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Biomedical subjects

N Kawakami

Publications and source records attributed to N Kawakami.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Evaluation of two assay kits for thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH) as an indicator of TDH-related hemolysin (TRH) produced by Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Reversed passive latex agglutination (RPLA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits with beads (Bead-ELISA) are commercially available in Japan to detect the thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH) produced by Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates. We evaluated whether these kits can be used to assay the pathogenic toxin, TDH-related hemolysin (TRH), produced by some so-called Kanagawa phenomenon-negative V. parahaemolyticus strains isolated from patients with diarrhea. Our results showed that the two kits, RPLA and Bead-ELISA, can detect TRH, although they were originally developed for detection of TDH. This may be due to the use of polyclonal anti-TDH antisera that cross react with TRH. Although the sensitivity for TDH detection by RPLA and Bead-ELISA differed tenfold, that for TRH detection was essentially equal. The minimum concentration of TRH required for detection by the two assay kits was about 10 ng/ml.

Enzyme Stability↗
PubMed1995

Assessment of job stress dimensions based on the job demands- control model of employees of telecommunication and electric power companies in Japan: reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Job Content Questionnaire.

To investigate the reliability and validity of 4 selected scales from the Japanese version of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ. Karasek, 1985)-decision latitude, psychological demand, supervisor support, and coworker support-a survey was conducted on a total of 626 employees of telephone and electric companies in Japan. The survey questionnaire was composed of 22 items. Data from 472 male and 108 female respondents were analyzed. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the four JCQ scales ranged from .61 to .89 for men and from .65 to .87 for women. Scree plots based on factor analyses of scale items indicated that one major factor explained 30% to 75% of each scale variance in men and women. Factor structures of the 22 items for men and women were consistent with those theoretically expected Distributions of the decision latitude scores among occupations for men and women were similar to those in the U.S. national samples; the scores significantly and positively correlated with occupational class. It is suggested that the JCQ scales are reliable and valid instruments for assessing job stressors in a Japanese working population.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1995

Nonenzymatic glycation of transferrin: decrease of iron-binding capacity and increase of oxygen radical production.

The total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and iron contents of diabetic rat serum, as well as the iron-binding capacity of glycated transferrin and oxygen radical production by the glycated proteins were examined. The TIBC and iron content of diabetic rat sera were found to be much lower than those of control rat sera. Incubation of human serum with glucose in vitro resulted in a significant fall of its unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) with time. When apotransferrin was incubated with glucose, its UIBC significantly decreased. The iron content of holotransferrin was markedly reduced by incubation with bathophenanthroline sulphonic acid (BPSA) in the presence of glucose, although the content was not altered by incubation with BPSA alone. The generation of superoxide radical (O2-) and hydroxyl radical (OH.) by the glycated holotransferrin was much greater than that by glycated apotransferrin. Glycated holotransferrin showed significantly accelerated hydroxyl radical production by the hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase system, while intact holotransferrin did not. Treatment of holotransferrin with glucose caused the fragmentation of the protein, while the same treatment of apotransferrin did not. These results suggest that iron ions in the glycated transferrin molecule are bound loosely to the protein and are redox-active and the glycated holotransferrin produces oxygen radicals including O2- and OH. efficiently, and that the glycated transferrin does not function as an iron-binding protein.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

[Subclinical neuro-psychobehavioral effects in occupational, environmental and community health: methodology and recent findings].

Evoked potentials (short-latency somatosensory, visual and brainstem auditory evoked potentials), event-related potential (P300), electrocardiographic R-R interval variability, peripheral nerve conduction velocity, distribution of nerve conduction velocities, postural balance, neurobehavioral test batteries, and questionnaires and psychiatric interview methods appear to be promising techniques for assessment of subclinical neuro-psychobehavioral effects in occupational, environmental and community health. In this paper, an overview of recent methodology and findings is provided. The available data indicate that these techniques are valid, reliable and standardized, and are easily applied in field studies.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗
PubMed1995

Frequent hard physical activity lowered serum beta-carotene level in a population study of a rural city of Japan.

To determine the effect of physical activity on serum beta-carotene, we analyzed data about life styles including 3-day food records and blood samples collected from 57 men and 74 women in a rural city of Japan. Physical activity was asked as mean frequency of hard physical activities per week last year. A declining trend in serum beta-carotene was observed with increasing frequency of hard physical activities in men. In multiple regression analyses, the frequency of hard physical activities showed a negative partial correlation coefficient (r = -0.38, p = 0.007) with serum beta-carotene in men when controlled by age, BMI (body mass index), dietary factors (carotene intake, alcohol consumption and vitamin supplements use), smoking status, serum total cholesterol and serum triglycerides. These results suggest that frequent hard physical activity decreases serum beta-carotene especially in men.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Effects of mood states, smoking and urinary catecholamine excretion on hemoglobin A1c in male Japanese workers.

To know the association between psychological strain and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and to examine roles of smoking and catecholamine excretion as a possible mediator in the association, we measured mood states (Profile of Mood States, POMS), urinary catecholamines (adrenalin, noradrenaline and dopamine) from urine sample in early morning, HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) of 63 male employees on a rest day. After excluding 12 subjects who had diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance or had missing response to the questionnaire, data from 51 subjects were analyzed. The POMS anger-hostility score significantly and positively correlated with HbA1c (p < 0.05), while other scale scores did not (p > 0.05). Number of cigarettes smoked per day significantly and positively correlated with HbA1c (p < 0.05). Urinary excretion rate of any catecholamine did not significantly correlate with HbA1c (p > 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the anger-hostility score significantly correlated with HbA1c after controlling for number of cigarettes per day (p < 0.05). It is suggested that, among mood states, anger-hostility is associated with increased HbA1c. However, our study failed to find a mediating role of urinary catecholamines or smoking on the association between the mood and HbA1c.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Effects of marital status and position on personality traits in engineers of a computer manufacturing plant.

To investigate the effects of marital status and position on DSM-III-R personality traits, we administered the self-rating questionnaires of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R Personality Disorders to 757 male computer engineers, aged 20 to 49 years, at a computer manufacturing plant. The scores for six of eleven personality traits were significantly higher in single computer engineers than in married ones. Also, among the engineers aged 40 to 49, the scores for six personality traits of section-heads were significantly higher than those among persons in the other positions. These findings suggest that "maladaptive" personality traits, defined by the DSM-III-R, differ with marital status and position in a company.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Structure and function of cell adhesion molecules in selectin family and their roles in cancer metastasis].

Cell adhesion molecules of selectin family are involved in the metastasis of cancer at the step of attachment of cancer cells to endothelial cells. P-selectin mediated adhesion of cancer cells with platelets, and L-selectin mediated adhesion of leukocytes to cancer cells would also be involved in the process of hematogenous metastasis through the microthrombus formation. Upon adhesion to cancer cells, platelets and leukocytes secrete cytokines that induce E-selectin expression of endothelial cells, and this further facilitates hematogenous metastasis.

Cell Adhesion Molecules↗
PubMed1995

[Prevalence and correlates of major depressive episode among the elderly in a community in Japan].

A random sample of 205 persons from a community of about 45,500 residents, aged 65 years or older, in a city in Japan, was surveyed using an interview schedule including a structured psychiatric interview to analyze prevalence of major depressive episode (DSM-III-R). A total of 157 (77%) participated in the study. Results were as follows: 1) The Prevalence of major depressive episode during the past 6 months was 2.1% for males and 3.7% for females among the 155 respondents who completed the psychiatric interview. 2) Significantly higher prevalence during the past 6 months was observed in those who were physically inactive in the past year than in those physically active (p < 0.05). 3) Levels of satisfaction with available social support were significantly lower in those who experienced major depressive episode during the past six months than in those who experienced no depressive episode (p < 0.05). 4) Levels of life satisfaction (PGC scale score) and cognitive functioning were significantly lower in those experienced major depressive episode during the past six months than in those who experienced no depressive episode (p < 0.05).

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Paraparesis after rib penetration of the spinal canal in neurofibromatous scoliosis.

Paraplegia or paraparesis is uncommon in patients with neurofibromatous scoliosis. The main causes of spinal cord compression in neurofibromatosis are vertebral angulation, vertebral subluxation, and tumorous lesions around the spinal cord. We report a rare case of paraparesis due to spinal cord compression by a rib penetrating the spinal canal in a patient with neurofibromatous scoliosis. There was complete recovery after laminectomy and proximal resection of the compressing rib along with combined anterior and posterior spinal fusion.

Child↗
PubMed1995

Prevalence of and risk factors for allergic diseases: comparison of two cities in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Differences in the prevalence of allergic diseases and the effects of genetic and environmental factors on these diseases in two areas of the same country have not been examined by multiple logistic regression. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the effects of genetic and environmental factors on allergic diseases differ between two areas. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed in March 1991 to children less than 16 years old attending kindergarten, elementary, or junior high school in two Japanese cities; Gifu, with a temperate climate, and Itoman, with a subtropical one. The number of subjects analyzed were 1243 in Gifu and 1953 in Itoman. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using SAS. RESULTS: The prevalence of allergic diseases and atopic dermatitis in Gifu were significantly higher than in Itoman (P < .05). In contrast, the prevalence of bronchial asthma in Itoman was significantly higher than in Gifu (P < .05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that in both cities children of families with allergic histories have significantly higher risk of contracting an allergic disease and atopic dermatitis. The prevalences of allergic diseases and atopic dermatitis were higher in Gifu than in Itoman, even after being controlled for genetic and environmental factors. CONCLUSIONS: The increased risk of contracting an allergic disease and atopic dermatitis for the children in Gifu may be due to such factors not included in the study as climate, eating habits, or the level of air pollution.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Intraoperative ultrasonographic evaluation of the spinal cord in cervical myelopathy.

Intraoperative spinal ultrasonography (IOSS) was used to evaluate and monitor the spinal cord in 49 patients with cervical myelopathy. Intraoperative spinal ultrasonography demonstrated movements of the dura mater and the spinal cord at the cardiac rate, with some variability in intensity and mode. It also delineated the anterior surface of the spinal canal and configuration of the spinal cord. Statistical analysis showed no correlation between clinical outcome and morphologic restoration, and between clinical outcome and variations in intensity or mode of the pulsatile spinal cord movements. Spinal cord motions were surmised to be generated not only by the anterior spinal artery, but also by other factors. Dural pulsations clearly did not always imply the absence of compression of the spinal cord. Intraoperative spinal ultrasonography was thus quite useful for monitoring decompression in cervical myelopathy.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Assessment of personality traits and psychiatric symptoms in workers in a computer manufacturing plant in Japan.

To investigate personality traits and psychiatric symptoms, we administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R Personality Questionnaire (SCID-II Screen), the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the 30-item version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30) to 781 male computer engineers and 214 male clerical workers in a computer manufacturing factory. Subjects, aged from 20 to 49 years, were divided into university and high school graduates. Among the university graduates, scores for schizotypal and avoidant personality traits were significantly higher in computer engineers than in clerical workers (the effect of age was controlled by analysis of covariance). No significant correlation between personality traits and years employed was found in the university-graduate computer engineers. In high school graduates, scores for borderline and dependent personality traits were significantly lower in computer engineers than in clerical workers (the effect of age was controlled by analysis of covariance). Because of the lack of significant association of personality traits and symptoms with duration of employment in the university-educated computer engineers, the greater prevalence of schizotypal and avoidant personality traits might be related to their process of self-selection of job rather than to computer manufacturing work. In summary, these data suggest that computer engineering work does not cause abnormal personality traits or psychiatric symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Hydroxylation of phenylalanine and salicylate by stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes and the accelerating effect of glutathione on their hydroxylation.

Incubation of phorbol-myristate acetate-stimulated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) with phenylalanine and salicylate induced significant levels of formation of o- and m-tyrosines, and 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoates (DHBAs), respectively, dependent on reaction time. Aromatic hydroxylation reactions were not inhibited by desferrioxamine, nor were they affected by the removal of trace ion contamination from the buffer solution used by treatment with conalbumin. Hydroxylation reactions were largely blocked by superoxide dismutase and hydroxyl radical (OH.) scavengers. The results of the present study suggest that the generation of OH. by human PMNs occurs during the respiratory burst. Hydroxylation of both phenylalanine and salicylate by stimulated human PMNs were significantly accelerated by incubation in the presence of the reduced form of glutathione (GSH). Hydroxylation of phenylalanine by stimulated guinea pig PMNs in the presence of GSH was significantly inhibited by desferrioxamine, although the same hydroxylation in the absence of GSH was not affected. Hydroxylation of phenylalanine by the hypoxanthine (HX)-xanthine oxidase (XO) system by intact PMNs was significantly accelerated by the addition of GSH, although that in the absence of PMNs was largely inhibited. Desferrioxamine showed an inhibitory effect on hydroxylation by the HX-XO system in the presence, but not in the absence, of intact PMNs. The results suggest that the formation of OH. by stimulated PMNs is accelerated by GSH, based on the occurrence of the Harber-Weiss reaction catalyzed by transition metal ions liberated and reduced by GSH from PMNs, and by the effective accumulation of H2O2 by the GSH-induced inhibition of catalase.

Animals↗