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Biomedical subjects

H Tamai

Publications and source records attributed to H Tamai.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Protective effect of radical scavenger edaravone against puromycin nephrosis.

AIM: Recent studies have indicated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a role in the pathogenesis of glomerular injury leading to proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome. In the present investigation, we examined the effects of the radical scavenger edaravone administered at various time points to rats with puromycin nephrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 35 Wistar rats were divided into five groups: treatment with puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) alone, treatment with PAN followed by edaravone in the early period, treatment with PAN followed by edaravone administration in the late period, treatment with PAN and administration of edaravone for the whole experimental period, and untreated controls. On Days 3, 6 and 9, urinary protein excretion was measured. The levels of glomerular thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBArs) were determined in all animals on Day 10. RESULTS: On Day 9, rats that had been administered edaravone showed reduced urinary protein excretion and reduced glomerular TBArs. In particular, edaravone administration in the late period, during which proteinuria was most acute, had the effect of reducing the severity of proteinuria. Glomerular TBArs were suppressed to the control level. Our results indicate that edaravone exerts a protective effect in the acute phase of PAN nephrosis when administered as antioxidant therapy at the onset of proteinuria. CONCLUSIONS: Edaravone can ameliorate urinary protein excretion after the onset of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Role of bremsstrahlung radiation in limiting the energy of runaway electrons in tokamaks.

Bremsstrahlung radiation of runaway electrons is found to be an energy limit for runaway electrons in tokamaks. The minimum and maximum energy of runaway electron beams is shown to be limited by collisions and bremsstrahlung radiation, respectively. It is also found that a massive injection of a high-Z gas such as xenon can terminate a disruption-generated runaway current before the runaway electrons hit the walls.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Venepuncture is preferable to heel lance for blood sampling in term neonates.

BACKGROUND: The analgesic effect of oral sucrose in newborn infants undergoing painful procedures is generally accepted. For blood sampling, some studies have shown that venepuncture (VP) is less painful than heel lance (HL). OBJECTIVE: To determine the least painful and most effective method among blood sampling by VP or HL with or without sucrose. DESIGN: Randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial. SUBJECTS: A total of 100 healthy, full term newborn infants being screened for inborn errors of metabolism were randomly allocated to one of four experimental groups (25 infants in each). Intervention and OUTCOME MEASURE: Seven specially trained nurses took turns to carry out blood sampling two minutes after administration of oral sucrose or water. Neonatal pain was assessed by the neonatal facial coding system (NFCS), as well as by crying. RESULTS: Without sucrose, the NFCS score was higher in the HL group than the VP group during blood sampling (median 58 v 23, p<0.001). Oral sucrose significantly reduced the score of the HL group (58 v 47, p<0.01) and also tended to reduce the score of the VP group (23 v 2, p<0.1). However, the HL with sucrose group still had a higher score than the VP without sucrose group (47 v 23, p<0.01). Crying and the total procedure time showed the same trends as the NFCS score. CONCLUSIONS: VP is less painful and more effective than HL for blood sampling in newborn infants. Although oral sucrose may have an additive analgesic effect, it is not necessarily required if VP is used for blood sampling.

Analgesics, Non-Narcotic↗
PubMed2005

The effect of gamma-tocopherol administration on alpha-tocopherol levels and metabolism in humans.

BACKGROUND: The bioavailability of gamma-tocopherol and metabolites of vitamin E after gamma-tocopherol administration is not well understood. We investigated the effect of gamma-tocopherol administration on the levels and metabolism of alpha- and gamma-tocopherol in healthy volunteers. METHODS: We measured two metabolites of vitamin E (2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(2'-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxychroman (alpha-CEHC) and 2,7,8-trimethyl-2-(2'-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxychroman (gamma-CEHC)) in plasma and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) during administration of gamma-tocopherol. Two groups of volunteers were enrolled. The gamma-tocopherol group received two gamma-tocopherol capsules (each containing 186.4 mg of gamma-tocopherol and 5 mg of alpha-tocopherol) for 28 days, while the control group received d-alpha-tocopherol at 5 mg/day, which was the same dose as that given to the gamma-tocopherol group. Blood and urine samples were obtained on days 0, 14, 28, 35, 42, and 56 after the initiation of gamma-tocopherol administration. RESULTS: The plasma gamma-tocopherol concentration increased markedly during administration of gamma-tocopherol and the plasma gamma-CEHC concentration increased along with that of gamma-tocopherol. The plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration decreased significantly during gamma-tocopherol administration. The plasma concentration of alpha-CEHC decreased significantly and urinary excretion of alpha-CEHC tended to increase in the gamma-tocopherol group. Urinary sodium secretion was significantly increased at 1 week after the cessation of gamma-tocopherol administration, but there was no significant difference of urine volume between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Metabolism of alpha-tocopherol is accelerated and the plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration is decreased during gamma-tocopherol administration.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Usefulness of epidural anesthesia in gynecologic laparoscopic surgery for infertility in comparison to general anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Although the advantages of epidural anesthesia in open surgery have been established, its usefulness in the setting of laparoscopic surgery remains to be studied. METHODS: Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for infertility were randomly administered epidural anesthesia (group A, n = 11) or general anesthesia (group B, n = 9). The operation was performed under 4 mmHg pneumoperitoneum and in the 20 degrees Trendelenburg position. Respiratory function tests using a spirometer and blood gas analysis were performed during the intra- or perioperative period. Pain status was evaluated with visual analog scale scoring. The number of postoperative recovery days needed to resume daily activities was obtained by a questionnaire. RESULTS: Respiratory rate, minute volume, P(a)CO2, % vital capacity (VC), and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) % were virtually constant throughout the study period in group A, whereas %VC was decreased immediately after operation in group B (p < 0.05). Minute volume immediately after operation was significantly increased in group B compared with group A (p < 0.01), suggesting shallow respiration in women undergoing general anesthesia. Observed pain scores on abdominal pain, shoulder pain, and dyspnea were very low during operation in group A. Pain scores immediately and 3 h after operation were also minimal in group A, whereas abdominal pain scores at these points were significantly higher in group B than those in group A (both p < 0.01). The number of days required for a half reduction in wound pain, trotting, and full recuperation for group A were less than those for group B (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Epidural anesthesia, when used in laparoscopic surgery for infertility treatment, has advantages over general anesthesia in terms of analgesic effects, postoperative respiratory function, and a return to preoperative daily activities.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Increased digitalis-like immunoreactive substances in neonatal plasma measured using fluorescence polarization immunoassay.

OBJECTIVE: To better define the reported increased digitalis-like immunoreactive substances (DLIS) in neonatal plasma, we studied the relation among plasma DLIS level, blank intensity (BLK-I) value at FPIA measurement and plasma total bilirubin level. METHODS: The DLIS levels were measured in 10 neonates with or without jaundice and 10 infants in good health, using fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) and microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). BLK-I value and plasma total bilirubin level were also measured simultaneously. RESULTS: In neonates with jaundice, DLIS using FPIA, BLK-I and total bilirubin level were 0.58 +/-0.13 ng/mL, 2598 +/- 408, and 17.98 +/- 1.13 mg/dL, respectively, before phototherapy, and 0.33 +/-0.06 ng/mL, 1886 +/- 237, and 15.16 +/- 2.07 mg/dL after phototherapy. Corresponding values in neonates without jaundice were (DLIS: 0.34 +/-0.04 ng/mL; BLK-I: 1,764 +/- 278; total bilirubin: 10.37 +/- 4.54 mg/dL); in healthy infants (0.12 +/-0.06 ng/mL, 400.7 +/- 4.6 and 0.42 +/- 0.13 mg/dL, respectively) and in healthy volunteers (0.10 +/-0.07 ng/mL, 403.1 +/- 8.4, and 0.58 +/- 0.30 mg/dL, respectively). Using MEIA, DLIS was not detected in 10 neonates, 10 infants and 20 healthy volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: A fluorescent compound related to bilirubin increased the BLK-I value in the measurement of neonatal plasma using FPIA. The fluorescence was not the result of endogenous digitalis-like factors.

Bilirubin↗
PubMed2003

Measurement of vitamin E metabolites by high-performance liquid chromatography during high-dose administration of alpha-tocopherol.

METHOD: alpha-Tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol are metabolized into 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(2'-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxychroman (alpha-CEHC) and 2,7,8-trimethyl-2-(2'-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxychroman (gamma-CEHC), respectively. We analyzed alpha- and gamma-CEHC concentrations in human serum and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography during administration of alpha-tocopherol. Fourteen healthy adult male volunteers received 1,200 IU per day of RRR-alpha-tocopherol for 28 days. Blood and urine samples were obtained on days 0, 14, 28, and 56. RESULTS: During alpha-tocopherol administration, the plasma gamma-tocopherol concentration decreased significantly, but there was marked elevation of the alpha-tocopherol concentration. Increased concentration of alpha-CEHC and gamma-CEHC in both serum and urine indicated the acceleration of vitamin E metabolism. CONCLUSION: High-dose administration of alpha-tocopherol caused an increase of gamma-tocopherol metabolism, which might have caused a decrease of the plasma gamma-tocopherol concentration.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Human placental trophoblast cells express alpha-tocopherol transfer protein.

Alpha-tocopherol transfer protein (alpha-TTP), a 30 kDa cytosolic protein first described to be present in the liver and important for alpha-tocopherol trafficking, plays a major role in maintaining alpha-tocopherol levels in plasma, while alpha-tocopherol is known as the major lipid-soluble antioxidant. Expression of alpha-TTP has not only been described in animal model liver, but also in diverse other tissues such as rat brain or pregnant mouse uterus, the latter finding stressing the importance of alpha-TTP for embryogenesis and foetal development. In this study, we report the identification of alpha-TTP in human liver by anti-human alpha-TTP monoclonal antibodies made in rat and the cellular localization of alpha-TTP in term human placenta. By immunohistochemistry, intense staining of alpha-TTP was seen in syncytiotrophoblast as well as in villous and invading extravillous cytotrophoblast, while basal decidual cells showed slighter, but present staining of alpha-TTP. Foetal vessel endothelium remained unstained. It is therefore suggested that alpha-TTP may play a major role in supplying alpha-tocopherol to the foetus prior to delivery and is likely involved in maintaining adequate alpha-tocopherol levels in the foetus.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Idiopathic gastric rupture in a 3-month-old girl.

UNLABELLED: This case reports on idiopathic gastric rupture in a 3-mo-old girl who had frequent episodes of vomiting and abdominal distension the day before admission to the clinic. Metabolic acidosis was detected and rotavirus antigen was identified in the stools. Abdominal X-rays and CT scans revealed free air and fluid in the abdominal cavity, leading to a diagnosis of gastrointestinal perforation. During surgery, idiopathic gastric rupture was detected and treated. The postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Idiopathic gastric rupture is extremely rare in childhood beyond the neonatal period. Early diagnosis and surgery are mandatory if children with this condition are to be saved.

Female↗
PubMed2003

Detection of cerebral hypoperfusion with bispectral index during paediatric cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: The bispectral index (BIS) may indicate changes in cerebral activity when the cerebral circulation is affected by acute hypotension. METHODS: We measured BIS and cerebral haemoglobin saturation (Sr(O(2))) by near-infrared spectroscopy in 10 children undergoing cardiac surgery. RESULTS: We noted 14 episodes of simultaneous decreases in Sr(O(2)) and BIS during acute hypotension in five children. An acute decrease in BIS, which coincided with a decrease in Sr(O(2)) suggesting a reduction in cerebral blood flow, was associated with acute slowing of the raw EEG waveforms. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that an acute decrease in BIS during acute hypotension indicates cerebral hypoperfusion, and that cerebral hypoperfusion caused by hypotension may occur frequently during paediatric cardiac surgery.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed2002

Apoptosis and cell proliferation of small intestinal villi in mitomycin C-treated rats.

Mitomycin C (MMC) therapy often causes toxicity affecting the small intestine. We investigated the relationship between pathological manifestations and cell death, or the proliferation of small intestinal villi in rats treated with MMC. The length of the villi, apoptosis, and cell proliferation were evaluated in the small intestine at 3, 7, and 11 days after MMC treatment by the TUNEL method, BrdU-immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. In MMC-treated rats, the body weight decreased until day 7 and recovered from day 8, while most rats had watery stools from days 4 to 7. The villi were the shortest on day 7 and were still shorter on day 11 than in the control group. The highest incidence of TUNEL-positive cells in the small intestinal crypts was observed on day 3, and the number decreased thereafter to reach the control level on day 11. The percentage of BrdU-labeled cells was the highest on day 3 and the lowest on day 7, but recovered to the control level on day 11. The clinical symptoms caused by MMC treatment are consistent with the changes of villous length that reflect the viability of stem cells in the small intestinal crypts about 4 days earlier.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Association between gastric myoelectrical activity and intraluminal nitric oxide.

BACKGROUND: We have previously shown that the intraluminal concentration of NO in H. pylori-positive patients is significantly reduced compared to that in H. pylori-negative patients. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of H. pylori infection on gastric motor activity in relation to the level of NO and nitrite in the stomach in humans. METHODS: Thirty-two H. pylori-negative and 32 H. pylori-positive patients with dyspepsia were studied. Gastric myoelectrical activity was recorded for 24 h using surface electrogastrography. Intraluminal gas and juice were endoscopically collected from the stomach to determine NO and nitrite and nitrate (NOx) levels using a chemiluminescence system. RESULTS: The percentage of tachygastria in the morning preprandial state was significantly higher (P = 0.005) in H. pylori-positive than -negative patients. In H. pylori-negative patients, there was a significant positive correlation between NO levels and the percentage of bradygastria (r = 0.56, P = 0.001) and a significant negative correlation between NOx levels and the percentage of normal electrical activity (r = - 0.57, P=0.001) in the preprandial state. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric motor activity is associated with NO and NOx levels in the gastric lumen. H. pylori infection may play a role in the pathogenesis of abnormal gastric myoelectrical activity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Late onset of right Bochdalek's hernia with strangulation of the omentum.

UNLABELLED: We report a case of bloody pleural effusion and infarction of the greater omentum caused by a non-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with a late presentation. A 15-y-old boy with Down's syndrome developed abdominal pain and vomiting, as well as an elevated serum level of C-reactive protein. Chest roentgenograms showed a right-sided pleural effusion and computed tomography revealed a right diaphragmatic hernia. Barium enema confirmed the diagnosis. An operation revealed a right Bochdalek's hernia with strangulation of the greater omentum in the right pleural cavity. CONCLUSION: Diaphragmatic hernia should be considered in patients with pleural effusion, abdominal pain and vomiting.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2002

Alpha-tocopherol transfer protein is specifically localized at the implantation site of pregnant mouse uterus.

Alpha-tocopherol transfer protein (alpha-TTP) was first described to play a major role in maintaining alpha-tocopherol levels in plasma, while alpha-tocopherol was primarily reported to be a factor relevant for reproduction. Expression of alpha-TTP is not only seen in the liver, from where it was first isolated, but also in mouse uterus, depending on its state of pregnancy, stressing the importance of alpha-TTP for embryogenesis and fetal development. The cellular localization of alpha-TTP in mouse uterus is reported here. By immunohistochemistry, alpha-TTP could be localized in the secretory columnar epithelial cells of the pregnant uterus on Days 4.5 and 6.5 postcoitum as well as in the glandular epithelial cells and the inner decidual reaction zone surrounding the implantation site. On Days 8.5 and 10.5 postcoitum (midterm of mouse pregnancy), alpha-TTP could still be detected in the uterine secretory columnar epithelial cells, while in alpha-TTP knockout mice, no immunostaining was visible. It is suggested that alpha-TTP plays a major role in supplying the placenta and consecutively the fetus with alpha-tocopherol throughout pregnancy. We conclude that alpha-tocopherol plays a role in the process of implantation and that alpha-TTP may be necessary for adequate alpha-tocopherol status of the fetus.

Animals↗