The timed "up & go" test is a useful predictor of falls in community-dwelling older people.
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Accidental Falls↗
Biomedical subjects
M Fujisawa
Publications and source records attributed to M Fujisawa.
Improvement in self-care may lower the increasing rate of medical expenses for community-dwelling older people in Japan.
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Activities of Daily Living↗
Characterization of cytoplasmic dynein light-intermediate chain isoforms in rat testis.
We obtained three kinds of novel cytoplasmic dynein light-intermediate chain (LIC) isoforms from rat testis and brain by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The primers for RT-PCR were designed according to LIC-2 (LIC 53/55) (15). In one novel isoform, the 42 bp specific sequence named TDL was inserted between 1,106 and 1,107 nucleotides (nts) of LIC-2, whereas the 57 bp sequence corresponding to LIC-2 1,339-1,395 nts (BDL) was absent. The TDL and BDL regions were specifically digested with restriction enzymatic treatment and followed by subcloning of non-digested cDNA band in testis and brain, producing an isoform without TDL and BDL regions. BDL specific RT-PCR of testis cDNA followed by sequencing produced an isoform with two specific regions. By Northern blot hybridization using TDL and BDL specific antisense oligo DNA probe, 4.4, 3.5, and 2.0 kb of signals were detected. With both TDL and BDL probes, the 2.0 kb signal was intensely detected in testis, while the 4.4 kb was defected in brain. This indicates that TDL and BDL are derived from the same size of mRNAs. In situ hybridization method using these probes showed that all seminiferous epithelial cells, especially late pachytene spermatocytes, were positive, indicating that LIC 53/55 isoforms were coexpressed in these cells. These findings indicate that LIC 53/55 isoforms provide a variety of dynein subunits, and thus may regulate the dynein-dependent intracellular transport system.
Alternative Splicing↗
Localization of cytoplasmic dynein light-intermediate chain mRNA in the rat testis using in situ hybridization.
Expression of cytoplasmic dynein light-intermediate chain mRNA in the rat testis was examined using in situ hybridization. The ribonucleotide probe, referred to the 5' end of open reading frame (6-515 nucleotids) of cytoplasmic dynein light-intermediate chain 53/55 (LIC-2) of the rat brain (Hughes et al., 1995. J. Cell Sci., 108: 17-24), was used. All spermatogenic cells were positive. Pachytene spermatocytes in later stages (after-stage VII) were the most intensely positive and round spermatids were also intense. These findings indicated that all spermatogenic cells may store the light-intermediate chain signal, and spermatocytes may produce it during later stages. The reaction in Sertoli cells was constant in intensity during the spermatogenic cycle, indicating that the light-intermediate chain mRNA signal may have no relation to the stage-dependent organelle transport, and that there may be post-translational regulation of the light-intermediate chain. In interstitium, only a few positive cells were observed. Northern blot hybridization demonstrated that one major band (2.0 kb) and two minor bands (4.4 kb and 3.5 kb) were detected in the testis, while one major band (4.4 kb) and one minor band (3.5 kb) were in the brain. This indicated that there are at least 3 isoforms in cytoplasmic dynein light-intermediate chain 53/55.
Animals↗
Cloning and expression of mitochondrial capsule selenoprotein gene in the golden hamster.
Mitochondrial capsule selenoprotein (MCS) has been known as a structural protein of the mitochondrial sheath in spermatoza. In the present study, a full-length cDNA encoding the MCS was first isolated from the testes of 10-week-old golden hamsters using a RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) technique and its mRNA expression pattern was investigated from the hamster tissues by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Hamster MCS cDNA was 820 bp long, including 24 bp of the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) and 243 bp of the 3'-UTR, and showed identity of 75.6% and 73.9% with mouse and rat MCS. According to the deduced amino acid (aa) sequence analysis, hamster MCS encoded a polypeptide of 184 aa, including a cysteine- and proline-rich domain which is the characteristic sequences of MCS, and contained 2 in-frame UGA codons for selenocysteine. Hamster MCS also shared aa identity of 64.4% with mouse MCS and contained an Arg-Lys-Ser-Thr-rich region in the N-terminus similar to the mitochondrial targeting signal. On the other hand, according to the RT-PCR analysis using the specific primers for hamster MCS, hamster MCS mRNA was expressed in various tissues as well as the testes. This finding indicates that MCS in hamster may have more than just a function of mitochondrial sheath formation of spermatozoa.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Expression pattern of mitochondrial capsule selenoprotein mRNA in the hamster testis.
Mitochondrial capsule selenoprotein (MCS) has been known as a structural protein of the mitochondrial sheath in spermatozoa. In the present study, to determine the expression pattern of MCS mRNA in the hamster testis, northern blot and in situ hybridization analyses using digoxigenin-labeled riboprobes for the hamster MCS were performed in the testes of 10-week-old golden hamsters. According to the northern blot analysis, hamster MCS was detected as a single transcript of about 1 kb in the testis. During spermatogenesis, the hamster MCS mRNA first appeared in step 6 spermatids, gradually increased in round spermatids during spermiogenesis, reached a peak in step 8 spermatids, and persisted a high level until step 13 spermatids. After step 14, the signal began to show a progressive decline in the spermatids and was weakly detected in the tails of step 17 spermatids. However, the signal was not observed in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cells, and interstitial cells. These findings indicate that hamster MCS is mainly related to the spermiogenesis during spermatogenesis.
Animals↗
Three diabetic cases of acute dizziness due to initial administration of voglibose.
We observed 3 diabetic patients with intolerable dizziness followed by nausea and vomiting immediately after an initial administration of the alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, voglibose. These symptoms did not recur after discontinuation of the drug. Adverse effects as observed in these cases have not been reported previously. Since the 3 patients were relatively old (average age, 72 years old) and had various degrees of micro- and macroangiopathies, these side effects may have been associated with increased micro- and macrocirculatory disturbances in their central nervous systems through alpha-glucosidase inhibition of this agent.
Aged↗
Involvement of macrophage scavenger receptors in protection against murine malaria.
Macrophage scavenger receptor A (MSR-A) deficient mice MSR-A(-/-) were infected by the intraperitoneal injection of the Plasmodium berghei NK65 strain in the erythrocytic stage. The MSR-A(-/-) mice died significantly earlier than the control mice (P=0.060). In the surviving mice, two peaks of parasitemia were observed: the first 5-7 days and the second at 2-3 weeks after infection. Death of all MSR-A(-/-) mice occurred at either peak of parasitemia, suggesting that MSR-A protects mice from severe infection. This model may be useful for the study of molecular mechanisms of macrophage functions in malaria infection.
Animals↗
Treatment of patients with retrograde ejaculation in the era of modern assisted reproduction technology.
PURPOSE: We determined a rational strategy for treatment of patients with retrograde ejaculation in the era of modern assisted reproduction technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 7 consecutive patients medical treatment or retrieval of spermatozoa from the bladder was performed at a male infertility clinic. RESULTS: Antegrade ejaculation was restored in 3 patients, and spermatozoa were retrieved from the bladder and used for assisted reproduction in 3. Spermatozoa with good oolemma penetrating ability were collected by seminal vesicle massage. CONCLUSIONS: Modern assisted reproduction technology is a powerful treatment option for retrograde ejaculation when combined with a technique to retrieve spermatozoa of good quality from the bladder.
Adult↗
The apoptotic changes of testicular germ cells in the obstructive azoospermia models of prepubertal and adult rats.
PURPOSE: It has been suggested that prepubertal obstruction of the seminal tract may result in irreversible damage to spermatogenesis. We examined whether accelerated apoptosis in prepubertal obstruction has a deleterious effect on spermatogenesis in adulthood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied apoptotic changes of both prepubertal and adult obstructive azoospermia rat models by means of an in situ end-labeling technique and electron microscopy, and by examination of the pathological changes. Four groups were designed as follows. Group 1: bilateral vasectomies performed at ten days of age (prepubertal vasectomy model); Group 2: sham operation performed at ten days of age; Group 3: bilateral vasectomies performed at eight weeks of age (adult vasectomy model); Group 4: sham operation performed at eight weeks of age. Three rats in each group were killed weekly, and the testes and epididymides removed and weighed. Germ cell apoptosis was detected by in situ end-labeling, and the apoptotic index (AI) was calculated by dividing the number of in situ labeled cells by the total number of seminiferous tubules. The developmental change of testis and epididymis, the diameter of seminiferous tubules, and the number of spermatogonia were also examined. Histopathological examination of tubular diameter and the number of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells was done by PAS staining. The number of spermatogonia divided by the number of Sertoli cells per tubular cross section was expressed as spermatogonia-Sertoli cell ratio (S-S ratio). RESULTS: At 3 and 4 weeks of age, rats of group 1 demonstrated a significantly higher apoptotic index of germ cells than did the sham-operated rats of group 2 (p <0.05). No significant differences were seen between groups 3 and 4. The increased apoptosis in group 1 seemed to be reduced by the formation of epididymal granulomas. The tubular diameter of group 1 at 16 weeks of age was significantly smaller than that of groups 2, 3, or 4. The S-S ratios were lower at stages IV, V and VI in group 1 at 16 weeks-of-age following vasectomy at 10 days of age compared with that in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that an increase of apoptotic degeneration of germ cells in the prepubertal period may cause irreversible changes in germinal stem cells, resulting in hypospermatogenesis in adulthood.
Aging↗
Quality of life of old people living in the community.
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Activities of Daily Living↗
Embryonic transplantation and ischemic memory deficit.
Transient forebrain ischemia is associated with selective neuronal vulnerability and persistent memory deficit. This study compares functional outcome and morphological changes in rats subjected to post-ischemic CA1 or hilus/dentate gyrus region hippocampal fetal transplantation. Ischemia was produced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion with hypotension. Fetal hippocampal neurons were transplanted into both sides of the CA1 or hilus/dentate gyrus region of the dorsal hippocampus, 1 week post-ischemia. Four weeks post transplantation, the rats underwent behavioral testing for 5 consecutive days using the water maze trial. All animals were perfusion fixed for morphological studies. Transplants in the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus were associated with memory and morphological recovery, while grafts placed into the hilus/dentate gyrus region of the dorsal hippocampus were not. Similarly, neurons transplanted in the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus were morphologically similar to CA1 pyramidal cell neurons and stained positive with calbindin D(28k). In contrast the grafts transplanted into the hilus/dentate gyrus region of the dorsal hippocampus were morphologically heterogeneous and staining with calbindin D(28k) was not as robust. Post-ischemic transplantation in the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus is effective in improving memory and morphological function.
Animals↗
Modified neck muscular system of the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis).
The muscular and skeletal systems of the long neck were morphologically examined in order to clarify their modification and their functional significance in the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis). The longissimus, the thoracic and cervical, spinalis and semispinalis, the cranial and caudal head oblique, and the multifidus muscles, and the nuchal ligament were observed at their origin and insertion. The atlas, axis, and the third cervical vertebra were measured and examined. The modified spinous processes provided the large attachment surface for the strong nuchal ligament and for the muscles of the axis and other cervical vertebrae, while the muscle tendons had their origin in the ventrocaudally-enlarged transverse process. It is concluded that the modified muscles with their expanded belly and tendon have the functions of occupying the interspace among long vertebrae, and also of supporting the head and neck by means of their wide attachment to the altered vertebral processes.
Animals↗
Adrenocorticotrophin-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia in a patient with lysine vasopressin responsiveness but insensitivity to gastric inhibitory polypeptide.
The aetiology of ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (AIMAH) is uncertain. We examined a 55 year old man with Cushing's syndrome due to AIMAH, whose cortisol levels increased after stimulation with lysine-8-vasopressin (LVP) in vitro as well as in vivo. Abdominal MRI revealed nodular enlargement of both adrenal glands. No adenoma was evident on pituitary MRI. 131I-adosterol scintigraphy exhibited marked uptake into both adrenal glands. Although baseline plasma cortisol levels were within normal limits, urinary free cortisol excretion was 3-fold higher than the upper limit of the normal range. Plasma ACTH levels were undetectable. Oral dexamethasone failed to suppress plasma cortisol levels irrespective of dose, and administration of corticotrophin releasing hormone failed to increase plasma ACTH and cortisol levels. LVP injection failed to increase plasma ACTH levels, but elicited an increase in plasma cortisol levels. The direct stimulatory effect of LVP on cortisol secretion was confirmed in vitro in cultured adrenocortical cells from macronodules obtained at surgery. Food intake, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), or octreotide administration, which were reported to regulate cortisol release in patients with AIMAH, failed to affect plasma cortisol levels. In conclusion, plasma cortisol responsiveness to LVP, GIP, and octreotide is heterogeneous in patients with AIMAH.
Adrenal Glands↗
Pitfalls of measuring residual urine volume in orthotopic neobladders.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pitfalls of measuring postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) in patients with orthotopic neobladders, in an out-patient clinic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with orthotopic neobladders were enrolled in the study; five patients had a colonic neobladder, five an ileocolic neobladder and five a sigmoid neobladder. The PVR was compared after measuring by catheterization under fluoroscopic monitoring after normal or forced voiding. RESULTS: The PVR after forced voiding was always less than that after natural voiding, regardless of the type of neobladder. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with orthotopic neobladders may have a higher PVR after voiding naturally at home than when the PVR measured in hospital.
Aged↗
Primary adenocarcinoma of the rete testis.
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Adenocarcinoma↗
Percutaneous treatment of transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract.
BACKGROUND: We evaluated the long-term effect of percutaneous resection in 2 Japanese patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis, and reviewed the medical literature on similar patients, to determine the appropriate indications for percutaneous treatment of transitional cell carcinoma in the upper urinary tract. RESULTS: Indications for endoscopic resection in the 2 patients were renal insufficiency and unsuitability for major open surgery. The patients had no recurrence during follow-up. Seven previous reports described percutaneous resection of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma in 82 patients. Although 72.6% of the patients were successfully treated by percutaneous resection, half of the patients with grade 3 carcinoma developed recurrence. CONCLUSION: These results, together with those of the 7 published reports, suggest that percutaneous resection should be limited to selected patients with low-grade transitional cell carcinoma.
Aged↗