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Biomedical subjects

H Otsuka

Publications and source records attributed to H Otsuka.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

[A psychological burden on patients with clinical trials during anesthesia].

We investigated with questionnaires, psychological outline of 30 patients, who were requested to participate in clinical trials of anti-tachycardia drugs during anesthesia. Although 14 patients consented to the trial, the consent was not based on adequate understanding or volunteerism in 3 patients. Nine patients of the consented group were anxious about the possible use of the trial drug. Eight patients of the rejected group felt anxiety on surgery and anesthesia, which was the most common reason for rejection. Forty % of refused patients felt a guilty conscience or embarrassed. Although we tried to obtain patients' consent following governmental and institutional regulations and guidelines, not only the consented but also the refused patients suffer from psychological burden with the clinical trial. It is of concern that recruitment to the trial enhances anxiety of the patients as they already feel uneasiness, unrest, and insecurity facing anesthesia and surgery. To avoid entry of less informed or unwilling patients to the clinical trial, we must secure patients' veto, and recruitment should be performed by clinicians who are not involved in anesthesia practice.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed1997

Clinical, morphologic, and biochemical characteristics of Chediak-Higashi syndrome in fifty-six Japanese black cattle.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize Chediak-Higashi syndrome (C-HS) in Japanese Black cattle. ANIMALS: 56 of 200 cattle with a bleeding disorder and giant granules in leukocytes. PROCEDURE: Clinical observation, CBC, hemostatic screening test, platelet aggregometry, electron microscopy, platelet constituent analysis, and ophthalmoscopic examination were done. RESULTS: Affected Japanese Black cattle had increased bleeding tendency and abnormal granules in their leukocytes. Susceptibility to infection was not increased. Cutaneous albinism was evident in 6 new-born calves, but not in most affected cattle. In all affected cattle, the tapetal fundus was pale and the nontapetal fundus was almost devoid of pigment. By electron microscopy, a remarkable decrease in the number of dense granules in platelets was observed. Functionally, collagen-induced platelet aggregation was markedly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: This bleeding disorder was diagnosed as C-HS. With regard to susceptibility to infection, albinism, and mortality, clinical manifestations of C-HS in Japanese Black cattle were moderate, compared with C-HS in human beings and Hereford cattle. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Because an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance was documented and recessive homozygotes could be easily detected, C-HS in Japanese Black cattle can be controlled.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1996

Sexual diversity of the lipid metabolism in the Harderian gland of the golden hamster.

Fatty acid and alkyl compositions of 1-alkyl-2,3-diacylglycerols (ADG) in the Harderian gland of the golden hamster were determined. Fatty acids of male ADG consisted of straight chain saturated acids ranging from C12 to C22. Both even- and odd-numbered acids were observed, indicating that acetyl- and propionyl-CoAs were equally used as primers in the fatty acid synthesis. In female ADG a large amount of iso- and anteiso-branched fatty acids were detected. Odd-numbered acids (C15, 17, 19, and 21) contained iso- together with anteiso-branchings, and even-numbered acids (C16 and 18) contained iso-branchings. These findings suggested that isobutyryl-, isovaleryl-, and 2-methylbutyryl-CoAs were used as primers in addition to acetyl- and propionyl-CoAs in fatty acid synthesis in the female gland. Such unusual primers are catabolic intermediates of valine, leucine, and isoleucine, respectively. Male ADG contained straight chain saturated alkyl residues ranging from C14 to 21. In the case of female ADG, though the main component was C18:O, most alkyl components had branchings at the iso- and anteiso-positions. NMR data suggested the presence of propionic acid at the C3 position of glycerol in the male ADG and of isovaleric and 2-methylbutyric acids at the same position in the female ADG. These results suggest that the sexual differences of the lipids in the Harderian gland of the golden hamster are determined at the step of fatty acid synthesis depending on the available precursors in the male and female glands. We speculate that sex hormones affect the metabolism of branched chain amino acids and bring about the dramatic diversities of the lipid compositions in the male and female glands.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1996

Interleukin-6 prevents ischemia-induced learning disability and neuronal and synaptic loss in gerbils.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been shown to have potent neurotrophic activity on peripheral and central neurons in vitro. However, it remains to be determined whether or not IL-6 rescues hippocampal CA1 neurons from lethal ischemia and prevents ischemia-induced learning disability. In the present in vivo study, we infused IL-6 continuously for 7 days into the lateral ventricle of gerbil starting 2 h before 3-min forebrain ischemia. IL-6 infusion prevented the occurrence of ischemia-induced learning disability in a dose-dependent manner as revealed by a step-down passive avoidance task. Subsequent light and electron microscopic examinations showed that pyramidal neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus as well as synapses within the strata moleculare, radiatum and oriens of the region were significantly more numerous in gerbils infused with IL-6 than in those receiving vehicle infusion. These findings suggest that IL-6 has a trophic effect on ischemic hippocampal neurons.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Identification and nucleotide sequence of the thymidine kinase gene of canine herpesvirus.

This paper presents the entire nucleotide sequence of the thymidine Kinase (TK) gene of canine herpesvirus (CHV). The gene was located within a 2.1 kbp EcoRV fragment by Southern-blot hybridization with a probe derived from the known feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) TK gene. An open reading frame (ORF) of 987 nucleotides, capable of encoding a TK translation product of 328 amino acids, was identified. Alignment of the predicted amino acid sequence of the CHV TK with other herpesvirus TKs revealed homologies of 25-47%. The proposed nucleotide-binding site and thymidine-binding site sequences of known herpesvirus TKs could be aligned with similar sequences in CHV TK. Northern-blot analysis revealed 1.3 kb and 5.0 kb mRNAs as the TK-specific transcripts. It is probable that the 1.3 kb transcript codes for the CHV TK and that the 5.0 kb transcript codes for the CHV TK and the downstream sequence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Construction of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) recombinants which express pseudorabies virus (PRV) glycoproteins gB, gC, gD, and gE.

We have improved the method for constructing recombinants of bovine herpesvirus type-1 (BHV-1). Using this method, we constructed three recombinants in which the pseudorabies virus (PRV) thymidine kinase (tk) gene was inserted at three different sites in the unique short region of BHV-1. These three sites are located in the open reading frame of gE, gG and gI genes. Previously, two sites (tk and gC) had been used to insert foreign DNA fragments to BHV-1 genome. Therefore we now have 5 sites in BHV-1 where DNA can be inserted. The gB, gC, gD, gE and gI genes of PRV were successfully inserted at the tk or the gC gene of BHV-1 genome and Western blot analyses confirmed that the recombinants express PRV gB, gC, gD and gE. Anti-PRV gB and gC antibodies as well as anti-PRV polyclonal serum neutralized BHV-1 recombinants which express PRV gB and gC. The latter was neutralized more strongly. However, anti-gD monoclonal antibody and anti-PRV polyclonal serum failed to neutralize gD-expressing recombinants. This suggests that PRV gC and some gB are integrated into the viral envelope of the recombinants, but very little gD is present in the viral envelope.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Glycosides of megastigmane and of the simple alcohols from Alangium premnifolium.

From the water-soluble fraction of a methanol extract of leaves of Alangium premnifolium, two new megastigmane glycosides, alangionosides N and O, along with three known megastigmane glycosides, dendranthemoside A and alangionosides A and B, were isolated. Shimaurinosides A and B, xylopyranosyl(1-->6)glucopyranosides of simple alcohols were also found to be constituents of the water-soluble fraction. Structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses.

Alcohols↗
PubMed1996

Characterization of canine herpesvirus glycoprotein C expressed by a recombinant baculovirus in insect cells.

The gene encoding the canine herpesvirus (CHV) glycoprotein C (gC) homologue has been identified by sequence homology analyses with other well studied herpesviruses. Previously, we have identified three CHV glycoproteins, gp145/112, gp80 and gp47 using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). To determine which CHV glycoprotein corresponds to gC, a recombinant baculovirus which contains the putative CHV gC structural gene under the baculovirus polyhedrin promoter was constructed. The recombinant baculovirus expressed gC-related polypeptides (44-62 kDa), which reacted only with MAbs against CHV gp80, indicating that the previously identified CHV gp80 is the translation product of the gC gene. The baculovirus expressed gC was glycosylated and transported to the surface of infected cells. At least seven neutralizing epitopes were conserved on the gC produced in insect cells. It was found that the recombinant baculovirus infected cells adsorbed murine erythrocytes as is the case for CHV-infected cells. The hemadsorption activity was inhibited by heparin, indicating that the CHV gC binds to heparan sulfate on the surface of murine erythrocytes. Mice immunized with the recombinant gC produced strong neutralizing antibodies. Our results suggest that CHV gC produced in insect cells may be useful as a subunit vaccine to control CHV infections.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Rapid method for detection of Coxiella burnetii antibodies using high-density particle agglutination.

A high-density particle agglutination test, using erythrocyte-sensitizing substance from phase II Coxiella burnetii adsorbed to high-density composite particles, was developed for rapid serodiagnosis of Q fever. The test was compared with the microimmunofluorescence test for sensitivity and specificity by using 3,036 human serum samples collected in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. An excellent agreement was found between the two tests for the acute-phase group and paired serum samples, but some discordant results were observed in the single-sample group. The sensitivity and specificity of the high-density particle agglutination test were both 100% in the former group and 81.6 and 99.9%, respectively, in the latter group. The test is a very promising tool for routine serodiagnosis of Q fever because of its simplicity, sensitivity, and specificity.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1996

Q fever pneumonia in children in Japan.

The prevalence of Q fever pneumonia among children with atypical pneumonia from whom only an acute-phase serum sample was available was traced by using an indirect immunofluorescence (IF) test, nested PCR, and isolation. Twenty (34.5%) of 58 sera were found to have both polyvalent and immunoglobulin M antibodies to the phase II antigen of Coxiella burnetii by the IF test. Q fever pneumonia was present in 23 (39.7%) of 58 patients as determined by both the nested PCR and isolation and in 20 patients as determined by the IF test. The sensitivities for nested PCR and isolation were 100%, and that for the IF test was 87%. Our results indicate that nested PCR was faster and more sensitive than isolation and the IF test in the diagnosis of acute Q fever when a single acute-phase serum was available. These findings suggest that C. burnetii is an important cause of atypical pneumonia in children in Japan.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed1996

Inheritance of Chediak-Higashi syndrome in Japanese black cattle.

Fifty-six Japanese black cattle affected with Chediak-Higashi syndrome (C-HS) have been referred to Miyazaki University Veterinary Teaching Hospital during the past 12 years, and 44 pedigree records were collected. In pedigree analysis, the parents had no clinical sign, the affected dams had clinically normal calves, and approximately equal numbers of males and females were affected, we therefore considered this syndrome to be an autosomal recessive trait. Quantitative genetic analyses were then made in a restricted area. Segregation analysis by the a priori method in 8 families showed that C-HS was a simple autosomal recessive trait. Furthermore, 36 dams and their 257 offspring (including 8 C-HS affected cattle) were analyzed using population genetics in the same area. The result was the same as in the former analysis.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Protective immunity of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) recombinants which express pseudorabies virus (PRV) glycoproteins gB, gC, gD and gE.

We have constructed recombinants of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) which express pseudorabies virus (PRV) gB, gC, gD or gE either individually or in combination. To test the protective immunity, mice were inoculated with these BHV-1 recombinants and challenged three weeks later with virulent PRV. A BHV-1 recombinant, BHV-1/TF7-1, which express PRV gC, gD, gE and gI but not PRV gB, protected all 7 mice from the challenge with 20 LD50 virulent PRV and 6 out of 7 from the challenge with 100 LD50 PRV, while one dead mice survived for 5 days after the challenge. All the control mice died in 3 days. BHV-1 recombinants which express PRV gB, gC and gD individually also gave some protection but not so effective as BHV/TF7-1. Before challenging with virulent PRV, sera were collected from immunized mice and antibody against PRV was assayed. Western blot analyses indicated that all the recombinants induced antibody in mice against PRV gB, gC or gD individually or in combination. Virus neutralizing (VN) titer against PRV was highest in mice which were inoculated with BHV-1/TF6-1, which expresses PRV gB. BHV-1/TF7-1, which was more effective to protect mice from the challenge of virulent PRV, induced lower VN titer.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Cine-magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of communication between middle cranial fossa arachnoid cysts and cisterns.

Cine-magnetic resonance (MR) imaging examinations were performed in 10 patients with middle cranial fossa arachnoid cysts to evaluate communication between the cysts and the normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space. Eight of 10 patients were evaluated by time of flight cine-MR imaging, and two by phase contrast cine-MR imaging. Two patients underwent membranectomy of the cysts, and were evaluated both pre- and postoperatively. Computed tomography cisternography was used to confirm communication between the cysts and the surrounding cisterns. Pulsatile fluid motion within the cysts was present in all patients. However, marked fluid motion and jet flow between the cysts and the surrounding cisterns were only observed in communicating cysts. In the two patients who underwent membranectomy, postoperative examination found greater fluid motion and jet flow not previously present. Cine-MR imaging demonstration of marked pulsatile fluid motion accompanied by jet flow suggests that a cyst communicates with the normal CSF space.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Magnetic resonance studies of dentato-rubro-pallido-luysian atrophy--correlation with clinical severity and age of onset].

Dentato-rubro-pallido-luysian atrophy (DRP-LA) is a rare autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder. Recently the genetic abnormality has become clear. We encountered four patients with DRPLA (including a 14-year-old boy and his father) in whom the final diagnosis was made by DNA analysis. In addition to performing conventional MRI, we quantified brain metabolites by proton MR spectroscopy. We also compared the expanded repeat size of CAG trinucleotide in a gene on the short arm of chromosome 12 to the MR findings which consisted of the findings of clinical severity and age of onset. The method reported by Nagafuchi et al. was used to determine the size of the CAG repeat on the focus chromosome. Repeat size was closely correlated with age at onset and disease severity. The MR studies were performed with a Magnetum H-15SP (Siemens, 1.5 Tesla) equipped with a C-P type head coil. Axial T2-WIs (TR = 2000 ms, TE = 90 ms) and T1-WIs (TR = 200 ms, TE = 15 ms) were measured. Atrophy of the brainstem, the tegmentum, and the cerebellum, and periventricular hyperintensity could be seen. The sequence for 1H-MRS was PRESS, voxel size was 8 ml, and regions of interest were placed on right basal ganglia and right parietal white matter. After compensating the observed signals, we obtained metabolite concentrations by using compensated water intensity as an internal standard. Despite the absence of abnormalities of the basal ganglia on MRI, NAA concentrations differed from patient to patient and were low in severe clinical cases. We propose that the CAG repeat size of the focus chromosome and NAA concentration quantified by 1H-MRS are closely correlated with clinical severity and age of onset. In conclusion, DNA analysis may be useful in early diagnosis and 1H-MRS can detect metabolic abnormalities non-invasively even when no markedly abnormal findings can be detected with other clinical modalities.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Delayed rupture of a balloon reservoir in a disposable infusion pump].

We experienced delayed rupture of a balloon reservoir in a disposable infusion pump 3 hours after filling. The investigation revealed a sharp scratch in the reservoir. Furthermore, as we did not filtrate the drugs before filling, we speculate that ampule fragments could have provoked the rupture. When filling a disposable infusion pump with ampule solution, filtration against glass contamination is recommended.

Analgesics, Opioid↗
PubMed1996

Effect of N-feruloyl tyramine (an analogue of tyramine) on inwardly rectifying potassium channel in frog ventricular myocytes.

Electrophysiological effects of N-feruloyl tyramine (NFT), an analogue of tyramine, on potassium currents in frog ventricular myocytes were examined using single-channel recording and whole-cell voltage clamp technique. Extracellular application of NFT induced a concentration-dependent decrease of macroscopic inward rectifier potassium current (iK1) with ID50 of 198 microM, while tyramine (100 microM) was ineffective in producing an inhibitory effect on iK1. NFT reduced the mean open time of iK1 to 1.3 ms from 3.1 ms in control without affecting the amplitude of single-channel conductance. It is indicated that boi containing NFT produces a prolongation of the plateau phase caused by the suppression of inwardly rectifying K channel. Thus, this prolongation may induce an increase in the inflow of Ca ions, which in turn leads to a positive inotropic effect.

Animals↗