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Biomedical subjects

M Nakano

Publications and source records attributed to M Nakano.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Rapid detection and evaluation of clinical characteristics of emerging multiple-drug-resistant gram-negative rods carrying the metallo-beta-lactamase gene blaIMP.

Gram-negative rods (GNR) carrying the transferable carbapenem resistance gene blaIMP, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens, have been isolated from more than 20 hospitals in Japan. Although the emergence of such multiple-drug-resistant bacteria is of utmost clinical concern, little information in regard to the distribution of blaIMP-positive GNR in hospitals and the clinical characteristics of infected patients is available. To address this, a system for the rapid detection of the blaIMP gene with a simple DNA preparation and by enzymatic detection of PCR products was developed. A total of 933 ceftazidime-resistant strains of GNR isolated between 1991 and 1996 at Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan, were screened for the blaIMP gene; 80 isolates were positive, including 53 P. aeruginosa isolates, 13 other glucose-nonfermenting bacteria, 13 S. marcescens isolates, and 1 Citrobacter freundii isolate. Most of the patients from whom blaIMP-positive organisms were isolated had malignant diseases (53. 8%). The organisms caused urinary tract infections, pneumonia, or other infections in 46.3% of the patients, while they were just colonizing the other patients evaluated. It was possible that blaIMP-positive P. aeruginosa strains contributed to the death of four patients, while the other infections caused by GNR carrying blaIMP were not lethal. DNA fingerprinting analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis suggested the cross transmission of strains within the hospital. The isolates were ceftazidime resistant and were frequently resistant to other antibiotics. Although no particular means of pathogenesis of blaIMP-positive GNR is evident at present, the rapid detection of such strains is necessary to help with infection control practices for the prevention of their dissemination and the transmission of the resistance gene to other pathogenic bacteria.

DNA Fingerprinting↗
PubMed1998

Relationship of structure and biological activity of monosaccharide lipid A analogues to induction of nitric oxide production by murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells.

Lipid A is the active center of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which exhibits diverse biological activities via the production of various mediators. We investigated the production of nitric oxide (NO), one of the mediators, by a murine macrophage cell line, RAW264. 7, upon stimulation with a series of monosaccharide lipid A analogues to elucidate the relationship of structure and activity in NO production. The production of other representative mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), was also investigated to compare the structural requirements for the production of these cytokines with those for the production of NO. Structure-activity relationships in NO production correlated well with those in the production of TNF-alpha and IL-6. Among the lipid A analogues possessing different numbers of acyl groups on a 4-O-phosphono-D-glucosamine backbone, compounds like GLA-60 that possess three tetradecanoyl (C14) groups exhibited stronger activities in the production of the mediators than compounds possessing four or two C14 groups. Time course study of the production of these mediators showed that production of NO started and peaked later than those of TNF-alpha and IL-6. Neither neutralization of TNF-alpha activity by antibody nor suppression of TNF-alpha production by pentoxifylline showed a significant suppressive effect on production of NO and IL-6 upon stimulation with LPS or lipid A analogues. Neutralization of IL-6 activity by antibody showed no significant suppressive effect on production of NO and TNF-alpha. A monosaccharide lipid A analogue (GLA-58) which exhibited no detectable agonistic activity showed a suppressive effect on the production of all three mediators upon stimulation with LPS or lipid A analogues. These results indicate that signals for NO production by LPS agonists in murine macrophages are transduced in good correlation with those for production of TNF-alpha and IL-6, although they are not transduced via production of those cytokines.

Acylation↗
PubMed1998

Protective effects of a human 18-kilodalton cationic antimicrobial protein (CAP18)-derived peptide against murine endotoxemia.

CAP18 (an 18-kDa cationic antimicrobial protein) is a granulocyte-derived protein that can bind lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inhibit various activities of LPS in vitro. The present study examined the protective effect of a synthetic 27-amino-acid peptide (CAP18(109-135)) from the LPS-binding domain of CAP18 against antibiotic-induced endotoxin shock, using highly LPS-sensitive D-(+)-galactosamine (D-GalN)-sensitized C3H/HeN mice. The antibiotic-induced endotoxin (CAZ-endotoxin) was prepared from the culture filtrate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 exposed to ceftazidime (CAZ). Injection of CAP18(109-135) protected the mice injected with LPS or CAZ-endotoxin from death and lowered their tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels in serum in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with CAZ caused death of the D-GalN-sensitized P. aeruginosa PAO-infected mice within 48 h, while injection with CAP18(109-135) rescued the mice from death. In the mice rescued from death by injection with CAP18(109-135), endotoxin levels in plasma and TNF production by liver tissues were decreased but the numbers of viable infecting bacteria in their blood were not decreased significantly and remained at the levels in CAZ-treated mice. These results indicate that CAP18(109-135) is capable of preventing antibiotic-induced endotoxic shock in mice with septicemia and that the effect is due to its LPS-neutralizing activity rather than to its antibacterial activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Genetic relationship between blood and nonblood isolates from bacteremic patients determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.

A total of 148 isolates from 55 bacteremic patients were examined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Genetically different nonblood strains were isolated from 13.9% of patients with bacteremia caused by gram-positive cocci and 42.1% with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia, indicating that antibiograms of a single nonblood P. aeruginosa isolate are not always informative for treatment of bacteremia.

Bacteremia↗
PubMed1998

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Bilophila wadsworthia isolates submitted for routine laboratory examination.

MICs of antibiotics against Bilophila wadsworthia isolates were measured by agar and broth microdilution with pyruvic acid and by Etest. The inoculum size influenced greatly agar dilution. Despite discrepancies in MICs depending on the measurement method used, clindamycin consistently showed potent activity. Broth microdilution and Etest appear to be candidates for laboratory susceptibility testing.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Renal haemodynamic characteristics in patients with lupus nephritis.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the characteristics of renal haemodynamics in patients with lupus nephritis (LN). METHODS: The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) of 37 patients with active LN were studied longitudinally over an interval of 8 to 144 weeks during treatment with corticosteroids or cytotoxic drugs, or both. All patients had clinical renal disorders and underwent renal biopsies. RESULTS: Analysis of renal biopsy specimens showed that 31 patients had class IV LN. Class II, III, and VLN were present in two patients each. The average GFR increased significantly from 65.4 (SD 33.0) in the pretreatment stage to 86.6 (31.6) ml/min in the post-treatment stage, accompanied by an improvement in urinary or immunological abnormalities, or both. On the other hand, RPF decreased significantly from 625.2 (243.0) to 519.8 (179.0) ml/min. Therefore, the filtration fraction (FF) increased significantly from 10.7 (4.3)% to 16.8 (3.7)%. Low FF was recognised predominantly in patients with class IV LN, but was also observed in patients with other classes. The FF returned towards normal irrespective of the degree of GFR recovery. No significant changes were observed in the levels of blood pressure. CONCLUSION: A reduction in GFR out of proportion to the reduction in RPF as demonstrated by the low FF values was related to the severity of LN or disease activity, or both. Therefore, relative evaluation of GFR and RPF, namely the determination of FF, may be a useful clinical parameter to determine the status of LN.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1998

Effect of autotransplantation of microvessel fragments on experimental random-pattern flaps in the rat.

We examined whether autotransplantation of microvessel fragments (Mvf) and/or myofibroblasts (Mf) into an in vivo skin flap model might improve the survival of the ischemic flap. If so, this could improve blood perfusion, increase blood flow, and improve the survival of the flap. A skin flap was raised on the back of each rat (n = 15 in each group). In the control group, the flap was sutured to the original bed. In the other groups (1) phosphate-buffered saline; (2) autotransplanted Mvf, Mf, or Mvf plus Mf, and (3) a homogenized mixture of Mvf plus Mf was injected into the distal part of the flap. In a further group, Mvf labeled with DiI-acetylated low-density lipoprotein were autotransplanted with Mf into the distal part of the flap, and India ink was perfused through the abdominal aorta 7 days postoperatively. The transplanted Mvf plus Mf group showed better flap survival after 7 days than the other groups (p < 0.02). Labeling with DiI-acetylated low-density lipoprotein showed that transplanted Mvf sent arborizations into the nearby tissue. India ink was found in the lumina within such arborizations. Thus, autotransplanted Mvf may improve the survival of ischemic skin flaps by promoting the early formation of patent connections between Mvf and the host's microcirculatory system. This apparently requires the presence of Mf.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Intermittent rhythmic delta activity (IRDA) in a patient with band heterotopia.

We report a patient with band heterotopia whose electroencephalogram (EEG) showed typical morphological features of intermittent rhythmic delta activity (IRDA). This 18-year-old woman had complex partial seizures. Neuropsychometry revealed mental dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilaterally symmetrical layer of heterotopic gray matter in deep white matter over the frontal, parietal and occipital regions. This case is the first report of IRDA detected in band heterotopia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Effects of preparations of Chinese medicinal prescriptions on digestive enzymes in vitro and in vivo.

The effects of preparations of Chinese medicinal prescriptions on the activities of digestive enzymes were investigated. The starch dextrinizing activity of pancreatin was inhibited by Keishi-bukuryo-gan, Sho-seiryu-to, Hachimi-jio-gan, Unsei-in and Keishi-ka-shakuyaku-to to below 40% of the control activity. Hachimi-jio-gan and Sho-seiryu-to, in particular, lowered the activity to 4% and 24% of the control activity, respectively. The protein digestive activity of pancreatin was lowered by Keishi-bukuryo-gan, Oren-gedoku-to, Ryutan-shakan-to, Tokaku-joki-to, Yokuinin-to and Hange-shashin-to, to 56 to 70% of the control activity. To investigate the effects of the preparations of Chinese medicinal prescriptions on digestive enzymes in vivo, 600 mg (185 kBq) of 125I-egg white albumin were administered orally to rats 30 min before the administration of 100 mg of Tokaku-joki-to or Oren-gedoku-to. The radioactivity which transferred to the blood was less in the animals pre-fed these prescriptions than in the control animals, indicating that the digestion of egg white albumin was delayed in the presence of the prescriptions.

Albumins↗
PubMed1998

Anti-HIV-1 activity of herbs in Labiatae.

The anti-HIV-1 activity of aromatic herbs in Labiatae was evaluated in vitro. Forty five extract from among 51 samples obtained from 46 herb species showed significant inhibitory effects against HIV-1 induced cytopathogenicity in MT-4 cells. In particular, the aqueous extracts of Melissa officinalis, a family of Mentha x piperita "grapefruit mint," Mentha x piperita var. crispa, Ocimum basilicum cv "cinnamon," Perilla frutescens var. crispa f. viridis, Prunella vulgaris subsp. asiatica and Satureja montana showed potent anti-HIV-1 activity (with an ED of 16 microg/ml). The active components in the extract samples were found to be water-soluble polar substances, not nonpolar compounds such as essential oils. In addition, these aqueous extracts inhibited giant cell formation in co-culture of Molt-4 cells with and without HIV-1 infection and showed inhibitory activity against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase.

Anti-HIV Agents↗
PubMed1998

[The chemical structure of new substance as the metabolite of baicalin and time profiles for the plasma concentration after oral administration of sho-saiko-to in human].

Baicalin (BG) is one of the major components of Sho-Saiko-To. We found a new substance as the metabolite of BG in human plasma after oral administration of Sho-Saiko-To. The metabolite was identified as baicalein 6-O-sulfate (BS) by comparing its retention time in HPLC and electrospray ionization mass spectra (ESI-MS)/MS methods with that of an authentic sample. Time profiles for the plasma concentrations of BS and BG after oral administration of Sho-Saiko-To (EK-9) at a daily dose (6 g), were investigated in 14 healthy male volunteers. The determination for the concentrations of BS and BG in human plasma was developed by the HPLC method using electrochemical detector (ECD). Each 1 ml of the plasma specimen was used for the solid phase extraction. The calibration curves of BS and BG showed a good linearity between 5 and 300 ng/ml. The quantitative limits of BS and BG in human plasma were 5 ng/ml. Using this method, BS was detected after 1 h, reached a maximum level at 5 h and then decreased to the level less than the quantitative limit after 36 h, and the plasma level of BS showed a slight peak at 24 h. BG was detected after 1 h, reached a maximum level at 5 h and then decreased to the level less than the quantitative limit after 36 h, and the plasma level of BG showed two peaks at 12 h and 24 h.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1998

Calcium bioavailability of a total bone extract (TBE) and its effects on bone metabolism in rats.

The effects of a total bone extract (TBE), a new mineral preparation made from bovine bone rendered soluble by lactic acid and citric acid under decompression, on the bone metabolism and apparent calcium absorption were examined for an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model of osteoporosis. The apparent calcium absorption from TBE was significantly higher than that from calcium carbonate. There were no significant differences in serum biochemical indices. Although there were no significant differences in the dry weight, ash and calcium content in the tibia, or in the bone mineral density of the femur, TBE feeding increased the cortical thickness index of the femur. A positive effect of TBE on bone formation is thus suggested.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Clinical features of polymyositis/dermatomyositis with steroid-resistant interstitial lung disease.

Polymyositis and dermatomyositis (PM/DM) without creatine kinase (CK) elevation shows a poor prognosis. PM/DM is complicated with interstitial lung disease (ILD), some of which progress rapidly. To clarify the clinical features of PM/DM from the viewpoint of ILD progression, the clinical data of 25 PM/DM patients with ILD were reviewed. They were classified as responders or non-responders. The patients whose ILD responded to steroid therapy and elicited good clinical courses were termed as responders. On the other hand, the patients who had rapidly progressive ILD resistant to steroid therapy were considered as non-responders. The patients diagnosed to have DM were likely to be steroid-resistant. The non-responder group revealed significantly high aspartate aminotransferase (AST), low CK, low white blood cell (WBC), and low absolute lymphocyte counts in their peripheral blood. High CK/AST may be a favorable predictor of the disease. The percentages of lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were increased in both groups. However, the percentages of two responders with low CK/AST were lower than those of three non-responders. A steroid-resistant ILD group with PM/DM may be clinically different from a steroid-responsive ILD group.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Protective effects of betamipron on renal toxicity during repeated cisplatin administration in rats and protective mechanism.

The protective effects of betamipron (BP, N-benzoyl-beta-alanine) against nephrotoxicity induced by repeated cisplatin injections were examined. The ratio of the kidney weight to body weight and the lipid peroxide level after treatment with cisplatin plus BP tended to be larger and lower than those after treatment with cisplatin plus alkaline solution, respectively. The blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and glutathione levels in the animals treated with cisplatin plus BP differed significantly from those in the animals treated with cisplatin plus alkaline solution. Furthermore, the mechanism of the preventive effects of BP was analyzed for cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The concentration of cisplatin in the renal cortex significantly decreased with concomitant BP. BP inhibited the uptake of cisplatin into the renal cortex in a competitive manner in the same way as an anionic transport inhibitor, probenecid. The treatment with BP appears to be useful for the renal toxicity induced by repeated cisplatin administration.

Alanine↗
PubMed1998

[Prevalence of glucose intolerance in Japan--from the National Circulatory Disorders Basic Survey, 1990].

The prevalence of glucose intolerance was surveyed in 8,063 people over 30 years old from the general population of Japan. The data used in the analysis were from the Fourth National Circulatory Disorders Basic Survey, which was conducted in 1990. Survey items included history of diabetes mellitus, body mass index (BMI) and daily life activity. Blood and urine were also examined, and the blood glucose levels, presence or absence of sugar in urine, and levels of glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) were determined. Glucose intolerance was identified from the blood glucose level, HbA1c level and history of diabetes mellitus. The frequency of glucose intolerance was 8.6% in all subjects (11.9% in men and 6.3% in women). The frequency was higher in older people: 1.7 times higher in men over 65 years old and 2.5 times higher in women over 65 years old. Among people over 40 years old, glucose intolerance was significantly more prevalent in men than in women. It was also significantly more prevalent in men living in big cities than in men living in rural areas. Among obese male subjects and men with a low level of activity in daily life, the frequency of glucose intolerance was higher than in normal male subjects. The level of activity in daily life tended to be lower for people living in big cities than for those in rural areas. The results suggest that the prevalence of glucose intolerance depends on the environment in which people live. The results also indicate that raising the level of activities in daily life might help prevent diabetes mellitus.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1998

Stimulatory effects of substance P on CD34 positive cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro are mediated by the modulation of stromal cell function.

Substance P (SP) is a neuropeptide widely distributed in the nervous system. Extensive study has shown SP stimulates production of various cytokines by bone marrow stromal cells, although, the role of SP in hematopoietic phenomena is still unclear. Recently, we established a human cloned stromal cell line, HAS303, which can support hematopoietic stem cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro. We used this culture system to examine the effects of SP. Expression of the mRNAs of neurokinin (NK)-1R, NK-2R and NK-3R, specific SP receptors, on HAS303 cells was demonstrated by the RT-PCR. CD34+ cells isolated from bone marrow were co-cultivated with HAS303 cells in the presence and absence of SP and the total hematopoietic cells and progenitors were counted every 5 days. Introducing SP (10(-8) M) to the co-cultures significantly increased the number of total cells and progenitors compared with control cultures. SP showed no enhancing activity on CD34+ cells cultured alone. SP also stimulated IL-3-dependent colony formation of whole bone marrow MNCs in a soft agar culture system, but showed no such activity on isolated CD34+ cells in this system. These observations suggest that SP stimulated HAS303 cells, activated HAS303 cells, and stimulated the proliferation and differentiation of CD34+ cells. Treating HAS303 cells with SP increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and stimulated production of G-CSF, GM-CSF, SCF and IL-6, but not IL-1alpha, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, but did not enhance proliferation. All these findings suggest that SP mediates hematopoietic cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro by activating stromal cell function.

Antigens, CD34↗
PubMed1998

[A case of musicogenic epilepsy induced by listening to an American pop music].

This is the second report of musicogenic epilepsy in Japan. A 23-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to the musicogenic epilepsy. She had four generalized tonic clonic seizures at 18 and 19 years old. Since 19, she had had complex partial seizures lasting for about 20 seconds which was easily evoked by listening to an American pops particularly "Dreamlover" song by Mariah Carey. Brian MRI and interictal 99mTc HMPAO-SPECT showed no abnormalities. In the ictal EEG recording, three minutes after listening to the song, seizure activities were recorded from the right temporal region with 11Hz rhythmic epileptiform activities over the right temporal region and subsequent delta activities over the right hemisphere. The song that induced the seizure had a specific meaning that might evoke her emotion as had been pointed out in the previous reports.

Adult↗