Three- and four-dimensional volume-rendered imaging of fetal double-outlet right ventricle using inversion mode.
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
H Tanaka
Publications and source records attributed to H Tanaka.
Spatiotemporal asymmetric auxin distribution: a means to coordinate plant development.
The plant hormone auxin plays crucial roles in regulating plant growth development, including embryo and root patterning, organ formation, vascular tissue differentiation and growth responses to environmental stimuli. Asymmetric auxin distribution patterns have been observed within tissues, and these so-called auxin gradients change dynamically during different developmental processes. Most auxin is synthesized in the shoot and distributed directionally throughout the plant. This polar auxin transport is mediated by auxin influx and efflux facilitators, whose subcellular polar localizations guide the direction of auxin flow. The polar localization of PIN auxin efflux carriers changes in response to developmental and external cues in order to channel auxin flow in a regulated manner for organized growth. Auxin itself modulates the expression and subcellular localization of PIN proteins, contributing to a complex pattern of feedback regulation. Here we review the available information mainly from studies of a model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, on the generation of auxin gradients, the regulation of polar auxin transport and further downstream cellular events.
Arabidopsis↗
Neuropsychological impairment and decreased regional cerebral blood flow by interferon treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis: a preliminary study.
It is well known that interferon (IFN) has various side effects including neuropsychiatric complications such as depression. We examined the relationship between neuropsychological impairment and regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) in chronic hepatitis patients treated with and without IFN-alpha. Eight patients with chronic hepatitis participated in this study. Four patients were treated with IFN-alpha (IFN group) and 4 patients were not treated (control group). The entire IFN group and half of the control group were diagnosed with hepatitis C and the rests of the control group had hepatitis B. Neuropsychological tests were conducted. The Self-Rating Depression Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were also completed by the subjects. In addition, cerebral single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT; 3DSRT) was performed in all patients. Neuropsychological tests and SPECT were performed in the IFN group 2 months after starting IFN treatment and in the control group 2 months after starting follow-up. A significant reduction of regional CBF in the IFN group was observed in two cerebral regions (lt-angular and lt-temporal region) (P < 0.05), which have reported associations with memory and language function. In addition, the Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), a measure of memory function, showed a decreased tendency in the IFN group. A decrease of regional CBF by IFN treatment was shown, suggesting that a decrease of regional CBF may contribute to the neuropsychological impairment by IFN treatment.
Aged↗
Population pharmacokinetics of intravenous busulfan in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
A population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed in 30 patients who received an intravenous busulfan and cyclophosphamide regimen before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Each patient received 0.8 mg/kg as a 2 h infusion every 6 h for 16 doses. A total of 690 concentration measurements were analyzed using the nonlinear mixed effect model (NONMEM) program. A one-compartment model with an additive error model as an intraindividual variability including an interoccasion variability (IOV) in clearance (CL) was sufficient to describe the concentration-time profile of busulfan. Actual body weight (ABW) was found to be the determinant for CL and the volume of distribution (V) according to NONMEM analysis. In this limited study, the age (range 7-53 years old; median, 30 years old) had no significant effect on busulfan pharmacokinetics. For a patient weighting 60 kg, the typical CL and V were estimated to be 8.87 l/h and 33.8 l, respectively. The interindividual variability of CL and V were 13.6 and 6.3%, respectively. The IOV (6.6%) in CL was estimated to be less than the intraindividual variability. These results indicate high interpatient and intrapatient consistency of busulfan pharmacokinetics after intravenous administration, which may eliminate the requirement for pharmacokinetic monitoring.
Adolescent↗
Metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney disease in Okinawa, Japan.
We assessed the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a hospital-based screening program in Okinawa, Japan. The significance of metabolic syndrome as a determinant of CKD was examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 6980 participants, aged 30-79 years, participated in a screening program in Tomishiro Chuo Hospital. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the criteria of the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III). Data were also analyzed according to the modified criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) that defines abdominal obesity as a waist circumference of > oe =85 cm in men and > or =90 cm in women. CKD was defined as dipstick proteinuria (> or =1+) or a reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). GFR was estimated using the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and CKD was 12.8 and 13.7%, respectively. Metabolic syndrome was a significant determinant of CKD (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.537 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.277-1.850, P<0.0001). The adjusted OR (95% CI) was 1.770 (1.215-2.579, P=0.0029) for those with four metabolic syndrome risk factors compared to those with no metabolic syndrome risk factors. Metabolic syndrome was a significant determinant for younger participants (<60 years; OR 1.686, 95% CI 1.348-2.107, P<0.0001), but not for older participants (> or =60 years; OR 1.254, 95% CI 0.906-1.735, NS). The relationship between the number of metabolic syndrome risk factors and the prevalence of CKD was linear using the modified criteria. The results suggest that metabolic syndrome is a significant determinant of CKD in men under 60 years of age, in Okinawa, Japan.
Adult↗
Hepatitis C virus free-virion and immune-complex dynamics during interferon therapy with and without ribavirin in genotype-1b chronic hepatitis C patients.
The Synergistic effect of interferon (IFN) and ribavirin for patients with chronic hepatitis C has been demonstrated, but ribavirin has no apparent direct antiviral effect against hepatitis C virus (HCV) when used as monotherapy. To elucidate the mechanism of ribavirin on enhanced HCV eradication when used in combination therapy, we investigated the serum HCV dynamics of free-virions (FV) and immune-complexes (IC) in genotype-1b infected patients treated with IFN-alpha2b alone (n = 11) or in combination with ribavirin (n = 15). Serum FV- and IC-HCV RNA were separated by immunoprecipitation using anti-human immunoglobulin and quantified serially using real-time detection polymerase chain reaction. At the first phase (day 0-2), the decline of FV- and IC-HCV RNA was similar between the two treatment groups. At the second phase (day 2-28), the decline of IC was significantly faster in patients treated with IFN plus ribavirin compared with IFN alone [exponential decay slope = 0.079 +/- 0.036 vs 0.048 +/- 0.027 log10/day, P = 0.0248; half-life = 81.1 +/- 21.4 vs 135.1 +/- 61.4 h, P = 0.0053], although the second phase FV-decline was not significantly different between the two treatment groups. The fast second phase decline of IC was associated with sustained virological response to therapy. These results suggest that ribavirin may modulate the humoral immune response against HCV and trigger a favourable response to IFN. In conclusion, analysis of early IC-HCV dynamics is useful for predicting the response to therapy and for understanding the mechanism of action of antiviral drugs in chronic hepatitis C patients.
Adult↗
Effects of bezafibrate in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: combination with interferon and ribavirin.
An association of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in serum of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has been suggested. We conducted a prospective study in CHC patients complicated with hyperlipidaemia, to examine whether bezafibrate, which is commonly used for treatment of hyperlipidaemia, reduces serum HCV-RNA titre and improves liver dysfunction. Fifteen patients received daily oral bezafibrate treatment (400 mg/day) for 8 weeks, and its effects on serum lipids, transaminases, HCV-RNA titres, and HCV-RNA titres bound to LDL were evaluated. Fifteen untreated patients with CHC and hyperlipidaemia were used as controls. The mean serum alanine aminotransferase levels and HCV-RNA titres significantly decreased at the end of bezafibrate therapy in the treated group (105 +/- 34 to 80 +/- 32 IU/L, P = 0.02 and 2.23 +/- 2.71 to 1.78 +/- 2.38 x 10(7) copies/mL, P < 0.01 respectively), but no changes were observed in the control group. Serum HCV-RNA titres bound to LDL, as quantified by immunoprecipitation using anti-LDL antibody, also decreased in all 15 treated patients [5.55 +/- 6.59 to 1.07 +/- 1.58 x 10(6) copies/ml, P < 0.01 (mean reduction rate was -78.5 +/- 17.0%)]. Sucrose density-gradient ultracentrifugation study revealed that HCV-RNA-decreased density fractions after the bezafibrate were identical to LDL-density fractions (1.015-1.062 g/mL). Eight CHC patients were treated with bezafibrate, interferon, and ribavirin triple therapy for 32 weeks, and four patients achieved sustained virological response to therapy. This pilot study provides further evidence of an association between HCV and LDL in serum and suggests the potential usefulness of bezafibrate as an anti-HCV reagent for the treatment of CHC patients.
Adult↗
Comparison of allergenicity and allergens between fish white and dark muscles.
BACKGROUND: Fish is one of the most frequent causes of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergy. Although the fish dark muscle is often ingested with the white muscle, no information about its allergenicity and allergens is available. METHODS: Heated extracts were prepared from both white and dark muscles of five species of fish and examined for reactivity with IgE in fish-allergic patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and for allergens by immunoblotting. Cloning of cDNAs encoding parvalbumins was performed by rapid amplification cDNA ends. Parvalbumin contents in both white and dark muscles were determined by ELISA using antiserum against mackerel parvalbumin. RESULTS: Patient sera were less reactive to the heated extract from the dark muscle than to that from the white muscle. A prominent IgE-reactive protein of 12 kDa, which was detected in both white and dark muscles, was identified as parvalbumin. Molecular cloning experiments revealed that the same parvalbumin molecule is contained in both white and dark muscles of either horse mackerel or Pacific mackerel. Parvalbumin contents were four to eight times lower in the dark muscle than in the white muscle. CONCLUSIONS: The fish dark muscle is less allergenic than the white muscle, because the same allergen molecule (parvalbumin) is contained at much lower levels in the dark muscle than in the white muscle. Thus, the dark muscle is less implicated in fish allergy than the white muscle.
Allergens↗
Composition of the sheath produced by the green alga Chlorella sorokiniana.
AIMS: To investigate the chemical characterization of the mucilage sheath produced by Chlorella sorokiniana. METHODS AND RESULTS: Algal mucilage sheath was hydrolysed with NaOH, containing EDTA. The purity of the hydrolysed sheath was determined by an ATP assay. The composition of polysaccharide in the sheath was investigated by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection. Sucrose, galacturonic acid, xylitol, inositol, ribose, mannose, arabinose, galactose, rhamnose and fructose were detected in the sheath as sugar components. Magnesium was detected in the sheath as a divalent cation using inductively coupled argon plasma. The sheath matrix also contained protein. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that the sheath is composed of sugars and metals. Mucilage sheath contains many kinds of saccharides that are produced as photosynthetic metabolites and divalent cations that are contained in the culture medium. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report on chemical characterization of the sheath matrix produced by C. sorokiniana.
Algal Proteins↗
Different antibacterial actions of isoflavones isolated from Erythrina poeppigiana against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
AIMS: To screen six isoflavones isolated from Erythrina poeppigiana (Leguminosae) for their antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). METHODS AND RESULTS: Stem bark of E. poeppigiana was macerated with acetone and the methylene chloride-soluble fraction of the residue was applied to repeated silica gel column chromatography and eluted. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by a broth dilution method. Inactive compounds that failed inhibiting bacterial growth at 25 microg ml(-1) were further investigated for their combination effects with methicillin and oxacillin. Of the isolated isoflavones, 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-8,3'-di(gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl)isoflavone (isolupalbigenin) exhibited the highest anti-MRSA activity (MICs: 1.56-3.13 microg ml(-1); MBCs: 6.25-12.5 microg ml(-1)), followed by 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-6-gamma,gamma-dimethylallylisoflavone (erythrinin B). Inactive compounds were combined with methicillin or oxacillin, 5,4'-dihydroxy-(3'',4''-dihydro-3''-hydroxy)-2'',2''-dimethylpyrano[5'',6'':6,7]isoflavone (M-Wi-2) intensifying the susceptibility of MRSA strains to these antibiotics. In all but one strain, the MIC values of methicillin were reduced from > or =100 to 6.25-12.5 microg ml(-1) in the presence of M-Wi-2 (25 microg ml(-1)). CONCLUSIONS: Isoflavones from E. poeppigiana showed two different antibacterial activities against MRSA: direct growth inhibition and intensification of methicillin sensitivity. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Isolupalbigenin and M-Wi-2 could lead to the development of compounds for new approaches against MRSA infection.
Acetone↗
Biosensor-based control of nitrification inhibitor in municipal wastewater treatment plants.
The effect of potassium cyanide (KCN) on nitrification processes in municipal wastewater treatment plants was studied by batch nitrification tests, which indicated that nitrification processes tend to be inhibited at a lower KCN concentration than the present discharge standard to sewerage. The experiment of the biosensor using nitrifying bacteria was also conducted for continuous monitoring of nitrification inhibitor in influent wastewater, and demonstrated that the biosensor can detect KCN at as low as EC10 of the abovementioned batch nitrification test. Moreover, to determine the effectiveness of application of the biosensor to avoid the impact of KCN due to an accidental spillage in a sewerage system, KCN was intentionally injected into the experimental models of activated sludge process equipped both with and without the biosensor. The model with the biosensor that could detect KCN could divert the wastewater including KCN to a refuge tank, which resulted in the avoidance of upset of the activated sludge process. On the other hand, the model without the biosensor was upset in the nitrification process due to KCN. Such differences demonstrate the effectiveness of the biosensor applied to countermeasures of an accidental spillage of toxic chemicals to avoid upset of nitrification in municipal wastewater treatment plants.
Bioreactors↗
Occurrence of nonylphenol, nonylphenol ethoxylate surfactants and nonylphenol carboxylic acids in wastewater in Japan.
Nonylphenol (NP) is known to be a byproduct of nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPnEO) which are used as detergents in industry. It is important that not only NP but also NPnEO and their related substances are analysed when behaviour of NP in the wastewater treatment process is surveyed. NPnEO are biodegraded to shorter ethoxylate (EO) chain NPnEO or nonylphenol carboxylates (NPnEC) under aerobic conditions, and then biodegraded to NP under anaerobic conditions. NP is one of the suspected endocrine disruptors (ED). Moreover, shorter EO chain NPnEO has greater toxicity than longer EO chain NPnEO. We conducted a field survey of NP and its related substances in 20 wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). The concentrations (median) of NP and its related substances in the WWTPs' influent ranged from 0.1 to 8.3 microg/L, showing NP concentration as the same level as those previously reported. The reduction of the long EO chain NPnEO in the WWTPs was almost complete, while the removal efficiency for the short EO chain NPnEO was less significant than the long EO chain NPnEO, suggesting that the degradation rate of the short EO chain NPnEO was lower than that of the long EO chain NPnEO in the wastewater treatment
Carboxylic Acids↗
Fate of oestrogenic compounds and identification of oestrogenicity in a wastewater treatment process.
Understanding of the fate of oestrogen and oestrogenic compounds is important in improving the removal efficiency for oestrogens in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this study an attempt was made to clarify the fate of oestrogen, oestrogen sulphates, and oestrogenic compounds (synthetic oestrogen, nonylphenol and its relatives) by an instrumental analysis, and the fate of oestrogenicity by an in vitro assay. The investigation was conducted in an activated sludge WWTP in winter and summer, focusing on identification of the primary substances that induce oestrogenicity. Wastewater samples were analysed by employing the silica-gel fractionation technique in conjunction with two-step column chromatography. The results revealed that, in winter, the WWTP efficiencies for the removal of nitrogen and oestrogens decreased and the oestrone level increased with the progress of the treatment. Oestrone and oestrogenic substances are likely to circulate between the aeration tank and the final sedimentation tank. In summer, however, these compounds were effectively removed in the WWTP. The results of the column chromatography coupled with the bioassay suggested that E1 and E2 are the predominant contributors to the oestrogenicity in the influent, return sludge and effluent of the WWTP. The measurement by the instrumental analysis supported these findings.
Biological Assay↗
Effects of antibacterial agents, levofloxacin and clarithromycin, on aquatic organisms.
Contamination of surface waters by pharmaceutical chemicals is an emerging environmental problem. This study evaluated the toxic effects of the antibacterial agents levofloxacin (LVFX) and clarithromycin (CAM), which are widely used in Japan, on aquatic organisms. Ecotoxicity tests using a bacterium, alga and crustacean were conducted. Microtox test using a marine fluorescent bacterium showed that LVFX and CAM have no acute toxicity to the bacterium. From the results of the Daphnia immobilisation test, LVFX and CAM did not show acute toxicity to the crustacean. Meanwhile, an algal growth inhibition test revealed that LVFX and CAM have high toxicity to the microalga. The phytotoxicity of CAM was about 100-fold higher than that of LVFX from a comparison of EC50 (median effective concentration) value. From the Daphnia reproduction test, LVFX and CAM also showed chronic toxicity to the crustacean. Concentrations of LVFX and CAM in the aquatic environment were compared with PNEC (predicted no effect concentration) to evaluate the ecological risk. As a result, the ecological risk of LVFX is considered to be low, but that of CAM is higher, suggesting that CAM discharged into an aquatic environment after therapeutic use may affect organisms in the aquatic environment.
Animals↗
Occurrence of levofloxacin, clarithromycin and azithromycin in wastewater treatment plant in Japan.
Residual pharmaceutical products in sewage and other water environments have recently become a serious social problem in advanced countries. Among these pharmaceutical products, antibiotics have attracted special attention due to their serious impact on the ecosystem and connections to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria. Our research intended to develop a new method to analyse the three antibiotics estimated to be released out of the body in large amounts in Japan; levofloxacin (LVFX), clarithromycin (CAM) and azithromycin (AZM), and survey the state of pollution in the sewerage. The concentrations of the water-phase antibiotics LVFX, CAM and AZM were measured in each process of activated sludge process in six wastewater treatment plants. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) was used to analyse solutions of the antibiotics after pretreatment with a solid phase extraction. The limits of quantification and the average recoveries for these antibiotics in the influent were 1.2 to 29 ng/L and 46 to 93%, respectively. In the influent, LVFX, CAM and AZM were detected at concentrations of 552, 647 and 260 ng/L, respectively, while their removal efficiencies were 42, 43 and 49%, respectively. Although the CAM and AZM concentrations decreased as the treatment progressed, it was shown that the LVFX concentration increased in activated sludge reactors in some cases. Despite differences in octanol-water partition coefficients among LVFX, CAM and AZM, their removal efficiency showed no major difference. This indicates that this removal phenomenon cannot be explained by simple adsorption by the activated sludge.
Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
Single-dose daily treatment with cyclosporin A for relapsing nephrotic syndrome: report of a case showing poor response.
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Child↗
[Nephrotic syndrome after extended thymectomy for thymoma with myasthenia gravis; report of a case].
A 35-year-old man visited our hospital complaining of blepharoptosis and fatigability of the left arm. Under a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (Osserman Ila), ambenonium was administered and improvements were noted. At 40-year-old, the patient underwent extended thymectomy due to the development of thymoma, which invaded the lung and pericardium (Masaoka stage Ill). Then ADOC therapy (doxorubicin hydrochloride+cisplatin+vincristine sulfate+cyclophosphamide) was initiated. At 47-year-old, we found recurrence of disseminated thymoma in thoracic cavity. Because of multiple metastatic lesions, radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy was chosen and these lesions were reduced in size. Facial and foot edema developed at 50-year-old. Chest X-ray revealed bilateral pleural effusion. He was diagnosed as minimal change nephrotic syndrome and steroid therapy was started. The changes in cellular immunity due to thymoma is considered to be causative in the development of nephrotic syndrome. We report the clinical course of our case and discuss with reference to the literature.
Adult↗
Dietary fat and meat intake and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a case-control study in Japan.
SETTING: There is sparse epidemiologic information regarding the role of dietary factors in the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between specific types of fatty acids and selected foods high in fat and IPF in Japan. DESIGN: Included were 104 cases aged > or = 40 years who had been diagnosed in the last 2 years in accordance with the most recent criteria. Controls aged > or = 40 years consisted of 56 hospitalised patients diagnosed as having acute bacterial pneumonia and four out-patients with common cold. RESULTS: Intake of saturated fatty acids, mono-unsaturated fatty acids, n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and meat was independently associated with an increased risk of IPF. Specifically, the multivariate OR for comparison of the highest with the lowest quartile of intake of saturated fatty acids was 6.26 (95%CI 1.79-24.96, P for trend = 0.01) and for meat it was 7.19 (95%CI 2.15-27.07, P for trend = 0.02). Intake of cholesterol, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, fish, eggs and dairy products was not related to the risk. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that consumption of saturated fatty acids and meat may increase the risk of IPF.
Adult↗