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Biomedical subjects

K Kuroda

Publications and source records attributed to K Kuroda.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

Immunoelectron microscopy of influenza A virus neuraminidase glycoprotein topography.

Using immunoelectron microscopy, the distribution of influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) glycoproteins was examined, after performing immunoreactions to virions on the grid. With polyclonal antibody, the immunolabels of the glycoproteins were found to be homogeneously distributed, whereas with monoclonal antibody they were found to be distributed in clusters. After destruction of haemagglutinin (HA) but not of NA activity with a high concentration of trypsin, the remaining visible spikes were evenly distributed. This finding was consistent with the absence of immunolabelling with anti-HA antibody, and the homogeneous pattern of immunolabels with anti-NA polyclonal antibody, but not with the clustered labelling with the anti-NA monoclonal antibody. Thus, the immunolabelling image with anti-NA polyclonal antibody was considered to reflect the true one.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Effect of physical exercise on mortality in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Public health nurses visited and followed up for more than one year 438 patients with Parkinson's disease living in Osaka. The follow-up period averaged 4.1 years, during which 71 deaths were observed. The patients were classified according to the degree of physical exercise they performed, and the ratios of observed to expected deaths were calculated. The exercising group showed the lowest ratio of 1.68 (1.45 for patients able to walk independently, and 1.89 for those could not) while all patients exhibited a ratio of 2.47. Multivariate analysis using Cox's proportional hazard model, adjusted for age, sex, walking ability and duration of disease at study entry, showed that, compared with the exercising group, the non-exercising patients had a hazard ratio of 1.83.

Exercise↗

Structure and assembly of hemagglutinin mutants of fowl plague virus with impaired surface transport.

Five temperature-sensitive mutants of influenza virus A/FPV/Rostock/34 (H7N1), ts206, ts293, ts478, ts482, and ts651, displaying correct hemagglutinin (HA) insertion into the apical plasma membrane of MDCK cells at the permissive temperature but defective transport to the cell surface at the restrictive temperature, have been investigated. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the HA gene of the mutants and their revertants demonstrated that with each mutant a single amino acid change is responsible for the transport block. The amino acid substitutions were compared with those of mutants ts1 and ts227, which have been analyzed previously (W. Schuy, C. Will, K. Kuroda, C. Scholtissek, W. Garten, and H.-D. Klenk, EMBO J. 5:2831-2836, 1986). With the exception of ts206, the changed amino acids of all mutants and revertants accumulate in three distinct areas of the three-dimensional HA model: (i) at the tip of the 80-A (8-nm)-long alpha helix, (ii) at the connection between the globular region and stem, and (iii) in the basal domain of the stem. The concept that these areas are critical for HA assembly and hence for transport is supported by the finding that the mutants that are unable to leave the endoplasmic reticulum at the nonpermissive temperature do not correctly trimerize. Upon analysis by density gradient centrifugation, cross-linking, and digestion with trypsin and endoglucosaminidase H, two groups can be discriminated among these mutants: with ts1, ts227, and ts478, the HA forms large irreversible aggregates, whereas with ts206 and ts293, it is retained in the monomeric form in the endoplasmic reticulum. With a third group, comprising mutants ts482 and ts651 that enter the Golgi apparatus, trimerization was not impaired.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Changes of dolichol and dolichyl fatty acyl esters during the germination and development of soybeans.

The amounts of dolichol and dolichyl fatty acyl esters and their composition in various parts of soybean seedlings were determined during germination and development. The dolichol content of cotyledons decreased during germination. Dolichyl fatty acyl esters were identified in cotyledons and the amount was estimated by high performance liquid chromatography. The relative amounts of short-chain dolichols of 15, 16, and 17 isoprene units increased during development of the seedlings. The homologue distribution of free dolichol was different from that of dolichyl fatty acyl esters. The relative amounts of dolichols with 16, 17, and 18 isoprene units were greater in free dolichol than in dolichyl fatty acyl esters. The percentages of long-chain saturated fatty acids in dolichyl fatty acyl esters, specifically 21:0, 22:0, 23:0, 24:0, and 25:0, increased during development. These fatty acids represented more than 40% of the fatty acids in dolichyl fatty acyl esters in stems. These results suggest that dolichyl fatty acyl esters are not a storage form of dolichol. The large accumulation of dolichol and dolichyl fatty acyl esters in the leaves, where photosynthesis takes place, suggests some other function.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Distribution of DNA polymerase alpha during nuclear division cycles in Drosophila melanogaster embryo.

An immunocytochemical method using a specific monoclonal antibody was employed to detect DNA polymerase alpha in Drosophila melanogaster embryos during the first 13 nuclear division cycles after fertilization. The anti-DNA polymerase alpha antibody stained the ooplasm of the unfertilized egg, indicating that DNA polymerase alpha is maternally stored. Strong nuclear staining with the antibody over the weaker staining of the cytoplasm was observed at interphase throughout the 13 nuclear division cycles. The staining of the cytoplasmic regions surrounding the nucleus was much stronger than the other region of the syncytial cytoplasm until cycle 10. Although prophase nuclei were stained with the antibody, metaphase chromosomes were never stained throughout the 13 cycles. The chromosomal (nuclear) staining reappeared at anaphase until cycle 11 and at telophase in later cycles. The staining of the syncytial cytoplasm except for the cortical region became faint by cycle 13, suggesting the consumption of the maternal storage by this cycle. These results suggest that DNA polymerase alpha dissociates from chromosomes at the beginning of metaphase; then in later mitotic phases, it is transported from the syncytial cytoplasm into nuclei to participate in formation of the active DNA replication enzyme complex.

Animals↗

Isolation of a metastasizing cancer cell line from an aflatoxin B1-induced rat liver tumor.

An attempt was made to isolate cancer cell lines from liver tumors that had been induced by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in rats. A clonal cell line named AFB-1 was isolated from a liver tumor that was histologically diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma. When AFB-1 cells were inoculated into the subcutaneous tissue at the dorsal region of syngenic animals, they metastasized from the site of inoculation into the abdominal cavity to form many tumor nodules throughout the serous membrane and metastatic foci in the kidney and pancreas. They also metastasized into the thoracic cavity to form metastatic foci in the lung. This is the first instance where a metastasizing AFB1-induced cancer cell line has been isolated.

Aflatoxin B1↗

[Factors influencing prolonged hospital stays by elderly patients: problems in medical management including use of urethral catheters].

Fifty-nine elderly patients who had been hospitalized more than six months in five hospitals in the city of Mino in Osaka Prefecture, were studied to clarify the factors influencing prolonged hospital stays by the elderly. Their mean age was 82.2 years, and women accounted for 86% of the patients. One-third had suffered a stroke. As for ADL, 44% were completely dependent when walking, eating, bathing and dressing. Moreover, 36% had severe dementia, 19% suffered from decubitus ulcers, 66% were undergoing rehabilitation, 58% were receiving venous infusion therapy, 36% used a urethral catheter, and 10% were receiving tube feeding. The subjects were divided into two groups according to the likelihood of discharge assessed by the doctors in charge: one group consisted of 27 patients who might be discharged and the other of 32 patients with an ongoing need for inpatient care. Multivariate analyses using Hayashi's quantification method II indicated that use of a urethral catheter and not undergoing rehabilitation were the main factors associated with the need for inpatient care, while being a woman, being of advanced age and not having one's own room at home were the non-medical factors which made it difficult for the patients to be discharged from the hospital. As use of a urethral catheter was the factor most strongly related to prolonged hospital stay, multivariate analyses were applied to the 45 patients with urinary incontinence, who were divided into one group of 21 patients with, and one of 24 without a urethral catheter. The factors associated with use of a urethral catheter were then investigated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

[A case report of spermatocytic seminoma--clinical review of 17 cases in Japan].

A male aged 48 visited our department on October 17, complaining of swelling of his left scrotal content from July, 1990. Physical examination showed the testis to be swollen to the size of a chicken egg, and ultrasound examination disclosed the swelling to be solid and nodular. Left high inguinal orchiectomy was performed on October 29. The testis extirpated was 50 x 40 x 45 mm in size and weighted 80 g; the gross appearance of the cut surface of the testis was nodular with grayish-white color. The lesion was proved to be spermatocytic seminoma histopathologically, but no hemorrhage or necrosis was observed. Radiation in the dose of 36 Gy was given over the left hypogastrium and paraaortic region in 36 Gy each. The patient subsequently did will and has been followed up in our outpatient clinic without evidence of recurrence as of 10 postoperative months. This patient was the 19th reported case of spermatocytic seminoma in Japan. However, General Rules for Clinical and Pathological Studies on Testicular Tumors explain that spermatocytic seminoma is usually seen in a pure form, unassociated with other types of germ cell tumors, making our case actually the 17th case of this particular seminoma if spermatocytic seminomas combined with other germ cell tumors are exclude from the statistical analysis. Reports of spermatocytic seminoma thus defined are reviewed in this study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dysgerminoma↗

[Drug induced cystitis due to ketotifen fumarate--a case report].

Tranilast, an antiallergic drug, is well known as a causal drug of cystitis, and a report is made here of our experience of 1 case of drug-induced cystitis ascribable to ketotifen fumarate. A 13-year-old female had been taking anti-asthmatic drugs orally since the onset of athmatoid attacks, from age of 5. The attacks intensified from the age of 12, because of this she began to take various anti-asthmatic drugs orally. She visited another hospital, due to pollakisuria, in November, 1990, and received treatment for cystitis. However, the symptoms were not alleviated, and she visited our department on January 9, 1991. By urinalysis, large counts of leukocytes and erythrocytes were observed in a visual field of the sediment. Remarkable reddening was observed over the urinary bladder in the patient's cystoscopic findings. Treatment was given at our department, on an outpatient basis, with various antibacterial drugs for approximately one month, but her symptoms were not alleviated, pollakisuria and aseptic pyuria persisted. The patient had never taken tranilast; oral intake of ketotifen fumarate and saibokutou was discontinued on February 13, due to a suspicion of drug-induced cystitis, and her symptoms subsequently disappeared. On February 22, she took ketotifen fumarate orally again, on her own, due to asthmatoid attack, and her symptoms returned. The oral intake of ketotifen fumarate was again discontinued, and alleviation of the symptoms and normalization of the urinary findings were again observed. As a result, lymphocyte stimulation tests on all the drugs the patient had ever taken, only ketotifen fumarate turned out to be positive.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

KS-505a, a novel inhibitor of bovine brain Ca2+ and calmodulin-dependent cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterase from Streptomyces argenteolus.

A novel compound, KS-505a was isolated from the culture broth of a strain identified as Streptomyces argenteolus A-2. The compound inhibited bovine brain Ca2+ and calmodulin-dependent cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterase with an IC50 value (the concentration causing 50% inhibition) of 0.065 microM. The compound around that concentration had little or no effect on heart calmodulin-dependent and -independent cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterases, and protein kinase C.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Urinary coagulation-fibrinolysis, kallirein-kinin systems and kininase in cases of preclampsia.

Urinary kallikrein and kallikrein activity significantly decreased in cases of preeclampsia (u-kall./CRE.index 42.39 +/- 9.66 ng/mg, u-kall. act./CRE.index 0.26 +/- 0.06 ng/min/mg), and urinary kininase II and kininase activity significantly increased (u-kininase/CRE.index 10.91 +/- 1.26 x 10(-3) IU/min/mg, u-kininase act./CRE.index 506.37 +/- 178.45 pg/min/mg) when compared with those of normal gravidas from 28 weeks to 42 weeks of gestation (u-kall./CRE.index 189.31 +/- 14.17 ng/mg, u-kall. act./CRE index 1.08 +/- 0.10 ng/min/mg, u-kininase/CRE.index 6.24 +/- 0.31 x 10(-3) IU/min/mg, u-kininase act./CRE.index 15.64 +/- 0.10 pg/min/mg). Urinary FPA, B beta 5-42, alpha 2-PI, and alpha 2PI-plasmin-complex (PIC) significantly increased in preeclampsia (u-FPA/CRE.index 23.59 +/- 8.47 ng/mg, u-B beta/CRE.index 105.26 +/- 29.30 ng/mg, u-alpha 2PI/CRE.index 121.53 +/- 43.57 ng/mg, u-PIC/CRE index 278.39 +/- 60.50 ng/mg) when compared with those of normal control group (u-FPA/CRE.index 0.92 +/- 0.04 ng/mg, u-B beta/CRE.index 12.15 +/- 0.44 ng/mg, u-alpha 2PI/CRE.index 4.18 +/- 0.33 ng/mg, u-PIC/CRE.index 5.98 +/- 1.15 ng/mg). Urinary urokinase markedly increased and urinary D-dimer was detected in severe cases of preeclampsia (u-UK/CRE.index 58.20 +/- 43.69 ng/mg, u-D-dimer 54.76 +/- 9.89 ng/ml) when compared with those of normal control group. These findings suggest that deficiency in urinary kinin excretion may induce hypertension in addition to the changes of urinary coagulation-fibrinolysis system that represents the occurrence of either the endothelial cell injury in the glomerulus or the renal tulbular damage in mild cases of preeclampsia, eventually resulting in the intra-renal vascular coagulation.

Female↗

Studies on blood coagulation-fibrinolysis system regarding kallikrein-kinin system in the utero-placental circulation during normal pregnancy, labor and puerperium.

In our previous study (Adv. Exp. Med & Biol., 247B. 569. 1989, 198B. 41. 1986, blood & vessel, 17: 51. 1986), we reported on the mechanism of coagulation-fibrinolysis system and kallikrein-kinin system in the utero-placental circulation during normal pregnancy, labor and puerperium. The samples were collected from the uterine artery (UA), uterine vein (UV) and peripheral vein (PV). In this study, we tried to elucidate the mechanism of coagulation-fibrinolysis with relation to kks by measuring of Thrombin/Antithrombin III complex (TAT), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI) complex (tPA.PAI.C), active plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (active PAI), alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor/plasmin complex (PIC). In 20 normal pregnant women, the levels of TAT, tPA.PAI.C and active PAI significantly increased the first trimester (TAT 4.31 +/- 2.05 ng/ml, tPA.PAI.C 39.52 +/- 17.34 ng/ml, active PAI 39.58 +/- 15.29 ng/ml, n = 20 M +/- SD P < 0.001) to the third trimester (TAT 6.39 +/- 1.93 ng/ml, tPA.PAI.C 57.94 +/- 30.80 ng/ml, active PAI 304.24 +/- 148.64 ng/ml, n = 20 M +/- SD P < 0.001) as compared with those of non-pregnant women (TAT 1.60 +/- 0.89 ng/mg, tPA.PAI.C 11.72 +/- 4.59 ng/ml, active PAI 11.53 +/- 7.48 ng/ml, n = 16 M +/- SD). In utero-placental circulation, the levels of TAT significantly increased (TAT 22.12 +/- 20.03 ng/ml n = 20 M +/- SD P < 0.001) in UV, and tPA.PAI.C and PIC. markedly increased (tPA.PAI.C 93.38 +/- 56.05 ng/ml, PIC 1.03 +/- 0.94 micrograms/ml n = 20 M +/- SD P < 0.02) in UV, but active PAI markedly decreased (active PAI 244.18 +/- 87.55 ng/ml n = 20 M +/- SD P < 0.02) as compared with those in PV (TAT 6.1 +/- 2.09 ng/ml, tPA.PAI.C 59.34 +/- 18.99 ng/ml, PIC 0.49 +/- 0.24 micrograms/ml, active PAI 349.14 +/- 157.34 ng/ml, n = 20 M +/- SD). These findings suggest that the significant increase in those complexes in UA has produced a deposition of fibrin clots in the area in contact with utero-placental blood vessel, although the marked increase in tPA.PAI.C and PIC incompletely inhibited the fibrinolytic activity of tPA by the active PAI. The kks shows a consumption of prekallikrein, LMW-kininogen and HMW-kininogen, and an overproduction of kinin in UV.

Antithrombin III↗

Studies of blood coagulation-fibrinolysis regarding kallikrein-kinin system in severe preeclampsia.

UNLABELLED: In our previous study 1), 2), 3) we reported the changes of coagulation-fibrinolysis, kallikrein-kinin system and kininase in preclampsis. In this study, we tried to obtain systemic information of chronic DIC status with regard to kallikrein-kinin system in severe preeclampsia. This systemic information was evaluated in 20 cases of normal gravidas from 28 to 42 weeks of gestation as a control by measuring plasma Thrombin/Antithrombin III complex (TAT), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) complex, active plasminogen inhibitor-1 (active PAI), 2PI plasmin complex (PIC). RESULTS: The levels of plasma TAT and tPA significantly increased (TAT = 10.9 +/- 8.3 ng/ml n = 24 M +/- SD P < 0.02, tPA = 6.1 +/- 3.2 ng/ml n = 10 M +/- SD P < 0.01), tPA PAI C and active PAI markedly increased (tPA PAI C = 85.07 +/- 50.01 ng/ml n = 24 P < 0.05, active PAI = 407.4 +/- 166.0 ng/ml n = 24 P < 0.205), and PIC and D-dimer = 435.1 +/- 145.2 ng/ml n = 8 M +/- SD P < 0.001) in severe preeclampsia as compared with those of normal values (TAT = 6.1 2.0 ng/ml, tPA = 3.6 +/- 1.5 ng/ml, tPA PAI C = 57.9 +/- 30.8 ng/ml, active PAI = 304.2 +/- 148.6 ng/ml, PIC = 0.49 +/- 0.24 mg/ml, D-dimer = 282.9 +/- 75.3 ng/ml).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antithrombin III↗

[The establishment of human anti-tetanus toxoid hybridomas with in vitro immunized human tonsil cells].

Human tonsil cells in vitro immunized with tetanus toxoid were fused with human-mouse heteromyeloma line RF to generate human-mouse hybridomas. Hybridoma 891112-50 was cloned and 2 subclones (891112-50-3 and -4) were obtained. The secreted antibodies from the subclones were antigen specific, since they did not cross react with three irrelevant antigens (OVA, TCS and F gamma G). The hybridomas were quite stable. After 13 passages in tissue culture flasks, they still retained their antibody secreting ability. From flow cytometry analysis the subclone 50-3 was more stable than the subclone 50-4. The human immunoglobulin contained in supernatant collected during regular passages was equivalent to 69.6 micrograms/ml.

Animals↗

[A comparative study of the characteristics and social backgrounds of frail and elderly persons at home, long-stay elderly hospital patients, and residents of welfare homes for the frail elderly].

Three studies were carried out in Mino City, Osaka Prefecture, on 188 frail and elderly persons living at home (the home group), 61 elderly patients who had been hospitalized more than six months (the inpatient group), and 72 residents of welfare homes for the frail elderly (the resident group). The characteristics and social backgrounds of the three groups were compared. About 30% of each group had suffered a stroke. As for ADL score, moderate disability was dominant in the home group, severe disability in the inpatient group, and slight disability in the resident group. The proportions of those who had been living alone and those who had no spouse were significantly higher in the inpatient group and in the resident group than in the home group. Significantly fewer subjects in the resident group had been living with their offspring than in the home group or in the inpatient group. The percentage of those who did not have their own home was the highest for the resident group. Multivariate analyses using Hayashi's quantification method II were conducted for a comparison between cases belonging to the home group and the inpatient group, and between the home group and the resident group. The analysis of the home group and the inpatient group revealed a relationship of the inpatient group to severe disability in ADL, and living alone. Differences between these two groups were related to such variables as ADL, sex, living or not living alone, living or not living with offspring, and having or not having a spouse.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

[Clinical analysis of 6 cases of pericardial cysts].

We present a clinical analysis of 6 cases of pericardial cysts. There were two males and four females. Only one case of them had complaint of persistent cough. Four of 6 were observed in right costo-phrenic angle, and 2 were in left costo-phrenic angle. Surgical excision was performed in 6 cases, and all patients recovered good health. We suggest that in cases of pericardial cysts, surgical treatment should be performed, even if patients would not have remarkable complaint.

Adult↗

Hemoductal pancreatitis.

Gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage from rupture of the splenic artery into the pancreatic duct is unusual. This obscure cause of intermittent gastrointestinal tract bleeding should be suspected when the more common causes of bleeding have been ruled out. Duodenoscopy carried out during active hemorrhage may reveal blood coming from the papilla of Vater. Coeliac arteriography will show the pathognomonic findings and confirm the diagnosis. We have treated three patients who had chronic pancreatitis and who developed pseudocyst formation and pseudoaneurysms of the splenic artery. The pseudoaneurysm ruptured into the duct of Wirsung, causing obscure upper-gastrointestinal bleeding. Treatment was distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy, including the pseudoaneurysm and pseudocyst. A review of the literature suggests that three different types of bleeding into the pancreatic duct can occur. The cause of each is described.

Adult↗