to 26%. Thus a hepatic venous oxygen saturation value below about 25% during the first 24 hours after a Fontan operation predicts the occurrence and the severity of acute liver dysfunction. We suggest that monitoring hepatic venous oxygen saturation is useful for management of critically ill patients after Fontan operations.

Adolescent↗