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Biomedical subjects

K Tamura

Publications and source records attributed to K Tamura.

At least 541 records · Page 30Linked to original sources

Prurigo nodularis associated with advanced gastric cancer: report of a case.

In a male Japanese patient, prurigo nodularis (PN) appeared in association with gastric cancer. The cutaneous pruriginous lesions dramatically improved soon after total gastrectomy without any treatment for the skin lesions. Peripheral eosinophilia seen before the operation also rapidly disappeared. These data suggest that some cytokines involved in gastric cancer might have played an important role in the development of PN in our patient.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Re-speciation of the original reference strains of serovars in the Citrobacter freundii (Bethesda-Ballerup group) antigenic scheme of West and edwards.

The antigenic scheme for the Bethesda-Ballerup group of bacteria established by West and Edwards in 1954 has continued to be applied as a serotyping scheme for Citrobacter freundii. In 1993, however, the classification of the Citrobacter was drastically revised and the species C. freundii redefined by Brenner et al. Accordingly, to judge the propriety to continuously use a single antigenic scheme for the C. freundii complex, the 90 reference strains listed in the antigenic scheme for C. freundii by West and Edwards were characterized phenotypically and specified based on the revised classification. Of these 90 strains, two strains of Hafnia alvei and one of Escherichia coli were found. Among the remaining 87 reference strains, Citrobacter youngae was the predominant species (40 strains), followed by Citrobacter braakii (25 strains), Citrobacter werkmanii (13 strains), and the unnamed Citrobacter genospecies 10 of Brenner et al (six strains). Citrobacter freundii, as redefined, accounted for only three strains and ranked behind the other four species. No overlapping with most of the 42 O-groups and 82 H-antigens was recognized between species with few exceptions. O-groups 1-9 inclusive, which were estimated to represent more than 90% of the former C.freundii strains, occurred in strains of C. youngae and C. braakii; and all nine strains of O-group 29, formerly known as the Ballerup group, were identified as C. braakii. These findings suggest that further study of the serotyping system is needed for all H2S-producing Citrobacter species.

Antigens, Bacterial↗

Growth hormone deficiency in Dubowitz syndrome.

Severe short stature as a result of intra-uterine growth retardation is one of the characteristics of Dubowitz syndrome. There have been few reports elaborating growth hormone secretory status in this syndrome. A child with Dubowitz syndrome, who was found to have complete growth hormone (GH) deficiency and who responded to growth hormone therapy, is described. This appears to be the first documentation of GH deficiency in this syndrome.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

IK independent class III actions of MS-551 compared with sematilide and dofetilide during reperfusion in anaesthetized rats.

1. The antiarrhythmic and haemodynamic effects of three class III antiarrhythmic drugs, MS-551, sematilide and dofetilide, were examined in the coronary artery, ligation-reperfusion model of pentobarbitone-anaesthetized rats, a species deficient in functional cardiac IK. MS-551 is a non-selective potassium channel blocker, while both sematilide and dofetilide are selective delayed rectifier potassium (K) channel (IK) blockers. 2. Before coronary ligation, 3 and 10 mg kg-1 MS-551 decreased the heart rate by 6% (P < 0.01) and 12% (P < 0.01), and increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 14% (P < 0.05) and 33% (P < 0.01), respectively. Sematilide at 10 and 30 mg kg-1 also decreased the heart rate by 4% (P < 0.01) and 9% (P < 0.01), respectively, and the higher dose of 30 mg kg-1 decreased MAP by 29% (P < 0.01). Dofetilide, 1 mg kg-1, decreased the heart rate (P < 0.01), but had no significant effect on MAP. 3. The QT interval was increased by 10% (P < 0.01) and 31% (P < 0.01), when 3 and 10 mg kg-1 MS-551 were given. Sematilide and dofetilide had no effect on the QT interval. 4. Immediately after reperfusion, lethal ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced in 80% of the saline group. MS-551 at 3 and 10 mg kg-1, reduced the incidence of lethal VF to 50% and 20% (P < 0.05). Neither dofetilide 1 mg kg-1 nor sematilide (10 and 30 mg kg-1) decreased the incidence of lethal VF (70%, 80% and 50%, respectively). None of the three drugs had any effect on the occurrence of reperfusion-induced VT or the total incidence of VF. However, 10 mg kg-1 MS-551 delayed the onset of reperfusion-induced VF (27 +/- 5 s compared with 12 +/- 2 s of the control group, P < 0.05). 5. In conclusion, in rats which are deficient in cardiac IK MS-551 prolonged the QT interval and reduced the incidence of sustained VF after reperfusion. Blockade of channels other than IK might participate in the defibrillatory effect of MS-551. Sematilide and dofetilide, which are selective IK blockers, did not increase the QT interval nor did they show antiarrhythmic effects Mechanisms other than K channel block may be involved in the different effects of the three drugs on blood pressure.

Animals↗

Isolation of a new superantigen with potent mitogenic activity to murine T cells from Streptococcus pyogenes.

A mitogenic substance on murine lymphocytes was detected in the culture supernate of Streptococcus pyogenes type 12 strain. This substance had a molecular weight of 28,000 and pI 9.2, and was designated as S. pyogenes mitogen (SPM). The proliferative response of C3H/HeN spleen cells began at 1 ng ml-1 and reached a maximal response at 100 ng ml-1 of SPM for 4 days culture. Anti-Thy 1.2 mAb and complement-treated spleen cells abrogated the proliferative response to any dose of SPM. Although the anti-major histocompatibility complex class 1 mAbs had no blocking effect on proliferation by SPM, this proliferation was substantially inhibited by the addition of either anti-I-A or anti-I-E mAb, and complete inhibition was produced by the addition of both mAbs. Fixed antigen-presenting cells still induced T cell proliferation by SPM. A significant expansion of T cells bearing V beta 13 T-cell receptor was observed up to 73% among the Thy 1.2+ cells in cultures stimulated with SPM, indicating expansion in a V beta-specific manner. Immunoblotting of IEF-separated proteins showed that anti-streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin (SPE) C reacted with a protein of pI 6.9 and anti-SPEB did not show any reactivity. SPEA was reported to expand V beta 8.1 and 8.2 bearing murine T cells, and SPM did not. SPM also exhibited potent mitogenic activity on human T cells and V beta 21+ T cells were selectively expanded. These results lead to the conclusion that SPM was neither SPEA, B nor C, but a new protein belonging to a group of streptococcal superantigens with activity on not only human but also murine lymphocytes.

Animals↗

Evaluation of L-pyrrolidonyl peptidase paper strip test for differentiation of members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, particularly Salmonella spp.

The L-pyrrolidonyl peptidase activities of 1,033 strains of the family Enterobacteriaceae were investigated by the paper strip method to evaluate their usefulness for screening those organisms, especially Salmonella cultures. We also evaluated the usefulness of indole and tryptophan deaminase paper strip tests as supplements to the L-pyrrolidonyl peptidase test for the rapid identification of Salmonella cultures. The paper strip tests are simple, and the results are obtainable within 10 min.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗

The side and somatotopical location of single small infarcts in the corona radiata and pontine base in relation to contralateral limb paresis and dysarthria.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the side and location of single small infarcts (< or = 3 cm) in the corona radiata (28 patients) and pontine base (36 patients) influence the incidence of contralateral upper or lower limb paresis and dysarthria. While the severity of contralateral limb paresis was not significantly different between right and left corona radiata lesions, infarcts presenting with contralateral limb paresis and/or dysarthria presented significantly more often in the left than in the right hemisphere, and left infarcts were significantly smaller than right infarcts. Lesions related to dysarthria and upper and lower limb paresis were arranged anterior-posteriorly in the paraventricular corona radiata region. Pontine base infarcts presenting with dysarthria also presented significantly more often in the left than in the right pons. Dysarthria showed a significant correlation with lesions presenting in the dorsomedial portion of the pontine base, upper limb paresis with those in the dorsomedial and dorsolateral portions, and lower limb paresis with lesions in the ventromedial portion. These results suggest greater influence of the left descending motor fibers on contralateral limb movement and articulation than of the right and face-arm-leg somatotopy of motor fibers in the paraventricular corona radiata region (anteroposterior) and in the pontine base (dorsoventral).

Adult↗

Effects of slowly performed daytime hemodialysis (slow HD) on the pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in hemodynamically unstable patients with renal failure.

Effects of slowly performed daytime hemodialysis (slow HD) using a high-flux hemodialyzer on the pharmacokinetics of vancomycin were determined in 5 critically ill patients with renal failure. Following intravenous administration of 0.5 g of vancomycin, concentrations in the serum and dialysate were monitored. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated after fitting individual concentration-time curves to a two-compartment model. The volume of distribution at steady state was 0.58 +/- 0.12 liters/kg. Total body clearance was 37.46 +/- 3.20 ml/min with an elimination phase half-life of 8.72 +/- 0.99 h. Slow HD clearance was 20.19 +/- 2.30 ml/min. During a 10-hour session of slow HD, the serum vancomycin concentration decreased from 44.2 +/- 3.8 to 10.0 +/- 5.0 mg/l and 30.10 +/- 5.34% of the dose was eliminated. Dialyzer clearance of this drug and urea was 18.71 +/- 1.40 and 28.77 +/- 1.77 ml/min, respectively. Slow HD may effectively eliminate vancomycin by a diffusive mechanism and this elimination should be taken into consideration for designing the dosage schedule during the treatment.

Aged↗

Role of transcriptional cis-elements, angiotensinogen gene-activating elements, of angiotensinogen gene in blood pressure regulation.

Results of recent genetic studies suggest that the angiotensinogen gene is a possible determinant of hypertension. Using antisense technology, we demonstrated that generation of circulating angiotensinogen is a rate-limiting step in blood pressure regulation. In the present study, we examined how the angiotensinogen gene is regulated in vivo. The transcriptional cis-elements, angiotensinogen gene-activating elements (AGE) 2 and 3, have been reported to regulate angiotensinogen production in human hepatocytes in vitro. To determine the critical transcriptional regulator of angiotensinogen production in vivo, we used synthetic double-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) as "decoy" cis-elements to block the binding of nuclear factors to promoter regions of the targeted gene, resulting in the inhibition of gene transactivation. Here we examined whether AGE 2 and AGE 3 in the promoter region of the angiotensinogen gene have a pivotal role in hepatic angiotensinogen production in vivo. Hepatic angiotensinogen mRNA was decreased by the transfection of AGE 2 but not mismatched decoy ODN. Transfection of decoy but not mismatched ODN against AGE 2 resulted in a transient decrease in blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), accompanied by a reduction in plasma angiotensinogen and angiotensin II levels. In contrast, transfection of AGE 3 decoy ODN had little effect on blood pressure. Overall, our results demonstrate that transfection of decoy ODN against AGE 2, but not against AGE 3, of the angiotensinogen gene resulted in a transient decrease in high blood pressure of SHR, suggesting that the transcriptional cis-element AGE 2, rather than AGE 3, has an important role in blood pressure regulation through the control of circulating angiotensinogen.

Angiotensinogen↗

Tissue-specific regulation of angiotensinogen gene expression in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Angiotensinogen is expressed in many tissues besides the liver. Recent studies have suggested that abnormalities in the regulation of angiotensinogen gene expression may be involved in the development of hypertension. However, little information is available concerning the functional significance of tissue angiotensinogen. In this study, we measured plasma angiotensinogen concentration by radioimmunoassay and examined the expression of tissue angiotensinogen by Northern blot analysis in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Although plasma angiotensinogen concentration in SHR was comparable to that in WKY at 6 weeks of age, it was increased significantly at 14 weeks of age in SHR and became higher than that in WKY. The levels of hepatic angiotensinogen mRNA were similar in SHR and WKY, and the levels of aortic, adrenal, and renal angiotensinogen mRNAs were lower in SHR than in WKY at both 6 and 14 weeks of age. Brain angiotensinogen expression in SHR was higher than in WKY at 6 weeks of age and was comparable to that in WKY at 14 weeks of age. On the other hand, cardiac and fat angiotensinogen mRNA levels were significantly increased at 14 weeks of age in SHR. These results demonstrate that the expression of tissue angiotensinogen is regulated differently in SHR and WKY and indicate that the development of hypertension is accompanied at least temporally with increases in plasma angiotensinogen concentration as well as cardiac and adipogenic angiotensinogen mRNA in SHR.

Angiotensinogen↗

Inhibitory effect of CV4151, a thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitor, on ventricular arrhythmias induced by coronary artery occlusion in rats.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether thromboxane A2 (TXA2) is involved in the development of ventricular arrhythmias produced by coronary artery occlusion. Ventricular arrhythmias were induced by coronary artery occlusion in 66 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were separated into 4 groups, and saline (n = 19) or CV4151 (a TXA2 synthetase inhibitor)(10 mg/kg, n = 14; 30 mg/kg, n = 15; or 100 mg/kg, n = 18) was injected intravenously 5 min before coronary artery occlusion. The antiarrhythmic effect of CV4151 was assessed in terms of the number of ventricular premature complexes (VPCs), the combined duration of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (Vf), the incidence of Vf, and the mortality rate within 30 min after occlusion. The total number of VPCs was as follows; control: 1789 +/- 330 beats: 10 mg/kg group: 1289 +/- 302 beats: 30 mg/kg group: 1008 +/- 229 beats: 100 mg/kg group: 986 +/- 275 beats, with no significant differences between groups. The incidence of Vf was significantly reduced in the 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg groups, as was the combined duration of VT and Vf and the mortality rate. Our results indicate that the TXA2 synthetase inhibitor CV4151 reduces the incidence of lethal arrhythmias induced by coronary artery occlusion in rats.

Animals↗

Seasonal occurrence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus in Okayama Prefecture, Japan and effect of temperature on development of the tick.

The seasonal occurrence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus on dogs was examined at a kennel in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. The number of ticks suddenly decreased after treatment with an acaricide in late August. Small numbers of adults and nymphs were detected in September and October, then ticks were not seen on the dogs early in November, when the mean temperature was below 15 degrees C. Then 3 dogs were found to be infested by some adult ticks toward the end of March, when the mean temperature was about 11 degrees C. The effects of temperature on the oviposition and the development of the tick were examined under laboratory conditions. The larval and nymphal post parasitic period, the pre-oviposition period and the oviposition period were prolonged when the temperature was decreased from 37 to 23 degrees C. The oviposition period was extremely long at 14 degrees C, but the tick could not develop below 14 degrees C. No eggs hatched below 14 degrees C. The ability to attach an engorge of adult ticks was examined under cold conditions. Unengorged adult ticks could attach to rabbits on the ear which were kept in an outdoor kennel in October, November and March, however they could not engorge completely in November. They could not attach on rabbits from December to February. The longevity of the tick was also examined under low temperatures. Unengorged adults could attach and engorge on rabbits after kept at 12 degrees C with 50% relative humidity (RH) for 140 days or 12 degrees C with 50% RH for 40 days followed by 4 degrees C with 50% RH for 100 days. These findings suggest that R. sanguineus could be established in Okayama Prefecture under optimum condition.

Animals↗

Correlation of age-adjusted incidence and age-adjusted death rate in colorectal cancer among municipalities in Aomori Prefecture.

To clarify to what extent death rate reflects the incidence of colorectal cancer, we calculated the age-adjusted death rates for colorectal cancer among municipalities in Aomori Prefecture for the period between 1983 and 1987, and examined the correlation with the age-adjusted incidences of the disease during different 5-year periods. In males, the age-adjusted death rate of rectal or colon cancer most correlated with the age-adjusted incidence in the preceding period by three or two years, respectively; however in females, the age-adjusted death rate best reflected the age-adjusted incidence of the same period. In males, significant correlation was lost if the interval exceeded seven years in both rectal and colon carcinomas. In females, the correlation became insignificant after an interval of four and five years in rectal and colon cancers, respectively.

Adult↗

[A 4-week intravenous toxicity study of the active metabolite (NM394) of prulifloxacin (NM441) in rats followed by a 4-week recovery test].

A repeated dose toxicity study of ( +/- )-6- fluoro-1-methyl-4-oxo-7-(1-piperazinyl)-4H- [1,3]thiazeto[3,2-a]quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (NM394), the active metabolite of a new antibacterial agent, prulifloxacin, was conducted in Sprague-Dawley rats. Male and female rats were given the test material intravenously for 4 weeks at doses of 0 (control), 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg. After discontinuation of the treatment, a 4-week recovery test was also conducted. There were no treatment-related effects on survival, clinical signs, body weight and food consumption. Ophthalmoscopic and hematologic examinations failed to show any abnormalities related to the treatment. Increased water consumption was observed in the 10 and 30 mg/kg groups. In these dose groups, increased urine volume and lowered urine specific gravity, and crystalline substance and small epithelial cells in urinary sediments were seen. Cloudy urine was also seen in the 30 mg/kg group. Blood chemical examination showed decreased gamma-globulin in the 10 and 30 mg/kg groups and increased BUN and creatinine in the 30 mg/kg group. Pathological changes caused by the treatment were as follows. In kidney, tubular nephrosis with crystalline substance was observed in the 10 and 30 mg/kg groups and its organ weight was increased in the 30 mg/kg group. Cecal weight was increased in the 30 mg/kg group. The above-mentioned changes were reversible except for decreased gamma-globulin. Plasma levels and urinary concentrations of the test material were increased in all dose groups with dose-related manner, whereby no sex differences were observed. No effects caused by the repeated dosing were seen in the plasma concentrations. Toxicological findings were not observed in the 3 mg/kg group. The results show that the NOAEL of NM394 is 3 mg/kg for 4-week repeated dose toxicity in rats.

Animals↗

[A 4-week oral toxicity study of prulifloxacin (NM441) in rats followed by a 4-week recovery test].

A repeated dose toxicity study of prulifloxacin, a new antibacterial agent, was conducted in Sprague-Dawley rats. Male and female rats were given the test material orally for 4 weeks at doses of 0 (control), 30, 300 and 3000 mg/kg. After discontinuation of the treatment, a 4-week recovery test was also conducted. There was one case of death in the 3000 mg/kg group. Grayish green and soft feces, unkempt fur, transient deep respiration and decreased body weight gain were observed in the 3000 mg/kg group. Decreased food consumption and increased water intake were seen in the 300 and 3000 mg/kg groups. Ophthalmoscopic examination failed to show any abnormalities related to the treatment. In urinalysis, crystalline substance in the urinary sediments, cloudy urine and decreased Na+ excretion were observed in the 300 and 3000 mg/kg groups. Increased urine volume, lowered urine specific gravity and decreased K+ and Cl- excretions were seen in the 3000 mg/kg group. Hematologic examination showed decreased Hb, Ht, MCV and MCH and increased WBC in the 3000 mg/kg group. Blood chemical examination revealed increased BUN and decreased K+ and Cl- in the 3000 mg/kg group, and decreased K+ and gamma-globulin in the 300 mg/kg group. Pathological changes caused by the treatment were as follows. Cecal weight was increased in all dose groups. Cecal distention and swelling of its absorptive cells were seen in the 300 and 3000 mg/kg groups. In kidney, tubular nephrosis with crystalline substance was observed in the 300 and 3000 mg/kg groups, and its organ weight was increased in the 3000 mg/kg group. The above-mentioned changes were reversible except for decreased gamma-globulin, increased BUN and urine volume, and lowered urine specific gravity. Ulcer and small cavities associated with proliferation of fibrous tissue in the femoral articular cartilage were observed in the 3000 mg/kg group at the end of recovery period of 4 weeks. Plasma levels and urinary concentrations of active metabolite of the test material were increased in all dose groups with dose-related manner, whereby no sex difference was observed. No effects caused by the repeated dosing were seen in the plasma concentrations. Increased cecal weight in the 30 mg/kg group was considered to be attributable to the pharmacological effect of the test material. The results show that the NOAEL of prulifloxacin is 30 mg/kg for 4-week repeated dose toxicity in rats.

Administration, Oral↗

[A 4-week oral toxicity study of prulifloxacin (NM441) in dogs followed by a 4-week recovery test].

A repeated dose toxicity study of prulifloxacin, a new antibacterial agent, was conducted in beagle dogs. Male and female dogs were given the test material orally for 4 weeks at doses of 0 (control), 30, 150 and 750 mg/kg. After discontinuation of the treatment, a 4-week recovery test was also conducted. Feces containing white material were seen in the 150 and 750 mg/kg groups. Salivation, prone, lateral or sitting position, gait disturbance, and locomotor depression were observed in the 750 mg/kg group. In this dose group, decreased body weight and food and water consumptions were also observed. There were no treatment-related effects on survival. Ophthalmoscopic and electrocardiographic examinations and urinalysis failed to show any abnormalities related to the treatment. Hematologic examination showed decreased WBC in the 750 mg/kg group. Blood chemical examination revealed increased GPT and alpha 2-globulin in the 750 mg/kg group. Pathological changes caused by the treatment were as follows. Rarefaction of matrix, cavitations and erosions in humeral and femoral articular cartilages, and inflammatory cell infiltration in synovium were seen in the 150 and 750 mg/kg groups. Focal hemorrhage in synovium was also observed in the 750 mg/kg group. In kidney, regeneration of tubular epithelium, inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrosis and crystalline substance in the tubular lumen were observed in the 750 mg/kg group. The above-mentioned changes were satisfactorily reversible except for the changes in the humeral and femoral articular cartilages and in the kidney. Plasma levels and urinary concentrations of active metabolite of the test material were increased in all dose groups with dose-related manner, whereby no sex difference was observed. No effects caused by the repeated dosing were seen in the plasma concentrations. Toxicological findings were not observed in the 30 mg/kg group. The results show that the NOAEL of prulifloxacin is 30 mg/kg for 4-week repeated dose toxicity in dogs.

Administration, Oral↗

Parkinsonism due to chronic subdural hematoma.

A 75-year-old male presented with bilateral parkinsonism due to chronic subdural hematoma. The hematoma was removed through a small craniotomy. The parkinsonism rapidly improved following operation, suggesting a strong relationship between the hematoma and parkinsonism. We recommend surgical intervention in such cases.

Aged↗