[A case of essential mixed cryoglobulinemia].
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Connectin↗
Biomedical subjects
H Nitta
Publications and source records attributed to H Nitta.
Different spatio-temporal expressions of three otx homeoprotein transcripts during zebrafish embryogenesis.
Three zebrafish otx homeoproteins containing a homeodomain homologous to that of the Drosophila orthodenticle head gap gene product have been identified by cloning and sequencing of cDNAs. The zebrafish otx2 homeoprotein shares high amino-acid sequence identity with the mouse Otx2 homeoprotein, whereas the zebrafish otx1 and otx3 homeoproteins exhibit moderate homology with the mouse Otx1 and Otx2 homeoproteins. Three otx homeoprotein mRNAs show different spatio-temporal expression patterns during zebrafish embryogenesis as revealed by Northern blot and whole mount in situ hybridization analyses. Large amounts of the otx1 homeoprotein mRNA are found in fertilized uncleaving eggs. The otx3 homeoprotein mRNA appears in the embryonic shield, the site of the organizer. In the developing brain, three zebrafish otx mRNAs are distributed in the diencephalon and the midbrain, but their fine expression patterns are different. These results suggest that three zebrafish otx homeoproteins, alone or in combination, may play roles in very early embryogenesis, gastrulation, and the development and subdivision of the diencephalon and the midbrain.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Removal of cat major allergen (Fel d I) from futon (Japanese bedding) with a home washing machine.
We evaluated the removal of a cat major allergen (Fel d I) from futons (Japanese bedding) with the use of a large-sized home washing machine. Before and after washing a futon that had been used in a home with a cat, a small amount of cotton was collected from the futon and Fel d I was extracted from the cotton. The levels of Fel d I were assayed by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that washing reduced the Fel d I level in futons by more than 95%. In conclusion, washing of futons is an effective method for elimination of their cat allergens.
Allergens↗
Immunolocalization of steroidogenic enzymes P450scc, 3 beta HSD, P450c17 and P450arom in the corpus luteum of the Hokkaido brown bear (Ursus arctos yesoensis) in relation to delayed implantation.
The objective was the immunocytochemical localization of steroidogenic enzymes in the corpus luteum of Hokkaido brown bears during the period of delayed implantation. Cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P450scc), 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta HSD), 17 alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (P450c17) and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) were localized as biosynthetic sites of pregnenolone, progesterone, androgens, and oestrogens, respectively. Ovaries containing corpora lutea were obtained from three mature bears during the expected delayed implantation period and ovarian sections were immunostained by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method using polyclonal antibodies generated against steroidogenic enzymes of mammalian origin. P450scc and 3 beta HSD were localized in all luteal cells, whereas P450c17 (0.4-5.1% of 1000 cells) and P450arom (7.1-11.2% of 1000 cells) were localized in only a few luteal cells. These data suggest that luteal cells contain steroidogenic enzymes required for progesterone synthesis but also have a minimum capability for synthesizing androgen and oestrogen during the delayed implantation period in Hokkaido brown bears.
3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗
Synthesis of multilamellar phospholipids in meningioma cells.
This report is to demonstrate that specimen pretreated with tannic acid before osmification permits the ultrastructural identification of multilamellar phospholipids in 23 of the 30 meningiomas. The phospholipids very often had a fingerprint-like appearance, and were found within the cytoplasm of meningioma cells, among the plasma membranes and in the extracellular matrices. A preferential ultrastructural localization of multilamellar phospholipids to the glycogen-rich area within the cytoplasm was seen in 5 cases. They were intermingled with glycogen granules, or the latter were precipitated on the phospholipids. It is suggested that glycogen may serve as a source of energy for precursors of phospholipid synthesis in meningioma cells.
Adult↗
Study on dermatomes by means of selective lumbar spinal nerve block.
Regions of sensory impairment of 71 patients in 86 lumbar spinal nerve blocks (L4 19 cases, L5 41 cases, S1 26 cases) were determined by the writing brush method. Distinctive regions included the medial side of the lower leg, the side of the first dorsal digit, and the side of the fifth digit respectively of the L4 (88%), L5 (82%) and S1 (83%) spinal nerves without 100% matching because of displacement of one spinal segment by the furcal nerve. A band-like impaired zone from the proximal to the periphery appeared in 42%, 44%, and 92%, respectively, of the L4, L5, and S1 blocks. The marked difference between L4, L5, and S1 may be caused by the diversity of the dorsal rami of the spinal nerves and double control by the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh.
Afferent Pathways↗
How intense is parametric x radiation?
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Journal Article↗
Circulating mast cells in acute myelomonocytic leukemia with eosinophilia.
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Adolescent↗
Immunolocalization of steroidogenic enzymes, P450scc, 3 beta-HSD, P450c17, and P450arom in the Hokkaido brown bear (Ursus arctos yesoensis) testis.
Hokkaido brown bears (Ursus arctos yesoensis) are seasonal breeders and the profile of their serum testosterone concentrations undergoes annual changes. However, precise sites of steroidogenesis in the bear testis have not been identified. Therefore, our objective was to localize steroidogenic enzymes by immunocytochemistry using polyclonal antibodies generated against steroidogenic enzymes of mammalian origin. The steroidogenic enzymes localized were cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P450scc), 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD), 17 alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (P450c17), and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) as biosynthetic sites of pregnenolone, progesterone or androstenedione, androgens, and estrogens, respectively. Testes were collected from three adult bears prior to the mating season (April, Hokkaido, Japan) and prepared for immunostaining with primary antibodies, followed by an avidin-biotin-peroxidase method. P450scc was localized in Leydig cells and spermatids. 3 beta-HSD was found only in Leydig cells. P450c17 was identified in Leydig cells and spermatids. Finally, P450arom was found in Leydig cells and in spermatids that stained very intensely. Therefore, Leydig cells appear to be a site of progestin (both delta 4 and delta 5 C21 steroids), androgen, and estrogen production, whereas spermatids appear to be a site of pregnenolone, androgen, and estrogen production. Immunolocalization of steroidogenic enzymes suggests that steroidogenesis may occur not only in Leydig cells, but also in spermatids of the Hokkaido brown bear testis prior to the mating season. We also suggest that Leydig cells and spermatids are the predominant sites of androgen and estrogen synthesis, respectively, in the Hokkaido brown bear testis.
3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗
Gliosarcoma of the posterior cranial fossa: MRI findings.
We report the MR findings of a biopsy-proven gliosarcoma of the posterior cranial fossa. Multiple homogeneously enhancing lesions had shaggy margins and broad-based dural attachments, which may reflect the gliomatous and sarcomatous element of this tumour.
Aged↗
Airborne cat (Fel d I), dog (Can f I), and mite (Der I and Der II) allergen levels in the homes of Japan.
We measured the airborne and floor dust allergen levels of the cat (Fel d I), dog (Can f I), and mite (Der I and Der II) allergens in 13 houses. Airborne allergens were sampled with a low-noise air sampler for 5 to 7 days in the living rooms where the inhabitants were living as usual. The mean levels of airborne Fel d I and Can f I in houses with cats or dogs were 5960 and 2880 pg/m3, respectively, which were about 160 and 100 times higher than levels of airborne Der I. In floor dust the mean levels of Fel d I and Can f I were 322 and 236 micrograms/gm fine dust, respectively, which were 59 and 10 times higher than the levels of Der I. These results suggest that the airborne cat and dog allergens might be important sources of allergens for persons who live in a house with those animals, because the absolute allergen levels in both the air and dust are significantly higher than those of mite.
Air↗
Localization of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the chicken ovarian follicle shifts from the theca layer to granulosa layer with follicular maturation.
3 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) catalyzes the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone in the delta 4-3-ketosteroid metabolic pathway and dehydroepiandrosterone to androstenedione in the delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid pathway. It has been suggested that small follicles of the chicken ovary that have not entered the follicular hierarchy metabolize steroids via the delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid pathway, whereas preovulatory follicles that have entered the hierarchy metabolize steroids via the delta 4-3-ketosteroid pathway. Our objective was to localize 3 beta-HSD in follicles of the chicken ovary by immunocytochemistry using an anti-human placental 3 beta-HSD polyclonal antiserum to identify steroidogenic cells that convert pregnenolone to progesterone and/or dehydroepiandrosterone to androstenedione. Three groups of follicles of different maturities were examined: small follicles (1-10 mm in diameter and that have not entered the hierarchy), preovulatory follicles (10-35 mm in diameter and that have entered the hierarchy), and the most recent postovulatory follicle. Chicken ovaries were obtained 2 h after oviposition and fixed with Bouin's solution. Tissues were dehydrated with a series of ethanol, embedded in Paraplast (Brunswick Company, St. Louis, MO), and sectioned. Sections (4 microns) were immunostained for 3 beta-HSD with a Rabbit ExtrAvidin Staining Kit (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO). 3 beta-HSD was localized in the single theca layer of cortical follicles (approximately 1 mm in diameter), which are still embedded in the stromal tissue, and in the theca interna and externa of other small follicles (< 10 mm in diameter). No immunoreactivity was observed in the granulosa layer of the majority of small follicles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗
Analysis of the genetic control of antibody response to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans by immunoblotting inbred strains of mice.
Genetic regulation of the immune response may be involved in the onset and progression of an early-onset type of periodontitis. We analyzed the genetic control of the primary antibody response to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in inbred strains of mice using an immunoblot technique. Mice of 5 independent inbred strains, 6 H-2 congenic strains and 4 B10 intra-H-2 recombinant strains were immunized with sonicated extracts of A. actinomycetemcomitans. On the seventh day their sera were examined for reactivity to the antigenic components of this organism. Western blot analysis clearly distinguished 2 different groups of antigens, one consisting of common antigens (molecular weights, 28, 34, 36 and 40 kDa) that reacted with sera from all strains and one consisting of specific antigens (molecular weights 31, 65 and 69 kDa) that reacted only with sera from distinct strains. Blot analysis of sera from H-2 congenic strains demonstrated that the reactivity to the second group of antigens was regulated by the H-2 complex. In B10 intra-H-2 recombinant strains, only the I-Ab allotype strains produced immunoglobulin G antibody that reacted to the 65 kDa antigen. This evidence indicates that the primary immune response to the A. actinomycetemcomitans antigen with a molecular weight of 65 kDa is controlled by genes in the I-A subregion of the H-2 complex. This 65 kDa antigen was also highly reactive with some human sera from early-onset periodontitis patients. Further analysis of this antigen is required.
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans↗
Comparative study of the cellular fatty acids of methicillin-resistant and -susceptible Staphylococcus aureus.
The cellular fatty acid compositions of 26 strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and 17 strains of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. The fatty acid compositions of the two groups were very similar with 16 identified components. The major fatty acids were Ci14 = 0, Ci15 = 0, C18 = 0 and C20 = 0. Among these fatty acids, the percentage of the Ci15 = 0 fatty acid component of MRSA strains (11.4 +/- 3.9%) was statistically higher than that of MSSA strains (6.2 +/- 2.4%) (p < 0.001). On the other hand, the percentage of the C20 = 0 fatty acid components of MRSA strains (20.2 +/- 8.8%) was statistically lower than that of MSSA strains (30.7 +/- 10.4%) (p < 0.001). The production of beta-lactamase and beta-hemolysin in both groups' strain was also unrelated to the relative amounts of the fatty acid components. These results indicated a statistical tendency for the percentage fatty acid compositions of the MRSA strains to be quantitatively different from those of the MSSA for both the Ci15 = 0 and C20 = 0 fatty acid components. Analysis of the fatty acid compositions may have an application in the differentiation of MRSA and MSSA strains.
Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
Germ cells of the mouse testis express P450 aromatase.
Estrogen production within the testis has been a subject of considerable controversy for many years. Several studies have shown that both Sertoli and Leydig cells produce estrogen during different stages of development. Therefore, we have conducted experiments to localize aromatase, a cytochrome P450 enzyme that converts androgen to estrogen, within the testis. First, P450 aromatase (P450arom) was localized in germ cells of the adult mouse testis by immunocytochemistry, using an antiserum generated against purified human placental cytochrome P450arom. In the germinal epithelium, P450arom was located primarily in the Golgi region of round spermatids, throughout the cytoplasm of elongating spermatids, and along the flagella of late spermatids. Second, localization of P450arom within the germinal epithelium was supported by Western blot analysis of isolated germ cells. Third, Northern blot analysis using a mouse P450arom cDNA probe indicated that the mRNA for the mouse P450arom was present in testicular germ cells. Fourth, P450arom activity was measured in germ cells by the 3H2O water assay. Based upon these observations, we conclude that germ cells are a site of estrogen synthesis in the adult mouse testis.
Animals↗
EEG power spectrum changes due to listening to pleasant music and their relation to relaxation effects.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectrum changes induced by pleasant music (2-min. fractions of 6 samples of music [famous classical and commercially available "alpha music" at 10-sec. intervals]) were investigated in relation to changes in 16 kinds of psychosomatic feelings. Subjects were 42 healthy young people aged 18-25 yrs. Two major components, "pleasant & relaxed" and "calm", were extracted through principal component analysis of the feeling changes, both of which were related to the "relaxation effects" of the music. These component scores were not related to the changes of EEG powers in the delta, theta, alpha and beta frequency components in 6 regions (frontal, parietal and occipital regions of the left and right hemispheres), when examined separately. However, the change of the total delta power for all the regions was significantly associated with both the "pleasant & relaxed" and "calm" component scores. The association between the total theta power change and "calm" score was found to be insignificant if the type-A personality variable was added to their regression model. On the other hand, the alpha-peak frequency was inversely related to the decrease of the "calm" score in the left occipital region (LO). The reduction of the alpha-peak power in the LO was also significant, and was associated not with the alpha-peak frequency changes but inversely with the "calm" score, although these alpha-component changes were not shown to be modified by the personality. Thus, the present study suggests, as a preliminary finding, that the "relaxation effects" of pleasant music can be associated with the EEG power spectrum component changes, especially with the change in the total theta power and possibly with that in the alpha power in the occipital, and the frequency shift of the peak in the alpha-range. Some of the associations were also shown to vary for the type-A personality, suggesting a clue to relating the personality to a differential stress-related psychosomatic trait, although the physiological significance of the changes in the low-frequency component range as well as those in the alpha-frequency component, which are obtained through FFT, should be further clarified.
Adolescent↗
Unusual gingival enlargement with rapidly progressive periodontitis. Report of a case.
A 15-year-old female patients suffered from recurrent unusual enlargement of the gingiva together with rapidly progressive alveolar bone loss. The enlarged gingiva completely covered her anterior teeth and protruded from the mouth. Marked inflammatory edematous tissue, which predominantly contained plasma cells, was observed in the connective tissue. Rapidly progressive alveolar bone loss was observed radiographically. The serum antibody titer to Porphyromonas gingivalis, measured by ELISA, was much higher than that in healthy individuals. The diagnosis was unusual gingival enlargement with rapidly progressive periodontitis. Conventional periodontal therapy, including plaque control, scaling, root planing, and surgical removal of the soft tissue, did not produce complete healing of the gingival lesion, although recurrence of gingival enlargement and further loss of the periodontal attachment level were well controlled. After the periodontal treatments, the serum antibody titer to P. gingivalis decreased to normal levels. This unusual gingival enlargement was considered due to systemic factors that exaggerated the gingival response to local irritation and altered the usual clinical features of chronic gingivitis; local plaque irritation produced the extensive and recurrent enlargement of the gingiva. Under these circumstances, infection or overgrowth of periodontopathic bacteria, including P. gingivalis, might occur and the alveolar bone loss would then advance very rapidly.
Adolescent↗
[A case with severe neurological involvement due to vitamin B1 deficiency associated with megaduodenum].
We reported a case of 4-year-old boy with multiple vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin B1 deficiency. He had megaduodenum associated with membranous stenosis on upper jejunum. He showed recurrent vomiting at his infantile period, and recently intermittent neurological symptoms. When he was admitted to our hospital, he could not walk and showed masked face, absent deep tendon reflexes, horizontal and vertical nystagmus, proximally dominant muscle weakness and multiple vitamin deficiencies. Oral administration of small doses of vitamin B1 (20 mg/day) could make remarkable clinical improvements. At three weeks after the treatment he could walk and run. Before the admission he had febrile convulsions and showed transiently striatal low density on CT image. We concluded that his neurological symptoms were due to vitamin B1 deficiency associated with megaduodenum. When a patient with intestinal anomaly shows neurological symptoms, we should think of vitamin deficiency.
Child, Preschool↗