Von willebrand factor concentration, multimeric patterns, and cleaving protease activity in baboons undergoing xenogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.
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ADAM Proteins↗
Biomedical subjects
M Imai
Publications and source records attributed to M Imai.
Habitual snoring in an outpatient population in Japan.
In order to investigate the occurrence and history of sleep problems in Japan, the 11-Centre Collaborative Study on Sleep Problems (COSP) project was carried out. Complaints of snoring are examined, and its prevalence, risk factors and screening reliability are discussed. The subjects who participated in the study were 6445 new outpatients from a general hospital. They were asked to answer a sleep questionnaire that consisted of 34 items with seven demographic items; each item was composed of four grades of frequency. In order to offset possible seasonal variations in sleep habits, data were collected across four seasons. Sleep patterns, insomnia, hypersomnia, parasomnia and circadian rhythm sleep disorders were covered. Habitual snoring was seen in 16.0% of males and 6.5% of females. Male predominance was noted. From these data, the relationship between habitual snoring and sleep complaints was statistically analyzed. Habitual snorers (HS) were observed to wake up more frequently during sleep (17.8% of males, 21.5% of females) than were non-habitual snorers (NHS; 6.6% of males, 9.7% of females). Mid-sleep awakening of HS was also more frequent than it was for NHS; however, there were no differences in difficulty in falling asleep and early morning awakening. Body mass index, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption were also correlated with habitual snoring.
Adult↗
Fluctuations of lamellar structure prior to a lamellar-->gyroid transition in a nonionic surfactant system
Fluctuations of lamellar structure prior to a lamellar-->gyroid transition in a nonionic surfactant-water system has been investigated by means of small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and differential scanning calorimeter measurements. For large DeltaT (DeltaT=T-T(LG), where T is the temperature and T(LG) the lamellar-->gyroid transition temperature) in the lamellar phase, the SAXS profiles can be described by a Caille correlation function for undulating lamellar structure. Approaching the temperature to the T(LG), an excess diffuse scattering grows at the lower Q (Q is the magnitude of scattering vector) side of the first lamellar peak. Highly oriented lamellar samples revealed that the excess diffuse scattering arises from in-plane density fluctuations. We attribute this diffuse scattering to the perforation fluctuation layer (PFL) structure and we show that the PFL is an equilibrium structure. At T(LG), the PFL transformed to the gyroid phase through a transient ordered structure having a rhombohedral symmetry.
Journal Article↗
Inhibition of HIV-1 infection by an intramolecular antisense peptide to T20 in gp160.
Antisense amino acids are amino acids which can be translated from the corresponding anti-codons of a sense amino acid. Antisense peptides encoded by the noncoding DNA strand have a tendency to interact with each other. We have demonstrated that antisense peptide sequences are present intramolecularly, and these may contribute to the folding and maintenance of the tertiary structure of a protein. T20 is a synthetic peptide with an amino acid sequence in the gp41 of HIV-1 and has been demonstrated to be a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 infection. We searched for intramolecular peptide sequences which are antisense to portions of T20. A synthetic peptide (TA-1L) consisting of amino acids 84 to 97 of gp160, which contains an antisense peptide sequence (TA-1) to T20, was shown to inhibit HIV-1(IIIB) infection of MT-4 cells. Interaction of these antisense peptides could be involved in sustaining HIV-1 infectivity. The TA-1L site, which exists in the C1 domain of gp160, is highly homologous among strains of HIV-1, especially at TA-1 and in the amino acids flanking the C terminus. Although the TA-1 sites of 18 out of 30 HIV-1 strains were antisense to the T20 region, those of the remaining 12 strains, including HIV-1(MN), were not. However, TA-1L inhibited infection by HIV-1(MN), which has no antisense peptide in T20 corresponding to TA-1, although the inhibitory effect was weaker. TA-1L may thus also interfere with the gp160 interaction with CD4, which has an antisense sequence to TA-1.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
[Clinical evaluation of rapid diagnostic kit detecting separately influenza A and B viruses].
The Directigen Flu A + B kit, a rapid diagnostic device for influenza virus A and B was evaluated. The nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from 239 patients who visited our hospital, between January and March, 2000, presenting flu-like symptoms. Influenza virus AH1: 77 and AH3: 51 were isolated from 128 specimens and none from 111 specimens. Directigen Flu A + B showed 115 specimens positive and 106 specimens negative. The sensitivity and specificity of this kit were 89.8% (115/128) and 95.5% (106/111) compared with viral isolation. Agreement on positive and negative interpretations between Direction Flu A and this kit was 97.9% (234/239). In the evaluation of this kit for influenza B virus, 60 frozen nasopharyngeal aspirates collected from February to April, 1999 were used. The sensitivity and specificity of this kit were 88.9% (16/18) and 88.1% (37/42) compared with viral isolation. Agreement on positive and negative interpretations between FLU OIA and this kit was 91.7% (55/60). The Directigen A + B demonstrated sensitivity and specificity equivalent to the conventional kits in nasopharingeal aspirates. This kit can also differentiate influenza A and B viruses, a feature which is useful for treatment using anti-viral agents such as amantadine and neuraminidase inhibitor. To date, the kit is the most effective tool for the rapid diagnosis of influenza.
Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
[Sensitivity and specificity of rapid diagnosis kit detecting separately influenza A and B viruses].
Sensitivity and specificity of the Directigen Flu A + B kit, a rapid test for influenza virus A and B, were evaluated. This test detects influenza A and B viruses separately by EIA. Reactivity of the kit was tested using a total of 23 isolates: 13 isolates of human influenza virus A (H1N1, H3N2) and 10 isolates of human influenza virus B. All of the isolates were tested positive and no difference in reactivity was found in antigenic variables and subtypes. The kit was only reactive to influenza virus A and B, not reactive to other viruses. Typical influenza A and B strains were tested for detection limit. 7.8 x 10(3) pfu/ml was a detection limit for influenza virus A (H1N1: Beijing/262/95), 4.7 x 10(4) pfu/ml for influenza virus A (H3N2: Kitakyusyu/159/93), and 3.1 x 10(4) pfu/ml for influenza virus B (Guangdong/05/94). The Directigen Flu A + B kit was a easy-to-use, rapid detection device and the kit has sensitivity and specificity equivalent to other diagnostic devices, suggesting the kit are useful in medical institutions.
Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
[Evaluation of the rapid detection test for influenza A and B viruses using neuraminidase activity].
The ZstatFlu test (ZymeTx, USA) is a rapid detection kit for influenza A and B viruses. This test is based upon the reaction between viral neuraminidase from influenza viruses and a chromogenic substrate. The clinical performance of the ZstatFlu test was determined by comparison with viral isolation in cell culture. A total of 176 respiratory specimens from 172 pediatric patients with influenza like illnesses during the 1998/99 season were tested. Influenza viruses were recovered from 97 specimens (type A: 6, type B: 91) in cell culture. ZstatFlu demonstrated 67.4% sensitivity (29/43) and 62.7% specificity (37/59) for throat swabs. Of the 22 ZstatFlu-positive, culture-negative throat swabs tested by RT-PCR, 18 were positive by RT-PCR. ZstatFlu showed 48.1% sensitivity (26/54) and 90.0% specificity (18/20) for nasopharyngeal aspirates. Of the two ZstatFlu-positive, culture-negative nasopharyngeal aspirates tested by HI titer of paired sera, one showed a 4-fold increase of HI titer. Nasopharyngeal aspirates therefore showed lower sensitivity than throat swabs at this test, different from EIA test kits such as Directigen FluA or FLU OIA. Overall, only 5 specimens were false positive by the ZstatFlu test. Therefore, this test demonstrated high specificity and positive predictive value. In conclusion, the ZstatFlu test is useful for the rapid detection of influenza A and B viruses to identify patients who need antiviral treatment.
Adolescent↗
[HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus type 1) mutant strain associated with zidovudine resistance detected from a Japanese patient with primary HIV-1 infection].
Sequences of HIV-1 pol gene were determined by direct sequencing from a Japanese patient with primary HIV-1 infection. The patient did not receive antiretroviral therapies. However we observed a HIV-1 mutant strain associated with zidovudine (ZDV) resistance. The patient had both the codon 70 and the codon 215 amino acid substitutions in the RT region. Our data indicated that the patient was infected with a HIV-1 mutant strain associated with ZDV resistance and this is the first report in Japan.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
[Investigation of a new HIV-1 p24 antigen detection kit based on the enzyme-linked fluorescent immunoassay].
We investigated the performance of the new p24 antigen detection kit (VIDAS HIV p24) with the conventional antigen kit (HIV-1 Ag monoclonal; Abbott). The new kit is an enzyme-linked fluorescent immunoassay (ELFA) and all of the assay steps are performed automatically by the VIDAS instrument within 100 minutes. With the seven HIV-1 seroconversion panels, three seroconversions were detected on an average of 6.8 days earlier with ELFA than the conventional EIA kit. ELFA showed negative results for all of the 11 false positive samples by the combined (p24, anti-HIV) detection kit (VIDAS HIV DUO). The results obtained suggest that ELFA are very useful for an earlier diagnosis of HIV infection and re-test for false positive samples by other HIV diagnosis kits.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay↗
[Studies on centrifuge-concentration method of pooled samples for HIV screening test by RT-PCR].
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HIV↗
Application of Rh-catalyzed cyclization to the formation of a chiral quaternary carbon.
Rh-Catalyzed cyclization was applied to the formation of a chiral quaternary carbon. It has become clear that the Rh-complex can discriminate between isopropenyl and 2-isopentenyl (or isopentyl) substituents, and the cyclization afforded 3,3,4-trisubstituted cyclopentanones with a chiral quaternary carbon in a stereoselective manner. The cyclization of 4-pentenals 6a, b by an achiral neutral Rh(PPh3)3Cl afforded 3,3,4-cis-trisubstituted cyclopentanones (+/-)-7a,b in 86-96%, and the cyclization by a cationic Rh[(R)-BINAP]CIO4 afforded 3,3,4-trans-trisubstituted cyclopentanones (-)-8a, b of 82-86% ee in 88-98% yields. The mechanism of stereoselection by Rh-complexes is also discussed.
Catalysis↗
Metastatic cardiac papillary carcinoma originating from the thyroid in both ventricles with a mobile right ventricular pedunculated tumor.
A 62-year-old man with a history of surgical therapy for papillary thyroid carcinoma was admitted because of chest pain, dyspnea on effort, pretibial edema, and slight fever. An electrocardiogram showed ST segment elevation in the precordial leads and low voltage in the limb leads. A large solid mass was demonstrated in both ventricles, with pericardial effusion, by echocardiography, thoracic computed tomography scan, transesophageal echocardiography, and angiography. A punch biopsy of the tumor revealed metastatic papillary carcinoma. During radiation therapy, the patient suddenly died of ventricular fibrillation. At autopsy, the tumor occupied almost the entire right ventricular cavity, expanding toward the main trunk of the pulmonary artery with a mobile peduncle and it had infiltrated the left ventricular wall through the interventricular septum. Microscopic examination confirmed metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma. Only 2 other cases of cardiac metastases of papillary thyroid carcinoma have been reported and this case is the first report of metastases in both ventricles with a mobile right ventricular pedunculated tumor.
Carcinoma, Papillary↗
Perianal mucinous carcinoma successfully treated with a combination of external beam radiotherapy and high dose rate interstitial brachytherapy.
The case of an 84-year-old man with perianal mucinous carcinoma is presented. The tumour was 6 cm in diameter and extended into the surrounding tissues. Taking the patient's advanced age and disease into account, rectosigmoidectomy and colostomy were carried out without resection of most of the tumour. Radiotherapy consisted of pre-operative external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) of 40 Gy in 20 fractions, post-operative EBRT of 24 Gy in 12 fractions, and high dose rate interstitial brachytherapy of 12 Gy in a single fraction. The patient tolerated the entire course of radiotherapy well. The patient is doing well without regrowth or complications 7 years after radiotherapy. To our knowledge, there have been no reports on the successful outcome of radiotherapy for perianal mucinous carcinoma. This case suggests that a combination of EBRT plus interstitial brachytherapy boost may play a role in the definitive treatment of perianal mucinous carcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous↗
Absorption of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc in growing male rats fed diets containing either phytate-free soybean protein or soybean protein isolate or casein.
The effect of dietary phytate-free soybean protein (PFS) on intestinal mineral absorption and retention was examined in growing male rats using a three-day mineral balance technique. The rats were fed diets containing PFS, soybean protein isolate (SPI) or casein at a 20% level for 5 wk. Total calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) contents in diets were adjusted to 0.35, 0.05, 0.7, 0.0035 and 0.003%, respectively, by supplementation of the diet with their salts. Mineral absorption and retention ratios in rats fed the PFS diet were significantly higher than those in rats fed either the SPI or casein diet. These results suggest that PFS may be a promising dietary protein source for improving the mineral bioavailability in humans.
Animals↗
[Rethinking the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis: role of language in shaping thought].
Traditionally, the issue of the relationship between language and thought has been framed as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, in which crosslinguistic-crosscultural universality or diversity of thought has been the center of the debate. The long-lasting debate revolving around the hypothesis has not yielded a clear, satisfactory conclusion. This unsatisfactory result seems to be largely attributed to the fact that (a) the term "thought" has been so vaguely defined, and that (b) the interpretation of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis itself has been quite diverse among researchers. In this paper, I argue that the question we should ask is not whether thought is universal or different across different language groups. Instead, we should ask more specific (and realistic) questions, taking it for granted that our thought is constrained by innate language-independent cognitive faculties but at the same time a large part of our thought is shaped by language. The questions we should ask are: in what cognitive domains (e.g., spatial cognition, ontological knowledge, categorization of natural objects etc.), at what specific level (e.g., perception, memory, knowledge representation, on-line information processing) and in what degree (a) our thought is influenced by the specific structure of the given language (or is immune to it) and (b) our thought is shaped by language learning (or constrained by language-independent innate cognitive structure). In order to reevaluate the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis in this new perspective, I reviewed literature mainly focusing on three distinctive cognitive domains: ontological knowledge with respect to individuation, categorization of natural objects, and spatial cognition.
Cognition↗
Acute effect of cadmium-metallothionein on glucose and amino acid transport across the apical membrane of the rabbit proximal tubule perfused in vitro.
Acute as well as chronic exposure of cadmium (Cd) leads to proximal tubule injury. The exact cellular mechanism of this disorder and whether there is a contribution of cadmium-metallothionein (Cd-MT), a binding protein of Cd, remain unclear. We perfused isolated S2 segments of rabbit nephron, and the deflections of transmural voltage (DeltaV(t)) and apical membrane voltage (DeltaV(a)) on elimination of glucose or alanine from the perfusate were measured for the parameters of activity of Na(+)-glucose and Na(+)-amino acid cotransporters. The effects of Cd-MT or CdCl(2) to either bath or lumen for 10 min on these parameters were examined. We also measured the lumen-to-bath [(14)C]glucose flux. Addition of Cd-MT to lumen suppressed glucose- or alanine-dependent DeltaV(t) and DeltaV(a), as well as baseline V(t) and basolateral membrane voltage (V(b)), at approximately 10 min. [(14)C]glucose flux was inhibited by Cd-MT to lumen. The effects of Cd-MT to bath and CdCl(2) to either lumen or bath were 100-fold less potent than that of Cd-MT to lumen. Luminal Cd-MT immediately suppressed the glucose-dependent DeltaV(a), whereas the baseline V(a) and V(t) were unchanged. The early effect of luminal Cd-MT was simulated by addition of 10(-4) M phloretin. Addition of 10(-4) M ouabain to the bath simulated the later effect of Cd-MT. The protection of SH group by dithiothreitol prevented the early effect of Cd-MT, but not the later effect. We concluded that Cd-MT initially acts directly on Na(+)-glucose and Na(+)-amino acid cotransporters from the lumen by attacking SH group, followed by the later inhibition of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase after entering the cell from the apical membrane.
Alanine↗
Successful conservative treatment of endometrial carcinoma permitting subsequent pregnancy: report of two cases.
Two women with endometrial carcinoma who wished to preserve their childbearing ability received conservative treatment by medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA, 600 mg/day for 22 weeks and 29 weeks, respectively). Following regression of endometrial lesions, their infertility was treated by inducing ovulation. Intact pregnancy was diagnosed 13 months and 11 months after completion of the MPA treatment, respectively. One patient had a twin pregnancy and delivered two infants at 35 weeks of gestational age. The other patient delivered a full-term baby. They had no evidence of recurrence 60 months and 31 months after the conservative treatment, respectively. We believe this conservative treatment with progestin may be safely performed for young patients with endometrial cancer who wish to preserve their fertility.
Adenocarcinoma↗
Occurrence of scrub typhus (Tsutsugamushi) in Kanagawa Prefecture and types of Orientia tsutsugamushi involved.
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Genome, Bacterial↗