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Biomedical subjects

K Maekawa

Publications and source records attributed to K Maekawa.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

[Glycyrrhizinic Acid Reference Standard (Control 001) of National Institute of Health Sciences].

The raw material of glycyrrhizinic acid was examined for preparation of the "Glycyrrhizinic Acid Reference Standard". The analytical data obtained were: UV spectrum: lambda max, 251 nm; and specific absorbance (E1ca1%) in ethanol at 251 nm, 146; IR spectrum, specific absorptions at 1714, 1655, 1215, and 1170 cm-1; and the spectrum of raw material was consistent with that of Standard (Control 991). Also, thin-layer chromatography, no impurity was detected; high-performance liquid chromatography, several impurities were detected. The amount of each impurity was estimated at less than 0.2% and total amount of impurities was less than 0.4%. Based on the above results, the candidate material was authorized as the Glycyrrhizinic Acid Reference Standard (Control 001) of the National Institute of Health Sciences.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

[Berberine Hydrochloride Reference Standard (Control 001) of National Institute of Health Sciences].

The raw material of Berberine Hydrochloride was examined for preparation of the "Berberine Hydrochloride Reference Standard". The analytical data obtained were: UV spectrum: lambda max, 420, 345, 263 and 228 nm and specific absorbance (E1ca1%) in ethanol at each lambda max, 155, 724, 796 and 820, respectively; IR spectrum, specific absorptions at 2844, 1635, 1569, and 1506 cm-1; and the spectrum of raw material was consistent with that of Standard (Control 941). Also, thin-layer chromatography, an impurity was detected; high-performance liquid chromatography, several impurities were detected. The amount of each impurity was estimated at less than 0.1% and the total amount of impurities was less than 0.2%. Based on the above results, the candidate material was authorized as the Berberine Hydrochloride Reference Standard (Control 001) of the National Institute of Health Sciences.

Berberine↗

A sequence-ready BAC clone contig of human chromosome 10p15 spanning the loss of heterozygosity region in glioma.

Deletion of chromosome 10 is one of the most common chromosomal alterations in glioma. At 10p15, the telomeric region of the short arm of chromosome 10, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) has been frequently observed by microsatellite analysis, suggesting the presence of a tumor suppressor gene. We examined LOH in 34 gliomas on chromosome 10, and frequent LOH on 10p was detected on 10p15, in agreement with deletion mapping studies on chromosome 10. We then constructed a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone contig covering the critical region, which spanned the interval between D10S249 and D10S533 on 10p15. The map contained 68 BAC clones connected by 74 sequenced tag sites (STSs) and covered approximately 2.7 Mb, with one gap. A total of 74 STSs, including 6 microsatellite markers, 29 expressed sequenced tags (ESTs), and 39 BAC end STSs, were physically arranged. Twenty-eight ESTs were mapped in the interval between D10S249 and D10S559 (approximately 1200 kb), and another EST was mapped in the interval between D10S559 and D10S533 (approximately 1300 kb). This sequence-ready BAC clone contig map will be a basic resource for high-quality sequencing and positional cloning of the putative tumor suppressor gene at 10p15 in glioma.

Base Sequence↗

Evidence from multiple gene sequences indicates that termites evolved from wood-feeding cockroaches.

Despite more than half a century of research, the evolutionary origin of termites remains unresolved [1] [2] [3]. A clear picture of termite ancestry is crucial for understanding how these insects evolved eusociality, particularly because they lack the haplodiploid genetic system associated with eusocial evolution in bees, ants, wasps and thrips [4] [5]. Termites, together with cockroaches and praying mantids, constitute the order Dictyoptera, which has been the focus of numerous conflicting phylogenetic studies in recent decades [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]. With the aim of settling the debate over the sister-group of termites, we have determined the sequences of genes encoding 18S ribosomal RNA, mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII) and endogenous endo-beta-1, 4-glucanase (EG) from a diverse range of dictyopterans. Maximum parsimony and likelihood analyses of these sequences revealed strong support for a clade consisting of termites and subsocial, wood-feeding cockroaches of the genus Cryptocercus. This clade is nested within a larger cockroach clade, implicating wood-feeding cockroaches as an evolutionary intermediate between primitive non-social taxa and eusocial termites.

Animals↗

Bilateral Jejuno-mesenteric flap for reconstruction of complicated pharyngoesophageal defect.

The surgical management of an infectious and fistulous wound with a pharyngoesophageal tumor is one of the greatest challenges for head and neck and plastic surgeons. The free jejunal transfer has been the standard technique for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction, and the free omental flap has been one of the most reliable methods for reconstructing contaminated wounds. A jejuno-mesenteric flap is suitable for such complicated wounds. Pharyngoesophageal defects are reconstructed by the jejunum, and contaminated and heavily irradiated neck wounds are covered with the mesenteric flaps connected with a revascularized jejunum. The technique described here possesses the advantages of both a free jejunal flap and an omentum flap. Therefore, it is a reliable method for reconstructing the pharyngoesophageal defects of complicated wounds.

Esophageal Neoplasms↗

Biomechanical calculation of human TM joint loading with jaw opening.

A three-dimensional, static mathematical calculation of the stomatognathic system was done to predict total temporomandibular joint (TMJ) loading at different levels of jaw opening. The model assumed that muscle forces acting on the mandible could be simulated by a combination of contractile components (CCs) and elastic components (ECs) and that static equilibrium existed within the body of the mandible. The model also imposed the constraint that any generated joint reaction force would act on the centre of the condyle. The results of the model demonstrated that under all conditions of opening and for all values of the elastic modulus selected, the forces between the TMJ condyle and the articular eminence were compressive in nature. The compressive force magnitude increased from 2.7 to 27.6 N incrementally as the jaw opened from 10 to 40 mm. Overall data in this study indicated that the TMJ tissues undergo low levels of compression at open positions up to 40 mm. Finally, the condition of trismus (increased jaw closing activation with opening) was simulated, the joint reaction force at 20 mm opening increased from 7.7 to 64.9 N with only a 20% activation of the closers.

Adult↗

A novel bioassay based on human growth hormone (hGH) receptor mediated cell proliferation: measurement of 20K-hGH and its modified forms.

Previously we introduced the full-length hGH receptor (hGHR) into the mouse pro-B cell line, Ba/F3, and obtained stable transfectant (Ba/F3-hGHR), which could grow in response to 20K- and 22K-hGH in a dose-dependent manner(1). In the present study, we established a new bioassay system based on the proliferation of the Ba/F3-hGHR in combination with the eluted stain assay (ESTA). The Ba/F3-hGHR assay is completed in 18 h and requires only 10(-6)-fold amount of GH sample (1.8 ng) as compared with the rat weight gain assay. The validation study shows that the Ba/F3-hGHR assay is specific for hGH, precise (RSD = 1.1-19.7%) and ultrasensitive (lower limit of working range = 18.7 pg/mL). Four modified forms of recombinant 20K-hGH (oxidized, deamidated, des-Phe(1)and cleaved form) all of which are newly identified were measured by the Ba/F3-hGHR assay and the rat weight gain assay with our in-house recombinant 20K-hGH as standard. The oxidized and deamidated 20K-hGH were fully active, however the des-Phe(1)and cleaved 20K-hGH had significantly reduced activities in both assays. These findings suggest that the Ba/F3-hGHR assay is useful as an alternative to the rat weight gain assay.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Hypoxia-reoxygenation inhibits gap junctional communication in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

We studied the change in gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) under hypoxia-reoxygenation (H-R) conditions by the fluorescence redistribution after photobleaching (FRAP) method. Confluent HUVEC monolayers were exposed to hypoxia (pO2<0.1%) for 12 hours, and then were returned to normal atmospheric conditions for reoxygenation. Contrast microscopic observation showed no significant changes in the morphology of the HUVEC at any times after H-R. Reoxygenation following hypoxia caused time-dependent decrease in GJIC, that is, GJIC reduction was induced after 2 hours and reached maximum at 4-6 hours which recovered to normal levels after 18 hours. Oxidant sensitive fluorescence dye assay revealed that the generation of intracellular free radicals increased during the first 2 hours after reoxygenation. Hydroxyl radical scavengers (MCI-186, DMSO) and an iron chelator (deferoxamine) abolished the reduction of GJIC due to H-R. However, SOD, catalase and probucol were essentially inactive on this reduction. These data suggest that ischemia-reperfusion injury may be caused by a functional defect of GJIC induced by reactive oxygen radicals.

Antipyrine↗

[Epileptogenesis of acute encephalitis and acute encephalopathy: epilepsy with its onset in the acute phase and without a latent period].

Epileptogenesis was evaluated in 60 patients with acute encephalitis and in 10 patients with acute encephalopathy. Forty-seven patients have been seizure-free during for more than three years' follow-up (Group III). On the other hand, 23 patients developed epilepsy. Among them, 18 patients developed epilepsy after a latent period of 1 month to 2 3/12 years (Group I). In Group I, a younger age of the onset, a long period of disturbed consciousness and a high activity of CSF neuron-specific enolase (NSE) was associated with refractory epilepsy. The other five patients had continuous seizures from the acute phase of encephalitis without a latent period (Group II). They had more than 2 types of partial motor seizures which occurred frequently during the acute phase of encephalitis. The NSE activity in the CSF of patients in Group II was less than 50 ng/ml, being similar to those in Group III. The epilepsy in Group II, however, was the most refractory. The reason for the development of this continuous refractory epilepsy remained obscure.

Acute Disease↗

[A patient with epilepsy, congenital alopecia and mental retardation: combination of atypical absence in waking and nocturnal partial seizure].

We report a 7-year-old girl with epilepsy, congenital alopecia, and mental retardation. She was hairless at birth. Very scanty hair, eyebrows and eyelashes appeared at 2 years of age. Developmental delay was first recognized at 6 years. Nocturnal partial seizures occurred at 4 years, and atypical absence in waking at 6 years. Electroencephalogram showed spike-waves in the centrotemporal area which increased and developed into a generalized continuous spike and wave complexes upon sleeping at the age of 7 years 1 month. Ictal electroencephalogram in atypical absence showed generalized 3 c/s spike and wave complexes. Skin biopsy of the scalp showed scanty, immature hair follicles and immature sebaceous glands. Whether this case is related to ectodermal dysplasia is unclear.

Alopecia↗

[Thiamine Hydrochloride Solution Reference Standard (Control 991) of National Institute of Health Sciences].

The raw material of thiamine hydrochloride solution was examined for preparation of the "Thiamine Hydrochloride Solution Reference Standard (Control 991)". The analytical data obtained were: assay by HPLC, 101.0%; spectrophotometric assay, 100.4%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Thiamine Hydrochloride Solution Reference Standard (Control 991) of the National Institute of Health Sciences.

Government Agencies↗

[Tocopherol Acetate Reference Standard (Control 001) of National Institute of Health Sciences].

The raw material of tocopherol acetate was examined for the preparation of the "Tocopherol Acetate Reference Standard (Control 001)". Analytical data obtained were: IR spectrum, same as that of the Tocopherol Acetate Reference Standard (Control 974); specific absorbance, E/cm% (284 nm) = 43.7; thin-layer chromatography, no impurities were detected until 50 micrograms of the loaded raw material; high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), total amount of impurities estimated to be less than 0.6%; assay by HPLC, 101.7%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Japanese Pharmacopoeia Reference Standard (Control 001).

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

[Tocopherol Reference Standard (Control 001) of National Institute of Health Sciences].

The raw material of tocopherol was tested for the preparation of "Tocopherol Reference Standard (Control 991)". Analytical data obtained were: IR spectrum, same as the Tocopherol Reference Standard (Control 941); specific absorbance, E/cm% (292 nm) = 72.9; thin-layer chromatography, no impurities were detected until 50.0 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), trace amounts of five impurities were detected and the total amount was estimated to be less than 1.4%; assay by HPLC, 99.9%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Japanese Pharmacopoeia Standard (Control 991).

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

[Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001) of National Institute of Health Sciences].

The raw material for prednisolone sodium phosphate was examined for the preparation of the "Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001)". The analytical data obtained were: pH, 7.9; optical rotation, [alpha]D20 = +98.0 degrees; UV spectrum, lambda max of 248 nm and specific absorbance in ethanol at 248 nm = 306.7; IR spectrum, same as that of the Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 892); thin-layer chromatography, five impurities were detected at 200 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), total amount of impurities estimated to be less than 3.7%; residual solvent, 0.0% (ethanol) and 0.0% (hexane); loss on drying, 2.7%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001) of the National Institute of Health Sciences.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗