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Biomedical subjects

N Ohashi

Publications and source records attributed to N Ohashi.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Autonomic nervous system disturbance as etiological background of vertigo and dizziness.

In order to investigate whether dysautonomia lies behind vertigo and/or dizziness in the neurotological clinic, an electrocardiogram (ECG) R-peak to R-peak test (R-R test) along with the Schellong test were simultaneously performed in 136 subjects. ECG data were analyzed by a microcomputer, and R-R intervals were calculated. In a dynamic test performed during postural changes from the supine to the standing position, there were 23 of 55 (41.8%) positive test results in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders, 28 of 51 (54.9%) with central vestibular disorders, and 15 of 18 (83.3%) with spinocerebellar degeneration. In a static test with the patient in the standing position, there were 13 of 55 (29.1%) positive test results in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders, 16 of 51 with central vestibular disorders, and 8 of 18 (44.4%) with spinocerebellar degeneration. A significant difference in the positive rate between spinocerebellar degeneration and both other central and peripheral vestibular disorders in the dynamic test was observed. These results also demonstrated that dysautonomia upon postural changes might play an important role in the development of vertigo and dizziness and that it is provoked by disorders of the autoregulatory mechanisms of the cerebral blood flow. This test is presumed to be excellent for detecting dysautonomia by virtue of being non-invasive, having good reproducibility and being readily available to quantitative evaluation by using a microcomputer.

Autonomic Nervous System↗
PubMed1993

Immunologic study of the hyaline-vascular type of Castleman's disease. A case study.

We report a case of Castleman's disease in a 48-year-old male who complained of a rapidly enlarging mass on the neck. Thrombocytopenia and the facio-scapulo-humeral type of progressive muscular dystrophy were also present. The mass was extirpated, and histopathological examinations showed the hyaline-vascular type of Castleman's disease. Following resection, thrombocytopenia was ameliorated. Immunological study with flow cytometric analysis was made to clarify the nature of his mass. With reference to recent literature we suggest that the hyaline-vascular type of Castleman's disease may be an atypical hyperplasia of the lymphoid tissue.

B-Lymphocytes↗
PubMed1993

Poisoning caused by the combined ingestion of nifedipine and metoprolol.

Poisonings due to ingestion of a calcium channel or beta-adrenergic blocker have been the subject of several previous reports, but reports of poisoning due to combined ingestion of these drugs are infrequent. This is a report of suicidal ingestion of nifedipine 600 mg, metoprolol 200 mg, and etizolam 20 mg. Intravenous dopamine, norepinephrine, and calcium chloride had little effect but the administration of methylprednisolone and glucagon were associated with an increase in systolic blood pressure above 100 mm Hg.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1993

[Expression of progesterone-binding protein in normal and neoplastic human adrenals].

Specific progesterone-binding protein (P4-BP) is demonstrated in adrenocortical nuclei of the guinea pig, but, not in nuclei of other animals. We tried to demonstrate the progesterone-binding activity in nuclei of human normal adrenals and adrenal tumors. Normal adrenals were obtained from six patients with renal cell carcinomas undergoing radical nephrectomy. Seven adrenocortical adenomas were obtained: five tumors from patients with Cushing's syndrome, one tumor from non-functioning adenoma, and one from aldosteronoma. Nuclei were purified from the tissues, and progesterone binding assay was performed. We could not demonstrated progesterone-binding activity in nuclei of six normal human adrenals. However, we demonstrated progesterone-binding activity in nuclei purified from human adrenocortical adenomas associated with Cushing's syndrome. Saturation analysis revealed a Kd of 13.85 +/- 1.99 nM (mean +/- SD, n = 5) and a binding capacity of 1.95 +/- 0.37 pmol/mg DNA (mean +/- SD, n = 5). A Kd of progesterone-binding activity in human adrenocortical adenoma was similar to that of guinea pig P4-BP, and a binding capacity was about one-fifteenth of guinea pig P4-BP. However, nuclei purified from a non-functioning adrenocortical adenoma and an aldosteronoma failed to demonstrate progesterone-binding activity. The binding activity was specific for progesterone. 5 alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione was a modest competitor, while 17 beta-estradiol, testosterone, cortisol, and other related steroids were poor competitors. Thus the progesterone-binding activity in human adrenals was similar to guinea pig P4-BP in the affinity and specificity of binding.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenoma↗
PubMed1993

[A case of epididymal sarcoidosis].

We reported a case of epididymal sarcoidosis. The patient was a 13-year-old boy with a chief complaint of right scrotal mass. On physical examination, a firm, nontender 7 mm mass was palpable in the right hemiscrotum and appeared to involve the head of the epididymis. Ultrasonography showed a highly echogenic mass in the epididymis. A routine chest X-ray revealed lymphadenopathy of the mediastinum and reticular shadows in bilateral lung fields. Because the lesion might be confined to the epididymis, a partial epididymectomy was performed. The histopathologic specimen showed noncaseating granulomas consistent with sarcoidosis. Lung biopsies also revealed noncaseating granulomas. Subsequent pulmonary function studies revealed a mild obstructing ventiratory defect, therefore therapy was instituted with systemic steroids. There were no further recurrent scrotal masses. Although sarcoidosis is known to affect many organs, involvement of the genital system is relatively rare. Most of the patients with intrascrotal sarcoid lesions have an abnormal chest X-ray. We need to differentiate these lesions from advanced testicular cancer. This is the 5th case of intrascrotal sarcoidosis in Japanese literature.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Pancreatic regeneration after major pancreatectomy and effect of insulin administration in dogs].

Regeneration of the remnant pancreas after more than 92% pancreatectomy with or without insulin treatment was studied in dogs. All dogs developed diabetes mellitus (DM) immediately after surgery. For the dogs in insulin-treated group, porcine insulin (NPH) was injected subcutaneously daily to maintain the fasting blood sugar levels from 70 to 130 mg/dl. All dogs without insulin treatment died within 7 weeks after surgery, whereas 87.5% of the dogs receiving insulin treatment survived until 12 weeks, and 57.1% of surviving dogs were free of DM. DNA and RNA synthesis and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity in the remnant pancreatic tissue 3 days after surgery were significantly greater in the insulin-treated dogs than in the untreated dogs. Endogenous insulin secretion, exocrine pancreatic function and the regeneration rate of the remnant pancreas at the 6-7th week were significantly better in the insulin-treated dogs. Furthermore, the regeneration rate at the 6-7th week was highly correlated with DNA and RNA synthesis and ODC activity in the remnant pancreas tissue 3 days after surgery. After major pancreatectomy in dogs, insulin treatment enhances the proliferation of the remnant pancreas during the early period and maintains endogenous insulin secretion for a long period, prolonging survival and promoting pancreatic regeneration.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Diversity of immunodominant 56-kDa type-specific antigen (TSA) of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi. Sequence and comparative analyses of the genes encoding TSA homologues from four antigenic variants.

There are several antigenic variants in Rickettsia tsutsugamushi, and a type-specific antigen (TSA) of 56-kilodaltons located on the rickettsial surface is responsible for the variation. The primary structures of the protein in two variants, Gilliam and Karp, have been reported independently by us and Stover et al. by cloning and sequencing the corresponding genes (Ohashi, N., Nashimoto, H., Ikeda, H., and Tamura, A. (1990) Gene (Amst.) 91, 119-122; Stover, C. K., Marana, D. P., Carter, J. M., Roe, B. A., Mardis, E., and Oaks, E. V. (1990) Infect. Immun. 58, 2076-2084). In the present study, genes encoding the TSA homologues of the other four variants, Kato, Kawasaki, Kuroki, and Shimokoshi, which are all distinguishable serologically, were cloned and sequenced, and consequently, it became possible to compare the primary structures of the six antigenic variants. The sequence analyses revealed a complete open reading frame encoding 55,308-56,745-dalton proteins with 521-532 amino acids, in which a putative signal peptide consisting of 22 amino acids was recognized at the NH2-terminal end. Transcription of the gene is regulated by several tandem promoters. All TSA molecules have the characteristics of transmembrane proteins with alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions, and contain four variable domains with spans of 16-40 amino acids which are located in the hydrophilic regions in the molecule and show different amino acid sequences among the strains. Phylogenetic classification among the R. tsutsugamushi strains based on TSA homologues supports the antigenic relationships known in the closely and distantly related strains.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

The relationship between smooth and saccadic components in smooth pursuit.

Eye movements in smooth and pathological (saccadic and ataxic) pursuit patterns were separated by the use of the inverse fast Fourier transform. Results showed that the smooth component was significantly smaller while the saccadic component was significantly greater in the pathological pursuit patterns than in the smooth pursuit pattern. In addition, the smooth and saccadic components showed a linear relationship. These findings give some support to the threshold theory in explaining the relationship between smooth pursuit and saccades.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1992

Prophylactic chemotherapy for primary and recurrent superficial bladder cancer: preliminary results. The Hokkaido University Bladder Cancer Collaborating Group.

A multicenter trial for postoperative prophylaxis of the recurrence of superficial Ta-T1, G1-G2 bladder cancer was performed. Eligible patients with primary or recurrent superficial bladder cancer were randomized into four groups. For the primary cases, intravesical instillation of drugs [group A, 20 mg Adriamycin (ADM) + 200 mg cytosine arabinoside (CA) in 30 ml physiological saline; group B, 10 mg peplomycin (PEP) + 200 mg CA in 30 ml physiological saline; group C, 2 mg neocarzinostatin (NCS) + 200 mg CA in 30 ml physiological saline; and group D, control] was carried out once a week for 2 weeks, once every 2 weeks for 14 weeks, once monthly for 8 months, and, finally, once every 3 months for 1 year. For the recurrent cases, intravesical instillation of 20 mg ADM + 200 mg CA in 30 ml physiological saline as described above and daily oral administration of another drug [group E, 300 mg/day UFT; group F, 200 mg 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/day; group G, 30 mg ubenimex/day; and group H, no oral drug] was performed. The postoperative follow-up period was 3-36 months. A total of 193 primary cases and 121 recurrent cases of superficial bladder cancer were evaluated. The cumulative 12-month nonrecurrence rates for the primary cases were 86.2% in group A, 78.1% in group B, 82.1% in group C, and 68.4% in group D. The cumulative nonrecurrence rate obtained using ADM+CA (group A) was significantly higher than the control value. On the other hand, no significant difference was found in the cumulative nonrecurrence rates calculated for the recurrent cases, regardless of the oral drug given. Intravesical instillation of ADM+CA for primary superficial bladder cancer was considered to be useful, but the long-term effect of intravesical instillation remains to be elucidated. Further refinement of this regimen is necessary for effective prophylaxis of the recurrence of superficial bladder cancer.

Administration, Intravesical↗
PubMed1992

Vascular cross-compression of the VIIth and VIIIth cranial nerves.

A 53-year-old male patient had been suffering from severe aural symptoms (pulsatile right-sided tinnitus and paroxysmal dizziness attacks with nausea) and right hemifacial spasm. Treatment had involved stellate ganglion block with lignocaine and the injection of intravenous sodium bicarbonate solution for attacks of Menière's syndrome and facial nerve block with lidocaine for hemi-facial spasm. Despite these treatments, the dizzy attacks became more frequent, developing into the clustering state. Air CT cisternography and vertebral angiography demonstrated an enlarged and curved vertebral artery. Vascular cross-compression of the VIIth and VIIIth cranial nerves was therefore suspected. Microvascular decompression was performed. After operation, the pulsatile tinnitus, dizziness and hemifacial spasm disappeared. From the present case and a review of the literature, we conclude that vascular cross-compression of the VIIIth cranial nerve should be an indication for microvascular decompression only when symptoms of vascular cross-compression of the VIIth cranial nerve are also seen.

Facial Nerve↗
PubMed1992

Initiation of sinusoidal tracking eye movements in man.

Smooth pursuit eye movement was recorded with a DC amplifier during horizontal sinusoidal target motion at 0.3, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 Hz and a peak-to-peak amplitude of 20 degrees. Eye movement was digitalized at 100 Hz and 12 bits. From the digitalized eye movements, the maximum position error, the correlation coefficient and regression coefficients between stimulus and eye position were calculated in each half cycle. The A/D conversion and calculation were performed using a 16 bit microcomputer (NEC PC 98). Thirteen healthy volunteers with normal smooth pursuit patterns were examined. The correlation coefficient increased, but the maximum position error and the two regression coefficients decreased as the target moved. However, all four stabilized from about the 3rd half cycle regardless of the target frequency. These findings indicate that the smooth pursuit of a sinusoidally moving target reaches the maintenance at about the 3rd half cycle after initiation of two half cycles from the beginning of the target motion. This might be due to a prediction (or learning) of periodicity.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Localization of androgen receptor in male sex organ, accessory sex organs and external genital skin].

Previously, we established an anti-androgen receptor (AR) monoclonal antibody. Using the antibody, we investigated immunohistological AR localization in human testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles and scrotal skins. The testes, epididymides and scrotal skins were obtained from a prostate cancer patient without pre-hormonal therapy undergoing bilateral orchiectomy. The seminal vesicles were obtained from a bladder cancer patient undergoing radical cystectomy. The tissues were immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen and kept at -80 degrees C until used. Cryostat-frozen sections were cut at 5 microns and stained by an indirect method. We obtained the following results. 1) In the testes, nuclei of Leydig cells were stained though Sertoli cells were not stained. AR localization in Leydig cells which produce testosterone suggests autocrine or intracrine mechanism in the testis. 2) In the epididymides, nuclei of epithelial cells of epididymal ducts were stained, while muscles and connective tissues were not stained. In the seminal vesicles, nuclei of glandular epithelial cells were stained. 3) In the scrotal skins, the cells of squamous cell layer have positive stainings. The cells in the upper portion of squamous cell layer were stained more intensely than the cells in the lower portion. The basal layer was not stained. The cells of the outer root sheath of hair follicles in the scrotal skins were also stained. 4) In androgen target organs, AR-positive cells and AR-negative cells were mixed in the epithelium of a glandular duct, which suggests heterogeneity of AR localization in the androgen target organs.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Analysis of pedestrian injuries in traffic accidents: impact point, injury portion, and injury severity].

We conducted in-depth case studies of traffic accidents involving 118 pedestrians, who were struck by the fronts of bonnet-type cars. The data were reviewed in order to correlate injury severity with pedestrian age, and area of body contact, contact surface of vehicle or the local environment, and impact speed. It was found that head injuries caused by impacts against the top surface of car bonnets and leg injuries caused by front bumpers both showed high incidence rates. Both head and leg injuries caused by striking the vehicle were more severe than those caused by striking the road surface. In cases of impact between the head and the solid portion of the vehicle, such as the A-pillar, or in cases of secondary impact between the head and underhood solid structures such as shock tower, injuries tended to be more severe. The location of head impact varied according to the stature of the pedestrians.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1991

A comparative view of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi and the other groups of rickettsiae.

Recent researches on the rickettsial group microorganisms are summarized in their comparative aspects of morphology, cultivation and multiplication, susceptibility to chemotherapeutics, chemical structure of envelopes, nucleic acid, protein constitution, and gene structures. From this overview, Rickettsia tsutsugamushi seems to have different properties from the others and should be reclassified into a new genus, and a new species name as Orientia tsutsugamushi is proposed.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed1991

Otoneurological manifestations of the Shy-Drager syndrome.

Three patients with the chief complaints of dizziness while standing up or blackouts were diagnosed correctly as having the Shy-Drager syndrome at the Department of Otolaryngology. Both the electrocardiogram R-peak to R-peak interval and the Schellong test revealed disorders of the autonomic nervous system in each of these cases. Electronystagmography also demonstrated pathology of the oculomotor system and/or central vestibular system. Postural balance was also abnormal in one of the cases. Auditory brain-stem responses were normal in all three cases.

Electrocardiography↗
PubMed1991

Effect of insulin treatment on the regeneration of the remnant pancreas after major pancreatectomy in dogs.

The effect of exogenous insulin treatment on the pancreatic regeneration after major pancreatectomy was evaluated in dogs. More than 92% of the pancreas was removed near the duodenum with the main pancreatic duct left intact. All 26 dogs developed diabetes mellitus (DM) immediately after surgery, and these dogs were divided into two groups: insulin-treated group (n = 19) and noninsulin-treated group (n = 7). All seven dogs in the noninsulin-treated group died within seven weeks after surgery, whereas all dogs in the insulin-treated group survived until the twelfth week, except for six dogs sacrificed on the seventh week, and finally seven (53.8%) of 13 dogs recovered from DM. DNA and polyamine syntheses in the remnant pancreatic tissue at the third day increased more significantly in the insulin-treated group than in the noninsulin-treated group. Sigma IRI in IV-GTT was maintained more significantly in the insulin-treated group, and the regeneration rate at the seventh week was also significantly higher in the insulin-treated group than in the noninsulin treated group. Furthermore, the regeneration rate of the remnant pancreas at seventh week correlated well with DNA synthesis and ornithine decarboxylase activity on the third day. The exogenous insulin treatment after major pancreatectomy enhanced the proliferation of the remnant pancreas within the first week, and it maintained endogenous insulin secretion, promoting pancreatic regeneration.

Animals↗