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Biomedical subjects

K Tamai

Publications and source records attributed to K Tamai.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

MR findings in iliotibial band syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the MR findings in iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: The subjects comprised four patients (five knees) with lateral knee pain: two athletes and two non-athletes. One non-athlete was engaged in work requiring repetitive knee movement, and the other suffered from Cushing syndrome and had bilateral abnormalities. All patients were suspected of having a lateral meniscal tear prior to MR examination, but physical examination following provisional MR diagnosis warranted the final diagnosis. MR studies included fast spin echo sagittal imaging, fat-saturated fast spin echo proton density coronal imaging, and T2* radial imaging. Twelve normal volunteers were examined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Fat-saturated coronal imaging demonstrated an ill-defined, high-intensity area deep to the ITB. T2* radial imaging showed an identical, but less conspicuous, abnormality. The MR finding suggested soft tissue inflammation and/or edema rather than focal fluid collection in the bursae. The signal alteration predominated in the region beneath the posterior fibers of the ITB, thus supporting the current opinion that the posterior fibers of the ITB are tighter against the lateral femoral epicondyle than the anterior fibers. The ITB itself did not show any signal alteration or increased thickness.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Epithelioid sarcoma with unusual radiological findings.

The case of a patient with epithelioid sarcoma in the right arm is reported. The diagnosis was delayed because of misinterpretation arising from complexity in the MR findings, including a honeycomb pattern in the subcutaneous fat simulating lymphedema, and an intramuscular diffuse high signal intensity on T2-weighted images without a discrete mass lesion. The histological findings revealed that the diffuse muscular abnormality mainly resulted from denervation of the muscles due to perineural invasion by the tumor, and subcutaneous edema from lymphedema secondary to lymphatic tumor spread concurrent with lymphatic fibrosis. Multiple foci of cortical erosions in the humerus, a rare manifestation of this tumor, were detected 6 months later.

Arm↗
PubMed1997

Ewing's sarcoma of the thumb.

The case of a 51-year-old man with Ewing's sarcoma of the thumb is presented. The tumor involved the distal phalanx of the right thumb, associated with an impressive extraskeletal mass. Histology revealed a round cell sarcoma with a positive immunoreactivity with monoclonal antibody O13. Five years after disarticulation at the metacarpophalangeal joint, the patient is alive without recurrence or metastasis.

Bone Neoplasms↗
PubMed1997

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma arising from a calcifying enchondroma--a case report.

A man, 79 years of age, developed a malignant fibrous histiocytoma which arose in relation to a calcifying enchondroma of the distal femur. Radiographs showed a fracture through an intensely calcified bony tumour with no bony destruction. The clinical diagnosis was a dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. Histology showed an anaplastic sarcoma with calcified tissue showing extensive areas of necrosis and degeneration. No chondrosarcomatous foci were found.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Immunocytochemical distribution of Ca(2+)-independent protein kinase C subtypes (delta, epsilon, and zeta) in regenerating axonal growth cones of rat peripheral nerve.

In the peripheral nerve, regenerating axonal sprouts usually emanate at nodes of Ranvier, and extend as growth cones along the inner surface of Schwann cells and/or through Schwann cell columns in the distal nerve segment. In order to elucidate the significance of Ca(2+)-independent protein kinase C in nerve regeneration, localizations of delta, epsilon and zeta subtypes were examined immunocytochemically in sprouts and growth cones of regenerating axons, as well as in normal intact nerves in the rat sciatic nerve. In normal nerves, intense immunoreactivities of delta, epsilon and zeta subtypes were present in axons of both myelinated and unmyelinated fibres. Subcellularly, the distribution of these subtypes in the axoplasm was patchy, and discontinuous in the axolemma and subaxolemmal peripheral zones of myelinated nerves. Some thin myelinated axons showed no immunoreactivity for epsilon subtype. Schwann cells of both myelinated and unmyelinated fibres had moderate immunoreactivities for each subtype. In areas of nerve regeneration, axonal sprouts at nodes of Ranvier, and growth cones extending along Schwann cell basal laminae, had intense immunoreactivities for delta, epsilon and zeta subtypes which are distributed diffusely throughout the axoplasm, and on the entire axolemma. In the sprouts, immunoreactivity for epsilon subtype was strong on the axolemma, but weak or almost absent in the axoplasm. These data, together with those of our previous study, indicate that Ca(2+)-independent protein kinase C subtypes (delta, epsilon and zeta) have basically the same distribution patterns as those of Ca(2+)-dependent subtypes in sprouts and growth cones of regenerating axons, as well as in normal intact axons; albeit epsilon subtype is somewhat different in distribution and intensity from delta and zeta subtypes. It is suggested that Ca(2+)-independent subtypes are involved in maintaining growth cone activities along with the Ca(2+)-dependent subtypes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Elevation of neuronal expression of NAIP reduces ischemic damage in the rat hippocampus.

We show here that transient forebrain ischemia selectively elevates levels of neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP) in rat neurons that are resistant to the injurious effects of this treatment. This observation suggests that increasing NAIP levels may confer protection against ischemic cell death. Consistent with this proposal, we demonstrate that two other treatments that increase neuronal NAIP levels, systemic administration of the bacterial alkaloid K252a and intracerebral injection of an adenovirus vector capable of overexpressing NAIP in vivo, reduce ischemic damage in the rat hippocampus. Taken together, these findings suggest that NAIP may play a key role in conferring resistance to ischemic damage and that treatments that elevate neuronal levels of this antiapoptotic protein may have utility in the treatment of stroke.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed1997

Photoprotective effect of esterified glutathione against ultraviolet B-induced sunburn cell formation in the hairless mice.

Previously we showed a protective role of endogenous glutathione (GSH) in ultraviolet B (UVB) injury. Moderate UVB exposure to hairless mice receiving oral treatment with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of GSH synthesis, resulted in a greater number of SBCs in the epidermis. The evidence led to the hypothesis that increasing the level of endogenous GSH in the skin may reduce the skin damage caused by a high dose of UVB irradiation. Since systemic administration of a reduced form of GSH (reduced GSH) is understood to have poor permeability into the cells, in the current study we investigated transportability of esterified GSH and photoprotective effect of reduced GSH and the esterified derivative against UVB injury in vivo. Oral administration of esterified GSH revealed increased cutaneous GSH level more effectively than did reduced GSH. The number of sunburn cells (SBC) formed was significantly depressed in the skin exposed to UVB in mice treated with esterified GSH as compared with non-GSH- or reduced GSH-treated mice. The suppressive effect of esterified GSH was prominent in BSO-treated animals.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

In vivo transfer of a foreign gene to keratinocytes using the hemagglutinating virus of Japan-liposome method.

The hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ)-liposome method involves the entrapment of DNA and nuclear protein within liposomes and the use of HVJ to enhance liposome fusion with cell membranes. This method has been used successfully for in vivo gene transfer to various types of tissue. In this study, we investigated whether this method transfers genes effectively to normal and malignantly transformed keratinocytes in vivo. We applied HVJ-liposome complex (HLC) containing the beta-galactosidase gene to the tape-stripped skin of hairless rats and detected the enzyme activity in the keratinocytes of the treated skin. Comparison of this method with the naked DNA injection method, which was shown recently to be useful for in vivo gene transfer to keratinocytes, demonstrated that the transfer efficiency of the latter was about 5 times higher than that of the former. We assessed the efficacy of the HVJ-liposome method for gene transfer to transformed keratinocytes by examining the effect of HLC containing the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene on the growth of mouse squamous cell carcinomas. Local injection of HLC into the tumors followed by administration of ganciclovir to mice resulted in tumor growth inhibition. These results indicate that the HVJ-liposome method is suitable for in vivo gene transfer to keratinocytes; also that this method may prove a good tool for basic research into keratinocyte biology and future keratinocyte gene therapy.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

p53 is phosphorylated by CDK7-cyclin H in a p36MAT1-dependent manner.

The tumor suppressor protein p53 acts as a transcriptional activator that can mediate cellular responses to DNA damage by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. p53 is a nuclear phosphoprotein, and phosphorylation has been proposed to be a means by which the activity of p53 is regulated. The cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-activating kinase (CAK) was originally identified as a cellular kinase required for the activation of a CDK-cyclin complex, and CAK is comprised of three subunits: CDK7, cyclin H, and p36MAT1. CAK is part of the transcription factor IIH multiprotein complex, which is required for RNA polymerase II transcription and nucleotide excision repair. Because of the similarities between p53 and CAK in their involvement in the cell cycle, transcription, and repair, we investigated whether p53 could act as a substrate for phosphorylation by CAK. While CDK7-cyclin H is sufficient for phosphorylation of CDK2, we show that p36MAT1 is required for efficient phosphorylation of p53 by CDK7-cyclin H, suggesting that p36MAT1 can act as a substrate specificity-determining factor for CDK7-cyclin H. We have mapped a major site of phosphorylation by CAK to Ser-33 of p53 and have demonstrated as well that p53 is phosphorylated at this site in vivo. Both wild-type and tumor-derived mutant p53 proteins are efficiently phosphorylated by CAK. Furthermore, we show that p36 and p53 can interact both in vitro and in vivo. These studies reveal a potential mechanism for coupling the regulation of p53 with DNA repair and the basal transcriptional machinery.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Local hypothermia protects the retina from ischaemic injury in vitrectomy.

AIMS: Hypothermic irrigating solutions were used during vitrectomy in pressure induced ischaemic eyes so that their effects on retinal function and histological changes could be investigated. METHODS: After anaesthetised albino rabbits underwent closed vitrectomy, their vitreous cavities were continuously irrigated for 30 minutes at a perfusion pressure of 140 mm Hg. The rabbits were divided into three groups according to their intraocular perfusion temperatures--8 degrees C, 22 degrees C, and 38 degrees C. Electroretinograms were taken before and after irrigation. Glutamate levels in the vitreous were examined after irrigation. Eyes were enucleated on the seventh postoperative day and examined histologically. RESULTS: On the seventh postoperative day, the recovery rate of a-wave amplitudes was significantly lower in the 38 degrees C group than in the 8 degrees C group, and that of b-wave amplitudes was significantly lower in the 38 degrees C group than in either the 8 degrees C or 22 degrees C group. Retinal damage in the 38 degrees C group revealed more severe histological impairment than in either the 8 degrees C or 22 degrees C group. Oedema of the inner retinal layer was significant in both the 22 degrees C and 38 degrees C groups. Glutamates reached peak values 30 minutes after the end of ischaemia in the 38 degrees C group. However, no significant glutamate increases were detected 15 to 60 minutes after ischaemia in either the 8 degrees C or 22 degrees C group. CONCLUSION: Local hypothermia during vitrectomy in acute ischaemic eyes appears to decrease retinal damage.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Effects of estrogen and dopamine agonists on the expression of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions in prolactin cells of rats.

The number of nucleolar organizer regions reflects nuclear and cellular activity, such as the proliferation and differentiation of cells. Prolonged administration of estrogen (E2) induces the hyperplasia of prolactin (PRL) cells and the development of PRL-secreting pituitary tumors in rats. Dopamine agonists are known to reduce the effects of E2 treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the changes of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) in PRL cells are related to circulating levels of PRL or to the proliferative activity of PRL cells during the administration of stimulatory (E2) or inhibitory (dopamine agonist) treatment in rats. E2 increased the size and number of AgNORs per nuclear profile in PRL cells in rats. Bromocriptine and cabergoline, which are dopamine agonists, each reduced the number and size of AgNORs in PRL cells treated with E2 for 10 weeks. In rats treated with E2 alone or dopamine agonists followed by E2, the number and size of AgNORs were correlated more closely with serum levels of PRL than with the proliferative activity of PRL cells. However, neither the number nor size of AgNORs in PRL cells was related with these parameters in different ages of the control. The number and size of AgNORs may be useful in evaluating the secretory activity of pituitary cells during the administration of stimulatory or inhibitory agents.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Compound heterozygosity for a nonsense mutation and a splice site mutation in the type VII collagen gene (COL7A1) in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

Mutations in the type VII collagen gene (COL7A1) have recently been established as the molecular basis of the inherited blistering skin disorder, dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. We report a novel combination of COL7A1 mutations in a Japanese patient with an autosomal recessive form of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Clinically, the patient had suffered from generalized trauma-induced blistering since the first week of life loss of most finger- and toenails, esophageal stenosis and partial fusion of the fingers and toes. Immunofluorescence microscopy of the dermal-epidermal junction in the patient's skin revealed reduced intensity of staining with an anti-type VII collagen antibody. Transmission electron microscopy showed only a few thin, poorly formed anchoring fibrils. The patient was a compound heterozygote for a nonsense mutation on one COL7A1 allele and a donor splice site mutation on the other allele. The mutations were identified by PCR amplification of genomic DNA, heteroduplex analysis, and nucleotide sequencing, and verified by restriction endonuclease digestion. Reverse transcriptase-PCR and sequencing of cDNA from the patient's cultured keratinocyte mRNA showed evidence of aberrant splicing resulting from the donor splice site mutation, due to activation of a cryptic intronic splice site that leads to a frameshift and a downstream premature termination codon. Knowledge of the genetic lesions in this patient is helpful in elucidating the molecular consequences of COL7A1 mutations in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and in providing information about the fundamental mechanisms involved in maintaining adhesion between the epidermis and the dermis.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Era-related changes in the Japanese cultural and social structure and conformist personality pathology--with a particular emphasis on borderline personality disorder.

We discussed relationship between the change of social structure and the specific conformist personality pathology, that is, Morita shinkeishitsu and borderline personality disorder. Morita shinkeishitsu that has been regarded as a basic pathology of broad range of neurosis is seldom seen in daily practice these days. On the other hand, borderline personality disorder that is a relatively new diagnostic domain is regarded as having a contemporary pathology, for example impulsivity, drug and sex abuse, and fragile interpersonal relationship. We consider that Morita shinkeshitsu corresponds to an industrialized society and that borderline personality disorder corresponds to a post industrialized (information based) society. This assumption should be leaded to the further discussion from a point of view of treatment.

Borderline Personality Disorder↗
PubMed1997

[A family of dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy: clinical and neuroradiologic studies].

We described a family of dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA). The mother presented with cerebellar ataxia at 35 years of age and thereafter her neurological symptoms became exacerbated. Her daughter had mental retardation during the preschool period and epilepsy at 10 years. Her son presented with epilepsy at 14 years. Their clinical phenotypes demonstrated maternal anticipation in this family. Genetical analysis of their DNA revealed CAG repeat expansion of the DRPLA gene, the number of which was 51 (mother), 65 (her daughter), and 53 (her son). MR imaging showed disappearance of T, shortening of the red nucleus in the mother and her daughter in contrast to the normal appearance in her son. MR imaging was effective in evaluating neuropathological changes in the DRPLA patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[Calcification of cervical ligamentum flavum--analysis of calcium compounds and histopathological findings].

We operated 3 patients with cervical myelopathy due to calcification of ligamentum flavum (CLF). Specimens collected surgically were subjected to X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy (Raman) analysis and also histopathological examination. The calcium compounds deposited were calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) in Case 1, apatite in Case 2, and a double-layer structure with an outer CPPD layer and an inner carbonate apatite layer in Case 3. Histopathologically, CPPD deposition in Case 1 could be distinguished from apatite deposition in Case 2 and 3 by hematoxylin-eosin stain. Chondrocytes were observed in all 3 cases, suggesting the chondrocytes may have played a role in calcification in these three cases. To date, 62 cases of CLF (including the present cases) have been reported, and analysis of calcium compound has been performed for 29 of them. Of these 29, 15 were analyzed as calcium phosphate compounds, 9 as CPPD and 4 cases as mixed crystals like Case 3. However the analysis method and result about CPPD are no problem, the analysis result of calcium phosphate compounds depends on the using methods. Calcium phosphate or undetectable compounds was identified by XRD as hydroxyapatite (HAp), and by FTIR as calcium phosphate or undetectable compound. Analysis of calcium phosphate compounds should be condacted and identified by XRD, FTIR, and Raman. We propose two possible mechanisms for the formation of the double-layer structure in Case 3: one is formation of apatite first followed by deposition of CPPD outside, and the other is formation of CPPD first followed by conversion of CPPD in the central region to apatite. What the process of formation of the double-layer was in this cases remains unclear.

Aged↗