Biomedical subjects

K Terashima

Publications and source records attributed to K Terashima.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Cytoplasmic localization is required for the mammalian ELAV-like protein HuD to induce neuronal differentiation.

BACKGROUND: ELAV-like neuronal RNA-binding proteins are highly conserved in many neurone-containing organisms and have been implicated in neuronal development and differentiation. RESULTS: Mammalian neurone-specific ELAV-like Hu proteins (HuB, HuC and HuD) and Drosophila ELAV, but not HuR, were found to induce neurite outgrowth when over-expressed in rat PC12 cells. Functional analysis of HuD deletion mutants demonstrated the importance of two conserved RNA-binding domains (RBDs 1 and 3) and the indispensability of the linker region between RBDs 2 and 3 for the neurite-inducing activity. Further analyses suggested the importance of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of HuD mediated by a novel nuclear export signal (NES) sequence in the linker region for the neurite-inducing activity. Moreover, two HuD deletion mutants containing the linker region dominantly inhibited the wild-type neurite-inducing activity, although they had no neurite-inducing activity per se, suggesting that saturable intracellular trafficking mediated by the linker region is required for the neurite induction by HuD. Interestingly, the same dominant negative mutants significantly inhibited retinoic acid-induced neuronal differentiation of mouse embryonal carcinoma P19 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the presence of a novel NES in neurone-specific Hu proteins and the importance of their cytoplasmic localization, through nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, for the initiation of neuronal differentiation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Frequent breathing-related electroencephalogram arousals in four patients with mild obstructive sleep apneas.

We report cases of four patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) with frequent breathing-related electroencephalogram (EEG) arousals which led to excessive daytime sleepiness. In spite of a relatively low apnea hypopnea index (AHI), sleep was disrupted by frequent EEG arousals associated with respiratory effort as observed in upper airway resistance syndrome. The effects of sleep stage and sleep position on EEG arousals were also investigated. We consider that AHI alone is not a sufficient index to assess severity of OSAS, and it is very important to examine microarousals by the alteration of esophageal pressure in addition to the effect of sleep position.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Clinical characteristics of upper airway resistance syndrome.

Polysomnographic findings and clinical symptoms were investigated in 14 cases of upper airway resistance syndrome. The mean scores of the Epworth sleepiness scale and self-rating depression scale in eight cases were 13.5 and 38.6, respectively. The mean sleep latency of the multiple sleep latency test in four cases was 10.2 min. Seven cases were treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and one with hormone replacement therapy. The most common symptom was daytime sleepiness. Five cases had hypertension. CPAP reduced increasing negative esophageal pressure (Pes) and frequency of EEG arousals, and improved hypertension in one case. Hormone replacement therapy ameliorated increasing negative Pes and clinical symptoms.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

A case of large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor in a child with a history of nasal myxoid tumor in infancy.

A case of an 8-year-old Japanese boy with a testicular large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor (LCCSCT) is presented. This report appears to be the first Japanese case of LCCSCT. The patient presented with left testicular swelling and gynecomastia. His family history was not contributory; however, his past history was remarkable for a benign myxoid tumor in the nasal cavity, which was removed at the age of 2 months. After removal of the testicular tumor, the gynecomastia disappeared gradually and no recurrence or metastasis developed during a 15 month follow-up period. Although the tumor was initially interpreted as a Leydig cell tumor, a review of the slides after the patient's past history of nasal myxoid tumor was revealed led us to the diagnosis of LCCSCT. An accurate diagnosis of LCCSCT is crucial because this tumor is occasionally associated with Carney complex, which can comprise various pathological conditions, including cardiac myxoma, that may be life-threatening. Myxoma of Carney complex has been described to occur in the heart, skin, oral cavity and breast in a wide age range, but there have been no reports referring to nasal myxoid tumor associated with Carney complex.

Calcinosis↗

PubMed1999

[Evaluation of chemotherapy with docetaxel and cisplatin in advanced non-small cell lung cancer].

Clinical study has been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of chemotherapy with docetaxel and cisplatin in six patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Treatment schedule consisted of docetaxel 60 mg/m2 and cisplatin 80 mg/m2 on day 1 and repeated every 4 weeks. Eligible patients had histologically proven locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, PS < or = 2, age < or = 74, normal hematological, hepatic and renal functions and informed consent in writing. Six patients have been included; all were males, median age 64 (range 47-74), histology; adenocarcinoma 4, squamous cell carcinoma 2, stage III B 4, stage IV 2. Among these 6 patients, 3 PR (50%) were observed. Neutropenia was the most common adverse event (83%). The lowest granulocyte counts were most frequently seen on day 9.4 (range: 6-14). Non hematologic adverse events included alopecia (6 cases), general fatigue (5 cases), anorexia (5 cases) and emesis (3 cases). These events were recovered rapidly with no therapy. The results suggest that combination chemotherapy of docetaxel and cisplatin will be effective and safe under careful observation.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1999

Compact dry chemistry instruments.

Compact dry chemistry instruments are designed for use in point-of-care-testing (POCT). These instruments have a number of advantages, including light weight, compactness, ease of operation, and the ability to provide accurate results in a short time with a very small sample volume. On the other hand, reagent costs are high compared to liquid method. Moreover, differences in accuracy have been found between dry chemistry and the liquid method in external quality assessment scheme. This report examines reagent costs and shows how the total running costs associated with dry chemistry are actually lower than those associated with the liquid method. This report also describes methods for minimizing differences in accuracy between dry chemistry and the liquid method. Use of these measures is expected to increase the effectiveness of compact dry chemistry instruments in POCT applications.

Chemistry Techniques, Analytical↗

PubMed1998

Expression of spliceosome-associated protein 49 is required for early embryogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Spliceosome-associated protein 49 (SAP 49) is a subunit of the splicing factor SF3b, which is involved in 3' splice site recognition in pre-mRNA splicing. Here we show the Caenorhabditis elegans SAP 49 gene is located in a gene cluster that is transcribed polycistronically with three other upstream genes. Transgenic analysis of expression of the gene cluster under the control of its native promoter revealed that in spite of its predicted essential function for all cells, the C. elegans SAP 49 expression is limited to specific cells in both larval and adult stages. When the endogenous SAP 49 expression was inhibited by microinjection of an antisense RNA, embryos laid by the injected worms ceased to develop at a specific stage of early embryogenesis, indicating that SAP 49 plays an essential role in the development of C. elegans. These results raise the possibility that SAP 49 is a cell-specific, not constitutive, splicing factor.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

A subset of CD4+ T cells expressing early activation antigen CD69 in murine lupus: possible abnormal regulatory role for cytokine imbalance.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which spontaneously develops in (NZB (New Zealand Black) x NZW (New Zealand White)) F1 mice, is strictly dependent on CD4+ T cells. We found that in these mice with overt SLE, CD4+ T cells expressing CD69 molecules, an early activation Ag, are dramatically increased in peripheral lymphoid tissues and inflammatory infiltrates in the kidney and lung, but not in peripheral blood, while CD8+ and NK1.1+ T cells were virtually CD69-. Various adhesion molecules, including LFA-1, ICAM-1, CD43, CD44, P-selectin, and E-selectin, were up-regulated. Analysis of the TCR repertoire showed no skewed TCR Vbeta usage. Studies on in vitro cytokine production of spleen cells on TCR cross-linking indicated that compared with findings in young mice, the aged mice showed severely impaired production of IL-2, IL-3, and IL-4, whereas the levels of IL-10 and IFN-gamma remained relatively intact. FACS-sorted CD69-CD4+ T cells from aged mice produced substantial amounts of these cytokines, including IL-2, IL-3, and IL-4, whereas CD69+CD4+ T cells were poor producers. Intriguingly, when cocultured, CD69+CD4+ T cells significantly inhibited the production of IL-2 by CD69-CD4+ T cells. IL-2 production by spleen cells from young mice was also markedly inhibited in the presence of CD69+CD4+ T cells obtained from aged mice. We propose that CD69+CD4+ T cells that are continuously activated by self peptides bound to MHC class II molecules in (NZB x NZW)F1 mice may be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE through abnormal regulatory effects on cytokine balance.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1998

Alteration of esophageal pressure in sleep-disordered breathing.

We investigated the alteration of esophageal pressure (Pes) in 10 patients with upper-airway sleep-disordered breathing (UASDB) and the relationship among Pes, breathing patterns and EEG arousals. Increased negative Pes without apnea or hypopnea, appeared not only in upper airway resistance syndrome but also in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. This phenomenon produced frequent EEG microarousals leading to sleep fragmentation and daytime sleepiness. Moreover, increased negative Pes occasionally continued for more than 20 min without an EEG arousal, which might be considered to be one of the factors to cause complications of UASDB.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Two cases of sleep-disordered breathing in climacteric.

Two cases of sleep disordered-breathing in climacteric were reported. Polysomnography including esophageal pressure (Pes) measurement was performed. Case 1 was diagnosed as upper airway resistance syndrome. Case 2 was diagnosed as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, while many episodes of upper airway resistance also existed. Hormone replacement therapy improved clinical symptoms, and in case 1, Pes nadir was improved but incidence of arousals which was induced by breathing disturbances was not significantly changed. Sleep disordered-breathing should be suspected as a cause of sleep disorder even in females, especially in climacteric age. Pes measurement and evaluation of arousals is required. Hormone replacement therapy may release the upper airway resistance.

Airway Resistance↗

PubMed1998

[A case of male dysgenetic pseudohermaphroditism detected by the rapid growth of phallus].

A case of male dysgenetic pseudohermaphroditism detected by the rapid growth of phallus is reported. A 10-year-old girl with rapid growth of a phallus during the past 6 months was referred to our clinic. Physical examination revealed a normally located urethral meatus and introitus with a 1.5 cm x 4 cm phallus. Radiographic studies revealed a vagina, uterus and fallopian tube-like structures. Karyotype was a mosaicism with 46, XY (71.5%), 45, X (26%), and others (2.5%). Bilateral gonads were dysgenetic testicular tissue with gonadoblastoma. Focal dysgerminoma was developed on the left side. Bilateral gonadectomy and feminizing phalloplasty were performed.

Child↗

PubMed1998

[A case of ureteral polyp prolapsing into bladder in a 3-year-old boy].

A 3-year-old boy was referred to us with a diagnosis of bladder tumor. On cystoscopy, a yellowish-white pedunculated tumor was found at the right trigone and biopsy revealed an inflammatory change. Computed tomographic (CT) scan showed a soft tissue density from the lower ureter to the bladder. Open surgery confirmed a ureteral polyp originating from the lower ureter prolapsing into the bladder, which mimicked bladder tumor. The need of open surgery in such cases is discussed.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed1997

Mapping of a gene for the increased susceptibility of B1 cells to Mott cell formation in murine autoimmune disease.

Mott cells, a pathologic state of plasma cells containing intracellular inclusions of Igs (Russell bodies), are frequent in lymphoid tissues of murine and human autoimmune diseases. However, neither the genesis nor the significance of Mott cells in autoimmune diseases is well understood. We found that B1, but not B2, cells were induced in vitro to form Mott cells in the presence of LPS or IL-5, but not other stimulants, in a much higher frequency in autoimmune New Zealand Black (NZB) and NZB x New Zealand White (NZB/W) F1 than in non-autoimmune disease-prone mice and notably athymic nude NZB/W F1 mice. Cell surface phenotypes of Mott cells were B220+ CD5+ CD43+ CD11b(dull), while those of peritoneal macrophages were B220- CD5- CD43(dull) CD11b+. We mapped a locus (provisionally designated Mott-1) controlling Mott cell formation that was tightly linked to microsatellite marker loci, D4 Mit70 and D4 Mit48, of autoimmune NZB mice, which is in close proximity to our recently mapped locus Imh-1 for hypergammaglobulinemia. This region contains candidate genes that may be relevant to the aberrant B cell activation and differentiation. We suggest that while the Mott cell by itself is not the effector for autoimmune disease, the genetically determined aberrant maturational process of B1 cells that underlies the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease forms the basis for Mott cell formation in a T cell-dependent manner.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Polycistronic expression and RNA-binding specificity of the C. elegans homologue of the spliceosome-associated protein SAP49.

Splicing of mRNA precursors (pre-mRNAs) occurs in a multimolecular complex, termed spliceosome, which is comprised of pre-mRNA, small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs), and other protein factors including spliceosome-associated proteins (SAPs). SAP49 is thought to be a subunit of the essential splicing factor SF3b and is involved in U2 snRNP function in mammalian cells. We have isolated a Caenorhabditis elegans cDNA encoding an RNA-binding protein with two RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) which shows extensive similarity to the human SAP49. The primary transcript for this C. elegans SAP49 homologue (cSAP49) seems to contain at least two additional cistrons and can be processed into three different mature mRNAs by trans-splicing. The cSAP49 mRNA, like other mRNAs in the same polycistronic unit, is expressed in most of the developmental stages, consistent with its putative essential function for mRNA splicing. By means of an in vitro RNA selection system, we demonstrate that cSAP49 possesses specific RNA-binding activity which resides in its second RRM.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1997

Outcomes of infants whose mothers are positive for human herpesvirus-6 DNA within the genital tract in early gestation.

It has been reported that HHV-6 (human herpesvirus-6) DNA has been identified within the female genital tract. However, the clinical significance of this finding has been unclear. The clinical outcome of the presence of HHV-6 DNA in the genital tract of pregnant women on their infants was evaluated in the present study. One hundred and ten pregnant women were enrolled. Vaginal swabs were collected between 4 and 8 weeks of gestation and the presence or absence of HHV-6 DNA was evaluated by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). The swabs were cultured to isolate the virus. The women were divided into two groups: HHV-6 DNA-positive, and negative. The outcome variables of the infants of these two groups were statistically estimated at birth and at 1 month of age. Saliva and blood cells were collected from the infants at birth and at 1 month of age and were also evaluated by nPCR. HHV-6 DNA was detected in the vaginal swabs of 28 pregnant women (25.5%), but was not detected in any other samples, including saliva and blood cells from their infants. Virus could not be isolated from any vaginal samples. Any outcome variables were not significantly different between the two groups. The presence of HHV-6 DNA within the genital tract of pregnant women did not affect the health of their infants. It is suggested that HHV-6 transmission to infants through the genital tract of their mothers during pregnancy does not occur, or only very rarely.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

[Long-term observation of sensorineural hearing-impaired children with hearing aids].

In the long-term observation (9-22 years) of 45 hearing-impaired children, using our own "Hearing Test Progress Table", 36(80.0%) showed fluctuation of the hearing threshold. Twenty-nine of the 36 patients had acute progression of hearing loss. Three peaks of onset of the acute loss were observed: at age 6, 10, 16 years in girls, 7, 11 and 16 years in boys. Twenty-three of the 45 (51.1%) have been able to maintain their good thresholds throughout these periods, with 14 cases of hearing loss restored by our successful treatment of acute sensorineural hearing losses (1-6 times). Twenty-two of the 45 children (48.9%) could not maintain their initial thresholds: gradual hearing deterioration in 7 of the 22, and acute hearing loss (1-10 times) in the remaining 15 cases. Although these 15 patients could not maintain their initial hearing thresholds until the end of the observation period, active treatments for their acute losses were successful in the early period, and almost all patients were able to maintain their initial hearing thresholds until graduation from elementary school. Our "Hearing Test Progress Table" is based on the results of pure tone audiometry for each frequency on every audiometry test. The management (including guidance and treatment) using the table is very effective.

Child↗

PubMed1996

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase specific autophosphorylation in baculovirus/Sf9 insect cell system.

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is a calmodulin (CaM)-dependent enzyme, which generates the ubiquitous biological mediator nitric oxide. In this study, wild-type or mutant form of rat nNOS was overexpressed in a baculovirus/Sf9 insect cell system and examined for autophosphorylation. Incubation of purified wild-type nNOS in the presence of Mg2+ and ATP result in phosphorylation of nNOS. Deletional mutant of the nNOS amino terminus which contains G-Q-G-A-G-S sequence, however, shows loss of phosphorylation. Furthermore, purified wild-type rat liver cytokine-induced NOS (iNOS), which does not contain G-Q-G-A-G-S sequence, shows no phosphorylation activity. We also found that the ratio of wild-type nNOS phosphorylation was independent of nNOS concentration, consistent with an intramolecular reaction. These data suggest that nNOS-specific autophosphorylation pathway might be involved in the regulation of enzyme activity.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1996

Separation of carnitine enantiomers as the 9-anthroylnitrile derivatives and high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis on an ovomucoid-conjugated column.

9-Anthroylnitrile was used as an achiral reagent for the derivatization of carnitine. The reagent forms UV-absorbing derivatives with the hydroxyl groups of carnitine enantiomers under very mild conditions. The derivatives were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography on an ovomucoid-conjugated column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile-20 mM KH2PO4 (adjusted to pH 4.5 with phosphoric acid) (17:83, v/v). The separation factor (alpha) and resolution (Rs) of the enantiomers were 1.44 and 5.05, respectively. The calibration plots indicated good linearity over a sample concentration ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 mg ml-1, and the detection limit at 254 nm was 0.05 mg ml-1 for each carnitine enantiomer. The reproducibility in the analysis of 1 mg ml-1 of each enantiomer was within 2.0%. The method was applied successfully to the determination of carnitine enantiomers in pharmaceutical preparations.

Anthracenes↗